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She’s been promised a dream wedding. The catch? She was abducted from Earth and her groom is a hot alien warrior with a bad attitude.
Taken to a high-tech space station designed to entice human women, LA socialite Mandy is anything but impressed. She’s not falling for their holographic fantasy suites, their promise of a dream wedding, or their gorgeous, brawny warriors. Especially not the arrogant, hot-shot commander she’s been matched with. He may be used to being obeyed, but no way is she following HIS orders. She could care less that he's huge and ripped and drop-dead gorgeous. Right?
The last thing Dorn wants is a mate.
As a Drexian commander tasked with defending his people from a menacing enemy, he has no use for a frail human mate. Even if they are his species’ last chance for survival. Especially not one as spoiled as her.
But, unfortunately for him, he has no choice. Not if he wants to get back to his battleship and save both Earth and the Drexian race from extinction.
This standalone action romance novel features steamy scenes on a holographic fantasy space station, a high-strung alien wedding planner with a penchant for platform shoes, deadly aliens hell-bent on invading Earth, and smoking-hot Drexian warriors with extra erogenous zones who are equally determined to protect Earth.
If you like hot alien warriors, kick-ass Earth women, and steamy romance with a happily ever after and a few laughs, you’ll love Tamed, the first book in Tana Stone’s sci-fi romance Tribute Brides of the Drexian Warriors series.
Taken to a high-tech space station designed to entice human women, LA socialite Mandy is anything but impressed. She’s not falling for their holographic fantasy suites, their promise of a dream wedding, or their gorgeous, brawny warriors. Especially not the arrogant, hot-shot commander she’s been matched with. He may be used to being obeyed, but no way is she following HIS orders. She could care less that he's huge and ripped and drop-dead gorgeous. Right?
The last thing Dorn wants is a mate.
As a Drexian commander tasked with defending his people from a menacing enemy, he has no use for a frail human mate. Even if they are his species’ last chance for survival. Especially not one as spoiled as her.
But, unfortunately for him, he has no choice. Not if he wants to get back to his battleship and save both Earth and the Drexian race from extinction.
This standalone action romance novel features steamy scenes on a holographic fantasy space station, a high-strung alien wedding planner with a penchant for platform shoes, deadly aliens hell-bent on invading Earth, and smoking-hot Drexian warriors with extra erogenous zones who are equally determined to protect Earth.
If you like hot alien warriors, kick-ass Earth women, and steamy romance with a happily ever after and a few laughs, you’ll love Tamed, the first book in Tana Stone’s sci-fi romance Tribute Brides of the Drexian Warriors series.
300 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2019
2192 people are currently reading
1522 people want to read
About the author
Tana Stone
108 books829 followersI love sexy aliens and independent heroines. I grew up on Star Trek: Next Generation and Star Wars (and I adore them equally). My favorite superhero is Thor (with Aquaman a close second because, well, Jason Momoa), my favorite dessert is key lime pie (okay, fine, all pie), and I still lament the loss of Firefly.
I live in North Carolina in the US and have one husband, two teenagers, and two neurotic cats. I sometimes wish I could teleport to a holographic space station like the one in my tribute brides series (or maybe vacation at the oasis with the sand planet barbarians). :-) When I'm not writing, I love to paddleboard, dive, travel, and read obsessively!
Want to hang out with me in my private Facebook group? Join on all the fun at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tanas...
I live in North Carolina in the US and have one husband, two teenagers, and two neurotic cats. I sometimes wish I could teleport to a holographic space station like the one in my tribute brides series (or maybe vacation at the oasis with the sand planet barbarians). :-) When I'm not writing, I love to paddleboard, dive, travel, and read obsessively!
Want to hang out with me in my private Facebook group? Join on all the fun at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tanas...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
January 18, 2020
Tamed is book one in the Tribute Brides Of The Drexian Warriors series by Tana Stone.
Mandy is a spoiled brat. I hated her the moment she was introduced on the page and I never got over that dislike. The author tries to show her pain, but I never felt it. She choose the direction her life went in and yet shes wondering why her friends and family abandoned her.
Dorn is a Drexian commander who never wanted to take a bride. He is only doing this; because his brother asks him too and family is important to him. I liked Dorn and his Alpha-ness.
The concept of the Tribute Brides didn’t wow me by how it was done. Earth was facing annihilation by the evil aliens and so they make a treaty with the Drexian’s which is the tribute brides. The brides and humans of Earth don’t know about the Drexian’s. The brides only learn about it once they are taken and when that is done they can never return to Earth. Their only option is to mate a Drexian or have no mate and be stuck doing who knows what on the Boat (alien love boat). Not much of a choice for them. I don’t like how this set up is done.
The romance is non-existent. Lust is in abundance as is sex. Their romance wasn’t a romance. It was sex and outstanding sex, but I never felt them fall in love. Their commitment ceremony is on the fast track, so there is no time for them to get to know each other. Mandy and Dorn needed time and to communicate. What they learn about each other they overhear from other people. That’s not a relationship.
What I liked was learning about the evil aliens The Drexian’s are fighting. I found them interesting. The evil aliens have been fooling the Drexian’s for years.
Tamed was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Rated: 2 Stars
Mandy is a spoiled brat. I hated her the moment she was introduced on the page and I never got over that dislike. The author tries to show her pain, but I never felt it. She choose the direction her life went in and yet shes wondering why her friends and family abandoned her.
Dorn is a Drexian commander who never wanted to take a bride. He is only doing this; because his brother asks him too and family is important to him. I liked Dorn and his Alpha-ness.
