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Tallean Mercenaries #5.5

Becoming Mrs. Claws

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The weather outside is frightful…and so are his claws!

Christmas is coming to Reka 5—well, it’s the winter solstice, but we’re calling it Christmas–and my job is to bring back the perfect Christmas trees. No problem, right? Until I meet my partner in crime. Tradgek is everything I’m terrified of. He’s a massive beast of an alien warrior with sharp fangs and the biggest claws I’ve ever seen.

I freeze like one of those little goats the first time I meet him. How embarrassing! But my body reacts with more than just fear, and I’m left wondering if it’s true what they say about guys with big claws.

This is a novella-length sci-fi alien romance set in the Tallean Mercenaries universe. This story takes place chronologically after Tallean Mercenaries Book 5, but is a complete story and can be read as a standalone. HEA guaranteed.

94 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2020

216 people are currently reading
148 people want to read

About the author

Lynnea Lee

57 books482 followers
Lynnea Lee is a recovered serial monogamist who now lives in her forever home with the man of her dreams. Still hopelessly addicted to the feeling of falling in love she now feeds her habit with a routine prescription of romance novels and rampant imagination. When she is not dreaming up fantastical stories of love, lust and romance, her hobbies includes talking to her plants, putting on a full face of makeup to stay home on Saturday nights and hugging her dog longer than is appreciated.

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5 stars
319 (53%)
4 stars
172 (28%)
3 stars
85 (14%)
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19 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,709 reviews228 followers
August 25, 2024
I had read this book previously without being acquainted with the Tallean world and I will definitely say it gains a little something extra when you've already met previous couples and know some of the backstory on the colony. Which isn't to say it's not enjoyable on its own, but Bianca, Mia's mom, makes an appearance and she's come a LONG way from Mia's book.

So. Chelsea and Tradgek. She's new-ish to colony and is maybe a wee bit wary of the Tallean males who help keep the colonists safe. In fact, she has the serious prey instinct to freeze whenever one of them gets close. Seeing how the Tallean are predators at heart, this instinct has Tadgek looking twice.

Fortunately for Chelsea, Tradgek is a sweetie underneath the claws and intimidating size. Chelsea intrigues him and he works on making her comfortable with his presence so they can explore if there's something there.

A little danger outside the walls, a snowstorm that has the two of them stuck together for a bit, and a solstice celebration that ties it all together. GOOD TIMES all around.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Plus Size Bibliophile.
1,205 reviews59 followers
February 21, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I'm obsessed with learning everything about Reka 5 and the Talleans. I did not realize that this was a standalone within a larger series.

Tradgek was super alpha yet so vulnerable and insecure. I love that he sought out advice and education on what to expect and how to react. He was a perfect gentleman, and his inner dialogue was humorous.

While I usually prefer hard ass heroines, Chelsea was a good fit. She was adjusting to so many new things, I don't fault her for being flustered and apprehensive.

Also, this isn't just a Christmas story but also a winter solstice celebration. It was fun seeing the blending of the two.

This was a super spacey love story that hit the stop. I highly recommend this standalone and can't wait to start the series.
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,823 reviews19 followers
December 16, 2021
Okay

This was an okay read for me. It was interesting and a quick read. It flowed pretty well and some different aspects than things I’ve read recently. I haven’t read the other books in the series and pretty much I was okay picking this one up and reading it. I wasn’t lost at all but it didn’t really grab me and make me want to read the rest of the series either, just wasn’t the book for me.
Profile Image for Carmen.
2,076 reviews11 followers
December 10, 2021
Sweet

A sweet Christmas alien romance with a sweet but possessive Tallean male and a human female new to space, aliens and a Tallean mate bond. It was adorable with sexy times and little violence.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
December 2, 2020
Action packed, sexy, fun, engaging and emotional adventure filled with danger, suspense and undeniable passion... an edge of your seat read from beginning to end and so hard to put down. Really enjoyed the characters I got to know on this journey.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews362 followers
December 2, 2020
Working in the greenhouse, Chelsea was watching the first snow she had seen come down on Reka 5. It kind of made her miss Earth, family, and Christmas traditions. Captured for slavery, she was grateful that she had been saved by the Tallean Mercenaries and placed on Reka 5 for their continued protection. Chara, a Tallean who worked with Chelsea in the greenhouse, sensed her sadness and told her they had a holiday coming up soon also – the winter solstice. Some of the humans had even celebrated Christmas at the same time. Chara loved the lights the most. The door flew open and a tall, broad Tallean came in with a pile of machine parts in his arms, so Chara directed him to put the load in the back. He grinned at Chelsea, but his long, sharp fangs scared her. Chara saw her reaction and assured her Tradgek would never hurt her. He leaned toward her, sniffed, and started to purr.

