(Alien Warrior BBW Paranormal Science fiction Romance) (The Alien Mate Index)

The plot in all books became painstakingly predictable. You got a pair of couple that loves each other, but they "shouldn't". It's aggravating. As for Charlotte, she is not fit for an empress... at all. She is too doubtful, too hesitant, not to mention too pushover for a queen. You are a mother fudging EMPRESS of the whole fudging UNIVERSE! You have powers beyond any queens and kings! There's a whole army under your beck and call. And you still "do no harm"? How idiotic. When a civil war breaks out, will you do nothing? Will you stand by and let the general or the court decide what to do? Then what are you for? Just a figurehead to just sit there and look pretty? So annoying.

One redeeming facet that she does have is mercy for her enemies. But still... I find her being fit to rule like a city more reasonable than a whole universe.

I LOVE your work, Ms. Anderson. But I will not be reading the next book anytime soon.

A "Must Read" series! I stumbled across it via an email and decided to take a chance. Thankfully I did. I loved it so much I actually read all 3 in less the 3 days...I couldn't put them down! Evangeline, don't stop what you're doing...it's amazing!

Descended is an awesome read. I love and adore Kristoff, he is what every woman wants in a man, a lover, a friend and a protector.

Kristoff is in mourning. His beloved Mistress the Goddess Sundalla the 999th has passed on and he is charged with finding and protecting her descendent and succesor Charlotte from Earth.
Charlotte has never really fit anywhere, an orphan she always felt out of place somehow. Until she found that she could help and heal people among other gifts. Kristoff is rushed into the ER and becomes her patient. This is where their adventure begins...
Kristoff has his work cut out protcting Charlotte as many people want her dead to take over the throne.

Charlotte and Kristoff's love story is a well known one, boy isn't goodenough for royal girl, but with a new twist and lovely hot erotic scenes an enjoyable love story to be a part of.

I highly recommend this series ans all Evangelines book to lovers and readers of, science fiction romance containing some steamy sex scenes.

I could not put this book down and am impatiently waiting for the 4th installment in the series Severed.

*I received an ARC to give a honest review.

The Alien Mate Index Series is the newest series from my one of my favorite authors Evangiline Anderson. This series has already hit it out of the hot Scifi romantic erotic adventure park and gets better and better with each book. Like the addicting Kindred series the author not only transports her readers to new imaginative exciting worlds but has also created a whole new set of characters and storylines that had me reading straight thru the night.

As with the heroines of the other books, Charlotte is a strong intelligent woman, training to become an MD. Charlotte has some amazing talents she has kept hidden from her adoptive parents and friends one of them being she can read a lot about a person's true nature, if they are truthful or lying, dangerous for or friend, just by touching them.

Charlotte is unaware that her world is about to change, she, like her two missing friends, have special powers that make her highly ranked by the Alien Mate Index. Earth girls don't know it yet but they've just become fair game for the hidden secretive alien market of males looking for desirable earth women. When she finds herself being pursued by the a gorgeous 7ft golden skin man with swirling colored eyes, she is intrigued but finds it hard to believe she is the "goddess of the Universe" and her life is in danger.
The adventure really picks up when Charlotte finally starts to believe Kristoff, understands her two,best friends have also been abducted and she can not ignore the attraction to this swoon worthy protective human like alien.

Kristof sounds like someone no girl could refuse, gorgeous hunk of a warrior, loyal, determined to keep,his vows to the late goddess he served, that he will find and protect Charlotte, the incarnation of the next goddess. Not only is he a fierce protector he has also been trained to serve all the need his mistress might require. Their world is a matriarchal one where women are revered. He is challenged to not only find Charlotte on a world that has not had official first contact with aliens, but also convince her of who she is, where her destiny lies and that she must trust him to protect her from many hidden dangers of those who wish take over her powerful position.

Kristoff can't deny the unexplainable pull,he has towards Charlotte, it's so much more than just finding her physically desirable, and so very prohibited by The laws of his council.
Finding strength where she never knew she had it, and with Kristoff behind her they go on an intergalactic adventure that will keep readers riveted to the book.

The fact that the author is one of the best at writing romantic erotic scenes and situations is always a welcome enhancement and integral,part of the storyline and characters. Lucky for us!

Although these books are stand alone inhilynsuggestvresding them in order and bit depriving yourself of the first two awesome books in the series. abducted, book 1, sets up the series and introduces the worlds where the stories take place and the whole premise of thenAMI. Characters and their stories are introduced that also hold integral parts in the following books.
A definite 5 star series, can't wait for book 4.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Holy moly, Evangeline has done it again. The AMI series is just as amazing as the Kindred Bride series...and I never thought anything could even come close to that. After all the craziness with Leah and Zoe, I honestly didn't know what to expect with Charolette, but it is the best one yet.

Charolette is having visions of little blue worms trying to talk to her in any and all reflective surfaces and believes she's either over exhausted because of all the crazy hours she works as a doctor, or she's really going crazy. When Kristoff comes into the ER refusing to be treated by anyone other than Charolette, she ends up giving him a transfusion with her own, extremely rare typed, blood to save him. Little did she know that was going to cause her all kinds of problems...but that's the least of her worries. She has to now fear for her life because someone surely wants her dead and is stopping at nothing to see her death come to pass. After getting to Femme One, she has more problems to face but knows she can do it as long as Kristoff is by her side...but will he always be at her side or will the council get their wish and rip them apart is the question, but will death even be able to keep them apart? It's a definite must read...especially to find out if these two are able to surpass everything they're up against.

Steamy!!! (fans myself) That's how this book came across to me. I loved the first two books in this series but Descended is definitely my favorite book of the three so far. Captain Kristoff Verrai is on a mission to find the next Goddess-Emperor to rule the galaxy and protect her. When he finds her, instead of revealing himself, he keeps himself hidden. When assassins start coming out of the woodwork, he tries to keep himself hidden but a grave injury lands him in the lap of Dr. Charlotte Walker, Goddess-Emperor (unknown to her). From there things quickly spiral out of control and its a race to get her back to Femme One and have her invested as the new Goddess Emperor. But things don't go any easier when they get to Femme One, especially the savage attraction they have for one another. An attraction they have to fight, if they don't wish to anger the the people. Can they do it? Can they get her invested in time or will she be too late? Can they overcome their attraction and do what's right for the greater good or can they find a way to be together.

When I read the teaser novella for this book, I was anxious to know if Charlotte would change from a practical person to one who becomes more spontaneous. I won't reveal the answer to you, you'll just have to read the book. I found my answer. It was better than I expected and Kristoff was by far the most interesting male lead character I have read for this series. Who wouldn't love a guy that's willing to lay down his life for you and at the same time, see to you every need as if that was all he lived for? Not that he didn't have other things to see to as being the Captain of the Royal Guard would imply, but he's a Majoran and they are very dedicated to their females. I did have moments in the book when I questioned the integrity of some side characters but in the end, it had a decent ending. If you've read the other two books in this series, then you'll love this one. And you'll know the hot, steamy details that is included. If not then start the series with Abducted followed by Protected before you read this one. It can be read as a standalone, but there are overlapping characters which will confuse you a bit if you haven't read the other books. Especially when they reference something that happened in their book

*I was given an ARC in return for an honest review*

What a great third installment to Ms Anderson’s newest series: Alien Mate Index. Much like her other series the Brides of Kindred, I see this one continuing on for many books. I think you really need to read the first two books before this one as they definitely set the stage for this one. Charlotte and Kristoff become attracted to each other early on when Kristoff is sent to Earth to protect Charlotte. Very quickly you can tell they are destined to be together. As you begin to read their story you quickly come to the conclusion that you are 99% sure there will be an HEA for Charlotte and Kristoff, but there is still that 1% chance that it will not end in an HEA. That is what makes these books so good. Ms Anderson builds up the conflict in the story line and writes it in such a way that you are kept wondering if it will in fact have an HEA because it does not look that way ¾ into the book and you wonder how she is going to be able to deliver a happy ever after when there is only ¼ of the book left to read. Every page you read you become more engrossed in their story and you know they deserve their HEA but at the same time the conflict builds and builds and just maybe things will not work out the way you think they will. This is Charlotte and Kristoff’s story...a story full of sexual tension between an earth girl and the sexy warrior alien sent to protect her.

I won’t go over the synopsis of the book as you can all read it in the description. If you have already read the first two books then do not hesitate to read this one. If you haven’t read the other two, read them first. This is a great series and I am happy to read that there will be at least one more book in the future.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Alien Mate Index Book Three.

After helping Grav and Leah defeat Count Doloroso, Kristoff Verrai vows to protect Leah's friend Charlotte. His Goddess-Empress pointed Charlotte out as her new incarnation, and as the Captain of the Imperial Guard it is his duty to protect Charlotte even if he cannot believe she will be worthy. Once he meets her, though, he begins to see the similarities. Charlotte has been trying to avoid her crazy nightmare blue worms for weeks when a tall man in a gladiator costume demands she treat him. She instinctively knows that he cannot have a normal transfusion and gives him her blood. This starts a process Kristoff insists is a false mating ritual, because he is unworthy of the Goddess-Empress. However, Charlotte begins to hope that he might return her feelings.

If you're looking for a sci-fi romance series where fate meets intrigue, this is the one for you!

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Alien Mate Index Series is the newest series from my one of my favorite authors Evangiline Anderson. This series has already hit it out of the hot Scifi romantic erotic adventure park and gets better and better with each book. Like the addicting Kindred series the author not only transports her readers to new imaginative exciting worlds but has also created a whole new set of characters and storylines that had me reading straight thru the night.

As with the heroines of the other books, Charlotte is a strong intelligent woman, training to become an MD. Charlotte has some amazing talents she has kept hidden from her adoptive parents and friends one of them being she can read a lot about a person's true nature, if they are truthful or lying, dangerous for or friend, just by touching them.

Charlotte is unaware that her world is about to change, she, like her two missing friends, have special powers that make her highly ranked by the Alien Mate Index. Earth girls don't know it yet but they've just become fair game for the hidden secretive alien market of males looking for desirable earth women. When she finds herself being pursued by the a gorgeous 7ft golden skin man with swirling colored eyes, she is intrigued but finds it hard to believe she is the "goddess of the Universe" and her life is in danger.
The adventure really picks up when Charlotte finally starts to believe Kristoff, understands her two,best friends have also been abducted and she can not ignore the attraction to this swoon worthy protective human like alien.

Kristof sounds like someone no girl could refuse, gorgeous hunk of a warrior, loyal, determined to keep,his vows to the late goddess he served, that he will find and protect Charlotte, the incarnation of the next goddess. Not only is he a fierce protector he has also been trained to serve all the need his mistress might require. Their world is a matriarchal one where women are revered. He is challenged to not only find Charlotte on a world that has not had official first contact with aliens, but also convince her of who she is, where her destiny lies and that she must trust him to protect her from many hidden dangers of those who wish take over her powerful position.

Kristoff can't deny the unexplainable pull,he has towards Charlotte, it's so much more than just finding her physically desirable, and so very prohibited by The laws of his council.
Finding strength where she never knew she had it, and with Kristoff behind her they go on an intergalactic adventure that will keep readers riveted to the book.

The fact that the author is one of the best at writing romantic erotic scenes and situations is always a welcome enhancement and integral,part of the storyline and characters. Lucky for us!

Although these books are stand alone inhilynsuggestvresding them in order and bit depriving yourself of the first two awesome books in the series. abducted, book 1, sets up the series and introduces the worlds where the stories take place and the whole premise of thenAMI. Characters and their stories are introduced that also hold integral parts in the following books.
A definite 5 star series, can't wait for book 4.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

Holy moly, Evangeline has done it again. The AMI series is just as amazing as the Kindred Bride series...and I never thought anything could even come close to that. After all the craziness with Leah and Zoe, I honestly didn't know what to expect with Charolette, but it is the best one yet.

Charolette is having visions of little blue worms trying to talk to her in any and all reflective surfaces and believes she's either over exhausted because of all the crazy hours she works as a doctor, or she's really going crazy. When Kristoff comes into the ER refusing to be treated by anyone other than Charolette, she ends up giving him a transfusion with her own, extremely rare typed, blood to save him. Little did she know that was going to cause her all kinds of problems...but that's the least of her worries. She has to now fear for her life because someone surely wants her dead and is stopping at nothing to see her death come to pass. After getting to Femme One, she has more problems to face but knows she can do it as long as Kristoff is by her side...but will he always be at her side or will the council get their wish and rip them apart is the question, but will death even be able to keep them apart? It's a definite must read...especially to find out if these two are able to surpass everything they're up against.

We meet Charlotte who is “hiding from shiny surfaces” after each one has presented a blue worm creature calling her by name and stating he has a message for her. Difficult, because as medical student in the ER just about everything is metallic and shiny. When a 7-foot Adonis comes in wounded, refusing treatment from anyone but her, she is told he has “come for her’ and she is “in danger” just as he passes out.

Using her gift of touch-sense Charlotte determines the normal course of treatment would injure or kill him. Her rare blood type might just save this stranger. Captain Kristoff Verrai of the Imperial Guard comes to as soon as her blood hits his bloodstream. This blood transfusion has many repercussions throughout the remainder of the book. The blood of an Empress is used to select her Royal Consort during a Culling ceremony, and now having given blood, Charlotte’s blood burning has begun.

The only solution is to rush to Femme One to take her place as Sundalla the 1000th. Kristoff is forbidden from aiding Charlotte with the blood burning as she needs a Royal consort and he is of common origin. They arrive at Femme One just in time to witness a fake Empress, Eucilla, presented by Prince Morbain – son of Sundalla the 999th about to have her investiture. The Council of Wisdom decides both candidates will undergo the three Trials of Ascendancy the next day.

Having undergone the Orb and Scepter trial – Fire Drake trial – Trial of Fruit and Stone – Prince Morbain then invokes his right as one of Royal blood to demand the Fourth Trial; The Garden of Death. Yikes!!

We are presented a fascinating world; an honorable yet out of reach Imperial Guard we could all fall in love with, rigged contests, assassination attempts, power-hungry enemies, danger from an outside source unchecked from earlier books, and a scintillating passion that is forbidden by law.

Sexy, humorous and wildly inventive; I highly recommend the entire series.

*A complimentary copy was given in exchange for an honest review*

Steamy!!! (fans myself) That's how this book came across to me. I loved the first two books in this series but Descended is definitely my favorite book of the three so far. Captain Kristoff Verrai is on a mission to find the next Goddess-Emperor to rule the galaxy and protect her. When he finds her, instead of revealing himself, he keeps himself hidden. When assassins start coming out of the woodwork, he tries to keep himself hidden but a grave injury lands him in the lap of Dr. Charlotte Walker, Goddess-Emperor (unknown to her). From there things quickly spiral out of control and its a race to get her back to Femme One and have her invested as the new Goddess Emperor. But things don't go any easier when they get to Femme One, especially the savage attraction they have for one another. An attraction they have to fight, if they don't wish to anger the the people. Can they do it? Can they get her invested in time or will she be too late? Can they overcome their attraction and do what's right for the greater good or can they find a way to be together.

When I read the teaser novella for this book, I was anxious to know if Charlotte would change from a practical person to one who becomes more spontaneous. I won't reveal the answer to you, you'll just have to read the book. I found my answer. It was better than I expected and Kristoff was by far the most interesting male lead character I have read for this series. Who wouldn't love a guy that's willing to lay down his life for you and at the same time, see to you every need as if that was all he lived for? Not that he didn't have other things to see to as being the Captain of the Royal Guard would imply, but he's a Majoran and they are very dedicated to their females. I did have moments in the book when I questioned the integrity of some side characters but in the end, it had a decent ending. If you've read the other two books in this series, then you'll love this one. And you'll know the hot, steamy details that is included. If not then start the series with Abducted followed by Protected before you read this one. It can be read as a standalone, but there are overlapping characters which will confuse you a bit if you haven't read the other books. Especially when they reference something that happened in their book

*I was given an ARC in return for an honest review*

What a great third installment to Ms Anderson’s newest series: Alien Mate Index. Much like her other series the Brides of Kindred, I see this one continuing on for many books. I think you really need to read the first two books before this one as they definitely set the stage for this one. Charlotte and Kristoff become attracted to each other early on when Kristoff is sent to Earth to protect Charlotte. Very quickly you can tell they are destined to be together. As you begin to read their story you quickly come to the conclusion that you are 99% sure there will be an HEA for Charlotte and Kristoff, but there is still that 1% chance that it will not end in an HEA. That is what makes these books so good. Ms Anderson builds up the conflict in the story line and writes it in such a way that you are kept wondering if it will in fact have an HEA because it does not look that way ¾ into the book and you wonder how she is going to be able to deliver a happy ever after when there is only ¼ of the book left to read. Every page you read you become more engrossed in their story and you know they deserve their HEA but at the same time the conflict builds and builds and just maybe things will not work out the way you think they will. This is Charlotte and Kristoff’s story...a story full of sexual tension between an earth girl and the sexy warrior alien sent to protect her.

I won’t go over the synopsis of the book as you can all read it in the description. If you have already read the first two books then do not hesitate to read this one. If you haven’t read the other two, read them first. This is a great series and I am happy to read that there will be at least one more book in the future.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Alien Mate Index Book Three.

After helping Grav and Leah defeat Count Doloroso, Kristoff Verrai vows to protect Leah's friend Charlotte. His Goddess-Empress pointed Charlotte out as her new incarnation, and as the Captain of the Imperial Guard it is his duty to protect Charlotte even if he cannot believe she will be worthy. Once he meets her, though, he begins to see the similarities. Charlotte has been trying to avoid her crazy nightmare blue worms for weeks when a tall man in a gladiator costume demands she treat him. She instinctively knows that he cannot have a normal transfusion and gives him her blood. This starts a process Kristoff insists is a false mating ritual, because he is unworthy of the Goddess-Empress. However, Charlotte begins to hope that he might return her feelings.

If you're looking for a sci-fi romance series where fate meets intrigue, this is the one for you!

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Looking for a great adventure, a sexy, alpha, alien protagonist who would do anything for the heroine? Boom. This is the series you want.

As usual, I don't reiterate what you can already read in the book blurb but this is a great installment to the series. You don't need to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this book. But honestly? Why wouldn't you? lol

The sexual tension in this book was so strong I thought I was going to snap! Charlotte and Kristoff were clearly meant for one another and fit so perfectly together. One thing I really loved about this book was there wasn't the typical petty lack of communication "conflict" that happens in so many romance novels. These two characters work together throughout the book to solve the many problems they encounter rather than spending half of the book hating one another. Totally refreshing, especially if you like historical stuff.

The bad guys are interesting. And boy...there are a lot of bad guys in this book. One of them you can't help but feel bad for and the rest you basically cheer when they get what's coming to them. The only issue I had was with how incredibly stupid one of them was. I kept thinking, "How could anyone be that dumb?" But if you've seen anything on our elections, you'll forget about how stupid he is and realize that, yes...there are idiots out there like that.

