What do you think?
Rate this book
Galactic Gladiator Games #1
Alien Warrior Bound
They have only one job: beat all the other contestants.
He’s a former POW who escaped the galaxy’s most secure prison.
She’s a curvy book nerd, abducted from her job as a small-town librarian on Earth.
Welcome to the Galactic Gladiator Games, where the toughest aliens in the galaxy fight for the most prestigious titles. But these games come with a twist: every alien warrior is mentally and emotionally bound to a potential Earth mate, forced to work with her to overcome their enemies--and sometimes each other.
Fans of Ruby Dixon, Evangeline Anderson, and Grace Goodwin will adore these hot alpha aliens and their sassy human mates.
He’s a former POW who escaped the galaxy’s most secure prison.
She’s a curvy book nerd, abducted from her job as a small-town librarian on Earth.
Welcome to the Galactic Gladiator Games, where the toughest aliens in the galaxy fight for the most prestigious titles. But these games come with a twist: every alien warrior is mentally and emotionally bound to a potential Earth mate, forced to work with her to overcome their enemies--and sometimes each other.
Fans of Ruby Dixon, Evangeline Anderson, and Grace Goodwin will adore these hot alpha aliens and their sassy human mates.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2022
80 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Margo Bond Collins
279 books1,175 followersUSA Today, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times bestselling author Margo Bond Collins is a former college English professor who, tired of explaining the difference between "hanged" and "hung," turned to writing romance novels instead. She now writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and science fiction romance. Sometimes her heroines kiss aliens, sometimes they kill monsters. But they always aim for the heart.
You can learn more about her at http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink and follow her on all the usual social media outlets:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/margobon...
Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink
Blog: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin
Google+: https://plus.google.com/1164845554481...
You can learn more about her at http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink and follow her on all the usual social media outlets:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/margobon...
Website: http://www.MargoBondCollins.ink
Blog: http://www.MargoBondCollins.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MargoBondCollin @MargoBondCollin
Google+: https://plus.google.com/1164845554481...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
April 11, 2022
Let the games begin!!
This was really good. One of the best alien games of death books I've read. In the yearly Galactic Gladiator Games where only one pair wins, a gladiator is pair bonded with a female from a different species. This species is usually picked to be a hindrance to the gladiators. This year the species is humans. Everyone in the universe knows that human women are the weakest and most helpless individuals there are.
Azi was resigned to the fact that he wasn't making it out of this alive, bonded to such a soft, helpless, curvy creature as a human woman. Jazz was a librarian who lived most of her adventures through books, but she had grit and didn't give up. Her tenacious spirit while not losing her compassionate and caring nature won Azi over. This was cute watching Azi and Jazz go from loathing to love, as they had each other's back while making it through the obstacles and challenges of the games.
I felt bad that there were other human women bonded to other gladiators that were losing their lives. Some deserved it though. I don't know if the next books are going to be stories about some of the other couples in this games or in future games. Either way I'm excited to read the next one.
Even though this is an ARC review, I will always shoot you straight. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was really good. One of the best alien games of death books I've read. In the yearly Galactic Gladiator Games where only one pair wins, a gladiator is pair bonded with a female from a different species. This species is usually picked to be a hindrance to the gladiators. This year the species is humans. Everyone in the universe knows that human women are the weakest and most helpless individuals there are.
Azi was resigned to the fact that he wasn't making it out of this alive, bonded to such a soft, helpless, curvy creature as a human woman. Jazz was a librarian who lived most of her adventures through books, but she had grit and didn't give up. Her tenacious spirit while not losing her compassionate and caring nature won Azi over. This was cute watching Azi and Jazz go from loathing to love, as they had each other's back while making it through the obstacles and challenges of the games.
I felt bad that there were other human women bonded to other gladiators that were losing their lives. Some deserved it though. I don't know if the next books are going to be stories about some of the other couples in this games or in future games. Either way I'm excited to read the next one.
Even though this is an ARC review, I will always shoot you straight. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2024
3.5 This was an interesting alien gladiator novel with a bookish FMC and a morally gray MMC. I liked that he wasn’t interested in her at all at the beginning of the book.
That said, I feel like they didn’t know each other very well by the end of the book, despite a telepathic bond.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: abduction, captivity, murder, death of side characters, violence, gore, mention of rape of side character, fatphobia, sexual harassment and threat of SA (not by MC)
That said, I feel like they didn’t know each other very well by the end of the book, despite a telepathic bond.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: abduction, captivity, murder, death of side characters, violence, gore, mention of rape of side character, fatphobia, sexual harassment and threat of SA (not by MC)
April 20, 2024
'No hay mujer en el universo más regia que tú. Te mueves a través de mundos, decidido a mejorarlos incluso cuando anhelas escapar de realidades oscuras a través de tus historias de ficción. En lo que a mí respecta, eres mejor que cualquier princesa "real" que jamás haya existido. Y si me salgo con la mía, te haré mía.'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•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.
Alien Warrior Bound de Margo Bond Collins, Sasha Caine Serie Galactic Gladiator Games libro 1
Argumento:
Sólo tienen un trabajo: vencer a todos los demás concursantes.
Es un ex prisionero de guerra que escapó de la prisión más segura de la galaxia.
Ella es una nerd de los libros con curvas, secuestrada de su trabajo como bibliotecaria en un pequeño pueblo de la tierra.
Mi humilde opinión:
Un romance de ciencia ficción con peligro, suspenso y pasión. Creí que vería más luchas estilo coliseo pero me sorprendió que fuera más estilo Los Juegos del hambre. Galactic Gladiator Games es un reality dónde guerreros alienígenas y humanas secuestradas de la tierra son emparejados, ligados mental y emocionalmente antes de ponerlos en un planeta para trabajar juntos en peligrosos retos de supervivencia para vencer a las otras parejas competidoras. Solo una será la que ganará su libertad.
Es la primera vez que leo a estas autoras y la verdad disfruté de la aventura de Jazz y Azi. Al principio no podía creer lo imbécil que era Azi con Jazz, o sea, decía que los humanos eran débiles, que lo iban a matar por su culpa pero no ponía de su parte para trabajar con ella en equipo? Se burlaba y se paraba a pensar que ella era de otro planeta y que no entendía las reglas de ese. No podía explicarle, ser más comprensivo con una mujer que fue secuestrada y metida en una situación que no pidió, al igual que él? De verdad tenía ganas de patear su trasero naranja! Pero después se hizo querer y me encantó cuando trabajan juntos. Él se da cuenta que no solo la fuerza física puede hacernos fuertes.
Me gustó cómo se resolvió el final. Se defendieron ferozmente el uno al otro, ganaron gracias a los fans y tuvieron su momento picante tras la victoria... no voy a comentar sobre lo que guardaba Azi en sus pantalones, What?!
February 2, 2023
DNF at 46%. I tried but honestly, the cover art is the best thing about this book.
April 2, 2022
I loved it. It was Hunger Games meet HHGG. Trying not to give any spoilers but Heroine adjusted a tad quickly to being abducted. The writing flowed. highly recommended.would love a glimpse into their journey via other books in the series.
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 5, 2022
I couldn't connect with anything in this book. Personally I didn't really care about the MC, the alien love interest or their relationship. The whole warrior games is a cool concept but the excitement, danger, adventures, high stakes feeling was missing. It was like one second it starts, the next it's over with minimal build up.
Also the end? Like that came out of nowhere. I do not get how in 1 week all this trauma from both parties is gone and within hours of this galactic game ordeal they make that descion?!
Also a random point of view chapter from the announcer thrown in there for what? Unless it's because he appears in future books (and even then) I don't see why they did that? I thought at first it was to let us know who died but it was only used once. So why bother telling us really if it's only for the 2 first deaths and then a "next challenge might kill a lot off".
Also, all this thing about the Texas guy but it goes nowhere. Why make a fuss out of him? Why make him do this whole "your my secret weapon" thing?!
Just a lot of things that didn't lead to anything. Like this whole hunger games thing (super similar to hunger games in many ways) of challenges lighting up in the sky (hunger games had deaths in the sky), be the last one alive, fight for supplies, engineered arena, rich people watch, can sponsor and send supplies, etc.. yet no one does send supplied except for that very last moment but even then it's a voting thing not someone sending something.
Also why have challenges in the sky? Do they need to do it? If not where is the strategy talk on "is getting a med kit worth it", "should we keep moving or hide" etc.
Another thing what a jerk thing for the love Interest to say about that girl at the end. Won't spoil but how does what she did make her bad? Like come on, it's a normal reaction. What were you expecting her to do? She was smart to do what she did.
Sometimes I can get over inconsistencies if I like the characters but again I didn't. It was all just flat and the MCs personality was also very inconsistent (both thoughts and actions).
The kissing scene also pissed me off because one, no romantic tension building up to it and two, for a battle hardened warrior you really thought that was the best time?! It's wasn't even a "we are hiding and we are close lets kiss" kind of thing. The were literally in the middle of running away.
I just think this book was lacking in world building, character building, tension building, etc. Unfortunately this book wasn't for me.
Also the end? Like that came out of nowhere. I do not get how in 1 week all this trauma from both parties is gone and within hours of this galactic game ordeal they make that descion?!
Also a random point of view chapter from the announcer thrown in there for what? Unless it's because he appears in future books (and even then) I don't see why they did that? I thought at first it was to let us know who died but it was only used once. So why bother telling us really if it's only for the 2 first deaths and then a "next challenge might kill a lot off".
Also, all this thing about the Texas guy but it goes nowhere. Why make a fuss out of him? Why make him do this whole "your my secret weapon" thing?!
Just a lot of things that didn't lead to anything. Like this whole hunger games thing (super similar to hunger games in many ways) of challenges lighting up in the sky (hunger games had deaths in the sky), be the last one alive, fight for supplies, engineered arena, rich people watch, can sponsor and send supplies, etc.. yet no one does send supplied except for that very last moment but even then it's a voting thing not someone sending something.
Also why have challenges in the sky? Do they need to do it? If not where is the strategy talk on "is getting a med kit worth it", "should we keep moving or hide" etc.
Another thing what a jerk thing for the love Interest to say about that girl at the end. Won't spoil but how does what she did make her bad? Like come on, it's a normal reaction. What were you expecting her to do? She was smart to do what she did.
Sometimes I can get over inconsistencies if I like the characters but again I didn't. It was all just flat and the MCs personality was also very inconsistent (both thoughts and actions).
The kissing scene also pissed me off because one, no romantic tension building up to it and two, for a battle hardened warrior you really thought that was the best time?! It's wasn't even a "we are hiding and we are close lets kiss" kind of thing. The were literally in the middle of running away.
I just think this book was lacking in world building, character building, tension building, etc. Unfortunately this book wasn't for me.
August 30, 2022
I typically enjoy Margo Collin’s work, falling in love with her Bride Lottery series. While waiting for her new book to print, I decided to check out her other work.
This book is very much an alien version of The Hunger Games. Each alien warrior is paired with a human female that was abducted from Earth. Before they are placed inside the “do or die” dome (with an environment very similar to The Hunger Games), the two are “bonded” together. This bond allows them to share their thoughts with each other, whether they want to or not. It was both a blessing and a curse as they were unable to hide anything from one another.
Azi is an alien that escaped from prison and had a bounty on his head. After he was captured by bounty hunters, instead of returning him to the prison he escaped, they delivered him to the Galactic Gladiator Games. Jazz (short for Jasmine) was a single librarian who chose to loss herself inside a book opposed to socializing among the masses. She grew up an awkward outcast, with her popular best friend being the only thing that kept the bullying at bay. That same best friend, who was now married with kids, talked Jazz into a blind date at a party. Her blind date was a boring lawyer and was the least bit intriguing. Jazz was abducted during this gathering, after she excused herself to go sit outside on a bench and read.
After being “bonded” Azi was annoyed with Jazz and her constant thinking. He originally planned to kill her to rid himself of the nuisance, but slowly changed his mind as the games went on. And of course, they slowly adopted feelings for each other. Each pairing was eliminated (by death) until the only pair that remain was Azi and Jazz, winning the games.
The ride was wild and conflicting. I feel like it has so much potential, but fell way short. Some areas felt redundant, while others felt rushed. The book started going down hill for me the first time Azi declared he wanted to kill Jazz, and it only got worse by the 15th time he referenced it. I despise repetition in a book, as it makes the writing lazy. Kinda bummed since I enjoyed the author’s previous work. I will read the next book with hopes of redemption.
This book is very much an alien version of The Hunger Games. Each alien warrior is paired with a human female that was abducted from Earth. Before they are placed inside the “do or die” dome (with an environment very similar to The Hunger Games), the two are “bonded” together. This bond allows them to share their thoughts with each other, whether they want to or not. It was both a blessing and a curse as they were unable to hide anything from one another.
Azi is an alien that escaped from prison and had a bounty on his head. After he was captured by bounty hunters, instead of returning him to the prison he escaped, they delivered him to the Galactic Gladiator Games. Jazz (short for Jasmine) was a single librarian who chose to loss herself inside a book opposed to socializing among the masses. She grew up an awkward outcast, with her popular best friend being the only thing that kept the bullying at bay. That same best friend, who was now married with kids, talked Jazz into a blind date at a party. Her blind date was a boring lawyer and was the least bit intriguing. Jazz was abducted during this gathering, after she excused herself to go sit outside on a bench and read.
After being “bonded” Azi was annoyed with Jazz and her constant thinking. He originally planned to kill her to rid himself of the nuisance, but slowly changed his mind as the games went on. And of course, they slowly adopted feelings for each other. Each pairing was eliminated (by death) until the only pair that remain was Azi and Jazz, winning the games.
The ride was wild and conflicting. I feel like it has so much potential, but fell way short. Some areas felt redundant, while others felt rushed. The book started going down hill for me the first time Azi declared he wanted to kill Jazz, and it only got worse by the 15th time he referenced it. I despise repetition in a book, as it makes the writing lazy. Kinda bummed since I enjoyed the author’s previous work. I will read the next book with hopes of redemption.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2022
Azi used to be a smuggler and was once a hero. Since being arrested and sent to one of the roughest prisons in the galaxy, he has turned selfish and jaded. He was lucky enough to be the only prisoner to have escaped and is on the run. However he is captured by a trio of bounty hunters. Expecting to be returned to prison, he is shocked to find out he has been entered in the Galactic Gladiator Games. The gladiators who compete are desperate criminal trying to win their freedom or fame hungry warriors. Each warrior is bonded to a weak helpless woman and the pair will work together to survive and protect each other from other gladiators trying to kill them. This year's games the gladiators will be paired up with women who have been kidnapped from Earth. Azi feels that this a death sentence because everyone knows that Earth females are weak and helpless. He is just trying to decide is it would be better to eliminate his partner himself and be killed for break the rules or to play by the book. Then he meets Jazz and she has some lessons to teach him.
Jazz is happiest at home nights reading a book. She is a librarian who is definitely on the curvy side. Her best friend keeps trying to set her up on dates thinking Jazz can't be happy alone. Jazz would rather be alone than with some of the guys she gets set up with. Finally she gets fed up and makes her friend promise that this will be the last time her friend pressures her into a date if she wears the sexy dress her friend picks out for her. The date is a disaster and Jazz goes outside to read when she is captured by aliens. She finds herself on an alien planet and forced to bond with a sexy alien. The bond has them reading each others minds. Jazz is not happy with the way Azi sees her and the other human woman. She will show him what she is capable of doing and might even surprise herself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jazz is happiest at home nights reading a book. She is a librarian who is definitely on the curvy side. Her best friend keeps trying to set her up on dates thinking Jazz can't be happy alone. Jazz would rather be alone than with some of the guys she gets set up with. Finally she gets fed up and makes her friend promise that this will be the last time her friend pressures her into a date if she wears the sexy dress her friend picks out for her. The date is a disaster and Jazz goes outside to read when she is captured by aliens. She finds herself on an alien planet and forced to bond with a sexy alien. The bond has them reading each others minds. Jazz is not happy with the way Azi sees her and the other human woman. She will show him what she is capable of doing and might even surprise herself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2022
Jazzmine, Jazz to her friends, is a librarian who lives through her books. As a curvy girl she has given up on men and is happy with her work. She is sitting outside one night reading a book when she is abducted by aliens. She wakes up in a holding cell in a space ship with other women from earth.
Azi Valar is the only prisoner to escape from Vanguard, the most secure prison in the known galaxy. His crime was helping to rescue children from slavery. Since then he has survived by being a bootlegger and staying one step ahead of the bounty hunters after him. Two and a half million credits has everyone in the galaxy after him. Unfortunately he gets captured but instead of turning him into Vanguard, they sell him to Magnum T. Bloodworm, a texas born human who found his way into space and has made his fortune at the expense of everyone else. He is now in charge of the GGG or Galactic Gladiator Games and is making a killing. Twenty five “volunteers” get a chance for their freedom and the grand prize if they win. Every year they are paired with a female of some other species, but this year Magnum has chosen human females. He figures it will be an even bigger draw since almost no one has ever seen a female human.
The games begin with the bonding ceremony. Both of the pairs of male and female are exposed to some kind of gas that bonds their minds so they can hear each other’s thoughts. That alone should drive both of them crazy! But Jazz and Azi must learn to co-exist and help each other or they may be the first to parish in the games!
This was a great book and I loved how Jazz and Azi learned from each other and grew to care for each other. This looks like it’s going to be a great series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Azi Valar is the only prisoner to escape from Vanguard, the most secure prison in the known galaxy. His crime was helping to rescue children from slavery. Since then he has survived by being a bootlegger and staying one step ahead of the bounty hunters after him. Two and a half million credits has everyone in the galaxy after him. Unfortunately he gets captured but instead of turning him into Vanguard, they sell him to Magnum T. Bloodworm, a texas born human who found his way into space and has made his fortune at the expense of everyone else. He is now in charge of the GGG or Galactic Gladiator Games and is making a killing. Twenty five “volunteers” get a chance for their freedom and the grand prize if they win. Every year they are paired with a female of some other species, but this year Magnum has chosen human females. He figures it will be an even bigger draw since almost no one has ever seen a female human.
The games begin with the bonding ceremony. Both of the pairs of male and female are exposed to some kind of gas that bonds their minds so they can hear each other’s thoughts. That alone should drive both of them crazy! But Jazz and Azi must learn to co-exist and help each other or they may be the first to parish in the games!
This was a great book and I loved how Jazz and Azi learned from each other and grew to care for each other. This looks like it’s going to be a great series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2023
mixed feelings, mixed tropes/genres
I like what tropes the author wanted to include, but I think the combo wasn’t quite right. I like the pairing, but I wish it emphasized the struggle more. Life or death situations and you have a ‘dead weight human’? Lots of potential. FC is a thicc lady, she is a bookworm, I don’t think she can keep up with MC as simply as she did. I want more than ‘had blisters but didn’t complain’. This could’ve been HUGE character development, but really everyone but MC stayed the same. Tho the MC changed really quickly, and often suddenly. Is this because of the bond? There was the whole escape the inescapable but how???? Why was that his backstory specifically? I feel like an empress trying to hide her scheme would rather just send him to the games immediately than the equivalent of Alcatraz.
I kept getting a strong hunger games but ‘alien’ vibe tbh. The excerpts were unique, in a fun way. I’d never read anything like them before.
World building could have been better. The story maybe lasts a week- apparently, even tho I thought it was a few days. (Seeing as they slept twice) If the story was longer, I think it could have built up a lot of tension. What about the other women you meet in the beginning? The 19 yo was such a emotional thing, why was she dropped??? I want to know what happened to her??? Also, it never explained why the last boss could do the thing? Was that an excuse to have her PDA mentally??
I just feel like if you kill some one, it’s not like a romanticized thing of ‘im so upset and I cry’ but a ‘holy shit, trauma~❤️’
I did end up reading the whole thing, so it wasn’t bad that I couldn’t finish. I feel like it had a potential to be very gritty, which I don’t think is what the author wanted- fair, not everyone’s thing.
I like what tropes the author wanted to include, but I think the combo wasn’t quite right. I like the pairing, but I wish it emphasized the struggle more. Life or death situations and you have a ‘dead weight human’? Lots of potential. FC is a thicc lady, she is a bookworm, I don’t think she can keep up with MC as simply as she did. I want more than ‘had blisters but didn’t complain’. This could’ve been HUGE character development, but really everyone but MC stayed the same. Tho the MC changed really quickly, and often suddenly. Is this because of the bond? There was the whole escape the inescapable but how???? Why was that his backstory specifically? I feel like an empress trying to hide her scheme would rather just send him to the games immediately than the equivalent of Alcatraz.
I kept getting a strong hunger games but ‘alien’ vibe tbh. The excerpts were unique, in a fun way. I’d never read anything like them before.
World building could have been better. The story maybe lasts a week- apparently, even tho I thought it was a few days. (Seeing as they slept twice) If the story was longer, I think it could have built up a lot of tension. What about the other women you meet in the beginning? The 19 yo was such a emotional thing, why was she dropped??? I want to know what happened to her??? Also, it never explained why the last boss could do the thing? Was that an excuse to have her PDA mentally??
I just feel like if you kill some one, it’s not like a romanticized thing of ‘im so upset and I cry’ but a ‘holy shit, trauma~❤️’
I did end up reading the whole thing, so it wasn’t bad that I couldn’t finish. I feel like it had a potential to be very gritty, which I don’t think is what the author wanted- fair, not everyone’s thing.
April 4, 2022
A wonderful action filled read, great characters and plot I thoroughly enjoyed
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book the first in the series by Margo Bond Collins it had lots of action, good strong well written characters along with a plot that had been well thought through and then planned and written in such a way that once I began reading it was impossible to put down until I reached the end and discovered the final outcome.
The interaction between Azi and Jazz who he had been partnered with in the games and as I do not want to spoil the story by others by giving too much information away, I have to say that you will enjoy every single moment of this wonderful book and I am sure that you will be like myself and be drawn fully into this wonderful story.
Azi is a real Alpha and warrior and stands no nonsense from anyone and will go above and beyond to ensure that he learns everything there is to know about humans, you will be totally drawn into this book and will be blown away by the finish.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book the first in the series by Margo Bond Collins it had lots of action, good strong well written characters along with a plot that had been well thought through and then planned and written in such a way that once I began reading it was impossible to put down until I reached the end and discovered the final outcome.
The interaction between Azi and Jazz who he had been partnered with in the games and as I do not want to spoil the story by others by giving too much information away, I have to say that you will enjoy every single moment of this wonderful book and I am sure that you will be like myself and be drawn fully into this wonderful story.
Azi is a real Alpha and warrior and stands no nonsense from anyone and will go above and beyond to ensure that he learns everything there is to know about humans, you will be totally drawn into this book and will be blown away by the finish.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2022
Jazmin I think can be understood and identified with by pretty much everyone. She has a beautiful best friend who was MIss Popular which although gave her an easier life through high school it did mean she was also permanently in the shadows. She was happy to be overlooked as when she did dip her toes into the dating pool she found it very much not her liking. So she retreated into books where it was safe. The guy got his girl and he was kind and understanding and the girl, well the girl could have been her. Her best friend though isn't happy with this so she pushes Jazz to come to a party which turns out to be both the best and the worst thing she ever did. As the next thing is Alien Abduction. I kid you not.
Azi is not a bad male and in fact is rather an honourable one but being sent to prison for being compassionate rather has the ability to knock that out of you. He managed to escape only to get captured for the bounty and then get dropped into the Galaxy Gladiator Games. This time the contestants have been matched with humans. Beings who are soft, weak and good for not much in Azi's eyes. He is given one at random and is bonded to her, Jazz. She feels his pain and he feels hers. They need to work together but right now Azi is wondering how he can get rid of his human "Princess" but does he truly want to?
Azi is not a bad male and in fact is rather an honourable one but being sent to prison for being compassionate rather has the ability to knock that out of you. He managed to escape only to get captured for the bounty and then get dropped into the Galaxy Gladiator Games. This time the contestants have been matched with humans. Beings who are soft, weak and good for not much in Azi's eyes. He is given one at random and is bonded to her, Jazz. She feels his pain and he feels hers. They need to work together but right now Azi is wondering how he can get rid of his human "Princess" but does he truly want to?
April 9, 2022
This is a well written, brilliant and exciting new series by this author. There’s some fantastic characters and the world building is excellent. The storyline tells of the Galactic Games, now taken over by a human male. This time he’s brought in 25 human females to be bonded to an alien male, some gladiators or criminals. It tells the story of Azi and Jazmin. Azi is the only being to ever escape from the Vanguard prison, he’s finally captured by bounty hunters and entered into the games. Whereas Jazz is a shy and curvy librarian who loves to read and dreamt of meeting her knight in shining armour. The pair are bonded which sounds quite painful and then they and dropped into the area. Think hunger games but with aliens. There’s a twist though, the bond has some odd and some terrifying consequences. Their goal is to finish the games as the sole survivors. There’s action, danger, some very near misses, steamy scenes and a happily ever after. TW- there is a very very very brief mention of assault of the sexual kind, no descriptions of any kind that could be triggering in any way, I don’t think other than the actual word.
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.
November 21, 2022
I was excited to read this. It’s the first alien romance I’ve read with a couples multi-day competition premise; kind of an Amazing Race - Hunger Games melding.
Azi, the MMC, is paired with Jazz, the FMC, in a game of survival that neither of them signed up for. The challenges they faced during the competition are quite interesting. They provided opportunities for the MMCs to work together, determine strengths/weaknesses, and get to know each other. Those challenges also gave brief glimpses of side characters.
The story started out very strong...
The main antagonist was ; I loved hating him. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between the MMCs grow, especially under such ridiculous circumstances. Also, there were a lot of interesting side characters to mine for potential lot development.
…but the ending was abrupt. I’m talking hard, left turn abrupt. In one moment, the MMCs are running for their lives and, in the next, the games are over, final fight, sex scene, HEA. Barring the whiplash at the end, I quite enjoyed the story. It was entertaining. I’ll finish the series.
Kindle
4
Azi, the MMC, is paired with Jazz, the FMC, in a game of survival that neither of them signed up for. The challenges they faced during the competition are quite interesting. They provided opportunities for the MMCs to work together, determine strengths/weaknesses, and get to know each other. Those challenges also gave brief glimpses of side characters.
The story started out very strong...
The main antagonist was ; I loved hating him. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between the MMCs grow, especially under such ridiculous circumstances. Also, there were a lot of interesting side characters to mine for potential lot development.
…but the ending was abrupt. I’m talking hard, left turn abrupt. In one moment, the MMCs are running for their lives and, in the next, the games are over, final fight, sex scene, HEA. Barring the whiplash at the end, I quite enjoyed the story. It was entertaining. I’ll finish the series.
Kindle
4
April 5, 2022
Loved this first book in a new series by Margo. Jazz is not sure she even needs a man, after so she had her book boyfriends and they feel like enough. Her best friend, though, is determined to get her to go on a date and find Mr. Right. Ugh. Jazz finally agrees to a date with the brother of a friend, but it doesn't take her long to escape to an isolated bench and prepare to read her stashed paperback. Just then, a vortex opens up and she is grabbed and sucked into a nightmare.
Avi is on the run, but apparently he can't run fast enough. Bounty hunters grab him outside a bar and he expects to be heading back go prison. He is ready to beg for that outcome when he figures out that he has just been shanghied into the Galactic Gladiator Games where he who be bound to a weak female and the two will be forced to fight for their lives. Apparently, this time human women have been chosen. Oh, joy.
Will these two be able to work together and come out of the Games as victors? Or will they drive each other crazy since they can hear each other's every thought through their bond? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Avi is on the run, but apparently he can't run fast enough. Bounty hunters grab him outside a bar and he expects to be heading back go prison. He is ready to beg for that outcome when he figures out that he has just been shanghied into the Galactic Gladiator Games where he who be bound to a weak female and the two will be forced to fight for their lives. Apparently, this time human women have been chosen. Oh, joy.
Will these two be able to work together and come out of the Games as victors? Or will they drive each other crazy since they can hear each other's every thought through their bond? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2022
A wonderful start to a new series by Margo Bond Collins and Shasa Caine.
Our heroine is Jazmin Reed, a small town librarian. She prefers books to men. Our Hero, Azi Valar once tried to stop a human trafficking operation and wound up in a maximum security prison: Vanguard. He became the only person to ever escape from that prison. Now they are both captured and placed in a 'game' pitted against 24 other human/alien couples for survival.
The two are put through extreme challenges that remind me of 'Survivor series', but these have deadly consequences. Only one couple will win. It was fun to watch Jazz and Azi tackle each challenge while at the same time drawing closer to each other. Their attraction towards each other builds as the pace and severity of the challenges also increase their pace.
At the end we get our HEA, but only after Jazz and Azi almost lose their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this romp of a read and look forward to the next Galactic Gladiator Games. 5 stars from me !! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our heroine is Jazmin Reed, a small town librarian. She prefers books to men. Our Hero, Azi Valar once tried to stop a human trafficking operation and wound up in a maximum security prison: Vanguard. He became the only person to ever escape from that prison. Now they are both captured and placed in a 'game' pitted against 24 other human/alien couples for survival.
The two are put through extreme challenges that remind me of 'Survivor series', but these have deadly consequences. Only one couple will win. It was fun to watch Jazz and Azi tackle each challenge while at the same time drawing closer to each other. Their attraction towards each other builds as the pace and severity of the challenges also increase their pace.
At the end we get our HEA, but only after Jazz and Azi almost lose their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this romp of a read and look forward to the next Galactic Gladiator Games. 5 stars from me !! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2022
On occasion it takes me a few chapters before I click with a book and it’s storyline/characters, and this was the case with this book. BUT, I’m so glad I kept giving it ‘one more chapter’ because all of a sudden I was completely caught up in the alien version a cross between Survivor & the Amazing Race.
Jazz is a lonely librarian who is abducted from a party she was coerced into attending by her BFF/Frenemy. In the first few chapters from her POV she comes across a bit whiny and I didn’t see her as a leading lady.
Azi is an escaped prisoner who is recalling his hookups and other misadventures in the chapters from his POV.
The story really gets interesting quick once these two are tethered together, with an emotional and mental bond, to compete in a game where they actually have to fight and kill to survive to be the winner. He views her as weak and a obstacle to his chances. She thinks he is a brut and gives him lots of sass.
The storyline is entertaining and fast-paced, and I loved how the characters gradually progressed from being strangers forced to put up with each other to heat and attraction, and then to a true emotional bond. This is a slow burn romance.
Jazz is a lonely librarian who is abducted from a party she was coerced into attending by her BFF/Frenemy. In the first few chapters from her POV she comes across a bit whiny and I didn’t see her as a leading lady.
Azi is an escaped prisoner who is recalling his hookups and other misadventures in the chapters from his POV.
The story really gets interesting quick once these two are tethered together, with an emotional and mental bond, to compete in a game where they actually have to fight and kill to survive to be the winner. He views her as weak and a obstacle to his chances. She thinks he is a brut and gives him lots of sass.
The storyline is entertaining and fast-paced, and I loved how the characters gradually progressed from being strangers forced to put up with each other to heat and attraction, and then to a true emotional bond. This is a slow burn romance.
April 2, 2022
Jazmin Reed hadn't wanted a date, but she let her friend talk her into one. When she awakens with the memory of a bright light and alien creatures, she realizes she might be in trouble, which is soon confirmed by the other women. Azi Valar escaped from prison only to be captured by bounty hunters and sent as an unwilling participant in the Galactic Gladiator Games. Which is bad enough, but he soon learns that he will be partnered with a weak human woman from Earth.
I loved Jazz and Azi. They made me laugh sometimes with their dialog. All of these characters are well written and unique, but Jazz and Azi are particularly entertaining. They sometimes sounded like a married couple who have been together years and seem to know what each other is thinking. Adventure, exciting action, violence, death, and a happily ever after romance between a human woman and a gorgeous alien, this book pretty much has it all. A fantastic beginning, to what I think, is a must-read series. I loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I loved Jazz and Azi. They made me laugh sometimes with their dialog. All of these characters are well written and unique, but Jazz and Azi are particularly entertaining. They sometimes sounded like a married couple who have been together years and seem to know what each other is thinking. Adventure, exciting action, violence, death, and a happily ever after romance between a human woman and a gorgeous alien, this book pretty much has it all. A fantastic beginning, to what I think, is a must-read series. I loved it!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 6, 2022
“I guess humans weren’t quite as fragile as I had expected.”
