What's a girl gotta do to get the sexy alien she likes to talk to her? Space-ship ‘road' trip to the rescue!

With no home, no prospects on Earth, and living in luxury with the Lathar, Sadie's only option is to sign up for the Latharian Mate Program and become a ‘mail-order bride' for an alien warrior.

But how can she when Vaarn, the handsome, silver-haired chief engineer aboard the station, is the only man to make her heart beat faster? The problem is that he barely talks to her. He listens and likes the cakes she brings him, but actual conversation… zip. Nada.

Determined not to condemn herself to a loveless arranged mating through the program, she manages to join a trade mission with a crew of just two. She'll get him to talk to her, even if it's the last thing she does…

Facing his own death in battle? Not a problem

Telling the beautiful human female how he feels? Abort mission.

Vaarn knows the score. As soon as Sadie signs up for the mate program, she'll be lost to him forever. And with his unique DNA? There's no way they'll be matched. To protect his heart, he tries to keep his distance from the captivating and vivacious human. But it's hard when she's always there, tempting him with her presence and those thoughtful gifts of cake. Seriously, how's a guy supposed to resist?

When Sadie's assigned as a consultant to the Krantav 3 negotiations, he's furious. The area's a hotbed of danger, and the thought of taking her there alone makes his protective instincts roar. But orders are orders, and he's overruled. Fine. He'll bring her along, keep his hands to himself (no matter how much he aches to touch her), and make draanthing sure she's safe.

But when pirates attack, all bets are off. They want his female, to sell her on the auction block. Not happening. Not on his watch. Because she's become the owner of his soul.

And he'll do whatever it takes to protect what's his. Even if it's the last thing he does…