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Garrison Earth #2
Matched
My female matches two Vetusians: me, and the warrior she just killed.
Fate is unpredictable. One moment I lose my destined female. The very next, I walk in on the kill of the other male who intended to claim her. For the Empire, the punishment for murder is death; her execution inevitable.
Until I steal Katie and her daughter away to Odheim. A planet where all the ugliness of the universe comes together, including the darkest memories of my past.
I’m a sgu’dal, an ex-addict.
The shame of the healer stratum.
But unsuitable, I am not, and now is the time for me to prove it. I will protect Katie and Grace from the grim reaches of injustice, even if it means I have to redefine the meaning of fate.
Matched is the second book in this interconnected romance series, taking us beyond the borders of Garrison Earth. If you enjoy resilient women, devoted aliens, fated mates, and hard-earned happily ever after’s with no cliffhangers, you’ll love Garrison Earth.
Author Note: The entire Garrison Earth series touches on subjects such as captivity, drug abuse, forced prostitution, loss of loved ones, human trafficking, rough handling, and violence. Any reader uncomfortable with the harsh realities of an alien invasion should please consider before purchase.
Fate is unpredictable. One moment I lose my destined female. The very next, I walk in on the kill of the other male who intended to claim her. For the Empire, the punishment for murder is death; her execution inevitable.
Until I steal Katie and her daughter away to Odheim. A planet where all the ugliness of the universe comes together, including the darkest memories of my past.
I’m a sgu’dal, an ex-addict.
The shame of the healer stratum.
But unsuitable, I am not, and now is the time for me to prove it. I will protect Katie and Grace from the grim reaches of injustice, even if it means I have to redefine the meaning of fate.
Matched is the second book in this interconnected romance series, taking us beyond the borders of Garrison Earth. If you enjoy resilient women, devoted aliens, fated mates, and hard-earned happily ever after’s with no cliffhangers, you’ll love Garrison Earth.
Author Note: The entire Garrison Earth series touches on subjects such as captivity, drug abuse, forced prostitution, loss of loved ones, human trafficking, rough handling, and violence. Any reader uncomfortable with the harsh realities of an alien invasion should please consider before purchase.
312 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2020
401 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
May 29, 2021
This is the second book in the Garrison Earth series, and wow, this ones full on an emotional roller coaster. The heroine Katie fines herself the attention of two Vetusians, somehow being a match to both. But evil exists in all species, as she finds out the hard way, and she is now on the run after murdering one of the vetusian warriors matched to her. Her hero, the other vetusian matched to her, is an ex drug addict of his species, and is shunned because of it. But he will save her at all cost to himself, he knows no other way.
April 21, 2025
3.5 stars✨
January 12, 2025
4.5 stars
I couldn’t get through Captured (Book 1 in the Garrison Earth series) because it felt repetitive at times, but this one was SO engrossing.
I loved Malek and Katie’s relationship, which developed quite slowly because of Katie’s trauma, but also because of deep-seated issues they were both dealing with (trusting someone else to have your back for Katie, and self-worth for Malek). Seeing them slowly become a unit though 🥹, those angsty pangs paid off. The relationship between Malek and Katie’s teenage daughter Grace was also heartwarming, and there was a really nice found family vibe with some of the side character.
Definitely not all sunshine and roses though, because the storyline itself… wow. The author does say that this series deals with the harsh realities of an alien invasion, but somehow the dark themes and a few pretty violence scenes still took me by surprise. Even characters we’re meant to root for were not entirely blameless, and were absolutely the villains in someone else’s story. That part of it will stay on mind for some time.
Not a lighthearted read, but I couldn’t put this one down.
I couldn’t get through Captured (Book 1 in the Garrison Earth series) because it felt repetitive at times, but this one was SO engrossing.
I loved Malek and Katie’s relationship, which developed quite slowly because of Katie’s trauma, but also because of deep-seated issues they were both dealing with (trusting someone else to have your back for Katie, and self-worth for Malek). Seeing them slowly become a unit though 🥹, those angsty pangs paid off. The relationship between Malek and Katie’s teenage daughter Grace was also heartwarming, and there was a really nice found family vibe with some of the side character.
Definitely not all sunshine and roses though, because the storyline itself… wow. The author does say that this series deals with the harsh realities of an alien invasion, but somehow the dark themes and a few pretty violence scenes still took me by surprise. Even characters we’re meant to root for were not entirely blameless, and were absolutely the villains in someone else’s story. That part of it will stay on mind for some time.
Not a lighthearted read, but I couldn’t put this one down.
