The Mate Index Series by SJ Sanders

Before humanity met the Budo, before humans were sold for breeding compatibility experimentation to the Agraak, there was a crash landing on an unknown world—Earth. If a male wasn’t born into the upper tiers of Forad society, he would never know the comfort of his own mate. Ehmhy was not such a fortunate male, he was a trader of a long line of traders... moreBefore humanity met the Budo, before humans were sold for breeding compatibility experimentation to the Agraak, there was a crash landing on an unknown world—Earth. If a male wasn’t born into the upper tiers of Forad society, he would never know the comfort of his own mate. Ehmhy was not such a fortunate male, he was a trader of a long line of traders. Resigned to his lot in life, he never expects to be stranded on an isolated primitive planet with his nephew whom he’d recently become guardian of. Separated in the crash, Ehmhy is desperate to find his nephew and get back home. What he doesn’t expect is to meet a local female who does what no offworld female ever has done before—make him yearn to make her his mate. Gerry works in the French Quarter and while her life isn’t glamorous, she enjoys her simple lifestyle. Things become complicated quick when she helps a stranger during Mardi Gras wearing a complicated cat-man costume who’d become separated from his nephew. When he is revealed to be a stranded alien in need of help, she couldn’t, in good conscience, retract her offer. Without the government on their trail and a Forad boy in need of rescuing they become closer as passions stir and something more blooms. But they have no future—or maybe they do. less

Sara First contact changed things on Earth. It opened possibilities that were never before possible. In what started as a trip to participate in an cooperative study, Sara found herself a test subject for breeding compatibility by a species known as the Agraak. Determined that she would not submit to be bred and relocated to serve as a breeder for the rest of her life, she escaped into the wilds of a hostile subarctic planet... moreSara First contact changed things on Earth. It opened possibilities that were never before possible. In what started as a trip to participate in an cooperative study, Sara found herself a test subject for breeding compatibility by a species known as the Agraak. Determined that she would not submit to be bred and relocated to serve as a breeder for the rest of her life, she escaped into the wilds of a hostile subarctic planet. Not knowing who to trust, and almost dying on the ice flows, she is rescued by a male larger than life whom her body craves. Vidok A warrior-priest of the VaDorok, Vidok had long given up hope of finding his ulukska, his mate. When he finds a tiny female offworlder on the ice flows of the far northern territory who brings forth his mating heat, his life changes. To keep her, he not only has to help her save her companions, but must also risk their love facing repercussions among his tribe and the Intergalactic Council. less

If you want love, why not steal some hearts? Hearts of Indesh is a Mate Index Valentine's Day short story Nazzek Evatuuvar is Indivi, a dying species native to Indesh. After the planet's few remaining females had long since been stolen away by slavers two decades ago he never thought he would have a mate. He is an aquisitioner, not a pirate, who has gotten bored of his life saving females in distress and the general daily grind... moreIf you want love, why not steal some hearts? Hearts of Indesh is a Mate Index Valentine's Day short story Nazzek Evatuuvar is Indivi, a dying species native to Indesh. After the planet's few remaining females had long since been stolen away by slavers two decades ago he never thought he would have a mate. He is an aquisitioner, not a pirate, who has gotten bored of his life saving females in distress and the general daily grind. He is not "lonely" exactly, but when he sees an article boasting that a prince was marrying twenty humans, a new species with wide mating compatibility, he decides that the prince really has one too many. After all, wouldn't a female do far better being rescued and mated to him. Ignoring all objections from his crew, he makes a simple plan: board the Lorgor starship, steal a mate, and haul ass home to Indesh. Things don't go quite as planned, but a scenic route with a romantic stay-over on a planet of cannibals isn't too bad. Surely his female would be swayed by a healthy dose of romance! Nikki Perdit is the daughter of an up in coming regional diplomat who allowed her father to talk her into registering for the Mate Index. He wants to make a good impression on the community by registering his only daughter, she is swayed by thought of a mate of her own. She is surprised, and displeased, to find out she was selected to be one of twenty women to be mated to a Calysii prince. She is less than thrilled, tried to escape actually. Imagine her surprise to be "rescued" by a cocky pirate whose idea of romance is gratuitous oral sex--from her. Despite being convinced her new mate is a bit nut-job, she is charmed by his sweet side. Nikki find herself in short order on the run from a jilted mate, overdosing on aphrodisiac plants, and saving three hundred captive women from a cannibalistic race in order to spirit them away to bring hope and love to the hearts of the people of Indesh. And maybe in the process find her own great romance story...all in time for Valentine's Day. less

Destiny Delaine has had enough. As daughter of a former high ranking general who now served as the Ambassador of Earth, and a socialite mother, she has been reared to be the proper young woman and helpmate. Her parents had her life all planned out, right down to her arranged marriage with one of the planetary representatives under her father. No one asked her what she wanted... moreDestiny Delaine has had enough. As daughter of a former high ranking general who now served as the Ambassador of Earth, and a socialite mother, she has been reared to be the proper young woman and helpmate. Her parents had her life all planned out, right down to her arranged marriage with one of the planetary representatives under her father. No one asked her what she wanted. Determined as too fat and too old at a curvy plus size age of thirty-four for the Mate Index, she decided to take her own destiny into her hands. She never expected that stowing away on a trade vessel would put her face to face with her mate. She is not impressed that it is the pervert she saw fucking a woman in an alley while making her big escape, but he is determined to show her the kind of mate he can be. Not only him, but two other brothers who would form a mated family unit, called a clannid, with her. They are sexy, sweet and viciously protective each in their own unique way. And she has never wanted anything more. A’Jular is a trader known to be an aggressive male, one who doesn’t tip-toe around a problem, or feminine sensibilities, but goes for whatever he wants--whether that be a good quick fuck or a steady profit. What he and his brothers want more than anything, however, is a mate. When he is frozen out of the family accounts for trying to purchase mate-hunting rights from the Earth authorities, he thinks that his plans have been thwarted. Thankfully, the gods of love and pleasure are with him. He finds himself in possession of a stowaway. And not just any stowaway, but his mate which instantly triggers the maturation of his body from possessing juvenile to breeding sexual organs. To make matters complicated, their mate is feisty, independent, and thinks he is a pervert. He is determined for her to see that even a male such as he can be so, so good. Sha’melor is the eldest hatch-mate between himself and his two brothers. This meant he was landed with all the responsibility and pressure. As a member of the Council of Clans, and ambassador on behalf of the Clans for the Intergalactic Union, he has more responsibility than one male could want. Enough to attract every power-hungry unmated female of the upper-clans. With a mother desperate for him to find a good match and sire hatchlings, he is relieved when A’Jular reports that he has found their mate and successfully matured for. He is instantly relieved of one huge burden, and looks forward to the embrace of a offworlder mate who won’t care who is among the clans, but will just love him for who he is. When he meets her, he is determined to do anything, fight anyone, to keep her. E’budar is the laid back, friendly part of their clannid, and as it happens--the family trouble-maker. He doesn’t do it intentionally, his history amorous pursuits just seem to follow him like a bad smell, usually accompanied with very angry females due to one misunderstanding or another. It seems like his brothers are always having to bail him out of trouble. What he needs and wants more than anything in the world is a mate. The one female not threatening his cock, or life. Not that he distinguishes much between the two. He wants a female to dote on, to love, who won’t sneer at his affectionate gestures or silly jokes. And he dreams of having hatchlings running through the nest. What more could a male want? When he sees his mate, it is love at first sight. He would give up any object, any dream, just to have her at his side and make their clannid whole. less

Eliza is the new ambassador from Earth. It fulfills all her career ambitions, but her life is a lie. Her husband, who ruled her career with an iron fist, is not her Prince Charming in a storybook marriage that everyone assumes. He is cruel and manipulative. Living at the space station gives her some reprieve, but not entirely... moreEliza is the new ambassador from Earth. It fulfills all her career ambitions, but her life is a lie. Her husband, who ruled her career with an iron fist, is not her Prince Charming in a storybook marriage that everyone assumes. He is cruel and manipulative. Living at the space station gives her some reprieve, but not entirely. When her daughter falls in love with a Tagith male, Eliza finds herself starting on a new leg of her life as a single woman, one that brings her into the company of her son-in-law’s gruff father. He rubs her the wrong way, but things change and are never quite what they seem. Zerik lost his mate ten years ago and it has never stopped hurting. He doesn’t approve of humans or much of anything, yet when his son persuades him into a visit on the Intergalactic Space Station, he discovers that his life still has room for one more. This slow-burn romance will take readers to the world of Tagess for an annual festival and a mating-ceremony to remember. A second-chance romance for all those who know it is never too late to fall in love. less

Reggie was a society girl, a castoff wife, soon to-be divorcee, stolen away from Earth, a victim of her own bad choices. Little did she know that one mistake would lead her onto a journey of finding her own happy ever after with a serpentine species of aliens on a strange matriarchal jungle planet. Giant spiders, gargantuan lizards, scrambled green eggs for breakfast. Life had suddenly got a lot more interesting... moreReggie was a society girl, a castoff wife, soon to-be divorcee, stolen away from Earth, a victim of her own bad choices. Little did she know that one mistake would lead her onto a journey of finding her own happy ever after with a serpentine species of aliens on a strange matriarchal jungle planet. Giant spiders, gargantuan lizards, scrambled green eggs for breakfast. Life had suddenly got a lot more interesting. Vadal and Shaagra are from a society where the females choose and dominate, where due to a genetic malady they succumbed to fits of temper and collected males into vast harems. Vadal and Shaagra want more than that. When the opportunity comes to secure a human mate to love and shelter among them, they will risk everything, even their hearts, in hopes that she will be forever theirs. Warning: this book contains some slight M/M interaction in their bonding with Reggie. less

Cara has been looking forward to her happily ever after. With no living family, it is all she has wanted for years and she thought she found it with the love of her life, Ben. When Ben has to go away on a business trip to Kaidava, her fantasies of a perfect life and the image of the man she was to marry quickly begin to unravel when Ben comms confessing that he fell in love with a local Kadesh female... moreCara has been looking forward to her happily ever after. With no living family, it is all she has wanted for years and she thought she found it with the love of her life, Ben. When Ben has to go away on a business trip to Kaidava, her fantasies of a perfect life and the image of the man she was to marry quickly begin to unravel when Ben comms confessing that he fell in love with a local Kadesh female. To get the man she wants back Cara will do anything, even break Earth laws by illegally leaving the planet and teaming up with an unscrupulous Kadesh male to get him back. Lerix has had it with romance. Disgusted with the whole concept, he left his homeworld as a youth on a presumed mating quest to find his mate. After revolutions of getting by as a bodyguard supplemented with thievery, he is eager to return back home. The only catch is that he has to find a temporary stand in mate to get him back on Kaidava. When his plans fall through, he happily finds himself in the company of a female human also eager to make her way planet-side, to chase after a male of all things. He makes her a bargain, pose as his mate and he will help her get him back. Traveling through Kaidava as they hunt for Ben, they also find themselves the hunted when the jewels Lerix stole from his previous client puts an elite guard and assassins on their trail. To make matters worse, as time passes in her company, Lerix becomes more certain that Cara is his mate. less

Some secrets can topple nations. Already facing termination for her failure to carry Agraak young to term, when Jenn escapes from the breeding facility she knows that the Agraak would not rest until they found her. Possessing full knowledge of the location of their breeding facility meant that she’d never be safe. The royal families and elite castes of Agraak society would not allow their secrets to become known... moreSome secrets can topple nations. Already facing termination for her failure to carry Agraak young to term, when Jenn escapes from the breeding facility she knows that the Agraak would not rest until they found her. Possessing full knowledge of the location of their breeding facility meant that she’d never be safe. The royal families and elite castes of Agraak society would not allow their secrets to become known. When stowing away on a Buto trading vessel lands her on an illegal clearing in Vora, she discovers that finding a comm system and delivering the information she had to the Intergalactic Council wasn’t going to be as easy as she thought. After her own trauma at the hands of her Agraak “mate,” she is innately suspicious and frightened of alien males to her detriment as she flees into the deadly territory Vora’s Shagorith mountains. There she encounters the giant arachnid—the Shoyla, and threats both old and new. She also discovers companionship with an unlikely male Vori that conquers her fears and blooms into a love she couldn’t foretell. Eyuul has an unjust reputation. After the humiliation of one failed attempt to mate an offworlder and his own inability to form nest-brother bonds with other males to share a female, he is an outcast among his own clan. Rumor has turned his one-time love into a string of affairs so that males do not trust him, and females turn away from him. Even his mother, the matriarch of the clan barely tolerates him. Of all Vori, he is more alone than any. When he saves a human female from drowning, he is drawn to her strength and odd vulnerability. He would do anything to aid her. Even when she flees from him in terror, he is determined to protect her and help her heal. Discovering her secret, makes him determined to help her. Discovering the mate he always wanted makes him fear the day when he might have to let her go. less

Join the crew of The Lady's Fortune once again for another Mate Index holiday novella.Oigr spent the last twenty-five years as the caretaker of an Indivi orphan. He gave up his future on Vrol, the chance for a mate and family, and everything he knew. Now that Nazzek is mated with a youngling on the way, Oigr must adjust to a new future that he’s not prepared for. What does a male do when his sole purpose in life shifts?Deena is a witch who has felt that love has passed by her by... moreJoin the crew of The Lady's Fortune once again for another Mate Index holiday novella.Oigr spent the last twenty-five years as the caretaker of an Indivi orphan. He gave up his future on Vrol, the chance for a mate and family, and everything he knew. Now that Nazzek is mated with a youngling on the way, Oigr must adjust to a new future that he’s not prepared for. What does a male do when his sole purpose in life shifts?Deena is a witch who has felt that love has passed by her by. As her fortieth birthday draws near, feeling the weight of it looming over her, she casts a spell to draw love to her. When she feels a connection to a lonely Vrooduk male and unwittingly enters into a series of courtship rituals, nothing prepares her for being whisked away to another world on Halloween. Together they discover the power of love and a little bit of Halloween magic. less

Agraadax was shaken by recent events and the breeding facility closed, but it has done little to ease the simmer of unrest rippling through Agraak society. In Aminae, one of the dome cities scattered on the few arid patches of land of the swampy planet, factions are rising against the cruelties of the upper raniks that rule their society. Kaede is a male devoted to the cause. His entire life has become focused on easing the suffering of his people. He has no time for anything else in his life... moreAgraadax was shaken by recent events and the breeding facility closed, but it has done little to ease the simmer of unrest rippling through Agraak society. In Aminae, one of the dome cities scattered on the few arid patches of land of the swampy planet, factions are rising against the cruelties of the upper raniks that rule their society. Kaede is a male devoted to the cause. His entire life has become focused on easing the suffering of his people. He has no time for anything else in his life. A human give into his care is the worst kind of distraction…a distraction that promises love and pleasure. Frankie arrived on Agraadax masquerading as man. No one knows, not even the men with whom she serves in the Intergalactic fleet. For five years, her sole purpose has been bent on discovering any information that she could regarding the fate of her twin sister, Alisha. When Frankie is forced into hiding with the aid of an Agraak male in the midst of a rising revolution, she is put on a path that may change everything for both of their species. Fighting side by side with by a male who stirs her passions and makes her question everything she thought she knew; Frankie begins to wonder how she’ll ever leave Agraadax without him. less

An Arobi pack needs a queen. It is instinctual, something that they yearn for until they finally find a female to complete their family. Exeri’s pack is no different, despite the fact that they’ve chosen to live far away from the rest of their kind... moreAn Arobi pack needs a queen. It is instinctual, something that they yearn for until they finally find a female to complete their family. Exeri’s pack is no different, despite the fact that they’ve chosen to live far away from the rest of their kind. Although their post on Antari Minor is one filled with dangerous predators and unlawfulness that could only be found on a planet at the edge of federation space, they will use any means at their disposal to get their queen—even if that means making a bargain with a lone Edoka to use his accounts to order a bride from the Mate Index. When she arrives, Hayley is everything that they could ask for in a mate, but there is one little problem...their mate is plotting something. She will find that an Arobi pack is up to any challenge she presents them.Hayley Benito was put in jail unjustly, but the Mate Index is the only way out of serving five to ten years for aggravated assault. She will marry an alien and fulfill the terms of her agreement, but there is nothing saying she had to stick with him. With a plan to give her “mate” the slip as soon as possible, she is surprised to find that one mate is actually four fiercely possessive males who are determined to keep her. Stuck on a planet full of wild beauty and many dangers, it is stupid to get attached and change her plans. Or is this everything she’s ever looked for? less

With everyone away celebrating the holidays with their families, Medif is the lone male out. Refusing the invitations of his friends to join them, he instead contents himself with the idea of a quiet week alone while he enjoys the happy bluster of the season going on around him. Earth offers much to quietly enjoy during their festivities, after all, and it is enough to distract him from the things lacking in his own life... moreWith everyone away celebrating the holidays with their families, Medif is the lone male out. Refusing the invitations of his friends to join them, he instead contents himself with the idea of a quiet week alone while he enjoys the happy bluster of the season going on around him. Earth offers much to quietly enjoy during their festivities, after all, and it is enough to distract him from the things lacking in his own life. His plans did not include a surprise visit from his brother Ehmhy, a mischievous fashi and a new extended family intent on interfering in his life. With family descending upon him for the holidays, Medif’s peace is shattered and his world turned upside down amid a frenzy of shopping, an expedition for the perfect tree, and unexpected merriment. Yet, when everyone conspires to bring him together with Natasha Baranov, a female who stirs his passions and rouses his mind, Medif discovers he may end up with the best gift of them all if only he can convince her to be his. less

A Calysii prince wants Crystal Inola Rivers dead and it’s all her ex-boyfriend’s fault. Ex-boyfriend because the louse ran off, leaving her to deal with the fallout. She told him that stealing from the royal Calysii ship docked was suicidal. Now they are looking for what he’s stolen, and she’s being held responsible. It was only by luck that she managed to avoid the attempt on her life, now she only hopes that disappearing into the universe as a Mate Index Mate will keep her hide in one piece... moreA Calysii prince wants Crystal Inola Rivers dead and it’s all her ex-boyfriend’s fault. Ex-boyfriend because the louse ran off, leaving her to deal with the fallout. She told him that stealing from the royal Calysii ship docked was suicidal. Now they are looking for what he’s stolen, and she’s being held responsible. It was only by luck that she managed to avoid the attempt on her life, now she only hopes that disappearing into the universe as a Mate Index Mate will keep her hide in one piece. If that means her urban ass being dumped as a mail-order bride on a backward planet as a mate to a pair of enormous Teril farmers...well, she’ll fake it until she can make it. How hard can it be? They certainly have what it takes to make the ground move beneath a girl’s feet. Things are getting hotter for sure, and not just because a nearby mountain has started smoking. Grish Ugaar has done something guaranteed to make his brother angry. He ordered a mate for them from the Mate Index, a soft female to bring them joy and comfort. Two things that his brother, Borth needs. He had not been the same male since sustaining grievous injuries on Agraadax that led to their early retirement from the Intergalactic Fleet. Scarred, and one leg so badly damaged that it was replaced with a metal prosthetic and support braces that it gave it extra durability during hard labor, it was no secret that Borth felt like half a male. Although his brother claimed to not want to subject a mate to his appearance, Grish knows his brother well enough to know that a mate is exactly what they need—a purpose and a family to care for and protect. They need more than their farm they retired to build on Antari Minor. When Crystal arrives, she is everything that he and his twin could ever have wanted. She is running from something and yet, when a volcano threatens everything, they must rise to duty once again to protect their home and community as well as save their mate from the danger following her. M/F/M romance An Author Up book. 10% of proceeds will go to American Red Cross. less

Diamond Shipley is a jewel thief—not a particularly successful one as far as her trade goes, but it pays the bills, or it did until someone betrayed her and her partner and landed her ass in jail after years of evading the law. Looking at years behind bars, she does what any sensible person would do. She agrees to become a bride in the Mate Index. A one-way ticket off Earth and her record expunged, it is the perfect opportunity to ply her skills somewhere fresh... moreDiamond Shipley is a jewel thief—not a particularly successful one as far as her trade goes, but it pays the bills, or it did until someone betrayed her and her partner and landed her ass in jail after years of evading the law. Looking at years behind bars, she does what any sensible person would do. She agrees to become a bride in the Mate Index. A one-way ticket off Earth and her record expunged, it is the perfect opportunity to ply her skills somewhere fresh. Sure, she would have to get around her new mate while she got together a nice little pile of credits, but how hard can that be?She does not expect him to be a mountain of muscle and sex appeal—or head of security for that matter. Yet beneath that hard exterior is a gentle male with a heart a gold. Can she keep her eye on the prize or will she let love make a fool of het yet?Tar-denovak yielded to his mother’s scheming and sent away for a bride from the Mate Index Distribution Program, but he had not expected to be so captivated by his little mate. She is so small and vulnerable that it rouses every protective instinct a male could have toward his mate, even if she has a tendency towards mischief. As head of security, he has many responsibilities, not the least of which was now keeping his mate too busy to get into trouble. As amusing as his female is, it is no laughing matter when a shipment of volatile imperium level qualath stones goes missing. With such a potentially catastrophic power supply stolen, it sends the entire space station into an uproar. Could his little mate be more dangerous than she lets on?With familial responsibilities hounding him, a small contingent of females from his mother world arriving to prepare for his mating ceremony, and a rival determined to steal all he has, Tar is divided between his responsibilities and finding the love he has always dreamed about. Can he afford to trust the one being who might lead him to ruin? less

Stacey Kendricks had been deceived by promises seven years ago that she was the one that the Calysii prince wished to have as his true mate, his bride—the one that he would relinquish his other ceremonial mates for. She had been young and foolish to believe it, and the cost of the foolishness was high—a gilded cage she had no hope of escaping... moreStacey Kendricks had been deceived by promises seven years ago that she was the one that the Calysii prince wished to have as his true mate, his bride—the one that he would relinquish his other ceremonial mates for. She had been young and foolish to believe it, and the cost of the foolishness was high—a gilded cage she had no hope of escaping. With her dreams of romance and love long destroyed, and her days spent trying to avoid the demands of her cruel and selfish “mate,” Prince Gaix’s sudden plans for a romantic destination Valentines’ Day with his human mates was just nothing short of a painful mockery of the love The Mate Index Distribution Program had once promised her. To add insult to injury, they were heading to Kaidava, the most romantic planet in the Intergalactic Union, and the captain of their ship was none other than Captain Otorol, the Lorgor male she had been unable to forget.Captain Otorol was the one male who had come close to making her forget her promise to mate with Gaix all those years ago. Her attraction to him was immediate and powerful and she had tried to hide it behind disdain. But trapped once more on King’s Glory with him, there was no hiding from the undeniable pull between them, even though it meant a death sentence for both of them if they were caught. With Kaidava offering the potential for escape, Stacey must find a way to choose her own fate and the love she was always meant to have.Varik Otorol was born into duty. The son of influential Lorgor female and a fleet commander, all of his life he was expected to serve the Calysii Empire without complaint despite his own rising sympathies for the cause of the rebellion. It was a ruse that he was forced to keep up, however, unable to bear leaving behind Caysta, the planet that held the one being he somehow could not let a pink-haired little female that every instinct within him cried out for. It was not logical. She disdained him and belonged to another. He had no right to feel as he did, especially when Lorgor did not mate imprint like other species. Yet somehow a bond developed that he could not ignore. Being assigned to captain the flight to Kaidava was both pleasure and torture as his instincts revolted against his control. He allowed himself to taste what was forbidden and now all hell was about to break loose as the planet of lovers brought them together over and over again. She was his, but getting her safely off Kaidava and spirited away from Prince Gaix was going to take a miracle... and perhaps one criminally minded local with connections.**content warning** Please be aware that though this novel involves an affair between the main characters, there is no cheating or sex with anyone else within this story. This novel also depicts a small amount of gore and death off-stage toward the end of the book. less