The Mandrake Company

Series · 9 books · 2014-2018

By J.C. Hay, Veronica Scott, Carol Van Natta, and more

Books in series

Mercenary Instinct

2014

Skulking around in the ruins on a planet swarming with treasure hunters, slavers, and bounty hunters isn’t good for one’s health. But Ankari Markovich needs a few archaeological samples for her latest business venture, a venture that might prove lucrative enough to move her family off the impoverished planet where she grew up. Unfortunately, she has no sooner collected her samples than she’s captured by a band of brawny mercenaries. The captain might be handsome, but he’s intent on turning her over to some finance lord who has, for reasons unknown, put a bounty on her head, a ridiculously large one at that. If she can’t figure out a way to escape before she’s delivered to the lord’s home world, she could be forced into a life of indentured servitude—or worse. Captain Viktor Mandrake doesn’t usually take on piddling bounty hunting gigs, but when his intelligence officer informs him of a criminal on a nearby planet, he decides it wouldn’t hurt to take a shuttle down to collect the woman. But Ankari Markovich is trouble from the start, nearly eluding his elite forces, then fighting and tricking his people left and right. He finds himself admiring her spirit, but according to her warrant, she’s a criminal. The safest thing is to keep her in the brig and ignore her until she can be handed off to the man who wants her. But the situation grows more complicated when other bounty hunters show up, wanting to claim Ankari for themselves. Thanks to this woman, Viktor’s ship is in danger, his crew members are going missing, and he’s fighting enemies he never asked for in a jungle in the middle of a hurricane. He’s either going to strangle Ankari… or fall in love. Either scenario could get him killed. Mercenary Instinct is a full-length, stand-alone novel of 90,000 words. It is part of the “Mandrake Company” series of science fiction romance stories and is recommended for readers who enjoy space-based adventure (such as Firefly) and steamy love stories (in the style of Linnea Sinclair).

Trial and Temptation

2014

After ten years of flying freighter ships from planet to planet, Val Calendula never thought she would apply for a job as a combat pilot in a mercenary outfit. But her brother has gotten himself into financial trouble, and he’s heading to a mining prison if Val can’t pay off his debts. Mercenaries don’t always live long... but they make good money while they’re alive. A few combat bonuses, and Val could earn what she needs. The problem? She might have graduated from the military flight academy, but she hasn’t fought anything more dangerous than dust bunnies on the bridge lately. To make matters worse, the man in charge of hiring pilots was her instructor back at the academy. Commander Thatcher was almost as brilliant as he was arrogant and condescending, and he never seemed to think Val was smart enough to be there. She has no idea if she’ll be able to convince him otherwise now... or if she’ll be able to stand working with him. When Gregor Thatcher left the military, he never expected to run into any of his former acquaintances, much less the one he admired and mooned over during his two years teaching at the academy. Back then, he never told Val Calendula he cared for her, partially because officers weren’t supposed to have relations with cadets, but mostly because he didn’t know how to speak of his feelings. He might not have any trouble grasping navigational mathematics and astrodynamics, but people are more problematic. Gregor is elated that Val has entered his life again, but he’s fairly certain she hates him. Worse, he’s responsible for deciding whether she’s qualified to be a combat pilot. How can he judge fairly when his tongue tangles and idiotic words come out of his mouth whenever she’s around? When the captain sends Val and Gregor on a mission to pick up a military advisor and deliver him to a planet at war, Val hopes she’ll have an opportunity to prove herself capable of the piloting position. Gregor hopes he’ll have the opportunity to improve Val’s opinion of him. But when the military advisor goes missing, and they’re forced to divert to a dangerous moon base, the mission turns into a fight for survival. Val may learn too late that there’s more to Gregor than that aloof exterior… and that inside is a man she could love. Trial and Temptation is a full-length science fiction romance novel of 73,000 words. It is part of the “Mandrake Company” series and is recommended for readers who enjoy space-based adventure (such as Firefly) and steamy love stories (in the style of Linnea Sinclair).

The Assassin's Salvation

2014

When Jamie Flipkens signed on as a pilot and engineer for a small medical research company, she never expected to end up on a mercenary ship full of hulking soldiers who want to make her their latest conquest. The captain has been good to her—it doesn't hurt that he's her boss' new beau—but she's on the verge of quitting when a strange man shows up at her shuttle door. Sergei Zharkov claims to be an old friend of the captain's. He neglects to mention that he's also an assassin, a dangerous man who even the hardened mercenaries avoid. Jamie should avoid him, too, but she's drawn to the charm that sometimes escapes from beneath his grim facade. She finds herself wanting to give him a reason to smile—and maybe a little more than that. The problem? There's a fresh bounty on the captain's head, and it's possible Sergei is there to collect it.

The Ruins of Karzelek

2014

Kalish has been a successful treasure hunter for years, relying on only herself to deal with deadly predators, impenetrable jungles, and diabolical booby traps. But with her father kidnapped, and a notorious pirate demanding an ancient alien artifact that may or may not exist, Kalish needs help. She hires a mercenary company because she needs their combat experience and their piloting skills—the intelligence officer with the background in translating alien hieroglyphics could come in useful too. Sedgwick Thomlin is charming and handsome, when he isn’t busy sneezing at something from his long list of allergies. But she’s not sure if she can trust him or the mercenaries, not when the most valuable and coveted relic in the galaxy might turn out to be real. The Ruins of Karzelek is a 95,000-word novel of space-based adventure and romance that can be read as a stand-alone. It is also part of the Mandrake Company series and brings back characters from the other books, such as Val, Gregor, Tick, and Striker.

Mercenary Courage

2015

After a grueling battle that cost him dearly, mercenary captain Viktor Mandrake wants nothing more than to get his ship repaired, let his men have leave, and spend time relaxing with Ankari. Entrepreneur, schemer, and leaser of his company’s one and only pink shuttlecraft, she has become the woman he loves and wants to keep at his side. But as soon as Viktor sets foot on the space station Midway 5, it becomes clear that the Galactic Conglomeration Fleet wants him arrested for past grievances. As a mercenary, confronting the Fleet isn’t wise (it’s not wise for anyone else, either). Normally, Viktor would collect his people and depart, but a mysterious disease has resulted in a quarantine, leaving him stuck on the station with no access to his ship or his crew. Fortunately, he has Ankari with him, but unfortunately, Ankari’s family has been pointing out all of the reasons why she shouldn’t be flying around on a mercenary vessel. And he’s not certain they’re wrong. If Viktor and Ankari can’t find a way off the station before the Fleet ships arrive, Viktor may never escape. Worse, no matter what happens, he risks losing Ankari forever. Mercenary Courage is the fifth novel in the Mandrake Company science fiction romance series and is a sequel to Mercenary Instinct. If you haven’t read Mercenary Instinct yet, it’s available for free on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mercenary-Insti...

#5.5

The Pirate Captain's Daughter

2015

Firefighter and mercenary Marat Azarov thinks he’s being noble when he rescues a beautiful slave woman from certain torture. Alas, she turns out to be more than she appears and does not appreciate his interference. In an attempt to redeem himself—and perhaps win her regard—he concocts a plot that even his grenade-flinging colleague Striker deems unwise. Soon, he’s blowing up androids, being shot at by pirates, and earning the wrath of his own boss, and he’s not even sure if the woman likes him. Some days, it doesn’t pay to be a mercenary.

The Tracker's Dilemma

2016

Sergeant Heath “Tick” Hawthorn, the best tracker in Mandrake Company and the captain’s right-hand man, has been admiring microbiologist Lauren Keys from afar for months. Unfortunately, she’s dedicated to her science and doesn’t seem to have any interest in relationships. He’s not even sure she knows his name. Determined to change that, Heath develops a surefire plan: he signs up to be a specimen in her latest study. Once she gets to know him better, he’s positive she’ll find his charms appealing. But when he starts overhearing other people's thoughts and receiving eerie premonitions, he questions the wisdom of turning himself into a lab rat. On a mission planet-side with Lauren, they finally have some time alone together, but he’s too worried he’s turning into a freak to be charming. Further, the outing soon turns dangerous, as predators and bounty hunters show an interest in the party. If he and Lauren aren’t careful, they’ll end up dead instead of dating. Maybe Heath's plan wasn’t as surefire as he thought.

Embrace the Passion

2018

Pets in Space is back! Join us as we unveil eleven original, never-before-published action-filled romances that will heat your blood and warm your heart! New York Times, USA Today and Award-winning authors S.E. Smith, Anna Hackett, Ruby Lionsdrake, Veronica Scott, Pauline Baird Jones, Carol Van Natta, Tiffany Roberts, Alexis Glynn Latner, E D Walker, JC Hay, and Kyndra Hatch combine their love for Science Fiction Romance and pets to bring readers sexy, action-packed romances while helping our favorite charity. Proud supporters of HeroDogs.org, Pets in Space authors have donated over 4,400 in the past two years to help place specially trained dogs with veterans. Open your hearts and grab your limited release copy of Embrace the Passion: Pets in Space 3 today! HEART OF THE CAT Sarafin Warriors Series By S.E. Smith Can love bridge the gap between a wounded alien warrior and the reclusive human woman who holds the future of his species inside her? DESERT HUNTER Galactic Gladiators Series By Anna Hackett Among the desert sands of an alien world, a man with secrets to hide finds himself face to face with the one woman who can bring him to his knees. QUASHI Mandrake Company Series By Ruby Lionsdrake Alien fur balls, a handsome doctor, and a little white lie create havoc for a young woman who only wanted a job. STAR CRUISE: MYSTERY DANCER The Sectors SF Romance Series By Veronica Scott A long-lost princess and her three-eyed cat seek refuge on the Nebula Zephyr only to catch the attention of an inquisitive Security Officer. OPERATION ARK Project Enterprise Series By Pauline Baird Jones A not quite routine mission to return rescued prisoners to their home worlds turns deadly for unlikely allies, a USMC Sergeant and a raised-by-robots pirate. Is the Sergeant’s unusual pet the wild card that will save or doom them? CATS OF WAR A Central Galactic Concordance Novella by Carol Van Natta A disgraced military Sub-Captain, a repair technician with secrets, and two special cats must save the day when trouble erupts at an important factory. HUNTER OF THE TIDE The Kraken #3 By Tiffany Roberts Nearly broke by betrayal, a human discovers solace—and a chance for love—among the creatures he once hunted, but he must overcome prejudice and inhibition to claim the female he desires. STARWAY By Alexis Glynn Latner A lonely interstellar pilot and a passenger’s mistreated consort find each other in an interstellar hotel that offers everything to satisfy its guests’ desires—even desires they didn’t know they had. THE BAJO CATS OF ANTEROS XII By E D Walker Two ex-lovers, stranded in space, have to save a pair of kittens with hazardous powers before the local drug cartel catches up to them. SHADOW OF THE PAST By JC Hay On a world of perpetual night, an aging ranger and a widowed veterinarian need to put aside their past to protect a pack of wolves... and their future. AFTER THE FALL By Kyndra Hatch The Invaders took everything worth living for. Could an Invader show him how to live again?

#10

Mandrake Company

2015

In a star system run by an oppressive galactic conglomeration, the only way to stay free is to have your own ship. And even that’s not a guarantee. Join the mercenaries of Mandrake Company as they combat bounty hunters, elude government traps, and battle nefarious finance lords in their quest to make their own destinies. This set contains four full-length novels of adventure, mystery, humor, and romance. It includes adult material and is for mature readers only.

Authors

USA Today Best Selling Science Fiction & Paranormal Romance author. Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library as its heart. Dad loved science fiction, Mom loved ancient history and Veronica thought there needed to be more romance in everything. When she ran out of books to read, she started writing her own stories. MISC FACTS ABOUT VERONICA Seven time winner ~ SFR Galaxy Award Proud recipient ~ NASA Exceptional Service Medal but must hasten to add the honor was not for her romantic fiction! Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – I’ll improve your process (mwahahahaa)! Elvis Presley’s best friend once serenaded Veronica on a local TV telethon…now that could be a novel…

Carol Van Natta

Author · 19 books

Carol Van Natta writes science fiction and fantasy, including Overload Flux, Minder Rising, Zero Flux, Pico's Crush, and Jumper's Hope, the first five books in a space opera series; In Graves Below (Magic, NM) , a paranormal romance; and Hooray for Holopticon , a retro science fiction comedy. She shares her Fort Collins, CO home with a sometime mad scientist and various cats. Any violations of the laws of physics in her books is the fault of the cats, not the mad scientist. Be the first to know about new releases by signing up for her newsletter at bit.ly/CVN-news or read her blog at Author.CarolVanNatta.com, or find her on Facebook at CarolVanNattaAuthor.

Anna Hackett

Author · 134 books

I’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same. I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com

Alexis Glynn Latner

Author · 7 books

Alexis Glynn Latner's science fiction novel Hurricane Moon was published by Pyr in 2007 and again by Avendis Press in 2014. There are now two sequels: Downfall Tide (2015) and Star Crossing (2016). Her science fiction, fantasy, horror and mystery stories have appeared in the magazines Analog and Amazing and various print and online anthologies. Some of those stories are now e-books. She lives in Houston, Texas, where she works in the Rice University library and teaches creative writing. For fun and real-life adventure she is a sailplane pilot.

Kyndra Hatch

Author · 7 books

Kyndra Hatch grew up with a fascination for science fiction and a deep interest in ancient civilizations, a combination which fuels her active imagination. After twelve exciting years as an archaeologist, Kyndra pursues a passion for writing and has discovered her works have a decidedly science fiction romantic flair. She is a USA Today bestselling author and an active member of the SFR Brigade. Kyndra also writes science fiction, horror, and dark humor short stories as L.K. Hatchett. Blog: http://kyndrahatch.blogspot.com/ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kyndr... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyndrahatch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyndrahatch/ Twitter: @kyndrahatch

E.D. Walker, a native of Los Angeles, is the author of The Fairy Tales of Lyond Series that begins with Enchanting the King. As a child, she grew up knowing all the words to the songs in Disney’s fairy tale retellings. (Sleeping Beauty was always her favorite.) Lo and behold, she eventually grew up to write fairy tale retellings of her own. By day, E.D. helps corral engineers for NASA (without doing any of the tech stuff herself, of course). By night, she loves to write her clever heroes and heroines bantering their way to true love. E.D. is a total geek, a movie buff, and a mediocre swing dancer. E.D. and her husband live in sunny Southern California with two of the neediest housecats on the planet.

S.E. Smith

Author · 93 books

S.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away. Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5

Tiffany Roberts

Author · 43 books

Tiffany Roberts is the pseudonym for Tiffany and Robert Freund, a husband and wife writing duo. Tiffany was born and bred in Idaho, and Robert was a native of New York City before moving across the country to be with her. The two have always shared a passion for reading and writing, and it was their dream to combine their mighty powers to create the sorts of books they want to read. They write character driven sci-fi and fantasy romance, creating happily-ever-afters for the alien and unknown.

Pauline Baird Jones

Author · 40 books

Hello everyone, I’m Pauline Baird Jones, a USA TODAY Bestselling Author affectionately known as Perilous Pauline. I adopted the name after I found out on Twitter that Goodreads says that I died in 1999. Since I was already dead, I went ahead and embraced my quirky sense of humor and channeled it into my stories, my Facebook Pages, and my YouTube Channel where I love to write and perform as the Dead Author Live. As you may have guessed from both my Perilous Pauline and Dead Author Live, I never cared for reality all that much. When I’m not sharing the beautiful photographs that my husband has taken, chasing after my grandchildren, or expanding my Lego city, I’m off wandering among the genres, rampaging like Godzilla (we were born the same year!) and mixing peril and humor into my romances. For motivation, I devour chocolate, bacon and collect flamingoes and mid-century modern anything. Readers can follow me on my website at https://paulinebjones.com/ and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorPaulin....