Apprentice

Galaxy Circus #1

by Lexie Winston

Lila is nobody special.

She didn’t have a bad childhood despite growing up in foster homes, but there was just nothing particularly good about it either. With a boring job and only one close friend, you could say Lila is a little lost in her life.

Not to mention, her romantic life is basically nonexistent. In fact, her alien erotica and her BOB are the most actions she’s seen in ages. Until now...

After she receives a surprise inheritance, Lila’s life becomes out of this world. With the entire galaxy and a group of sexy alien men at the tips of her fingers, she's in for the ride of her life.

Apprentice is the first Galaxy Circus novel, a fast-burn RH series that contains some adults situations which may be triggering, such as dub-con.

Genres: Reverse Harem, Aliens, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Why Choose, Magic

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2021

Reviews

[Alice · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 14% after the FMC Lila got a huge info-dump on the basics of her heritage. I was not a fan of Lila's personality revealed so far, and after we got pages and pages of explanations with no other organic segue or transition after she first met her grandfathers, I lost interest trying to finish the book.

I also abandoned this author's Collector's Division series due to mediocre writing and plot pacing, so I'm thinking that this author's writing style isn't my cup of tea, and I will avoid in the future.

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pages: 356
My rating: 4

This book was a buddy read with the #cakeeaters, one of those you will not forget so easily, because we had a lot to discuss.

I loved the book. If you think this book is about circus performances then I should tell you that it is not. It has scenes where some circus acts are described but they are not too many. But the book is really good and kept me entertained. Lila finds out that she can inherit a galaxy circus if she wants and she has one year to learn the ropes and become a part of the circus. Of course there is a great background story, a lot of things to learn about the characters and a lot of speculation about the harem. My personal regret was, that I started the book and had to put it down because of real life things. Otherwise I would have started it and not moved until I finished it.

The Characters: Names and descriptions of the persons

Lila Jenson: grew up as a human on earth
John Adams: Lila’s Grandfather, is from a planet called Skar, a Skarrian. They have special abilities that are given to them by the waters of Skar. Like magic.
William Adams: Lila’s Grandfather,
Eric Adams: Lila’s Grandfather,
Fiona: Lila’s cousin, her Grandmothers sisters grandchildren. They work with Dinosaurs and do not like Lila, because they thought they will take over the circus.
Phillip: Lila’s cousin, her Grandmothers sisters grandchildren. They work with Dinosaurs and do not like Lila, because they thought they will take over the circus.
Saxon: Saves Lila from falling after her first drink of Skarrian water, is friends of Link and Xavier the warlock.
Link: Cyborg, heir to the pleasure bot empire, Doktor of the galaxy circus. Silver hair, has a shimmer to his skin. His nurse is pursuing him on behalf of his mother.
Dylan: Dragon shifter, pretends to like Lila, but spreads a lot of gossip about her.
Caspian: Kraken shifter, bonds to Lila first and his Kraken overrules the Skarrian ways and give her a bite mark and becomes her mate, the Kraken also impregnates her (dub-con).
Magenta: Skarrian girl, wants to meet Lila and gets to meet her. They hit it off.
Maxim: Sable tooth shifter, the strong one in the group and a nice guy. The woman in the group is a bitch, so the other shifters turn to him for protection.



