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The Alien Games #1
Opening Move
This surly, arrogant giant blue gladiator says he needs me to survive. Say what?
I've been ripped away from Earth to play a lethal alien game.
If we win, we get our freedom.
But my sister won't make it out alive.
My alien partner is a savage wall of muscle. But with every dangerous obstacle in our path, I'm beginning to see a different side of him hidden behind the violence.
He's brave. Unexpectedly sweet. And soon its not just the effort of winning the game that has me hot and bothered...
Read this hot alien abduction romance and let the games begin!
Welcome to the Alien Games! Each book features a HEA for the couple, but please note -- there's an overarching storyline that carries through all five books!
I've been ripped away from Earth to play a lethal alien game.
If we win, we get our freedom.
But my sister won't make it out alive.
My alien partner is a savage wall of muscle. But with every dangerous obstacle in our path, I'm beginning to see a different side of him hidden behind the violence.
He's brave. Unexpectedly sweet. And soon its not just the effort of winning the game that has me hot and bothered...
Read this hot alien abduction romance and let the games begin!
Welcome to the Alien Games! Each book features a HEA for the couple, but please note -- there's an overarching storyline that carries through all five books!
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2021
162 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Ava York
102 books132 followersReader, dreamer and frantic scribbler. I really do believe that love conquers all... and make terrible things for my characters to survive to prove it! (insert evil laugh here)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 20, 2023
Written in first person by AVA YORK, OPENING MOVE is the 1st book in the THE ALIEN GAMES series and switches between the perspectives of Ralkor of Tarek and Emily of Texas. The series is set where 5 humans and 5 brutes pair up together to compete as contestants on Intergalactic Love Death Match, season 34, ran by a species known as the Snaghians. The first couple to make it to the Altar of Freedom on the vast continent of Tikalc on the planet Garglax II wins their freedom. It was basically an alien version of the hunger games.
Emily was abducted from Texas, along with her sister Alyssa, and separated before the games began. She was dropped off next to her teammate Ralkor. As a strong independent cowgirl, Emily led the couple through most of the journey, gaining fans that helped buy gifts that eased their way. Ralkor was a blue-scaled Tarekian Prince, turned into a slave, and sold after fighting in the gladiator pits, to participate in the chance to earn his freedom.
Emily saved a couple Fengkshá cubs after their mother was killed. She also took the time to capture and break 2 dyàk (horse-like creatures) to make the travel quicker. Ralkor followed Emily's lead throughout the entire book, only stepping up whenever a giant beast needed to be fought. They made it to the base of the mountain below the Altar of Freedom, where they waited for the other couples to arrive. Since Emily refused to leave her sister behind, winning wasn't an option.
First intercourse took place at the 42% mark. Ralkor wasn't a virgin, but he wasn't exactly experienced either. Of course, he had a thick monster cock. Being a nervous brute, his character was the cutest thing I've read in a long time. I swooned whenever his knees shook or hands trembled. Picturing a 7-foot muscle bound warrior terrified of romance and scared to death of her rejection was almost impossible, but also adorable. Their relationship progressed naturally and they complimented each other nicely. Ugh... I want my own romantic sexy alien to swipe met off my feet. 🫶
Overall, I recommend the read. It was the perfect length (even could have been a hair shorter). It had the perfect amount of romance and adventure. I worried that the hunger games knockoff would be boring or lose my interest, but it kept my attention the entire way. I found a few things repetitive and unnecessary, but not enough to take anything away from the overall plot. Can't wait to dive into the next book of this series...
Emily was abducted from Texas, along with her sister Alyssa, and separated before the games began. She was dropped off next to her teammate Ralkor. As a strong independent cowgirl, Emily led the couple through most of the journey, gaining fans that helped buy gifts that eased their way. Ralkor was a blue-scaled Tarekian Prince, turned into a slave, and sold after fighting in the gladiator pits, to participate in the chance to earn his freedom.
