Warrior by Anna Hackett [Review]

Warrior (Galactic Gladiators #2) by Anna Hackett
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 7, 2018

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

12. Hunter

Anna Hackett
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Fighting for love, honor, and freedom on the galaxy’s lawless outer rim…

It was supposed to be an exciting job on a space station, but instead, scientist Dr. Regan Forrest finds herself fighting for her life when she’s kidnapped by alien slavers. Far from Earth and forced into a violent gladiatorial arena on the outer rim, she finds herself swept into the brawny arms of a big, wild alien gladiator.

Weapon, brute, gladiator, warrior… Sirrush warrior Thorin has been called many things. As a warrior of his people, he was a dark, dangerous weapon until even his own family were too afraid of him. Sold into slavery in the Kor Magna Arena, he has long ago earned his freedom. Now he enjoys the violent but rewarding life he’s carved out for himself. Until he rescues one small, smart, and perplexing female from alien slavers.

Regan is determined to make a place for herself in her new home. She may not have the skills to fight in the arena, but she’s smart and knows she can help...even as she fights her attraction to the big, bold, and fascinating Thorin. She knows he’ll never be interested in her. But when Regan catches a glimpse of her cousin across a crowded market, she needs help to mount a rescue, and it comes in the form of the gladiator she desperately wants. A gladiator hiding a dark, uncontrollable secret with the power to destroy them both.

Thoughts on Warrior: Somehow I ended up reading this series out of order (you know, that happens more than I like to admit, but let's not dwell on my shortcomings, shall we?), so I've seen the end result of Thorin and Regan and kinda loved it. But then, surly, broodingly oversized heroes with dark secrets are kind of my thing so that shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

Frankly, Thorin has the surly, brooding, and oversized part down. Plus, he has the big, dark secret from his past he doesn't want Regan to know about. Not that it bothers her when it comes to light. You know, because Earth ladies don't let little things like monstrous forms and a little bloodlust get in their way.

Regan's biggest stumbling block doesn't have anything to do with Thorin, in fact. She wants to feel like a contributing member of the House of Galen, but as a botanist with no fighting skills she's at a loss as to how to make that happen. Then things click and suddenly the botanist is in demand for more than her skills with plants.

As always, I love the setup for the next couple to get their HEA. I love that these gladiators have formed bonds with their fellow gladiators. I also kinda love how protective they are of anyone they perceive of needing their protection. Literally anyone. Including people they come across in the arena.

They kinda rock like that.