Pirates, Princes, & Payback

Mixologists and Pirates/Aliens and Alchemists #1-3

by Frost Kay

Fact 384 - Pirates aren't princes, they're extortionists.

I never claimed to be perfect, so when the feds showed up, there was only one choice. Run.

Turns out my plan wasn't fool proof. One tiny, little, accidental murder lands me in hot water not just with the human government, but with the elven equivalent of the CIA. No one ever said I was lucky.

Shipped off planet, blackmailed, and forced to bootleg for a secret organization is the least of my problems compared to the sexy villains hot on my heels.

They don't know it yet, but I'm going to take them down. Messing with a southern belle with a criminal past was their first mistake. Their second? Giving me a weapon.

Fact 451 - Don't get made, get even.

If you can't get enough of books by K.F. Breene, Annette Marie, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Jaymin Eve, Laura Thalassa, Marissa Meyer, T. A. White, Pippa DaCosta, Leia Stone, Kelly St. Clare, and Michael Anderle then dive into the COMPLETE series Aliens and Alchemists.

Aliens and Alchemists series:
- YA Sci-Fi Fantasy
- Enemies to Lovers
- Alpha Males
- Alien Romance
- Space Pirates
- Paranormal Agency
- Space Opera

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Pirates, Audiobook, Aliens

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2020

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Frost Kay is a certified book dragon with an excessive TBR, and a shoe obsession. If you love bewitching fantasy and sci-fi, epic adventures, dark promises, thrilling action, swoon worthy anti heroes, and slow burning romance; her books are for you!

She claims ownership to the bestselling young adult series The Aermian Feuds packed with adventure, secrets, and betrayal.

Fans of Frost Kay love her epic and science fiction teen titles for their "witty banter and exquisitely crafted sentences (that) never leave you bored or wanting," and "find the writing on par with Queen (Sarah J.) Maas and Elise Kova."

You can find her at www.frostkay.net

You can also sign up for a free story here:goo.gl/Z2PkyC

Reviews

[Andrea]

DNF 42%

The cover got me, but the premise wasn't really doing it for me.

In this book people were conscripted from Earth (both voluntary and not- which is our h's case as she taken against her will) to colonize and repopulate another world...that was already inhabited, and had a social and cultural structure? Because Earth was too populated?

I mean one guy said they were loosing jobs to humans and another said he bid on the h for her job assignment. Why did they need humans on that planet in the first place? Oh and the humans are just assigned jobs with no choice?

Eh, but what really confused me is that by the time the humans reached this new planet everyone they loved on Earth would be dead- and the h just acts like Oh well, sad for a second- moving on. And the fetishizing of the human women because of how 'exotic' they are just made me roll my eyes.

“I’m just admiring your shape. Women with your…unique shape are rare around here.” She slammed a glass down on the counter and placed her fists on her hips. “What’s so unique about my shape?” He held his hands up and created an hourglass shape. “Everything about you is feminine. Your shape is something all men want to possess. It’s something revered.”

[Andréa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 Southern Stars

I'm not usually into aliens but Frost Kay has been on my radar for a while and given the chance to get my hands on an ARC of her book, I couldn't say no. And I loved it.

I found Allie to be funny, full of southern charm, relatable and pretty badass which I love in my heroines. The other characters were great too and mixed very well together. Blade, Lev, Sid, Jer and all the ones I'm not mentioning right now made for a very interesting and lively story, full of action and emotions. They did make me believe that they had manage to form their own family in those circumstances.

It was well written, with ups and downs that just made me crave more and more. Especially with that ending. I just had to get my hands on the next book.

I'll be sure to check out more of Frost Kay's books in the future as I'm sure Jer has many more surprises for us and I can't wait for them !

I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Ky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read these as the separate novellas and the fact that they are grouped into a single book makes a lot of sense as I read the first three one after the other.

The story is light and funny and kept me interested from the first word ;) The host of characters is engaging and intriguing and the pacing is good - it feels super slow burn but we cover a bit of ground off screen so it doesn’t feel too fast. I wish there was more in each installment; it feels a bit like old school serialized stories that all make up one story... I feel like I’m halfway through rather than being done with the first book, if that makes sense?

General premise is Earth girl in a new world; she doesn’t really have anything to lose but never wanted to leave. She is forced to take that step and we follow her ups and downs ;) Allie is relatable and a pretty cool chick, as is her new friend Jer the fiery redhead; I feel like we would be friends. We meet strange aliens along the way and have some tipsy turvy customs - I liked that humans were the minority here (alien stories are often the other way around) and she had to adjust rather than the aliens changing; it felt more challenging as we understand what that adjustment actually is, how hard it is to change habits you consider ‘normal’. She gets mixed up in some high stakes stuff and she holds her own... in her own way...

Wonderful light read from a great writer; so glad I found her :)

[haylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

i started off really into this the first few chapters but i quickly became so annoyed by the main character that i struggled through the rest of the book, even the romance wasn’t doing much for me.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gigantic thanks to Frost Kay for this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

It's no secret that I love Frost Kay's writing and again this book didn't disappoint. I read this story when it was released as a series of novellas and I really enjoyed reading them again. One thing I love as a reader is being able to tell when a writer had fun writing a book. Frost Kay had a blast writing this story because that energy is translated on the page. The whole story is high energy, the humor is laugh out loud funny, and the characters are super lovable. This was just all around a fun read. If you need something that will lighten your mood and warm your heart this is for you.

I gave it 4 stars because I would reread again and recommend it to a friend.

[Viktoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story is pretty good, but Allie definitely not my type of heroine.
Ending is darn intriguing though :) so I will try next book too.

[Daphnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still loving this space opera

So I have to be honest - I read this when it was published as serial shorts and I loved it from the 1st read. I stayed up till about 2am reading these because I could not put it down. When the author announced it was going to be turned into a duet I bought the dang books because again, I L-O-V-E this story. Now it has pretty new covers and a new title so I figured it was time for my 4th reread. And guess what? Yep, you guessed it...still adore it!

I'd never read a space opera before and had no idea what to expect but I read a little of everything and this story intrigued me from the beginning. I fell in love with Allie Sai from the 1st with her fear of flying, her sassy attitude and southern belle charm. She's just hard to resist. I laughed out loud so many times because I found her so relatable as a character and real. She's brave, kind, clumsy and has a big heart. Poor Allie can't catch a break and as a human trying to learn about alien society while among aliens, well the girl needed some better juju. I like all of the characters we meet, from Jer to Sid to Elijah to Bastian and of course the 3 Avs - they all add to the story in so many ways. There's also the mystery of why. Why was Allie targeted? What do they really want from her? And how will this ever work out? I also kind of really, really love Blade. The poor alien male tries in his own way but it's like he's his own worst enemy when it comes to Allie.

Truly a good, fun read with lots of differing elements and worth picking up. Plus look at the pretty cover - that by itself should catch your eye. Enjoy!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:4.75
Amber vial

Quite an interesting start to a new series! This main character is quite quirky and full of sass and makes these pages fly by. This storyline is set up quickly and skillfully. As I read about the dilemma Allie has herself in, I quickly find myself realizing this is just the start and the next in series is badly needed. Great job! Next 2 are loaded in and ready to go!

Emerald bane

Book 2 keeps the pace moving with Allie managing to rack up the unlucky tally. Totally love this authors mad skills at world building as well as the hyper speed these characters manage to spring to life. Very glad book 3 isn’t something I need to wait on. Highly recommend any new readers to just go ahead and grab all 3, there is no avoiding it once you get hooked in!

Scarlett venom

Things are not always as they seem and this author truly mastered this. What should be a solution looks to be more mystery unraveling, and has now placed me in the dreaded waiting game. Each step has done its job smoothly, keeping me as the reader thoroughly captured. So many questions still need answers and so many backstories need to be discovered! Loving this so far!

[Nicki Heiman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good quick read.

The fl is living on earth with her family when she is suddenly drafted against her will to colonize and help repopulate another planet. She is trying to live her life and make friends when she is blackmailed into shenanigans.
There isa moment on the ship when she realizes her family is going to be dead because of the time difference and she is sad but then someone talked to her and she moves on. We never hear about this point again even though she was so close with her family. This really bothered me.
There are a couple plot points that don’t really make sense but over all it’s a good short read.
I’m also not entirely sure who her actual romantic interests are? It’s a little vague. They keep introducing people we think is the romantic lead and then something happens to make it clear they are friend zoned. The last guy I really thought was it but he betrayed her in a pretty big way so who knows. They will probably have some stupid reasoning that’s supposed to make sense so she has to forgive him in the next book and then it is him.
It’s really short, it ends at a really weird beat in the story.

[Bookish Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhh what?! Frost.... you're literally killing me with that ending....

The description as a "space opera" made me pick this book right up. I love unique stories and this was definitely the case. First of all, the chapter titles made me giggle. I looked forward to each one as I also look forward to "the couch" at the beginning of every episode of The Simpsons.

Then we meet Allie, this fierce yet klutzy human that gets drafted to go colonize a different planet and she isn't happy about it. She's a mixologist, not a magician. And her family is infamous for their magical moonshine recipe. Which is what gets her into the mess she's in.

The descriptions of all the different aliens were super interesting. I hope we find out more about Sid cause he sounds rad! But Blade.... and the Kanji.... yum!

Anywho. Now I'm dying to read Alphas, Airships and Assassins! I have to know what happened next. Did Blade bust in? Did the target call her bluff? These are things I need to know! *le sigh*

[The Lusty Literarians · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confession... I didn't realize that Pirates, Princes, and Payback was a compilation of previously released stories until I finished the entire book. The story is divided into three "parts", which I assume follow the same format as the previously released portions. I think the biggest draw back to taking previously released portions of a story and packaging them as one novel is editing. I also found the cover and blurb misleading. The FMC is made to look like a fierce warrior. I found that this couldn't be further from the truth. The FMC is actually quite clutzy, demure and timid. Also the romance aspect is a side blip of the story at best. I found the story engaging and interesting and overall liked the characters, except for the FMC, who I unfortunately liked the least.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

Allie is super sassy and doesn’t take shit from anyone. I love her relationship with Jer and how they clicked pretty much from the beginning. I’m interested to find out what Jer is really up to, because I know she’s not really there just to be a security guard.

I’m also looking forward to seeing how Allie is going to get revenge for all the lies and betrayal of the Avs she’s been forced to work for.

I would like to see more mention of her trying to deal with the fact that pretty much everyone she knows on Earth is dead, because I think that this would be something that she would struggle with. Having said that, I love how Allie has found herself a new family to help her deal with the realities of her new life.

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could NOT put this book down! I read the whole thing in one sitting and I need book 2 like YESTERDAY! And the cover, it is what drew me to check this book out and I was not disappointed! Allie is a snarky, brilliant and polite southern bell who is thrown into a whole new world filled with secrets and dangerously sexy aliens.
The only thing I wish is that there was is more of it! The end of the first book has left me with so many questions and I NEED answers, book #2 can not get here fast enough.

[Charlotte Witney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc in a giveaway and I haven't read anything quite like this before. I loved the characters and all the different aliens with all their own individual markings. They were so well described and the whole book was very descriptive. I like how the story dove straight into the action but managed not to make the story confusion with all the information going on. I am dying to read the rest of the series and I didn't think a pirate book would be my thing but Frost Kay has really surprised me!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

So Allie is forced to leave earth and her family to boost the population of another planet. While there she makes some friends and is also blackmailed into seducing and poisoning a mass murderer...you know the usual stuff.

This was fun and silly and cute....very light and fun to read. If you look too closely there are some things that don't make sense and there are so many males of different species that it's pretty hard to actually keep them straight besides one or 2 of them. Besides that it was just the kind of read I was looking for.

[Haidee Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compilation of the first 3 books in her Mixologists & Pirates series, and it's a winner. A new name, a stunning new cover and a ripping novel.

I found this a light, easy read. A lot of fun, quick pace, and a heroine you can totally get behind. Not to mention quirky secondary characters and lots of sass. I highly recommend this book to YA fantasy lovers. No smut, no real adult content, swearing or general overly naughty behaviour. Lots of hunky aliens, and sniffing of humans :)

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

This is a retitled and repacked version of the magic and mixology series.
Allie finds herself drafted into colonization by Earth gov. When she gets there, making a new life for herself is kind of fun, until she is charged with killing one of the aliens in charge. To make reparation, she is tasked with helping them in their quest to be rid of a mad king.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, so line up the second quickly!
A quick, enjoyable read.

[Hellsbells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm new to this writer and series (I see this a compilation) but was drawn in by the cover and blurb.

This is a fun, quick read that leaves you smiling. All the characters are distinct and the story flows nicely. The heroine is quirky and the supporting characters work well. I really enjoyed this and look forward to the next book.

[Harry R. Shroyer II · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kissed by deception

It seems everyone has a agenda and miss southern belle is just lucky enough to get in over her head. She has very high emotions and sometimes a bit whiny. It is a fast paced book and keeps you interested. I would finish one chapter and say ok bedtime... well one more chapter then bedtime.

[KDRBCK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pirates, Princes, and Payback by Kay Frost is a Mixologists and Pirates #1-3 box set, including the first three books in this series. I read the books in ku and because they're tht good I heard them in audiobook too. All I'm saying is great reats/listens, excellent written and the narrators do a great job too. 4,5 beautiful stars.

[Christa Saccullo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast Furious Fiesty

Love me some Southern! Allie handles herself incredibly well in a foreign place and foreign culture, baffling all in her wake. Love how she puts characters in their place.
Well paced and clean without being too weird, though some bits do get a little deeper than I like. Still a fun read and glad I tried it.

[moxxi reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made me laugh

It was fast paced funny and had a great plot. I love the alien fantasy romance genre. This book had some romantic tension but not too much steam. I liked it and would recommend it to someone who wants a quick read that makes you laugh and think and likes aliens

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenall entertaining! This set will keep you glued to it. Allie is dynamic!! Her story is captivating because you just so want to see what will happen next! Allie is down to earth and her inner musings are hilarious. I love the idea of going to an alien planet and trying to still be you. Mesmerizing idea and so well executed.

[September Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm typically not a huge science fiction reader, and I'll admit that the title roped me in, but it ADORED this book and its sequel. The snarkiness of the MC and the unique identities of her comrades was refreshing and wonderful to read. Consider me a Frost Kay fan from here-on out.

[Lisa P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Head games

This story took an unexpected but interesting turn. I really like Allie - she's witty, smart, and her fear of flying just makes her more relatable. I also like that there are different species and those characters have their own quirks.

[Lisa Kizer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio book and was confused by the different parts (part 1, part 2) announcing who wrote the story and who is reading the book. Other than that a really good book. I want to read the next parts but want to find it as book/ebook from the library (I'm broke/cheap like that).

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5

I'm actually very surprised with how much I enjoyed this one. Even though this was short and covers 3 books the pacing didn’t bother me and I liked the events and how everything developed. I will be continuing onto the second!!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and funny

I'm from the south, and I know what sugar means when used in a sentence. I, also, know what fine means. Fun, jaunty space pirate jaunt. Rooting for the Southern chick.

[Jessica Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this whole series. It makes you laugh and also not want to put down the book because it is so good.

[Marit · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf. Totally no depth. Descriptive. Disbelieving.