If you are a fan of Evangeline's Kindred series, I highly recommend this one. It's a little more lighthearted but still bad-a*s.

I did receive this for an honest review.

Cautions:adults only for graphic scenes of gore, violence and hot-hot sex scenes.
Just finished enjoying AMI3. Where the bad guys learn the error of going against the Goddess and that their ways are not her ways. A very spiritual book if you know what to look for without being all "touched-by-an-angle" sappy. When man or mankind puts himself above his creator, well bad things happen. I like that the girls learn that what THEY thought was a bad thing wasn't what they thought and how to look at the big picture before taking action. It is interesting that in this story, death would be the mercy. Also the issue of bigotry and class system is challenged.Hmmm deep no?
In among all this is a seemingly impossible romance with a hot and determined hero and a just as determined heroine whose views clash, but invariably they find middle ground (and a brothel, and a couch...) Basically if the system is no longer working, then it is our duty to challenge it, and so they do together, with lots of help from the Goddess, and some cute and not so cute animals in a few vengeful Snow White meets Alfred Hitchcock scenes. Looking forward to #4 and more from this universe.

**My review copy received in return for honest feedback and read with nook for Android's free TTS function for impaired readers, thanks!

*I received an Arc for an honest review

Explosive new edition to the Alien Mate Index!

I could not put this book down, Evangeline sure knows how to write some hot heroes! The story is fast paced and full of suspense and lots of alien intrigue. I will admit that at first I was a little skeptical at first given how stubborn and stuck in their ways Charlotte and Kristoff were, but by the time they left earth I was hooked and rooting for them both. These two were absolutely perfect for each other and falling in love with them on their rocky journey was the easiest thing in the galaxy.

I also loved the humor and wit in this book. Evangeline's characters always have some hilarious snark and sarcasm and this book definitely delivered in that area! My favorite being Zoe who ends up saying what everyone is thinking and knocks some sense into two VERY stubborn characters.

Final verdict I am hooked on the Alien Mate Index and cannot wait for more stories from this amazing new alien world that Evangeline has created!

Another great addition to the Alien Mate Index series. I love the way the story begins, it grabs your attention and made me laugh. This book is full of action,suspense and evil doers. A lot of the story revolves around Charlotte's needs and Kristoff's reluctance break the rules and make a bond with her but when he does he shows his dominant side. Charlotte character growth comes a long way from the unbelieving doctor to the ruler of the galaxy. Loved the Trials, great imagination to come up with those and the ending is goddess powerful. I can't say enough good things about this fascinating and imaginative world that Ms. Anderson has created. This is a must read series. I eagerly await the next story about the mismatched Denarins and Rylee. Gifted ARC for honest review.

Charlotte Walker has only one thing on her mind surviving her internship...that and running from the blue worms trying to contact her constantly!
Then Captain Kristoff Verrai comes into her ER looking like he just stepped out of Spartacus episode claiming that she is the Empress of the Galaxy and her life is in danger.
Kristoff has his work cut out for him. His mission was to bring the newest incarnation of Sundalla to Femme 1 not fall in love with her. Both are proving to be difficult.

As usual with Evangeline's books you get romance action and underlying themes that one would not expect of an erotica author. Charlotte has to fight for her rights to her mate when older men try to take away her right to choose her consort.

I can't wait for number 4!!!

AMI- What a hot new series for the amazingly awesome Evangeline Anderson!!
Charlotte and Kristoff... destined to be together from the start but eventually torn apart...
With every new book series that is started, sometimes readers are scared that after the first or second book that the series will start to fade or that it will become repetitive. That is not this series! E.A. has such a great way of working her stories that they capture you from the beginning and they don't let you go. That is what happen with the Goddess and her Guard. We go through this wonderful story of struggle and love that will keep you hooked and wanting more.
I cant wait for #4 AMI-Severed!

As per usual, an excellent story filled with crazy emotions everywhere. I laughed, cried and held my breath a few times. It got a bit steamy at times. (I'd love a good Majoran man! Wow!) So Charlotte & Kristoff's story starts on Earth & moves to the Majoran home planet. There is danger around every corner & rules galore. This was a great addition to the AMI series. I will definitely keep reading this series.

Charlotte is such a strong character. She has a caring heart and personality. Kristoff is sexy, strong and so full of love. They were definitely made for each other. They overcome a lot but in the end the end up together. I love Evangeline Anderson for her creativity and for the amazing stories she brings to us time and time again. I have never been let down. Each book she writes stuns me and is better than the last. :)

I received a arc for my honest opinionot. I thought this book was awesome. It had me turning page from page wondering what was going to happen next. The thrill, the passion, the love and faith in couldn't ask for more. I'm not usually a person that reads alien stuff but I loved this series and I loved her previous books kindred brides. I love her writing. All I can say is keep up the good work. I can't wait for the next book tof come out. The kindred brides or this series u better believe I am going to be right there with bells on to buy it. If u have not read any of these series I highly suggest it. It would so be worth ur time

Kinda started backwards with book 3 rather than 1, another good series for this author. It is different, at times entertaining, and riveting, didn't want to put it down till it was read. I will definitely go back and read the first two.

I really liked Charlotte because of her scientific mind. She couldn't make sense of what was going on around her because it had no known scientifically proven basis. She was bright and strong and didn't back down easily. When Kristoff entered her life in dire condition, having taken the Hippocratic Oath to become a doctor, she could do nothing short of everything in her power to save him. This, of course, starts them on a whirlwind of danger, deceit and betrayal. It also leads them on a journey among the stars to a place neither of them could have predicted.

I adore all of Ms Anderson's characters. They're a fantastic departure from reality to a place I could never even dream of going, and that is exactly what I want when I pick up one of her books. As with all over her books, this one is filled with misunderstandings, romance and an erotic flare. There were moments that had me laughing and moments when my gut clenched with concern. This series is as addictive as her Kindred series, and I'm looking forward to the exciting ride the next one takes us on.

We meet Charlotte who is “hiding from shiny surfaces” after each one has presented a blue worm creature calling her by name and stating he has a message for her. Difficult, because as medical student in the ER just about everything is metallic and shiny. When a 7-foot Adonis comes in wounded, refusing treatment from anyone but her, she is told he has “come for her’ and she is “in danger” just as he passes out.

Using her gift of touch-sense Charlotte determines the normal course of treatment would injure or kill him. Her rare blood type might just save this stranger. Captain Kristoff Verrai of the Imperial Guard comes to as soon as her blood hits his bloodstream. This blood transfusion has many repercussions throughout the remainder of the book. The blood of an Empress is used to select her Royal Consort during a Culling ceremony, and now having given blood, Charlotte’s blood burning has begun.

The only solution is to rush to Femme One to take her place as Sundalla the 1000th. Kristoff is forbidden from aiding Charlotte with the blood burning as she needs a Royal consort and he is of common origin. They arrive at Femme One just in time to witness a fake Empress, Eucilla, presented by Prince Morbain – son of Sundalla the 999th about to have her investiture. The Council of Wisdom decides both candidates will undergo the three Trials of Ascendancy the next day.

Having undergone the Orb and Scepter trial – Fire Drake trial – Trial of Fruit and Stone – Prince Morbain then invokes his right as one of Royal blood to demand the Fourth Trial; The Garden of Death. Yikes!!

We are presented a fascinating world; an honorable yet out of reach Imperial Guard we could all fall in love with, rigged contests, assassination attempts, power-hungry enemies, danger from an outside source unchecked from earlier books, and a scintillating passion that is forbidden by law.

Sexy, humorous and wildly inventive; I highly recommend the entire series.

*A complimentary copy was given in exchange for an honest review*