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Anguis Defenders #2
Tara's Big O
Ophidian rescued Tara from the catastrophe on Earth, except her alien savior was downright terrifying. The massive Anguis general had venomous fangs, razor-sharp spines on his arms and followed her like a predator lurking in the shadows. But O quickly grew on her with his kind gestures and sexy swagger. Before she can confess her feelings—everything between them changes.
She should’ve known better. The Anguis mated on instinct—not for love.
The insatiable need to mate Tara snuck up on Ophidian like a punch to the gut. It’s his duty to guard the tiny human female, the physician who saved half the known universe—not rut atop her like a mindless beast in heat. Desperate to prevent his hormones from taking over after witnessing how badly humans responded to the aggressive Anguis bonding, he assumes a mission that would take him light-years away. He’ll never hurt Tara, she means too much to him.
It will take a trip across the universe and being repeatedly torn apart for them to finally find each other.But nothing will get between Tara and her Big O.Caution – This book has adult content and may have triggers for some.
She should’ve known better. The Anguis mated on instinct—not for love.
The insatiable need to mate Tara snuck up on Ophidian like a punch to the gut. It’s his duty to guard the tiny human female, the physician who saved half the known universe—not rut atop her like a mindless beast in heat. Desperate to prevent his hormones from taking over after witnessing how badly humans responded to the aggressive Anguis bonding, he assumes a mission that would take him light-years away. He’ll never hurt Tara, she means too much to him.
It will take a trip across the universe and being repeatedly torn apart for them to finally find each other.But nothing will get between Tara and her Big O.Caution – This book has adult content and may have triggers for some.
470 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2020
69 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie West
28 books246 followersThank you for your interest in my fairy tales.
Here's to the imagination and a little daydream.
https://www.amazon.com/author/stephan...
http://www.stephaniewestauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieWes...
Writing is my hobby. As a child, I had a hard time learning to read, so anything I took an interest in was deemed acceptable. I have always enjoyed fairy tales, the older unsanitized versions, as well as the modern ones, mythology, science fiction, action and romance. As I read, my mind wanders, spinning its own tales. So, I figured I’d share my ramblings with you.
The books I write contain little snippets from my life. I leave it to you to decide which scenes are fact, fiction, or a bit of both. I am far braver and bolder than is likely sensible, so my heroines are just as gutsy. I'd probably be categorized as an adrenalin junky. My life has been an adventure. I've done archaeology in the hot sun, am well versed with power tools, took Tae Kwon Do in college, have ridden on a Harley with a dark stranger, but never met an alien, vampire or shifter, that I know of.
My stories are tawdry, feature a heroine who is gifted in some way, and will always end happily ever after. It is my opinion this is meant to be entertainment, and a depressing ending is not entertainment. Real life offers enough depressing crap. However, I have been called dark.
My apologies for my horrific grammar. It is something I struggle with. It is probably connected to the slow reading thing. Believe me people have tried. I truly hope that my fairy tales make up for it.
Here's to the imagination and a little daydream.
https://www.amazon.com/author/stephan...
http://www.stephaniewestauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieWes...
Writing is my hobby. As a child, I had a hard time learning to read, so anything I took an interest in was deemed acceptable. I have always enjoyed fairy tales, the older unsanitized versions, as well as the modern ones, mythology, science fiction, action and romance. As I read, my mind wanders, spinning its own tales. So, I figured I’d share my ramblings with you.
The books I write contain little snippets from my life. I leave it to you to decide which scenes are fact, fiction, or a bit of both. I am far braver and bolder than is likely sensible, so my heroines are just as gutsy. I'd probably be categorized as an adrenalin junky. My life has been an adventure. I've done archaeology in the hot sun, am well versed with power tools, took Tae Kwon Do in college, have ridden on a Harley with a dark stranger, but never met an alien, vampire or shifter, that I know of.