The concept of the Tribute Brides didn’t wow me by how it was done. Earth was facing annihilation by the evil aliens and so they make a treaty with the Drexian’s which is the tribute brides. The brides and humans of Earth don’t know about the Drexian’s. The brides only learn about it once they are taken and when that is done they can never return to Earth. Their only option is to mate a Drexian or have no mate and be stuck doing who knows what on the Boat (alien love boat). Not much of a choice for them. I don’t like how this set up is done.
The romance is non-existent. Lust is in abundance as is sex. Their romance wasn’t a romance. It was sex and outstanding sex, but I never felt them fall in love. Their commitment ceremony is on the fast track, so there is no time for them to get to know each other. Mandy and Dorn needed time and to communicate. What they learn about each other they overhear from other people. That’s not a relationship.
What I liked was learning about the evil aliens The Drexian’s are fighting. I found them interesting. The evil aliens have been fooling the Drexian’s for years.
Tamed was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.
Rated: 2 Stars
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Rest of the series is on Kindle Unlimited.
November 13, 2020
Should have dnf’d early on. The girl in this is the most insufferable stereotype spoiled Hollywood brat there could be. The writing and story is very amateur-ish.
September 23, 2020
Lectura divertida. Buen comienzo pero con partes flojas
Tamed de Tana Stone Serie Tribute Brides Of The Drexian Warriors libro 1
Mí humilde opinión:
En el lapso de treinta minutos, Mandy había perdido a su única amiga, a su padre un ejecutivo de cine y el dinero que le daba para vivir. Sin mencionar a su despreciable novio una semana antes.
La chica mimada de Beverly Hills acostumbrada a la buena vida ahora tenía que pensar en cómo obtener dinero para sobrevivir.
Participar en un reality show estilo Bachelor? Se apunta en un momento de desesperación y firma el contrato.
Lo que no sabe es que está firmado para algo más de lo que cree...
Ella se convertirá en una novia tributo.
Los Drexians habían estado defendiendo la tierra durante
más de treinta años.
Solo los jefes de gobierno lo sabían porque tenían un acuerdo con los Drexians...
Las humanas eran compatibles con los Drexians. Cerca de la mitad de la población femenina, según los científicos.
Por eso los defendieron. El acuerdo
intercambiaba la protección de la Tierra por mujeres.
Dorn no quiere una compañera, él quiere estar en su nave con sus hombres y luchar, pero su hermano le consigue una mujer porque necesitan que su nombre continúe.
Cuando Mandy y Dorn se conocen no dejan de pelear y enojarse.
Y puede que hayan conocido a su igual...
Primer libro de la Serie Tribute Brides Of The Drexian Warriors y me gustó, fue entretenido pero tuvo algunas cosas en la historia que...
No terminé de conicer a esta raza, necesité más desarrollo sobre su mundo.
Porqué no podían tener bebés sus mujeres y qué pasó? Lo único que me quedó en la cabeza fue que ellos tenían "nodos" en la espalda que era como una zona erógena.
Porqué si los Drexians traían mujeres humanas desde hace tanto tiempo no se actualizaban? Porqué la moda quedó en los años 70 en el Barco y todo lo que ofrecía?
Porqué a Mandy la hicieron participar de un show tipo Bachelor si ya las otras mujeres estaban emparejadas con alguien más? No entendí esto del show o el punto.
Me gustó esta idea del barco del amor y las novias para los aliens.
Que puedan disfrutar del lujo y organizar la boda. Vi todo esto muy divertido con el contraste de los guerreros rudos que eran sus prometidos.
Lo que no me gustó sobre eso es que las humanas no sabían nada de esto, que eran engañadas para ser novias.
Porqué no buscaban voluntarias dispuestas?
Me inquieta la idea porque es ya un tráfico de mujeres. Menos mal que le daban a elegir poder negarte a la boda.
Y al final no hubo boda después de tanta planificación!?
Mandy era insoportable, una niña rica mimada. Era una heroína diferente, no era perfecta, no me gustó su actitud pero me gustó ver su evolución.
Igualmente, se quedó corto esto.
Quise ver más de ella porque había mostrado su interés de ayudar en la enfermería por ejemplo.
Lo que fue desacertado y sinsentido fue que ella se vaya el acorazado con Dorn a escondidas cuando le dijo él que se quedara a salvo. Casi los matan a los dos.
Dorn era un extraterrestre fuerte y un guerrero leal. No estuvo mal pero no esperaré que casi muriera. Toda esa lucha con los Kronock fue algo ridícula. Esperaba una acción más espectacular.
Me sorprendió que fuera la primera vez que veía al enemigo cara a cara cuando hace mucho tiempo luchaba contra ellos. Me hizo ruido eso.
Las escenas de amor estuvieron muy bien pero era todo sexo, lo que tapo por completo el romance. Era pura atracción. No vi que se enamoraron y me hubiera ver eso. Sentí que la autora puso a las puertas de la muerte a Dorn para que Mandy diga el "te amo".
Así que, bien el comienzo de la serie y me resultó muy interesante ese final.
Ya quiero saber que hará este malo Kronock!
January 18, 2020
Good start
I liked this book. The storyline is that the Drexians are protecting Earth from another race and in turn are getting Earth women as mates since the Drexians are no longer able to have females to help them reproduce. This first book is about a high commander in the Drexian army and a spoiled girl from Earth.
I liked this book. The storyline is that the Drexians are protecting Earth from another race and in turn are getting Earth women as mates since the Drexians are no longer able to have females to help them reproduce. This first book is about a high commander in the Drexian army and a spoiled girl from Earth.
October 17, 2020
Kindergarten in space
Another questionable contract between earth government and alien warriors. Women pay the price. Are men ever traded to keep earth safe?
I couldn't relate to the mc one bit. She got on my nerves the moment she was introduced. She's the kind of girl I don't want to meet in real life. Of course everyone around her, especially her parents, is responsible for that. Stereotyped background stories for both the mc and li. Lame! The conversations between the mc and the li lack depth. They hit a crucial topic and instead of addressing it further they get side-tracked by sudden desire, only to fill pages and that their problems don't get sorted out at that point and the story can be continued. Prolonging a story artificially always is unnerving. They acted like teenagers rather than adults.
I thought the whole contract between Drexians and humans was horrible, too. Women are treated like birth machines. Females are traded off in arranged marriages but it's ok because the Drexians are hot. I don't think so! I hate when the males in a story treat the female like a child. It is not sexy at all.
The aliens have been in our solar system for decades, abduct females regularly but are not up-to-date about what is actually considered desirable on earth, though humans live amongst them. This is not the worst story I have ever read, but it's still one of the worst. I am just happy I didn't spend any money on it. I regularly checked on the number of pages I still had to read. It is a shame, because the general idea has potential. The different alien races and technology. It was completely ruined by superficiality and the predictable story telling.
Another questionable contract between earth government and alien warriors. Women pay the price. Are men ever traded to keep earth safe?
I couldn't relate to the mc one bit. She got on my nerves the moment she was introduced. She's the kind of girl I don't want to meet in real life. Of course everyone around her, especially her parents, is responsible for that. Stereotyped background stories for both the mc and li. Lame! The conversations between the mc and the li lack depth. They hit a crucial topic and instead of addressing it further they get side-tracked by sudden desire, only to fill pages and that their problems don't get sorted out at that point and the story can be continued. Prolonging a story artificially always is unnerving. They acted like teenagers rather than adults.
I thought the whole contract between Drexians and humans was horrible, too. Women are treated like birth machines. Females are traded off in arranged marriages but it's ok because the Drexians are hot. I don't think so! I hate when the males in a story treat the female like a child. It is not sexy at all.
The aliens have been in our solar system for decades, abduct females regularly but are not up-to-date about what is actually considered desirable on earth, though humans live amongst them. This is not the worst story I have ever read, but it's still one of the worst. I am just happy I didn't spend any money on it. I regularly checked on the number of pages I still had to read. It is a shame, because the general idea has potential. The different alien races and technology. It was completely ruined by superficiality and the predictable story telling.
November 26, 2020
Kindle unlimited
This one did not thrill me at first. I kept reading at at bedtime and falling asleep quickly.
A rich socialite who ‘ makes a living’ as an Internet influencer is dropped by her friends and rich father because of a previous scene she created.
Aliens kidnap her because they have a deal with the leaders of earth to be allowed to kidnap breedable females with not many ties to friends and family.
Mandy wakes up to find herself in a make-up chair being prepared for a dating game show. She’s a little confused and thinks that the make up lady looks a little odd with her blue tinted skin.
Meanwhile an alien warrior named Dorn has been asked by his brother to come to an alien space station of theirs jokingly referred to as “the love boat“. Dorn knows this means he will be matched with a human mate. He is not thrilled about it.
The majority of the first 3/4 of this book is them fighting while wedding planning.
The last 1/4 of the book was pretty enjoyable with a little battle action and HFN ending.
Recommended as a filler
This one did not thrill me at first. I kept reading at at bedtime and falling asleep quickly.
A rich socialite who ‘ makes a living’ as an Internet influencer is dropped by her friends and rich father because of a previous scene she created.
Aliens kidnap her because they have a deal with the leaders of earth to be allowed to kidnap breedable females with not many ties to friends and family.
Mandy wakes up to find herself in a make-up chair being prepared for a dating game show. She’s a little confused and thinks that the make up lady looks a little odd with her blue tinted skin.
Meanwhile an alien warrior named Dorn has been asked by his brother to come to an alien space station of theirs jokingly referred to as “the love boat“. Dorn knows this means he will be matched with a human mate. He is not thrilled about it.
The majority of the first 3/4 of this book is them fighting while wedding planning.
The last 1/4 of the book was pretty enjoyable with a little battle action and HFN ending.
Recommended as a filler
Want to read
February 12, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/9/2019)! 🎁
September 6, 2025
Earth Girls Are Mandatory
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋🙂☺️😍
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Solo Narration
🦸🏼♀️ Heroine Spotlight: Mandy
Mandy’s life has been defined by privilege and notoriety — the daughter of a powerful Hollywood producer, she’s more infamous for scandal than substance. Her attempt at influencer fame fizzled at a modest 100K followers, and even that number is dwindling. Her best friend, now a rising star, is drifting away, and her father has just cut off her allowance — the lifeline she’s always relied on. Suddenly adrift, Mandy’s forced to confront a terrifying truth: she has no idea who she is without the safety net.
---
🦸🏻♂️ Hero Spotlight: Dorn
Commander Dorn of the Inferno Force is a seasoned Drexian warrior stationed at the galaxy’s edge, locked in endless battle with the Kronucks. His recent assignment — guarding Earth — feels beneath him. Humans, oblivious to the wider universe and bent on self-destruction, hardly seem worth the effort. But duty calls: his brother summons him to the Drexian space station, where human women are matched with Drexian mates. Dorn resents the distraction. He doesn’t want a mate. He wants war.
---
🔥 Plot Snapshot
The Drexians face extinction — their genetics no longer produce females, and only human women share enough DNA to ensure survival. Enter Mandy, abducted by a Drexian she mistakes for a talent scout and dropped into a high-tech dating show on a space station. The premise? Choose a mate or be chosen. Mandy, furious and defiant, refuses to be paired off like a prize. Dorn, equally resistant, finds himself drawn to the one woman who challenges everything he thought he wanted.
---
❤️🔥 What Worked
• The dating-show setup was fresh, funny, and surprisingly poignant.
• Dorn’s reluctant journey toward connection — especially under pressure from his older brother — added emotional depth and tension.
---
🤨 Room for More
• Mandy’s early portrayal leaned heavily into spoiled-rich-girl tropes. Her growth arc eventually kicks in, but it takes time to warm up to her. A few more glimpses of vulnerability up front would’ve helped.
---
🎧 Narration Vibes
Jodie Bentley delivers a dynamic dual POV performance that feels lived-in and emotionally textured. Her voice work is expressive without veering into melodrama — a rare balance. I usually steer clear of solo narrators for dual POVs, but Bentley nails it. And as always, Tana Stone brings the heat and heart in equal measure. Her plots are tight, her steam well-calibrated, and her heroines never dull.
---
📝 Final Thoughts
A space-romance romp with teeth — equal parts satire, steam, and soul. Mandy and Dorn’s reluctant collision sparks more than just chemistry; it’s a clash of identities, expectations, and survival instincts. If you’re into alien warriors, reluctant heroines, and dating shows with galactic stakes, this one’s worth the ride.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋🙂☺️😍
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Solo Narration
🦸🏼♀️ Heroine Spotlight: Mandy
Mandy’s life has been defined by privilege and notoriety — the daughter of a powerful Hollywood producer, she’s more infamous for scandal than substance. Her attempt at influencer fame fizzled at a modest 100K followers, and even that number is dwindling. Her best friend, now a rising star, is drifting away, and her father has just cut off her allowance — the lifeline she’s always relied on. Suddenly adrift, Mandy’s forced to confront a terrifying truth: she has no idea who she is without the safety net.
---
🦸🏻♂️ Hero Spotlight: Dorn
Commander Dorn of the Inferno Force is a seasoned Drexian warrior stationed at the galaxy’s edge, locked in endless battle with the Kronucks. His recent assignment — guarding Earth — feels beneath him. Humans, oblivious to the wider universe and bent on self-destruction, hardly seem worth the effort. But duty calls: his brother summons him to the Drexian space station, where human women are matched with Drexian mates. Dorn resents the distraction. He doesn’t want a mate. He wants war.
---
🔥 Plot Snapshot
The Drexians face extinction — their genetics no longer produce females, and only human women share enough DNA to ensure survival. Enter Mandy, abducted by a Drexian she mistakes for a talent scout and dropped into a high-tech dating show on a space station. The premise? Choose a mate or be chosen. Mandy, furious and defiant, refuses to be paired off like a prize. Dorn, equally resistant, finds himself drawn to the one woman who challenges everything he thought he wanted.
---
❤️🔥 What Worked
• The dating-show setup was fresh, funny, and surprisingly poignant.
• Dorn’s reluctant journey toward connection — especially under pressure from his older brother — added emotional depth and tension.
---
🤨 Room for More
• Mandy’s early portrayal leaned heavily into spoiled-rich-girl tropes. Her growth arc eventually kicks in, but it takes time to warm up to her. A few more glimpses of vulnerability up front would’ve helped.
---
🎧 Narration Vibes
Jodie Bentley delivers a dynamic dual POV performance that feels lived-in and emotionally textured. Her voice work is expressive without veering into melodrama — a rare balance. I usually steer clear of solo narrators for dual POVs, but Bentley nails it. And as always, Tana Stone brings the heat and heart in equal measure. Her plots are tight, her steam well-calibrated, and her heroines never dull.
---
📝 Final Thoughts
A space-romance romp with teeth — equal parts satire, steam, and soul. Mandy and Dorn’s reluctant collision sparks more than just chemistry; it’s a clash of identities, expectations, and survival instincts. If you’re into alien warriors, reluctant heroines, and dating shows with galactic stakes, this one’s worth the ride.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
November 12, 2019
Mandy and Dorn
A fun entry in the “Mars Needs Women” trope.
Everyone she knows, family and friends, have abandon her. Mandy hasn’t a clue where to turn. Next thing she knows she wakes in space and is immediately hustled on to The Dating Game like it was the 1980’s again. Turns out this is the matching process used to select human women for Drexian mates.
Dorn is the head of the Drexian force that is guarding Earth from the bad guys. He’s annoyed when his brother forces him to come to Head Quarters and even madder when he’s told he has to take a mate.
These two are both extremely headstrong so it’s fun watching them warm to each other.
A fun entry in the “Mars Needs Women” trope.
Everyone she knows, family and friends, have abandon her. Mandy hasn’t a clue where to turn. Next thing she knows she wakes in space and is immediately hustled on to The Dating Game like it was the 1980’s again. Turns out this is the matching process used to select human women for Drexian mates.
Dorn is the head of the Drexian force that is guarding Earth from the bad guys. He’s annoyed when his brother forces him to come to Head Quarters and even madder when he’s told he has to take a mate.
These two are both extremely headstrong so it’s fun watching them warm to each other.
September 4, 2019
Intense and interesting
The characters were so cool. I loved Mandy because she was the spoiled brat that you want to hate. She is the girl in the other alien abducted books you want to die first because she is such a pain. However we could feel her pain which changed things. We could see her wanting so badly to be accepted. I loved how Dorn dealt with her it was fantastic. This was well written and I can’t wait to read more.
The characters were so cool. I loved Mandy because she was the spoiled brat that you want to hate. She is the girl in the other alien abducted books you want to die first because she is such a pain. However we could feel her pain which changed things. We could see her wanting so badly to be accepted. I loved how Dorn dealt with her it was fantastic. This was well written and I can’t wait to read more.
September 11, 2020
Honestly I should have known better than to read this book after reading the description of the heroine in the synopsis. Everything from the characters to the plot was flimsy and I hated Mandy. It was all so shallow and cliche, definitely will not continue this series.
Summary: Mandy, a vapid LA influencer, gets abducted by aliens who protect earth from invasion in exchange for brides. Tantrums and cliches ensue.
Summary: Mandy, a vapid LA influencer, gets abducted by aliens who protect earth from invasion in exchange for brides. Tantrums and cliches ensue.
November 16, 2020
33% into book and dnf. I hated the main characters. Dorn was a prejudiced jerk and Mandy was a shallow spoiled brat who actually stomped her foot when throwing a tantrum.
And why is everyone, including the women, so easily ok with with kidnapping and forced marriages??
And why is everyone, including the women, so easily ok with with kidnapping and forced marriages??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2022
This was okay. The steam was good. The world building and romance are decent. This wasn’t a bad book. But there was nothing outstanding about it either.
Mandy was not likable initially. Her redemption didn’t seem remarkable to me. She comes across as a whiney privileged brat when we meet her. That never really seemed to change for me. I would have loved an opportunity to see more than her insecurities and see her actually care about someone else without receiving anything in return. This never happened. It was all about Mandy in Mandy’s world. I did enjoy seeing her take charge of her sexuality and their relationship. But, there wasn’t much substance to her beyond that. Ultimately, Mandy is pretty shallow. I think that made this more difficult to enjoy.
Doran is a lot of bluster and a typical alpha male who has a hard time experiencing emotion. Although his type has been done to death, I was still here for it. Dorn is brining the heat and has a sharp mind. I enjoyed that he didn’t allow Mandy to manipulate him. He could play all her games and so much better. Dorn was fun and made the book more enjoyable.
This was a fun read. But, I wish the pace had been a little faster. There were some instances of filler that felt very much like wasted space and chapters. I think that hurt the storytelling. But, this is a good start to the series.
Mandy was not likable initially. Her redemption didn’t seem remarkable to me. She comes across as a whiney privileged brat when we meet her. That never really seemed to change for me. I would have loved an opportunity to see more than her insecurities and see her actually care about someone else without receiving anything in return. This never happened. It was all about Mandy in Mandy’s world. I did enjoy seeing her take charge of her sexuality and their relationship. But, there wasn’t much substance to her beyond that. Ultimately, Mandy is pretty shallow. I think that made this more difficult to enjoy.
Doran is a lot of bluster and a typical alpha male who has a hard time experiencing emotion. Although his type has been done to death, I was still here for it. Dorn is brining the heat and has a sharp mind. I enjoyed that he didn’t allow Mandy to manipulate him. He could play all her games and so much better. Dorn was fun and made the book more enjoyable.
This was a fun read. But, I wish the pace had been a little faster. There were some instances of filler that felt very much like wasted space and chapters. I think that hurt the storytelling. But, this is a good start to the series.
March 15, 2024
Voto 3.5
.
Vanilla 91 - per RFS
.
Per Mandy, quella non è per niente una bella giornata: il rifiuto della sua migliore amica e l’allontanamento da parte del padre non sono nulla se paragonati al rapimento e al successivo trasporto su una stazione spaziale aliena. O quasi… Il peggio è stato scoprire di essere stata assegnata a un bruto alieno con l’unico scopo di accoppiarsi.
Sì, perché i Drexiani sono un popolo di guerrieri valorosi che da oltre trent’anni difendono la Terra, un pianeta tecnologicamente inferiore al loro, dai Knonock. Non gratis ovviamente, come riconoscimento per il servizio reso hanno chiesto e ottenuto di poter prelevare donne umane senza legami e compatibili sessualmente con i loro maschi allo scopo di riprodursi.
Dorn è al comando della Forza Inferno, la nave di punta dell’armata, ed è il secondogenito di una delle famiglie drexiane più antiche e rinomate. Un maschio tutto d’un pezzo e votato al suo lavoro, che farebbe ogni cosa tranne prendere moglie, soprattutto quella viziata figlia di papà, fastidiosa ed esigente. Ma la casa di Baraat ha bisogno quanto prima di un discendente e lui farà il suo dovere.
Mandy appare all’inizio come una sciocca superficiale, ma è la resilienza fatta persona perché elabora velocemente il cambiamento e ne intuisce l’opportunità: ora che è circondata da alieni che non la conoscono non è più costretta a fingere, può diventare qualunque cosa lei voglia, la versione migliore di sé.
“Forse non era così male stare con qualcuno che non cercava di sfruttarla per le sue conoscenze o il suo nome. Lassù, lei avrebbe potuto reinventarsi completamente ed essere una persona diversa. Qualcuno che voleva davvero essere, chiunque fosse.”
L’ottimo sesso certamente li avvicina, ma basterà a tenere insieme questa coppia improbabile?
La scrittura ha un buon ritmo e i POV alterni mettono bene in evidenza i sentimenti e i pensieri dei due protagonisti che si rivelano essere davvero spassosi insieme.
Interessanti anche i personaggi secondari: sono certa che Kat e Bridget ci riserveranno non poche sorprese. Non vedo l’ora di leggere della prossima mossa dei Knonock.
A presto!
.
Vanilla 91 - per RFS
.
Per Mandy, quella non è per niente una bella giornata: il rifiuto della sua migliore amica e l’allontanamento da parte del padre non sono nulla se paragonati al rapimento e al successivo trasporto su una stazione spaziale aliena. O quasi… Il peggio è stato scoprire di essere stata assegnata a un bruto alieno con l’unico scopo di accoppiarsi.
Sì, perché i Drexiani sono un popolo di guerrieri valorosi che da oltre trent’anni difendono la Terra, un pianeta tecnologicamente inferiore al loro, dai Knonock. Non gratis ovviamente, come riconoscimento per il servizio reso hanno chiesto e ottenuto di poter prelevare donne umane senza legami e compatibili sessualmente con i loro maschi allo scopo di riprodursi.
Dorn è al comando della Forza Inferno, la nave di punta dell’armata, ed è il secondogenito di una delle famiglie drexiane più antiche e rinomate. Un maschio tutto d’un pezzo e votato al suo lavoro, che farebbe ogni cosa tranne prendere moglie, soprattutto quella viziata figlia di papà, fastidiosa ed esigente. Ma la casa di Baraat ha bisogno quanto prima di un discendente e lui farà il suo dovere.
Mandy appare all’inizio come una sciocca superficiale, ma è la resilienza fatta persona perché elabora velocemente il cambiamento e ne intuisce l’opportunità: ora che è circondata da alieni che non la conoscono non è più costretta a fingere, può diventare qualunque cosa lei voglia, la versione migliore di sé.
“Forse non era così male stare con qualcuno che non cercava di sfruttarla per le sue conoscenze o il suo nome. Lassù, lei avrebbe potuto reinventarsi completamente ed essere una persona diversa. Qualcuno che voleva davvero essere, chiunque fosse.”
L’ottimo sesso certamente li avvicina, ma basterà a tenere insieme questa coppia improbabile?
La scrittura ha un buon ritmo e i POV alterni mettono bene in evidenza i sentimenti e i pensieri dei due protagonisti che si rivelano essere davvero spassosi insieme.
Interessanti anche i personaggi secondari: sono certa che Kat e Bridget ci riserveranno non poche sorprese. Non vedo l’ora di leggere della prossima mossa dei Knonock.
A presto!
July 25, 2020
Love this series! Drexians are amazing and so hot. Each heroine is delightful but Mandy and Dorn in this first book made me LOL a few times especially as they got to know each other even tho she practically tried to kill him lol.
July 6, 2020
A bit disappointed about the alpha male ... not that much of an alpha for me !
November 30, 2019
I’m going to say I liked Tamed. I don’t think I’ve read an alien romance before and this was surprisingly satisfying.
My only complaint was that I felt like there was a lot of telling in this story. Sometimes repetitive telling that didn’t actually aid the storyline just added words for the sake of it which bogged me down a little. Otherwise, I could have just been really tired and my brain wasn’t working properly. That’s definitely a possibility at this time of the year 😂😂
3.5 enjoyable stars
Oh and the heroine was occasionally annoying and inconsistent.
My only complaint was that I felt like there was a lot of telling in this story. Sometimes repetitive telling that didn’t actually aid the storyline just added words for the sake of it which bogged me down a little. Otherwise, I could have just been really tired and my brain wasn’t working properly. That’s definitely a possibility at this time of the year 😂😂
3.5 enjoyable stars
Oh and the heroine was occasionally annoying and inconsistent.
January 4, 2024
I love the idea of the tribute brides and The Love Boat.
I didnt love this couple though.
Dorn is a warrior and has focused his whole future on his career. And after watching his father fade away after the death of his mother, he never wanted to find a mate or start a family. Now because of unforseen circumstances he is the last chance for his family line to continue on.
Mandy was born in beautiful southern California. She's always has a rich life monetary but a lonely life in general. Her mother and father abandoned her and were really only ever their when it suited them. She through herself into Hollywood culture and became very spoiled and entitled. I can see why a lot of readers did not like her.
I did not like Dorn's reactions to Mandy. She didn't like her outdated clothes so he threw them away? She wasn't comfortable eating the food becasue she had no idea what she was eating so he told them to take it away and not let her eat? And his response was, well if my mate isn't happy with it then we get rid of it. OKAY?! So then provide food and clothing with her that she likes.
He didnt take the time to understand her abandonment issues even though to him and the reader they are plain as day. The author didn't give justice to Mandy's problems like that. Just gave a reason as to why she was a bratty character and nothing to help fix her fears.
It was a very one dimensional relationship and the only reason their relationship progressed was becasue they were horny. Which is disappointing.
I didnt love this couple though.
Dorn is a warrior and has focused his whole future on his career. And after watching his father fade away after the death of his mother, he never wanted to find a mate or start a family. Now because of unforseen circumstances he is the last chance for his family line to continue on.
Mandy was born in beautiful southern California. She's always has a rich life monetary but a lonely life in general. Her mother and father abandoned her and were really only ever their when it suited them. She through herself into Hollywood culture and became very spoiled and entitled. I can see why a lot of readers did not like her.
I did not like Dorn's reactions to Mandy. She didn't like her outdated clothes so he threw them away? She wasn't comfortable eating the food becasue she had no idea what she was eating so he told them to take it away and not let her eat? And his response was, well if my mate isn't happy with it then we get rid of it. OKAY?! So then provide food and clothing with her that she likes.
He didnt take the time to understand her abandonment issues even though to him and the reader they are plain as day. The author didn't give justice to Mandy's problems like that. Just gave a reason as to why she was a bratty character and nothing to help fix her fears.
