Barbarians of the Dust Series by A.G. Wilde

I signed up for a quick paycheck. Instead, I got abducted by aliens—and stranded on a desert planet that wants me dead. My name is Justine Parker, and I was desperate. Rent was due, my sister and I were one eviction away from living on the streets, and the job market had collapsed after the Xyma arrived. So when I saw an ad offering ten grand just for participating in "environmental adaptation research," I didn’t read the fine print. Big mistake... moreI signed up for a quick paycheck. Instead, I got abducted by aliens—and stranded on a desert planet that wants me dead. My name is Justine Parker, and I was desperate. Rent was due, my sister and I were one eviction away from living on the streets, and the job market had collapsed after the Xyma arrived. So when I saw an ad offering ten grand just for participating in "environmental adaptation research," I didn’t read the fine print. Big mistake. Next thing I know, I’m waking up in a crashed transport pod on a hellscape of a planet—no water, no supplies, just endless sand and a sun that wants to cook me alive. And then he finds me. Rok is seven feet of golden-skinned, battle-scarred alien warrior with a glare that could melt steel. He moves like a predator, speaks in growls, and—apparently—thinks I belong to him. Turns out, I’m the first female he’s ever seen. And now that he’s imprinted on me, he won’t let me out of his sight. Worse? His body adapts to me. Literally. At first, he was just a terrifying, silent guardian. Now? He’s got a very specific upgrade—one that makes my knees weak and my common sense disappear. Every touch, every growl, every possessive glance sends heat straight to my core. But this planet isn’t done trying to kill me. Between sand serpents, rival clans, and whatever nightmare lurks in the Silent Valley where my sister is trapped, survival is anything but guaranteed. Rok says he’ll protect me. But the deeper we fall into this obsession—this need—the more I realize:. If I want to survive this place, I’ll have to trust him. And if I want to keep my heart intact? I’ll have to stop pretending I don’t want to be his. less

The desert holds twenty-seven ways to die. Today, I discover number twenty-eight: hallucination-induced cliff diving. When a golden-eyed alien hunter tracks me to my cave, I assume I’ve finally cracked—until he throws me to the ground and light erupts where our skin touches. He doesn’t speak. Doesn’t kill me. Instead, he drops a butterfly earring—my missing sister’s earring—between us like a challenge. Now I have to choose:. 1... moreThe desert holds twenty-seven ways to die. Today, I discover number twenty-eight: hallucination-induced cliff diving. When a golden-eyed alien hunter tracks me to my cave, I assume I’ve finally cracked—until he throws me to the ground and light erupts where our skin touches. He doesn’t speak. Doesn’t kill me. Instead, he drops a butterfly earring—my missing sister’s earring—between us like a challenge. Now I have to choose:. 1. Trust this glowing stranger who smells like desert storms and moves like a predator. 2. Stay here and let the creatures of the dark finish what the Xyma started. Survival just got a hell of a lot more complicated. (First-contact sci-fi romance with forced proximity, survival stakes, and a possessive alien hero who really doesn’t like human screaming. ). less

All I wanted was a job. Instead, I got a desert planet, a low-grade fever, and a seven-foot alien shadow I call "Stabby. ". Life in the caves is simple: Don’t die of planet sickness, try to make alien lizard meat taste like chicken, and ignore the massive, golden-skinned warrior sharpening his blade in the corner. His name is Sarven. I call him Stabby McGoldy. He doesn’t speak English, and I don’t speak "Growl. ". But he watches me. Constantly... moreAll I wanted was a job. Instead, I got a desert planet, a low-grade fever, and a seven-foot alien shadow I call "Stabby. ". Life in the caves is simple: Don’t die of planet sickness, try to make alien lizard meat taste like chicken, and ignore the massive, golden-skinned warrior sharpening his blade in the corner. His name is Sarven. I call him Stabby McGoldy. He doesn’t speak English, and I don’t speak "Growl. ". But he watches me. Constantly. With red eyes that are terrifyingly intense and a lack of personal space that is frankly alarming. I’m determined to stay independent. I can fetch my own water, thank you very much. I don’t need a mate. I need a life that’s less complicated and a way off this rock. But when our clan's only water source turns toxic, survival goes from difficult to impossible. Suddenly, my independence isn't enough. I need a hunter who can track the source of the poison before the desert claims us all. Now Stabby is stepping out of the shadows to help, and as the heat rises, I’m starting to realize that the only thing more dangerous than the water might be falling for the alien who’s decided I’m his. (First-contact sci-fi romance with forced proximity, survival stakes, and a possessive but devoted alien hero. ). less

To lead my clan is to stand between them and the harshness of the dust. Falling for the human female who matches my strength step for step is a danger I did not foresee. Kol. I am the Dra-dam. The survival of the clan is my only purpose. While my clan finds joy with the precious humans we rescued from the dust, I remain the shield that stands between them and the dark. I do not have the luxury of desire. Except Eh-ree-kah makes it impossible to look away. She is not just soft; she is steel... moreTo lead my clan is to stand between them and the harshness of the dust. Falling for the human female who matches my strength step for step is a danger I did not foresee. Kol. I am the Dra-dam. The survival of the clan is my only purpose. While my clan finds joy with the precious humans we rescued from the dust, I remain the shield that stands between them and the dark. I do not have the luxury of desire. Except Eh-ree-kah makes it impossible to look away. She is not just soft; she is steel. She lifts stone alongside my warriors. She meets my gaze without fear. She carries the weight of survival just as I do. Now, a rival clan circles our borders, testing our defenses. I must be the unshakeable leader my people need. But the dust has other plans. Because every time she stands her ground, the dormant fire under my skin flares to life. I am supposed to command this clan. Instead, I am consumed by a female who does not need my protection. But who I would burn the world down to keep. Erika. I didn’t ask to be abandoned on a planet that’s 90% sand and 10% impending doom. My goal is keep my head down, do the work, and keep everyone alive until a rescue ship shows up. Unfortunately, my survival plan now involves Kol. He’s seven feet of golden muscle and terrifying intensity. He carries the safety of the entire group on his back, and for some reason, his amber eyes are always fixed on me. He’s not just a leader; he’s a force of nature. And he’s the only thing standing between us and the rival clan hunting in the dark. When the bond snaps into place, I expect him to be overbearing. I didn’t expect him to look at me like I am the only water in the desert. We’re about to find out what breaks the threat circling our caves, or my resistance to the alien warlord who has decided I am his. (Fated mates. Size difference. Touch Her and Die. He Falls Harder. Spicy Alien Anatomy). less