Guard by Anna Hackett [Review]

Guard (Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone #5) by Anna Hackett
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 13, 2020

Galactic Gladiators
(Find all the books in this amazing series on the 1st book review)
1. Gladiator

Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone
1. Sentinel
2. Defender
3. Centurion
4. Paladin
5. Guard - Kindle
6. Weapons Master

Anna Hackett
| Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

From the dangerous desert sands to the deadly glitz of the city, the lawless desert planet of Carthago is filled with lethal cyborg gladiators risking it all for the women who capture their hearts. GUARD contains two novellas and one short story all set in the Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone series.

Dark Guard: lethal cyborg Zaden will do whatever it takes to guard and protect beautiful, sweet Calla from mysterious attackers.

NOTE: previously released as part of the 2019 Pets in Space Anthology

Abducted from her homeworld, Calla Ryss has spent months in a cell, surviving her captors—the metal-scavenging Edull. Deep in the deserts of the lawless planet of Carthago, she knows that there is no chance of escape. The only thing that gets her through is her friendship with a fellow abductee, a woman stolen from Earth. But everything changes when they are rescued by the bone-chillingly dangerous cyborgs of the House of Rone, and Calla finds herself staring into eyes of metallic silver.

Zaden lives for the House of Rone. His cyborg enhancements help him keep a ruthless hold on his emotions, and loyalty is the only thing he allows himself to feel. And the rare spurt of annoyance at the cyborg hunting cat that refuses to leave him alone. But when sweet, lovely Calla falls into his arms, Zaden starts to experience emotions he’s never felt before…which is dangerous for a cyborg whose enhancements are in place not to increase his lethal abilities, but leash them.

When mysterious attackers attempt to snatch Calla, Zaden vows to be her guard and keep her safe—with some unsolicited help from a certain cyborg cat. But there is more at stake than just Calla’s safety, and as she and Zaden are drawn into an intoxicating storm of emotion, they will risk their hearts, their lives, and their freedom to rescue another innocent captive.

Cyborg Guard: on a dangerous mission into the desert, female cyborg loner Seren must act as bodyguard for champion gladiator Xias—a man who pushes every one of her buttons.

NOTE: this is a BRAND-NEW, never-before-published story

Seren dan Stal was once the pride of the Dan Nonian Warrior Academy, but when her people were wiped out by a virulent virus, she is the lone survivor. Now, her home is the desert world of Carthago, and she works hard to honor her father and her planet by being the best cyborg fighter at the House of Rone. She has no time for fun or frivolity, and that especially includes the always-smiling showman gladiator Xias.

Xias grew up on the streets of Kor Magna and lost the most important fight of all—protecting his sister. He vowed to become a champion for her and to never lose again. He commands the sands of the desert arena, is loved by the spectators, and would die for his imperator, Magnus Rone. But then he finds himself becoming far too fascinated by a prickly, dangerous, and gorgeous female cyborg.

In the desert city of Kaffit, Xias and Seren must work together on a mission for Magnus. Xias pushes Seren to feel, and she inspires his need to protect and pleasure. Together, they uncover a scorching-hot hunger that won’t be denied. Now, they just need to survive long enough to see if that hunger can grow into love.

Includes the short story – House of Rone: Beginnings

Soldier 47 is the most lethal cyborg in the Orionix Military Program. But when a young cyborg, Jaxer, is slated for deactivation, Soldier 47--also known as Magnus Rone--will risk everything he knows to save his friend.

Thoughts on Guard: I am ALWAYS down for stories about the House of Rone cyborgs and all the dangerous, crazy situations they end up in.

Dark Guard: Zaden and Calla. He saved her life (in the most literal sense since she was bleeding out and nearly dead before Zaden stepped in with his telekinetic power), but he doesn't trust himself enough to be with her. Frankly, his fears are understandable since he was told repeatedly as a child that his abilities are too strong to let run unfettered. In the end, though, he can't let her be hurt again (by himself or others) and he does what he has to do to figure out how to keep himself under control.

On Calla's end, she's still reeling from her time in captivity and the only person who makes her feel safe is the big cyborg with a lock on his emotions. A little danger, a little heat, and a whole lot of happy endings.

Cyborg Guard: Xias and Seren. Bluntly put, Seren isn't interested in anything Xias has to offer. Or at least that's what she keeps telling herself. Being forced to spend time with him while on a mission, she realizes that there are SEVERAL offers she wants to take Xias up on. Things, as they say, go from there.

As for Xias, he likes trying to get a rise out of Seren and crack her calm a bit. When things start to heat up, he finds he'll do anything to keep the prickly cyborg happy.

This story takes the cyborgs a step closer to bringing down the Edull and rescuing the last human woman and I am SO there for that.

Beginnings: Ahh, Magnus. The perfect soldier on the surface, a whole lot of rebel underneath. MAN, I like the guy!