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Taurean Warriors #1
Alien Desire
He's her only hope. She's his secret desire.
Space Force veteran Laila Storey thinks she’s seen it all—until first contact with an insectoid alien race, the Xakul, destroys a fledgling Martian colony. The Xakul’s next target? Earth.
Humanity’s only hope is the Taureans, a warrior race who has battled the Xakul and won. Laila must do whatever it takes to save her people, but one particular Taurean warrior proves to be an unwanted distraction.
Commander Zac Qu’Rell wants back in the fight, but his last battle with the Xakul left him badly scarred. The only time he feels at peace is when he's with Laila.
As Zac and Laila work together, temperatures rise, both on and off the battlefield. But there's no time for love.... is there?
Previously published as Fighting For Her Warrior, Alien Desire is the first book in the Taurean Warriors science fiction romance series, and can be read as a standalone.
Content is suitable for readers 18+. For content details see Melody's website.
Space Force veteran Laila Storey thinks she’s seen it all—until first contact with an insectoid alien race, the Xakul, destroys a fledgling Martian colony. The Xakul’s next target? Earth.
Humanity’s only hope is the Taureans, a warrior race who has battled the Xakul and won. Laila must do whatever it takes to save her people, but one particular Taurean warrior proves to be an unwanted distraction.
Commander Zac Qu’Rell wants back in the fight, but his last battle with the Xakul left him badly scarred. The only time he feels at peace is when he's with Laila.
As Zac and Laila work together, temperatures rise, both on and off the battlefield. But there's no time for love.... is there?
Previously published as Fighting For Her Warrior, Alien Desire is the first book in the Taurean Warriors science fiction romance series, and can be read as a standalone.
Content is suitable for readers 18+. For content details see Melody's website.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
100 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Melody Beckett
16 books32 followersMelody Beckett is an Australian author of action-filled alien romances. Her books almost always feature damaged heroes and sassy women who can save themselves, thank you very much!
She loves writing in the mornings, thinks that celery is the worst vegetable and that chocolate should be its own food group.
Melody lives near the beach in Western Australia with her husband, and their two animal overlords: a tiny parrot and a rescued greyhound who has a better wardrobe than Mel.
She hopes you like reading her books as much as she likes writing them for you!
She loves writing in the mornings, thinks that celery is the worst vegetable and that chocolate should be its own food group.
Melody lives near the beach in Western Australia with her husband, and their two animal overlords: a tiny parrot and a rescued greyhound who has a better wardrobe than Mel.
She hopes you like reading her books as much as she likes writing them for you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 10, 2022
✨ “I don't want to let you go. Not now, not ever.”
~~~
Laila is an amazing woman! She’s so smart, brave, perceptive, kind and loyal. I also loved how direct and open she is. Even more, I loved that she was not afraid to stand up to the fierce Taureans.
Commander Zac Qu’Rell has suffered a lot. The last battle with he Xakul has left him scarred and now he’s dealing with the trauma and plagued by insecurities. But he’s one magnificent male - strong, honorable, fiercely protective and loyal. I loved everything about him!
I absolutely adored the development of their relationship! Their explosive chemistry was evident from the very first pages and they couldn’t be more perfect for each other. Laila and Zac were both strong individuals, capable warriors and formidable commanders. I loved how Laila was able to show Zac how worthy and wonderful he is. Even more, I loved that he accepted her the way she is and never tried to change her. They were such a fantastic match and the passion they shared was scorching hot!
Even more, I absolutely adored T'arq and his teasing - he’s such a wonderful friend! And I’m quite intrigued with Supreme Commander Karik. Can’t wait to read more about them!
In addition, the worldbuilding was magnificent! I mean, how can I not love aliens who enjoy coffee?! And the storyline was intriguing and kept me glued to the pages till the very end.
Overall, the story is a fantastic start of the series. It’s filled with fast-paced action, danger, adventure, twists, drama, suspense, steamy romance and magnificent characters.
I loved it and cannot wait to see what happens next!
~~~
Laila is an amazing woman! She’s so smart, brave, perceptive, kind and loyal. I also loved how direct and open she is. Even more, I loved that she was not afraid to stand up to the fierce Taureans.
Commander Zac Qu’Rell has suffered a lot. The last battle with he Xakul has left him scarred and now he’s dealing with the trauma and plagued by insecurities. But he’s one magnificent male - strong, honorable, fiercely protective and loyal. I loved everything about him!
I absolutely adored the development of their relationship! Their explosive chemistry was evident from the very first pages and they couldn’t be more perfect for each other. Laila and Zac were both strong individuals, capable warriors and formidable commanders. I loved how Laila was able to show Zac how worthy and wonderful he is. Even more, I loved that he accepted her the way she is and never tried to change her. They were such a fantastic match and the passion they shared was scorching hot!
Even more, I absolutely adored T'arq and his teasing - he’s such a wonderful friend! And I’m quite intrigued with Supreme Commander Karik. Can’t wait to read more about them!
In addition, the worldbuilding was magnificent! I mean, how can I not love aliens who enjoy coffee?! And the storyline was intriguing and kept me glued to the pages till the very end.
Overall, the story is a fantastic start of the series. It’s filled with fast-paced action, danger, adventure, twists, drama, suspense, steamy romance and magnificent characters.
I loved it and cannot wait to see what happens next!
January 3, 2022
My introduction to the SciFi genre, and i was not disappointed. Simple but intricate world building, allowing you to easily slip between the pages and jump right in as if you had always been there. Good as a stand alone, but I know Melody Beckett has only started our journey to save humanity and the galaxy! Can't wait for the next installment!
February 12, 2022
This was my first foray into the realm of alien romance and it didn't disappoint!
March 3, 2024
It was okay. I didn't feel the same energy as the prequel though. Almost like the story was trying too hard to be intense. I won't be continuing.
November 29, 2021
Melody Beckett launches her series with Fighting for her Warrior - an action-packed earth/alien romance that sets the scene for subsequent stories. There were three things in particular this newly published author did that appealed to me in this male alien/female human romance:
1) Beckett took the time to deliver up back story and detail on the alien races and the environment they were living in. This detail provided a richer back drop for the story and made scenes have more depth taking the reader deeper into the author's world.
2) The interplay between the two main characters and supporting characters was enough so that the two main characters weren't operating in isolation but was only brought in to support the central story. These supporting characters had depth and personality and I think the author did a good job at hinting at these in this first story without detracting from this story.
3) Small details were woven in to the story that kept the reader aware that the romance was happening between two people from different species. Sometimes I find sci-fi romance writers drop these differences about mid-way through the book and you end up reading about an alien who is exactly like a human falling in love with another human. I liked that Beckett kept her alien as an alien and I got to read a human/alien romance story.
I was given an ARC for an honest review of this story.
1) Beckett took the time to deliver up back story and detail on the alien races and the environment they were living in. This detail provided a richer back drop for the story and made scenes have more depth taking the reader deeper into the author's world.
2) The interplay between the two main characters and supporting characters was enough so that the two main characters weren't operating in isolation but was only brought in to support the central story. These supporting characters had depth and personality and I think the author did a good job at hinting at these in this first story without detracting from this story.
3) Small details were woven in to the story that kept the reader aware that the romance was happening between two people from different species. Sometimes I find sci-fi romance writers drop these differences about mid-way through the book and you end up reading about an alien who is exactly like a human falling in love with another human. I liked that Beckett kept her alien as an alien and I got to read a human/alien romance story.
I was given an ARC for an honest review of this story.
June 22, 2022
This book didn't grab me. They met up, she realized he was the alien guy she was supposed to work with the next day and she ran off. Didn't even say oops didn't know who you were. The next day she tells him she realized who he was and they need to be professional.
So they start training their teams together. I kept reading...and got bored.
So they start training their teams together. I kept reading...and got bored.
April 13, 2022
This was pretty good. I genuinely love when the couple is badass - and this book definitely had that. There was excellent communication and trust between the couple, which automatically elevates the romance. The sex scenes were steamy and there was action.
December 2, 2021
Although this story’s theme is not a new one to the Sci-Fi Romance genre Fighting for Her Warrior was one extraordinarily good read, and I love finding a new author whose story telling talent engages me on all sensory levels.
I was absolutely riveted while reading and appreciated the unique flavor and style the author incorporated into a very well written excursion through a perfectly crafted universe that’s built around an alien threat to Earth. After our Mars colony has been decimated by a previously unknown insect-like alien race called the Xakul, Captain Laila Storey of Earth’s Space Force is assigned to learn all she can from the Alien Taurean warrior race who have made themselves known to humanity and joined forces with Earth in assisting to eradicate their now joint enemy. Taurean Commander Zac Qu’Rell, scarred warrior wants only to rejoin the fight to destroy the Xakul and finds being teamed with Laila has presented him with a few complications.
A feisty heroine and hero alpha warrior soon find an attraction developing between them ramping up the romantic drama to a full boil. This was a fast paced thoroughly engaging narrative filled with action and adventure making it one very enjoyable read.
You won’t be disappointed with this expertly crafted story, and I for one can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was absolutely riveted while reading and appreciated the unique flavor and style the author incorporated into a very well written excursion through a perfectly crafted universe that’s built around an alien threat to Earth. After our Mars colony has been decimated by a previously unknown insect-like alien race called the Xakul, Captain Laila Storey of Earth’s Space Force is assigned to learn all she can from the Alien Taurean warrior race who have made themselves known to humanity and joined forces with Earth in assisting to eradicate their now joint enemy. Taurean Commander Zac Qu’Rell, scarred warrior wants only to rejoin the fight to destroy the Xakul and finds being teamed with Laila has presented him with a few complications.
A feisty heroine and hero alpha warrior soon find an attraction developing between them ramping up the romantic drama to a full boil. This was a fast paced thoroughly engaging narrative filled with action and adventure making it one very enjoyable read.
You won’t be disappointed with this expertly crafted story, and I for one can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2021
The world building in this novel was competent, though not especially vivid. The heroine was strong, smart, and deeply competent. The he hero was dealing with some identity issues and lingering trauma, but he was deliciously alpha in the mode of protector and caretaker. I was hoping for more action and danger in this military sci-fi romance, honestly. By 53% of the way into this book, they were still on a space station base doing drills and training exercises. I also felt a distinct lack of dangerous political intrigue which would have added higher stakes to a surprisingly slow and mundane military sci-fi romance. The development of the romantic relationship was natural and organic, and the characterization was deft. There were also no typos that I caught and good sentence structure, so it was still an enjoyable romance, even though it was not exactly what I was looking for when I read that it was set during a space war with soldier protagonists.
I received a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2022
3.5 Stars
I decided to give this book a go because I (very surprisingly) loved the Ice Planet Barbarians series.
Space and aliens aren't usually my thing but again after IPB, I'm a little less hesitant about the genre.
This is an action-packed alien/human romance and it sets the scene up really well for more books in the series.
Alien Desire looks at the relationship between Laila and Zac. The spice was definitely there and the relationship between these two was adorable. Their backstories were also good.
I will say that Melody Beckett did a great job world building and it sets the series up well.
I gave this a 3.5 stars because, although I liked the story and the world-building, I did find it trailed into the boring side in some places. Saying that, I did finish this book, and I'm happy enough to give the second book a go.
I decided to give this book a go because I (very surprisingly) loved the Ice Planet Barbarians series.
Space and aliens aren't usually my thing but again after IPB, I'm a little less hesitant about the genre.
This is an action-packed alien/human romance and it sets the scene up really well for more books in the series.
Alien Desire looks at the relationship between Laila and Zac. The spice was definitely there and the relationship between these two was adorable. Their backstories were also good.
I will say that Melody Beckett did a great job world building and it sets the series up well.
I gave this a 3.5 stars because, although I liked the story and the world-building, I did find it trailed into the boring side in some places. Saying that, I did finish this book, and I'm happy enough to give the second book a go.
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April 5, 2025Alien Desire: Taurean Warriors Series
This was a homerun for me! Loved the characters and the setting. Laila is a kickass soldier from Earth assigned to a new post on a busy spaceport to start a new position with the Taurean military to stop the scourge of the threat taking over many of the peaceful planets. The insect like huge alien race destroys all and eats anything and everything including the inhabitants. Earth could be next. They already attacked and killed on Earth's new colonies on Mars.
The way Laila meets Zac is so romantic and sexy. Their story just continues with lots of action and pure heart! I can't wait to see if we get to see the couple in future books too. Loved them. A++
Kathy
This was a homerun for me! Loved the characters and the setting. Laila is a kickass soldier from Earth assigned to a new post on a busy spaceport to start a new position with the Taurean military to stop the scourge of the threat taking over many of the peaceful planets. The insect like huge alien race destroys all and eats anything and everything including the inhabitants. Earth could be next. They already attacked and killed on Earth's new colonies on Mars.
The way Laila meets Zac is so romantic and sexy. Their story just continues with lots of action and pure heart! I can't wait to see if we get to see the couple in future books too. Loved them. A++
Kathy
December 28, 2025
Wow! Impressive!
This is my first time reading this author’s work. As a long time sci-fi fan and a romance fan I was very impressed at the author’s skillful weaving of those two genres PLUS the editing was nearly flawless which tells me a lot about the author’s overall command of the written word and her attention to detail. The romance was solid yet not bogged down in overly sweet ridiculousness or over the top porn scenarios as some sci-fi romantasies can be and the space/planetary battles were amazing! Kept me riveted until the end. I came to this series late so there are already two more books in this series which I’ve already downloaded to read. I will also be checking out additional works by this author as well if any.
This is my first time reading this author’s work. As a long time sci-fi fan and a romance fan I was very impressed at the author’s skillful weaving of those two genres PLUS the editing was nearly flawless which tells me a lot about the author’s overall command of the written word and her attention to detail. The romance was solid yet not bogged down in overly sweet ridiculousness or over the top porn scenarios as some sci-fi romantasies can be and the space/planetary battles were amazing! Kept me riveted until the end. I came to this series late so there are already two more books in this series which I’ve already downloaded to read. I will also be checking out additional works by this author as well if any.
December 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Great world building. It caught my interest right from the beginning. I loved the characters. I'm a sucker for male leads who are scarred- either physically or emotionally- who feel unworthy or insecure and just need to meet the right person to appreciate and love them and help them understand they are just as worth of love and acceptance as anyone else. So Zac, with his bad visible scars from battle who was insecure about them, definitely checked a box for me. I loved seeing his relationship with Laila grow. They had great chemistry. And training to fight against the Xakul threat kept a sense of urgency in the background. Loved it. 5 stars.
December 7, 2021
Off to a Good Start . . .
Captain Laila Storey needs to find a way to defeat the Xakul, an insectoid alien race that destroyed a Martian colony and was targeting Earth next. The Taureans are the only ones who seemed successful at defeating the Xakul in the past, although at great cost. So she seeks their help.
Commander Zac Qu’Rell is the only survivor from the last battle with the Xakul. But he wants to help Laila. They get trapped by the Xakul. With the desperate fight for survival, will they take time to find love?
The writing was good and I enjoyed the portrayal of the characters. I think this will be a good series and I intend to follow it with the next book.
Captain Laila Storey needs to find a way to defeat the Xakul, an insectoid alien race that destroyed a Martian colony and was targeting Earth next. The Taureans are the only ones who seemed successful at defeating the Xakul in the past, although at great cost. So she seeks their help.
Commander Zac Qu’Rell is the only survivor from the last battle with the Xakul. But he wants to help Laila. They get trapped by the Xakul. With the desperate fight for survival, will they take time to find love?
The writing was good and I enjoyed the portrayal of the characters. I think this will be a good series and I intend to follow it with the next book.
April 5, 2022
Fantastic alien sci-fi romance with Laila and Zac. Earth has an agreement with the Taurean’s an alien race who’s enemy is the insect like race called the Xakul’s who decimate civilisations, now Captain Laila is on her way to a space station with human troops who will be trained to fight the Xakul’s. Laila meets Commander Zac a battle hardened warrior who has scars on the inside and out, Laila is very attracted to this hulking warrior until she finds out his last name then Laila runs because he is the one that she has to work with. There is so much more going on in this fantastic story I loved it and the characters and I highly recommend this book it’s well worth the read.
April 2, 2022
Laila (h) and Zac (H) are both the strong soldier type with troubled pasts. She's a human and he's a Taurean and its instantaneous attraction to one another when they meet. Their relationship is complicated by the fact that he's supposed to be training her, and other humans, against a common alien enemy. There's lots of alien fighting action, as well as hot, intense sexual action too. For my personal tastes, I like things more on the hot and steamy, with less alien fighting - but that's me. The storyline was interesting, and the characters were both strong individuals who felt like equal partners – Laila is just as tough as Zac.
August 6, 2024
3.5 // The beginning was great but it lost momentum after their meet cute. Transitions became somewhat nonexistent so it often felt choppy or clipped. There was a hurried quality that the beginning lacked making some scenes feel rushed. And there were several moments that were very convenient making the ending feel unearned. But I liked the story overall even with those issues. The author definitely has talent and I wouldn’t mind reading more as it develops.
December 2, 2021
This book hooked me from the start! I literally devoured it in a day! Melody does an amazing job of creating a whole new world with Fighting For Her Warrior. You really felt like you were right there during the recon mission. I loved seeing the changes in Zac as the story unfolded and the character development. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to devour the next one! :)
December 8, 2021
The first book in the Taurean Warriors series by a new Author to me. Space Force veteran Laila Storey and Taurean warrior Zac Qu’Rell's story has suspense, drama, danger, world-building, villains, and romance. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2021
Love me some Taureans
This is the first time I've read a Melody Beckett book. Definitely looking for more. Loved her characters. Gave them depth without being overly verbose. Loved how both hero and Heroine were strong and on equal footing. Looking for more. I already want everyone on the team to find there one. Also please don't forget about the Supreme Commander!!!
This is the first time I've read a Melody Beckett book. Definitely looking for more. Loved her characters. Gave them depth without being overly verbose. Loved how both hero and Heroine were strong and on equal footing. Looking for more. I already want everyone on the team to find there one. Also please don't forget about the Supreme Commander!!!
January 2, 2022
This was a fun and exciting romance as the human Laila and the alien Zac met and fell in love while trying to find a way to curtain and eradicate their common enemy. They faced danger as well as the complex problems of falling for someone you worked beside. Fun read
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.
March 1, 2025
Good start for series
This story flows very well. Humans have been sent to train with Taureans. Laila is Captain over the humans and Zac Commander over the Taureans.
The night before training begins they meet and hook up to blow off steam before realizing who is the other person. This leads to a lot of could we should we moments. Of course there is a HFN
This story flows very well. Humans have been sent to train with Taureans. Laila is Captain over the humans and Zac Commander over the Taureans.
The night before training begins they meet and hook up to blow off steam before realizing who is the other person. This leads to a lot of could we should we moments. Of course there is a HFN
January 18, 2022
The plot was good, and the spice there. I did enjoy the story, bit the grammar kept throwing me off. Especially around the dialogue. Normally a few little typos don't bother me but the consistency of it made this hard to finish.
January 26, 2022
SciFi battles with lovely romance
Two of my all time favorite genres are scifi and romance and this book is a beautiful mix of both. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and can't wait to read the next!
If you enjoy scifi and steamy romance this is for you!
Two of my all time favorite genres are scifi and romance and this book is a beautiful mix of both. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and can't wait to read the next!
If you enjoy scifi and steamy romance this is for you!
April 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Great world building. Lots of action, danger, and suspense. Wonderful characters. Laila and Zac have great chemistry. I loved she could stand her own and stand her ground. She's a strong heroine. This story was well written and well paced. An enjoyable read. 5 stars
May 6, 2022
Amazing Sci-fi story with a side of romance! Great character and world building, with so much depth to both. Very excited to see where this series goes. It would make a great TV show - Fans of Stargate or Farscape would really enjoy this book!
February 23, 2025
I liked the FMC and the MMC and the premise was great but it all felt very rushed! The FMC and MMC didn’t have time to develop enough of a romantic connection for me and I felt like I didn’t know the characters well enough for the ending to have an impact
November 23, 2021
Fast-paced, action-packed and fan-yourself steamy. Perfection!
This alien romance was hot in all the right areas. I loved how the characters came together, fought together and fought for each other. With a terrifying enemy, humanity at stake, and enough action to pack an action-movie, this book was an outstanding ride and I can’t wait for the next from this author!
This alien romance was hot in all the right areas. I loved how the characters came together, fought together and fought for each other. With a terrifying enemy, humanity at stake, and enough action to pack an action-movie, this book was an outstanding ride and I can’t wait for the next from this author!
December 3, 2021
This is a fun to read sci-fi romance.. I liked it.. It is sweet and steamy, with drama and adventure..
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.
December 8, 2021
2.5 It was not bad, just a bit boring 🙈
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews