Steele

Galaxy Gladiators #16

by Alana Khan

A past they can’t ignore. A love that must endure.

Zoey

When slavers threw me into the silver gladiator's cell and ordered me to either breed or die, I was ready to choose death. Except I realized my choice would kill him, too.

I’ve grown to love him with all my heart, but the voices of my past hold me back. I must let go of my fear to experience the true depth of our love . . . but at what cost?

Steele

I cherish everything about my shy, affectionate female and would gladly give my life for her despite our harsh beginning. No matter how deeply I love her, she still holds back. Our relationship is at a breaking point, but I refuse to let her go.

We are at war with her past. I vow we will conquer it together.

Steele is a standalone book in the Galaxy Gladiators series. Follow this couple as they fight for their love against the backdrop of holiday camaraderie among the pirates, gladiators, and inhabitants of Sanctuary. The story has everything you’ve come to expect from bestselling author Alana Khan—a happily ever after, nonstop action, and sensual love scenes.

Click "buy now" for the full experience or read for free on Kindle Unlimited.

Publisher’s Note: No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after. There are graphic sex scenes throughout the book. Intended for readers 18+.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction Romance

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2021

About the author

Sexy Alien Heroes, Sassy Human Heroines, Stories That Satisfy

Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.

In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?

With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.

Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.

Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/

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Reviews

[Alana Khan]

This book is an interesting juxtaposition of lighthearted fun combined with serious relationship trouble. Steele and Zoey were thrown into a cell and forced to mate two years ago. They've been together ever since. Their love for each other can't be denied, but they have a problem--a big one.

How they work through the issue that is tearing them apart is compelling, sexy, and ultimately fulfilling. Contact me after you read it if you like and tell me if you agree--I personally think the sex scene in the rain is possibly the hottest thing I've ever written.

While that is going on, the rest of the Galaxy crew have all converged on planet Fairea. The two Gladiator ships, the pirates, and the new settlers on planet Fairea have assembled to celebrate Blessed Peace Day. There are festivities and camaraderie with all of your favorite folks.

You'll laugh and cry and watch as Steele and Zoey deepen their amazing love for each other.

[Corda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings all the gladiators and mates together for a festival in Sanctuary. Steele and Zoey’s story will make you cry, for both of them, make you laugh at the gladiators’ antics, make you feel elation and joy that Steele and Zoey finally become complete in every way. Plus you need to sign up for Alana’s Newsletter and get that bonus epilogue scene with the krannock. Hot hot hot!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Sixteen in the Galaxy Gladiators Alien Abduction Romance Series a well written story that has a very good storyline the story flowed smoothly across the pages. Steele loves Zoey but things in her past stop her from saying anything. I enjoyed seeing their story come together. I would recommend.

[JML · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow 5terrific 🌟s for Steele and Zoey💖💖

Steele and Zoey have been mates for two years and love each other deeply but not all is well in their mating. When Zoey was abducted and thrown into Steele's cell to be a breeder she brought a lot of sad painful bagged with her. Not only did she have to deal with the terror of being abducted but she was fighting her self and her upbringing. So was brought up in a hard filled religious cult her father was the head of it and trained her to realize and hate anyone different than herself. Once she over came some of those feelings vs she fell in love with Steele but still continue her to her her father and his hate spewing voice in her head. It got in the was of her having the fulfilling love filled relationship she wanted to have with her mate. Steele the silver gladiator fell in love with Zoey the minute he saw her. He knew she was terrified and did everything he could to put her at ease.When they truly fell in love he couldn't understand why Zoey couldn't fully open herself to him and allow her self to let go and feel the passion between them and share her deepest secrets. He felt ashamed and inadequate as a mate. On their trip to celebrate Blessed Peace day everything comes to a head and from the ashes a Phoenix is born. You have to read this book it's so Good. Love real love can heal and conquer anything if you open your heart. I highly recommend giving this a read you won't be disappointed🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of intense personal growth for the heroine, not just for herself, but for her beloved mate. Unfortunately this causes misunderstandings between the mates. The tension mounts between the two to almost unbearable levels before the situation can be resolved. There is a very intriguing bonus chapter, but to get this, you must sign up for the author’s newsletter.

[Juan Pablo · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOOK 1 OF MY FEBRUARY 2022 READING CHALLENGE WHERE I READ ROMANCE BOOKS WITH 1.) MALE MODELS ON THE COVER, AND 2.) COVERS WITH A COLOR UNDER BLACK, WHITE, AND ROYGBIV, TO CREATE A TRAIL OF RAINBOW ON MY 'READ' SHELF. YOU KNOW, FOR AESTHETICS BECAUSE I'M BORED AND IT'S FUCKING VALENTINE'S SEASON.

