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Into the Smuggler's Arms #1
Stranded
This was supposed to be the proudest moment of my career, but then he ruined everything.
When I hopped on the shuttle to Orb5, I dreamed of saving humanity with my research. But that was before an alien ship crashed on my new planet, bringing a whole slew of problems with them. For instance, the arrogant pilot of the ship who just won’t keep his hands to himself.
Little did I know when Adreax, the hulking alien man, came walking into my research camp, I would soon be forced to choose between trusting the rogue intruders or the corrupt arbiters of the law. Then I make a grisly discovery that sends me running straight into the smuggler’s arms.
As I adjust to my new life among the outlaws, I discover that when the law is wrong, it takes a dangerously sexy alien, his ruthless co-pilot, and my fiery intellect to make things right.
Stranded is a full-length sci-fi romance novel with a HEA and steamy alien love. If you love bad boy aliens with a knack for causing trouble and lots of action, steamy and otherwise, you’ll love Stranded, the first novel in Maddie Syn’s new series: Into the Smuggler’s Arms.
When I hopped on the shuttle to Orb5, I dreamed of saving humanity with my research. But that was before an alien ship crashed on my new planet, bringing a whole slew of problems with them. For instance, the arrogant pilot of the ship who just won’t keep his hands to himself.
Little did I know when Adreax, the hulking alien man, came walking into my research camp, I would soon be forced to choose between trusting the rogue intruders or the corrupt arbiters of the law. Then I make a grisly discovery that sends me running straight into the smuggler’s arms.
As I adjust to my new life among the outlaws, I discover that when the law is wrong, it takes a dangerously sexy alien, his ruthless co-pilot, and my fiery intellect to make things right.
Stranded is a full-length sci-fi romance novel with a HEA and steamy alien love. If you love bad boy aliens with a knack for causing trouble and lots of action, steamy and otherwise, you’ll love Stranded, the first novel in Maddie Syn’s new series: Into the Smuggler’s Arms.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
118 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 11, 2021
This one goes to my DNF shelf.
I am so confused by the writing, it is all over the place. The storyline has merit, but the execution leaves a lot to desire.
I am so confused by the writing, it is all over the place. The storyline has merit, but the execution leaves a lot to desire.
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November 28, 2022DNFed at 32%
I really wanted to like this one but it was all over the place. I had a feeling it wasn't going to work for me was when the hero who came from a galaxy far, far away, could speak perfect English. The Star Wars empire might get away with this but it was a huge miss for me in this book.
I really wanted to like this one but it was all over the place. I had a feeling it wasn't going to work for me was when the hero who came from a galaxy far, far away, could speak perfect English. The Star Wars empire might get away with this but it was a huge miss for me in this book.
May 2, 2021
Not really sure how to start this review. There were some parts that were really entertaining about the story - an alien race posing as a police force that is actually scouring the galaxy for viable breeders for their own nefarious reasons! Kidnapping and using females from all over with zero opposition. The hard connection for me was the MCs, both characters were from different spectrums of life and had very little in common. Aside from the mutual attraction between them, there wasn’t really a lot to justify their sudden insta-love.
Adreax often acted like a indecisive teen with his first girlfriend. Every time he gave in to Herod’s jealous demands, I felt like shaking him! It was hard to read him waffling between his feelings for Tayla and his loyalty to his best friend. The ending felt rushed because Herod’s animosity towards Tayla is never really explained and the solution was to separate them both without ever really discussing it. There was also a lot of unanswered questions that I assume will be explored in other installments?
Overall a good read but I needed a bit more romance and one on one page time with the MCs to really be convinced they would make it in the long run.
Safety/Spoiler-y INFO:
Adreax often acted like a indecisive teen with his first girlfriend. Every time he gave in to Herod’s jealous demands, I felt like shaking him! It was hard to read him waffling between his feelings for Tayla and his loyalty to his best friend. The ending felt rushed because Herod’s animosity towards Tayla is never really explained and the solution was to separate them both without ever really discussing it. There was also a lot of unanswered questions that I assume will be explored in other installments?
Overall a good read but I needed a bit more romance and one on one page time with the MCs to really be convinced they would make it in the long run.
Safety/Spoiler-y INFO:
May 3, 2021
3.5*’s. This was an interesting story that seemed to make more sense the more I read. Having Taya and Alex encounter aliens Adreax and Herod who crash landed on the newly created planet created by Taya was a unique start to the story. With different goals in mind, it was interesting watching the pairs try achieve them. I didn’t feel I got to know any of the characters really well due to such severe love-hate fluctuations of allegiances and emotions. I also was unsure about the world/universe context of all of the characters. Who really were the “good” or “bad” guys? How did the “patrol” fit into this? I did enjoy the added suspense the “alien research team” brought to the story. It was only at the end that a few of the world context questions were answered. The ending felt like a HFN that left many details unresolved so it was not as satisfying as I had hoped.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
May 10, 2021
Trust who
An awesome exciting adventure full of action, suspense, betrayal, and desperation. It grabs you and keeps you guessing from start to finish. Who to trust, who is evil and who will help. Sometimes the answers surprises you.
An awesome exciting adventure full of action, suspense, betrayal, and desperation. It grabs you and keeps you guessing from start to finish. Who to trust, who is evil and who will help. Sometimes the answers surprises you.
December 31, 2025
2.5 stars
May 9, 2022
Slow build
A slow build of a story which promises to get better. The only thing that really bothered me was that Taylor supposedly broke her wrist in a struggle, but a few paragraphs later her wrist was fine.
A slow build of a story which promises to get better. The only thing that really bothered me was that Taylor supposedly broke her wrist in a struggle, but a few paragraphs later her wrist was fine.
August 21, 2022
Weirdly bad. But it was a train wreck I stuck around for. I’m not sure what that says about me and my taste lol the story was different, kinda cool just poorly written.
June 1, 2021
Another new author and a very enjoyable, exiting read. This is about Tayla and Adreax. She is a scientist working with her co worker Alec. She has created new planets with the prospect of earth inhabitants having new horizons to spread out into. They are currently studying the largest for its ability to hold life.
Adreax and his buddy Herod are smugglers, space pirates, currently being chased by an outfit called the Patrol and end up crash landing on this new planet. The two pairs meet each other, though both unimpressed with the other. Adreax takes a liking to Tayla's fiesty no nonsense nature and over a little time they come together. Herod, none too happy. Tayla soon discovers that they are not as safe as first thought and that earth has sold out her research. They do end up fighting for their lives when it all goes belly up. But.. have their HEA. I do hope more of those women are saved but guess will just have to wait and see where this new series goes.
Adreax and his buddy Herod are smugglers, space pirates, currently being chased by an outfit called the Patrol and end up crash landing on this new planet. The two pairs meet each other, though both unimpressed with the other. Adreax takes a liking to Tayla's fiesty no nonsense nature and over a little time they come together. Herod, none too happy. Tayla soon discovers that they are not as safe as first thought and that earth has sold out her research. They do end up fighting for their lives when it all goes belly up. But.. have their HEA. I do hope more of those women are saved but guess will just have to wait and see where this new series goes.
May 1, 2021
Dr Tayla Ingerss is a the one of the brains behind the Terra Orb program, Creating planets that the people from an over crowded Earth can move to. Tayla and her associate Alex Are on Terra Orb 5 the most successful Orb so far when another ship lands on the Orb. Adreax and Harod are on the run from Patrol. Both groups are wary of each as both parties are keeping secrets. Tayla and Adreax have a combative relationship because they are attracted to each other but realise they have very different outlooks on life, They have to work together as they now have a common enemy. This is a great read with four great characters and dynamics between them make the book brilliant. I look forward to reading more by this author
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2021
This is a fab read. It has action, steamy scenes and a happily ever after ending guaranteed. Tayla has created small planets in space with the help of a laboratory and she has just landed on one of them to do some tests. She’s setting up camp when she sees a ship landing, she’s shocked as there’s only one ship that earth has and she arrived on it, which must mean aliens. Adreax and Havoc are space pirates being chased by the Patrol, they land on a barren planet that shouldn’t be there. When Tayla finds them, they say they are merchants who had trouble. Until the Patrol land and hold them prisoner. They don’t seem to be leaving though which is very suspicious. When Tayla finds out she’s horrified and Andreax saves her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2021
Okay
I should probably give it 3 stars but I will give the author the benefit of the doubt and give 4. I didnt notice any typos, missing or added words. I like the story but felt like I was missing some information to help me better visualize the setting and the people.
Tayla and Herod were both annoying and thought the world revolved around them and the way they felt and that they were always right. They did finally mature some by the end of the book.
I did like Adreax though. He was placed in a situation where no matter what he chose, he would hurt someone he cared about.
I will try the next book. Hopefully things are described in more detail and we meet up with the characters of this story to find out what happened later on.
I should probably give it 3 stars but I will give the author the benefit of the doubt and give 4. I didnt notice any typos, missing or added words. I like the story but felt like I was missing some information to help me better visualize the setting and the people.
Tayla and Herod were both annoying and thought the world revolved around them and the way they felt and that they were always right. They did finally mature some by the end of the book.
I did like Adreax though. He was placed in a situation where no matter what he chose, he would hurt someone he cared about.
I will try the next book. Hopefully things are described in more detail and we meet up with the characters of this story to find out what happened later on.
May 2, 2021
Exciting
Tabla was a scientist that figured out how to create a new world. While on that new world making atmospheric tests a couple of alien smugglers crash and all hell breaks loose. Adreax was one of those alien smugglers and is immediately smitten with the feisty female. Their road to love was filled with cultural differences,a nasty patrol squadron and a jealous partner. It was a heated, exciting and frustrating read. The characters were glaringly different,the world building wasn’t detailed enough to get a accurate read on yet. I’ll have to read about that jealous partner in the next book beforeI can honestly say.
Tabla was a scientist that figured out how to create a new world. While on that new world making atmospheric tests a couple of alien smugglers crash and all hell breaks loose. Adreax was one of those alien smugglers and is immediately smitten with the feisty female. Their road to love was filled with cultural differences,a nasty patrol squadron and a jealous partner. It was a heated, exciting and frustrating read. The characters were glaringly different,the world building wasn’t detailed enough to get a accurate read on yet. I’ll have to read about that jealous partner in the next book beforeI can honestly say.
May 2, 2021
The Scientist and the Smuggler . . .
Doctor Tayla Ingress was the pioneer scientist of the project to build new worlds. TerraOrb 5 was her first accomplishment. Then Adreax broke into the moment when his ship crashed on her new world. Amid the danger and intrigue, steamy romance eventually follows, although Tayla and Adreax were very different and frequently disagreed.
The author provided us with a suspenseful adventure among the alien smugglers Tayla joins. Adreax was immediately attracted to Tayla, but they had very little in common, but her presence does spark some jealousy to stir up the action. This is a good start and it will be interesting to see where it goes from here.
Doctor Tayla Ingress was the pioneer scientist of the project to build new worlds. TerraOrb 5 was her first accomplishment. Then Adreax broke into the moment when his ship crashed on her new world. Amid the danger and intrigue, steamy romance eventually follows, although Tayla and Adreax were very different and frequently disagreed.
The author provided us with a suspenseful adventure among the alien smugglers Tayla joins. Adreax was immediately attracted to Tayla, but they had very little in common, but her presence does spark some jealousy to stir up the action. This is a good start and it will be interesting to see where it goes from here.
May 4, 2021
This is the first book that this author has ever written and I really enjoyed it. You have Dr. Tayla who dreams of saving humanity wither her research. Then you have smugglers who crash on the planet and bring their problems. Adreax strolls into the research camp and now Tayla has new problems of the corrupt law and her smuggler Adreax. Then Tayla makes a horrendous discovery and she is running to her alien smuggler. Love the storyline and the chemistry between Tayla and Adreax is full of action, drama and plenty of steam. Great first book. Looking forward to the next book by this author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2022
This one almost made it to my DNF list. I was talking to a girlfriend about it and telling her about how it just didn't seem to have any action driving the story. I never really connected with Tayla, I totally get that geniuses don't always have common sence but she lacked it in spades.
I AM SO THANKFUL THAT I FINISHED IT!! Man, did it get good at the end. Lots of action, the zero turned in a hero whisking the damsel away. *chef's kiss*
This was my first Maddie Syn book and while I'm not chomping at the bit for book 2, I definitely like her writing style. I would also love to see Herod's jerkiness redeemed.
