Handcuffing the Alien

Beastly Alien Boss #6

by Ava Ross

My alien hero not only wants to rescue me, but he also wants to claim me too.

Wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to hard labor on an alien prison planet, I think my life is over. Until my rescue comes in the form of my older brother’s best friend, Shaede—a blue-skinned alien who broke my heart years ago. But he gets caught too, and before you know it, we’re handcuffed together and locked in a cell with only one bunk.

Shaede is determined to save us, no matter the cost. And in the meantime, he plans to convince me that he made a big mistake turning me down. He wants to claim me as his mate . . .

Handcuffing the Alien is Book 6 in the Beastly Alien Boss Series. Each book is loosely connected and features an Earth woman hired for an off-world job who meets a gruff alien who can’t resist falling for his fated mate.

Genres: Romance, Aliens, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2023

About the author

AVA ROSS fell for men with unusual features when she first watched Star Wars, where alien creatures have gone mainstream. She lives in New England with her husband (who is sadly not an alien, though he is still cute in his own way), her kids, and assorted pets, including a yorkie pup and three cats.

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prison Break with a Side of Feelings



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷💚❤️💙
Spice/Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂😁🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration

Characters and Plot

Charlie is a former interstellar law enforcement officer who loses her job and signs on as security for an interstellar matchmating event. She expects a simple assignment with a bit of travel and excitement. Instead, she stumbles into a drug bust, gets kidnapped, and is wrongly convicted of a crime she did not commit. Fresh off a breakup and tired of men who never measure up to her idea of strength and integrity, she still carries the sting of her teenage heartbreak over an alien named Shaede.

The Vessers, a lizardlike alien mafia, infiltrate the event and abduct Charlie. They transport her to their prison planet, where she disguises herself as a teenage boy by binding her chest and wearing a wig. While trapped there, she gathers intel on the Vessers and their suspicious operations. She knows something is deeply wrong on this planet and she is determined to uncover the truth and escape with evidence that will expose them.

Shaede, an interstellar agent and Charlie’s brother’s best friend, infiltrates the Vesser prison to rescue her. He has no idea that Charlie does not want saving. She has not forgotten the last time she saw him when she was eighteen and he rejected her, insisting she was too young. In the years since, Shaede has realized his mistake and now wants Charlie as his mate. Their reunion is anything but smooth. When they are caught, they end up handcuffed together in a cell with only one bunk, forced to confront their past and their unresolved feelings.

Highlights

• Charlie is a capable, resourceful heroine who refuses to rely on anyone else and already has a plan to escape before Shaede even arrives.
• The prison world setting is full of danger and tension, creating a high stakes backdrop that keeps the story engaging.
• The supporting cast adds charm and texture, from the drug‑addicted reptilian Vessers to Rosie, the rodentlike creature who becomes Charlie’s unexpected companion.
• The second chance romance works well, especially with Charlie’s long-standing crush and the emotional scar left by Shaede’s earlier rejection.
• Forced proximity is used effectively. The handcuffs add humor, frustration, and intimacy that enrich the plot.

Limitations

• The middle section slows down during the mining sequences and the day-to-day planning, which slightly reduces the momentum.
• The romance leans toward slow burn because of Charlie’s hurt, Shaede’s guilt, and their reluctance to admit their feelings.
• The series title Beastly Alien Boss feels mismatched since Shaede is not Charlie’s boss in any capacity.

Narration

The story is presented in dual points of view with narration by Patrick Zeller and Hollie Jackson. Although neither narrator is among my personal favorites, both deliver strong performances. Patrick’s deep voice suits a seven-foot alien hero, and Hollie Jackson brings emotional clarity and expressive nuance to Charlie’s chapters. Together, they create an immersive listening experience.

Final Opinion

Handcuffing the Alien is a fun, adventurous sci fi romance with a strong heroine, a determined hero, and a prison setting that keeps the tension high. The pacing slows in the middle, but the character dynamics, forced proximity, and second chance elements make the journey worthwhile. Fans of alien romance with action, grit, and emotional payoff will find this installment satisfying and entertaining.