Summery: detailed, lot’s of spoiler

Lila Jenson was called by Mr. Ryding a lawyer. He tells her that he was looking for her for a long time. Because Lila‘s parents died, when she was young and she went into the system with no relatives to take her in. And her name was changed too. So when her grandfathers found out that she is alive they could not find her easily. Also did they think that she was safe on earth, safer than being with them. But now the granddads want to retire and want Lila to inherit the Galaxy Circus. But before her final decision she has to learn how to run it for a year. Of course she has to sign a non disclosure agreement, because a lot of people want to find out the secrets of the Galaxy Circus. Working a dead end job she decides to go to the Galaxy Circus and meet the grandfathers. She has only one friend, Susie, and Lila know that she is planning to move in with her boyfriend Mark, whom Lila finds creepy. Susie is unhappy that Lila has to leave within two days to fly to London. Also she does not like that Lila can‘t tell her much about the circus, because of the NDA not even the little things she learned from the lawyer. She finally goes through the documents the lawyer gave her and finds a letter addressed to her by her Grandfathers. They tell her that they will answer all her questions and are thrilled that they finally found her and she is joining the circus. Lila also finds out that she has three grandfathers.
After quitting her job, packing her thing and a tearful goodbye with Susie she is off to London. Her Grandfathers arranged a car to bring her to the circus. When she finally arrives, she gets to see the dome, where the show takes place and it is much bigger than a traditional circus. She meets her grandfathers, who look like they are mid to late forties and all have brilliant emerald green eyes. They are identical triplets, John, William and Eric Adams. They give her a rundown: „Galaxy Circus is manned by aliens. … Galaxy Circus travels from planet to planet, working as a kind of United Nations. They make deals and trades between various different species. … They are also used as a bit of a transport service for species who would like to travel the galaxy. Like a tour service for aliens. The aliens work for the circus, and they get travel included in their salary. …. The granddads and other members of the circus are not human, so Lila is not human too.“ Lila is shocked and thinks that they are pranking her. But it turns out that John was only nervous and dumped the info on her. John tells Lila that they are from a planet called Skar and a group of people left Skar and went to earth and were struck there, because their spaceship crashed. But over the year the group on earth did not have access to water from Skar and they lost their abilities slowly. And then Lila gets a demonstration of Erics telekinesis. Lila is exited and she finally asks about her parents. Turns out that her Dad was the son of the three grandfathers. Her Dad married her mother and they loved each other very much. They were traveling with the circus and wanted to take over, when the grandfathers retired. But when they became pregnant with Lila they wanted a time away form the circus to keep the family and Lila safe. They went to earth and settled there. But someone got wind of the plan and went after her parents. But when they had the accident Lila was staying with a friend of the family that’s why she survived. Six month before Lila’s parents were killed her grandmother was taken. So when Lila’s parents died, the grandfathers were a mess and struggling to keep the circus together.
Lila also finds out that Skarrians are a polyamorous society. They have one on one relations like Lila’s parents but multiples are much more common. The Skarian water seals the Skarrians in a bonded relationship, fully of the partners choice, and a brand will appear on someone they are attracted to. But they do not have to bond, if they don’t the mark will disappear. Children only happen for Skarrians if they are in a bonded relationship. And the partner does not have to be Skarrian.
Lila finds out that the dome is a part of a bigger spacecraft, which will detach and land whenever they perform. Bigger things like mermaid tanks and others get transported during the show ‘Scotty’ style.
Lila is bothered by headaches again. She had them for some time and when the grandfathers find out about this they suggest, that Lila should drink Skarrian water. She got that when her mum was pregnant with her and when she was little but after they died, she did not get any and the grandfathers think that she has a withdrawal reaction in form of headaches. And that’s also the reason, why she hasn’t shown any powers. They decide to show Lila the housing. On their way Lila meets a woman and a guy with red hair and freckles, who seem to be brother and sister and they are not thrilled to see Lila. Turns out they are Phillip and Fiona and they are her cousins, grandchildren of her grandmothers sister. They oversee Dinosaurs. After that they arrive at her room the grandfather give her an all access pass, which will open all important rooms and levels, even the Teleporter room.

The next days Lila starts to train with her grandfathers to find out what her powers are. But they have no luck. She also starts meeting the performers form the act. First of all she mets Saxon and Link. Saxon saved her after she drank the first Skarrian water and Link came to examine her as he is the ship Doktor. He will also implant the galactic translator, so she can understand different Languages. Dylan and Caspian is the first act she meets and she gets her bound mark form meeting Caspian. Lila learns more and more about the circus every day. Xavier the warlock is fascinated by her and he feeds form her until her grandfather interrupts him. But he is over the moon because he likes her taste. He also gets a bond mark and Lila too. She has another encounter with Link where he offers to pleasure her because he has mad pleasure bot skills, but they are interrupted by the rude nurse who afterward reveals his plans to Link. The only girl she makes friend with is Magenta another Skarian. They get along well. Caspian shows her how to ready her room for the departure to the mothership. But he is stuck with Lila in her capsule. And on the way they use the time to have some smexy time. But at one point his kraken takes over and he makes Lila his mate overruling the five tryouts a Skarrian has with her partner of interest and he impregnates her with three eggs. Caspian is unhappy about it and he thinks that Lila will hate him. But she does not. She even tells him to move into her parents suite, which has six bedrooms and he is happy about it. He also likes Lila a lot because she is much different than the other girls he encountered. After Lila became Capians mate he tells her that she is able to shift into a kraken too. And they meet at the mermaid tank to try it out. Lila can shift but only a partial shift at the first time.
Dylan first fakes to be her best friend but when he finds out that Caspian is interested in her he gets angry and starts spreading rumors about Lila. Turns out that Dylan is a manwhore, who is interested in the people who reject him the most. Because he normally is not rejected. So at the end Dylan is very rude to Lila and she is upset, because she did not see that Dylan is just being friends to keep the enemy close. Caspian and Link comfort her and Caspian tells Link that Lila is their girl.

[Zen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun!

So I will admit that this book was a little out there, but what better story to convey that than a space circus. I'll say it again. Space. Circus. It was a little wacky, A little dramatic, and a full of magical, Star Trek sciencey goodness. I can't wait for the next one.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made it the first 17% in before I had to take a break. Instead of alien circus, it felt like a cosplay party with the typical mean girls, horrid cousins and a new gay best friend. I thought about dropping it but picked it up again. It was a roller coaster with things going pretty quickly. Pretty Caspian heavy but in a good way. Another tentacle story with plot. Gotta love those. There's the standard parents murder accident and protect the magical orb, but other than that there is a lot that could happen. Will be interesting to see what happens next. A bit of M/M, tentacles, a moment of dubious consent and getting knocked up. Liking the warlock, the doctor not so much.

[Ramirez L.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun Read With Some Flawed Characters

While I am a massive RH fan, aliens generally aren't my thing. However, I have really enjoyed some of Winston's other books so I gave this one a whirl and found myself really enjoying it.

My biggest problem with the book is the tropes and stereotypes surrounding one of the antagonists in the book. I don't think it's done malaciously or even deliberately. But it's 2021 and if you are using polyamory to sell books I think you have a responsibility to think and writing intersectionally.

[Nadia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tentacle porn, I had no clue what it was, I mean maybe I had a clue based off of the name, but needed more clarification.... and clarification I got. Lol

This book wasn't bad, it was fine. I appreciate that the author had broken from the RH typical of Fae, Daemon, Vampire, Werecreature people. I'm all down for alien lovin' and aliens that don't really mate like humans, but the writing didn't really grab me. It was a quick turnaround from human girl to a whole other universe that you must embrace. There were no real sweet moments between her burgeoning harem that I could grab on to. It was a fast RH in the sense that she hooks up with them sexually quickly, but, doesn't mate all of them right away. The villains were cringy in this book too. For such a well-oiled machine this circus doesn't really communicate with each other about anything or bring problems to the top. You would think the leaders of the circus would hear about their employees talking crap about their loved ones.

I will read the next one though I am curious about where this story leads. I DO like aliens in RH so I really want to see if I can properly get into it



Edit:
I didnt realize I have read this author before . I really like her "abandoned girl" series, and I never like contemporary bully-ish RH romances. So I have hopes that my opinion of this series can be turned around

[Mika · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was terri-bad. What a horrible day to have eyes.

[KLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot how much I loved this book!
If you're after a fast paced story with great writing and steamy alien spice, I'd give this series a go. While the storyline is pretty simple and straightforward, the character development and interactions fill in any gaps.

[Shelby E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This was so FREAKING GOOD! I devoured this book and was disappointed when I finished. 😖 I wanted more! Lila (the FMC), is so cool and unique. She is intelligent, funny, and very curious about everything but so open minded! Lila finds out her grandpas (yes multiple grandpas) want her to come into the business and take over if she wanted to at the end of the year. When she goes and sees everything, we’ll this circus is NOT a normal circus. This circus is full of aliens and magic!!!!! Gosh this book was AMAZING!

This will be a RH book! And Lila! 🤣🤣 She is so curious about the different male species and their anatomy! 😂😂 But she actually meets a few of her potential mates/bonds. But she does get ravaged and sexy, mated, and… impregnated by her first mate! 😂 lol.

Their are multiple POVs. But mostly told from Lila’s POV.

Harem (so far): Caspian (the first mate, baby daddy, and a kraken who know how to use his tentacles! 🤣) Link (not mates yet, but I think next book he will be locked down by Lila. He is a human and machine. So a very advanced cyborg.) Xavier ( a prince and very powerful warlock.) Their are a few more males that could be, but I was still not sure. Again second book should be very interesting regarding Lila’s harem!!!

Sexiness: 4.75 out 5! 🔥🔥🔥 This is mostly Lila and Caspian’s moment!!

I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL BOOK TWO!!! I’m so sad and disappointed that I have to wait MONTHS! 😖😖😭😅

This review is of my own opinion.

[TipseyBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy hotness! Lila is stunned to find out that she has family and will be taking over the Galaxy circus - which has lots of rumors about it - or are they just rumors! This is a fast paced, steamy, smoking hot story, I really liked Lila and I hope we get to learn more about each of the guys. I have hopes that maybe a few more might get included :)

[LadyBugJaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

hmmm what can I say about "Apprentice"?
It was more like a Master of Lust not an Apprentice of anything.
It was okay, but a very simple book. The only interesting thing about it is Aliens. However, I wanted to see and know more about these aliens than how horny our MC is.

[E]

Eh, this was very simply written. Just not for me.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lost me at the immediate pregnancy.

[ROMEOISNOTFUNNY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed that book.

I don't know what I was expecting, but I got way more. Wait no I was expecting a straight to the point alien smut book with simple back story, okay character build, side task but the main being a character finding their mate and having mind blowing fun discovering them.
What I got was back story with mystery that could come back and affect the MCs, a secret within a secret within a secret. It's a funny FMC with sass and a big heart. A why choose option for romance and aliens that read like paranormals.

So, a fun sci-fi paranormal alien romance RH with smex steam and smut.

I am so invested I hurt when our FMC hurt, so yes, please to book 2!
4.5 stars

[Courtney VanWormer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!

This was a really unique and fun story to read. Ended much too soon! I really like that Lila wasn’t the usual freaked out main character that fights her feelings and the situation at every turn. It was so refreshing to see her be accepting of what was going on. And I love how open her potential lovers have been so far. Really really great start, can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Jenni Gauntt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my aliens!

I am completely blown away by this book! I freaking LOVED IT! Lila and Caspian are amazing. They make my heart so happy! I have a good feeling for some of the other males that we have been introduced to in Book 1. I absolutely can not wait until book 2. I know its only going to get crazier from here!! Amazing job!

[Kathryn Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza!!!

Thisssss!!! Was absolutely amazing. Every weird craving that’s ever popped into mind is all here in vivid technicolor! This was the first Lexie book I’ve ever read and it’s certainly not going to be my last. Now. To wait for book 2…. 💜

[Anya Champagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Okay I admit it. Tentacles are definitely not my thing, but I think this book could convert anyone! Steamy hot, and absolutely engrossing. I devoured this book as fast as I could and now must wait impatient,y for the next one. I need more. Now, please and thank you. Write faster please. Pretty please. 😂

[Susan Abao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!

I love the world building! The circus atmosphere coupled with the other-worldly characters make for a great backdrop for a finding yourself story. Oh, and the steamy scenes are super fun too!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining story with heat

Loved this story, it's funny and packing heat and steam. Entertaining book, but leaves you with questions. I need more.

[Kari Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need more!

Really enjoyed this book! I love Alien romances and this one was so good, but the next book doesn't come out till next year.. Guess I'll read the authors other books too.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly good

I've had this on and off my tbr for ages, finally decided to give it a go. Aliens aren't usually my thing but this was easier to read than I expected.

[Sarah Hopkins-Lucynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow!

Read this book! The blurb doesn't do it justice, it's so good!
The world building is good. I'm finding it all very interesting without feeling like I'm being dumped on with all the info. It's a good balance.
The steamy scenes with the extra appendages are hot. There's a bit of MM with preludes of more to come.
I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Suella.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!

I’m always down to read a book with some tentacle love! This book also added in two of my favorite genres, RH and Alien! I devoured this book and can not wait to see who gets added to the group, and more of Lila and her powers! This book is 🐙🔥🔥

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll start this review off by saying this book isn't going to be for everyone. There are certain elements (mainly tentacle sex 🐙) that some people may not be down for. I'm a bit conflicted on the rating for this one. There were a lot of parts that I really loved, but then there were some parts I really didn't.

I love the concept of an intergalactic circus. That's really what drew me in, plus the fact it's RH, so we'll get different tastes of alien D - I'm here for. Where I've docked this a star is the pace is a bit too quick for my liking - Lila adjusts to the fact she's not human and now runs the circus a bit too well. I wanted a bit more time where she comes to terms with and explores the different cultures before she dives into running a circus. I'm sure Lexie will develop this as the series continues, but I like more world development in my alien books.

There's also some dub-con going on in this book, which I'm not the biggest fan of. I get why Lexie did it for the storyline, but it's def rubbed me the wrong way. That said, I'll still have book two on my TBR pile.

The FMC!
Lila is an orphan who was just living her life until she discovered that she inherited a circus from grandfathers who found her years after she'd been missing. Lila's a bit of a jack of all trades and adaptable from living in many different households. She's a go with the flow type of lady and open-minded

The Guys!
I think we've met all the guys in the harem, but not 100% sure - which I like! The main guy in book 1 is Caspian - our Kraken octo-man. He's a bit of a dick, but in a good way.

We'll def get a well-rounded harem as the series continues. We have the cyborg, Link; the warlock, Xavier; and the vampire, Saxon to be added in later. It'll be interesting to see how those cultures and species mix.

The Smut!
There is some very sexy tentacle sex if that's what you're into (which it turns out I am). Honestly, the sex scene was hot as all get out. I can't wait to see how the harem develops.

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apprentice

Welcome to the amazing world of Lila Jensen, she has been in foster care all her life and was just told that her long lost grandfathers have located her, and not only want to meet her, but want to pass down the family business to her. Lila is thrilled, excited to meet her new relatives, and scared of the new world she will be immersed in for the next 12 months. The business she is getting ready to inherit…a circus! Not just any circus, but a circus that can travel through the Galaxy.

With so many new species of aliens to learn and interact with, mates and mate marks to deal with, she also learns that someone she trusted is betraying her through words and deeds.

But as many things that have gone bad, some things have gone amazingly well! She meets new people, gains some much needed time with her grandpa’s and let me just say the first mate she accepts is yummy!!! 🔥🔥🔥🍾🥂 if you are looking for something different, something hot and steamy then this is the book for you!

Run away to the Galaxy Circus with me and meet all the new acts that seem to far fetched to be true! This is one trip to the circus you will be happy you made.

[Skay Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! That was an amazing trip. I love that I was immediately immersed in the story from the very first page. Lila learns she has been bequeathed the Galaxy Circus. She has 12 months to learn everything and decide if she wants to keep it or let it pass on to another family member. Lila learns she is not human and the circus is manned by aliens. She has to try to keep from reacting to the various species she encounters. Lila is attracted to a number of individuals aboard and soon finds out she may have more than one be mate in this crazy galaxy traveling circus. I’ve never read anything like this and I didn’t know how much I was depriving myself. This is an epic thrill ride from begging to end. If you love out of this world aliens with magic like powers and shifters, this is absolutely the book for you!

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough. Lexie brings all the stuff I never knew I needed. The world building in this book blew me away and it leaves me wanting more! Is it bad that I want to be Lila? I can’t wait to see who all she collects along her journey. Aliens? Existent animals? Circus? Tentacles? Omg, yes please! Without giving anything away, I highly recommend this book! Even if you think you might not enjoy aliens, sci-fi romance, I promise you, it doesn’t read like it. Now lexie get back to writing book two! I need it now!!

[Alicia Spalding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Lexie Winston outdid herself this time. I could not put it down. Such an original plot and intricately carved characters. I fell in love with them and Lexie's creativity. She shocks and lures you in so compellingly and you cannot help but be captivated. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this wild alien RH journey goes next!! Bring it on!!!!!

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could've just as easily been 70pgs, ijs.

This book had all the potential! Instead the reader is handed tons of unnecessary details while the simplest stuff like the missing grandmother's name is NEVER mentioned. It felt like a very rough draft. Idk folks...I never leave reviews but this book irked me enough to call for a few words of warning.