I AM SO THANKFUL THAT I FINISHED IT!! Man, did it get good at the end. Lots of action, the zero turned in a hero whisking the damsel away. *chef's kiss*
This was my first Maddie Syn book and while I'm not chomping at the bit for book 2, I definitely like her writing style. I would also love to see Herod's jerkiness redeemed.
May 1, 2021
Stranded by Maddie Syn was an imaginative and interesting Sci-Fi romance story featuring likable characters, and a story that flowed at a good pace, sure to please. Heroine Tayla is a scientist, builder of worlds and hero Adreax just happens to crash land on one of these worlds. Steamy romance, intrigue and suspenseful encounters propel the narrative along with solid writing by the author that delivers a good adventure for another lazy afternoon read. HEA
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2021
This paranormal romance takes place in outer space on a Earth-like orb. It is a human meets alien tale alongside an enemies to lovers story. If you like slow burn passion, feuds, jealousy, science and more then this is the book for you.
For me:
-I found the description of our main alien to be too human to be transported to space with our main human
-I wish there were more detailed steamy scenes
-I didn't understand some of the tension between sole and the characters
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For me:
-I found the description of our main alien to be too human to be transported to space with our main human
-I wish there were more detailed steamy scenes
-I didn't understand some of the tension between sole and the characters
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2021
Wow, there is so much more to this book than you would think. Tayla has the ability and know-how to create liveable planets and that is all that she wants to do. Adreax is having a very bad day when their ship crashes on a planet that appeared out of nowhere! There so much going on that you wouldn't guess (and I am not going to give it away because I want you to read the book yourselves). The characters are wonderful, descriptions of the world are so clear plus that dash of romance and intrigue. Fabulous.
June 20, 2021
👽 “Tell me, Tayla, are you done resisting me? Are you done fighting?”
~~~
Tayla is smart and bossy, a creator of worlds. And Adreax is strong, arrogant and the moment he sees Tayla, he wants her for himself.
I liked the development of their relationship. They often had disagreements and different goals and outlooks in life, but their attraction was very strong and their romance - hot and steamy.
Overall, the story is an interesting read filled with action, danger, intrigue, drama and steam.
I really enjoyed it!
~~~
Tayla is smart and bossy, a creator of worlds. And Adreax is strong, arrogant and the moment he sees Tayla, he wants her for himself.
I liked the development of their relationship. They often had disagreements and different goals and outlooks in life, but their attraction was very strong and their romance - hot and steamy.
Overall, the story is an interesting read filled with action, danger, intrigue, drama and steam.
I really enjoyed it!
May 3, 2021
This was a story with a strong prequel feel to it. It has a happy ending and isn’t really a cliffhanger but there is definitely a lot of story left and several more characters with stories of their own. I like the concept of the story, it is original won’t feel like stories you have read over and over again
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2021
The first book in the Into the Smuggler's Arms series by a new Author this is her debut book. Adreax and Tayla's story of suspense, drama, danger, villains,twists, turns, and romance. I hope there is more to come in this series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2021
When the hero and heroine first meet, it doesn’t go well at all. He’s arrogant, obnoxious and steals from her. She’s smart, feisty, not intimidated by him and lets him know it. Even I don’t like him! It’s took quite a while for him to improve and me to warm up to him, but eventually he’s there when it really counts.
May 1, 2021
This is an excellent sci-fi romance.. I liked it so much! It has adventure and steam, addictive characters and exciting storyline..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2021
A slowburn alien romance
A slow burn alien romance with a
dose of adventure and excitement .
The characters are very likable.
I really enjoyed this book. I’m happy to recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A slow burn alien romance with a
dose of adventure and excitement .
The characters are very likable.
I really enjoyed this book. I’m happy to recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2021
Decent first book with action, romance and steam but the main characters fell in love a little too quickly. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Want to read
May 10, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/10/2021)! 🎁
Want to read
May 11, 2021Published May 1, 2021. Book 2, STRANDED coming out June 1, 2021.
May 12, 2021
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
July 19, 2021
Blah
I love to read this genre but I really need the characters to have common sense.
Seriously lacking here. I couldn't get past the first few pages.
I love to read this genre but I really need the characters to have common sense.
Seriously lacking here. I couldn't get past the first few pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews