Robin O'Connor (2)Rezensionen

This book was my first book by Robin O'Connor & it was a really good introduction to the world that the Serpents of Serant Series takes place in and I loved getting to know all the characters. Vera and Zathar made a great couple and I was glad to see them end up so happy together and how everything turned out for them. This book also has a preview for the next book in the series The Naga Brute's Warrior Mate about Zathar's friend Iave and his human mate Kalani that looks like it will be a really good read as well and I look forward to reading it as well as other books in this series in the future.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a quick story filled with action and emotions. By the end, I was so disappointed it was over already. Will definitely be looking forward to the rest of this series.

I absolutely loved this story! It keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The twists and turns are all worth it in the end when we get an amazing HEA. The spice is unbelievable in this book and the author did an amazing job at the descriptions and world building. I can't wait to read what happens next.

After being shipped out to be sold into slavery Vera ends up crash landed on the planet Serant and into the arms of her fated mate Zathar a naga (snake man) outcast of the Thunder Rock Clan. I really overall enjoyed this one! It is a insta-lust/love novel, but I think that can work, and in this case did . I liked the world building and the mystery element woven into the book regarding the Naga's decent from space traveling race to tech-less. The only thing that I personally felt was that the book was a little rushed and needed to be flushed out. I appreciated the growth of Vera and her eventual acceptance of being wanted after a lifetime of not ever being wanted on Earth/the moon. And I liked Zathar's struggle over wanting to be back in the clan but also knowing there wasn't a place for him there anymore. But I will say that all of those things were just breezed by without much conflict or true struggle to make way for all the "steamy" scenes between the main characters. And while I know I am probably in the minority in saying this, but I wish we could have had just a bit more plot and development and a little less of the main characters trying to jump each other at the weirdest of times.
Takeaway is that it is a fun romp with a lot of steam and if that is what you are looking for then you will love this book. The downside is that it is a little light on plot which is a shame because there is some really good mystery and potential conflict built in that just needs more exporation.½

My family maneuvered me like a worthless pawn, then cast me away. I was supposed to be executed but even that didn’t go right. When I wake up, my whole world is tilted on its axis when I lock eyes with a monster.He’s half snake, half man and somehow he’s the most alluring thing I’ve ever seen. When he touches me I can understand him and he says I’m his mate. But how’s that possible? I’ve never belonged anywhere.
Where to begin I loved this book! As my first snake/man romance it’s definitely set a high bar for others similar to it. I loved that they are both outcast that were brought together and how they created a home as well as other characters being introduced and flowing into the next book which I’ve already started.

The Naga Outcast’s Unwanted Mate by Robin O’Connor
Serpents of Serant #1

Scapegoated, sentenced to death, abandoned by her family…but…ends up on an alien planet saved by a huge alien snake-man that knows that this woman is his fated mate – now to convince her.

What I liked:
* Vera: stronger than she realized, survivor, willing to take a chance, leery of Zathar but definitely won over by him before the end of the story
* Zathar: outcast, Naga, half-man+half-snake, good friend, strong, resourceful, knows what he wants and he wants Vera
* The development of the relationship between Vera and Zathar
* Meeting characters that will play parts in the rest of the series – human and Naga
* The world building and character descriptions-development
* Thinking about what Serant must have been like in the past and wondering what happened to cause the decline of the planet and its inhabitants
* Charlie and Mox arriving at the end
* Wondering if the three that were cut off from the rest will be found and join the group AND if others will ultimately choose to follow Zathar’s outcasts instead of staying in the clans of their origin
* Looking forward to what will happen next

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about what must have happened on earth to create the situation that those in stasis pods found themselves in throughout this series

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars½

Warrior Enchanted by Robin O’Connor
Gladiators of the Vagabond #9

Another wonderful addition to the series ~ Loved watching Jakar finally find he mate ~ Great story!

What I liked:
* Jakar: Praetorian four-armed alien, ex-gladiator, ex-slave, younger than many of his colleagues, has been looking for his mate as his friend find their true loves, finally finds his own in this book
* Meena: human, abducted from earth, years in a stasis pod, once a paralegal, strong, resilient, pragmatic, traumatized after being auctioned, eventually finds her place and mate
* Akri: AI of the spaceship now inhabiting a being – looking forward to his story in the finale
* Getting to see the other characters from previous books
* That Meena feisty and fierce enough to do what it takes in a variety of situations
* The admiration, caring, and protective streak the main characters had for one another
* The camaraderie of the crew and how they were there for one another
* Knowing that there is one more book in this series to enjoy before having to say goodbye

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Contemplating how difficult and traumatic being a slave would be

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the Author and StoryOrigin for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars½

Steel Reforged by Robin O’Connor
Gladiators of the Vagabond #8

Eoin and Tori are a bit younger than the previous couples in this series and have been dancing around one another for a while. How they manage to finally find their happily ever after is an action packed story that sees them coming into their own as individuals and as a couple.

What I liked:
* Tori: human, single mother of part alien baby girl, saved from a stasis pod years after leaving Earth, all family deceased, cook, wants to be a good role model for her daughter, rather taken with Eoin BUT wants to assert her independence
* Eoin: raised in a gladiator stable, freed, team player, protective, lethal, metallurgist, imbibes metals and metallic compounds to replenish himself, caring, kind, rather taken with Tori but has trouble giving her freedom and independence
* Novalee: Tori’s seven-month-old daughter, charmer, growing up, loves her mother and Eoin, secure and feels safe, trusting
* The growth the two make individually and in their relationship
* Getting to see and hear about other characters from previous books
* The way Tori and Eoin are thrust together, their resourcefulness, and how they manage to accomplish a quest to free human slaves
* The idea that enemies can become allies with the right incentive
* The introduction to the Naga captain of the mercenary space ship, Varakartoom, and reading that a new spinoff series about this alien group will be written in the future
* The plot, pace, setting, writing and ending with the setup for book 9
* Knowing that there are two more books in this series

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the idea of slavery, oppression, and the fact that they are probably likely anywhere on earth and in the universe.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars½

Doom Averted by Robin O’Connor
Gladiators of the Vagabond #7

Da’vi was saved by the gladiators early in the series when he was damaged and probably set to be destroyed by his gladiator owners. This story finds him settled in on the Vagabond, working on the engines, working out to maintain his strength, and keeping an eye on his furry friend when a call for help from deep space comes in by a voice that draws him in…a human female voice…an intriguing one.

What I liked:
* Da’vi: alien, intelligent, a bit of a loner, mechanic with mad engineering skills, ripe for a relationship though he may not know it
* Arianna “Ari”: human, alone on a space ship after emerging from a stasis pod, upbeat and positive, has trust and esteem issues, rather taken with Da’vi
* The slow growth of the relationship between Da’vi and Ari
* Getting to see how the other gladiators are doing – those with and without mates
* That Da’vi puts people first rather than his new invention
* The furry creatures and how they get along together – wonder if they are a ‘couple’ too
* That the bad guy was thwarted
* The lead into the next book that will star Eoin and Tori

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to: Drameil and Allignon
* Having to wait to see what will happen next

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars½

There’s an Alien Down My Chimney by Robin O’Connor

What a fun escape this book was and a wonderful way to spend the day! The Gladiators of the Vagabond introduced me to this wonderful author and every book she writes has been a delight!

What I liked:
* Ru’ol: ex-military Kertinall scavenger, lost someone important to him, hates bullies, ends up on a wild ride that lands him unexpectedly on Earth where he meets Stella
* Stella: ex-air force pilot, in the mountains at her grandfather’s cabin for Christmas, being hustled and hassled by goons who want her property, rather taken with Ru’ol and his unexpected visit
* The play on and into the holidays
* The instant attraction between Ru’ol and Stella – I think aliens must exude hotness and ooze pheromones
* Stella’s friends that were there for her when she needed them
* The fun escape and HEA
* Thinking about the ‘what ifs’
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that bullies exist everywhere

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author and StoryOrigin for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Stone Awakened by Robin O’Connor
Gladiators of the Vagabond #6

Absolutely love this series and look forward eagerly for each book that comes out – once I begin to read, I can’t stop till the last word is read.

What I liked:
* Sunder: ex-gladiator, survivor, alien, father of Jett, on rescue mission to retrieve his son from captivity, finds his mate while on the mission
* Agatha ‘Aggy’ Munster: human, undercover to free captive child that was entrusted to her, finds Sunder intriguing
* Jett and Amar: two small alien boys, captives, being trained as products to be sold to gladiator stables
* The plot, pace, location, and writing
* That I felt part of the story, cared, and hoped for a happy ending for all
* Getting to see the rest of the characters from the series and find out how they are doing
* That the bad guys were thwarted
* The twists and turns and surprises that occured
* Hoping that Da’vi will have his turn to find his mate next
* Knowing that there is another book coming soon

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Realizing that though fiction, there is a lot of truth and reality in this series

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

Healer Hunted by Robin O’Connor
Gladiators of the #5

Luka, empath and physician, disappeared at the end of book four. This book picked up with him awakening as a captive at a resort owned by his evil mother. Mothers should be loving and kind but not Luka’s! The upside of the difficult situation he has landed in is that he finds his true mate who is a human slave working for his mother. How they manage to eventually find a way to a safe happy ending together is a wild ride and a whole lot of fun to read!

What I liked:
* Luka: alien, once captive and doctor to a gladiator stable, recently working with gladiators who freed themselves and formed a team, strong, intelligent, feels strongly, knows that Noa is his mate
* Noa: kidnapped from a human colony, sold into slavery, spunky, doesn’t give in or give up, strongly attracted to Luka, protective, willing to do what it takes
* Pato: Pinche monkey saved by Luka in book four, curious, smarter than the average monkey, resourceful, helpful, and a wonderful addition to this story
* The relationship between Luka and Noa and how it developed
* Aradne & Moira: slaves with Noa…wonder what will happen to them and if they will show up in future books. They were there for Noa and Luka when they were most needed
* The way Luka and Noa were there for one another – didn’t leave the other behind and fought to keep one another safe
* That at least some of the evil doers were dealt with
* Seeing some of the characters from previous books, if only briefly
* The hint at the end of the book
* Wondering if the information Sunder received will help him find his son
* Escaping for awhile

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like – and there were quite a few to wished to have dealt with

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author and Story Origin for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

REVIEW

Deviant Challenged by Robin O’Connor
Gladiators of the Vagabond #3

So, last night I finished book two in this series and told myself I would read another book or two between Trickster Caught and Deviant Challenged only to find myself choosing to continue immediately to find out what would happen next. I have fallen in love with the gladiators and their stories and can’t wait for book four!

What I liked;
* Camila: space marine sergeant, human, large loving extended family, nine years in service, turned on by her superiors without knowing why, nearly dies in space, saved and taken in by the gladiators on the Vagabond, instant chemistry with Thorin
* Thorin: free from slavery and being a gladiator, alian – Elrohirian, lethal, enhanced abilities, part of the gladiator brotherhood residing on the spaceship Vagabond, rather taken with Camila
* That Camila is strong, independent, caring, competent, and perfect for Thorin
* Thorin’s alpha aspects tempered with a softer side brought out by Camila
* That I can see Camila and Thorin together
* That the story swept me in and made me care
* That I felt I was part of the story
* Getting to see the others on the spaceship, catch up with previous characters in books one and two, and learn more about the others
* Wanting to know who Fierce will end up with and how it will impact his furry companions-friends
* Wondering when Jakar and Luka will get their stories
* Curiosity about Sunder and Tori and if they will end up together
* That I could joyfully hate the bad guys
* The fight scenes
* That the gladiators are truly brothers now
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* That even though in space and filled with aliens, this story had the feeling of realness and was believable
* Having to say goodbye till the next book is ready

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Trickster Caught by Robin O’Connor
Gladiators of the Vagabond #2

Swept into this wonderful alien sci-fi world once again – perfect story to take me away! Loved the first book and loved this one, too. Can’t wait to read book three!

What I liked:
* Rejoining the gladiators…great group of “brothers”
* Chloe: human slave since childhood, navigator on a pirate spaceship, has faulty implant, death soon if not fixed, hiding for years, there for Kitan in a bond that transcends all
* Kitan: alien shapeshifter, gladiator slave for years, escaped with others on the ship, freedom is important to him, he will do anything for his mate Chloe
* The plot, pace, setting, and writing
* Seeing how Abby and Ziame are doing
* Wondering if Tori and Sunder will become more than friends
* The way the gladiators and those with them have bonded and are there for one another
* How Chloe and Kitan meet, their developing relationship, and how perfect they are for one another
* Getting to know the characters better
* Caring about the characters and hoping they will all remain free and find their mates
* Being invested in the outcome of the story
* Wondering what will happen to Kitan’s siblings and the little girl one of them is worried about
* That I could dislike those that were evil and wish Karma would zap them
* That it took me away and made me think and care and left me happy at the end
* Being eager to read the next book in the series

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like – and there was more than one
* Thinking about greedy evil parents that put themselves before the benefit of their children
* Knowing that there are evil people in the world we live in that are mirror images of those in this story

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Beast Unburdened by Robin O’Connor
Gladiators of the Vagabond #1

Smiles for miles…loved this story! A good alien romance is hard to beat and this one swept me into an intriguing world with characters I fell in love with…or hated deeply. Great story!

What I liked:
* Abigail: human, female, captive, tall, dark skinned, curly hair, bank teller, open minded, good with numbers, strong, independent, intriguing, no shrinking violet…perfect for the story and for…
* Ziame: alien, from Lacerten, sentient, intelligent, skilled in subterfuge, gentle giant, lethal, strategic thinker and planner, team player and leader, fell for him just as Abigail did…
* The setting: on a spaceship out in space
* The introduction to the various species that were slaves and gladiators
* The gladiator theme and knowing that all the males were strong, lethal, and from various planets
* The plot, pacing, and overall story
* The growth of the relationship between Abigail and Ziame
* Meeting the characters that will no doubt be in the future books of the series – can’t wait to hear more about them and who they might end up with
* The wide variety of aliens and how they were able to communicate though from various species/planets
* The fight scenes in the arena
* That though the gladiators were lethal, they didn’t really enjoy what they did…at least most of them didn’t
* Being able to dislike/hate the bad guys
* Reading a new-to-me author and enjoying her story
* All of it really except

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Having to wait for the next book in the series
* Not a dislike but a notice that this version is an ARC and I am sure that the final version will have slight editing fixed taken care of

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC – this is my honest review.

4-5 Stars½