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[Nevena · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 “You think you can resist me, but I haven’t even begun to seduce you yet, sweetheart.”
~~~
Charlie is a badass! Once part of the Interstellar Interpol, she knows how to take care of herself. She’s smart, brave, resourceful, self-assured, feisty and doesn’t let anyone intimidate her. I loved that she could keep her cool even in the most dire situations and I loved her determination to prove her worth. But, being heartbroken at a young age, she doesn’t let anyone get too close to her and the walls around her heart are pretty high. Nevertheless, Charlie is the best and I absolutely adored her!

Shaede is one very cocky and confident male! And he’s so huge, strong and fiercely protective. Even more, he’s such a loyal friend and a badass Interstellar agent. And I loved his determination to protect the people he cares about no matter the cost. Shaede is one magnificent and smoking-hot alien and I loved him very, very much!

I loved everything that happened between Charlie and Shaede. Their history dates back six years ago, when she confessed her feelings for him and got rejected. Now, being convicted and sent to a prison planet, the last person Charlie expects to see is the male who broke her heart. And Mr-Macho-Alien-I’m-Here-To-Save-You is definitely not ready for the fierce woman who’s not afraid to put him in his place and prove to him, time and time again, that she could get the job done and doesn’t need an alien in shining armor to fight her battles. Those two were absolutely amazing together and quite the badass team! Even more, their banters and teasings were spectacular. Charlie is dead set on resisting Shaede’s charms but that male determination to right the past wrongs was admirable. And when they couldn’t resist each other anymore, the passionate moments they shared were off-the-charts hot. Shaede and Charlie were so perfect for each other and I couldn’t get enough of them!

In addition, the storyline was spectacular! Something bigger than mining gems is happening on the prison planet and the consequences might be catastrophic. The suspense, the danger and the unexpected discoveries kept me glued to the pages till the very end. And I absolutely adored Rosie - she’s the most adorable and resourceful pet ever. Even more, I loved that we got to meet Charlie’s brother - Matis, the male who took her under his wing when she was young - and I can’t wait to learn more about him.

Overall, the story is another marvellous addition to the series! It’s filled with danger, non-stop action, intrigue, twists, humor, violence, tension, blazing hot romance and magnificent characters.

I absolutely loved every page of it and am so looking forward to the next story!

[Emily Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story that will keep you up past your bedtime, I had trouble putting it down! I loved Charlie and Shaede! She was completely in her element working her undercover thing in a man’s alien prison, it’s fiction, it’s all good, lol, I can roll with it, the story is great. The tension builds. The elements are all there. Then Shaede shows up, her unrequited love from her past, trying to bully her around and then take over HER investigation, but then she shows him how she has things under control. In a short amount of time, the story evolves some more, it gets deeper, I’m not going to sleep tonight, obviously, are they … is there love in the air again? While she’s dressed and acting as a boy as her cover a la Shakespear’s 12th Night, and it’s a really inconvenient time, but it’s still kind of hot but there’s more tension added and there’s more going on in this prison than prison work….you know what? You really need to read this book, lol, the story is addictive, the characters are likable and the story is easy to follow and fall into. You’ll want to stay up late and miss your alarm and be late for work the next morning and blame a dead battery that you really didn’t have because you’re two hours late and your boss needs an excuse that doesn’t need a doctor’s signature…..just sayin…..

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Charlie’s story after her appearance in Domesticating the Alien. This book didn’t disappoint either! Charlie is an independent and strong heroine. She is often underestimated by people she interacts with including our hero Shaede. Shaede is self-assured and fiercely loyal to those close to him. There is so much chemistry between our main characters. Their banter between each other kept me laughing until the end. I am sad to see their story end, but I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action/Adventure Sci-Fi Romance
Handcuffing the Alien by Ava Ross is an exciting, yet hilarious and sweet romantic adventure, with a HEA. Charlie is the greatest heroine, completely capable of taking care of herself and getting the job done…now if only her rescuer would get out of her way! Nah, Shaede was great too, especially after he realized how little Charlie needed a man’s help.
I always love Ava Ross’ world building. There was steamy romance, intrigue, and enough suspense & danger to keep you reading. The main characters were likeable, and the side characters were terrific as well…especially little Rosie.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story held me in suspense a lot of time. There were a lot of close calls and it seems like danger is stalking them even after they set themselves free. I loved little Rosie. She may be small but her presence is felt in the story. I loved their bonding, despite the danger, and the teasing. Our FMC might have appeared to him as a "damsel in distress" but she is far from that and he soon realized it. What I loved most is him finally accepting that she is it and went after her even to prison.