This book was so much fun! I can't begin to explain how enjoyable it was. The world-building was wonderful, the characters were interesting and entertaining and the plot about the Games was so much more than just icing on the cake. Azi was a fantastic alien hero, strong, sexy, arrogant and loving. Jazz was the personification of so many romance readers, preferring her books to a real life that was so disappointing in comparison to the worlds she read about. No human man could ever be her true match and it was exciting to see her find her hero, discovering her own untapped inner strength at the same time. Good for her! Good for them! I'm so happy they found their happily ever after. And I'm also happy there are more books in the series planned for in the future. This is a great start to what promises to be a fantastic series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was so much fun! I can't begin to explain how enjoyable it was. The world-building was wonderful, the characters were interesting and entertaining and the plot about the Games was so much more than just icing on the cake. Azi was a fantastic alien hero, strong, sexy, arrogant and loving. Jazz was the personification of so many romance readers, preferring her books to a real life that was so disappointing in comparison to the worlds she read about. No human man could ever be her true match and it was exciting to see her find her hero, discovering her own untapped inner strength at the same time. Good for her! Good for them! I'm so happy they found their happily ever after. And I'm also happy there are more books in the series planned for in the future. This is a great start to what promises to be a fantastic series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2022
Alien warrior bound is book 1 of the Galactic Gladiator Games. This year they are paring contestants with humans. It is supposed to be a challenge since they are so weak and ill equipped for the challenge.
Azi is the only prisoner to break out of their high security prison. When he is captured, he expects to go back to prison, not be entered in the games. Jazmin is loner librarian who lives her life between the pages of fiction. They become a team in the games that rivals the hunger games. To successfully win, they have to do it as a team.
His first meeting, has Azi wondering if it would be easier to take care of his partner now himself. The more time they spend together the more they learn and find a way to work together. Almost no stop danger meaning the seconds spend not trusting could mean death.
A riveting read when an unlikely pair overcome incredible odds. I look forward to more from the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Azi is the only prisoner to break out of their high security prison. When he is captured, he expects to go back to prison, not be entered in the games. Jazmin is loner librarian who lives her life between the pages of fiction. They become a team in the games that rivals the hunger games. To successfully win, they have to do it as a team.
His first meeting, has Azi wondering if it would be easier to take care of his partner now himself. The more time they spend together the more they learn and find a way to work together. Almost no stop danger meaning the seconds spend not trusting could mean death.
A riveting read when an unlikely pair overcome incredible odds. I look forward to more from the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2023
Intergalactic Gladiator Games...
Setting: Spaceship, barren planet, fight arena, spaceship
Heroine: Librarian, smart, shy, curvy
Hero: Alien, strong, gorgeous, practical
This is a hard review:
Positives: Interesting story line, complete settings, character development. All good things. Quick read. Most scenes have purpose, hitting plot/character/turning points.
Negatives: Not a lot of depth. I did not like the Hunger Games format. Could have done without the announcer's character, though I get other characters needed the information. Ads randomly on the page pulled me from the story. Felt disjointed and out of place.
That said, this story just didn't satisfy the emotional connection for me. Probably just my issue. I like more darkness, struggle, layered emotions. More. A window on the page that allows me to climb into the story and experience the world. Galactic Gladiator Games did not give me that.
While I love Ms. Bond Collins' voice, I won't be continuing this series.
Setting: Spaceship, barren planet, fight arena, spaceship
Heroine: Librarian, smart, shy, curvy
Hero: Alien, strong, gorgeous, practical
This is a hard review:
Positives: Interesting story line, complete settings, character development. All good things. Quick read. Most scenes have purpose, hitting plot/character/turning points.
Negatives: Not a lot of depth. I did not like the Hunger Games format. Could have done without the announcer's character, though I get other characters needed the information. Ads randomly on the page pulled me from the story. Felt disjointed and out of place.
That said, this story just didn't satisfy the emotional connection for me. Probably just my issue. I like more darkness, struggle, layered emotions. More. A window on the page that allows me to climb into the story and experience the world. Galactic Gladiator Games did not give me that.
While I love Ms. Bond Collins' voice, I won't be continuing this series.
April 9, 2022
Jazz and Azi's Story . . .
When librarian Jazmin Reed (“Jazz”) is kidnapped from Earth and partnered with an alien named Azi Valar to fight in the Galactic Gladiator Games, she is not prepared for a battle to the death. She has absolutely no idea of how to save herself and must depend on Azi to keep her alive.
Knowing that the humans are weak, they become the handicap for the powerful warrior when each warrior is bonded mentally and emotionally to an Earth female. They can no longer rely on their own skills. They must learn to work together with their female, and trust each other, to survive.
This was a very exciting book. If they win, they are freed and rewarded. Most of course perish. So the tension is there from the start. Will Azi be able to work with his librarian Jazz? Can they find a way to communicate in an effective way when they are bombarded with each other’s thoughts?
When librarian Jazmin Reed (“Jazz”) is kidnapped from Earth and partnered with an alien named Azi Valar to fight in the Galactic Gladiator Games, she is not prepared for a battle to the death. She has absolutely no idea of how to save herself and must depend on Azi to keep her alive.
Knowing that the humans are weak, they become the handicap for the powerful warrior when each warrior is bonded mentally and emotionally to an Earth female. They can no longer rely on their own skills. They must learn to work together with their female, and trust each other, to survive.
This was a very exciting book. If they win, they are freed and rewarded. Most of course perish. So the tension is there from the start. Will Azi be able to work with his librarian Jazz? Can they find a way to communicate in an effective way when they are bombarded with each other’s thoughts?
April 10, 2022
This book features Azi and Jazz. Azi escaped prison only to be recaptured and sent to the Games, this is a pickle that will not be as easy to get out of. Jazz is a human woman who is just going about her life happy, or so she says, in her singledom and her job but when she is kidnapped and taken off-world she may have to start being honest with herself about how much she was actually missing out on in her life on earth. Azi isn't exactly thrilled to be bound to a weak human female but his only chance of surviving is keeping her safe. But he soon realises that there is an inner strength that he could not have imagined. Also, she stirs something in him that he was not expecting. Can Azi keep himself and Jazz safe and get them away from the Games? I loved the story which was was filled with passion, action, danger and a really incredible love story.