Emily saved a couple Fengkshá cubs after their mother was killed. She also took the time to capture and break 2 dyàk (horse-like creatures) to make the travel quicker. Ralkor followed Emily's lead throughout the entire book, only stepping up whenever a giant beast needed to be fought. They made it to the base of the mountain below the Altar of Freedom, where they waited for the other couples to arrive. Since Emily refused to leave her sister behind, winning wasn't an option.
First intercourse took place at the 42% mark. Ralkor wasn't a virgin, but he wasn't exactly experienced either. Of course, he had a thick monster cock. Being a nervous brute, his character was the cutest thing I've read in a long time. I swooned whenever his knees shook or hands trembled. Picturing a 7-foot muscle bound warrior terrified of romance and scared to death of her rejection was almost impossible, but also adorable. Their relationship progressed naturally and they complimented each other nicely. Ugh... I want my own romantic sexy alien to swipe met off my feet. 🫶
Overall, I recommend the read. It was the perfect length (even could have been a hair shorter). It had the perfect amount of romance and adventure. I worried that the hunger games knockoff would be boring or lose my interest, but it kept my attention the entire way. I found a few things repetitive and unnecessary, but not enough to take anything away from the overall plot. Can't wait to dive into the next book of this series...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2021
Good start to a new series
Emily and her sister Aly are Texans born and bread. Both work on their grandfather's ranch which they inherited when he passed away. Both are smart and have been taught how to survive. After dropping off some cattle they stopped for food and on their way back home their truck stalls and a white light grabs hold of them both and when they wake up their in a cage. They'd been abducted to participate in a intergalactic life love or die reality game show. I have to say I'm it a fan of reality tv. I'd rather read lol. But this was a fun exciting adventure with two main characters that are strong loving and supportive. Ralkor was abducted many years ago and has become one of the most well known beloved gladiators in the pit. His fans adore him when he is sold to the reality show he doesn't have very night hope that is until he meets Emily. Both are open to learning and giving love a shot while trying to stay alive on a planet trying to kill them. The fans watching is also allowed to be very interactive with the players sending them gifts to help them. Overall a satisfying story. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥🔥🔥🔥💖💖💖💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥
Emily and her sister Aly are Texans born and bread. Both work on their grandfather's ranch which they inherited when he passed away. Both are smart and have been taught how to survive. After dropping off some cattle they stopped for food and on their way back home their truck stalls and a white light grabs hold of them both and when they wake up their in a cage. They'd been abducted to participate in a intergalactic life love or die reality game show. I have to say I'm it a fan of reality tv. I'd rather read lol. But this was a fun exciting adventure with two main characters that are strong loving and supportive. Ralkor was abducted many years ago and has become one of the most well known beloved gladiators in the pit. His fans adore him when he is sold to the reality show he doesn't have very night hope that is until he meets Emily. Both are open to learning and giving love a shot while trying to stay alive on a planet trying to kill them. The fans watching is also allowed to be very interactive with the players sending them gifts to help them. Overall a satisfying story. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥🔥🔥🔥💖💖💖💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖💖💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥
November 22, 2021
I received an ARC edition of this book from the author.
I'll admit I had higher hopes for this book. The idea of a bizarre alien reality competition (granted one with potentially lethal outcomes) has plenty of potential. The "fans" certainly added some humor to the story (and plenty of useful items). The MCs are okay. Emily is pretty stereotypical Texan cowboy, because of course breaking in a couple of alien deer can be broken for riding in a few days with the same skills you would take to train a horse (suspend disbelief and this might be passable). I did like that she didn't take overly stupid risks (alien planet with unknown threats means avoiding risks is not happening). Ralkor honestly across as a bit too mushy at times (his inner thoughts, especially about Emily, felt more like what I would expect from a YA MC than a gladiator slave that has been fighting for years). I did like that he didn't try to restrict what Emily could do. I'm not sure I'm really feeling love between these two, lust most certainly, but love is pushing it for me.
The ending of this book is To Be Continued.
I'll admit I had higher hopes for this book. The idea of a bizarre alien reality competition (granted one with potentially lethal outcomes) has plenty of potential. The "fans" certainly added some humor to the story (and plenty of useful items). The MCs are okay. Emily is pretty stereotypical Texan cowboy, because of course breaking in a couple of alien deer can be broken for riding in a few days with the same skills you would take to train a horse (suspend disbelief and this might be passable). I did like that she didn't take overly stupid risks (alien planet with unknown threats means avoiding risks is not happening). Ralkor honestly across as a bit too mushy at times (his inner thoughts, especially about Emily, felt more like what I would expect from a YA MC than a gladiator slave that has been fighting for years). I did like that he didn't try to restrict what Emily could do. I'm not sure I'm really feeling love between these two, lust most certainly, but love is pushing it for me.
The ending of this book is To Be Continued.
November 16, 2021
This is the first book in the new series The Alien Games . I volunteered to read and review . I really enjoyed reading Opening Moves . It's interesting and entertaining from start to finish . Emily and her sister Aly are abducted from their home in Texas . They are tried and true cowgirls . Emily finds herself separated from Aly and placed on a Planet with a sexy Alien partner Ralkor . They must try to survive while beating the four other couples to the Alter to win the Alien games and their freedom .
Ralkor is a gladiator slave luck is on their side . He has a huge amount of fan followers . They receive alot of packages with items to help them through their survival easier . Emily quickly wins over Ralkor's fans and during their adventures and searching for Aly the develop feelings for each other . If they survive Alien Games maybe they can have a life together . This story is fantastic , well written , full of humor . It's action packed and steamy . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
Ralkor is a gladiator slave luck is on their side . He has a huge amount of fan followers . They receive alot of packages with items to help them through their survival easier . Emily quickly wins over Ralkor's fans and during their adventures and searching for Aly the develop feelings for each other . If they survive Alien Games maybe they can have a life together . This story is fantastic , well written , full of humor . It's action packed and steamy . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
May 24, 2022
love it!
Loved this new spin on the alien abduction romance… thrown into a reality show! Emily and her sister, who live and work a Texas ranch, find themselves abducted by aliens, paired off with a massive alien partner to navigate an uninhabited planet to find the alter of freedom. Whoever reaches it first lives! Emily and Ralkor are determined and find they are an excellent team! Ralkor, a former gladiator, is used to the showmanship of the fighting pits and comes with his own fan club! Spectators are allowed to send gifts to their favorite couple. Emily has no trouble hamming it up for the drone/cameras that are always nearby. Some of the gift fans send are ridiculous, some handy, some are not much more than blatant advertising! And Emily’s Texan-tame-the-wild-west is a big hit too!
Loved this new spin on the alien abduction romance… thrown into a reality show! Emily and her sister, who live and work a Texas ranch, find themselves abducted by aliens, paired off with a massive alien partner to navigate an uninhabited planet to find the alter of freedom. Whoever reaches it first lives! Emily and Ralkor are determined and find they are an excellent team! Ralkor, a former gladiator, is used to the showmanship of the fighting pits and comes with his own fan club! Spectators are allowed to send gifts to their favorite couple. Emily has no trouble hamming it up for the drone/cameras that are always nearby. Some of the gift fans send are ridiculous, some handy, some are not much more than blatant advertising! And Emily’s Texan-tame-the-wild-west is a big hit too!
October 13, 2021
"Survivor" mixed with "Hunger Games"
Emily and her sister are kidnapped by aliens. All the new was living on a farm and taking care of animals. Now they are separated and paired with a different alien species. They must survive a wild planet and get to a certain point to win their freedom. But there is only one "couple" that wins.
Emily's partner is an alien that was a slave in the gladiator pits. Ralkor is a pretty good guy in my opinion but read the story to find out for yourself.
The only negative thing is the ending but I understand that it must end that way to continue the story arc.
Emily and her sister are kidnapped by aliens. All the new was living on a farm and taking care of animals. Now they are separated and paired with a different alien species. They must survive a wild planet and get to a certain point to win their freedom. But there is only one "couple" that wins.
Emily's partner is an alien that was a slave in the gladiator pits. Ralkor is a pretty good guy in my opinion but read the story to find out for yourself.
The only negative thing is the ending but I understand that it must end that way to continue the story arc.
December 9, 2021
Fun story
It was really good to have a story where the H wasn't grumpy and surly but slowly came around and where the h wasn't whimpering and scared. The H is a slaved gladiator but he is still a good male that easily worked with the female without being overbearing. He actually learns he likes taking care of things instead of killing. The h is also a bada$$ from the get go. She is a Texan and you can see it with her behavior. She quickly adapts to her situation and works with the H to survive the game. This is not fated mates but love that develops through mutual respect and teamwork. This was a cute little story.
It was really good to have a story where the H wasn't grumpy and surly but slowly came around and where the h wasn't whimpering and scared. The H is a slaved gladiator but he is still a good male that easily worked with the female without being overbearing. He actually learns he likes taking care of things instead of killing. The h is also a bada$$ from the get go. She is a Texan and you can see it with her behavior. She quickly adapts to her situation and works with the H to survive the game. This is not fated mates but love that develops through mutual respect and teamwork. This was a cute little story.
February 13, 2022
Emily and Ralkor
Abducted from Earth with her sister Aly, Emily finds herself dumped into a “Hungar Games” situation on an alien planet. She also finds she’s been paired with a seven-foot alien gladiator named Ralkor.
He’s very skilled at killing any danger but Emily is a Cowgirl from Texas. She has skills no one in these games have had before which quickly makes her a fan favorite.
This is very alien Hungar games-esque but the things they have to do and over come are so different you are quickly invested in their survival.
Cliffhanger ending. The next book takes up with another pair of contestants. I assume all five pairs eventually meet up at Emily and Ralkor’s outpost.
Abducted from Earth with her sister Aly, Emily finds herself dumped into a “Hungar Games” situation on an alien planet. She also finds she’s been paired with a seven-foot alien gladiator named Ralkor.
He’s very skilled at killing any danger but Emily is a Cowgirl from Texas. She has skills no one in these games have had before which quickly makes her a fan favorite.
This is very alien Hungar games-esque but the things they have to do and over come are so different you are quickly invested in their survival.
Cliffhanger ending. The next book takes up with another pair of contestants. I assume all five pairs eventually meet up at Emily and Ralkor’s outpost.
Want to read
October 7, 2021Blurb:
Win the game, find my sister, and somehow get back to Earth. That’s the plan.
So why does this grumpy, growly, giant blue gladiator make my heart pound every time we’re close?
Nothing is going to stop me from getting out of here with my sister.
Except maybe my partner in this stupid game. He’s rude, arrogant, and a walking slab of muscle.
And unexpectedly sweet.
And brave.
And makes my knees weak in the craziest of ways.
The further we progress in this stupid game, the more I wonder… can I leave him behind?
Do I even want to?
Win the game, find my sister, and somehow get back to Earth. That’s the plan.
So why does this grumpy, growly, giant blue gladiator make my heart pound every time we’re close?
Nothing is going to stop me from getting out of here with my sister.
Except maybe my partner in this stupid game. He’s rude, arrogant, and a walking slab of muscle.
And unexpectedly sweet.
And brave.
And makes my knees weak in the craziest of ways.
The further we progress in this stupid game, the more I wonder… can I leave him behind?
Do I even want to?
July 20, 2022
Addictive, so good you can't stop reading it!
I really didn't think I'd like this series because I abhor reality TV, but it just sucked me in. I was also Team Intergalactic Cowboy. The action scenes were exciting and well choreographed, the set up for the story was excellent, and Emily and Ralkor were well developed characters too. I am dying to know what happens to Amy and, Charlotte, I think? From the beginning of the game? I am definitely moving on to the next book in this series!
I really didn't think I'd like this series because I abhor reality TV, but it just sucked me in. I was also Team Intergalactic Cowboy. The action scenes were exciting and well choreographed, the set up for the story was excellent, and Emily and Ralkor were well developed characters too. I am dying to know what happens to Amy and, Charlotte, I think? From the beginning of the game? I am definitely moving on to the next book in this series!
October 15, 2021
Emily and her sister are abducted by aliens and put in a tv show and paired up with Ralkor. As they get to know each other they fall in love, however, she is set on finding her sister and winning the game and her freedom, but what that freedom looks like we don’t know yet. I enjoyed the Texas humor and the animals they come across. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I am voluntarily leaving my review of this ARC.
October 30, 2021
In it to Win it
When a human female is abducted from Earth she finds herself an unwilling contestant in a galactic reality show. There can only be one winning couple but the alien cohosts didn’t count on a Texan country girl with no intention of playing by the rules. I loved Emily and Railkor, they grew to trust and depend on each other. I can’t wait for the next book, maybe it will be a series of rebellious earth females.
When a human female is abducted from Earth she finds herself an unwilling contestant in a galactic reality show. There can only be one winning couple but the alien cohosts didn’t count on a Texan country girl with no intention of playing by the rules. I loved Emily and Railkor, they grew to trust and depend on each other. I can’t wait for the next book, maybe it will be a series of rebellious earth females.
November 25, 2021
Bad*ss
Opening Move is Sci-fi Survivor. Very much enjoyed Emily and Ralkor’s love story. There is humor, adventure, action, the sharing of hearts, and love. Emily is a delightful sassy Texas bad*ss cowgirl partnered with a seven foot alien gladiator. The story plot is refreshingly different. Great book!
One complaint: the Snaghian name is spelled as least two different ways in the book; a completely different way in the Out of Bounds excerpt.
Opening Move is Sci-fi Survivor. Very much enjoyed Emily and Ralkor’s love story. There is humor, adventure, action, the sharing of hearts, and love. Emily is a delightful sassy Texas bad*ss cowgirl partnered with a seven foot alien gladiator. The story plot is refreshingly different. Great book!
One complaint: the Snaghian name is spelled as least two different ways in the book; a completely different way in the Out of Bounds excerpt.
January 30, 2023
I liked it. They are a team and have to find the way to the "Altar" and whichever team gets there first, wins their freedom.
But her sister was also abducted and put into the game. She wants to rescue her sister.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
The book ends with her setting up camps near the top of the mountain with the "Altar" so she can intercept her sister's team. She doesn't want to win she wants them both to survive. She's not sure how that can work yet.
But her sister was also abducted and put into the game. She wants to rescue her sister.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
The book ends with her setting up camps near the top of the mountain with the "Altar" so she can intercept her sister's team. She doesn't want to win she wants them both to survive. She's not sure how that can work yet.
June 15, 2025
Two and a half stars
The premise was so good I wanted to like this book more. The comedy just didn’t resonate with me. I found myself rolling my eyes at the meta comments about sci-fi romance. The smut was fine I guess but nothing special. I hated how the book ended without any major plot resolutions and the next book doesn’t even continue with the same characters so we could get closure.
The premise was so good I wanted to like this book more. The comedy just didn’t resonate with me. I found myself rolling my eyes at the meta comments about sci-fi romance. The smut was fine I guess but nothing special. I hated how the book ended without any major plot resolutions and the next book doesn’t even continue with the same characters so we could get closure.
December 14, 2021
Not quite 3 & 1/2 stars.
This held my attention enough to finish & look at reading book 2. I liked the main characters, but felt they could have used more character development. The plot flowed well and there was enough adventures to keep the story interesting. I felt there were some things that just seemed so weird & out of left field at times that it took away from the story.
This held my attention enough to finish & look at reading book 2. I liked the main characters, but felt they could have used more character development. The plot flowed well and there was enough adventures to keep the story interesting. I felt there were some things that just seemed so weird & out of left field at times that it took away from the story.
February 22, 2022
ok
Idk it was just ok for me. I mean the storyline was good but the female seemed more powerful than the male and he was supposed to be this gladiator dude idk. Then it ends on a not really a cliffhanger but still you have to read the next one to continue the story. Idk if I wanna
Idk it was just ok for me. I mean the storyline was good but the female seemed more powerful than the male and he was supposed to be this gladiator dude idk. Then it ends on a not really a cliffhanger but still you have to read the next one to continue the story. Idk if I wanna
March 19, 2022
A new twist on hunger games
This is a lighter,more romantic read than the hunger games,which I for one really enjoyed. It was instalove,but in a good way. Both characters are likeable and their pets made for some interesting and heartfelt ointeractions. All in all I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next book.
This is a lighter,more romantic read than the hunger games,which I for one really enjoyed. It was instalove,but in a good way. Both characters are likeable and their pets made for some interesting and heartfelt ointeractions. All in all I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next book.
November 2, 2021
Can't put my Kindle down!
This book is definitely different but I loved it! Ralkor and Emily was adventure, it was funny, definitely challenging and I can't wait for the next book because I want to know if it's Aly! Ava, great job.
This book is definitely different but I loved it! Ralkor and Emily was adventure, it was funny, definitely challenging and I can't wait for the next book because I want to know if it's Aly! Ava, great job.
January 8, 2022
Fun
This episode is fun we have a Texas rancher, a hunky alien gladiator and cool creatures . This is a cross between survivor and necked and afraid with a little Ncampy game show thrown in. The book does end in a cliffhanger.
This episode is fun we have a Texas rancher, a hunky alien gladiator and cool creatures . This is a cross between survivor and necked and afraid with a little Ncampy game show thrown in. The book does end in a cliffhanger.
December 22, 2022
Ugh...The FMC is like nails on a chalkboard. The MMC is bland like the eraser. There's no spark.
I like these "games" type stories, so it doesn't take much for these books to capture and keep my interest. This one is disappointing.
I like these "games" type stories, so it doesn't take much for these books to capture and keep my interest. This one is disappointing.
Read
June 26, 2023DNF @57%
This was pretty bad…
Wattpad-ish, two dimensional, unimaginative and boring.
The ‘aliens’ were basically just humans with different coloured scaly skin. They behaved and talked just like humans. Very lazy bland writing.
This was pretty bad…
Wattpad-ish, two dimensional, unimaginative and boring.
The ‘aliens’ were basically just humans with different coloured scaly skin. They behaved and talked just like humans. Very lazy bland writing.
May 26, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book, the storyline is well written and the interaction between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review
October 9, 2021
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy.
December 5, 2021
Cliff hanger!!
I know that the author warned of a cliff hanger, but really? Right there??? And Amy's book isn't even the next one in the sequence!! :(
I know that the author warned of a cliff hanger, but really? Right there??? And Amy's book isn't even the next one in the sequence!! :(
December 6, 2021
Good beginning
Emily and Ralkor are in a game for their lives! The story is well written and filled with interesting adventures. BUT it's a cliffhanger! On to the next!
Emily and Ralkor are in a game for their lives! The story is well written and filled with interesting adventures. BUT it's a cliffhanger! On to the next!
January 12, 2022
Very intriguing concept. Loved the story.
February 20, 2022
Just Awesome
Running Man + Hunger Games + Survivor + Naked & Afraid!!! Fast paced, interesting, funny characters crazy trials and Lourve. Can't wait for 2.
Running Man + Hunger Games + Survivor + Naked & Afraid!!! Fast paced, interesting, funny characters crazy trials and Lourve. Can't wait for 2.
February 20, 2022
3.5 stars
This was quite funny and I liked the whole idea with the games, but the relationship between the H and h was poorly developed. I was missing the feels.
This was quite funny and I liked the whole idea with the games, but the relationship between the H and h was poorly developed. I was missing the feels.
February 27, 2022
The idea is great needs editing
I enjoyed the idea behind this book, but the book needs serious editing. Plus it went on and on. It needed to get to the point faster.
I enjoyed the idea behind this book, but the book needs serious editing. Plus it went on and on. It needed to get to the point faster.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews