Alone in the Zeta quadrant, I made one reckless choice. Now I’m pregnant, trapped on a pirate ship, and my only ally is a gruff, brooding cook with a dark past.

Ruby

As a lone human in the Zeta quadrant, my life revolves around survival. It’s isolating, and in a moment of weakness, I give in to my deepest desire—to have a child. Now, pregnant and more vulnerable than ever, everything is twice as terrifying.

When I discover smuggled drugs aboard my ship, I’m furious. When pirates arrive to steal everything of value, I’m horrified. Desperate to survive, I strike a deal with the devil—and become a ‘guest’ aboard their ship.

The only solace? A gruff voice that speaks to me during my midnight snack runs to the mess hall. A soul as lonely as mine.

Brace

Rage is my constant companion, a force so dangerous I keep myself locked away in the galley, focusing only on making food. If I let go, I’d be on a path of vengeance, leaving nothing but death and destruction in my wake.

Then she appears in the dead of night. Pregnant, hungry, and despite everything, still smiling. She’s my light in the darkness, my heart. For her, I want to be better. For her smiles, I’ll leash the fury inside me, channel it, and destroy anyone who dares to threaten her unborn child.

For my Ruby, I’d do anything—even face the past I swore to bury and endure the revulsion of revealing what I truly am.

This is a standalone novel and the fifth book in the Monster Mercenary Mates series. This sci-fi monster romance features a grumpy alien hermit chef, a brave pregnant human captain, and a steamy HEA.

Explicit Novel

  • Romance
  • Monster Romance
  • Fated Mates
  • Alien Abduction
  • Pregnancy
  • Cinnamon Roll
  • Action Adventure
  • Science Fiction
  • Forced Proximity
  • Mercenaries
  • Fantasy
Published
April 29, 2025 (Princely Gates Publishing)
Where to find this book
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Monster Mercenary Mates

The series

Full series details →

In a world where danger lurks around every corner and power comes with a price, Monster Mercenary Mates introduces readers to a universe where mercenaries aren’t just soldiers—they’re monstrous beings bound by loyalty, honor, and passion. This is a series where forbidden desires collide with fierce battles and dangerous stakes, offering a heady mix of action, romance, and unrelenting suspense.

Read full series description

Set in a gritty, high-stakes world where mercenaries are both feared and revered, Monster Mercenary Mates immerses readers in a universe where combatants aren’t just human but monstrous, each with their own unique abilities and darker sides. The mercenaries are powerful creatures—shapeshifters, beasts, and warriors—who walk the line between heroism and destruction, their loyalty to each other being their greatest strength and their deepest vulnerability.

The series doesn't shy away from complexity. As these mercenaries face daunting missions and unravel dangerous plots, they also wrestle with their own identities and emotions, making their journeys deeply personal. For every fierce fight, there’s a passionate connection that’s built on trust, raw attraction, and the undeniable bond of being mates. The chemistry between characters is electric, and the romance is far from predictable. Every relationship is as complicated and nuanced as the world they navigate.

What makes Monster Mercenary Mates stand out is its ability to blend intense world-building with multi-dimensional characters. Readers are drawn into a setting where power, betrayal, and survival are ever-present, and yet, amid all the chaos, there is always the hope of finding something real—whether it’s a love that transcends boundaries or the camaraderie forged through battle. The monsters in this world are not just scary—they’re compelling, deeply human in their struggles, and utterly irresistible.

With sharp, engaging writing, Monster Mercenary Mates promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next. Each installment weaves a tale that explores not only the battles fought outside but the ones waged within. It’s a series about survival, loyalty, and the monsters within us all, and once you enter this world, you won’t want to leave.

If you're looking for a series that mixes steamy romance with high-action adventure, Monster Mercenary Mates offers the perfect escape into a world where nothing is what it seems and the only thing stronger than their monstrous nature is the bond they share.

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10/10

This book was another great addition to the Monster Mercenary Mates series and it was nice getting to know Brace better in this book and I loved getting to see the relationship between him and his human mate Ruby and how protective he was with her while still supporting her with whatever was important to her to do. The epilogue was nice and I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series and getting to know Solear better as well seeing what kind of person his mate will be.

Monster Mercenary Mates
Prequel is Protected by the Alien Mercenary: Thar'oc & Rikki
Caught by the Alien Mercenary: Captain Asmoded & Manyin
Stolen by the Alien Mercenary: Mitnick & Harper
Betrothed to the Alien Mercenary: Aramon & Evie
Entangled by the Alien Mercenary: Tasseloris & Elyssa
Saved by the Alien Mercenary: Brace & Ruby
Chased by the Alien Mercenary: Solear & Lyra

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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