My stories are tawdry, feature a heroine who is gifted in some way, and will always end happily ever after. It is my opinion this is meant to be entertainment, and a depressing ending is not entertainment. Real life offers enough depressing crap. However, I have been called dark.
My apologies for my horrific grammar. It is something I struggle with. It is probably connected to the slow reading thing. Believe me people have tried. I truly hope that my fairy tales make up for it.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 8, 2025
This is my fourth book by this author
All her other works have been a 4 ⭐ for me. She has this uncanny ability to mix despair and sweetness, angst and fluffy.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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All her other works have been a 4 ⭐ for me. She has this uncanny ability to mix despair and sweetness, angst and fluffy.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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March 21, 2020
Be prepared - full of surprises!
This is a journey unlike any other. A mission of mercy quickly goes awry, leaving Tara and Ophidian in heaps of trouble. Tara is really quite bold! She’s in love with her big Ophidian, but he keeps making himself ‘unavailable.’ Stubborn male! It takes quite a strong woman to put her own pride on the line and pursue her guy. I won’t try to list all the mishaps that befall them; just know that they share “a love that transcends everything.”
There are so many fascinating characters we meet on this journey - each plays an important role in the outcome. Well written, thrilling, sometimes shocking, yet overall heartwarming!
This is a journey unlike any other. A mission of mercy quickly goes awry, leaving Tara and Ophidian in heaps of trouble. Tara is really quite bold! She’s in love with her big Ophidian, but he keeps making himself ‘unavailable.’ Stubborn male! It takes quite a strong woman to put her own pride on the line and pursue her guy. I won’t try to list all the mishaps that befall them; just know that they share “a love that transcends everything.”
There are so many fascinating characters we meet on this journey - each plays an important role in the outcome. Well written, thrilling, sometimes shocking, yet overall heartwarming!
September 28, 2024
This story covers a lot of territory, with several disconnected settings. The underlying basis for the plot is stretched a bit too far for me, though true romantics might appreciate it more. It's not helped by the large number of characters, a few established in the series, but many new and random people. There are sex scenes, but they are not memorable.
March 24, 2020
Wow this was a ride! I thought it was just going to be a trip to earth but instead we went across the galaxy. I loved the Dissenters. I loved the females that had grit and weren’t putting up with anything wrong. The technology was really cool too! The different people were really interesting. The world building was top notch. So cool to see the connections with Boaz, Lyr, Blaidd and etc. This world is getting bigger! Keep up the great work.
April 24, 2024
Tara's Big O
Overall I like the world building going on in this series and the species that the MMCs come from.
The author does a great job of describing humans, especially in our reaction to aliens and the humans that have interacted with them. From the MMC’s thoughts,
“How does he possibly think we’re going to reason with people who imprison their own females and young?”
I know, right? I just felt like this statement summed us up without even needing to have an alien invasion.
The main conflict between the characters revolves around the intensity and near violence with which the MMCs mate (sometimes). With how powerful they are, it's important that they are careful. As the MMC says,
“You are not made to withstand an Anguis. We are worse than animals in rut the first time. I could kill you without even trying.”
However, the MMC takes it so far that they almost didn't come together at all. As the MFC says near the end of the book,
“Yeah, you hurt me, Ophidian. With your fear of hurting me, you let me slip through your fingers. You ran across the universe and I had to chase you down. I almost didn’t, thinking I wasn’t the one….”
Honestly, his denial of their relationship stressed me out from the beginning. However, the book took some interesting turns and showed how drawn they were to be together.
The MFC is weirdly childish sometimes even though she is a medical doctor. At times, I had a hard time reconciling her as the same character. The second half of the book had a bit more chaos than I needed but the story was fun overall.
Overall I like the world building going on in this series and the species that the MMCs come from.
The author does a great job of describing humans, especially in our reaction to aliens and the humans that have interacted with them. From the MMC’s thoughts,
“How does he possibly think we’re going to reason with people who imprison their own females and young?”