March 21, 2020
The writing and editing were both excellent, from what I could see in the ARC version of this manuscript. This author knows how to write really pretty sentences. The world building in this novel was more minimal than it was in the first novel in the series, and I personally would have enjoyed a little bit more physical description of this world. I know a lot of romance readers prefer an author not spend any more time on world building than is essential for the plot, however. The characterization in this novel was incredible, which seems to be a hallmark of this author. The heroine really came alive, and her recovery from trauma seemed so respectfully and realistically written. The hero and his struggle with the shame and discrimination he faced due to his previous addiction was so thoughtfully done. It was wonderful to see a former addict who had gone clean but still occasionally struggled with temptation as the hero of a sci-fi romance novel. Yay representation! The development of the romantic relationship between these two was naturally and organically done, with me the reader really appreciating the fact that the heroine was not ready for a new romantic relationship for quite a while after her assault, and the hero realizing that and giving her all the space she needed until she was really ready to go there. This novel's pacing was a little slower than in the first novel in the series, but the plot was super well done and interesting, with the slowly unraveling mystery of how the heroine got Matched to two different men being revealed at just the right time. There was a fair amount of well deserved angst in this novel, but I thoroughly enjoyed it because it was rooted in these characters' trauma and caused by or contributed to by the high stakes plot elements driving this story forward. This is how to write angst so that readers who don't typically enjoy it will totally buy in! This novel uses the Fated Mates trope and the Mars Needs Women trope, but it also uses the Woman Recovering from Abuse trope. I personally enjoy that trope because it gives me hope in the context of a romance novel. The characterization, plot, pacing, and development of the romantic relationship all rates five stars. I detracted one star from the overall score because I would have liked more vibrant world building, but I am a reader who really enjoys world building. This novel ends on a Happy Ever After Ending instead of a cliffhanger, so that is a big plus to this series so far. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy romance novels with suspense or political intrigue, even if you don't usually read sci-fi romance. I think this series has strong cross-genre appeal. I am planning on getting myself a keeper copy of this novel for sure!
I received an ARC of this novel and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received an ARC of this novel and am voluntarily reviewing it.
May 20, 2021
“Have you considered that I don’t want anybody to take care of us? I’ve managed it without any help so far, and I intend to keep it that way.”
Katie is a strong willed single mother that has been raising her daughter for the past 15 years alone.
Melek is a healer. Or what I as a human would call a nurse/doctor. We’re actually introduced to him and book one. And that’s where I actually fell in love with him. Melek is an ex addict who has been clean for many years and decided to give himself the best possible future once he found out that his people were going to come to earth and find potential mates.
That’s all he ever wanted was a woman to love and to cherish. Of course the journey wasn’t so easy for him because his mate was assigned to someone else who ended up hurting her and it led to his death.
That is the start to a spiral of chaos and drama because they end up going on the run due to the death of this warrior.
But how long can you run until you get caught? And what happens if you get caught for supposedly murdering someone in cold blood?
This is a slow burn romance about a woman who has to heal from her trauma with her first “mate” but also learning to let down her guard to another man again after being a single mom for so long.
Melek is so swoon worthy. At times he doesn’t feel like he is worthy himself of this beautiful woman and her daughter and he does everything he can to help Katie through her trauma. But his alien loves so hard. It was so easy to fall in love with him myself. He has the stress of being on the run and keeping his little family safe but also wants nothing more than to officially mate and connect with Katie.
“Once you’re ready to mate with me, it will be like nothing you’ve ever experienced before, Katie. I will rock in and out of you with strokes so soft and gentle, you will forget every rough hand that has ever touched you. You will forget every bruise that ever bloomed on your skin. I swear I’ll make it all go away and replace every single memory.“
Such a cute story. I loved book one and I loved this book just as much. I cannot wait to continue on with this series!
Katie is a strong willed single mother that has been raising her daughter for the past 15 years alone.
Melek is a healer. Or what I as a human would call a nurse/doctor. We’re actually introduced to him and book one. And that’s where I actually fell in love with him. Melek is an ex addict who has been clean for many years and decided to give himself the best possible future once he found out that his people were going to come to earth and find potential mates.
That’s all he ever wanted was a woman to love and to cherish. Of course the journey wasn’t so easy for him because his mate was assigned to someone else who ended up hurting her and it led to his death.
That is the start to a spiral of chaos and drama because they end up going on the run due to the death of this warrior.
But how long can you run until you get caught? And what happens if you get caught for supposedly murdering someone in cold blood?
This is a slow burn romance about a woman who has to heal from her trauma with her first “mate” but also learning to let down her guard to another man again after being a single mom for so long.
Melek is so swoon worthy. At times he doesn’t feel like he is worthy himself of this beautiful woman and her daughter and he does everything he can to help Katie through her trauma. But his alien loves so hard. It was so easy to fall in love with him myself. He has the stress of being on the run and keeping his little family safe but also wants nothing more than to officially mate and connect with Katie.
“Once you’re ready to mate with me, it will be like nothing you’ve ever experienced before, Katie. I will rock in and out of you with strokes so soft and gentle, you will forget every rough hand that has ever touched you. You will forget every bruise that ever bloomed on your skin. I swear I’ll make it all go away and replace every single memory.“
Such a cute story. I loved book one and I loved this book just as much. I cannot wait to continue on with this series!
March 29, 2020
As a prolific reader of PNR and Sci-fi romance books, I think I can safely say that I take happy endings for granted. If you read a lot of these types of books, you know why you paid the price of admission. We want a good story but we want the guarantee that all will be okay in the end.
So, if occasionally we read books where we find the couples cringe-worthy (or just not-quite-right for each other) we just shrug it off because we got what we asked for. You win some, you lose some...next!
I’m not certain, but I think VK Ludwig takes the jaded apathy and complacency of the heavy readers in this genre as a direct challenge. Because she writes couples that can be BELIEVED. We have already bought the product, but she sells it to us again through heartfelt dialogue, and couples that are actually rational and mature adults on the whole.
I cannot tell you the amount of times I cringed, bracing myself for one of the main characters to do something stupid or ridiculously, outlandishly childish to the other and every time I was left gaping as they handled situations like grown ups.
Sticky things like drug addiction, prostitution, trafficking and being a single mother are so deftly handled by Ms. Ludwig that I never once got to utter my favorite phrase: “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!”
Just as I was at the end of Captured, I am now anxiously awaiting the next chapter in Garrison Earth...I am intrigued by all of the secondary characters and can’t wait to see where it all goes next.
So, if occasionally we read books where we find the couples cringe-worthy (or just not-quite-right for each other) we just shrug it off because we got what we asked for. You win some, you lose some...next!
I’m not certain, but I think VK Ludwig takes the jaded apathy and complacency of the heavy readers in this genre as a direct challenge. Because she writes couples that can be BELIEVED. We have already bought the product, but she sells it to us again through heartfelt dialogue, and couples that are actually rational and mature adults on the whole.
I cannot tell you the amount of times I cringed, bracing myself for one of the main characters to do something stupid or ridiculously, outlandishly childish to the other and every time I was left gaping as they handled situations like grown ups.
Sticky things like drug addiction, prostitution, trafficking and being a single mother are so deftly handled by Ms. Ludwig that I never once got to utter my favorite phrase: “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!”
Just as I was at the end of Captured, I am now anxiously awaiting the next chapter in Garrison Earth...I am intrigued by all of the secondary characters and can’t wait to see where it all goes next.
April 1, 2020
Vetusians🐺🍆⛲🔪🔫 Are Not All Good!
ADULT Alpha Alien Male🐺🍆⛲ Romance💕 and Sci-fi Adventure.
Healer Melek🐺🍆⛲, of Crop 11, is accused of murdering his rival, warrior Kidan👺🔪🔫, when the two alpha males are matched to one human woman named Eden💃💋.
Kidan👺🔪🔫 is a bad male, he tried to rape Eden💃💋, and injured her badly in the process. Melek🐺🍆⛲ has a hard time wrapping his head around Kidan's crime, because in his opinion, no Vetusian🐺 would ever hurt a female or commit such a crime. Yet Kidan👺🔪🔫 was caught in the act.
Melek🐺🍆⛲ was defending Eden's honor, NOT committing a jealous murder!
The book is all about Melek🐺🍆⛲ trying to regain his own honor after being labeled a drug addict, and his long battle to become healthy again, and to gain the trust and 💘love of Eden💃💋, after her horrible experience with Kidan👺🔪🔫.
ARC Provided by Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
What a great book! I did get annoyed with Eden's refusal to even try to get along with Melek🐺🍆⛲ at first. Melek🐺🍆⛲🔪🔫 was her sole protection and provider, hiding her away from the police and bounty hunters, because she was the accused fugitive in the beginning.
Melek🐺🍆⛲ has a lot to be ashamed of because he was a drug addict for a long time too, which is really stigmatized by the Vetusians.
ADULT Alpha Alien Male🐺🍆⛲ Romance💕 and Sci-fi Adventure.
Healer Melek🐺🍆⛲, of Crop 11, is accused of murdering his rival, warrior Kidan👺🔪🔫, when the two alpha males are matched to one human woman named Eden💃💋.
Kidan👺🔪🔫 is a bad male, he tried to rape Eden💃💋, and injured her badly in the process. Melek🐺🍆⛲ has a hard time wrapping his head around Kidan's crime, because in his opinion, no Vetusian🐺 would ever hurt a female or commit such a crime. Yet Kidan👺🔪🔫 was caught in the act.
Melek🐺🍆⛲ was defending Eden's honor, NOT committing a jealous murder!
The book is all about Melek🐺🍆⛲ trying to regain his own honor after being labeled a drug addict, and his long battle to become healthy again, and to gain the trust and 💘love of Eden💃💋, after her horrible experience with Kidan👺🔪🔫.
ARC Provided by Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
What a great book! I did get annoyed with Eden's refusal to even try to get along with Melek🐺🍆⛲ at first. Melek🐺🍆⛲🔪🔫 was her sole protection and provider, hiding her away from the police and bounty hunters, because she was the accused fugitive in the beginning.
Melek🐺🍆⛲ has a lot to be ashamed of because he was a drug addict for a long time too, which is really stigmatized by the Vetusians.
February 23, 2024
Dark, angsty, gritty - all of the things I like with VK Ludwig's stories. This one just didn't quite keep my attention the way that the first on did. But it definitely does a great job of incorporating plot lines for future books.
Ludwig's writing and worldbuilding remind me a lot of Elizabeth Stephen's series. (which is probably why I've gotten invested.) I thought I would be moving on after this one, but nope. I got sucked in at the last chapter so now I'm on to Book 3.
Ludwig's writing and worldbuilding remind me a lot of Elizabeth Stephen's series. (which is probably why I've gotten invested.) I thought I would be moving on after this one, but nope. I got sucked in at the last chapter so now I'm on to Book 3.
February 10, 2021
I left this book on my back burner waiting for me to pick it up again. THE REASON is that I had read the first and LOVED it but I just wasn't in the right head space to read this one. I was like 3 chapters in and I just wasn't concentrating. I must have let it sit there for a good 6 months or so. I reread, instead of starting where I left off, and am so completely glad I did.
It is a very unvarnished story. Things aren't always "clean" or "tidy". I think this adds just the right amount of realism in a fantastical world. I love everything that takes me outside of the norms but it also needs a grounding and this book has that.
The way the author dealt with the sexual assualt was also really well done. I see too many authors in this genre diminish an assault. They'll have the character rushed through the healing process or never even acknowledge that the person NEEDS a beat. You see it far more in these kind of "insta love" stories. This book series is a kind of insta but not at the same time.
I laughed a ton and cried a bit. It was really good, not exactly "surprising" but much grittier that anticipated. The series is looking promising and adds a bit of freshness to this sci-fi romance world of books.
My ONE hang up on the whole book was the 15 year old girl in the brothel. I loved her whole character growth but I didn't think there was ever a very GOOD conversation had with her about everything she was seeing/hearing off the jump. Like they teased and joked about it but the mom never seemed to even have a convo. IDK, I have a 12 almost 13 year old girl. The level of embarrassment in just seeing people kiss on screen is next level. I was like, no way this girl is just super chill with all the moaning and groaning. I also believe, absolutely, that she would have definitely become desensitized to the whole thing and started joking and loving all the people. Just think there was a convo that never happened that I think really needed to be had to make it feel more authentic.
It is a very unvarnished story. Things aren't always "clean" or "tidy". I think this adds just the right amount of realism in a fantastical world. I love everything that takes me outside of the norms but it also needs a grounding and this book has that.
The way the author dealt with the sexual assualt was also really well done. I see too many authors in this genre diminish an assault. They'll have the character rushed through the healing process or never even acknowledge that the person NEEDS a beat. You see it far more in these kind of "insta love" stories. This book series is a kind of insta but not at the same time.
I laughed a ton and cried a bit. It was really good, not exactly "surprising" but much grittier that anticipated. The series is looking promising and adds a bit of freshness to this sci-fi romance world of books.
My ONE hang up on the whole book was the 15 year old girl in the brothel. I loved her whole character growth but I didn't think there was ever a very GOOD conversation had with her about everything she was seeing/hearing off the jump. Like they teased and joked about it but the mom never seemed to even have a convo. IDK, I have a 12 almost 13 year old girl. The level of embarrassment in just seeing people kiss on screen is next level. I was like, no way this girl is just super chill with all the moaning and groaning. I also believe, absolutely, that she would have definitely become desensitized to the whole thing and started joking and loving all the people. Just think there was a convo that never happened that I think really needed to be had to make it feel more authentic.
December 26, 2024
(4.5 stars)
I absolutely love V. K. Ludwigs ability to write a setting and story with a lot of moving parts without losing the plot. She's always able to write a world that I can really visualize.
I like seeing the reality of what the garrison earth situation would look like. Families torn apart, Vetusians matched to mates who are eight years old, or so old they can never bear children, which is the entire idea behind the plan anyways. In this case it's a mother and her daughter just trying to make a life for themselves in the chaos. She's matched to two Vetusians (unbeknownst to her) which is unheard of.
This is not poly or why choose, just FYI.
TW for attempted rape, torture, mentions of traumatic events (rape, war, etc.), gore, and death.
I absolutely love V. K. Ludwigs ability to write a setting and story with a lot of moving parts without losing the plot. She's always able to write a world that I can really visualize.
I like seeing the reality of what the garrison earth situation would look like. Families torn apart, Vetusians matched to mates who are eight years old, or so old they can never bear children, which is the entire idea behind the plan anyways. In this case it's a mother and her daughter just trying to make a life for themselves in the chaos. She's matched to two Vetusians (unbeknownst to her) which is unheard of.
This is not poly or why choose, just FYI.
TW for attempted rape, torture, mentions of traumatic events (rape, war, etc.), gore, and death.
September 11, 2022
I'm happy that Melek got a story. He didn't have an easy life and overcame drug addiction for his chance to find a mate. Things get screwed up though when his fated one matches someone else.
This go horribly for Katie and her supposed match. She doesn't feel any spark with him and then he does the unthinkable. Melek steps in and rescues Katie and her daughter Grace but has to bring them to a shady planet. They live in a brothel but eventually, everything catches up to them.
This was a slow burn since Katie was so traumatized. But when it happens, the love between Katie and Melek is very hot and strong.
This go horribly for Katie and her supposed match. She doesn't feel any spark with him and then he does the unthinkable. Melek steps in and rescues Katie and her daughter Grace but has to bring them to a shady planet. They live in a brothel but eventually, everything catches up to them.
This was a slow burn since Katie was so traumatized. But when it happens, the love between Katie and Melek is very hot and strong.
April 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Melek is my book alien boyfriend! Supposedly Kiden and Melek have both been matched to Katie, a single mom to teenage Grace. But when Kiden decides to "claim" Katie without her permission, a fight ensues, she is hurt and Kiden is killed. Melek walks in, knows the penalty for killing another is death, so takes an unconscious Katie and Grace off planet to safety. I love how Melek has taken his past problems, which is there for the world to see, and overcomes them to make himself a stronger man. I love Katie's strength, determination, and firey attitude. And Grace was a great surprise. The book has great twists and turns, a surprise or two, and steaminess to spare. Great flow, great pace, a great read. And free to read with your KU Subscription.
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 18, 2025
mehhhhhhh like it was fine but i didn't fw the murder plot (it did turn out a lot better than expected, however).
did NOT expect this book to cover these topics (even though they're literally in the disclaimer so idk what i was expecting) : rape, addiction, sex trafficking, bro even literal colonialization. and it was hella in depth too.
did NOT expect this book to cover these topics (even though they're literally in the disclaimer so idk what i was expecting) : rape, addiction, sex trafficking, bro even literal colonialization. and it was hella in depth too.
July 1, 2025
first half of the book was great. very boring second half, struggled to finish
October 20, 2023
I held off on reading this book for so long because the first one in the series had sooo much going on, I was like wow this is a lot. I need a break. But I’m so glad I finally came back to this series. The thing I love about V.K. Ludwig’s books is that there is a lot of grey, no one is purely good or evil. I loved that the MMC had a rough past and was always working to maintain his sobriety and doing things better than he did in the past.
Loved that the FMC was a single mom with lots of guards up but was willing to give MMC a chance instead of hating him for 80% percent of the book. There were so many good, mature conversations. I really liked how the daughter was written as well. And of course I loved the action and twist of how FMC ended up with two mates and how that plays into the overarching story. Really enjoyed this book.
Loved that the FMC was a single mom with lots of guards up but was willing to give MMC a chance instead of hating him for 80% percent of the book. There were so many good, mature conversations. I really liked how the daughter was written as well. And of course I loved the action and twist of how FMC ended up with two mates and how that plays into the overarching story. Really enjoyed this book.
April 9, 2020
I had read Captured by this author and while I liked it, parts of it for me were too drawn out. I found this story moved at a much better pace and while Katie did have her moments of histrionics she was able to roll with the punches a lot better I thought.
Being on the run with her daughter and being beholding to a male is something that chaffs the normally self-sufficient Katie, for her males are not to be believed or trusted with your well-being. The fact that Melek is a recovering drug addict who brought her and her daughter to a brothel to recover is not instilling confidence in her.
As time passes and his actions show not only his devotion to both of them but who he is behind the ugly past allows Katie to let down her guard a bit.
These two must work together to figure out how Katie became matched with two Vetusian males and how to get her a stay of execution for the murder of one of them.
There are some very dark parts to this story and if you are not comfortable with torture or the realities of what happens when you are taken as a slave then this story is not for you.
The ending seemed to fizzle a little but it didn’t lessen the intensity of the majority of the book which was a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Being on the run with her daughter and being beholding to a male is something that chaffs the normally self-sufficient Katie, for her males are not to be believed or trusted with your well-being. The fact that Melek is a recovering drug addict who brought her and her daughter to a brothel to recover is not instilling confidence in her.
As time passes and his actions show not only his devotion to both of them but who he is behind the ugly past allows Katie to let down her guard a bit.
These two must work together to figure out how Katie became matched with two Vetusian males and how to get her a stay of execution for the murder of one of them.
There are some very dark parts to this story and if you are not comfortable with torture or the realities of what happens when you are taken as a slave then this story is not for you.
The ending seemed to fizzle a little but it didn’t lessen the intensity of the majority of the book which was a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2021
“Melek, you’re like… the unluckiest Vetusian I know.”
Poor Melek. It’s tough enough to be a recovering addict, but even tougher when the irrefutable proof of your addiction is permanently visible. Melek sure seemed to have his fair share of unlucky incidents, but his luck sure picked up at the end!
Katie, such a strong woman, went through some trauma, but managed to rise above it. Together, she and Melek learned some very valuable lessons about self-worth and bravery. (And I can’t forget Grace, the typical messy teenager who hopefully finally learned to pick up after herself!)
If you’re in the mood for a gritty, angst-filled, redemptive read with fantastic character growth, give Matched a go.
Poor Melek. It’s tough enough to be a recovering addict, but even tougher when the irrefutable proof of your addiction is permanently visible. Melek sure seemed to have his fair share of unlucky incidents, but his luck sure picked up at the end!
Katie, such a strong woman, went through some trauma, but managed to rise above it. Together, she and Melek learned some very valuable lessons about self-worth and bravery. (And I can’t forget Grace, the typical messy teenager who hopefully finally learned to pick up after herself!)
If you’re in the mood for a gritty, angst-filled, redemptive read with fantastic character growth, give Matched a go.
July 4, 2022
I read these for the romance. If that’s settled halfway into the book, there’s little reason to keep reading because (by nature of it being a romance) everything will work out in the end in terms of their circumstances. I tried, tried, TRIED! to keep going, but I got tired of it. Dnf @ 68%.
Btw, the heroine acting like she was a washed-up old crone or thinking she reeked of midlife crisis at the ripe ole’ age of 33 was ridiculous.
Btw, the heroine acting like she was a washed-up old crone or thinking she reeked of midlife crisis at the ripe ole’ age of 33 was ridiculous.
June 13, 2022
I really liked the first book in this series. This book has an interesting premise, but I just didn’t find myself caring a ton about these characters. I want to give the series another chance but the next books don’t sound like they’ll be something I’ll like either which is a bummer.
February 1, 2022
😬😬😬 this is the first VK Ludwig book I didn’t give 5 stars! I liked this one but it was definitely not my favourite of all her books I’ve read this far! If I’m being honest I’m a little discouraged because I really wanted to read the Ash Planet Warriors series first lol but so many people told me this series was worth it!
To start off the writing and character development in this one was still JUST AS PHENOMENAL. Like honestly you cannot go wrong with ANY V.K. Ludwig book. This story was just as rich and inviting as the other books I’ve read by her but something just felt a little less for me on this one!
I loved Katie and her strength as a single mom and the fact that we saw Melek accept her despite anything and her do the same for him. I just did not like them as much as I loved Torin and Eden lol. I really can’t tell you exactly why except that I did not get the same feelings I felt reading book one that I did this one!
I’m excited to read book 3 to see where this leads. I hope it blows my mind lol because I’m getting worried! I want to love the next couple so much it knocks my socks off! Again there is nothing wrong with this book or the writing for some reason Melek and Katie just weren’t doing it for me! And that’s totally a personal preference over authors writing!
To start off the writing and character development in this one was still JUST AS PHENOMENAL. Like honestly you cannot go wrong with ANY V.K. Ludwig book. This story was just as rich and inviting as the other books I’ve read by her but something just felt a little less for me on this one!
I loved Katie and her strength as a single mom and the fact that we saw Melek accept her despite anything and her do the same for him. I just did not like them as much as I loved Torin and Eden lol. I really can’t tell you exactly why except that I did not get the same feelings I felt reading book one that I did this one!
I’m excited to read book 3 to see where this leads. I hope it blows my mind lol because I’m getting worried! I want to love the next couple so much it knocks my socks off! Again there is nothing wrong with this book or the writing for some reason Melek and Katie just weren’t doing it for me! And that’s totally a personal preference over authors writing!
April 20, 2020
Katie finds not all warriors are the same!
by sewsummore
Although this is book two in the series, I had no trouble following the storyline. Melek believes that his fated mate Katie has been matched with another warrior. Despite his protests, he is separated from Katie and allows himself to fall into bad habits with alcohol. At the same time, Katie is finding it hard to warm to the Warrior she has been matched with and finds it hard to express her distaste for her alleged mate. Things come to a head when he nearly rapes her. In an attempt to fight back, she hits him with a heavy object and kills him. Melek fears something terrible has happened to his mate and finds her badly beaten and hurt and her supposed mate dead. He whisks her from the scene of the crime together with her teenage daughter. They escape to a neutral planet for safety. Their story does not end there but continues, but you will have to buy the book to discover what happens next. This story had me hooked from the beginning. Melek as a broken man after losing his "fated mate," however, he proves his love for her, and she finds herself more attracted to her savior as time passes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
by sewsummore
Although this is book two in the series, I had no trouble following the storyline. Melek believes that his fated mate Katie has been matched with another warrior. Despite his protests, he is separated from Katie and allows himself to fall into bad habits with alcohol. At the same time, Katie is finding it hard to warm to the Warrior she has been matched with and finds it hard to express her distaste for her alleged mate. Things come to a head when he nearly rapes her. In an attempt to fight back, she hits him with a heavy object and kills him. Melek fears something terrible has happened to his mate and finds her badly beaten and hurt and her supposed mate dead. He whisks her from the scene of the crime together with her teenage daughter. They escape to a neutral planet for safety. Their story does not end there but continues, but you will have to buy the book to discover what happens next. This story had me hooked from the beginning. Melek as a broken man after losing his "fated mate," however, he proves his love for her, and she finds herself more attracted to her savior as time passes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 12, 2020
Melek has been matched to his anam ghail, his mate but oddly enough to she has also been matched to someone else. He is adamant that something is wrong That she can’t be matched to Kidman as well but the Vetusians don’t want to admit that he might be right, this as it’s supposed to be a fool proof matching system for finding mates that they have. Katie doesn’t know about Melek all she knows is that it doesn’t feel right with Kidan.
Melek saves Katie and Grace, her daughter and goes to a safe place until he can find a way to solve the problem so they will be safe and free.
It’s a brilliant story and I loved Melek, he is kind and caring and only has Katie’s best interests at heart. You get wrapped up in the story from the beginning and I didn’t want to stop reading.
It can be read as a stand alone but I would suggest you read Captured first as you will know some of the characters mentioned in this book.
What I love is that they are full length books and I feel I really get invested in the characters. I am so looking forward to reading about Grace and Takel’s story and hopefully Kael’s as well.
Totally recommend this, absolutely loved it.
Melek saves Katie and Grace, her daughter and goes to a safe place until he can find a way to solve the problem so they will be safe and free.
It’s a brilliant story and I loved Melek, he is kind and caring and only has Katie’s best interests at heart. You get wrapped up in the story from the beginning and I didn’t want to stop reading.
It can be read as a stand alone but I would suggest you read Captured first as you will know some of the characters mentioned in this book.
What I love is that they are full length books and I feel I really get invested in the characters. I am so looking forward to reading about Grace and Takel’s story and hopefully Kael’s as well.
Totally recommend this, absolutely loved it.
October 7, 2020
well written, wonderful characters and plots
Wonderful romance, very, very romantic, very sexy. Two broken people brought together. Can they help each other or not?
I LOVED Melek, also, he is featured in #1 book, Captured, so he gets his book here. He is soo sweet and noble here, but also desperate and life has really put him through the grinder.
I LOVED the side-characters, I want more of them. It was like a Kick-ss Miss Kitty's Parlor (sex-worker's establishment) on Gunsmoke, AND a wonderful family-by-choice. I could see the Heroine and her kid missing them desperately---I Miss them desperately.
I am binging the series (Garrison Earth, and Vandalar Concubines). LOVE the series.
--Garrison Earth series has great complicated characters, they are NOT simplistic cartoons, there's complex plots, and great world building. I could see this made into a sci-fi series like Battle Star Galactica. I'm worrying what I'll replace this with when I finish the series, and am desperately waiting for MORE!!
--Vandalar Concubines, I'm really looking forward to. It's more humorous than Garrison Earth. Desperately waiting for MORE!!
Wonderful romance, very, very romantic, very sexy. Two broken people brought together. Can they help each other or not?
I LOVED Melek, also, he is featured in #1 book, Captured, so he gets his book here. He is soo sweet and noble here, but also desperate and life has really put him through the grinder.
I LOVED the side-characters, I want more of them. It was like a Kick-ss Miss Kitty's Parlor (sex-worker's establishment) on Gunsmoke, AND a wonderful family-by-choice. I could see the Heroine and her kid missing them desperately---I Miss them desperately.
I am binging the series (Garrison Earth, and Vandalar Concubines). LOVE the series.
--Garrison Earth series has great complicated characters, they are NOT simplistic cartoons, there's complex plots, and great world building. I could see this made into a sci-fi series like Battle Star Galactica. I'm worrying what I'll replace this with when I finish the series, and am desperately waiting for MORE!!
--Vandalar Concubines, I'm really looking forward to. It's more humorous than Garrison Earth. Desperately waiting for MORE!!
April 6, 2020
Someone is stealing mate matches. Something went wrong when Katie was matched with a Vestuvian. She didn’t know it but she was matched with two mates and the first one to claim her tried to rape her. But Melek knew he was her true mate, saves her, and whisks she and her daughter Grace to another planet, one where he lived before, hoping they can stay hidden. But while there she has to overcome the trauma of the attempted rape, killing the man, and trying to stray safe. They learn that the man she killed was not her true mate, but bought her match. Someone has hacked into the main data and is stealing mate matches and selling them to the highest bidder. Now they have to get proof, because if they are caught they will be executed. I loved Melek. He lived through a lot of tough things and came out stronger. Katie too got pregnant in high school and had to raise her daughter alone. Now as mates they have each other to take care of. They aren’t alone anymore. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
April 9, 2020
When Katie submitted to the DNA testing to identify a mate, she was never expected to have two mate possibilities! One of them, Kidan, attempts to rape her and in the resulting struggle to defend herself, she kills him.
One of the worst things to be in that world is a drug-addict since not only is it shameful, but the Vetusians can recognize one because of their eyes. Melek had been addicted and was still fighting his temptations. But he wanted to be better, wanted to be worthy, and to earn the love and trust of Katie, his identified mate, after her run-in with Kidan.
Melek does rescue her, along with her 15-year-old daughter, Grace, and they escape to an amnesty planet where they had hopes of living without facing the death penalty for murder. Would they truly be safe there, however? Is there any way for them to escape bounty hunters who would ignore rules and insist on bringing them back? Will they find out what else is going on and why Katie ended up with TWO mates which is not what is supposed to happen?
One of the worst things to be in that world is a drug-addict since not only is it shameful, but the Vetusians can recognize one because of their eyes. Melek had been addicted and was still fighting his temptations. But he wanted to be better, wanted to be worthy, and to earn the love and trust of Katie, his identified mate, after her run-in with Kidan.
Melek does rescue her, along with her 15-year-old daughter, Grace, and they escape to an amnesty planet where they had hopes of living without facing the death penalty for murder. Would they truly be safe there, however? Is there any way for them to escape bounty hunters who would ignore rules and insist on bringing them back? Will they find out what else is going on and why Katie ended up with TWO mates which is not what is supposed to happen?
July 20, 2020
OMG! Most series start to fizzle a bit by the end of Book 2, but not this one! I loved our main characters: Vetusian, Melek, a healer who happens to be a former drug addict, whom everyone considers a F--k-up, and Katie, a human, a mom of a teenager, and an accountant. Katie is Male's fated mate, but she is also matched to another Vetusian, who happens to be a Warrior of higher rank than Melek. He wins the prize! Katie doesn't feel any attraction the the warrior, Kidan, but he desperately tries to force himself on her. Katie's near rape leaves her seriously injured, and in shock, as she has killed him. Melek, who can't stay away from her finds her like this and removes Katie and Grace from Earth in an effort to save Katie from being arrested, tried, and executed for murder.
This book is so well written, and the plot is so fabulous! I couldn't put it down! We had been introduced to Melek in Book 1. Now, in Book 2, we met several new characters. One of these characters is to be the hero in Book 3, so I can't wait to get started!
Love this book and hope you will too!
This book is so well written, and the plot is so fabulous! I couldn't put it down! We had been introduced to Melek in Book 1. Now, in Book 2, we met several new characters. One of these characters is to be the hero in Book 3, so I can't wait to get started!
Love this book and hope you will too!
March 11, 2021
What can I say? Your boyfriend a Healer grabs an alien female and tortures her. And what do you say? Nothing? And only torturing her over a weak plot point a murder you committed? Admittedly the murder is self-defense. But you stand by, while your boyfriend, the ex-druggie tortures her. Drops her onto her head on bathroom tiles? I was listening to this on audio book and I kept listening for a bit, then the next alien took over with an illegal torture device. Illegal? What the hell...? I turned it off.
Katie is a spineless, characterless woman. So true love is more important than your morals, your integrity, breaking the law. Breaking the law is Ok as long as it suits you.
She fussed about Melek giving her clothes and money but she doesn't care about him being the worst type of criminal. Drug dealing? Ok. Kidnap and torture? Not even a hesitation. Ah, that's all fine.
This is not the author's best book. I really liked the other book in the series Mated. It was clever and different. This book is the worst, romance at its all time worst. Save yourself the grief.
Katie is a spineless, characterless woman. So true love is more important than your morals, your integrity, breaking the law. Breaking the law is Ok as long as it suits you.
She fussed about Melek giving her clothes and money but she doesn't care about him being the worst type of criminal. Drug dealing? Ok. Kidnap and torture? Not even a hesitation. Ah, that's all fine.
This is not the author's best book. I really liked the other book in the series Mated. It was clever and different. This book is the worst, romance at its all time worst. Save yourself the grief.
June 25, 2025
Better than the first book Captured, more story, more to the setting, a different planet, other species, etc. The "I'm a single mother and do/did everything myself" did get really tiring. But there are bits I liked, especially Adora and the Jal'zar females, but the author gave zero likability to any of their characters.
Disliked Eden in book one, and ended up disliking Melek, Katie and Grace and even K'terra, in favour of K'nema, wanting her to win out. It's not really something an author should be aiming for, making you dislike the main characters.
Have to say though that the author's choice of words are very strange to say the least at times, a bit of a weird obsession with "gums", and frothy foam as cum and saliva in sex scenes. I mean, I'd get it if they were actual aliens with weird foamy cum and saliva, but they're not, they're human. Also hated the foul language of the heroine in book one and this.
Disliked Eden in book one, and ended up disliking Melek, Katie and Grace and even K'terra, in favour of K'nema, wanting her to win out. It's not really something an author should be aiming for, making you dislike the main characters.
Have to say though that the author's choice of words are very strange to say the least at times, a bit of a weird obsession with "gums", and frothy foam as cum and saliva in sex scenes. I mean, I'd get it if they were actual aliens with weird foamy cum and saliva, but they're not, they're human. Also hated the foul language of the heroine in book one and this.
March 31, 2020
We met Melek in Captured. He is a healer who has recovered from his addiction to souldust and is now looked down upon by Vetusians who can recognize them because of their two colored eyes. Katie has submitted to DNA testing to find her mate, but she has two mates! When her other mate, Kiden, tries to rape her, she fights him and kills him. Melek rescues her and her 15 year old daughter Grace. They go to a planet that is known as the amnesty planet and try to survive. Eventually, there are bounty hunters sent after them and Melek needs to find a way for them to live together openly. This series is the best I've read in world building. I know the author has one more book in the series, but I hope she considers continuing the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
All You Need Is An Alien...
by and1515
Wow hands down V.K Ludwig is a sensational writer with quite an imagination.
Melek knows she's his but there's an unforeseen complication that could keep her from him. Katie is trying to raise her teen daughter alone, she's been matched with someone who's proven to be extremely forward in his pursuit.
Their worlds collide when Melek stumbles upon Katie in a desperate situation and he'll do anything to protect Katie and her daughter.
This book totally rocks it's absolutely fascinating the shifts and exciting turns and I'd love to read more books like this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by and1515
Wow hands down V.K Ludwig is a sensational writer with quite an imagination.
Melek knows she's his but there's an unforeseen complication that could keep her from him. Katie is trying to raise her teen daughter alone, she's been matched with someone who's proven to be extremely forward in his pursuit.
Their worlds collide when Melek stumbles upon Katie in a desperate situation and he'll do anything to protect Katie and her daughter.
This book totally rocks it's absolutely fascinating the shifts and exciting turns and I'd love to read more books like this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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