Galactic Gladiators Cover Reveal: Beast

It is time to head back to the desert world of Carthago and the gladiators of the House of Galen.

Beast man. Blue. Vek. Our next Galactic Gladiators book stars the wild, blue-skinned alien rescued from the underground fight rings and small, blonde spaceship pilot Mia.

To celebrate Beast’s cover reveal I have a giveaway of an amazing 2018 gladiator calendar called Warrior. Scroll right down to the bottom to enter.

Beast
Release Date: October 31st

Cover art by the awesome Melody Simmons

Excerpt from Barbarian featuring Vek

The group stopped by a small drinking hole to rest and quench their thirst.

Vek’ker stopped as well, avoiding the ugly beasts the gladiators rode. He moved toward the small pool of water, setting his bundle down by the water’s edge.

He needed to drink, but he didn’t want to leave Mia alone. She’d been alone for weeks, lost and stolen.

Vek leaned down, and drew in a deep breath. The scent of her filled him, and he felt an uneasy, edgy part of him settle. No one was looking, so he carefully stroked her cheek. He found the color of her skin fascinating. So pink compared to his blue.

He felt a spear of longing drive through him. With a grunt, he turned to the water and scooped some into his mouth.

For so long, he’d just been a thing, an animal, a weapon. He’d fought on the whim of his captors in the underground fight rings. He’d tried to remember his life before, but the memories refused to come.

He knew people were shocked he’d survived the fight rings.

Sometimes, he was surprised. He’d been tortured, caged, and caught in vicious fights to the death. He’d had nothing to fight for, nothing to survive for.

Until Mia had stepped on the sand.

He reached down and stroked her arm. She was so soft and small. This tiny woman from a distant planet called Earth had woken something in him. Something he didn’t understand.

He touched her hair. It was the color of the sunlight, and he loved it. He’d lived without the sunlight for so very long. Her eyelashes were surprisingly dark against her skin. He willed her to open her eyes.

He looked over and saw the big gladiator, Nero, cradling his own woman. The man’s face was etched in hard lines. His woman was badly injured.

Vek had seen the way the healer had rushed in and risked her life to save them all. He hoped she recovered soon.

He felt Mia stir, and he froze, looking down at her. She opened her eyes.

She blinked a few times, focusing on his face. A small smile emerged on her lips. “Hello.”

There was no fear. She didn’t look at him like he was an animal.

“Hello, Mia.” He knew his voice sounded growly and rough. But it had been so long since he’d spoken.

Her eyes widened. Confused. “Blue? You’re talking.”

“My name is Vek’ker.”

She reached up, her fingers touching his face, and stroking his ragged beard. “Hi, Vek’ker.”

“I am…I was called Vek.”

“Did you rescue me, Vek?”

There was no fear. No disgust. He’d gotten so used to people being afraid of him. “I will come for you, wherever you are.”

“You don’t even know me,” she said quietly.

“I do.” He breathed deeply again, letting her sweet smell surround him.

“Mia?”

She looked around Blue, and he didn’t need to turn to know that Blaine and Saff had arrived, as he had scented them.

“So glad to see you awake,” Blaine said, crouching. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired. Groggy.” Mia pushed at her hair. “Like I went a few rounds in a boxing ring.”

“What do you remember?” Blaine asked.

Mia’s brow scrunched. “I remember being abducted from the House of Galen.” Her face turned stricken. “Dayna? Winter? Are they okay?”

Vek fought the urge to wrap himself around her.

“Winter is here. She helped us rescue you.” Blaine’s face hardened.

Mia’s hand grabbed Vek’s. “And Dayna?”

“Still missing.”

Mia closed her eyes. “A man snatched Dayna and me off a desert convoy. I remember screams, weapons fire, then…nothing.”

Vek ran a hand along her back, wanting to soothe her distress.

“The man’s name was Catalyst,” Saff said. “He’s dead.”

“Good.” Mia looked around, and her gaze fell on Winter, lying in Nero’s arms. She stiffened. “Winter?”

“She saved us all,” Vek said. “She was injured.”

“No!”

“She’s hurt but alive,” Blaine said. “We’ll be back in Kor Magna soon. Don’t worry. The healers will help her.”

“Be calm, Mia,” Vek said.

She looked up at him, her eyes a fascinating amber color. She touched his face again. “You need a trim.”

“For you, I will.”

“You’re free now, Vek. Free to go and do whatever you please. To find your family and your home world. I know you feel grateful to me, but—”

He shook his head. Gratitude was one emotion he felt, but there were so many things churning inside him for this woman. All he knew was that he didn’t want to be separated from her.

“Shh.” She gripped his jaw, making him look back at her. “I can see the panic on your face. Whatever happens, you have a home at the House of Galen.”

He nodded. But the only place he wanted to be was with Mia.

She sat up, looking across the desert. He saw the glimmer of tears in her eyes. “Dayna is out there, somewhere. All alone. We have to find her.”

