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Venora Mates #4
Enticed from the Deep
Caught in the web of intergalactic politics, three unlikely people will have to find a way to work together.
The Grutex scientist Erusha once considered the fading memories of his past lives to be an unfortunate side effect of the rebirthing process, but now he wishes more than anything that he could forget. The little human is his mate, the light shining in the darkness of his soul. He fears she will never forgive him for the things he’s done, and what will happen when his newly found bondmate discovers Erusha’s horrific past?
Telisa Moore is determined to ignore the pull she feels for the Grutex scientist. She thought she’d left him far behind in the lab when she and her fellow humans escaped, but he’s been invading her dreams. To make matters worse, he isn’t the only alien male taking up space in her mind. The battle-scarred Venium Head of Security looks at Telisa as if he can’t decide if he wants to pull her into his arms or send her out of an airlock. Either way, she’s got far more important things to worry about. Like how she’s going to convince the leaders on Earth to ally with the Venium.
Nakkov would give anything to be able to return to the battlefield, to stand with his brothers and sisters against the enemies of Venora, but his mechanical arm and leg make him unfit to serve in the military as he once did. Serving as Head of Security pales in comparison to his lifetime as a warrior. He despises the looks of pity and the way his crewmates treat him as if he were some broken creature, but that isn’t how Telisa or Erusha treat him. Nakkov doesn’t want a mate, and he certainly isn’t thrilled to find out his bondmate is a Grutex traitor, but fate seldom cares about things like that.
With war looming and a target on their backs, Erusha, Telisa, and Nakkov will have to find a way to come together in order to save millions of lives that hang in the balance.
The Grutex scientist Erusha once considered the fading memories of his past lives to be an unfortunate side effect of the rebirthing process, but now he wishes more than anything that he could forget. The little human is his mate, the light shining in the darkness of his soul. He fears she will never forgive him for the things he’s done, and what will happen when his newly found bondmate discovers Erusha’s horrific past?
Telisa Moore is determined to ignore the pull she feels for the Grutex scientist. She thought she’d left him far behind in the lab when she and her fellow humans escaped, but he’s been invading her dreams. To make matters worse, he isn’t the only alien male taking up space in her mind. The battle-scarred Venium Head of Security looks at Telisa as if he can’t decide if he wants to pull her into his arms or send her out of an airlock. Either way, she’s got far more important things to worry about. Like how she’s going to convince the leaders on Earth to ally with the Venium.
Nakkov would give anything to be able to return to the battlefield, to stand with his brothers and sisters against the enemies of Venora, but his mechanical arm and leg make him unfit to serve in the military as he once did. Serving as Head of Security pales in comparison to his lifetime as a warrior. He despises the looks of pity and the way his crewmates treat him as if he were some broken creature, but that isn’t how Telisa or Erusha treat him. Nakkov doesn’t want a mate, and he certainly isn’t thrilled to find out his bondmate is a Grutex traitor, but fate seldom cares about things like that.
With war looming and a target on their backs, Erusha, Telisa, and Nakkov will have to find a way to come together in order to save millions of lives that hang in the balance.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2022
57 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Octavia Kore
11 books213 followersBorn in the Sunshine State, Hayley and Amanda are cousins who have come together to write under the name Octavia Kore. Both share a love for reading, a passion for writing, and the inclination toward word vomiting when meeting new people. Ecstasy from the Deep (From the Depths Anthology version) was their very first published work. Hayley and Amanda are both stay-at-home-parents who squeeze in time to write when they aren’t being used as jungle gyms or snack dispensers. They are both inspired by their love for mythology, science fiction, and all things extraordinary. Amanda has an unhealthy obsession with house plants and Hayley can often be found gaming in their downtime.
Both authors are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and as such tend to write LGBTQIA2S+ characters.
Both authors are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and as such tend to write LGBTQIA2S+ characters.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 1, 2022
Audio - All the fucking Stars all the fucking time because....JF Harding!!!
Story - 4 Stars
Great action-packed series full of grit and feels.
I appreciate that the authors included a diverse cast of humans throughout the series, and none of them felt like the token poc.
Hopefully there's more to come.
Story - 4 Stars
Great action-packed series full of grit and feels.
I appreciate that the authors included a diverse cast of humans throughout the series, and none of them felt like the token poc.
Hopefully there's more to come.
June 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this installment! Telisa was the perfect mix of confident, fierce, and compassionate. Erusha had quite the redemption arc going on, cuz let’s face it, he was the most villainous of any MC in this series. Nakkov was Mr grouchy “I don’t deserve love”. Like the other books in this series, this was dark AF. The spice was better in this book and I enjoyed the dream sharing stuff.
I’m kinda scared they aren’t going to finish out the series now.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: SA (brief groping), involuntary medical experimentation, captivity, violence, eye gouging, gore, explosion, death of side character, mass death, drugging, abduction, spaceship crash, ableism, PTSD flashbacks, dubcon (sexy time in dreams when 2 of them don’t know it’s real), animal attack, sexism, references to racism, mention of child abuse, mention of war, grief of side character, discussion of miscarriage of past partner
I’m kinda scared they aren’t going to finish out the series now.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: SA (brief groping), involuntary medical experimentation, captivity, violence, eye gouging, gore, explosion, death of side character, mass death, drugging, abduction, spaceship crash, ableism, PTSD flashbacks, dubcon (sexy time in dreams when 2 of them don’t know it’s real), animal attack, sexism, references to racism, mention of child abuse, mention of war, grief of side character, discussion of miscarriage of past partner
May 24, 2022
Ehh, it was all right. The more I read of these books, the more they all blur together, which is unfortunate. That or it's just blurring cause my braincells are nuked by all the stress of, uhh, idk the last few years??
May 5, 2022
Enticed from the Deep is Octavia Kore’s best one yet. The triad at the center of this story consists of three damaged people who could finally heal – if they’d let each other in.
Telisa is the human ambassador, stolen from Earth and used as a lab rat by the Grutex. Specifically her fated mate, the scientist Erusha. The death of his first human mate drove him a bit insane, willing to hurt anyone or anything to bring her back to him. When he realizes that Telisa is his true mate he helps the humans escape.
Telisa is relieved – she’ll never see that Grutex again and she’ll never have to face the confusing and complex feelings Erusha brought forth in her. Until she meets the Head of Security on the Venium ship returning her home. Nakkov is gorgeous, but he seems to hate her – except in those extremely NSFW dreams she has starring him AND Erusha. To top it off, Erusha is defecting, and traveling on the same ship as his bondmates.
Nakkov’s prosthetic limbs mark him as “less than” in Venium society. Why would he expect any different from his pretty little mate.. or his unwanted Grutex bondmate? But as the three of them bond via their dreams they all start to see a way forward despite Telisa’s reluctance to endanger any potential political alliance.
An act of brutal sabotage endangers the alliance and the lives of Telisa, Nakkov and Erusha as well as tests everything they’ve built together.
I loved this book. Erusha, like the other Grutex in this series, suffers so much under the weight of his past actions and to be frank, evil deeds. Nakkov’s self-esteem is in the toilet and he needed to see that he is worthy to be accepted and loved. Telisa is tangled up in love and responsibility – which will dictate her life’s path? A cast of vibrant side characters round everything off as well. I recommend reading the other books in order because quite frankly it will help you get the full effect of the included redemption arcs. The emotions involved are powerful and there are a few tear-inducing scenes.
I received an ARC from this author but enjoyed it so much I bought a copy anyway to support them. This review reflects my true and honest opinion of this book.
Telisa is the human ambassador, stolen from Earth and used as a lab rat by the Grutex. Specifically her fated mate, the scientist Erusha. The death of his first human mate drove him a bit insane, willing to hurt anyone or anything to bring her back to him. When he realizes that Telisa is his true mate he helps the humans escape.
Telisa is relieved – she’ll never see that Grutex again and she’ll never have to face the confusing and complex feelings Erusha brought forth in her. Until she meets the Head of Security on the Venium ship returning her home. Nakkov is gorgeous, but he seems to hate her – except in those extremely NSFW dreams she has starring him AND Erusha. To top it off, Erusha is defecting, and traveling on the same ship as his bondmates.
Nakkov’s prosthetic limbs mark him as “less than” in Venium society. Why would he expect any different from his pretty little mate.. or his unwanted Grutex bondmate? But as the three of them bond via their dreams they all start to see a way forward despite Telisa’s reluctance to endanger any potential political alliance.
An act of brutal sabotage endangers the alliance and the lives of Telisa, Nakkov and Erusha as well as tests everything they’ve built together.
I loved this book. Erusha, like the other Grutex in this series, suffers so much under the weight of his past actions and to be frank, evil deeds. Nakkov’s self-esteem is in the toilet and he needed to see that he is worthy to be accepted and loved. Telisa is tangled up in love and responsibility – which will dictate her life’s path? A cast of vibrant side characters round everything off as well. I recommend reading the other books in order because quite frankly it will help you get the full effect of the included redemption arcs. The emotions involved are powerful and there are a few tear-inducing scenes.
I received an ARC from this author but enjoyed it so much I bought a copy anyway to support them. This review reflects my true and honest opinion of this book.
May 7, 2022
Amazing! This story is filled with actions and danger. The romance has plenty of tension that builds and then things heat up a lot. I loved all the main characters and the side characters. You really get to know them so well. I cried, laughed and was enthralled by the story. Telisa is our heroine. She is human but she never lets anything stop her from her goals. Her mates bring so much to the triad. I hope we get to see them make appearances in future books.
May 6, 2022
So Alien Yet So Human
This story is both action- and emotion-packed. Both Erusha and Nakkov are very “alien” aliens, yet their pain and emotional baggage and eventual love they share with Telisa make this really a story about the “human condition”. I loved their love story, plus the scenes between the three of them were H-O-T hot! Another absolutely amazing and enthralling , transport-you-to-another-world story by the fantastic duo that is Octavia Kore.
April 26, 2022
Every time that I think I have my favorite Venora mates, Octavia Kore proves me wrong. I don't know about you, but I was definitely waiting on our determined, independent Telisa to find her loves. Erusha and Nakkov were absolutely perfect for her. They both needed her strength to become who they needed to be. She is going to change the world!
April 28, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. I was actually planning on sleeping, but a few sentences in... I kept going until I was finished! Addictive, suspenseful, and action-packed.. Spicy-sweet and heartfelt romance! I couldn't miss it..
May 9, 2022
Absolutely loved it!
It took me a moment or two to get into this story. I realize this is perhaps because I haven't read the previous books in the series. I wasn't sure if Erusha was the villain of the story or a love interest. By the time Nakkul was introduced, I was so hooked on the storyline. I loved Telisa's dedication to her fellow humans, whether in her willingness to lead, becoming a warrior or being a human ambassador to other species. Enticed From the Deep is full of twists and turns. You'll find adventure and the struggle to survive. Most of all you will find love. Prepare for a steamy ride.
It took me a moment or two to get into this story. I realize this is perhaps because I haven't read the previous books in the series. I wasn't sure if Erusha was the villain of the story or a love interest. By the time Nakkul was introduced, I was so hooked on the storyline. I loved Telisa's dedication to her fellow humans, whether in her willingness to lead, becoming a warrior or being a human ambassador to other species. Enticed From the Deep is full of twists and turns. You'll find adventure and the struggle to survive. Most of all you will find love. Prepare for a steamy ride.
March 24, 2023
The character development in this one was great! I especially liked that the book opens with a prologue that revisits earlier events from Erusha's perspective so the reader 1) gets a reminder that Erusha had some rather unsavory goals and did some terrible things, and 2) can more easily compare how much he's changed already in the weeks/months since then.
Nakkov and Telisa's development was more about their own insecurities and self-doubts but were handled decently well. The whole inner angst can get annoying, especially with two characters, but it never got to that point for me. They both had really valid reasons for their hesitation and were able to eventually talk it out and agree to work on it. There could have been better communication among all of them at times but the book does have them being increasing open and honest with each other as the book progressed and their relationship strengthens as the communication does (wow!).
The character development I was not prepared for was General Brega. It was kind of subtle but I think anything more than that might have been stretching the limits of believability. As it stands, it worked really well and was touching. Towards the end of the book there's a very brief bit where Telisa talks with Brin about Brega and it got me seriously teary-eyed.
The plot. The plot had more action than I anticipated and had a lot of political intrigue and mystery going on, which was fun. There were some really awful moments that I did not enjoy but certainly added to the severity of the political machinations and war going on, though.
I don't understand the authors' insistent focus on the double penetration with little to no preparation. Also why is it always right away and why is it performed to the exclusion of everything else? Like there's more to life than sticking a dick in a hoohah, ya'll, come on. Three people can lead to numerous positions and options yet you always go for the same one every time! Live a little! Try some variety!! ugh
Okay I wrote that after the first spice scene and then I'm happy to report later spice scenes do, in fact, live a little and have some variety. Thank you!
Putting this behind spoilers because it's from the Epilogue.
Nakkov and Telisa's development was more about their own insecurities and self-doubts but were handled decently well. The whole inner angst can get annoying, especially with two characters, but it never got to that point for me. They both had really valid reasons for their hesitation and were able to eventually talk it out and agree to work on it. There could have been better communication among all of them at times but the book does have them being increasing open and honest with each other as the book progressed and their relationship strengthens as the communication does (wow!).
The character development I was not prepared for was General Brega. It was kind of subtle but I think anything more than that might have been stretching the limits of believability. As it stands, it worked really well and was touching. Towards the end of the book there's a very brief bit where Telisa talks with Brin about Brega and it got me seriously teary-eyed.
The plot. The plot had more action than I anticipated and had a lot of political intrigue and mystery going on, which was fun. There were some really awful moments that I did not enjoy but certainly added to the severity of the political machinations and war going on, though.
I don't understand the authors' insistent focus on the double penetration with little to no preparation. Also why is it always right away and why is it performed to the exclusion of everything else? Like there's more to life than sticking a dick in a hoohah, ya'll, come on. Three people can lead to numerous positions and options yet you always go for the same one every time! Live a little! Try some variety!! ugh
Okay I wrote that after the first spice scene and then I'm happy to report later spice scenes do, in fact, live a little and have some variety. Thank you!
Putting this behind spoilers because it's from the Epilogue.
July 29, 2024
wish this was not last in series (spoilers)
A few of the main characters here are from previous books. Telisa is a politician Jun went to for help when they were captured together with Brin. Eurusha is a Grutex scientist that helped them escape and helped the triad from book 3 and a few others escape, leaving the Grutex ship himself that time.
Along with Nakkov, the other mate in their triad, they set off with Brin’s mother Brega to convince Telisa’s fellow members of Earth’s One World Council to form an alliance with the Venium against the Grutex. Telisa tries her best to keep away from her mates because it might hurt her mission.
However, after an old rival points to her awakened DNA the other humans cut her out of negotiations. The deal still gets done until there is a betrayal and many humans and Venium are massacred by the Grutex. Our trio work through their own insecurities and assumptions while saving the day and coming together in the end.
There is a quicky in anthology Claimed among the stars that’s set a year or 2 after the end of this story. ? }
M m.
A few of the main characters here are from previous books. Telisa is a politician Jun went to for help when they were captured together with Brin. Eurusha is a Grutex scientist that helped them escape and helped the triad from book 3 and a few others escape, leaving the Grutex ship himself that time.
Along with Nakkov, the other mate in their triad, they set off with Brin’s mother Brega to convince Telisa’s fellow members of Earth’s One World Council to form an alliance with the Venium against the Grutex. Telisa tries her best to keep away from her mates because it might hurt her mission.
However, after an old rival points to her awakened DNA the other humans cut her out of negotiations. The deal still gets done until there is a betrayal and many humans and Venium are massacred by the Grutex. Our trio work through their own insecurities and assumptions while saving the day and coming together in the end.
There is a quicky in anthology Claimed among the stars that’s set a year or 2 after the end of this story. ? }
M m.
May 24, 2022
love it!
Hands down my favorite character is Eursha! His intellect and dominance pulls me in! But he also sensitive and just wants to prove that he is worthy and capable of love and receiving love from his mates. He’s loyal and trustworthy and never once doubted his mates and time and time proved to them that although he was set out on vengeance and was the villain he is much more.
I believe this is my first book from author Octavia core and when I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. I’m sucker for books where the heroine is a person of color and I enjoyed this book hands down and recommend it. The only thing that got me (which is personal that does not change my thought or rating of this book) that they had to move to earth with haha.
I can’t wait to see what else you his author has! Especially with the heroine being a woman of color.
Hands down my favorite character is Eursha! His intellect and dominance pulls me in! But he also sensitive and just wants to prove that he is worthy and capable of love and receiving love from his mates. He’s loyal and trustworthy and never once doubted his mates and time and time proved to them that although he was set out on vengeance and was the villain he is much more.
I believe this is my first book from author Octavia core and when I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. I’m sucker for books where the heroine is a person of color and I enjoyed this book hands down and recommend it. The only thing that got me (which is personal that does not change my thought or rating of this book) that they had to move to earth with haha.
I can’t wait to see what else you his author has! Especially with the heroine being a woman of color.
May 2, 2022
Cute MMCs annoying FMC
The two dudes in this book were adorable and are the reason for the stars. The lady was either constantly trying to sabotage the relationship or just kind of there. I get having hesitation but when the book is like 60% over and your FMC is still hesitating I’m more than a little frustrated as a reader.
The two dudes in this book were adorable and are the reason for the stars. The lady was either constantly trying to sabotage the relationship or just kind of there. I get having hesitation but when the book is like 60% over and your FMC is still hesitating I’m more than a little frustrated as a reader.
December 5, 2023
I need more!!!
This story has me on edge the entire time!!! I was hooked from the beginning!!! So much spice!!! So much adventure!!! Everything from shared dreams, to political betrayal, to adventures in the wilderness. I would have loved a touch more kink, as it was hinted at several times, but this book was FANTASTIC!!! I hope we get more Venora Mates!!!
This story has me on edge the entire time!!! I was hooked from the beginning!!! So much spice!!! So much adventure!!! Everything from shared dreams, to political betrayal, to adventures in the wilderness. I would have loved a touch more kink, as it was hinted at several times, but this book was FANTASTIC!!! I hope we get more Venora Mates!!!
May 4, 2022
I'm so glad I read this one through KU, I was unable to finish this one, I made it halfway and nothing had happened. I would have loved it if it had just been Erusha and Nakkov, they were good together. Telisa was so annoying, I really couldn't stand her.
January 3, 2026
We return to a MMF triad in the latest book in the series, with Erusha, Telisa, and Nakkov as our protagonists. I liked all of them and enjoyed seeing them heal together and learn to accept and love each other. I also really enjoyed the ending, since it was pretty different from the other 3 books.
May 1, 2022
I couldn’t get into this.
May 4, 2022
It was a nice change of pace to have a little more politics and plot in this one. Telisa, Erusha, and Nakkor are fine as an ot3, and I appreciate that the MM side actually existed.
November 4, 2022
I’ve been following this series, but for the life of me, I could not get into this one. I dropped it 5 chapters in I think.
January 4, 2024
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews