Newly-freed slaves are forced together on a dangerous mission. Can they keep their hands off each other long enough to survive lecherous villains, dangerous explosions, and a dwindling air supply?
Melodie
Thran can’t take his eyes off me. Because of what I’ve been through, I spend most of my time avoiding him....until we’re ordered on an undercover assignment to earn enough credits to feed our little band of liberated slaves for the next three months.
Neither of us anticipated being stranded in space or for the heat between us to crackle hotter than a thousand suns. His kisses take my breath away and his touch lights my skin on fire. What was it I hated about him anyway?
Thran
It was supposed to be a quick in and out to Aeon II to steal some info and sell it to the highest bidder. When everything goes wrong, I know there’s one way to fix it. Even though Melodie hates me, I’d give my life to save hers.
Welcome to Pinnacle Award winning author Alana Khan’s new Sanctuary series. A cadre of hunky alien gladiators and a cast of abducted human females collide in all the best ways. Khan brings her trademark brand of romance with pulse-pounding action + three-dimensional characters + sizzling sensuality to a new planet. One-click to join Thran and Melodie to start your journey today.
This standalone romance contains no cheating and guarantees a happily ever after. For readers 18+.
Sexy Alien Heroes, Sassy Human Heroines, Stories That Satisfy
Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.
In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?
With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.
Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen
Thran de Alana Khan serie Galaxy Sanctuary Alien Abduction Romance Series libro 1
Argumento:
Los esclavos recién liberados se ven obligados a unirse en una misión peligrosa. ¿Pueden mantener sus manos lejos el uno del otro el tiempo suficiente para sobrevivir a los villanos lujuriosos, explosiones peligrosas y un suministro de aire menguante?
Melodie
Thran no puede apartar los ojos de mí.
Debido a lo que he pasado, paso la mayor parte de mi tiempo evitándolo ... hasta que se nos ordena una asignación encubierta para ganar suficientes créditos para alimentar a nuestro pequeño grupo de esclavos liberados durante los próximos tres meses.
Ninguno de los dos anticipó estar varados en el espacio o que el calor entre nosotros crepitara más caliente que mil soles. Sus besos me dejan sin aliento y su toque enciende mi piel en llamas. ¿Qué era lo que odiaba de él de todos modos?
Thran
Se suponía que iba a ser una entrada y salida rápida para Aeon II para robar información y venderla al mejor postor.
Cuando todo sale mal, sé que hay una forma de solucionarlo. Aunque Melodie me odia, daría mi vida por salvar la de ella.
Bienvenido a la nueva serie Santuario de Alana Khan, ganadora del premio Pinnacle. Un grupo de fornidos gladiadores alienígenas y un elenco de mujeres humanas secuestradas chocan de la mejor manera. Khan lleva su marca registrada de romance con acción trepidante + personajes tridimensionales + sensualidad ardiente a un nuevo planeta. Un clic para unirse a Thran y Melodie para comenzar su viaje hoy.
Mí humilde opinión:
La idea de esta historia me llamó la atención enseguida, pensé que iba a tener acción y romance, algo de drama quizás... Lo tuvo en su medida pero no como pensé que sería.
El comienzo estuvo bien a pesar del ritmo lento. El mundo y los personajes bien aunque la heroína fue mí problema, no me gustó.
Durante la lectura me despertó un poco cuando escapan tras cumplir con su misión y los salvan los piratas, después de eso todo se mueve rápido y fue cuesta abajo mí interés en esta historia.
En cuanto a romance, hubo momentos de pasión pero no me encantó...
Al comienzo la heroína no se siente exactamente atraída por el héroe, bueno, me dije... muy bien, tenemos un tema de enemigos a amantes... De nuevo no fue lo que creí!
Amo un buen insta-love pero aquí no me convenció.
Primero Melody dice las cosas más odiosas a Thran, realmente parece que lo odia con todo el corazón y de repente, una mirada y es como si lo estuviera viendo por primera vez? Cómo es eso? Los rescataron al mismo tiempo, ella vio el mal estado en que estaba. Cómo no se fijó en él y por qué no sentía empatía por él? Parecía que lo culpaba por lo que le pasó a ella. Entonces los dos se van a una peligrosa misión y luego de dos días ella admite que él le gusta? Están a punto de morir al momento siguiente y ella le confiesa que lo ama? Todo esto tras unos días en que se hablan por primera vez desde que viven en el Santuario? De Thran no se me hizo raro porque desde el comienzo sus sentimientos eran claros, se siente atraído por Melody, le gusta y se siente protector con ella. Melody nunca dio a entender que él le gustaba, todo lo contrario, así que su cambio de corazón me resultó súper repentino, no pude creerle tanto amor. Ella comienza siendo una chica que detesta a todos, es realmente negativa, lo entendí, es algo normal luego de todo el horror que pasó siendo esclava pero de la nada ella es todo amor y la verdad fue chocante.
Thran se me hacía un dulce alien en contraste con lo que era, un enorme gladiador alienígena, me gustó su personaje.
Este libro fue corto y estuvo bien pero la serie no me emocionó tanto como para leer el siguiente, lo siento.
In the Romance Book discord server I'm part of I stated that the only good thing I could say about this book, was that it was short. Then I remembered the hornjob and added it was two things.
In swoops a friend to read the hornjob and loves the book. Today I wake up to a 5 star rating from her. NO!!! You were supposed to hate it! And another GR friend already gave it 5 stars.
I say this with full irony. Clearly, I am the sourpuss.
🚀 The hornjob, was as said, really nice. I love when alien romance has that. And while Thran doesn't have the most alien look, his Cirr was a cool touch. The way they showed his emotions was cute.
🚀 The trauma bonding was one of the best things about the story. BUT a lot of that conversation is recounted. We get the clipsnote version of a lot of it. And that made it feel glossed over to me. I missed out on the actual bonding moment. Or at least I only got the watered down version.
🚀 Melodie is a giant asshole to Thran, but she does own up to it and apologies. Which I like. A good point for growth.
🚀 So I've said some good things, yeah? Why didn't I like it? Because it moves too fast. Melodie (I cannot remember how it's spelled) goes from hating Thran (and everybody but especially men) and calling him a creep/asshole, to I l Love You in days. And I couldn't see how the emotions changed that quickly. It felt shallow. It felt like the kind of I Love You driven by a situation that'd fall apart in a few months. Because they don't know each other. Yeah, they trauma bonded. But what else do they know? I think this could've worked for me if the moment in the , where they trauma bond, wasn't also the I Love You moment. If it'd been the beginning of "maybe there's more to this person" and we still got some other development. Got some more interactions between them that solidified why they're a good match, then I would've really liked it. But no, so I struggled with engaging with the rest of the story.
Final thoughts I do seem to be the one hater. So hey, maybe this book is just misunderstood. It didn't work for me. I'm giving it 1,5 star but rounding up to 2 since there were elements that I did like.["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
I highly recommend this book! The depth of the love that grew between Thran and Melodie is wonderful and heartfelt. They become such a strong loving couple who will do anything for each other. Anything.
I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Book one in a new series. This is always exciting and Thran was a darling. He and Melodie are living in Sanctuary - a community being built up for anyone who wants to start a new life. Thran and Melodie are two such people. Thran has been admiring Melodie from anywhere he can catch even a glimpse of her. When he waves she waves back and smiles all the while calling him an asshole. Unbeknown to her though, Thran has exceptional hearing. They are both called on to execute a very dangerous mission and during this Thran openly becomes very protective of Melodie, even vocalizing that it's too dangerous for her and he'll go it alone. They end up going do what they need to do, but on the way back home, they run out of fuel and it's a race against time for their rescuers to get there in time. On top of that Thran has been seriously injured. The adventure gives them time to come clean about how they feel about each other. Their waiting time is full of apprehension, hope, feelings of helplessness, revelations, to name of few of the feelings. Highly recommended read. Hard to put down book which is true Alana Khan.
Quick, easy, stress-free. While some triggery things are hinted at and certainly inferred, none of it is mentioned in great detail. I have read portions of the main series in the past and liked it. Again, very quick read.
Start of a new spin-off in the Galaxy universe (I.e. Guardians and Pirates). While this could probably be read as a stand-alone, imo it is not and should be read in publication date order. This is because of multiple reoccurring characters, concurrent timelines and overarching themes with their nemesis, MarZan Cartel led by Daneur Khour, and the former ‘owner’ of most of the liberated slaves. Although a lot of the background is included, there would be a lot of details missed, as they cannot be adequately explained within another story.
** There are multiple scenes, themes and references to subjects that will be difficult for sensitive readers. These include abduction, enslavement, rape, forced mating, and trafficking. A high-level list is included below. **
— Although I try to watch it, if you have not read this, the following may contain spoilers. —
I am so excited to finally start the Galaxy Sanctuary series. I have read the updates woven into the original series and the first spin-off, Galaxy Guardians and Pirates, respectively, and can’t wait to apply more of the characters’ personality to what I know about them already.
See I didn’t follow my own advice (really wish I had), I read these in order but by series and not by the universe publication date. Spoiler, they all have a HEA / HFN … 😉 I think it would have enriched this whole universe even more, if I had.
While I enjoyed the story, I just wanted a little more background on Melodie. Her anger is so vibrant that is just wanted more about what caused it. Maybe I am just spoiled with the longer length, and darker themes with all the details, in the rest of the Galaxy universe.
I mention the following for readers such as myself that visualize the story as it is read, because errors interrupt the flow. There are a few grammatical issues, but nothing difficult to interpret. These were typo, missing word, incorrect word choice, incorrect punctuation, and inconsistent data / formatting (i.e. laser shot location and formatting possessive words ending in ‘s’). I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested.
This story begins when the former slaves took over Sanctuary a few weeks ago. Thran was one of the five males that were imprisoned and tortured by Daneur Khour, the leader of the MarZan cartel. When Ar’Tok/Bayne found the hidden entrance to their cell, the males were near death.
Melonie was abducted from Earth by Khour a few months ago and fortunately she showed ‘an aptitude’ and received special training from Naomi. Otherwise she would be servicing aliens at one of Khour’s brothels.
Thran is fascinated with Melodie and finds himself drawn to her. It doesn’t matter that he tries not to, but she is the most beautiful of the human females. Melodie thinks he is ‘creepy’ watching her all the time.
Then Naomi ‘requests’ their assistance with gathering information to fulfill a job to help support Sanctuary. There are things their new home needs to keep them safe when the former owners come to reclaim it.
The problem is the person that has the information they need to procure.
Can an angry female put aside her hatred, distrust of all males, and her unwanted and surprising attraction to Thran in order to complete the job without getting them killed?
What about Thran? He hasn’t really spent any time around females because of his species’ religious belief, so he is not sure how to approach them. Then enter the object of his affection. Due to his ‘bat-like’ hearing, Thran knows exactly how Melodie feels about him (hilarious scenes). Can he survive with his heart intact and protect her?
⛔️ Universe contains references to, or scenes detailing, subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some, including, but not limited to: adult language; derogatory terms; mental health challenges with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, etc.; steamy adult intimate scenes with multiple parters, dominance, submission, etc.; violence throughout typical of the genre such as kidnapping / abduction, murder / death, torture, assault, rape, fighting, enslavement, pain/kill collar, mental, physical and sexual abuse of adults and children, etc.
Thran grew up as a privileged young man on the planet Simkim before he was abducted and subjected to a life of slavery as a gladiator. Melodie grew up on Earth with a mean father who was addicted to drugs until she was abducted and subjected to a life of slavery. Both ended up being owned by Daneur Khour, the cruel head of the MarZan cartel. (The book doesn’t say what kind of cartel, but I surmise he was the head of a slavery cartel.) All of the slaves on Khour’s compound were freed when two ships manned by a group of gladiators arrived and killed Khour. The gladiators freed 5 women and 7 gladiators, including Thran, who had been held in Khour’s dungeon and were near death. The freed slaves remained on Khour’s compound, which they renamed Sanctuary.
Thran has admired Melodie from a distance and she thought he was a pervert for watching her. However, the two were called into the office of the woman who took on the job of running the compound. She had trained Melodie to be an excellent pickpocket and the two were to attend a ball together on another world and Melodie was to lift the owner’s keys and obtain information in his office. Thran is keep the man occupied while Melodie does her job. In addition, he’s determined to protect her in this endeavor.
Join Thran and Melodie as they get to know each other and try to pull off this heist. It’s an exciting read and a sweet, somewhat steamy, romance.
This is a splendid start to what promises to be a really fascinating Sci-Fi alien series & I must admit that I quite enjoyed reading this novella. The storyline has good world building so the reader is well informed about some past events & the scenes are well-described, the plot is full of adventure & covers two unique individuals from different species (a horned Simkin alien, Thron) & (a human female, Melody) who were previously enslaved but unexpectedly rescued and they finally settle in a compound (Sanctuary) but now they have been sent on a dangerous mission & during this mission the chemistry flares while the danger increases. There is: various kinds of aliens, a MarZen cartel, slavery, adventure, action, attractions, some twists, drama, intrigue, suspense, memories, threats, danger, conflict, violence, distrust, manipulations, complications, injuries, determination, compromises, some steam, contentment, love, mates & a satisfying conclusion for this couple.
Excellent novella to start the new spin-off series. I liked how well done this was considering the length. The world building expands on that already established in Galaxy Gladiators series but adds some new aspects from Sanctuary. I look forward to more books set on this world of perpetual Ren faire. The characters were enjoyable and definitely had chemistry.
I liked that the female character opened her heart and mind to the hero despite past trauma. That wasn’t the focus of the book but it added a nice element. She was strong and clever and very appealing.
The mission they went on kept interest and made for a suspenseful section when fates were grim. Of course we got our HEA though. Definitely recommend.
Newly freed slaves are starting their new lives by building a new city. They call it Sanctuary and hope to be able to give refuge to any slave that can reach them. But that is going to take money, a lot of money. One of their leaders comes up with a plan with a big payoff. Of course it’s very dangerous and deadly should they get caught! She picks Thran and Melody and sends them off to steal data from a dangerous drug lord. Thran has been very attracted to Melody since he was released from his underground prison. Melody hates everyone, but especially all males!! Will they survive their mission without killing each other? A great book from start to finish! I look forward to more in the series!
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. First take of Melodie, she feels as though she owes nothing to no-one after the all the world had turned on her first, only that once you get to know her better views change. Thran was watching the little angel earth woman, with fantasy dangling in his head but is reality like fantasy where Melodie is considered. Taking on a seedy mission just may put them closer with, depending on the moment of survival really. It's so freaking fantastic about Thran's Cirr and how they react at different points. is After all is it just me are is Naomi on a power kick with some of the new residents? I mean really to call some of the ex-gladiators into her office and make them stripe without even asking or anything.
Thran has been a slave for a very long time and he was recently rescued from an underground cell where he was tossed and tortured and left to die. Melodie is also a slave and has been through terrble times as well. Both were recently rescued and now live in Sanctuary a home for rescued slaves.
These two are so much in need of love and they find it with each other. This story will grab you and hold you spellbound from the very first page. I could not put the book down till the very last page. It has everything romance, humor, danger and best of all a wonderful HEA.
I highly recommend this book and this author to everyone who loves syfy romance. Be sure to pick up a copy. You will be very very glad that you did.
I eagerly anticipated this novella as I have read and loved all the books in the Gladiator and Pirates series. I figured that I would enjoy this one as well, and I did. The length was expected as it is a novella, so it was a quick and fun read. It is a nice set up for the new series and can be read as a stand-alone. There are references to the other 2 series and helps with the overall world-building and characters, but not necessary to have already read to enjoy Thran and Melodie's story. This is a sweet and steamy love story that wasn’t necessarily enemies-to-lovers, rather misunderstood-to-working partners-to-lovers. I loved their dating scenarios, so sweet. I was rooting for this couple that deserved their HEA. I really enjoyed and highly recommend. Can't wait for the next one!
Loved this book. I love all of Alana’s books, however this one in particular I thought was great. Thran and Melodie both have issues from being kidnapped and sold as slaves. Thran was raised wealthy until his kidnapping. Melodie pulled herself up by her bootstraps to make something of herself, but that dream was cut short when she was kidnapped from earth. Adventure and romance follow these 2 as they learn to let go of the past. I personally would love a thran in my life with his “cirr”. This story has it all. Adventure,love bad guys, redemption. Am reviewing a ARC copy of this book. Danielle
Absolutely love the idea of Sanctuary. Sounds wonderful... and can see a great and long future for it.
I thought that Thran was rather lovely... it would've been understandable if he were more angry & damaged than he was. That bit at the party? Poor poor male. Melodie didn't feel as developed as Thran, which was weird cos I am pretty sure she was equally, if not more, written about. I really really really didn't like Naomi... I get that credits are needed ( to a degree ) but, she was perpetuating the horrors that Daneur Khour implemented. Grrr.
Loved loved loved the little drop in from the others... so good to know that they are still zooming around space!
More danger, more love, more heat! Not for wimps! Loved Thran, loved Melodie but I hated Naomi. I know they felt pressured to earn money but I'd have jettisoned Naomi right off the planet! What about sending Thran and Melodie to a place where people are beheaded by a despot seems okay? The whole operation was super scary and just too dicey! But! Everything circles around the incredible attraction between our heroic Thran and sweet Melodie. Love this spin off from the gladiators! One caveat; if you read on a kindle, protect yourself from the extreme heat and wear gloves! 😅 You're going to love Khan's latest!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I don't know how Alana keeps doing it, I'm just glad she does! Please, allow me to get a little mushy. Reading about Thran and Melodie taking themselves back from the things of the past that held them prisoner,then being able to give themselves totally to each other was beautiful! Thran is just happy to be. Happy to be alive, to not be force to fight, to not be tortured in a cell. He thinks Melodie is shy and the prettiest female he's ever seen. Melodie isn't shy, she just hates everyone. And Thran, he just gives her the creeps. (but don't hate her, she's a strong person) When they are asked to do a mission, they don't like it but agree in the interest for doing what's best for their group. Both of them find out it's more to the other then meets the eye. They soon decide to "play nice" and the sacrifices each is willing to make for the other will make you laugh out loud and cause a lump to form in your chest. I will share one thing. His Cirr reacting at the party, my neighbors heard me laughing! This is a love story, filled with self discovery, adventure, danger, action, laughter and definitely STEAM. If my man's hair could,,(she shivers) Yes I recommend this book Wonderful start to the Sanctuary series!
What a unique setting and group of characters with challenging pasts! I really enjoyed all of the descriptions and the moments of suspense woven into the plot. Thran and Melanie are the main characters of interest, but there are several others that really grab your attention as the story unfolds. With just so many subsequent story possibilities that can emerge from this novella, I am looking forward to see what direction next novel takes.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Yay! I found a new series I am excited about. No complaints so far! And she didn’t throw the sex in the first few pages … I had to actually read the story to get the reward! They weren’t virgins but… their souls were in my opinion.
Also.. I have never read an Alana Khan book before so why am I familiar with these “cirr” on his head? Is this world connected to a different author? I guess that question belongs somewhere else!
Loved them. Love the story and the community they are building. I also know they next few books coming up have virgin heroes so… excited to start book 2!
Un alienígena con unos cuernos y un cabello en rastas ultra sensibles y de muy buena cuna que ha sido esclavizado, quien suspira secretamente por una chica humana que odia a los hombres y machos. Cliché grumpy-sunshine.
Una misión peligrosa que los reúne, algo podría salir mal :0
Primera vez que leo a esta autora y me gustó mucho la historia, los personajes pero se me hizo de repente muy descriptivo (en lo personal no me gusta este detalle :/)
Pero es un libro que disfrutarán muchísimo con Thran se lo comerán es divino. Te lo leerás en una sentada.
I loved the slow development of the characters and their feelings for each other... Both the FL and ML had learned to close themselves off because of their pasts...but it was actually sweet to watch them slowly open up and be vulnerable to each other. A dangerous mission coupled with a near death experience strengthened their connection and love. And then of course there is the hot and amazing sex. I will definitely continue reading the series.
First time I’ve read of Melodie, I thought she was not good for our hero Thran, but I soon changed my mind. We have here one brave and smart heroine. I kept my fingers crossed when they were at the brink of death, that was one suspenseful scene.
I loved that both Thran and Melodie have grown so much while in their mission and managed to know the other very well and fell in love. After what they’ve been into, they deserved to find their happiness v
Another heart warming book by AK. She is again able to give great characters even in a short story. Thran appears to be a big, dumb, and warn slave. Melody starts off very bitter and angry. These 2 characters are placed together on a crazy adventure that allows their characters to blossom. Thran is smart and can be aggressive if Melody is threatened. Melody is not only compassionate but passionate as well. This book leaves your heart warm and anxious for the next book in this series!
The heroine is not exactly a likeable character when she’s first introduced, but with time and understanding, she starts to change into what you expect her to be: confident, smart and brave. The hero is very likeable: strong, thankful and endearing. Danger is ever present and action abounds, while the author keeps throwing one crisis after another at them.
The female lead, Melodie, is initially very angry with the world and particularly disdainful of Thran’s interest. This made the character and relationship development through the book very meaningful and interesting.
The story was dual POV, well written, and an adventure and action filled start to a new series. I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my honest review.
Thran and Melody story is absolutly awesome. This is the beginning of a new series in a safe heaven called sanctuary were refugies can have a safe place to live. Thran and Melody try to make their part in the comunity by getting info to sell to the highest buffet but things get messy and the find themselfs Druck in space, Alone. A really nice way to introduce this new world.
A really sweet love story unfolds in the midst of a mission snafu for human Melodie and alien Tehran. They are both hiding scars from their past but danger is a strange bedfellow and their vulnerabilities are exposed. Their love blooms in a life or death situation and it was so scary for a minute. Loved it.
I really liked this book. When 2 headstrong and empowered ex-slaves are paired for a mission, they get to know each other better and misconceptions are blown out of the water. And when the Hero intends to sacrifice himself for his love, the Heroine thinks outside the box. Always a good bet to read an Alana Khan book!
It was short and sweet but it holds your attention from beginning to end? It has everything you want in a romance with plenty of action, survival, and steamy hot romance with awesome characters? A must buy and so ready to read the next book in the series.