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.
April 3, 2022
Holy Galactic Gladiator Games!!! Talk about a ride of your life. Azi is an alien who has escaped a high security prison for saving slaves in his galaxy, and Jazmin has been taken from earth to participate in some sick human’s idea of a game for rich aliens to enjoy a hunting game. These two characters started off hating the idea of being bonded where every thought was shared between the two of them, to being glad for their bond and the feelings that they were starting to feel. They were able to form a friendship and love between the two of them so they were able to win the game and go onto do their own things together. But the story leads onto the next book I’m assuming, which looks exciting in itself. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
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.
April 11, 2022
This book had it all action, drama, suspense, entertaining, survival, world building, kidnapped. Azi is a pow who escaped the most secure galaxy’s prison but is found and picked up by a bounty hunter and is sold to the Galactic Gladiator Games and to make the games more interesting they are putting the warriors with human females to bond with and must fight together to survive. Jazzmine is a Hugh book nerd and a librarian that’s been kidnapped from earth and is now in some alien games and is bound to some sexy alien called Azi and must fight to survive but what neither of them expected was to fall for each other or be fated mates. Can they survive the games and have a future together or not. To get these answers and so much more this is a must read book. .
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.
April 1, 2022
Jazz, the female human lead, has been kidnapped from Earth. Azi, the male alien lead, has been picked up by bounty hunters and sold to the Galactic Gladiator Games. He is disdainful of the weak human he’s forcibly paired with, though that slowly turns to a grudging respect and then more as they progress.
This story is dual POV, well written, and the commencement of new series, so includes a significant amour of world building. I enjoyed the concept and the character and relationship building. I also enjoyed how the authors explored different character’s responses to the abduction/forced competition to the death situation. I am curious to see where the series goes from here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is dual POV, well written, and the commencement of new series, so includes a significant amour of world building. I enjoyed the concept and the character and relationship building. I also enjoyed how the authors explored different character’s responses to the abduction/forced competition to the death situation. I am curious to see where the series goes from here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2022
I loved the back and forth with Azi about Jazz. (his companion in the games)
This reads similar to Hunger games but with more.....So much more.
Well written, action packed lots of drama and intrigue.
I love Azi's realization that you should never judge a book by it's cover. Pun intended.
Jazz was a wonderful character. Comfortable in her own skin. Willing to learn new things. And of course is compassionate.
Azi, is a true alpha warrior. But his misconceptions of humans, especially female humans gets his into a little bit of trouble .
This I think will be a wonderful series. So far each book is a standalone with a great HEA and no cliffhanger.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This reads similar to Hunger games but with more.....So much more.
Well written, action packed lots of drama and intrigue.
I love Azi's realization that you should never judge a book by it's cover. Pun intended.
Jazz was a wonderful character. Comfortable in her own skin. Willing to learn new things. And of course is compassionate.
Azi, is a true alpha warrior. But his misconceptions of humans, especially female humans gets his into a little bit of trouble .
This I think will be a wonderful series. So far each book is a standalone with a great HEA and no cliffhanger.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2022
Jazz was kidnapped from Earth. Now she is bonded to an alien to participate in the Galactic Gladiator Games.
Azi had escaped from his prison. He is captured and sold to participate in the Galactic Gladiator Games. He is bonded to a human female. He considered this a weakness to get him killed.
They both can hear each other’s thoughts. They can feel each other’s emotions and pain. It is a challenge for both to deal with the new bond between them. Plus a alien warrior and a human librarian fighting for survival in the alien version of the Hunger Games. Has HEA.
Pleasantly surprised by the story and the interaction between Jazz and Azi.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Azi had escaped from his prison. He is captured and sold to participate in the Galactic Gladiator Games. He is bonded to a human female. He considered this a weakness to get him killed.
They both can hear each other’s thoughts. They can feel each other’s emotions and pain. It is a challenge for both to deal with the new bond between them. Plus a alien warrior and a human librarian fighting for survival in the alien version of the Hunger Games. Has HEA.
Pleasantly surprised by the story and the interaction between Jazz and Azi.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2022
Great Intro to Galactic Gladiator Games!!
Warrior Aliens are matched with weaker species to make a pair. The pair must compete together. This year the “weak” ones are human females. Jazmin is escaping a party out back with a book, when a blue light appears, and she gets zapped. She awakens in chains, only to be matched with a large warrior…. and having been “matched’ they can read each other’s thoughts.
Seeing each other's thoughts is hilarious. As those around them are trying to kill them. A delightful mix of danger and humor as these two must work together and gradually catch feelings for each other. A terrific read!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Warrior Aliens are matched with weaker species to make a pair. The pair must compete together. This year the “weak” ones are human females. Jazmin is escaping a party out back with a book, when a blue light appears, and she gets zapped. She awakens in chains, only to be matched with a large warrior…. and having been “matched’ they can read each other’s thoughts.
Seeing each other's thoughts is hilarious. As those around them are trying to kill them. A delightful mix of danger and humor as these two must work together and gradually catch feelings for each other. A terrific read!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
April 8, 2022
Loved this story that is about Jazz a librarian who is a romance addict after my heart who prefer to be left alone to enjoy her reading and Azi the famous escaped prisoner who is the reluctant reprobate gladiator, she was bonded to for the Galactic Gladiator Games. Both characters grab me from the beginning and kept me flipping the pages to the end reading their adventurous journey into romance. The storyline was engaging with lots of drama, chemistry, and action. This first book in this new series was an enjoyable read that I got invested into. From reading this enjoyable story, I'm looking forward to reading more in this series about the Galactic Gladiator Games and other couples who were paired with the human women.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews