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Galaxy Gladiators #15
Maximus
Saving Raine from an alien slave auction is Maximus’s first selfless act. When his mate-bond ignites, will his generosity cost him everything?
Raine
What sucks more than waking up in an alien auction house to be sold as a sex slave? Being roofied with a powerful aphrodisiac. Maximus satisfies my raging needs, but when we discover our predicament is permanent, I’m desperate to sever our bond. Except I’m not sure I want our connection to end. Have I fallen in love with this honorable brute?
Maximus
My attempt to help the little human out of her drug-induced sexual hunger went from bad to worse when it triggered my mate-bond. I thought our link was only a product of chemistry and biology. My feelings for this beautiful, feisty female couldn't be real, could they? I know one thing: without her I will die.
Maximus has action, fighting, near-death experiences, and climaxes. Yes, Alana guarantees lots of climaxes.
Buy Maximus, the fifteenth book in the Galaxy Gladiators Alien Abduction Romance Series by bestselling author Alana Khan! Click "buy now" or read for free on Kindle Unlimited.
Publisher’s Note: No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after. There are sensual, graphic sex scenes throughout the book. Intended for readers 18+.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2021
About the author
Alana Khan
175 books632 followersSexy 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.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
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.
Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/
Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alana.khan.5...
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June 6, 2021Hi readers!
I recently finished writing Maximus. My writing style is to write the book, let it sit a week or two, edit it some more, then send it to my early readers. Max starts out a little rough around the edges, and gets more lovable and loving as the book progresses.
The writing on his chest? It's an integral part of the story as he and Raine fall for each other and fight their attraction for many valid reasons.
Maximus and Vartan run on concurrent timelines, but there are no spoilers in either book.
I recently finished writing Maximus. My writing style is to write the book, let it sit a week or two, edit it some more, then send it to my early readers. Max starts out a little rough around the edges, and gets more lovable and loving as the book progresses.
The writing on his chest? It's an integral part of the story as he and Raine fall for each other and fight their attraction for many valid reasons.
Maximus and Vartan run on concurrent timelines, but there are no spoilers in either book.
November 27, 2023
Very pleasantly surprised.
So the rating is mostly for that.
The beginning really intrigued me but also I think repulsed me at the same time though I knew Maximus is going to be really cool hero.
And he was!
From rough, strange, alien abduction story, the book evolved into a beautiful and sweet romance.
Yes I am happy 😃
So the rating is mostly for that.
The beginning really intrigued me but also I think repulsed me at the same time though I knew Maximus is going to be really cool hero.
And he was!
From rough, strange, alien abduction story, the book evolved into a beautiful and sweet romance.
Yes I am happy 😃
August 21, 2021
Oh definitely yes! Maximus and Raine … what an awesome story. I fell in love with Max instantly
July 10, 2021
I love Alana Khan's books and when I get the opportunity to read one I grab it with both hands. Maximus was one big pussycat. He's really rough around the edges and isn't popular with his crew mates who see him as crass, and a bit of a bully. But when you get to know him you realize it's the way he was brought up. I mean, kidnapped at age 5 and thrown in with a bunch of big, tough gladiators who didn't know what manners were and were nothing short of animalistic, what does one expect. Raine thinks the worst when she wakes up in a strange room with her hand tied to a bed. She screams and a huge alien appears with a towel wrapped around his waist. She immediately suspects he roofied her and has decided to have his way with her. This isn't the case and when she experiences severe abdominal pain he recognizes the symptoms, especially when she tries to pleasure herself without success. The only way he can convince her that he hasn't harmed her is to holo-call the auctioneer who sold her and find out what he gave her. The "relationship" such as it is only progresses when he is able to "help" her through her pain and continue to do so until the drugs in her system wear off. She is able to prove her worth - not only to Maximus but to the other members of the crew especially when crew mate Vartan gets seriously injured a gladiatorial fight. Raine is a doctor who takes control of the situation. They go through all the issues and problems that humans encounter when they are up against the alien population but things manage to work themselves out for both Raine and Maximus. There are some beautiful meetings in the story, there are decisions to be made by several people and the journey we take with each and every one is nothing short of miraculous. It's also a great story to learn that you don't judge a book by it's cover. Maximus didn't know how to be polite. He didn't know how to be courteous. All he knew was how to take care of # 1. Until he met Raine and she showed him a different way to live where he earned the love and respect of his fellow crew mates.
I highly recommend Alana Khan as an author.
I highly recommend Alana Khan as an author.
June 30, 2021
Excellent addition to the series. Loved this rough hewn hero and his smart feisty heroine. Their story starts off with a back handed rescue and heats up really fast. Great world building and character development as usual with this author.
I liked the anthropomorphic details about his race that made them mates. And I loved the push and pull as they figured each other and their feelings out. Not a smooth sail but a struggle that made the HEA feel sweeter and earned. Definitely recommend.
I liked the anthropomorphic details about his race that made them mates. And I loved the push and pull as they figured each other and their feelings out. Not a smooth sail but a struggle that made the HEA feel sweeter and earned. Definitely recommend.
August 19, 2021
I would highly recommend you get your hands on this amazing Sci-Fi alien romance that takes the reader on a fascinating journey, it can definitely be read as a standalone even though it is part of the “Galaxy Gladiators” series. It has an engaging plot, outstanding world building & excellent scene descriptions. The two main characters (a very feisty human female, Raine) & (an male alien, Maximus) are well-developed but have quite a bit of emotional baggage that affects the way they perceive themselves & others but they continue to develop through the storyline to become a well-adjusted couple with good chemistry between them.
It is about: a former slave gladiator (Maximus) goes with another former slave gladiator (Vartan: Book 14) to an auction with the intentions of buying & releasing gladiator slaves but comes across a abducted human female (a final yr medical student, Raine) & promptly buys her in order to save her but she is pumped full of aphrodisiacs and while trying to help her, his mating bond is triggered.
There is: auctions, various kinds of aliens, slavery, gladiator games/fights, rituals, adventure, action, attractions, some twists & turns, drama, intrigue, suspense, determination, protectiveness, defiance, memories, complications, mating bonds, misunderstanding, compromises, steamy scenes, playfulness, contentment, love, mates & a well-deserved satisfying epilogue. I look forward to the next book in this series with eager anticipation.
It is about: a former slave gladiator (Maximus) goes with another former slave gladiator (Vartan: Book 14) to an auction with the intentions of buying & releasing gladiator slaves but comes across a abducted human female (a final yr medical student, Raine) & promptly buys her in order to save her but she is pumped full of aphrodisiacs and while trying to help her, his mating bond is triggered.
There is: auctions, various kinds of aliens, slavery, gladiator games/fights, rituals, adventure, action, attractions, some twists & turns, drama, intrigue, suspense, determination, protectiveness, defiance, memories, complications, mating bonds, misunderstanding, compromises, steamy scenes, playfulness, contentment, love, mates & a well-deserved satisfying epilogue. I look forward to the next book in this series with eager anticipation.
August 20, 2021
This book is absolutely fantastic. Maximus has been a slave since he was 5 years old. He has recently been freed after decades of slavery as a gladiator. He is big, strong, sexy and only dreams of a four armed Morodite female to mate with.
Raine is a beautiful, very feisty human woman who is abducted from Earth and is on the auction block to be sold as a slave. She fights her new owner and is thrown back on the auction block and headed for a very short life as a slave or worse.
Maximus sees Raine and knows that after she hits her new master and sold back to the auction master her life will be very short and horrific so he buys her for 1 credit. What happens next will hold you totally glued to each page anxious to find out what happens next.
This book has everything romance, humor, danger and lots and lots of orgasms not to mention a fantastic HEA. These two really were made for each other and this story is the perfect way to tell their story. Be sure to pick up a copy, you will be so very glad that you did. You will love this book this series and this author. She has the special ability to write her books so that they draw you into the world she created and makes it feel like her characters could walk right off the pages of her books.
Raine is a beautiful, very feisty human woman who is abducted from Earth and is on the auction block to be sold as a slave. She fights her new owner and is thrown back on the auction block and headed for a very short life as a slave or worse.
Maximus sees Raine and knows that after she hits her new master and sold back to the auction master her life will be very short and horrific so he buys her for 1 credit. What happens next will hold you totally glued to each page anxious to find out what happens next.
This book has everything romance, humor, danger and lots and lots of orgasms not to mention a fantastic HEA. These two really were made for each other and this story is the perfect way to tell their story. Be sure to pick up a copy, you will be so very glad that you did. You will love this book this series and this author. She has the special ability to write her books so that they draw you into the world she created and makes it feel like her characters could walk right off the pages of her books.
August 24, 2021
DNF. Sorry... I know that the author stated that Maximus was a little rough around the edges to start with... rough? OK... that's what we're going with. I stopped reading at the bathroom scene. She was the one who had been abducted by aliens, sold at an alien auction as a sex slave, drugged when she didn't comply with being bought, was re-sold to the awful Maximus who was there looking for a 'good time', drugged again... he then tied her to his bed... she woke up screaming and in pain... the drug? Some sort of alien aphrodisiac... his answer? To fuck her. Yes... it is a different place... different morality. I just didn't like the rape-y overtones. Sorry.
November 30, 2022
Can feelings be real if quirky biology is involved?
While this one could be read as a stand-alone, I recommend they be read in series’ date order for maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers. There are multiple reoccurring characters, concurrent / consecutive timelines and overarching themes that are built from the foundation laid by the first story (Zar). There are also a lot of details that occurred previously that would be lost, 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, forced mating, mental health challenges, and trafficking. A high-level list is included below. **
— Although I try to watch it, if you have not read this (or the previous stories in the series), the following may contain spoilers. —
The one thing that I miss, and believe would be extremely helpful, is a published reading order for the Galaxy Gladiators universe. Otherwise, I love this dynamic series. As I stated previously a good series is not all that easy to find. Everyone of the stories have to fit together without being repetitive, while still being engaging. This series by Alana Khan is a great one that has become its own universe, with several spin-offs.
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 errors between the story and other sections, but nothing difficult to interpret. These include incorrect word choice / typos, incorrect capitalization, incorrect punctuation, duplicated header, and inconsistent data regarding Beast’s description and in the preview of the next story. I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested.
In this story, Maximus, aka Max, and Vartan arrive a few days before Vartan’s gladiator match. They are using that time in vastly different ways. Vartan is looking to buy as many gladiator slaves as he can afford so he can free them. Max wants to spend a few days on actual vacation, which he has only experienced one time before.
Raine woke up cold and with a headache. Right at first she is convinced she is dreaming, but it quickly becomes apparent that is not the case. She has been kidnapped by aliens!! Some of the rules are easy when they arc a cattle prod looking thing into the wall when they are done … shut up and do what they say, when they say, or you will get that. No thanks!
They also must have done something subdural because Raine can understand what the strange sounds mean when they talk. They are to be auctioned off. Raine is anything but stupid. She has almost completed her final year of residency and knows she needs to escape. There are a lot of guards; they are everywhere, so Raine will need to wait to be sold. Surely her ‘new owner’ will have less security.
Then it is time to go to the stage. Raine looks around and lets her eyes adjust while two others are sold. The auctioneer begins. Raine has always thought she was brave, she had to be to get through Pre-Med and go into debt for over half a million dollars, but now she is not so sure. So she decides to stand her ground …
Maximus and Vartan are waiting when a human female is being sold. She is not cooperating. She refuses to go to her new owner, and who could blame her as he looks like he was melted. Then he kisses her and yells out because she bit him! Vartan is convinced she just signed her own death certificate. The guards then shock her enough that she hits the stage. Having experienced those himself, Maximus doesn’t envy her when, or if, she wakes up. Every nerve in her body will hurt.
Then Vartan loses his mind and purchases a human female that has been a pet. They make plans for the next few days and Vartan leaves with his new ‘pet’. The gladiators were never brought up for sale, but the problem female was dragged back on stage unconscious. The alien that bought her demanded a refund, and if she is not purchased, she will be euthanized. The auctioneer tries to get as much for her as he can, but everyone seen what happened with the other alien, and want nothing to do with her.
So the auctioneer goes from 100 to 80 credits … 50, … 20, …10 … make an offer. Before he can stop himself, Maximus offers 1 credit and the auctioneer says ‘SOLD!’
⛔️ Series 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 dominance, submission, consensual / non-consensual acts, etc.; violence throughout typical of the alien abduction genre such as kidnapping / abduction, murder / death, torture, assault, rape, fighting, human (species) trafficking, enslavement, pain/kill collar, mental, physical and sexual abuse of adults and children, prostitution, coercion, etc.
While this one could be read as a stand-alone, I recommend they be read in series’ date order for maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers. There are multiple reoccurring characters, concurrent / consecutive timelines and overarching themes that are built from the foundation laid by the first story (Zar). There are also a lot of details that occurred previously that would be lost, 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, forced mating, mental health challenges, and trafficking. A high-level list is included below. **
— Although I try to watch it, if you have not read this (or the previous stories in the series), the following may contain spoilers. —
The one thing that I miss, and believe would be extremely helpful, is a published reading order for the Galaxy Gladiators universe. Otherwise, I love this dynamic series. As I stated previously a good series is not all that easy to find. Everyone of the stories have to fit together without being repetitive, while still being engaging. This series by Alana Khan is a great one that has become its own universe, with several spin-offs.
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 errors between the story and other sections, but nothing difficult to interpret. These include incorrect word choice / typos, incorrect capitalization, incorrect punctuation, duplicated header, and inconsistent data regarding Beast’s description and in the preview of the next story. I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested.
In this story, Maximus, aka Max, and Vartan arrive a few days before Vartan’s gladiator match. They are using that time in vastly different ways. Vartan is looking to buy as many gladiator slaves as he can afford so he can free them. Max wants to spend a few days on actual vacation, which he has only experienced one time before.
Raine woke up cold and with a headache. Right at first she is convinced she is dreaming, but it quickly becomes apparent that is not the case. She has been kidnapped by aliens!! Some of the rules are easy when they arc a cattle prod looking thing into the wall when they are done … shut up and do what they say, when they say, or you will get that. No thanks!
They also must have done something subdural because Raine can understand what the strange sounds mean when they talk. They are to be auctioned off. Raine is anything but stupid. She has almost completed her final year of residency and knows she needs to escape. There are a lot of guards; they are everywhere, so Raine will need to wait to be sold. Surely her ‘new owner’ will have less security.
Then it is time to go to the stage. Raine looks around and lets her eyes adjust while two others are sold. The auctioneer begins. Raine has always thought she was brave, she had to be to get through Pre-Med and go into debt for over half a million dollars, but now she is not so sure. So she decides to stand her ground …
Maximus and Vartan are waiting when a human female is being sold. She is not cooperating. She refuses to go to her new owner, and who could blame her as he looks like he was melted. Then he kisses her and yells out because she bit him! Vartan is convinced she just signed her own death certificate. The guards then shock her enough that she hits the stage. Having experienced those himself, Maximus doesn’t envy her when, or if, she wakes up. Every nerve in her body will hurt.
Then Vartan loses his mind and purchases a human female that has been a pet. They make plans for the next few days and Vartan leaves with his new ‘pet’. The gladiators were never brought up for sale, but the problem female was dragged back on stage unconscious. The alien that bought her demanded a refund, and if she is not purchased, she will be euthanized. The auctioneer tries to get as much for her as he can, but everyone seen what happened with the other alien, and want nothing to do with her.
So the auctioneer goes from 100 to 80 credits … 50, … 20, …10 … make an offer. Before he can stop himself, Maximus offers 1 credit and the auctioneer says ‘SOLD!’
⛔️ Series 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 dominance, submission, consensual / non-consensual acts, etc.; violence throughout typical of the alien abduction genre such as kidnapping / abduction, murder / death, torture, assault, rape, fighting, human (species) trafficking, enslavement, pain/kill collar, mental, physical and sexual abuse of adults and children, prostitution, coercion, etc.
August 16, 2021
He didn't come here for this!
All Maximus wants is to find a lovely four armed Mordite female and experience all the heavenly delights he's heard so much about. He agrees to go an auction with his friend where he sees a pretty little human. After she fights her first buyer and is returned, if he doesn't buy the feisty human, she's dead. He knows she'll be trouble.
Raine wakes up to find she's not only not on earth in her bed but that she's in an auction house about to be sold! She'd rather die then be a sex slave to the creepy "thing" that just bought her. When they knock her out, she wakes up burning from the inside out, it doesn't take long for the med student to figure out what's wrong with her.
Max offers to give her just what the doctor ordered. ;)
As this goes on and he develops feelings he didn't think he was capable of, it triggers his mating instinct and their roles are reversed.
He does't want her to feel she has to stay with him, so he tries to leave her alone but, without her he will literally die.
Raine has developed feelings for Max but while she still sates he's needs, she wonders if he's feelings are real or because he literally cannot live without her.
After going to his home world, they find their connection can be forever severed by completing a three day ritual.
Can either give up their hearts desire for the other to have a chance at happiness?
Maximus comes off as hard and uncaring but not once does he judge her of make her feel ashamed in her "needing". He always put her needs above his own. His parents, awesome!
Raine is not only strong and smart, but she's a thinker. I love the fact that after her initial panic, she thought out her situation and didn't become a shrinking violet.
This was so good. Heat and action with plenty of touching moments that will make you think of the simple things you take for granted.
HEA.
I recommend this one.
All Maximus wants is to find a lovely four armed Mordite female and experience all the heavenly delights he's heard so much about. He agrees to go an auction with his friend where he sees a pretty little human. After she fights her first buyer and is returned, if he doesn't buy the feisty human, she's dead. He knows she'll be trouble.
Raine wakes up to find she's not only not on earth in her bed but that she's in an auction house about to be sold! She'd rather die then be a sex slave to the creepy "thing" that just bought her. When they knock her out, she wakes up burning from the inside out, it doesn't take long for the med student to figure out what's wrong with her.
Max offers to give her just what the doctor ordered. ;)
As this goes on and he develops feelings he didn't think he was capable of, it triggers his mating instinct and their roles are reversed.
He does't want her to feel she has to stay with him, so he tries to leave her alone but, without her he will literally die.
Raine has developed feelings for Max but while she still sates he's needs, she wonders if he's feelings are real or because he literally cannot live without her.
After going to his home world, they find their connection can be forever severed by completing a three day ritual.
Can either give up their hearts desire for the other to have a chance at happiness?
Maximus comes off as hard and uncaring but not once does he judge her of make her feel ashamed in her "needing". He always put her needs above his own. His parents, awesome!
Raine is not only strong and smart, but she's a thinker. I love the fact that after her initial panic, she thought out her situation and didn't become a shrinking violet.
This was so good. Heat and action with plenty of touching moments that will make you think of the simple things you take for granted.
HEA.
I recommend this one.
December 15, 2023
Maximus
I've rarely been as aggravated with a MFC as this one. The premise of their conflict is that because there is a mate bond that causes a hormonal/chemical change in his body, then she can't know if he really loves her. She thinks to herself,
“Neither of us will ever know if his feelings for me are genuine. I doubt they are. They’re just lust-filled, biologically driven compulsions.”
This is not an unusual plot device in this genre, but this MFC is extremely dense about it. She is a medical doctor and yet she keeps insisting that their attraction is only due to the mate bond. First of all, emotions are hormonal/chemical reactions in the body and so is the mate bond - so how are they different exactly? The MMC even thinks to himself at one point,
“She says my feelings, my attraction, my affection aren’t real. It’s just my body chemistry. What would make it real? If feelings aren't chemistry and hormones, then what are they?”
Second, if we let go of the fact that the mate bond and emotions are both measurable by science (and hence, "real"), and think of love as something different, then we have to allow that love is a lot less likely to be long lasting. It's not even a real thing - at least one could count on the mate bond to last a lifetime.
I suppose part of my frustration comes from something that isn't addressed directly. Long term relationships tend to be hard - it can be difficult to maintain an intimate trusting connection day to day much less over decades. How nice it would be to have hormonal/chemical imperative to help a couple through times of withdrawal and emotional separation, a bond that would help diffuse negative emotions and remind the brain of the positive emotions of the mate bond.
I don't think she deserves him. But I'm still loving the series, so off to the next book.
I've rarely been as aggravated with a MFC as this one. The premise of their conflict is that because there is a mate bond that causes a hormonal/chemical change in his body, then she can't know if he really loves her. She thinks to herself,
“Neither of us will ever know if his feelings for me are genuine. I doubt they are. They’re just lust-filled, biologically driven compulsions.”
This is not an unusual plot device in this genre, but this MFC is extremely dense about it. She is a medical doctor and yet she keeps insisting that their attraction is only due to the mate bond. First of all, emotions are hormonal/chemical reactions in the body and so is the mate bond - so how are they different exactly? The MMC even thinks to himself at one point,
“She says my feelings, my attraction, my affection aren’t real. It’s just my body chemistry. What would make it real? If feelings aren't chemistry and hormones, then what are they?”
Second, if we let go of the fact that the mate bond and emotions are both measurable by science (and hence, "real"), and think of love as something different, then we have to allow that love is a lot less likely to be long lasting. It's not even a real thing - at least one could count on the mate bond to last a lifetime.
I suppose part of my frustration comes from something that isn't addressed directly. Long term relationships tend to be hard - it can be difficult to maintain an intimate trusting connection day to day much less over decades. How nice it would be to have hormonal/chemical imperative to help a couple through times of withdrawal and emotional separation, a bond that would help diffuse negative emotions and remind the brain of the positive emotions of the mate bond.
I don't think she deserves him. But I'm still loving the series, so off to the next book.
August 27, 2021
Maximus saves a woman from certain death but doesn't know what to de with her.
After laughing at his friend Vartan for bidding on a woman at the slave auction, to his own surprise, he also bought a slave. After the words of the auctineer: "Do I hear a bid, or does she get euthanized?" he bought the slave for 1 credit.
Raine doesn't know how she ended up at an auction, she only realizes that she is not on Earth, surrounded by the most creepy aliens. She fights the repulsive monster that bought her and is punished by the guards. When she wakes up, horny and hot, there is Maximus helping her by satisfying her. It takes a few days for the effect of the drug she was injected to wear off. Raine is enamored with Maximus, but isn't sure if her feelings stem from gratitude or more.
Maximus experiences something completely different. He wakes up with a luminous drawing on his chest. He finds out it means to his kind that he is mate-bound. But is it a biological thing or are his feelings for her real?
As soon as Raine is out of sight, he experiences pain and a desire to share the bed with her. He decides to avoid her, not realizing that he is hurting Raine.
When Raine realizes why Maximus is ignoring her, they team up to find a way to break free from the mate bond.
And as they embark on the quest to break the mate bond, they both wonder if this is what they want.
A delightful sci-fi novel where steamy scenes meet you in every chapter. Despite all the sex (or is it thanks to all the sex) the emergence of feelings is also clearly palpable between the words. Representing the emotions that are felt well. You understand the considerations Raine makes to break the bond, you feel Maximus's uncertainty whether this is his choice.
I'm happy with the HEA that both find together
After laughing at his friend Vartan for bidding on a woman at the slave auction, to his own surprise, he also bought a slave. After the words of the auctineer: "Do I hear a bid, or does she get euthanized?" he bought the slave for 1 credit.
Raine doesn't know how she ended up at an auction, she only realizes that she is not on Earth, surrounded by the most creepy aliens. She fights the repulsive monster that bought her and is punished by the guards. When she wakes up, horny and hot, there is Maximus helping her by satisfying her. It takes a few days for the effect of the drug she was injected to wear off. Raine is enamored with Maximus, but isn't sure if her feelings stem from gratitude or more.
Maximus experiences something completely different. He wakes up with a luminous drawing on his chest. He finds out it means to his kind that he is mate-bound. But is it a biological thing or are his feelings for her real?
As soon as Raine is out of sight, he experiences pain and a desire to share the bed with her. He decides to avoid her, not realizing that he is hurting Raine.
When Raine realizes why Maximus is ignoring her, they team up to find a way to break free from the mate bond.
And as they embark on the quest to break the mate bond, they both wonder if this is what they want.
A delightful sci-fi novel where steamy scenes meet you in every chapter. Despite all the sex (or is it thanks to all the sex) the emergence of feelings is also clearly palpable between the words. Representing the emotions that are felt well. You understand the considerations Raine makes to break the bond, you feel Maximus's uncertainty whether this is his choice.
I'm happy with the HEA that both find together
November 9, 2021
On my hotness!! Did I enjoy this installment💖🔥💖🔥💖💖
I have to say that each book in the series just gets better and better. The world building is terrific and the characters are so well developed and drawn out that you can't help but love them and root for them to find their happily ever after💖🔥💖🔥🔥🔥 Raine was abducted in her final year of residency from medical school. Taken from everything she knows and loves and made a slave. She is thrown into an auction and sold to the highest bidder. She takes one look and snaps she bites him so badly he bleeding everywhere that he returns her. They put her up on the auction block again this time with the if you don't buy her she dies. This is where Maximus finds her. He's the head of security on the Devils playground. All he wants is to be there for his friend during his gladiator match and find blue tour armed woman to spend the evening and with. He doesn't need or want to buy a safe or to rescue a human female bound to cause trouble. But what does he do you you guessed it he buys her and the adventure truly begins. Passion and chemistry are not a problem they have that in spades, but it is real or based on something else? This is the journey of two stubborn souls that fail to see what is right before their eyes. It will take working through many misunderstandings and learning about each other before true love blossoms and become forever! So great highly recommend💖🔥💖🔥🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖💖💖🔥🔥
I have to say that each book in the series just gets better and better. The world building is terrific and the characters are so well developed and drawn out that you can't help but love them and root for them to find their happily ever after💖🔥💖🔥🔥🔥 Raine was abducted in her final year of residency from medical school. Taken from everything she knows and loves and made a slave. She is thrown into an auction and sold to the highest bidder. She takes one look and snaps she bites him so badly he bleeding everywhere that he returns her. They put her up on the auction block again this time with the if you don't buy her she dies. This is where Maximus finds her. He's the head of security on the Devils playground. All he wants is to be there for his friend during his gladiator match and find blue tour armed woman to spend the evening and with. He doesn't need or want to buy a safe or to rescue a human female bound to cause trouble. But what does he do you you guessed it he buys her and the adventure truly begins. Passion and chemistry are not a problem they have that in spades, but it is real or based on something else? This is the journey of two stubborn souls that fail to see what is right before their eyes. It will take working through many misunderstandings and learning about each other before true love blossoms and become forever! So great highly recommend💖🔥💖🔥🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖💖💖🔥🔥
May 21, 2024
Maximus
I enjoyed the story of Max and Raine. It wasn't what I expected at all. He was such a course dracking a.. hole from the moment he was introduced that you tend to not like him much. When you find out he was stolen at age 5, it makes his personality quite understandable. He's just a rowdy ass kicking Gladiator who is uncouth and totally unaware of the niceties and behavior that one is expected to follow in public. He has had to fight for every crumb he has ever gotten since the day he was kidnapped. Max doesn't seem so bad then.
Raine is so good for him. She's just as hard ass but in a different way. Let's just say they're ways compliment each other. What ensues is a great frolicking fun romp while seeing them grow. Maximus continues to surprise you throughout the story. You kinda fall in love with him by the end too. There was more than once where I actually wanted to knock Raine on the noggin and tell her to get over it already! Give Max and Raine a try. Just the descriptions of the gladiators are worth it alone. Enjoy
Wardog is still my favorite book but I've loved all the others as well.
Kathy
I enjoyed the story of Max and Raine. It wasn't what I expected at all. He was such a course dracking a.. hole from the moment he was introduced that you tend to not like him much. When you find out he was stolen at age 5, it makes his personality quite understandable. He's just a rowdy ass kicking Gladiator who is uncouth and totally unaware of the niceties and behavior that one is expected to follow in public. He has had to fight for every crumb he has ever gotten since the day he was kidnapped. Max doesn't seem so bad then.
Raine is so good for him. She's just as hard ass but in a different way. Let's just say they're ways compliment each other. What ensues is a great frolicking fun romp while seeing them grow. Maximus continues to surprise you throughout the story. You kinda fall in love with him by the end too. There was more than once where I actually wanted to knock Raine on the noggin and tell her to get over it already! Give Max and Raine a try. Just the descriptions of the gladiators are worth it alone. Enjoy
Wardog is still my favorite book but I've loved all the others as well.
Kathy
August 16, 2021
Maximus, a former Gladiator slave, was attending a slave auction hoping to buy some gladiator slaves to give them their freedom. There were none there but he is intrigued by a human female that is bought and then attacks her new master. Later in the auction she is brought back on stage, unconscious, to be resold. No one wants her and they are going to kill her if no one buys her. So Maximus buys her for one credit. When he gets her back to his hotel room he doesn’t know what to do with her. He figures when she wakes up she will be furious so he ties her to the bed.
Raine is abducted from her bed on earth and wakes up in a cell on a space ship. She was in her final year of medical school. So much for paying off her school loans! The auction doesn’t go well and they knock her unconscious. She wakes up in a hotel room tied to the bed. What’s a girl to think?
This is a great book that follows Maximus and Raine on their journey to love. You will laugh and cry and sometimes just want to smack both of them for being so stubborn! Couldn’t put it down!
Raine is abducted from her bed on earth and wakes up in a cell on a space ship. She was in her final year of medical school. So much for paying off her school loans! The auction doesn’t go well and they knock her unconscious. She wakes up in a hotel room tied to the bed. What’s a girl to think?
This is a great book that follows Maximus and Raine on their journey to love. You will laugh and cry and sometimes just want to smack both of them for being so stubborn! Couldn’t put it down!
August 18, 2021
This is a good story. I will have to warn you that there are many adult situation scenes, so this is for mature audiences only. Maximus has been a slave since he was 5 years old and learned to look out for himself. Raine is a young resident doctor abducted by aliens to be sold at auction. Maximus does his first unselfish thing and purchases her for one credit to save her from being euthanized after she bites the first alien that purchased her. I enjoyed the story line between the adult situations very much. It has a lot of adventure and growth for each of the characters. There is some overlap with other characters from the other books in the series, but this is Raine's and Maximus' story and it is a good one. I would recommend it.
August 20, 2021
She really made him work for that HEA
Max was kidnapped as a child and forced to a life as a gladiator slave in a universe that did not care whether he lived or died. A life like that tends to skew a person's perspective. Meanwhile, somewhere light-years away, Raine grew up to be a doctor but was torn away from her dream life when she got kidnapped by aliens and sold at an auction as a pleasure slave. Max became Raine's savior from certain death and her protector when he bought her for one credit. The circumstances of their initial interaction made them question the validity of their attraction to each other and it took a lot of heartache on both their parts to finally get to that HEA.
Max was kidnapped as a child and forced to a life as a gladiator slave in a universe that did not care whether he lived or died. A life like that tends to skew a person's perspective. Meanwhile, somewhere light-years away, Raine grew up to be a doctor but was torn away from her dream life when she got kidnapped by aliens and sold at an auction as a pleasure slave. Max became Raine's savior from certain death and her protector when he bought her for one credit. The circumstances of their initial interaction made them question the validity of their attraction to each other and it took a lot of heartache on both their parts to finally get to that HEA.
August 22, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Raine pinching herself to wake up was hilarious, as she can't believes the new reality her life has taken! I mean who would believe the impossible, kidnapped by aliens, oonly to be sold off! I laughed so much while this poor woman is on that stage overlooking the crowd. Maximus has better thing to do with with his money then spend on a captive female..right? The gaming tables for one, only the human is eye catching with her firespirit. Vartan's plan to recuse the human just maybe the most brilliant plan to date. Once Raine and Maximus work on their differences that is because they so need help. Maximus craziest idea of learn how to mate with Raine! Yup, so in need!
August 17, 2021
Raine isn't like the other humana, She just woke up and was being draged to any auction... For her, She was being sold to the highest bidder but things went from bad to terrible in a second and Maximus ends up saving her. End of story Wright? Wrong! It could get worse and it did but once again, Maximus helps her with no gain for him. She would do the same for him. Guess what? She is faces with that option. Will She help? In the end they don't know what It's real and what is just being helpfull or what is love or Lust, duty? I loved Maximus homeworld and what they go throw there. Another great addittion to the series.
March 16, 2025
Wow, Max and Raines story is amazing
This story has it all. Max is a gladiator who was abducted at age five, he loves to fight, party and just be free now that he’s been saved. He is attending a slave market with another gladiator hoping to purchase and free other gladiators when he sees Raine being sold. When her first sale goes bad, she’s put back up for sale. The auctioneer not receiving any bids says she’s going to be put to death. Max bids the minimum and wins her. What follows is a heartwarming tale. This story has it all, lots of laughs and reunions with Maxs family. I hope the rest of the books follow suit.
This story has it all. Max is a gladiator who was abducted at age five, he loves to fight, party and just be free now that he’s been saved. He is attending a slave market with another gladiator hoping to purchase and free other gladiators when he sees Raine being sold. When her first sale goes bad, she’s put back up for sale. The auctioneer not receiving any bids says she’s going to be put to death. Max bids the minimum and wins her. What follows is a heartwarming tale. This story has it all, lots of laughs and reunions with Maxs family. I hope the rest of the books follow suit.
June 24, 2021
Maximus was at the slave auctions looking to liberate fellow gladiators. Instead he found himself saving a human woman. Raine has been abducted, and sold, returned and then sold again. Fortunately for her, her buyer knows a human woman when he sees them and decides to take a chance and save her-at a bargain. Again the reader is back on The Devils Playground ship, with the motley crew of humans and aliens. Great to again visit the world Alana has built. Raine and Maximus of course have stumbles thru the story.
August 15, 2021
Another great read in the Galaxy Gladiator series. The main hero was abducted when he was 5 and was raised in the gladiator world, so he is definitely rough around the edges. The main heroine is working to become a doctor when she is abducted from Earth and is then put up for auction. They have a unique beginning and different track to their HEA. The only thing I had a little trouble with was how long the heroine held on to her anger with the hero, for what felt like a somewhat minor reason. Otherwise it was a really good read and would recommend.
August 26, 2021
Mad Max
Aw! This one pulled on my heartstrings in a major way. I adored Max, he was so sweet to Raine. I remember my grandma used to refer to people as educated fools and I would laugh, not quite understanding what she meant. Raine reminded me of what my grandma meant, she was so busy looking at the science of everything she was wrecking poor Max. I loved Olivia and her machinations, saw right through her! This book was a great addition to the series I just can’t get enough of. Thank you Alana Kahn.
Aw! This one pulled on my heartstrings in a major way. I adored Max, he was so sweet to Raine. I remember my grandma used to refer to people as educated fools and I would laugh, not quite understanding what she meant. Raine reminded me of what my grandma meant, she was so busy looking at the science of everything she was wrecking poor Max. I loved Olivia and her machinations, saw right through her! This book was a great addition to the series I just can’t get enough of. Thank you Alana Kahn.
August 16, 2021
Maximus is the kind of hero that drags me into a book. He is arrogant, sexy, abrupt, thoughtful, and feels like he doesn't deserve the heroine. But throughout the entire book, you are rooting for this couple. They started their relationship a bit backward, and you will wonder how they will figure everything out. There is a lot of action, fun, and love throughout the book. I highly recommend this one! I will definitely read this again!
August 24, 2021
Excellent addition to the series. Both the H and h have unique personalities. This book is packed with action and gets HOT right from the start. Maximus has a personality that any Alpha loving woman would look for except Raine who has some indecision. The series keeps getting better and better. I don’t want to give any spoils but I will say that this is one of my favs in the series. I will read this book again and again.
September 15, 2021
a sweet romantic story
This story is a twist on the alien and female damsel in distress. The alien purchases the female to save her from death. What starts off as a straight forward story ends up being complicated. Although I liked the story, I was fatigued by the constant whining about feelings not being real but manipulated. This story focuses on the two main characters, but there are many secondary characters that make a appearance.
This story is a twist on the alien and female damsel in distress. The alien purchases the female to save her from death. What starts off as a straight forward story ends up being complicated. Although I liked the story, I was fatigued by the constant whining about feelings not being real but manipulated. This story focuses on the two main characters, but there are many secondary characters that make a appearance.
April 27, 2025
The absolute cutest!
I loved this! At first i thought it was going to be too much like something else ive read, but alama kahn is so good at making her stories original. Also, the former books makes maximus sound like a douche, but this book reveals so much about his character and hes such a good guy. Such a sweeet romance even if it was delayed by miscommunication and started off on the wrong foot.
I loved this! At first i thought it was going to be too much like something else ive read, but alama kahn is so good at making her stories original. Also, the former books makes maximus sound like a douche, but this book reveals so much about his character and hes such a good guy. Such a sweeet romance even if it was delayed by miscommunication and started off on the wrong foot.
August 14, 2021
Maximus, kidnapped at age 5 and forced to become a gladiator, is definitely rough around the edges and lacking in compassion. Raine, kidnapped from earth just as she is ready to complete her education as a doctor, is driven, caring and empathetic. Their two worlds collide at a slave auction where sparks fly. Great world building, conflict and passion. Another must read.
August 24, 2021
This has become one of my favorite book in the series. Max and Raine’s meeting was not be favorable to say it mildly but the love they had for each other when they let their feelings free was wonderful.
I thought it was the males who are stubborn but in this case it was Raine who was too blind to see the truth of Max’s love.
I thought it was the males who are stubborn but in this case it was Raine who was too blind to see the truth of Max’s love.
August 24, 2021
Book Fifteen in the Galaxy Gladiators Alien Abduction Romance Series this series just gets better with each new book. Human Raine and Maximus does not get off to a great start when he buys her to set her free and the slaver roofied her with a powerful aphrodisiac. This was a fun story to read. I would recommend.
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