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Renegades #1
The Mercenary's Dawn
A Mercenary looking for a future. An escaped slave fleeing from the past. Their love will reshape worlds.
When Alethia is kidnapped while trying to free slaves, it seems her deepest nightmares are coming true. Her 'rescue' by Thanesh, leader of the Protectorate, a group of hardened mercenaries, is short-lived when the past catches up to the mysterious alien leader, revealing things about both of them which will change their future forever.
Thanesh and Alethia must now fight side-by-side or face the horrifying consequences.
The Mercenary's Dawn is a full-length steamy SFR featuring a tenacious heroine and a possessive, but loving alpha. It also features a strong sci-fi universe, a thrilling adventure and a slow burn, enemies to lovers, story ending in a guaranteed HEA. This book is part of a larger arc and is best enjoyed as part of the series, however, it is also a complete story that can be read as a standalone.
TRIGGER WARNING: There is a brief assault attempt at one point of the book which is not gratuitous in any way, and the heroine lives in a world where human females are considered a sexual commodity. Please do not read this book if this is a trigger for you.
When Alethia is kidnapped while trying to free slaves, it seems her deepest nightmares are coming true. Her 'rescue' by Thanesh, leader of the Protectorate, a group of hardened mercenaries, is short-lived when the past catches up to the mysterious alien leader, revealing things about both of them which will change their future forever.
Thanesh and Alethia must now fight side-by-side or face the horrifying consequences.
The Mercenary's Dawn is a full-length steamy SFR featuring a tenacious heroine and a possessive, but loving alpha. It also features a strong sci-fi universe, a thrilling adventure and a slow burn, enemies to lovers, story ending in a guaranteed HEA. This book is part of a larger arc and is best enjoyed as part of the series, however, it is also a complete story that can be read as a standalone.
TRIGGER WARNING: There is a brief assault attempt at one point of the book which is not gratuitous in any way, and the heroine lives in a world where human females are considered a sexual commodity. Please do not read this book if this is a trigger for you.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2020
About the author
L.P. Peace
25 books155 followersLucy is an all-round nerd with a life-long love of fantasy and science-fiction, throw in a happily-ever-after and she’s a happy customer. When she’s not reading or writing about alien males and the human women who love them, she’s spending time with her husband and three cats in their Derbyshire home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
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July 16, 2020I really don't want to rate this book because i don't want to be unfair and discourage a new author. It had interesting and well developed story. The not review is because of my personal preference on the character of the hero and the heroine. She was a little shy but strong and i really liked her but unlike her 'he' was very strong willed and a little manipulative and bossy . Don't get me wrong i like strong alpha heroes but when they have a soft spot for the heroine and they change their ways a little because of her. In addition, sometimes in the start, his coldness frustrated and made me cry. I get that he had a first love that died but for me it would have been better to have 'true' strong feelings for the first time for the heroine.
All of the above refer to my personal taste so i recommend to read this book and make your own conclusion!!
All of the above refer to my personal taste so i recommend to read this book and make your own conclusion!!
June 20, 2020
A fascinating new world!
Alethia is a woman on a mission and she’ll use any means she can to achieve her goal. I admire her for her determination and desire to help those targeted by slavers. Thanesh helps her out of a predicament. He’s not of the same mindset as she is, but she does have compelling arguments. Do join them on their not-a-piece-of-cake journey to a HEA. It’s a wild ride with more enemies than you can shake a stick at.
Edge-of-your-seat reading with a satisfying ending! I’ll be waiting for more from Ms. Peace.
Alethia is a woman on a mission and she’ll use any means she can to achieve her goal. I admire her for her determination and desire to help those targeted by slavers. Thanesh helps her out of a predicament. He’s not of the same mindset as she is, but she does have compelling arguments. Do join them on their not-a-piece-of-cake journey to a HEA. It’s a wild ride with more enemies than you can shake a stick at.
Edge-of-your-seat reading with a satisfying ending! I’ll be waiting for more from Ms. Peace.
June 23, 2020
Alethia is pretending to be something she isn't, but her purpose is to buy as many slaves as she can, take them to a safe place and free them. Thanesh is a leader in the Protectorate, an organization that watches over and protects planets under their jurisdiction. When someone pretends to be Protectorate, the organization comes down hard, even sells them into slavery. Thanesh and Alethia meet, and the struggle is on!
This is not a quick read. Instead, this is a deep and satisfying story from a new author, and I look forward to more from her!
This is not a quick read. Instead, this is a deep and satisfying story from a new author, and I look forward to more from her!
June 20, 2020
So good! I was hooked from the first page. Alethia is a unique and interesting character and Thanesh is hot hot hot! He's an alpha male without being a huge jerk, although they do start off as enemies before they become lovers which is my absolute favorite trope ever. I really enjoyed the world building and I'm looking forward to the next book already. And the romance scenes? Oof! I won't spoil too much but let me just say one word - Venom.
June 29, 2020
Good read!
Have to say I was impressed with this book. Your not always sure when you find a new author. L.P Peace did a good job with discriptions of these characters and laying out the plot. You can see where there are openings for new stories coming from the other characters in this book. But at the same time it isnt a to "be continued" either. Peace wraps it end up nicely. Best way to start a series, can't wait to read the next one!
Have to say I was impressed with this book. Your not always sure when you find a new author. L.P Peace did a good job with discriptions of these characters and laying out the plot. You can see where there are openings for new stories coming from the other characters in this book. But at the same time it isnt a to "be continued" either. Peace wraps it end up nicely. Best way to start a series, can't wait to read the next one!
June 30, 2020
Fantastic New Author and Series
This book had it all. Detailed world building, complex characters, interesting aliens, villains, romance, humor, danger, conflict and mystery were all present in this novel. It was well written and was NOT a two hour read, which I personally love in a book. I like to escape into a book world for multiple hours! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
This book had it all. Detailed world building, complex characters, interesting aliens, villains, romance, humor, danger, conflict and mystery were all present in this novel. It was well written and was NOT a two hour read, which I personally love in a book. I like to escape into a book world for multiple hours! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 21, 2020
Alethia and Thanesh are two characters I'm not likely to forget. From the first sentence, you are captivated and almost involuntarily pulled along on an adventure that leaves you wanting more. The plot is extremely interesting to me and I'm excited to see more of it in future books.
June 20, 2020
A super book! Wonderful adventure and sci-fi romance rolled into one. Such cool characters! Can't wait to read more about this world!
June 24, 2020
Awesome
Loved this book! Has a wonderful story line, great characters, adventure, love, battles, humor and more. Looking forward to the next one in this series!
Loved this book! Has a wonderful story line, great characters, adventure, love, battles, humor and more. Looking forward to the next one in this series!
July 15, 2020
Amazing book!
This is the 1st book that I have read of this author and I have to say I am impressed. The level of detail the character development is wonderful. Would highly recommend reading this book and this author in the future.
This is the 1st book that I have read of this author and I have to say I am impressed. The level of detail the character development is wonderful. Would highly recommend reading this book and this author in the future.
July 3, 2020
Totally interesting
I sorta got sucked in. The world building is awesome. I can't wait to read more about the people and the challenges. God job!
I sorta got sucked in. The world building is awesome. I can't wait to read more about the people and the challenges. God job!
December 4, 2020
Okay so positives of the story had a good story line, description and world building. I also enjoyed the more adult moments actually some of the best I've read out of all the adult romance books I've read and I've read a LOT. The romance was good to wasn't that impressed with it to be honest. It didn't tug at me it was kinda blah to be honest.
I thought Alethia had potential and she was a good character but the problem I had with her is that her personality was geared more towards a human new to alien life. Like she reacted to things really well but more like a human that wasn't used to that life. For the amount of horrors she has seen and been told I would have thought she would be a little more hardened and not react so weak. It was strange because sometimes she would be so weak and ask for protection or break down and the next she would show she actually had a back bone lol. Her character was just kinda up and down for me.
Thanesh was pretty typical alien male to be honest there wasn't much uniqueness to his character.
Over all the story was good but I'm not sure I would read the rest of the series to be honest.
I thought Alethia had potential and she was a good character but the problem I had with her is that her personality was geared more towards a human new to alien life. Like she reacted to things really well but more like a human that wasn't used to that life. For the amount of horrors she has seen and been told I would have thought she would be a little more hardened and not react so weak. It was strange because sometimes she would be so weak and ask for protection or break down and the next she would show she actually had a back bone lol. Her character was just kinda up and down for me.
Thanesh was pretty typical alien male to be honest there wasn't much uniqueness to his character.
Over all the story was good but I'm not sure I would read the rest of the series to be honest.
August 4, 2020
Loved it!
Wow! This story is so good in my opinion. I loved that this was a bit different than the usual alien species lacking females takes human women to save their race. In this men were taken and altered by aliens first. I also love how there's instant attraction but not instant love. They get to know each other first. I loved it. Can't wait for the next one. I read this through kindle unlimited and this is my honest opinion. Keep 'em coming Ms. Peace.
Wow! This story is so good in my opinion. I loved that this was a bit different than the usual alien species lacking females takes human women to save their race. In this men were taken and altered by aliens first. I also love how there's instant attraction but not instant love. They get to know each other first. I loved it. Can't wait for the next one. I read this through kindle unlimited and this is my honest opinion. Keep 'em coming Ms. Peace.
August 7, 2020
Sweet and safe but missed the mark for me
September 8, 2020
I wanted to like this book a lot, but it just missed the mark for me. DNF 48%.
December 4, 2023
The Mercenary's Dawn
This first in the series was thoroughly enjoyable. The world building is complex and interesting. The relationship between the two main characters builds up nicely. All the characters have a good rapport which makes it easy for the reader to look forward to hearing their stories in the future.
I had many favorite lines in the book. The author does a great job of describing the MMC falling for the MFC. (And I just have to say that the MFC has to pull his world out from under him when he is 300 years older than her). This is from a longer paragraph -all of it lovely- I just shortened it for the review,
“He was dizzy in the presence of her. Like a compass thrown off by a magnet, he was not sure where his north was anymore. Like the centre of his galaxy had shifted itself to accommodate the force that was Alethia.”
I also find it interesting how often in this genre a small human woman will bring a greater awareness to the big male characters. On the one hand, it seems absurd - how can this little human make this 300 year old guy notice and care about slavery? Why didn't he already care about it? But this is a very common behavior to not care about something until someone we know cares about it, until someone we know points out our willful obliviousness.
In regards to slavery, the MMC thinks to himself,
“How had she done this? How had she managed to make him care about an issue he had ignored his entire life?”
The magic of human women.
This first in the series was thoroughly enjoyable. The world building is complex and interesting. The relationship between the two main characters builds up nicely. All the characters have a good rapport which makes it easy for the reader to look forward to hearing their stories in the future.
I had many favorite lines in the book. The author does a great job of describing the MMC falling for the MFC. (And I just have to say that the MFC has to pull his world out from under him when he is 300 years older than her). This is from a longer paragraph -all of it lovely- I just shortened it for the review,
“He was dizzy in the presence of her. Like a compass thrown off by a magnet, he was not sure where his north was anymore. Like the centre of his galaxy had shifted itself to accommodate the force that was Alethia.”
I also find it interesting how often in this genre a small human woman will bring a greater awareness to the big male characters. On the one hand, it seems absurd - how can this little human make this 300 year old guy notice and care about slavery? Why didn't he already care about it? But this is a very common behavior to not care about something until someone we know cares about it, until someone we know points out our willful obliviousness.
In regards to slavery, the MMC thinks to himself,
“How had she done this? How had she managed to make him care about an issue he had ignored his entire life?”
The magic of human women.
March 16, 2023
Okay so positives of the book had a good story line, description and world building. I also enjoyed the more adult moments actually some of the best I've read out of all the adult romance books I've read and I've read a LOT.
The romance was good as well but I wasn't that impressed with it to be honest. It didn't tug at me it was kinda blah to be honest.
I thought Alethia had potential and she was a good character but the problem I had with her is that her personality was geared more towards a human new to alien life. Like she reacted to things really well but more like a human that wasn't used to that life. ( I dont think that makes a lot of sense but i think if you read the book it migh? Lol) For the amount of horrors she has seen and been through I would have thought she would be a little more hardened and not react so weak. It was strange because sometimes she would be so weak and ask for protection or break down and the next she would show she actually had a back bone lol. Her character was just kinda up and down for me.
Thanesh was pretty typical alien male to be honest, there wasn't much uniqueness to his character. Which is fine I didn't really expect it.
Over all the story was good but I'm not sure I would read the rest of the series to be honest.
The romance was good as well but I wasn't that impressed with it to be honest. It didn't tug at me it was kinda blah to be honest.
I thought Alethia had potential and she was a good character but the problem I had with her is that her personality was geared more towards a human new to alien life. Like she reacted to things really well but more like a human that wasn't used to that life. ( I dont think that makes a lot of sense but i think if you read the book it migh? Lol) For the amount of horrors she has seen and been through I would have thought she would be a little more hardened and not react so weak. It was strange because sometimes she would be so weak and ask for protection or break down and the next she would show she actually had a back bone lol. Her character was just kinda up and down for me.
Thanesh was pretty typical alien male to be honest, there wasn't much uniqueness to his character. Which is fine I didn't really expect it.
Over all the story was good but I'm not sure I would read the rest of the series to be honest.
November 25, 2022
the Mercenary’s Confusing Dawn
I’ve read many books by L.P.Peace and never been so confused
By the substance of the story. Peace gave a dictionary of the alien words used in the book, but I needed an encyclopedia! Because of the confusion, I never knew if the Protectorates were actually the good guys or the bad guys. (You’d think good, right?) All of the flying battle scenes were confusing because I couldn’t remember if the ships were good or bad, and the specific crews were good or bad. There were just so many of them, and we weren’t introduced to all the characters. The love story itself was lovely, and we knew who the main characters were from the girl’s perspective, but not all from the guy’s. I think too many of the names were similar, and there were so many of them it just became confusing. I gave this four stars because of the confusion, but because most of the book was interesting (else I wouldn’t have finished it), I couldn’t give it fewer stars than that. I suggest others read it but perhaps write down the characters, planets, and ships as they are introduced so it’s not as confusing as I found it.
I’ve read many books by L.P.Peace and never been so confused
By the substance of the story. Peace gave a dictionary of the alien words used in the book, but I needed an encyclopedia! Because of the confusion, I never knew if the Protectorates were actually the good guys or the bad guys. (You’d think good, right?) All of the flying battle scenes were confusing because I couldn’t remember if the ships were good or bad, and the specific crews were good or bad. There were just so many of them, and we weren’t introduced to all the characters. The love story itself was lovely, and we knew who the main characters were from the girl’s perspective, but not all from the guy’s. I think too many of the names were similar, and there were so many of them it just became confusing. I gave this four stars because of the confusion, but because most of the book was interesting (else I wouldn’t have finished it), I couldn’t give it fewer stars than that. I suggest others read it but perhaps write down the characters, planets, and ships as they are introduced so it’s not as confusing as I found it.
December 21, 2021
..."just because you insist something is true, doesn’t mean it is."
Thanesh has plans for his people, plans that would be made easier by their maintaining their reputation as a protective force... but he will lead them into the best possible future, even if new information means he has to adapt those plans in a hurry.
Alethia knows who she is, and why she does what she does... she's also aware one glance at her and the majority of the Universe sees weakness, and property, but she is determined to be more. More than they see, more than they think she is... more than anyone expects.
This done in one Kindle Unlimited book establishes an interesting Universe, with humans having three different perspectives, following characters from at least two of them, as they are reminded things can be very different than they appear at first glance.
Thanesh has plans for his people, plans that would be made easier by their maintaining their reputation as a protective force... but he will lead them into the best possible future, even if new information means he has to adapt those plans in a hurry.
Alethia knows who she is, and why she does what she does... she's also aware one glance at her and the majority of the Universe sees weakness, and property, but she is determined to be more. More than they see, more than they think she is... more than anyone expects.
This done in one Kindle Unlimited book establishes an interesting Universe, with humans having three different perspectives, following characters from at least two of them, as they are reminded things can be very different than they appear at first glance.
June 10, 2024
lots of thoughts
Lots of thoughts on this book. I was pleasantly surprised at the deeply complex world and environment and I wasn’t prepared for this book to be an epic story. So much richer than many of those sci-fi romances. It was lengthy and I would have preferred two things:
-a little more personality in the MMC/ FMC. Some more snappy dialog or ideas of who they are so I could love them as characters
-a chart of info in the appendix to follow all the names and places. So many K and D names j could never remember who was who and was lost a fair bit.
Lots of thoughts on this book. I was pleasantly surprised at the deeply complex world and environment and I wasn’t prepared for this book to be an epic story. So much richer than many of those sci-fi romances. It was lengthy and I would have preferred two things:
-a little more personality in the MMC/ FMC. Some more snappy dialog or ideas of who they are so I could love them as characters
-a chart of info in the appendix to follow all the names and places. So many K and D names j could never remember who was who and was lost a fair bit.
September 9, 2024
Pretty cool book you have here, Mrs. Peace. I enjoyed both the story and the characters. The only reason it did not get 5 stars is because it has far too many characters so it got really confusing at times.
I got that this is a very large arc and this book is supposed to set up the rest of the series, but the fact that there were so many names in the same scene made it very difficult to follow.
I hope things get a little better in the next book.
P.S. The covers are absolutely ridiculous, far too bad for the quality of the book.
I got that this is a very large arc and this book is supposed to set up the rest of the series, but the fact that there were so many names in the same scene made it very difficult to follow.
I hope things get a little better in the next book.
P.S. The covers are absolutely ridiculous, far too bad for the quality of the book.
July 22, 2020
Interesting
Sweet story,. She buys slaves to free them, and pretends to be from his species so she herself isn’t sold to slavery. He catches that she is pretending & doesn’t like that since he is building their species reputation for his big plans. But he can’t resist her, she has trust issues, so doesn’t fall immediately in his lap which I appreciated. Made him work for her trust, & then so sweetly gave it to him. Looking forward for more.
Sweet story,. She buys slaves to free them, and pretends to be from his species so she herself isn’t sold to slavery. He catches that she is pretending & doesn’t like that since he is building their species reputation for his big plans. But he can’t resist her, she has trust issues, so doesn’t fall immediately in his lap which I appreciated. Made him work for her trust, & then so sweetly gave it to him. Looking forward for more.
August 24, 2020
Exciting story and Romance wrapped up in one fabulous read!
I came across this book quite by accident on one of the fb pages I follow. Boy was I glad that I did. This is a story that has wonderful characters and world building as well as an intriguing story line. The author gets you completely invested in not only the MC's but also supporting characters. I am very excited to continue reading about all these charcters in the series. I AM HOOKED!
I came across this book quite by accident on one of the fb pages I follow. Boy was I glad that I did. This is a story that has wonderful characters and world building as well as an intriguing story line. The author gets you completely invested in not only the MC's but also supporting characters. I am very excited to continue reading about all these charcters in the series. I AM HOOKED!
October 13, 2021
So good! I was hooked from the first page. Alethia is a unique and interesting character and Thanesh is hot hot hot! He's an alpha male without being a huge jerk, although they do start off as enemies before they become lovers which is my absolute favorite trope ever. I really enjoyed the world building and I'm looking forward to the next book already. And the romance scenes? Oof! I won't spoil too much but let me just say one word - Venom.
July 27, 2023
most enjoyable
The Mercenary's Dawn is a much better than average alien romance. There's more going on than just stellar sex. Couldn't help (the the pun. Sorry, not sorry.). There's the whole trust thing. And the silvery thing. And the alien politics thing. And the mad scientist thing. And this Renegades, Book 1, so there's the series thing. L.P. Price, I'm hooked. Minus one star cuz the editing was seriously lacking.
The Mercenary's Dawn is a much better than average alien romance. There's more going on than just stellar sex. Couldn't help (the the pun. Sorry, not sorry.). There's the whole trust thing. And the silvery thing. And the alien politics thing. And the mad scientist thing. And this Renegades, Book 1, so there's the series thing. L.P. Price, I'm hooked. Minus one star cuz the editing was seriously lacking.
September 8, 2020
Awesome
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to continue with the series. I literally got sucked in and read for hours on end. This story definitely kept me on my toes and I didn’t see a lot of it coming, which is always a nice surprise. Definitely give this book a chance, you won’t be sorry!
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to continue with the series. I literally got sucked in and read for hours on end. This story definitely kept me on my toes and I didn’t see a lot of it coming, which is always a nice surprise. Definitely give this book a chance, you won’t be sorry!
January 24, 2021
2.5 stars. Started this book last year. Put it down and restarted this year. It was a slog to get through. So many names, so many alien races. It was hard to keep track. I saw a few continuity errors. I was more interested in the overall story than in the main couple's romance, which was close to insta love. Don't plan to continue the series at this time. I wish the author well.
April 12, 2021
Lots of action
What a fantastic romance mixed with space battles, blended with evil aliens and vicious creatures then spiced with the best love story. The characters are varied and richly portrayed and the ships and worlds make it seem like you’re there. At the end you’re left with warmth around your heart. Can’t ask for more!
What a fantastic romance mixed with space battles, blended with evil aliens and vicious creatures then spiced with the best love story. The characters are varied and richly portrayed and the ships and worlds make it seem like you’re there. At the end you’re left with warmth around your heart. Can’t ask for more!
June 5, 2021
The planetary leader & the protector
Alesia is finally caught as a Protectorate pretender as she is saving slaves again. High Protector Thanesh is not happy he has this small female dealing in slavery using his people as her protection. Through much turmoil and then communication this may lead to an accord.
Alesia is finally caught as a Protectorate pretender as she is saving slaves again. High Protector Thanesh is not happy he has this small female dealing in slavery using his people as her protection. Through much turmoil and then communication this may lead to an accord.
August 8, 2021
WOW ..👍
I absolutely loved this book ..it has all the elements ..staunchly, protective sexy hero and a strong, passionate, hard-case heroine. There is smuggling, anti slavery, deadly planets, kidnapping, alien experiments, heaps of action and sexy alone times..there odd some editing boos boos, but who cares the story is that awesome
I absolutely loved this book ..it has all the elements ..staunchly, protective sexy hero and a strong, passionate, hard-case heroine. There is smuggling, anti slavery, deadly planets, kidnapping, alien experiments, heaps of action and sexy alone times..there odd some editing boos boos, but who cares the story is that awesome
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews