Help please! Some plot details. Alien or futuristic novel

[hknpz]

It's an mf novel, I believe set in the future.
The male lead is a general our military commander of their area of space. Pretty sure he's an alien. Don't remember the beginning at all.
Female human lead/main had a protection detail that she jokingly calls her boy toys! She's the representative at some kind of 3d chess-like strategy tournament where she plays a Bimbo to help her squad earn a lot on betting.
She bonds to some sort of lizard on another planet that's where they find the male lead's brother. He's been gathering spies for intelligence in the area.
The aliens? don't like the water.
So much forgotten about this book please help!

[jmaze5]

that is:
Sandra Harris - Alien Mine
Torn from modern day Earth and stranded on the far side of the Galaxy, Sandrea Fairbairn must use every particle of courage she possesses to adjust to her new life and live for tomorrow. Eugen Mhartak, a general in the Tri-Race Alliance Army, refuses to bow to the merciless Bluthen. Haunted by the loss of far too many innocent lives he has vowed to drive the ruthless invaders from Alliance space. The strength and valor of Eugen Mhartak attracts Sandrea as no man ever has, but she struggles to read the enigmatic general’s heart. Determined to help him triumph over the Bluthen she uncovers a diabolical plot against the Alliance. Drawn by the courage and exotic beauty of Sandrea, Mhartak battles to overcome the barriers of cross-cultural differences that separate them and claim her ardent interest. He must conquer his deepest fears to be the man she needs. When his principles are betrayed by his own government and he is faced with the impossible prospect of taking Sandrea’s life in order to save his home planet, Mhartak desperately searches for a way to keep safe both his world and the magnificent woman who has stolen his heart.

[hknpz]

You are a genius. Than you.