No tail, no pride, no honor. Finally Hesam is about to prove to himself and everyone else that he deserves a place of prestige in the royal guard.
But the dark, hungry part of him wants something more. Beautiful vivacious singer Rosa is too tempting to resist. He longs to taste her. Mark her. Stake his claim.
But as a royal guard, he's forbidden to take a mate. And who would want him with his stunted tail?
Worst of all, when her heat sends him into a rut, he needs things from this little human he should never want.
Ami Wright is a romance author who loves history, food, travel, trashy TV and smutty books. She loves writing science fiction romance with time travelling Romans, feisty cat people and plenty of spice!
Ami lives in Australia with her partner and two kids. If she ever gets any spare time between working, writing and mothering, she reads, cooks, watches history documentaries and dreams of the days when international travel becomes a reality again!
Hesam is the kind of damaged hero you want to cradle in a warm blanket of love. ***** Rating: 5 stars Steam: 2.5 flames Genre: Alien / Sci-fi / Protector - Damsel in Distress-ish ***** Oh, beautiful Hesam, he is so insecure and broken that he wormed his way into my heart instantly. He has spent his entire life training for the gladiator games in order to join the Royal Guard and the Shahara's harem.
This book starts at the parade (if you have read Amir you will understand) where Rosa is with her friends on a girls trip to watch the warriors of Ardun… when everything goes sideways. The Ardun warriors are tasked with protecting the humans and Hesam quickly steps up to protect the human whose scent has triggered emotions he is unfamiliar with.
Rosa is an aspiring singer who is having fun with her friends when one of them is kidnapped; before she knows it, Hesam, the attractive Ardun, is protecting her... Rosa, however, is not helpless... She is intelligent, clever, and determined… determined to protect Hesam right back.
Hesam believes that he is unworthy of anyone's attention since he is different. He has committed himself to a life of solitude in the Royal Guard. Rosa, on the other hand, makes him feel things he's never felt before. Rosa is outgoing and comfortable in public, whereas Hesam, although having participated in the games, is awkward and bashful in public. These two bring out the best in one other... and it was fantastic to watch Hesam blossom and discover his own worth!
These two are on the run together, Hesam protecting Rosa from the rebels that are causing issues for the Ardun and humans, never knowing who to trust.
The world-building was great, and I enjoyed both characters. There is some steam, but it is secondary to the love story and suspense. And I adored the way the author ended the book... It was not what I expected, but it absolutely delighted me.
Do I recommend it? Of course… broken hero’s are my jam and I will anxiously await the next book in the series.
Honest ARC review: This was such a sweet love story that had some nice spice! Hesam and Rosa were so cute together and I really enjoyed reading their love story. Hesam is a cat-like alien that has always felt the need to prove himself. He is becoming part of the royal guard when an incident happens in the crowd that will change his life. Rosa is a human from earth who is aspiring to become a famous singer. She goes to an alien planet on vacation but things take a turn for the worse. One of her friends gets abducted in a big crowd of aliens and when Hesam is tasked with watching over her tension starts to build. This was a great grump and sunshine story. It was refreshing reading about a male that was very self conscious but learns to be vulnerable. Rosa is spunky, fun, and so encouraging to her guy. Hesam is fierce, loyal, and very protective. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!
I really have been on a sci-fi kick lately, so here’s another addition to that trend. This book takes place in the future and we have Rosa on vacation with a bunch of her girlfriends on an alien planet called Ardun where basically gladiator games have concluded. At the parade/celebration one of her friends is kidnapped and the gladiators who are becoming royal guard split up to guard one human each. While the book takes place in the future it doesn’t come across as overwhelming. We have cool things like medic bots and cleaning bots, and vending machines that offer anything you can want. But there is still public transportation, cheap hotels, and cruise ships (although in space and not oceans). Hesam as a character was more likable to me in the beginning, mostly because I didn’t feel like he evolved enough in his personal confidence by the end of the book. I really wanted him to have more of an evolution throughout but he is just so down on himself all the time that it bummed me out. Rosa on the other hand is the opposite, she is like the most optimistic and encouraging person ever, almost too much so. But I did appreciate how she adapts to crazy situations and she’s super proactive at problem solving. There is an underlying plot going on that puts Rosa and Hesam essentially on the run and trying to figure out what is really going on. There are some times in the book where I felt it really worked, like when they are avoiding the crowds, or when they are getting updates from Rosa’s friends. But I felt like by the end of the book we didn’t get enough of a conclusion to why everything that happened happened. Other that that it was fast paced and interesting. It was a good quick read for me.
