Beast by Anna Hackett [Review]

Beast (Galactic Gladiators #7) by Anna Hackett
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 9, 2017

Galactic Gladiators
1. Gladiator
2. Warrior
3. Hero
4. Protector
5. Champion
6. Barbarian
7. Beast - Paperback | Kindle
8. Rogue
9. Guardian
10. Cyborg
11. Imperator

12. Hunter

Anna Hackett
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Synopsis (Goodreads):

Abducted by alien slavers and taken to a lawless desert world, the last thing starship pilot Mia expects is to find herself in the protective, brawny arms of a wild, blue-skinned alien.

Rescued by gladiators on the alien world of Carthago, Mia is working to find other abducted humans who are still lost. But someone else also needs her help—the untamed alien who’s saved her twice. Rescued from vicious fight rings he’s fought in since he was a child, Vek is prone to losing control in aggressive fits of rage…and Mia discovers that she is the only who can calm him. As she finds herself drawn to the man beneath the beast, she knows that with his enhanced senses, Vek can help her find her friends.

For years, all Vek’ker has known is death, darkness, and killing. Despite his newfound freedom, he is struggling to control his rages and withdrawal from the drugs his captors used on him. Only one scent soothes him, one voice calms him, and one woman is his light in the dark. Vek will do anything to protect Mia and make her happy…including vowing to find her friends.

With the gladiators from the House of Galen, Vek and Mia follow mysterious clues into a dangerous part of the desert on the trail of the missing humans. They are drawn closer together but as they enter the deadly Illusion Mountains, they have no idea of the dangers lying in wait for them, or how far they will both be pushed to their limits in order to survive.

Thoughts on Beast: I love characters who have been pushed to the edge and managed to battle their way back. Their hold on their sanity might be a little tenuous at times, but they're trying. And when they have a special someone who anchors them, my heart goes pitter-patter.

Vek and Mia are all those things. Vek has been forced to fight and kill against his will and it's left its mark on him. Mia centers him and allows him to push back him wildness, but he's still not quite as civilized as the other gladiators in Galen's house.

Unfortunately for him, there are a certain subset of individuals who prize his uncivilized nature. And if they threaten Mia, Vek will do anything to make sure she remains safe. Which puts him in a VERY BAD situation.

Very bad. Very very bad.

I'm loving this crazy desert world and the gladiators who fight to keep it safe for normal people like Mia and the other earth women who were abducted. Onto the next book!