It was a very one dimensional relationship and the only reason their relationship progressed was becasue they were horny. Which is disappointing.
March 5, 2022
I really was excited to read this story and I am so disappointed. Everything seemed rushed and forced and the heroine was totally unlikable through most of the book. I didn't believe in their love. It seemed contrived and the entire premise is just whacked.
I loved the cover and the blurb but the story was for want of a better word, stupid. And I hate that cause I love this author and her other series. But come on ...the Dating Game? Really...and where do these couples spend the rest of their lives? On a space station living in a holodeck? I just can't... and that makes me very sad.
I am very sure that others will disagree with me and that is fine. Everyone has their likes and dislikes. One of mine is that I have to fall in love with the hero and heroine or at least like them.
I loved the cover and the blurb but the story was for want of a better word, stupid. And I hate that cause I love this author and her other series. But come on ...the Dating Game? Really...and where do these couples spend the rest of their lives? On a space station living in a holodeck? I just can't... and that makes me very sad.
I am very sure that others will disagree with me and that is fine. Everyone has their likes and dislikes. One of mine is that I have to fall in love with the hero and heroine or at least like them.
March 5, 2020
I love scifi romance, and I’m always in search of new (or new to me) authors to stalk follow.
Tamed was a bit of a disappointment and a weak start to a series I was excited to try.
Mandy was immediately unlikeable for me, and I never really warmed to her throughout the entire book.
Dorn was just a cookie-cutter alpha alien male. Nothing special. Very forgettable.
And omg, well over the first half of the book is allll about wedding planning and dresses and food and spoiled brat attacks. So boring! I almost gave up. But then things actually started happening so I persevered. It turned out better plot wise in the last part of the book, with some action and danger and baddies. The characters were still pretty awful though (sorry).
I’ll try the next one as it’s in KU. I wouldn’t bother otherwise. Hopefully #2 is better!
Tamed was a bit of a disappointment and a weak start to a series I was excited to try.
Mandy was immediately unlikeable for me, and I never really warmed to her throughout the entire book.
Dorn was just a cookie-cutter alpha alien male. Nothing special. Very forgettable.
And omg, well over the first half of the book is allll about wedding planning and dresses and food and spoiled brat attacks. So boring! I almost gave up. But then things actually started happening so I persevered. It turned out better plot wise in the last part of the book, with some action and danger and baddies. The characters were still pretty awful though (sorry).
I’ll try the next one as it’s in KU. I wouldn’t bother otherwise. Hopefully #2 is better!
July 18, 2019
This was my first by this author, and I truly enjoyed it. It was a great read that kept me engrossed with its intrigue, humor, and great chemistry between the characters. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2020
DNF
I’m sorry, Mandy is a raging bratty bit*h and I just cant take it!
I’m sorry, Mandy is a raging bratty bit*h and I just cant take it!
July 1, 2020
This book left me with conflicting emotions. In the end I thought there was some, good, some bad and sadly quite a bit of wasted potential. As for the good: I liked the hero. Dorn was a warrior, alpha male that was focused on his duties to his family, species and world. He was hot and seemed like a decent guy. The heat level: Trust me when I say things get sizzling and steamy. The World: I found the setting intriguing. And Lastly: The Battle Of Wills. It was fun to see these two clash together. Now the bad: The heroine. Considering her situation you are inclined to feel for Mandy and I kind of did, or at least as much as I could because she was just so very unlikable. Privileged, spoilt and a straight-up brat, this character was very hard to take. Emotion: I felt that there was a lack of a real connection between the couple. Desire, yes. Attraction, yes. Love, not so much. So, in the end, I liked this book but felt some of its potential was squandered. I will certainly give other books in this series a chance because my most troubling issue was the heroine. The book is performed by a single narrator and I felt that they did a good job in bringing the story to life.
August 7, 2020
Dorn🐺🔪🔫 Against The Kronocks👹🔫
ADULT Alpha Alien Male🐺🔪🔫 Sci-fi Romance and Space🚀 Adventure
The Drexian Warriors🐺🔪🔫 are Earth's 🌎 last line of defense against the horrible, destructive Kronock👹🔪🔫, a race of huge gray monsters who destroyed the Drexian home 🌎world, and want to plunder and destroy 🌎Earth, too.
As payment for the Drexians🐺🔪🔫 continued vigilance and protection against the Kronock👹🔪🔫, Earth's 🌎leaders secretly agree to provide a number of compatible human women for mates👰 every year. It's a small price to pay. The young women are known as tribute brides👰and are matched to their Drexian🐺🔪🔫 mates.
A Ship 🚀bearing the brides👰, is dispatched to the Drexian🐺🔪🔫 space station💫, known as "The Love Boat"🚢.
When Commander Dorn🐺🔪🔫🍆⛲ is matched to human woman, Mandy💃💋, he is less than thrilled. With the continued threats to Earth by the Kronock👹🔪🔫, He doesn't have time for a mate👰!
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱 .
" Tamed" is one of the three books in the Box Set, "Tribute Brides of The Drexian Warriors"
I got this ebook with KU.
ADULT Alpha Alien Male🐺🔪🔫 Sci-fi Romance and Space🚀 Adventure
The Drexian Warriors🐺🔪🔫 are Earth's 🌎 last line of defense against the horrible, destructive Kronock👹🔪🔫, a race of huge gray monsters who destroyed the Drexian home 🌎world, and want to plunder and destroy 🌎Earth, too.
As payment for the Drexians🐺🔪🔫 continued vigilance and protection against the Kronock👹🔪🔫, Earth's 🌎leaders secretly agree to provide a number of compatible human women for mates👰 every year. It's a small price to pay. The young women are known as tribute brides👰and are matched to their Drexian🐺🔪🔫 mates.
A Ship 🚀bearing the brides👰, is dispatched to the Drexian🐺🔪🔫 space station💫, known as "The Love Boat"🚢.
When Commander Dorn🐺🔪🔫🍆⛲ is matched to human woman, Mandy💃💋, he is less than thrilled. With the continued threats to Earth by the Kronock👹🔪🔫, He doesn't have time for a mate👰!
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱 .
" Tamed" is one of the three books in the Box Set, "Tribute Brides of The Drexian Warriors"
I got this ebook with KU.
May 6, 2022
3.25
Steam: 4/5 - There's only 3 scenes but the 2nd one is probably one of my all time favs. There's a bit of CNC and a power reversal, which is oh so rare in the alien alpha world.
Romance: 2.5/5 - meh. Pretty surface stuff. Reminded me of an old school HR.
Plot: 2.5/5 - Again, pretty surface. There were some things brewing but a good portion of it was wedding planning.
Rereadable: Umm... just that one scene lol
Continuing with series/author: Not right away, but I'd try something else from Tana Stone.
Steam: 4/5 - There's only 3 scenes but the 2nd one is probably one of my all time favs. There's a bit of CNC and a power reversal, which is oh so rare in the alien alpha world.
Romance: 2.5/5 - meh. Pretty surface stuff. Reminded me of an old school HR.
Plot: 2.5/5 - Again, pretty surface. There were some things brewing but a good portion of it was wedding planning.
Rereadable: Umm... just that one scene lol
Continuing with series/author: Not right away, but I'd try something else from Tana Stone.
April 25, 2020
Quick(ish) Review
The Good: Interesting worldbuilding. Intrigued with the characters and there was good potential. However...
The Bad: Character development, what there is of it, is done through character’s inner thoughts or interactions with secondary characters. The scenes between the MCs is almost exclusively sexual. By the end, I believed that they were attracted to each other but love was a stretch.
The Bottom Line: It was only ok. However, the next couple in the series is interesting enough for me to give them a go and hoping it’s a bit better than this.
The Good: Interesting worldbuilding. Intrigued with the characters and there was good potential. However...
The Bad: Character development, what there is of it, is done through character’s inner thoughts or interactions with secondary characters. The scenes between the MCs is almost exclusively sexual. By the end, I believed that they were attracted to each other but love was a stretch.
The Bottom Line: It was only ok. However, the next couple in the series is interesting enough for me to give them a go and hoping it’s a bit better than this.
November 30, 2025
3.5
"Dorn la studiò. “Forse mio fratello aveva ragione quando ci ha appaiati. Forse ciascuno di noi ha bisogno di una persona testarda come l’altro.”
“Se non ci uccidiamo a vicenda nel frattempo.”
Dorn le prese la mano. “Se ricordo bene, sei tu che hai cercato di uccidere me.”
Mandy raddrizzò le spalle. “Per sbaglio.”
“Sai che non ti farei mai del male.” Dorn si portò la mano alle labbra. “Morirei per proteggerti.”"
Come primo volume di una nuova serie non è male, ma rimane tutto un po' banale e superficiale, e soprattutto la protagonista per gran parte del libro mi ha irritata a morte. E' la classica ragazzina ricca e viziata all'apparenza, ma sotto sotto cresciuta triste e senza scopo in una casa vuota con un padre che esprimeva affetto tramite libretto degli assegni e una madre semplicemente indifferente. Tutto molto triste per carità, ma non ho empatizzato granché (con lei, mentre con il povero Dorn che se la trova sul groppone costretto invece si XD). Ovviamente ci sarà un minimo di crescita e maturazione da parte sua, ma arriverà fin troppo avanti nella storia, e mi ha convinto poco. Dorn invece tiene il suo ruolo di alieno grumpy tosto e sexy con disinvoltura, e nonostante i bisticci e i suoi sforzi per non uccidere la sua insopportabile compagna, riesce a farsi amare per contrasto XD
"Dorn la studiò. “Forse mio fratello aveva ragione quando ci ha appaiati. Forse ciascuno di noi ha bisogno di una persona testarda come l’altro.”
“Se non ci uccidiamo a vicenda nel frattempo.”
Dorn le prese la mano. “Se ricordo bene, sei tu che hai cercato di uccidere me.”
Mandy raddrizzò le spalle. “Per sbaglio.”
“Sai che non ti farei mai del male.” Dorn si portò la mano alle labbra. “Morirei per proteggerti.”"
Come primo volume di una nuova serie non è male, ma rimane tutto un po' banale e superficiale, e soprattutto la protagonista per gran parte del libro mi ha irritata a morte. E' la classica ragazzina ricca e viziata all'apparenza, ma sotto sotto cresciuta triste e senza scopo in una casa vuota con un padre che esprimeva affetto tramite libretto degli assegni e una madre semplicemente indifferente. Tutto molto triste per carità, ma non ho empatizzato granché (con lei, mentre con il povero Dorn che se la trova sul groppone costretto invece si XD). Ovviamente ci sarà un minimo di crescita e maturazione da parte sua, ma arriverà fin troppo avanti nella storia, e mi ha convinto poco. Dorn invece tiene il suo ruolo di alieno grumpy tosto e sexy con disinvoltura, e nonostante i bisticci e i suoi sforzi per non uccidere la sua insopportabile compagna, riesce a farsi amare per contrasto XD
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