[Cynkris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! I love Charlie! She is a total bada**. And Shaede! I love that Mr-I'm-here-to-rescue-you had to step back and let her lead. This book is a bit more intense and maybe a bit darker than the others in the series but OMG is it good! Ava Ross writes magic. She creates worlds that I get lost in. The characters are amazing as is the world building. The stories entertain and keep me glued to the page. I recommend this book with my whole heart.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - Charlie is in prison, but she is not without resources and plans in place. Shaede comes to rescue her. They need to work through their past, deal with prison life, determine what is really going on and escape from a prison planet. A great read, filled with excitement, intrigue, lots of loving, and one badass heroine.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is entertaining and the storyline is filled with action and adventure. The characters are well written and I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent sci-fi romance/adventure! Out of this world good! Steam, danger, and a secret mission. Charlie gets unexpected help, but she's got it all under control. If only her so-called rescuer would get out of her way. Maybe..

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book. Share thinks he is going to the prison planet to save Charlie but She isn't the inocente Young female that he remenbers, She is so much more. He gets caugth and put in a cell. Guess who has to save the day? Great book, funny and very Easy to read.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

not as good as the rest

I absolutely LOVE this series but for some reason this one didn’t take my fancy quite as much. Still a great read with amazing world building and would recommend!

[Dot Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Rescues Whom?

Charlie was recently laid off by Interstellar Interpol and accepted a job to provide security for a Match-Mating Soiree (see the previous book, Domesticating the Alien). Unfortunately, the alien lizard mafia, the Vessars, had tried to infiltrate the Soiree and Charlie knocked a bunch of them out, leading the rest to kidnap her and send her to their prison planet for a one-year term.

Charlie knows something illicit is going on, but hasn’t been able to determine exactly what it is. Once she discovers what this is, she has already laid the groundwork for her escape from the prison. However, before she can execute her plan, one night Shaede, the love of her life from six years ago, is standing outside her cell. Her brother has sent him to rescue her. What follows is a cute, but dangerous story of who rescues whom.

I loved this book! It was just the right blend of humor, intrigue, danger and steam. Ms. Ross did a marvelous job in developing these characters. The world building was also unique, with various plants and animals found only in the imagination of the author. Altogether, this was a fantastic fantasy offering from one of my favorite authors.

My rating: 5 Stars!

I received a free copy of this book from the author as a member of her ARC team and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Preston and Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in first person by Ava Ross, Handcuffing the Alien is book 6 in this Beastly Alien Boss series, and follows the alien Shaede Dil’in Chorkain and his human mate Charlie. The set takes place in a time where alien worlds are familiar and intergalactic travel is common. We first met Charlie in book 3 as the human security guard hired to work the Soiree. She was kidnapped at the end of that book by the Vessars who tried to kidnap Kalei and sent to their prison. As a member of a spy organization, she chose to stay inside the prison to investigate suspicious activity while simultaneously planning her escape. While imprisoned, Charlie maintained a disguise which convinced the Vessars that she was a teenage boy instead of a female. Her brother Matis (also a spy) received word of Charlie’s abduction and sent his long-time friend Shaede (also a spy) to rescue her because he was tied up on a mission. Six years prior, Charlie confessed her attraction to Shaede, who rejected her because she was only 18 and there was a slight 6-year age difference. But now that she was older and his mating marks came to life at them reuniting, all bets were off.

Shaede’s rescue attempt failed and the two wound up working the mines together until they could investigate the warden and successfully escape. They discovered that the warden wasn’t just mining gems and brugeer (a drug that only effected the Vessars similar to weed) but also a highly valuable energy source called stripeene. Instead of using it to create fuel, they were combining it with tetradivon, a second highly volatile chemical that created an explosive substance that could destroy an entire planet when mixed. With the help of a befriended inmate named Pralk and a rodent named Rosie, the two eventually escaped the prison.

Charlie was Shaede’s one true mate, verified by the mating marks etched into his inner forearms like tattoos. They finally came together sexually in chapter 22, at the 63% mark, though they participated in other sexual acts (kissing, fondling, flirting, oral sex, etc) prior to intercourse. The buildup to that point was appropriate, both lusting after each other but refusing to act upon it, resorting to flirting and eye fucking each other from afar. However, I think the author waited too long for the two to finally have sex. I read this genre of books specifically for the raunch. Delaying sexual intercorse anytime after the 48% mark is like dangling the cheese so long it molds.

The two presumably lived happily ever after as mates. I loved that the two were quick to acknowledge their feelings for one another. Aside from a tine bit of trepidation, hesitation and fear of rejection (again), everything worked out and the two were better for knowing and falling for one another.

I personally married my own boss, so I am totally here for this series. Although, this particular book in this series didn’t really have the boss/employee aspect, so it didn’t really fit with the theme of the series. I found this book incredibly boring. The entire “adventure” (if you can even call it that) consisted of sneaking around a mine, sneaking around a prison, then escaping via treacherous lands. It was a total yawn fest that had me yearning for the end. I am looking forward to diving into the next book in the series. I still recommend this read, if this genre is in your wheelhouse. 🫶🏻

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie made the fatal mistake of falling for her brother's best friend and then telling him. He rejected her and ever since she has built not only wallsaround her heart but an entire castle with moat including trebuchet flame throwers and the mine field before you even get to see the castle. Sorry bit dramatic, I digress. Safe to say no one is getting to her. She's worked hard to become the agent that she is today. She's resourceful, feisty, talented and just fabulous. The last thing she was anticipating though was her jail buddy to turn out to be Shaede. Ah yes, the brother's best friend. He's grown in to an irritatingly cocky whatsit but what is worse is that he has every right to be a bit arrogant about it. He too has flourished and worked hard to be where he is. He too is intelligent, observant, loyal and confident. Not helpful that he is as handsome as he ever was, if not more so. So now where does that leave them both??
I have to say that I adore Ava Ross' writing. The characters are always fun and I have yet to feel as though I have read the same story or plot line.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It was an entertaining second chance romance with a twist. There was some drama and angst as well as some violence. The characters were interesting and likable for the most part. The Warden deserved what he got. Pralk seemed like a good guy and a great friend. Charlie was in prison but she had a plan. She was working her plan when it was interrupted by Shaede, her brother’s friend and her mistake when she was younger. Shaede was determined to save Charlie as a favor to his friend but he also wanted to explore his connection with her. He was positive that he had done the right thing six years ago but he had been unable to get her out of his mind. I liked how the story ended. The bonus epilogue (that you can download) added to the ending and made it even better. I recommend reading this book.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheade comes off the pages as a male that knows who he is, what he wants and plans to get it one way or the other and that thing happens to be Charlie.

Charlie is not only a bass but a force to be reckoned with. Charlie has made it clear that not only can she do what Mitas does but does not need the help of Shaede - the one that rejected her 6 years ago. But Charlis is in prison, not by any fault of her own and she has found that something is wrong and before she escapes, she is gonna expose this prison...all without the help of Shaede, so she thinks.

During this adventure, they come to terms to what the issues are, and that they are meant to be (not because of his mating marks per se) and that they are better together than they ever were apart.

(I love the fact that this story ties into Frost - you have to read both to see, what a great eater egg to read!!!!!)

[Sky Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava Ross does it again! How can you not fall in love with her sassy characters, and guess what? The alien does NOT save the day, it's the human! Such a satisfying and refreshing alien romance where the fated mates are equals and they work through a problem together, growing, and appreciating each other. They are both galactic spies/cops trying to uncover illegal and dangerous schemes inside of a prison before they attempt their escape, and what is hotter than knowing your fated mate doesn't care if you're filthy and disguised as a teenage boy? They know what's hidden underneath, on the inside, and they still want to use their knotting peen on you! Haha, love it! Go forth and read... like yesterday.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie has been taken by the alien lizard Mafia to a prison planet she of course carries a disguise with at all times and now she looks like a young man. Her teenage crush, Shade, comes to save her,. but quickly finds out after he is caught that she doesn't need saving
Our author is a great storyteller and as usual, I get caught up in the world her imagination has created. I feel the thirst and hunger, the pain and dragging weight of the hard work and aching hands and knees from digging gems, the gross lizard guards, fear of discovery and the pull to be with Shaede. There is drama, humor, danger, angst, steamy and a wonderful pet/ friend named Rosie. And a HEA- my favorite endto a story.

[Morgane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a series of interconnected standalones. It can be read on its own, but the FMC is first met in the previous book, which I recommend you read first for maximal enjoyment.

Charlie is an Intergalactic cop who has been captured by the Vessar mafia and sent to a prison. Thankfully, she managed to pass herself as a man in order to stay safer. At the beginning of the book, Shaede, her brother's best friend and former crush, comes to rescue her, but gets captured instead. Now they have to work together to escape the prison. Will their feelings get in the way?

I loved this book! I enjoyed how Charlie was broken-hearted at first, but with Shaede's reassurances that he made a mistake, she opens her heart to him again... Their relationship was very nice, and the spice and special equipment was great! 😉
Overall I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves alien romance.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an action packed romance and I loved watching Charlie and Shaede find their way together emotionally, but also as a team of undercover agents. Charlie was beyond fierce and didn't need a male to run to her rescue. Shaede was tough, protective, and loyal... and realized that she was right, years ago, that they were meant to be together. He had some work ahead of him, though, if he thought she'd just accept him with open arms. Lol! Their chemistry was so hot it about burned up my reader ;P Expect a fab story, with a ton of action, danger, humour, and, of course, steamy romance. Good fun!

[wellreadcorgi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to get Charlie's story after reading about her in the previous book "Domesticating the Alien." Charlie is one tough cookie. She doesn't sit back and is right there in the thick of things. She is clever and driven to complete her mission.
Shaede is the male she fell in love with and had her heart broken by when she was 18. Some time has passed, and when Shaede hears from Charlie's brother, he takes off on his rescue mission to save her.
This is when many things don't go according to plan. There were a lot of twists and turns, love and anger, and just good fun!
Grab this one, a snack, a cold beverage, and enjoy!

[Kim Lowery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie and Shaede are former and current intergalactic interpol officers. She’s been laid off but that doesn’t stop her mission. He’s there to rescue her. There’s a six year age difference. They first met when she was a minor at the orphanage her brother, Shaede’s friend, comes home to visit. But at the time of the story, she’s all grown up.

First off, where can I get a Rosie? That light blue furry rodent-monkey has to be the coolest sidekick ever.

And also the lizard guys are gross villains.

This is a non stop adventure on a prison planet. Not for those who need a vacay or don’t like tight spaces.

Well written and lots of fun. Bonus chapter for newsletter sign up with worth it.

[Maria M · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was by far the slowest book in the series. It didnt pick up until more than half way through and took me weeks to read! The other books in the series id finish in a day or so. I found it really boring and repetitive until near the end- shaede and charlie seemed to be having the same conversations over and over- the same topic of him rejecting her years ago, her feeling hurt over it, him realising he loved her now, charlie needing reassurance, shaede feeling guilty etc etc, felt like an endless loop. And so i kinda didnt really feel a genuine connection between the two. Very disappointing read.

[Melanie Milburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letting It Go

Charlie and Shaede have been long overdue for a reunion. When professed herself to him at 18, he rejected her—she was after all his best friend’s little sister. When he co see mes to rescue her from prison, he’s in for a big surprise: she’s not that 18 year old he remembered. And she tells him in no uncertain terms that she neither needs nor wants him to rescue her.
Vessars, mining for gems and brugeer, a massively corrupt warden, and a pretty hostile planet make for a lot of adventure and some combustion when these two finally let go of old resentments and misconceptions!

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was such a fun adventure! Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved Charlie so much- she was fierce and smart, level-headed, brave, and could handle herself. Shaede is confident and protective and goes to rescue her- but she does not want or need rescuing and he only ends up getting caught himself. He rejected her years ago, but he still wants her, and she him. They have such great chemistry and work well together. I was completely captivated by the story and couldn't put it down. 5 stars

[Amanda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read - romance, laughter, drama, and a couple who you will absolutely love. Charlie is the FMC who is independent and really can take care of herself. Shaede, the MMC, is loyal, strong, protective, and everything we could dream of...lol. The storyline flowed nicely, the spice was hot, and having the couple banter was a delight, which really added to the story. Overall, the book was entertaining, exciting, engaging, and a page-turner right from the start. This is a must-read in my books!

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava Ross is a master storyteller! I love her writing because you get a new, fresh story yet it is still part of the series. You are at the edge of your seat through this entire book with twists and turns you don’t expect. Of course the romance is steamy but her characters worm their way into your heart. I enjoy reading about a strong female heroine and Charlie being an undercover operative just makes this story more compelling. Download this readers. It’s worth every penny❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so exciting I put it down several times because I didn’t want to get to the end. I adored Shaede and Charlie! Their banter just kept the sexual tension rising with each chapter. Charlie was so courageous I would not have been able to pull off playing a guy the way she did. And I adored how devoted she was with little Rosie. But Shaede? Ooh la la! I received an ARC but I already bought the book and my review is voluntary. Get your copy Now!

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaede had waiting to claim his one mate. She needed to get some experience in life and love before he is willing to do this.
Charlie had known from an early age she wants to be with Shaede. Her brothers best friend. She gets turned down by him so she goes and lives her life. This ends up getting her into a prison but dresses as a man she has a job to do. When Shaede shows up to rescue her she has other plans.