This is a wonderful story that had me hooked from the start. It’s very well written with amazing, sweet and feisty characters, a heartwarming storyline and fantastic world building. Rosa is a singer looking for her big break. She’s outgoing, friendly and will fight tooth and nail for what she wants. Hesam is a gladiator who, due to a short tail that he claims is a deformity, is about to be sworn in to the royal guard. He’s always felt unworthy and ashamed and getting into the royal guard is something he hoped would make him feel worthy and liked but he hates the media and being seen constantly. He’s also the sweetest male ever, he’s possessive, protective and wants more than anything to be loved for who he is. There’s attempted abductions, rescues, a mating and claiming, very steamy scenes and more in this story with a happily ever after ending.
He’s in the parade and about to be sworn into the royal guard when a human is abducted. The Shahra tells the gladiators to help the humans and Hesam knows exactly who he’s helping. He finds Rosa and he takes her to the gladiators accommodations where he’s told they need to go to the human embassy. They split up from the others but have to push their way through the crowds and the media. They take one train and Rosa gets a comm call saying not to go to the embassy but find somewhere safe. Hesam takes her to his apartment and it’s a bit awkward between them and Rosa flirts with him but he seems to shut down and so they sleep in separate rooms. What follows is a chaotic trip, they are supposed to go to the space port in Isa but they don’t make it. They end up getting off the coach halfway after Hesam attacks a male that wouldn’t back off from Rosa. They sleep in a pod, well they get very steamy in a pod and then Rosa sleeps. They go to catch another coach and Rosa is abducted, however Hesam realises what’s happening and saves her. They get caught in a compromising position by news bots and a lot of Ardun. They get to a hotel in Isa and Hesam ends up meeting and greeting his fans, much to his dismay. Another attack and they make their way to the palace, the only safe place for them. Then they are promptly arrested and face hours of questioning. Like I said chaotic. There’s more after but you will need to read the book to find out everything that the couple must go through. It’s a definite must read that I highly recommend.
🔥 “You don’t want to know what I’ll do if you keep looking at me like that.” ~~~ Hesam is one of the top-ranking champions in the Ardun Gladiator Games. He’s worked his whole life to find a place where he fits in and he sees himself as ugly, broken and unworthy. But Hesam is an absolutely magnificent male! He might appear gruff and socially awkward but he’s so strong, protective, honorable and attentive. I couldn’t help but absolutely adore everything about him!
And there couldn’t be more perfect woman for him than Rosa! She dreams for a career in entertainment but that’s not an easy thing to achieve. I loved how supportive, compassionate and understanding she is. She might be sweet and kind, but she’s also so fierce and clever. I loved her so much!
The development of Hesam and Rosa’s relationship was perfect. From the moment they met, their attraction was undeniable, but Hesam took his vows seriously and there was so much tension and hesitancy between them. But when Rosa’s heat sends him into rut, feelings and urges cannot be denied and the passion they shared was blazing hot. Honestly, an Ardun male in a rut is a sight to behold and absolutely irresistible! Even more, I loved how well they fit together and that Rosa managed to show Hesam what a spectacular male he truly is. Those two were absolutely PURRFECT for each other and more than deserved to find happiness, acceptance and love together.
In addition, the storyline was fantastic. With everything happening on Ardun, the suspense and the non-stop action and thrill, I was glued to the pages till the very end.
Overall, the story is another marlvellous addition to the series. It’s filled with danger, action, twists, drama, suspense, blazing hot romance and magnificent characters.
I couldn’t put it down, absolutely loved it and can’t wait to see what happens next!
This is book 2 in the Forbidden Mates of the Ardun Royal Guard series, following characters and plot introduced in book 1. I highly recommend reading the books in order to get the most out of understanding the plot and events unfolding.
We follow Hesam a gladiator ready to become a royal guard in order to find his purpose and gain honor he feels he does not have, and Rosa a beautiful, energetic and full of life human who is looking for some direction now that she is unsure if she should continue on the path she has taken.
Thrown together for safety Hesam must protect Rosa from the political plot rising to change the course of life in the capital-but when Rosa goes into heat can he continue to keep her safe while resisting his own dark desires...
I loved Hesam and Rosa's story! Hesam is a damaged hero made to feel shame for who he is, and Rosa helps him find the strength and self love he has always deserved. This is high steam, but has an emotional slow burn that hits all the right notes.
CW for attempted kidnapping and explicit scenes including feline-alien anatomy
I received an advanced copy of this book to read but all opinions are my own.
Hesam sees himself as deformed, unworthy and not lovable due to a stunted tail. Yet Mr. Grumpy is sweet and possessive and the perfect match to sunny Rosa. She is feisty but sweet and is looking for a break to become a famous singer. Rosa is vacationing with friends, enjoying the gladiator competition, when her friend is kidnapped. Hesam smelled Rosa while marching, made sizzling eye contact, and almost stumbled before continuing on. Upon reaching the stage, the formal ceremony starts and a human is taken. The Sharha orders the gladiators to protect the humans. Hesam follows orders, gets to Rosa and moves her to a safe location. When they are in transit to another safe location, that is when the trouble starts. Intrigue, action, Rosa goes into heat which starts his rut, he still considers his position to go into the Sharha's harem his duty, angst, getting closer to Rosa, and so much more. Ami describes her characters and locations extremely well and I was absorbed into her story. I Love that. Great read.
“Mythic hells, what had he done to deserve this kind of torture?”
Hesam has to be the saddest Ardun male ever. It was painful to hear what he thought about himself and I’m so happy and relieved he found his Rosa.
This book was really good and I enjoyed it but it wasn’t quite the perfection Amir was. Not that there’s anything wrong with it. It was still a great book to read. I guess Ami has spoiled me and I was every book to be flawless.
I know Malik is next and it looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun but I personally can’t wait for Ikkad and Anya. That will be a book filled with sparks I guarantee it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Loved, loved, loved!! I love Ami Wright, because her storytelling just sucks you in to another world. And it's no different with Hesam. Hesam is growly, grumpy, protective and possessive on the outside, but on the inside he's just a sweet cinnamon roll! Honestly, he craves acceptance and love. Rosa is amazing! She's strong and assertive. She's genuine and wants to see the best in everyone. The way she helps Hesam to see how truly worthy he is was beautiful! It's like the old saying, "Behind every good man, is a great woman!" I loved these 2 together! And I can't wait for more from this series!
Cat boys exist and they are gladiators!! Hesam is a man with a bobbed tail, which reminded me of my own cat: bobbed tail, grumpy and bulky. Even though he is a grump he is the best Ardun ever.
The story takes place at the same time as Book 1, which helps piece things together and gives me different glimpses on the chaos that occurred after the attack.
This book is part of a series that is worth reading completely. Each book has information that aids in understanding their universe/world and how Andur (cat people) society works and their biology.
Be sure to sign up to the author’s website to get the bonus story for Hesam too!!
It was a cute low-angst romance, but I didn't like the MMC Hesam's repetitive low self esteem that didn't improve even at the end, and we didn't learn that much more about the world and society compared to the first book in the series since it was pretty much the same timeline from beginning to end with only a slightly different setting while on the run. I would have also liked to see more of the FMC Rosa's singing ability in use other than less than a handful of mentions. The insta-love didn't really work for me in this book, and the whole mate situation with the Ardun really wasn't explained much still.
Talk about two beings, struggling in their own ways, finding their muse in each other! Just wow. Hesam’s motivation to prove others wrong and Rosa’s determination to make it as an entertainer are both halted with a potential government coup. Forced close proximity is all the fates needed to do for those two to begin to understand what they mean to each other, physically and emotionally. How all of these books are intertwined is a n added wonderful touch. I cannot wait for Malik next! A series to read for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and couldn't wait for this one. I loved it just as much! Great world building. The characters were wonderful. And I have a thing for male characters who think they won't be wanted for some kind of physical attribute- or lack thereof in this case- and are proven wrong. So Hesam won my heart immediately. He and Rosa have such wonderful chemistry. This book was well written and well paced. Highly recommended. I'm looking forward to book three. 5 stars.
Hesam thinks he isn't worthy because he doesn't have his whole tail, in their culture it means they don't have honor. Rosa is a entertainer but she isn't famous yet and she is almost giving up her dream. The get together because he is ordered to protect her but things change and she starts to like him and she helps him to love himself. Hesam can't take her out of his mind and when her heat hits... You will love it. Amazing book. They both grow so much in their adventure. Very good.
Oh my lord! This series is so full of action both in and out of the bedroom. When a human woman goes into “heat” these boys just can’t help themselves! This book is brilliant, I honestly really enjoyed this. It happens at exactly the same time as the first book as I suspect the future books will for a little while. I’m really intrigued to see how the events involving the Shahra unfold and ultimately what happens. Such a good book 100% recommend.
Wow. A book with a Man that is buff, strong physical but tender and shows emotion to the woman he loves. I fell in love with him and cheered on Rosa's determination and drive to get him to see himself as she did. Worthy, lovable. The drama backstory needed a little work. Recommend the author intro us to the world with a foreword. As well as give us a bit more about what he does. I am glad and happy with her side and her shiny light at the end.
Hesam is very shy and not confident at all because of his short tail... he meets Rosa who aspires to become a famous singer and is comfortable in crowds. I loved this book, and the bonus epilogue you can get when you subscribe to the author's newsletter! This book made me smile and warmed my poor heart! 💕
Hesam is my one of my favorite alpha males! Sweet but damaged, he finally finds true love in the most unexpected way. I enjoyed every second of this book…how romantic Hesam was with Rosa❤️❤️❤️❤️. It was nova hot. Excellent world building, I can’t wait to read the next I. This fabulous series! Loved it❤️❤️❤️
I was the editor for this wonderful creative and thoughtful (and hot) scifi romance from Ami Wright. Cat hybrid gladiator (entertainment) rescues human woman from chaos. Set in the same universe as Wright's The Lost Romans series, this focuses on political upheaval on the planet Ardun. And cat-men who will purr for the right mate. And rip apart anyone else.
They spotted each other in a crowd and were instantly attracted. But that’s too easy and the author makes them work for it, throwing road blocks at them left, right and centre. There’s riots, adoring fans, and misdirection to add danger, excitement, despair and eventually a smidge of hope.
Ami Wright has written an exciting, steamy romance. Hesam is so conflicted with his feelings of inadequacy, his short tail and sudden fame. Rosa is exactly what he needs to find himself and his love. This is a steamy sci-fi romance.
For me Hesam held the book back - he didn't really grow as a character, he took a step back. At the beginning of the book, I liked him, he had a purpose. To protect the human. As the story went he regressed. I felt like she was his life coach, not his mate. I wanted more from him.
Absolutely loved this book. I can’t wait to read the others. Hesam was a big softie, but with the right amount of possessive and protective. The plot was fantastic and I was holding onto my seat at every turn.
Hesam and Rosa’s story was cute, passionate, and filled with simple lessons. I like how this one ended with a bit of a twist nothing crazy, but really brought things in perspective regarding their relationship and how Hesam feels about himself and his love for Rosa.
Rosa is one of the human women attacked by rebels on Ardun and Hesam is a gladiator who saves her time and again from the bad faction. Hesam is besotted by her fragrance and things get hot.
One very damaged feline gladiator & an over enthusiastic human make for an interesting romp across his troubled planet. While they fall in love & explore sexual delights. Lots of fun.
Liked the story. I can’t figure out what’s lacking. Only that I find my attention wandering when she spends too much time on descriptors and my emotions aren’t drawn in. Though the issues are high stakes they don’t FEEL high stakes.