Whatever his Mia wanted, he would get it for her. “I vow that I will find her.”

Suddenly, Mia sagged. “I’m tired.” She pressed her face against his chest and held on to him.

That simple trust broke him. He held her tight, and knew that he would die to deliver on his promise to find her friend.

“Warrior” Gladiator Calendar Giveaway

To celebrate the cover reveal of Beast, I’m giving away a 2018 Warrior Gladiator Calendar to two lucky winners.

Open internationally and closes on Sunday 22nd Oct. Winners notified by email by 29th Oct. You DO NOT have to use every option below to enter. Just select the one(s) you prefer to do.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Calendar model – Jess Vill  Photographer – Salvador Pozo

198 thoughts on “Galactic Gladiators Cover Reveal: Beast”

  1. Catherine DeWilde

    Don’t know if I would ever be able to concentrate in my office again with a calendar this hot on the wall!

      1. Yes, the calendar has a few pages that might not be workplace friendly…but are definitely worth a look or two or ten 😉

  2. Can’t wait for Vek’s story. Loving this series! Hope Mr. 3 feels better soon (poor little guy) and gets lots of ice cream after the surgery.

  3. Ive been waiting for Blue for a loong time.
    Would it be bad form to skip trick or treating so I can read him? Sigh..probably. and since my luck sucks ass, please tell me I can buy a calendar

  4. Been waiting to see if there was another book in this series, now there is! I know I won’t be disappointed!

  5. I can’t wait for this book! I’ve loved every single book in this series, not just this series but many more of Anna’s books. So excited

  6. Shannon Ferguson

    Hi Anna! The cover of Beast is great, as all your covers are. I’m so glad that you understand the power of a great cover on a book. They would definitely catch my eye and make me want to check them out, if you were a new author to me. Also, you’ve come up with an awesome giveaway!! I would definitely love to have that calendar!

  7. Another hot cover! Blue has always been my favourite coulor ?. And an awesome calendar giveaway, you are amazing Anna ❤️❤️

  8. Linda Poindexter

    Oh my, swoon worthy. I love when a strong person finds the missing piece of the puzzle. Thank you. And the cover rocks.

  9. Love this series and can’t wait for Beast! Glad I don’t have little ones for trick or treating so I can stay in and read…lol

  10. As always, I’m looking forward to reading about Vek and Mia! You have converted me to enjoying a whole new genre!

  11. Really looking forward to this. I have them all so far and am enjoying all your series. Thank you for writing books so close to my heart

  12. Looking forward to the new book , love the characters and the strong women!
    Would love that calendar!! Every month would start with a smile

  13. WOW. Great cover and I’m really looking forward to Blue’s story. I also look forward to all your new releases. Keep them coming

  14. I’ve been waiting, excitedly, for this book, so glad it is here and the cover is awesome. I think the calendar is even more so, can’t wait to see all the months!

  15. Sooo looking forward to the latest gladiators book! Somehow I’ve been extremely strong willed & have managed not to read my copy of Hell Squad’s Ash … but only just!! … I wanted to save it for my holiday that starts this weekend, so I could sit & read it in the sunshine without any distractions. Now I will be spoilt, the timely release of Beast means I get a double helping on the same holiday ?

  16. Holy mother of god!!!! Cover of that calendar is smokin’ hot. If I hung that up at work I think all the girls in my office would be hanging out at my desk! Please tell me we can buy it if we don’t win the giveaway. Love the new cover of the book and can’t wait to read about Vek!! 8 days and counting.

  17. I love the cover! I’m not into facial hair, but I certainly wouldn’t mind running my hands up and down his back! lol The colosseum at the bottom is pretty cool. That calendar would look awesome hanging on the wall by my desk!

  18. Can’t wait to read more and love all books and series by you so don’t matter what comes next just antsy to read more lol 🙂

  19. Great cover that represents the character portrayed in the previous books. I like the consistency of the cover actually representing the character. I like other am not into beards, but the book could change my mind:o)

    1. Thanks, Tracy. I work hard to get a cover that reflects the story. As for the beard…there is a sexy haircut and shaving scene, so the beard isn’t around for the entire book 😉

  20. This is one of my favorite series of all time. I basically read one after the other non stop and I can wait for Veks story. This calendar would be the hottest thing ever and I’d love to have it on my office wall. I might not get any work done but I’ll enjoy every minute of my time there

    1. So glad you love the gladiators!! And I think you’re right…wouldn’t be much work happening with this calendar on the wall 😀

  21. The new cover is amazing! Love love love the Gladiators can’t wait to read this next installment ? Calendar looks drool worthy and would be awesome to win if only to make the male members of the family uncomfortable!! Mwahaha

  22. Love the series, and I’ve been looking forward to “Blue’s” story since he first appeared. Thanks for writing kick ass and feminine heroines.

    1. Oh, my absolute pleasure, Sandi! I love writing a variety of heroines who are all strong in different ways! Enjoy Blue 🙂

  23. Your books are what keep my day full of fun and entertainment from work to even car rides i read the books and i love the stories behind each title?

  24. I absolutely cannot wait to read this!! Not my most favorite cover of all, but only because of the placing of the moon/planet behind him. <3

  25. All of Anna Hacketts books are worth the wait but the waits are soooooo long!!!!! Vek’ker should be great and blue for Halloween would be the way to go!!!

    1. LOL — I release a book around once a month!! My favorite authors make me wait 6 months to a year! Happy Halloween, Christine 🙂

  26. Wow! At the a and of a long day this was a very nice email to open up!! Great cover for Beast! Great snippet! Always love snippets!! And
    I have no words for the calendar just a happy smile. ? I really hope those will be in your store ’cause I never w in. LOL

  27. A gladiator/warrior calendar? I’m in! Wonder who is featured in May (my b’day month)? 🙂
    Have you seen the Starz TV series Spartacus yet, Anna? Fawr, talk about hot gladiators there! Awesome storyline too!

  28. This is my favourite series. I really enjoy your writing style-strong and keep my interest andthe gladiators are the cherry on top! Can hardly wait to read this!

  29. Donna McLaughlin

    That was so beautiful! If the rest of the book is like that, I’m going to need a box of tissues and lots of wine.

  30. Omg omg omg omg!!! I can’t wait! I was looking forward to Halloween anyway but this makes it even better. And that Calender, Hot Damn -fans self- Anna you are amazing and I’m so glad I found you and your books! ❤❤❤❤

  31. OMG, Anna!! I love the cover of Beast! I can’t wait to read about Vek. Your books are so hard to put down. Still drooling over the calendar. 😉

  32. Hell Squad series is my personal favorite but this on comes a close second. Amazing write! October 31st can’t come soon enough

    1. The 31st is almost here, Diane! After Beast is another gladiator book but we’ll be back with Hell Squad soon 🙂

  33. Oh Anna, you have out done yourself! I might need some alone time…. ?
    My goodness!!!!
    Thank you for being you in the most amazing ways you are!!!

  34. cool cool cover and that means that Dayna is for Galen and oh my I can’t wait for that story!!!!! I know that Vek’s story is going to be fantabuous!! And I must have that calendar,if I don”t win then please please tell me that it will be on sale like the magnets and mugs and tshirst,gah I really really want that calendar!!!!!!! And I so cannot wait for vek’s story!! Because you are the author I know it will be great!!!

  35. I have never wanted a calendar as much as this one Anna. Please please please
    I’ve read the whole series though and can’t wait for Beast.

  36. I’ve been crazy busy at work… I can’t remember off hand – Is this a new series or is it tied into an existing series? Either way it looks awesome {as usual}!

  37. Wow, am I ever glad I stumbled upon your books. The Gladiator series is awesome! My favorite series is really Hell Squad, it’s the one that got me started reading your books! Can’t get enough of them! Just finished the Phoenix Adventures. Talk about sitting on the edge of your seat. Treasure Hunters series is next (after Vek’ker of course). Thank you for sharing you wonderful stories with us.

    1. My absolute pleasure, Pam! I am so fortunate to write the stories I love and have amazing readers who love reading them. More of all the series coming soon.

  38. Omg this book is a must have for me.Thank you for sharing with us I can’t wait to snag myself a copy and dive in.

  39. Hey Anna! I’m so glad I decided to read the first Galactic Gladiators. I’m so excited to see the cover reveal for Blue’s story ? I can’t wait to read it! Awesome calendar!! Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to win one ? Thanks for sharing your awesome stories with us!!!

  40. Finally! We can read soon Blues story.
    Amazing how you keep us on our toes with witholding.
    The cover is blue lol. Somehow, I had a different picture of Blue in mind, but it fits him.

    And the calendar is hot.

  41. CAN’T WAIT–GLADIATORS ARE MY FAVORITE. WILL IT BE UP FOR PRE-ORDER AND HOW SOON WILL THE PAPERBACK BE PUBLISHED (YOU KNOW I HAVE TO HAVE BOTH). ALSO WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WARRIORS OF THE WIND STILL LOOKING FOR THE FINAL INSTALLMENT ON THE SERIES. THANKS ANNA FOR ALL THE PLEASURE AND ENJOYMENT YOUR BOOKS GIVE US–KEEP THEM COMING.

    1. No preorder, Jane, but he’ll be out on Tuesday. The paperback usually follows about a week or so later (depending how fast the approval takes!) I’ll try to make the paperback as fast as possible. And I am sooooo close to having the last Warriors of the Wind book finished. Keep an eye out for that in the next week or so too!

      1. Thanks Anna, Got my copy of Beast this morning and plan to start reading it on my lunch hour (of course I’m not going to want to work the afternoon). Will wait “patiently” for my paperback and for the Wind Warriors–thanks for being such a great writer who also takes time to “speak” with her fans.

        Got

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