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Star Joined #2

Taming Ryock

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My life has become a living nightmare�

Abducted. Stolen from Earth. I wake up in a strange alien laboratory to discover my new alien overlords plan to use me in a breeding experiment.

The alien they want me to breed with? Yeah, he’s blue, he’s mean, and he’s packing some seriously scary alien ‘equipment�. There’s no way I can survive the experiment. Seriously, I’m going to die, and my new overlords could care less.

Thankfully, the guy in the cage next to mine is seriously pissed about the situation. He’s big, even meaner than the blue guy, and he just might be my salvation�

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2018

424 people are currently reading
171 people want to read

About the author

Sara Page

46books154followers
Sara Page is the Paranormal/Science Fiction alter ego of Contemporary Romance author Izzy Sweet.

Sara Page is a Cincinnati, Ohio gal who loves her football, Cincinnati-style chili, and local ice cream. She writes what she wants to read, steamy science fiction, paranormal and fantasy stories. When she's not writing, Sara is doing her best to keep up with her two boys.

She lives with her two wild children, two fuzzy Shih Tzus and one supportive husband who reads everything she writes.

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5 stars
308 (37%)
4 stars
296 (36%)
3 stars
162 (19%)
2 stars
32 (3%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for HankReadsRomance.
267 reviews51 followers
June 11, 2023
3.75 stars. I’m obsessed with the “mating in captivity� aka “f**k or die� trope. I also love me some big purring alien MMC’s so this book was seriously up my alley.

I wish the actual romance had more tension and build up throughout the story. All the obstacles were external, which made the romance and sex a bit bland after their initial scenes together in captivity. Also, the MMC was a virgin the first time they were forced to mate but he doesn’t tell the FMC this at any point during the story. They never discuss their captivity at all once they’re finally able to communicate which feels like an oversight on the authors part. That would’ve made for a really great scene imo.

Overall though, it was very well written and I’d definitely read more from these two.
Profile Image for Poppy || Monster Lover.
1,631 reviews411 followers
May 25, 2023
So well done

I’m loving this series so far. Isla is trapped in a glass cage with a monstrous blue alien, who clearly has nefarious intentions. She hopes to catch the attention of another giant monstrous alien to save her from the cage next door. Ryock has been experimented on and tortured and finds himself drawn to Isla despite his apathy towards life.
They are a seriously adorable couple and I enjoy the soul bonds that the couples in this series experience. They are intense and give a reasonable explanation for instalove and connection.

Spice: 4/5

Triggers: abduction, captivity, torture/medical experimentation, SA, dubcon (outside pressure on MCs), violence and gore
3,170 reviews65 followers
April 2, 2018
10 stars for me - this is a fantastic science fantasy, 2nd in series but it was good as a stand alone read. The h is human, imprisoned with aliens who are very cruel. The H saves her, and he is amazing - one of my favourite Hs ever. At first she she is terrified of him, and turned off by some of his quirky alien behaviours. Later, when they are safer, she sees that he needs her, she offers and enjoys his 'grooming', which is a way of declaring his love for his bonded. This is a fairly gritty story for scifi romance, and I loved it all. Wonderfully imaginative writing and I am off to buy Book 1.
Profile Image for PointedlyBlunt.
389 reviews31 followers
April 15, 2018
Alien species, the Crima, has been abducting members of other species for research purposes. An Argmarath, Ryock, has been a subject of theirs for years, having his regenerative abilities repeatedly tested with daily inflictions of pain. He’s resiged to his fate and barely has the will to live anymore. When the Crima toss in a petite human woman, Isla, with another test subject for breeding purposes, Ryock’s anger finally surfaces. He can smell the human and he’s not sure why, but he needs her, so he demands the Crima give her to him. They acquiesce on the condition that he breed her, and if he fails, she’ll be given back to the other alien who’ll most likely rape then kill her.

Ryock and Isla made an amazing couple. Even before they could communicate verbally, they had a connection that was both sweet and intense. I loved that Isla wasn’t a pure and perfect virgin. She’d made mistakes in her life after the death of her parents, and her personality shows her ability to withstand even the harshest of situations. And Ryock, I loved everything about him. First of all, he’s a virgin which always excites me because it’s so rare for the man to be a virgin in romances. (The intimate scenes certainly don’t read like he is, though.) He’s been shunned by his own people, and he never bothered to hide his vulnerabilities, especially when he did something to upset Isla. Being from a matriarchal society, he’s felt insignificant and useless his entire life, and the fear he could possibly push Isla away unintentionally was heartbreaking.

I don’t often read sci-fi because it can sometimes be too descriptive and drawn out, but Taming Ryock doesn’t do that. It has a good balance of world-building and just enough information to keep you interested, but not bored.

Taming Ryock is the second book of the Star Joined series, but can be read as a standalone. It has a HEA for the couple, but it ends with the set-up for a following book in the series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,042 reviews13 followers
April 12, 2018
I struggled to decide if I wanted to rate this a 5 or a 1 - the beginning was 100% intense and I was a bit confused, the language, etc. was hard and I kept having to jump to end to find out what Ryock said to her - thank god that wasnt the entire book - I think the lizard freaked me out too like.. and learning about the alien bodies was a unique experience. In the end this was adorable and cute and funny - with a lot of action - the beginning like I said is pretty intense but it got cute quickly - Ryock reminded me of a cat .. a very very large human shaped cat . I am assuming Lexi/Maul's story was book 1 - I kind of wish I had read that, but you by no means have to in order to get the story! A unique romance/sci fi book I'd recommend for something very unique and different
Profile Image for Heather.
1,420 reviews24 followers
April 12, 2018
This book had a bit of everything - science fiction, romance, action and political intrigue. What more could you ask for? This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a stand alone novel. In fact, its not until about two thirds into the book that we even really meet up with the characters from the first book. With the way the story ended, the authors have definitely set things up for further books in the series featuring other characters. Although hopefully those future books will revisit Ryock and Isla because I'm curious as to what their baby will look like!
Profile Image for Sarah Armstrong.
653 reviews19 followers
April 2, 2018
Loved

Great new characters & story from Sara & Sean. I loved ryock, perfect alpha from another galaxy. Can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Calm Your Pits.
566 reviews7 followers
April 11, 2018
Nice

Loving this world that has been and I hope there will more books to come. I enjoy how they saved each other.
433 reviews
November 29, 2024
Ryock and Isla

This is the second book in the Star Joined series. I enjoyed this book, however I felt it went a little longer than it should have. I will be looking for Yarel’s book. There are several sides to this story; romance, action, mystery, and a little comedy. It’s best to start the series from the first book but of the two this is my favorite.
Profile Image for Rebecca Grove.
3,492 reviews24 followers
April 8, 2018
Ryock is being held prisoner in an alien research ship. He is being experimented on or more like tortured on a daily basis. His captives want to see how his healing abilities deal with injuries. Ryock has mostly given up since his people gave him to the aliens in return for protection. The one day the insect-like aliens bring in a beautiful female alien to be used in a breeding experiment with another alien. Isla's scent wakes something up inside of Ryock and he fights to claim her. After killing one of the scientists, the aliens give in and bring Isla to Ryock's cage. He is told that he will have to breed with her if he wants to keep her. Ryock knows Isla is his mate and will do anything to protect her. Now somehow he just has to find a way to communicate with Isla.
Isla was kidnapped from Earth and the next thing she knows she is in a science lab where horrible experiments happen. She is thrown into a cage with a scary blue alien tries to rape her. She hopes that the other hairy alien will help her. Luckily he does and now she is stuck in a cage with him. He seems to be part animal with all his hair and desire to lick her all over. The trouble is they can't understand each other. Isla and Ryock become closer during their captivity and even become mates but then they get rescued. Will Isla return to Earth or follow her heart to be with Ryock?
This is a great book but it has a very violent start. There is a scene with that comes very close to unconsenting s%x with the other alien. Some of the violence is pretty graphic. I really enjoyed reading how Isla and Ryock fell in love. It was also fun seeing Isla's sister and Maul from the first book become a part of the story. I loved Ryock for his kindness and protectiveness. I voluntarily received a copy of this story and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews137 followers
April 14, 2018
Invincible Love💘

Alpha Alien Adult XXX Abduction and Adventure Romance💕

Ryock🐺 is a beast of an alien man! He is literally a hairy man beast🐺 with gorgeous expressive eyes. He is an Agmarath🐺 with special powers, he is nearly invincible💪. His body quickly regenerates from any wound.

As a super man, he has been captured and has been subjected to endless ridiculous wound experiments by the enemy bugs, the Crima🐜. They are the enemy of all humanoid peoples.
Ryock🐺 doesn't care whether he lives or dies anymore, the Crima🐜 and their endless cruel "experiments" have taken away his will to live.💀
Until he sees a human woman💃💋 in a nearby cage, then he realizes she needs him for protection💪 from the Crima🐜, and he wants her for his mate!
The human woman is Isla💋💃, the kidnapped sister of Lexi, from the first book!
Finally, the Calvary arrives, and Ryock🐺🍆🌋💪 and Isla💃💋 are rescued by Yarrel and his crew, but the Crima🐜 won't give up that easily. Will Isla💋💃 and Lexi👰 ever be reunited?

The first part if this book📑 was a hard read for me, because the hideous "experiments" on Ryock were described in very graphic terms.
The book was well written and I was completely absorbed into the story of Ryock🐺🍆🌋💪 and Isla 💃💋fighting their way to freedom against the Crima🐜 and finding true love💘 along the way.

ARC Received from HG for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got The book📑 with KU.

Highly recommend for fans of this genre!
Profile Image for P Leslie.
3,121 reviews17 followers
April 7, 2018
I haven’t read the first book in this series but I didn’t let that deter me from reading this one. This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone - let’s just say I’m reading book 1 straight after I finish writing my review.

I absolutely loved this story - it had everything I wanted; action, danger, unbelievable heat and amazing characters.

The beginning was intense - damn my heart was racing and not in good way either. Poor Isla finds herself in a nasty situation; caged with something that wants to rape her - the vivid description of this creature made me heave, cringe and sent horrible shivers down my spine.

Ryock was big, hairy, fierce yet gentle especially, towards Isla. The pull between them was strong yet beautiful and I loved watching their bond gradually develop despite their language barriers.

I adored the orb Marketh - he was funny yet sassy;

“if you blow one more kiss at me, I’ll show you the sassy end of my zapper�

“Yeah, yeah, oh wondrous Master. I shall watch your spawn for you.�

The plot was gripping and I enjoyed watching everything unfold; leaving me guessing at every turn. One particular scene towards the end made my eyes well up and I was actually holding my breath as the horrific events unfolded.

It’s a shame I can only give this book 5 stars because this one deserves far more in my opinion. This was a fantastic read and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
3,576 reviews39 followers
April 13, 2018
🚀Saved from a cruel race's experiments, having found each other, can Ryock and Isla stay together?!😱
April 12, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4 stars
A rollercoaster of adventure, with fierce battles and tender passion, I found this space romance fast moving and well-written. The authors succeeded in creating a great read, evenly balanced between a blossoming inter-species love story and a rollicking sci-fi action adventure fight for control of the populations of the universe. Although this story is fine as a standalone, it is part of a series and the epilogue clearly indicates the series has more to come.

Isla, the imprisoned human heroine, refuses to surrender to the gruesome fate her alien captors have in store for her. She's swept off her feet (literally) by Ryock, an alien warrior outcast with extraordinary self-healing powers. I really liked Ryock but, be warned, his physical description is far from the hero pictured in the book cover. But he's strong and lethal to his enemies, gentle and super protective with Isla. A pretty perfect combination under the circumstances.:-)

Be prepared for some violent and fairly graphic fights, 🔥steamy passion and 💕tender scenes, including frequent edge-of-your-seat moments when principal characters' lives hang in the balance.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Nancy Reads Romance.
1,099 reviews33 followers
April 4, 2018
First, let me state that for your full enjoyment of Taming Ryock I recommend that you read the first book in this series, Craving Maul. Then I will say that the author's "blurb" for this book is awesome!

Isla, typical human female abducted from earth, wakes up in a cage with the Gararl. Not a good sign. She doesn't want to end up dead. Some huge, hairy guy, Ryock, is on an exam table nearby and hears her plight. It's more than that, though. He smells her and has to save her. When the Crima want them to mate or Isla goes back to the Gararl, what should a couple lab specimens do? (Oh, that purr!) Thus begins Ryock and Isla's relationship. They escape with a little help. But will they make it to safety before the Crima catch up with them? Be prepared for some fun action, hot sexy times, and a reunion with Isla's sister, Lexi!

I really enjoy this world that Sean Moriarty and Sara Page have created. Taming Ryock is a great addition to the Star Joined series. I feel like this book had a little more sexy times than the first. The action was just as good, though! I never like to reveal too much about a book, but know that there's a little surprise at the end. Things aren't always as they seem.

4 super stars for Taming Ryock!
Profile Image for Julie.
896 reviews7 followers
April 16, 2018
Lots of Fun, Entertaining Characters and Old Fashioned Space Opera

Pure escapist fun, the kind you might have watched with a science fiction B-movie in a 1970s theater. Just fun. I hadn’t read the first book, but there’s plenty of back story woven in that I didn’t feel like I’d missed anything (tho I’m glad there’s another book in the series I haven’t read yet! Yay!).

The “brute� in this isn’t such a brute at all. It was fun (there’s that word again) seeing how the heroine viewed him without a translator speaking in grunts and through his throat; and then reading a chapter from his POV and seeing how smart he really is.

Lots of planet hopping, different environments, and villainous insectoid bad guys. I could almost see the Guardians of the Galaxy horning in on the action, but another group of characters did so instead. Fun world-building, fun points of view and narrators. Oh, and some soul-shaking sex. Cuz you can’t have hairy alien brute sex without it being planet-shaking, right? ;-)
2,121 reviews14 followers
March 25, 2018
Argmarath social outcast and now test subject Ryock just wants to die ... until he sees the beautiful Isla. Student Isla has been abducted by aliens to breed with a lizard like alien but is saved by the handsome Ryock. When Isla's sister sends her friend Yarrel to rescue Isla, Isla takes Ryock with her. There's something about Ryock that tugs at Isla and sucks her in and there's something about Isla that calls to Ryock and says that she's his. Isla wants to go back home to Earth and wants to take Ryock with her but isn't allowed to. Ryock can't ask Isla to stay with him because he has no home to take her to. Isla and Ryock don't want to lose each other but they can they find a way to be together?

Sara Page and Sean Moriarty deliver an action-packed, exciting and steamy story that you won't be able to put down. I can't wait to read the next book in the Star Joined series to find out what happens next.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book
Profile Image for Amy.
1,256 reviews34 followers
May 3, 2018
Not as good as book #1, but still good.

Isla is aboard a Crima ship, they are doing experiments with aliens and that includes her. She is in a cage with a lizard being, too breed. Only a big male on the medical table decides it's time to claim what's his. Little does Isla know, this is fated. Told in the stars and the big alien, Ryock rescues her from the lizard, letting none of the others harm her. Only he touches her, only he feeds her, and loves her and sees to all her needs, like cleaning her with his tongue. EWWwww! Yet, she can't be without him, he is inside of her, a piece of her and she him.

Ryock will protect the tiny human. Keep her safe and love her. MINE! Only can he save her? Not if they can't get off this awful ship and away to freedom. Help comes from Isla's sister and new family, who take them to the Tribunal for protection.

I lost interest 75% through the book. It just wasn't as good as book #1. I don't know if I'll go to book #3.
Profile Image for Reya Reychelle.
1,161 reviews7 followers
April 5, 2019
This book was really more of a 2.5 for me, but I rounded up because I will read the next one if the series continues. Which it freaking better, because once again- SOOOOO many loose ends! Which was my complaint for the first book. At least this one wasn’t as confusing. However, a few things bothered me greatly, & I tend to get hung up on what may or may not be considered minor details sometimes, but seriously I don’t know if I’m just anal; but it can ruin a whole book for me. In the previous book it was the blue girls who drove me crazy- they were pointless, & why put such emphasis on characters who don’t amount to anything. This time around it was; ONE- I felt like I waited years for those two to bathe, & it drove me batty!! I like smut as much as the next person, but put your Willy away & clean the captivity off!! TWO- Maul & Lexi needed to take the sticks out of their butthurt asses! ESPECIALLY, for two people who had such gone through the same things!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,897 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2018
Sexy, suspenseful and strife-filled sci-fi

Taming Ryock is a very well written sci-fi book with many elements I have come to expect in this genre. Ryock has all the characteristics of my favorite kind of alpha-big, strong, protective, gentle, fierce, loving, and supremely HOT! Isla also has favorite characteristics such as smart, quick wit, sexy, warrioress, loving, kind and protective to just name a few.
I really enjoyed their storyline(s), their emotional connection and the suspense behind their circumstances. It kept me on the edge of my seat! The chemistry was off the charts and made their emotional connection that much more real.
As this is the first book I have read by this author team, I am very interested in reading more and will definitely read book one.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book to share this honest review.
Profile Image for Kat Ryker.
788 reviews42 followers
May 9, 2019
I received a copy of this book through Hidden Gems and have agreed to leave an unbiased and honest review.

I normally do not read this type of book. I've never been a fan of Science Fiction mainly because my mind will lose track of other worlds and all of their moving parts. This book did a better job than some in keeping my attention and I found the book to be sexy and certainly equal to the definition of erotica, but I still had problems with some of it. I kept thinking it was too long and that the dialogue could be moving faster along the pages. At the same time, I thought the author did a great job of defining the two main characters and making their points of view clear and concise. I enjoyed the book, probably not as much as a fan of this genre would, but I would definitely give it 3-1/2 stars and would be willing to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Pamela Gramlisch.
761 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2018
GREAT writing from this couple.

Bypamgram1on March 25, 2018

I haven't read Book one so I may 've at a little disadvantage here. When I started reading this I was intrigued. The the action started and didn't stop. When Ryock meets Isla it's instant attraction even though they can't understand each other. She is human and he is from another alien race. They end up bonding with each other and have sweet sex scenes in their lovemaking. In this story you will meet so many different aliens from bug type to lizard type and so much more. This is a scape sci-fi romance adventure and it ends happily. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Thank you Dirty Nothings Publishing for the opportunity.
Profile Image for Keri Loves Books.
1,247 reviews203 followers
April 8, 2018
I couldn’t wait for the second book and it did not disappoint.

Isla had gone missing from Earth and her sister Lexi was trying to find her. This story fills in the gaps and lets us know what happened to Isla.

Isla ends up in a prison and is saved by Ryock. He’s an alien, who speaks a totally different language, but she is drawn to him. These two cannot stay apart.

Forced into a life or death situation, Isla and Ryock form a bond that cannot be broken. But these two are being held captive and unless they get away, they wil be in mortal danger.

The union between Ryock and Isla is incredibly sweet and totally HOT! Getting to revisit with our favorite characters from book one added to the storyline. So much story left to be told. I am hoping for more of this series.
Profile Image for Judi.
1,834 reviews11 followers
March 24, 2018
Even with the baddies this is one cool "world"...

Taming Ryock is set in a SciFi lovers dream, so many places to go, so much technology. Ryock is a huge hairy humanoid, not as hairy as Chewbacca, you could maybe shave him up and pass him off as human. If he weren't so big! There are also reptilians, insectinoids and cyborgs. The fated mate or "Bondmate" romance is only part of the action packed story. Isla is not your bada$$ gun ho warrior woman, but she has a huge heart and a wicked sense of humor. Earth is a young planet but we've finally found our way into the larger picture. And reading this story takes us on a grand adventure.
267 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2018
The stars joined these two souls

I had read the first book in the Star Joined series, and I had no idea that a second book came out. So when I came upon it by happenstance, I snatched it up. And it was just as good as "Craving Maul". I'm a sucker for abduction romances. I love a well-built alien world where anything is possible. And the world that this husband and wife team creates is absolutely a sensory adventure-all in your head. I don't want to give too much away because it was a fascinating read, but the bond that Ryock and Isla shares sounds fantastic. Give this series a try!! I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
502 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2018
After loving Craving Maul, I couldn't wait for Taming Ryock, and wow, did it impress. The beginning is pretty harsh, but we really get to know Isla and Ryock. He quickly has become one of my favorite romantic heros, and Isla is smart and beautiful. There may be harsh points in the book, but such incredible chemistry and tenderness. This is a very highly recommended read thanks to strong writing and characters. Avoid spoilers and let the story unfold. It's totally worth it. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy. (Technically this can be read as a standalone, but I must recommend both books.)
Profile Image for Boundless Book Reviews.
2,242 reviews78 followers
October 6, 2018
After reading the first in this series Craving Maul and really enjoying it, I was thrilled to learn that the author released part two that follows Isla.
Isla wakes up in a Crima testing facility being pushed into a room with a disgusting alien that is going to breed with her. You can imagine she is more than a little freaked. Luckily her neighbor in the next testing room, Ryock catches her scent and knows that she is his.

Ryock was one of my favorite characters; he was treated like a primitive when really in this world of Page’s, Human’s are the primitive race. It was interesting, to say the least. Ryock instantly recognized Isla as his mate and once they are together sexually a bond is created. If only humans bonded like that..sigh.

This book is loaded with action, danger, romance, humor, and fun. It is a great addition to the series. I am looking forward to continuing it. I am rating Taming Ryock 4 Boundless stars; I really enjoyed it.



Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
4,914 reviews21 followers
April 6, 2018
📚I am honestly and voluntarily reviewing an copy of this book 📚
I’m not a huge SciFi fan, but on occasion you want a change of pace. I wasn’t sure when I started the book, but Ryock and Isla were interesting characters, well written, and you have to love a guy who purrs!! The storyline dragged at times, but for the most part was well paced. I wish I had read Maul first, it would have helped understanding Maul, Lexi, and even Yarrel’s characters better, but still a good read. I did borrow Maul with my KU subscription so I’ll be ready for the next book.
Profile Image for Tina.
126 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2018
A great adventure and a love story that will tug on your heart.

Isla has awakened in a cell with a vicious alien. She can't remember how she got here and afraid until she lays eyes on the alien in another cage. Ryock has given up hope and no longer cares if he survives, until he smells Isla. He will do anything to have her, hold her and protect her. She is his one, and he will do whatever he has to to protect her. Taming Ryock was even better than Craving Maul and will have you happily waiting for another book in this series.
Profile Image for Danielle Carpenter.
1,778 reviews11 followers
April 9, 2018
As for the picture, the description of Ryock is more primate than human. He looks human except he is 8 to 9 feet of gorilla size and hair spacing. I read the first book and enjoyed the story, but this story is so much more fun. It continues the Tribunal world, but it can be read as a standalone. I love Ryock and Isla together. I don't know exactly where the author is going with the series, but I hope Yarrel's story is next. The writing isn't great, but it's fun and great for a few hours to play in space.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews

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