Bianca dragged Chelsea to the cafeteria where they were meeting to plan a Christmas celebration. Angie told them the jobs available, like putting up lights or getting the trees distributed. Since the trees were by the greenhouse, Chelsea signed up for that. Angie told her she would send someone to cut down the trees and drive them to the locations, so she was all set. Then she would decorate them. She hadn’t realized the trees were OUTSIDE the fence where the wildlife often would attack. Luckily Tradgek showed up as her partner, and he was a guard who routinely kept the creatures away.

Once again, being near Tradgek was affecting her, his spicy scent stirring strong feelings that made her nervous. He called her his “little bird” because that was how the birds acted when confronted with something that scared them. When the dragus pack attacked, Tradgek kept her between him and the creatures as he battled them. When he defeated all four, he stalked toward her. But those teeth and claws were to keep her safe. He would not harm her, and he dropped to his knees and held her. It wasn’t until after she kissed him and he said they should finish and get back inside the fence that she thought she probably should not want this alien with his claws and fangs. What had she been thinking?

This was a cute story for Christmas, watching how the humans and Talleans had started to merge their traditions together. Chelsea was relaxing more around Tradgek, but still wondering if she should avoid him. Grab your copy and see if this can be a wonderful Christmas of love for them. The honorable, protective male would be the perfect gift for her if she could just put her fears aside and love him back.
Profile Image for JML.
1,301 reviews24 followers
December 2, 2020
A delectable Christmas tale🌲🎅💞💞

That will warm you from the top of your head to the tips of you claws, oops I mean toes. 😘 I love Christmas, I love alien romance put both together and it's a little slice of heaven for me anyway ! Tradgek, is a huge Tallean male with huge muscles and huge claws as well as a huge heart to go with the total package. When he sees Chelsea for the first time in the greenhouse working he know she's the one for him. The only problem is the total fear he can smell on her when he gets to close. He has made it his mission to show his female that he will be her protector and her lover and only pleasure not fear will she find in his arms. Chelsea , was kidnapped from her college campus and was on her way to being sold into slavery by the Dominion. They were huge scary a!Jens that abused their victims and were not afraid to use their fangs or claws.She was lucky enough to be rescued before the life of a slave was thrust upon her. She landed on Reka5 and she's been learning to be a part of her new home. When she looks up when day to see a massive Tallean male standing over her, her fear kicks Into overdrive. She's sure she'll never see him again after freaking out on him. Little does she know that her massive male is making it his mission to surround her with safety and passion. And of course Christmas magic works wonders as well. There is just something about Christmas that makes all things seem possible especially love.. This is the perfect little tale tat combines a bit of dangerous action , holiday festivities and Christmas inspired passion and love. Totally worth the read. It makes me really with I had an alien mate of my own for Christmas💘💘💘💘💘 highly recommend 💖💖💖💖
Profile Image for Raven61.
1,135 reviews8 followers
May 11, 2021
Novella: What happens when your mate is afraid of you?

Written for mature readers only (18+ years old) due to subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language, steamy intimate scenes and violence such as kidnapping / abduction, harassment, fighting with some to the death, etc.

This novella is set up between stories 5 and 6 of the Tallean Mercenaries series. Due to reoccurring characters and an overarching story line, I highly recommend these be read in series order for maximum reader satisfaction.

Chelsea was abducted from her college campus on earth. She has been afraid of the Talleans ever since. After being rescued and arriving on Reka 5, she has worked in the greenhouses. A couple of days before the Winter Solstice, one of the largest Talleans she has ever seen comes in carrying equipment parts. She tries to hide behind her friend and co-worker.

Tragdek is a protector. He helps out with lifting the heavy items in the greenhouses and monitors / guards the fencing perimeter. He is bringing some parts into one of the greenhouses and smells the most amazing smell. He quickly realizes that it is coming from the beautiful female ... and she is scared silly of him.
1,343 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2021
A new colonist, from a ship of recently taken humans saved before they hit the slave auctions, spends her first Christmas away from Earth.

Chelsea was forever glad she had been saved before she'd been sold after being stolen from her college campus on Earth. But she still has a paralyzing fear of the Tallean males, especially the guard who worked around the greenhouses, Tradgek. He was huge, even for a Tallean, but calm and kind. When they were assigned to gather trees for the celebration decorations she was too scared to even speak to him. Then the dog sized animals attacked, and he killed all six with his bare hands and feet! That was kind of hot, but they loaded the trees and headed back inside the perimeter fence just as the worst of the storm hit, a whiteout snowstorm. Will they be safe? Will this huge male continue to protect her? Does she want him to? Spend a mixed Talleanean Solstice and human Christmas celebration with Chelsea and Tradgek and see how their story turns out.
Profile Image for Victoria.
6 reviews
February 3, 2021
Like curling up with a cup of hot cocoa
... This book is warm, sweet, and satisfying. Chelsea is terrified of Tallean males after her experiences in captivity, and Tradgek is one of the biggest Talleans around. But he's also infatuated with Chelsea from first sight and completely willing to play the long game to woo her, earn her trust and give her the time she needs to overcome her fears. Their budding relationship as they help to prepare for the community's blended winter celebration is delightful to watch. I truly appreciated how Tradgek handled things during their mission to retrieve the trees, especially with so much adrenaline (or the alien equivalent) pumping. I also loved Millie's brief, brave intervention when she cleverly resolved some unpleasantness. All around super satisfying read.
I received a free copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,661 reviews26 followers
December 10, 2021
Shelter from the cold

What a sweet little Christmas romance! Perfect for getting you in the holiday mood! The author did a fantastic job of embracing multiple cultures and featuring a blended holiday. I love the characters! They were all new to me, this was my first experience with this author, but I enjoyed every minute of the experience. The author made our clawed up hero sweet, gentle, and willing to defend his mate, the perfect counterpoint to his shy, timid little bird. This book can be read as a stand-alone, and I didn’t feel lost by not reading the other books first. I picked this book up because I was intrigued by the cover and title, but now I can’t wait to start the series from the beginning!
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,457 reviews49 followers
December 6, 2020
Chelsea was abducted from earth but luckily she was saved before she was sold now she is on Reka 5 a safe haven for slaves and abductees and Chelsea works as a botanist helping grow the food for everyone but Chelsea is petrified of the Tallean’s especially Tradgek who is so much larger and fiercer than the other males and Chelsea stands frozen in fear. Tradgek can’t help but call Chelsea his little bird he wants to eat her up he knows that she is scared of him because he can smell her fear but Tradgek is going to make Chelsea his. I loved this short Alien Christmas story it’s a fantastic read and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
944 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2020
Well written alien romance surrounding Christmas and the holiday traditions that humans keep, mix this with some action hunting for a Christmas tree with a sexy alien and you have a winner. The story keeps the reader totally invested with the well developed characters of Chelsea and Tradgek and I loved their intense chemistry and sweet love story. In the spirit of the holiday season the book takes into account the compromising and combining of culture's on Reka 5. Entertaining and fun read and I look forward to the next book by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Shelley G.
864 reviews8 followers
December 19, 2021
a new author for me I really enjoyed this book and how the author combined aliens with humans rescued from slavers who can't return to earth and the making of a new combined society with human and alien traditions being offered up. everyone is trying to make a new christmas celebration on reka 5 which is unknown to the aliens and as usual there are the elite humanist racists who think they are better than everyone else and that humans and aliens shouldn't mix. but when fate offers up your fated mate u grab happiness with both hands. this was a sweet and spicy story with a bit of excitement, a little violence (bad creatures) and an ultimate happy ending with some sexy fun thrown in too.
Profile Image for Carole.
2,050 reviews15 followers
December 1, 2020
A little Holiday Love!

This story is a wonderful cup of holiday cheer filled with lots of Tallean spice.
It’s about a human women, Chelsea, learning to overcome her personal fear and a Tallean warrior Tradgek, determined to make her his.
Good writing and plotting brings the story to life, seamlessly weaving a sweet and sensual romance into a celebration of human and Tallean holiday traditions.
An enjoyable read that shouldn’t be missed. HEA

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenni.
310 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2021
Slightly Confusing

Thus is supposed to act as a standalone, but the description of the alien species is severely lacking. I understand drawing our descriptions and not doing an info dump, but to properly picture the characters, better description would be welcome. Females are mentioned, but I don't even know if the female aliens have any differences to humans.
I'm not well versed in sci-fi, though, so my opinion may be skewed. I just didn't think we were supposed to assume the alien species looked human until otherwise described.
121 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2022
Tallean Mercenaries

Love all these Tallean Mercenaries stories. Have read most everything written by this author and really enjoyed these. The female characters are NOT immature, self-centered, whiny and ridiculous. I have been hoping for a story for the unscrupulous, disrespectful, cruel Dominion Captain Ulrech who is now part of Kean’s operation. Would love to see him fall like a ton of bricks for a human female (because of his previous questionable treatment of them). If you like Alien romance with some adventure/action these are good reads.
57 reviews
June 21, 2025
I like this universe and storyline but i can not seem to get over the way she was so utterly scared of him that she litterally froze and he just completely ignored her fear and pushed himself on her grabing her hand and acting like she was an idiot. "i will make her like me soon" sounds like every predator in jail. Not a hot look at all.
Anf maybe dont make her fear so big in the beginning if you are about to make her jump his bones in the first 5min of the book.
I like fantasy but i dont have THAT great of an imagination.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
December 6, 2020
A Sci Fi Alien Holiday Romance/Tallean Mercenaries series a well written short story that had me smiling as I read. Chelsea is terrified of Tallean males then she meets Tradgek who compares her to a tepin bird when they first meet. I enjoyed seeing their story come together. There is drama, danger, suspense, and romance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SL Thomson .
395 reviews10 followers
December 8, 2021
Nice short read

This is a great way to see if I would like the series. This short tale quickly piqued my interest and now I am excited to take the journey with a new set of aliens. My first (alien )holiday book. I usually don't read holiday inspired books but this was good. Great story. Reviewed by Who She Reads
Profile Image for Millicent Mayers.
23 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2020
Alien/human relationships st their finest!

The story is beautiful and colorful, so glad I found this author. Once I started it I couldn't put it down, going to find more by this author.
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,201 reviews
December 28, 2020
Taming his little bird

Found another author to follow. It was fun reading the story. I’ll definitely look for her other books.

Our H sure knows how to tame his little bird, with patience and love. He was able to appease her fears and made her love him in return.
74 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2021
Short and sweet

My introduction to Lynnea Lee was very good. The couples road to getting together was just right. The tension and eventual steam a nice balance. Always love an epilogue.
I will read more of this series.
Profile Image for Jackie.
2,554 reviews
February 22, 2021
2 & 1/2 stars rounded up.
This was a quick novella, and in typical novella form it’s doesn’t have good world building or character development. It’s a little too predictable, but does have a HEA for the couple. It’s definitely not a good enough story to make me want to read more from the series.
26 reviews
May 31, 2021
Genuine, sweet..

I keep reading it over again every now and then. Well written, love the theme. Christmas is my favorite season and the blending of cultures, something I strongly believe in.
Profile Image for  BookwormMomma7.
966 reviews
November 30, 2021
Cute!

A cute alien/human pairing with a quite different looking alien and a very overwhelmed human, grateful to be rescued but overwhelmed with her new situation at Reka 5. Quick enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Jeannette.
1,406 reviews
December 27, 2022
Chelsea and Tradgek

This is a very good, well written, Alien/Human, Christmas romance. The characters are lovable and well developed. It is part of the Tallean Mercenaries series but can be read alone. Read and enjoy.
719 reviews
October 21, 2024
A new home for the holidays

This is a sweet, short read with a shy, frightened human young woman and a tender hearted Tallean male. They find their holiday HEA with the help of some match making friends.
896 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2024
Mr. And Mrs. Claws

A shy very timid, human female who freezes in place when she is scared. She has to work with a Tallean alien for the winter solstice festival, and he knows she is his mate. Really nice short story.
Profile Image for Nichole.
43 reviews
January 6, 2021
Fun holiday story

Cute holiday story , enjoyed the characters. Only book I have read with Tallean mercenaries and it didn't take away from the story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

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