FEATURED COLOR: VIOLET

who would've thought that this tiny horny book would be a marriage in trouble??

give me the cheese, the over the top melodrama, and i'm thhhhhriving, baby. no judgment, i'm in the MOOD for this!

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a DNF for me.

I absolutely loved a lot of what I read... loved Steele and Zoey. I found the non-communication aspect of their relationship very real.

So why a DNF? The whole BSDM thing... yeah, that kind of submission might be the answer for some... I just didn't like the way that Trev and Emily immediately went there...... just didn't work for me.

[Raven61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s a silver alien, she was spoon fed hate and bigotry from the cradle

I DO NOT consider this to be a STAND-ALONE read. 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, especially since Zoey and Steele have been together since she was first thrown into his cell after she was abducted.

** 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 (aka Alanaverse), with several spin-offs.

Zoey was raised by a religious cult. She was taught to hate anyone and anything different. She can’t even imagine what her father would have to say about Steele … correction, she can’t stop hearing what her father has to say about Steele and all of her found family. It doesn’t matter that Zoey doesn’t feel that way after the culture shock of being abducted.

In the beginning she was fully prepared to refuse their orders to mate and let their captors kill them, but then Steele was so compassionate and caring and Zoey couldn’t let him be die when it was in her power to prevent it. Shortly thereafter she fell in love with him, but their relationship is different than all of the others.

Zoey knows that Steele takes her issues personally. Desire is never the issue, but if they experience one more time of her inability to find satisfaction, Zoey is afraid their relationship will never recover. Can Zoey find the strength to explain the issues to Steele? Can she figure out a way to silence her past and grab her future with both hands?

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 typos, incorrect punctuation, inconsistent data regarding Beast’s description and inconsistencies with possessive words ending in ‘s’. I uploaded my notes to goodreads for anyone interested.

⛔️ 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.

[Wanda Mayhue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written that it grabs you right from page one and holds you spellbound all the way through to the end.

Steele is a gladiator slave who has been rescued from a life of slavery, death and pain. He is recued along with his cell mate Zoey who was kidnapped and put in his cell to breed.

Zoeys life has been hard, her life before slavery was being born into a hate commune where anyone different than her family were to be hated and reviled. Zoey has a beautiful spirit hiding inside and is afraid to come out. She is trapped in her own way and longing to escape her past.

These two together are amazing. This author has written their story so well and has brought these two through so much and yet has done it in a touching and emotional way that you can't help but feel the story touching your heart. This has to be among my favorites of this series. These two have both gone through so much, and in the end they fight for what they truly want love......

This is an absolute must read, the story is full of passion, pain, and love and these two honestly and truly get the HEA they both deserve so much. I highly recommend this book and this author to everyone who loves romance.

[Sue Philips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Imagine you're a small human and you are thrown into a cell with a huge alien and you're expected to mate with him. There's a huge chance there will be a language problem and with that there will be all sorts of issues - not the least being the realization that this could be the rest of your life. No chance to return to Earth. Never seeing family and friends again. You're all alone. Me? I'd feel all kinds of emotions that would be very hard to work through. But to survive you have to and you need all your wits about you. Zoey is in this position when she is brought face to face with Steele. Strange name? You bet - but appropriate - he's huge, strong as steel and totally silver.
The story that Alana Khan introduces us to is full of angst, confusion, laughter, emotion, adventure, all blowing into a possible friendship and possible love. But there are misunderstandings as well and these two totally different beings need to work through issues that seem mountainous, but hold a lot of promise and happiness if they succeed. But will they?
Highly recommended read.

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. This one captures the reader right away, as Zoey blooms under Steele's teasing handling, under the right  mastering hand. Her fears of her human life weighted more than either really realized under the burden.
 Zoey had been forced to mated, at the time of her abduction Zoey had been close minded as her upbringing so Steele was went against above the imagination. Only Steele wasn't as scary as she thought, not to say the male was deadly because he so was.
Steele loves everything about his mate, only something is missing. Is it because she has found her way like the other females on board? It was puzzle to him really, as she was everything he had dreamt of having. Two years and they are still like stranger in away, away that counts more then either is willing to voice. This festival maybe just the thing they need one way or another, Steele will know where they stand if his little Zoey comes out of her closed off shell.

[Wanda Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I have to warn you is this book has graphic adult scenes so you should be a mature reader. Now having got that out of the way, let me tell you that Alana Khan can write very deep characters. I think her characters are some of the most well written ones that go into why they are the way they are and the steps that they take to change. I love her books. The world building for these books is well thought out and they blend well together. You see old characters and new ones that come together and create interesting stories. This one is about a introverted girl raised in a hate group who didn't like anything different. Then she is abducted and thrown in with ALIENS. Aliens who are more different than anything she imagined. This tells of her issues and her challenges as she begins to build a different life for herself. Steele is a wonderful alien and too bad he is just fantasy, but he could be anyone's fantasy as he has all the best characteristics. I love him. Anyway, this is their story and it does have a happy ending which I love. I would recommend this book.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This spectacular well-written, second-chance Sci-fi alien romance has a very interesting (Blessed Peace Day) festive undertone, naturally I am not going to give the plot away but I promise you that it is really worth reading as the plot has good world building with some very intense well-described situations. The characters are intriguing with their individuality & each of them have realistic flaws and later develop good chemistry between them. The secondary characters play excellent supporting roles.
There is: friendship, comradery, various kinds of aliens, humans, some twists & turns, drama, intrigue, suspense, secrets, devastating memories, protectiveness, complications, misunderstandings, well-meaning advice, unexpected surprises, playfulness, some steamy scenes, contentment, love, mates & a satisfying HEA with a very interesting bonus epilogue. I would recommend this Sci-Fi alien romance to people who enjoy reading this genre.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I'm really glad their story was finally told. It was neat and unique to read a story of an already established couple instead of reading as they became that couple.

It was more or less written well, but there were cases of awkward dialogue. Some of the speech didn't sound natural.

The well scene was really weird. I've always thought when people yelled things like that to let go of it get over something that it was so weird to perform that kind of loud and public gesture. It's weird and super cringey.

While I acknowledge racism is real and stereotyping is real, the subject is overdone. This book stereotypes southern religious people and most of them are sweet people who are not racist. I have lived in many places in the US and encountered more hatefulness, bias, and prejudice in the north than I ever did in the south.

If you're already reading the series, you shouldn't skip this book. But I overall don't recommend this book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Alana Khan and even though this is listed as book 16 in the series, I was able to follow along and enjoy the story. Although, that said, I might just need to go back and read more of this series just to catch up! Zoey and Steele met in less than ideal circumstances when she was kidnapped from Earth and thrown into his cell and told to mate with Steele, an alien, or they would both be killed. Not wanting to see Steele be killed, Zoey gives in but over time her feelings for Steele change. But can they ever actually find happiness when something very important is missing from their relationship? I don't want to give away the problem, but I have to give the author a lot of credit for handling a topic that is not usually discussed in romance novels. All said it was a very enjoyable sci-fi romance that is perfectly timed for Thanksgiving as all of the couples from previous stories are gathering to celebrate.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoey was abducted from earth by slavers and thrown in a cell with a gladiator and told to mate or they would both be killed. Steele vows to protect her as much as possible. When they escape Zoey learns to love Steele and he loves her but her upbringing still has a grip on her, keeping her from totally committing to Steele. He thinks there is something wrong with him but can’t figure out a way to fix it. Zoey was raised by a strict hateful religious father who tolerated no one who didn’t believe as he did. Every time Zoey tries to break free from her fears, he is there in her head. When they land in Fairea for the first annual Blessed Peace Holiday she decides she has had enough of being afraid of everything and everyone but Steele and vows to turn over a new leaf. But alas, it’s not going to be that easy!

[Candy Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steele and Zoey a great love story

This has to be one of my favorites of the love stories. This story had such sadness from Zoey. Her father was a religious zealot and raised her with hate towards anyone who is different from her. She doesn’t like feeling like she does because she never believed like her father did, but years of being abused and made to march in parades holding hate signs have made her super shy and afraid of everyone. She and Steele love each other but every time they begin to get intimate, Zoey hears her father’s voice screaming in her head and she just cannot get past that. This is the story of this couples triumph and how they both worked through their hardships. I loved this book. It truly was about being free from the past.

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutly wonderfull! When we read the other books and see the other chatecters we never knew that something was wrong with Zoey and Steele, the always looked so amazing together and just serves to show that not always things are as they seem. Zoey has a lot going on, She may not have suffeed like Manny have but her scars are deep in her soul. It's so heart breaking to see a couple so in love and with such a deep problem. I can't even imagine what its like but I loved how the author "solved" theire problem. Trust, a lot of trust, love and always say what we are feeling. Steele is such a strong and loving male. As I sayed, absolutly wonderfull book.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book about an abducted human, Zoey, who was raised to hate all things, events and creatures both foreign and alien by the cult run by her family. When she is saved by Steele and his proteges from slavery, she is mated to Steele, a gladiator who could not lose a round...he loved her from the first time he saw her...she has always held back, even though Zoey was attracted to the handsome, silver-skinned alien, influenced by the voices of her past screaming to pay attention to her upbringing...so could they work through the cultural clash of their pasts to have a chance at love??? I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Merry One Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s an interesting storyline

I am a fan of this series and the author. This romantic story was different because the history was a brief moment in the plot and more time was dedicated to figuring out what happened to the lead female. She was kidnapped from earth a virgin, thrown in a cell with gladiator Steele, and forced to make babies. When the story begins the couple has been together for two years but the female struggles with her past and how she was taught to hate anyone who isn’t like her. It’s a sad history that the lead female has, but can she overcome her past upbringing? Read On!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steele

I just loved the main conflict in this relationship - as the author acknowledges, it's a very real issue for a lot of women. I liked the way the MFC worked through it and how that allowed the MMC to express more of himself too. I also liked how they found a couple to help them through it.

Bringing together so many characters in this universe was a nice break from beating bad guys.

My favorite lines were from the MFC to the MMC,

“You’re the best male I know. I release you from your need to prove anything to me. You’ve done enough, proven enough, you’re loveable enough.”

[Vedece Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shh. Someone has a terrible secret and it's destroying them.
Steele and Zoey, YES!
Some people never come out of what Zoey went through, some do and it's usually with the help of L.O.V.E.
Even though she felt like less of a woman and he felt like less of a male, they both refused to give up on one another, Communication in a relationship is the key and the glue.
Her moment of revelation, MARVELOUS! I felt free with her.
This is a great story that touches on something very relevant in our world today. It's fun with some sad moments that pull at the heart but trust me, you will be glad you did.
HEA. STEAMY. Funny. Sensitive matters.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story discuss a topic that is always been kept a secret, and if discussed, it was discuss in closed doors. Thinking of the shame that both our Steele and Zoey had experience is saddening but how they passed through it is a feat in itself. One thing is constant though in their struggles, their love for each other, and that is very endearing. I liked Steele for his steadfast love for his Zoey, I am proud of Zoey for taking the courage to overcome her upbringing. It wasn't easy but she made it through. Bravo!

It's good to read all our good friends from the other books.

[Linda Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine being raised in an environment where you are taught to fear and hate anyone who is not a member of your cult. There is no free choice, dancing, music or joy. Then in a blink of an eye, you are kidnapped, thrown into a cage and told to mate with the galaxy gladiator or die. While Zoey would take the option of death for herself, she can not make the same choice for Steele. Follow their journey as Zoey learns to quiet the ever present voice of her father as he berates her for the choices she has made and fights for a life of hope, love and joy. A great read.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cried until the hurt cleansed my soul

Some stories immediately lift a person with their lightness. This is not one of those. It exfoliates beyond mere healthy pink to a whole new self-awareness. So many of us women have been assaulted by those meant to love us during our most formative years, yet we don't allow ourselves to truly and fully process the grief to a place of healthy, wholesome love. This romance is all about digging deep to speak our truth. No one should allow their silence to become the lie that breaks them.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving Series!

Where as the other series of books So’lan being the most recently read was filled with humor for me, this one was filled with angst and my tears. It was very interesting to read about the female leads sexual problem, that I’m sure many could relate to. I found so many scenes touching and tear filled for me. I loved the happy ending as well. A great job of handling sensitive issues, and I too believe that only love can overcome hate. Bravo and well done Alana Khan

[Jacqueline Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding story in a great series. Zoey comes from a heart wrenching background that scars her soul and traps her mind. In spite of having a loving mate she struggles to free her mind and her sexuality. Steele is a heart warming male who deserves all the love and hopeful future available. He never gives up on her and they deserve the HEA they get. The hot added scene scorches the pages. Get Alanah’s newsletter so you don’t miss out on it. Definitely recommend.

[Pamela Lunder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure I would as I usually don't read alien books. But I did enjoy it. I do feel like I need to go back and read the first 15 books so I can get to know each character better. Steele was such a great male. He loves Zoey so much. All he wanted to do was five her the pleasure she gave him. Zoey was pretty broken inside. I loved how she over came everything. A very good read!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting story focused more on the ups and down of a relationship. I really liked Zoey with her complex past. It was easy to see how she and Steele struggled to find their way. “Free to be me” is a powerful idea. I enjoyed the journey that revisited many characters from previous novels while bringing this couple to a HEA.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoey was abducted from her home on earth and put in a cell with the gladiator, Steele, and told to mate or they both would face death. I absolutely loved Zoey and Steele together, and with everything they go through, I was elated that they were able to get past their issues and get their happily ever after. This is a terrific story filled with emotions, drama, secrets, surprises, steamy scenes, and love.