I know, right? I just felt like this statement summed us up without even needing to have an alien invasion.
The main conflict between the characters revolves around the intensity and near violence with which the MMCs mate (sometimes). With how powerful they are, it's important that they are careful. As the MMC says,
“You are not made to withstand an Anguis. We are worse than animals in rut the first time. I could kill you without even trying.”
However, the MMC takes it so far that they almost didn't come together at all. As the MFC says near the end of the book,
“Yeah, you hurt me, Ophidian. With your fear of hurting me, you let me slip through your fingers. You ran across the universe and I had to chase you down. I almost didn’t, thinking I wasn’t the one….”
Honestly, his denial of their relationship stressed me out from the beginning. However, the book took some interesting turns and showed how drawn they were to be together.
The MFC is weirdly childish sometimes even though she is a medical doctor. At times, I had a hard time reconciling her as the same character. The second half of the book had a bit more chaos than I needed but the story was fun overall.
May 8, 2021
3.5 stars
I would’ve given it a higher rating if the heroine hadn’t had so many TSTL moments 🙄 She was supposed to be super smart but her impulsive behaviour suggested otherwise. Thank goodness for the hero (and others) saving her a$$ multiple times. In saying that, the hero had his dumb moments too - I mean what was his plan with denying their mating? Wouldn’t he have just gotten more and more feral until he attacked her regardless? Actually why didn’t that happen since it was such a huge part of the plot line in the first book - the hero couldn’t resist the mating urge at all. But for some reason this guy managed it 🤔
There were some good parts to the story, but like I mentioned, some annoying parts too. I’d probably try another book in this series if it becomes available.
I would’ve given it a higher rating if the heroine hadn’t had so many TSTL moments 🙄 She was supposed to be super smart but her impulsive behaviour suggested otherwise. Thank goodness for the hero (and others) saving her a$$ multiple times. In saying that, the hero had his dumb moments too - I mean what was his plan with denying their mating? Wouldn’t he have just gotten more and more feral until he attacked her regardless? Actually why didn’t that happen since it was such a huge part of the plot line in the first book - the hero couldn’t resist the mating urge at all. But for some reason this guy managed it 🤔
There were some good parts to the story, but like I mentioned, some annoying parts too. I’d probably try another book in this series if it becomes available.
April 6, 2022
3.5 ⭐
So, here's the deal. This is absolutely NOT the story suggested by the title. I mean, come on! Look at it! Instead of cheesy alien porn, we got a real story.
Tara and O have been giving each other puppy dog eyes since the last book. Now, in their own book, we see that O is refusing to give into his bond with Tara in fear of hurting her with his uncontrollable hormone induced mate-rage and his enormous...manhood. Just as Tara is about to force the issue, they are abducted, fitted with mind wipe devices, then sold into slavery. From that point, they do nothing but escape and fight. Oh, and, every so often, the villain re-mind wipes them.
This really does happen too many times and the book starts to drag. But, we see the main theme that no matter how many times their memories of each other are removed, they always find each other and recognize each other cosmically.
In all, I'm happy the book did not live up to the title.
So, here's the deal. This is absolutely NOT the story suggested by the title. I mean, come on! Look at it! Instead of cheesy alien porn, we got a real story.
Tara and O have been giving each other puppy dog eyes since the last book. Now, in their own book, we see that O is refusing to give into his bond with Tara in fear of hurting her with his uncontrollable hormone induced mate-rage and his enormous...manhood. Just as Tara is about to force the issue, they are abducted, fitted with mind wipe devices, then sold into slavery. From that point, they do nothing but escape and fight. Oh, and, every so often, the villain re-mind wipes them.
This really does happen too many times and the book starts to drag. But, we see the main theme that no matter how many times their memories of each other are removed, they always find each other and recognize each other cosmically.
In all, I'm happy the book did not live up to the title.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2021
Again &Again
An alien romance that spanned galaxies and planets with a hunky alien and a petite,intelligent human doctor. There was so much action in this book. Unlike with the first book, I had no idea where this one was going. Ms. West has an amazing imagination to create such fascinating and sometimes warped character and unique world building. I was engaged from the beginning and didn’t stop until I was finished.
An alien romance that spanned galaxies and planets with a hunky alien and a petite,intelligent human doctor. There was so much action in this book. Unlike with the first book, I had no idea where this one was going. Ms. West has an amazing imagination to create such fascinating and sometimes warped character and unique world building. I was engaged from the beginning and didn’t stop until I was finished.
January 20, 2023
This series is worth reading
I wasn’t sure there was much of a story to Tara and O after the first book but I was wrong .
This author is not afraid to send you on the worst adventure of your life. I could not believe the hits that kept coming. At some point I cried for mercy. The world building was so on point and the many new species well described. This series is such a wonderful surprise.
I wasn’t sure there was much of a story to Tara and O after the first book but I was wrong .
This author is not afraid to send you on the worst adventure of your life. I could not believe the hits that kept coming. At some point I cried for mercy. The world building was so on point and the many new species well described. This series is such a wonderful surprise.
September 26, 2021
***BIG O INDEED***
Ok usually stephanie West garners a firve stars from any of her books from me but not this one. It drags on too long and too much violence. And also Tara how many times that she endangers O by her screaming like a banshee and making him loses his focust? Ok just too many times that they got into trouble.
Ok usually stephanie West garners a firve stars from any of her books from me but not this one. It drags on too long and too much violence. And also Tara how many times that she endangers O by her screaming like a banshee and making him loses his focust? Ok just too many times that they got into trouble.
September 12, 2022
Bigger and better!
This book was a plot point than the first and had twice the heart-pounding action and adventure. Tara and O went through a Lot! But they always found each other, which was the best part.
I also really liked that we got to see the gritty underbelly of the universe. There can't be victory without a good struggle.
This book was a plot point than the first and had twice the heart-pounding action and adventure. Tara and O went through a Lot! But they always found each other, which was the best part.
I also really liked that we got to see the gritty underbelly of the universe. There can't be victory without a good struggle.
November 14, 2021
Tara's big O
The character Tara is a hero as she successfully completed the vaccines needed to stop an extremely bad pandemic. Her Anguis, self-proclaimed bodyguard, is her secret crush and so the "games" begin.
The character Tara is a hero as she successfully completed the vaccines needed to stop an extremely bad pandemic. Her Anguis, self-proclaimed bodyguard, is her secret crush and so the "games" begin.
October 14, 2023
Wow! I was at the edge of my seat through most of the story! Just when I thought everything was going to be ok… snap! Something would happen and everything was head over heels! Thoroughly enjoyed the ride!
Read
October 1, 2020DNF
November 3, 2021
Good read
Yes there were some very horrible things that happened to several of the people in this book. But also some good things so beware. Still worth the read.
Yes there were some very horrible things that happened to several of the people in this book. But also some good things so beware. Still worth the read.
February 5, 2022
Very good world building.
May 1, 2023
To simple for my taste. The action, characters, everything was simple and okay. No darkens no triggers, nothing. I did except more since I did read some books of SW and liked it.
November 5, 2023
Cool
Wow! This book was very cool 😎
I like it a lot!!! All the drama was intense, It wasn't a boring book at all, and loved the ending!!!!
🎉🎉🎉🥳🥳🥳😊😊😊😊
Wow! This book was very cool 😎
I like it a lot!!! All the drama was intense, It wasn't a boring book at all, and loved the ending!!!!
🎉🎉🎉🥳🥳🥳😊😊😊😊
January 25, 2024
Nice
This book is a nice long easy read by Miss Stephanie West. Weaved a good story with the characters finding each other's heart eventually.
This book is a nice long easy read by Miss Stephanie West. Weaved a good story with the characters finding each other's heart eventually.
March 24, 2020
Holy hand grenades! That was a wild ride! You've probably read sci-fi romance tales of fated mates, but I think that Tara and Ophidian take the grand prize. Tara is a doctor from earth that helps the Anguis with a vaccine for a terrible scourge. Ophidian becomes her friend. Ophidian knows that Tara is his mate, but he can't have her for he will surely injure her. So O leaves to return many humans to earth without telling Tara. Tara leaves the next day to confront him because she thinks she's in love with him. And thus, the huge adventure begins. They are sold into slavery, go on a trek in a desert, befriend a bunch of Dissenters, and the fun goes on and on.
This book has epic fights and so many twists that I was on the edge of my seat. Truly fabulous story! If I could give Tara's Big O 10 stars, I would!! I will definitely be reading the rest of this series as it's released. 5+++ stars
This book has epic fights and so many twists that I was on the edge of my seat. Truly fabulous story! If I could give Tara's Big O 10 stars, I would!! I will definitely be reading the rest of this series as it's released. 5+++ stars
March 29, 2020
Ok this is going to be unpopular, but after waiting so long for this story, I was not happy with it. I love Stephanie West, and think she is an awesome story teller but I just did not like everything that happened with Tara & O in this story. I just felt that they had way too much thrown at them.
I ended up skimming 3/4 of the book just to make it to the end because I borrowed this book through KU and I do want Ms. West to get paid for this.
Not every book is for every person, and that is ok. If there are more in this series I will definitely read them. I read all the Cadi Warriors books and loved those as well as the first book in this series.
This one just isn't for me.
I ended up skimming 3/4 of the book just to make it to the end because I borrowed this book through KU and I do want Ms. West to get paid for this.
Not every book is for every person, and that is ok. If there are more in this series I will definitely read them. I read all the Cadi Warriors books and loved those as well as the first book in this series.
This one just isn't for me.
March 28, 2020
Book two in the Anguis Defenders series a well written story, I was not putting it down until I had finished reading it. Ophidian/O and Tara's story has a Anguis general who does know how to express himself and a human who is coming to love him. There is suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, a villain, and romance. I hope there is more to come in this series. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2020
I loved the 1st book in this series, Vipers Hope, and was disappointed when I finished it because I wanted more. You can imaging my surprise when I found out the amazing Stephanie West was writing the 2nd book. I was so excited. When the book was finally released, I devoured it! It was so good!!! It had ups, downs, love, humor, more ups and more downs, action, adventure and a happily ever after! I LOVED it and can't wait for more!!!
May 26, 2020
This is Tara and Ophidian's ("O") story and it will keep you reading past your bedtime. By the time Tara realizes she loves O, they have been separated by many bad guys to include Earth military, mercenaries, slave traders and more. Each time they get back together. Unfortunately their memories are wiped a few times but recognition of their love still clicks. Can't wait for the next book. I read this book through the Kindle Unlimited program.
July 8, 2020
First off, I enjoyed this book. The author jammed a whole lot of action (and I’m not talking about pages of endless sex) into this one. I doubt I have read another book where the “heroine” got in and out of so many life-threatening situations. But it’s a story. It’s meant to entertain and it did.
April 8, 2020
2.5 stars. I love Stephanie West - huge fan here - but this was just a miss for me. The amount of hoop-jumping the characters had to go through was painful for me at some points.
That being said I still love the world-building that goes into her novels.
That being said I still love the world-building that goes into her novels.
May 4, 2020
Would have gotten 4 stars if the dialog would have been better. It was like a badly written hallmark channel movie in parts, i mean i KNOW they're all bad but honestly. Author is a good story teller so it made up for the few parts that delved into hallmark land.
March 24, 2020
A really really really good read with fantastically deep and complex characters snark hot hot sexy times and a plot that keeps you turning the pages
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews