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Iriduan Universe Love Stories #4
My Ant Monster Mate
Yesenia
Hunting giant ant aliens is never an easy job, but the opportunity to capture a male Menops before he imprints on a queen is too good to pass up. Even if it means putting up with a mouthy Artificial Intelligence and traveling to a planet restricted by the Cosmic Syndicate. Vengeance for humanity—for my family—is too important to let any obstacle stand in my way.
But I’ve never confronted a male Menops before, and nothing about the encounter goes as planned.
Now, I know why the Cosmic Syndicate restricted access to this habitable world, and my only ally in the struggle to survive just so happens to be the enemy I came here to hunt. I should hate him, but the battle that brings us together is forging a bond between us that makes the growing heat I feel for him undeniable.
But can enemies who are so different in almost every way learn to forgive each other in order to fall in love?
***
This spin-off series is set in the Iriduan Test Subjects universe but has a lighter and more comedic tone. You don’t need to have read the Iriduan Test Subjects series to read this series, though there are occasional references to events and characters from that series. The books in this series are standalone and can be read out of order, though they do take place
Book 1: My Chameleon Mate
Book 2: My Foxy Mate
Book 3: My Primal Mate
Book 4: My Ant Monster Mate (this book)
Content warnings for all books can be found on author’s website.
Hunting giant ant aliens is never an easy job, but the opportunity to capture a male Menops before he imprints on a queen is too good to pass up. Even if it means putting up with a mouthy Artificial Intelligence and traveling to a planet restricted by the Cosmic Syndicate. Vengeance for humanity—for my family—is too important to let any obstacle stand in my way.
But I’ve never confronted a male Menops before, and nothing about the encounter goes as planned.
Now, I know why the Cosmic Syndicate restricted access to this habitable world, and my only ally in the struggle to survive just so happens to be the enemy I came here to hunt. I should hate him, but the battle that brings us together is forging a bond between us that makes the growing heat I feel for him undeniable.
But can enemies who are so different in almost every way learn to forgive each other in order to fall in love?
***
This spin-off series is set in the Iriduan Test Subjects universe but has a lighter and more comedic tone. You don’t need to have read the Iriduan Test Subjects series to read this series, though there are occasional references to events and characters from that series. The books in this series are standalone and can be read out of order, though they do take place
Book 1: My Chameleon Mate
Book 2: My Foxy Mate
Book 3: My Primal Mate
Book 4: My Ant Monster Mate (this book)
Content warnings for all books can be found on author’s website.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2023
159 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Susan Trombley
32 books847 followersBorn a dragon, but forced to take human form to fit into those little baby carriers, Susan accepted that she'd have to live a mortal life. She just wasn't going to go around being all boring about it. As soon as she was old enough, she immediately applied for an alien abduction, but got wait-listed, so she made her lair in the desert to wait out the coming zombie apocalypse with a pair of magical cats (they can appear underfoot in an instant, usually at the steps) and the dog from Hades that has three heads (and now has three bodies to go with them).
When the white knight came to fight the dragon, Susan liked him so much she decided to marry him and they now have a beautiful little dragonlet. (Who looks just like a little girl unless you use a magic mirror)
Fortunately, despite being trapped in this dimension, Susan uses her dragon's vision to see all the most interesting goings-on in the multiverse. Figuring they made great stories, she decided to share them with the rest of the mortal world, by writing fantasy, science fiction and romance.
When the white knight came to fight the dragon, Susan liked him so much she decided to marry him and they now have a beautiful little dragonlet. (Who looks just like a little girl unless you use a magic mirror)
Fortunately, despite being trapped in this dimension, Susan uses her dragon's vision to see all the most interesting goings-on in the multiverse. Figuring they made great stories, she decided to share them with the rest of the mortal world, by writing fantasy, science fiction and romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 14, 2023
Super sweet enemies to lovers
This story was full of tenderness and personal growth for both MCs, which I loved. Both MCs came from a place of understandable bias and hatred. Our FMC has been hunting menops since shortly after the invasion. The MMC was the last survivor of the corrupted “queen’s gift” fungus, altered by humans.
The book definitely led with trauma bonding, which is probably the only thing that would bring this kind of couple together. But it grew into love and mutual understanding.
I liked and disliked how this book changed the Iriduan universe and how it related, specifically, to Hunter and Tarin’s book. There were some redundancies that didn’t seem planned for in advance.
Overall, another great monster romance.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: genocide/apocalypse, grief, violence, colonization, discussion of cannibalism-like behaviors, death
This story was full of tenderness and personal growth for both MCs, which I loved. Both MCs came from a place of understandable bias and hatred. Our FMC has been hunting menops since shortly after the invasion. The MMC was the last survivor of the corrupted “queen’s gift” fungus, altered by humans.
The book definitely led with trauma bonding, which is probably the only thing that would bring this kind of couple together. But it grew into love and mutual understanding.
I liked and disliked how this book changed the Iriduan universe and how it related, specifically, to Hunter and Tarin’s book. There were some redundancies that didn’t seem planned for in advance.
Overall, another great monster romance.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: genocide/apocalypse, grief, violence, colonization, discussion of cannibalism-like behaviors, death
May 1, 2023
Loved the bugs, but got tired of the many many monologues that bogged down the pacing.
March 11, 2023
LOVED IT!!!!!
Susan Trombley writes amazing sci-fi(Alien monster) romance. The world building is fantastic!! With Star Wars like vibes in the some creatures and the amazing aliens that she creates and goes all out on. And before you scoff and think a romance with an ant…let me tell you.. SMOKIN HOT🔥🔥🔥🔥 those smexy scenes were fire. She built up the angst and had me and the FMC begging 🤣 I loved the snark from Arrow and having a POC as the female main character adding additional icing on this perfect cake!! READ THIS BOOK
Susan Trombley writes amazing sci-fi(Alien monster) romance. The world building is fantastic!! With Star Wars like vibes in the some creatures and the amazing aliens that she creates and goes all out on. And before you scoff and think a romance with an ant…let me tell you.. SMOKIN HOT🔥🔥🔥🔥 those smexy scenes were fire. She built up the angst and had me and the FMC begging 🤣 I loved the snark from Arrow and having a POC as the female main character adding additional icing on this perfect cake!! READ THIS BOOK
June 27, 2023
I am surprised to say I enjoyed this a lot more then I thought I would. And now I have to live with that🐜🙈. Enemies to lovers is enjoyable even when it’s ants??
October 16, 2025
3.5/5 rounding up
It's been a while since I visited this world but my library got the audiobook, so I thought I'd give it a listen.
Overall, I enjoyed this. He was a super alien alien, and stayed that way. There was almost nothing human about him, and I appreciate when authors commit like that.
My biggest hang up is that the mains are actually enemies. They are two species set against each other, in a very brutal and still raging war that spans universes. Both have suffered significant loss. The emotional leaps it took for this to work were so forced. I am not talking about mating pheromones and such, I'm talking about the character's inner thoughts. They took illogical leaps that felt forced and no one would really feel/think THAT fast. Idk, it's always my biggest hang up in this trope (opposing soldiers/warriors falling for the other side) and I never buy it.
Additionally, the female narrator was revolting. You could hear EVERY. SINGLE. BREATH. She would do like a deep inhale for every sentence. Every sentence started with an intake!! You could hear her positioning her mouth, getting ready for a long sentence, preparing for an accent, etc. IT WAS AWFUL. LIKE THIS WOMAN SHOULD NEVER BE HIRED AGAIN. I feel almost crazy. Does no one else hear this????? I am NOT exaggerating. It was every sentence.
This review may seem more negative than positive, but I actually liked the book a lot. It made me want to revisit the universe. I wish the other books had audiobooks released, I think they'd be fun to listen too. In the end, if you aren't picky about narrators I'd give this a listen.
It's been a while since I visited this world but my library got the audiobook, so I thought I'd give it a listen.
Overall, I enjoyed this. He was a super alien alien, and stayed that way. There was almost nothing human about him, and I appreciate when authors commit like that.
My biggest hang up is that the mains are actually enemies. They are two species set against each other, in a very brutal and still raging war that spans universes. Both have suffered significant loss. The emotional leaps it took for this to work were so forced. I am not talking about mating pheromones and such, I'm talking about the character's inner thoughts. They took illogical leaps that felt forced and no one would really feel/think THAT fast. Idk, it's always my biggest hang up in this trope (opposing soldiers/warriors falling for the other side) and I never buy it.
Additionally, the female narrator was revolting. You could hear EVERY. SINGLE. BREATH. She would do like a deep inhale for every sentence. Every sentence started with an intake!! You could hear her positioning her mouth, getting ready for a long sentence, preparing for an accent, etc. IT WAS AWFUL. LIKE THIS WOMAN SHOULD NEVER BE HIRED AGAIN. I feel almost crazy. Does no one else hear this????? I am NOT exaggerating. It was every sentence.
This review may seem more negative than positive, but I actually liked the book a lot. It made me want to revisit the universe. I wish the other books had audiobooks released, I think they'd be fun to listen too. In the end, if you aren't picky about narrators I'd give this a listen.
March 12, 2023
Fantastic reading!
This didn’t look like it would be possible. A giant ant-like alien and a human woman - a sworn enemy of his kind? The author does amazing work bringing them to the happy end of their story. Forced proximity in a dire situation allows them to see each other in a different light. And it begins. If you’re looking for an out-of-this-world adventure, and an inconceivable, unearthly romance, this one’s for you! It’s fantastic reading. I love it!
This didn’t look like it would be possible. A giant ant-like alien and a human woman - a sworn enemy of his kind? The author does amazing work bringing them to the happy end of their story. Forced proximity in a dire situation allows them to see each other in a different light. And it begins. If you’re looking for an out-of-this-world adventure, and an inconceivable, unearthly romance, this one’s for you! It’s fantastic reading. I love it!
March 12, 2023
Always well done
Trombley set the bar high for the truly alien romance and space opera. Starting with the Iriduan series and these shorter more light hearted monster love stories.
Of course I gobble them up when they are first released and it seems like ages until the next; totally worth it
Trombley set the bar high for the truly alien romance and space opera. Starting with the Iriduan series and these shorter more light hearted monster love stories.
Of course I gobble them up when they are first released and it seems like ages until the next; totally worth it
January 1, 2024
Honestly, it's always a hit or miss with Trombley's stories. I like her Iriduan Test Subject series and was hoping for more of the same in this "Universe Love" one but ugh it just wasn't for me.
I'm not a huge fan... like at all... with this "Cupid" character and their interference or rather "nudging" of other characters into getting together. It's very "matchmaker" and I ABHOR meddlng matchmaking as if the characters aren't two grown ass adults that can make their own decisions without being MANIPULATED into it.
Not to mention, I just find it incredibly creepy that these beings are going around pushing other sentient beings into dangerous, potentially deadly, situations on the off chance they'll like... fall in love... and don't get me started on the whole listening and watching in on other sentient beings doing it thing. I'm not into voyeurism so this was a major ICK for me.
It was also really distracting because the back and forth between the AI and Yesenia was so slap stick and unserious despite the situation, taking away some of the tension, as well as the fact that it's VERY PAINFULLY OBVIOUS .
My biggest gripe about this story, though, when compared to the first book in this series (the only other one I read) is the focus on Yesenia's backstory and her family. In that there's TOO MUCH focus on her family and her past- to the point where I was like "i get it, can we move on?". Then you compare it to Isoli's POV and his is not nearly as prevalent or impactful as her's.
Now, this normally wouldn't really matter but when you're making an enemies to lover with dual POVs you kind of have to give both sides a good, compelling reason to hate the other while balancing the fine line between "tense budding relationship" and "completely unredeemable".
Like, Yesenia's background as a literal hunter of Isoli's species was compelling at first... but when you show how much she'd lost compared to Isoli it was pretty unbelievable she'd just flip a switch and decide she liked- let alone loved- this alien SO quickly. There wasn't even much- if any- internal struggle with being SEXUALLY attracted to this "Menops" species she'd been hunting and killing for 15 or so YEARS. Then it almost immediately jumps to she's developed feelings for it past friendship.
The mind was boggled.
It was a bit more believable for Isoli since he hadn't really had much of an interaction with humans compared to Yesenia but GOD, the number of times Yesenia mourns her family (or even just mentions them) and her home over and over and over and then follows it up with how many of Isoli's kind she's killed... it was just... too much baggage for too little development of a relationship between them.
To put it simply; the foundation was made of sand and the building was not up to code.
If the book had been longer and dragged out the tension between Isoli and Yesenia, maybe put them in more life or death situations that force them to trust each other (and tests that trust), and had Yesenia not lost SO much to the Menops... I would have ended up being a lot more understanding and accepting of the developing relationship overall. But it simply wasn't left to simmer long enough for me to do that.
I guess it's just hard for me to believe that this woman who's been hunting a species that's destroyed everyone and everything she's known and loved, would go from genocidal head hunter to.... literally propagating the very species she's tried to exterminate after only 200 or so pages... Like, I just cannot suspend my belief when the stakes for her were that high.
Maybe if she'd been more conflicted about Menops from the beginning I'd believe it; like she was starting to question her actions before even meeting Isoli because- idk- she was battle weary, or had already met other Menops that she hadn't just immediately killed, SOMETHING to make me believe she'd go from "all Menops must die because they're killing parasites" to "they're actually thinking, feeling beings uwu".
but as it is now it's hard to comprehend how these two end up together other than the age old "it was the pheromones" bit...
If you want a real enemies to lover alien romance, I highly recommend The Carnal Games (check TWs please).
You can also try Xeda or Axrel for something a bit less intense but just as compelling.
I'm not a huge fan... like at all... with this "Cupid" character and their interference or rather "nudging" of other characters into getting together. It's very "matchmaker" and I ABHOR meddlng matchmaking as if the characters aren't two grown ass adults that can make their own decisions without being MANIPULATED into it.
Not to mention, I just find it incredibly creepy that these beings are going around pushing other sentient beings into dangerous, potentially deadly, situations on the off chance they'll like... fall in love... and don't get me started on the whole listening and watching in on other sentient beings doing it thing. I'm not into voyeurism so this was a major ICK for me.
It was also really distracting because the back and forth between the AI and Yesenia was so slap stick and unserious despite the situation, taking away some of the tension, as well as the fact that it's VERY PAINFULLY OBVIOUS .
My biggest gripe about this story, though, when compared to the first book in this series (the only other one I read) is the focus on Yesenia's backstory and her family. In that there's TOO MUCH focus on her family and her past- to the point where I was like "i get it, can we move on?". Then you compare it to Isoli's POV and his is not nearly as prevalent or impactful as her's.
Now, this normally wouldn't really matter but when you're making an enemies to lover with dual POVs you kind of have to give both sides a good, compelling reason to hate the other while balancing the fine line between "tense budding relationship" and "completely unredeemable".
Like, Yesenia's background as a literal hunter of Isoli's species was compelling at first... but when you show how much she'd lost compared to Isoli it was pretty unbelievable she'd just flip a switch and decide she liked- let alone loved- this alien SO quickly. There wasn't even much- if any- internal struggle with being SEXUALLY attracted to this "Menops" species she'd been hunting and killing for 15 or so YEARS. Then it almost immediately jumps to she's developed feelings for it past friendship.
The mind was boggled.
It was a bit more believable for Isoli since he hadn't really had much of an interaction with humans compared to Yesenia but GOD, the number of times Yesenia mourns her family (or even just mentions them) and her home over and over and over and then follows it up with how many of Isoli's kind she's killed... it was just... too much baggage for too little development of a relationship between them.
To put it simply; the foundation was made of sand and the building was not up to code.
If the book had been longer and dragged out the tension between Isoli and Yesenia, maybe put them in more life or death situations that force them to trust each other (and tests that trust), and had Yesenia not lost SO much to the Menops... I would have ended up being a lot more understanding and accepting of the developing relationship overall. But it simply wasn't left to simmer long enough for me to do that.
I guess it's just hard for me to believe that this woman who's been hunting a species that's destroyed everyone and everything she's known and loved, would go from genocidal head hunter to.... literally propagating the very species she's tried to exterminate after only 200 or so pages... Like, I just cannot suspend my belief when the stakes for her were that high.
Maybe if she'd been more conflicted about Menops from the beginning I'd believe it; like she was starting to question her actions before even meeting Isoli because- idk- she was battle weary, or had already met other Menops that she hadn't just immediately killed, SOMETHING to make me believe she'd go from "all Menops must die because they're killing parasites" to "they're actually thinking, feeling beings uwu".
but as it is now it's hard to comprehend how these two end up together other than the age old "it was the pheromones" bit...
If you want a real enemies to lover alien romance, I highly recommend The Carnal Games (check TWs please).
You can also try Xeda or Axrel for something a bit less intense but just as compelling.
April 24, 2023
Loved it!
Such a unique setting.
Did not think the sex scenes would be as hot as they ended being.
Feel like the romance was a medium/slow burn. They start out thinking the other is disgusting.
Was worried some bullshit drama with another queen was gonna happen. Especially cuz in the beginning they aren’t compatible. I hate cheating in books.But they never even interact with another queen.
I mean not that much happens in the plot but honestly didn’t mind; I was here for the weird romance. Which it is pretty weird tbh. But a good weird.
Such a unique setting.
Did not think the sex scenes would be as hot as they ended being.
Feel like the romance was a medium/slow burn. They start out thinking the other is disgusting.
Was worried some bullshit drama with another queen was gonna happen. Especially cuz in the beginning they aren’t compatible. I hate cheating in books.But they never even interact with another queen.
I mean not that much happens in the plot but honestly didn’t mind; I was here for the weird romance. Which it is pretty weird tbh. But a good weird.
March 11, 2023
WOW!
Before picking this book up I did read the entire Iriduan Test Subject Series and can say that I’ve long awaited this book.
I’ve always been a fan of the Menops species in Susan’s series so it should come at no surprise that I absolutely loved this book!
Spoilers ahead! 👀
FIRST OF ALL, and I think most of us can agree, Isolis hot.
Like LITERALLY hot. Fire breathing Ant alien? Ooooo that was so cool and hot 😏.
It was amazing to hear more about Isolis Homeworld and species that I don’t think was touched on a lot in The Hunters Mate (which is where Ixcera or Hunter is from! A great book too which started this whole Menops lover train) even though they are different Menops I still appreciated learning more of the species because it makes them feel SO REALLLL!
SIDE NOTE: DID YOU GUYS SCREAM WHEN HUNTER SHOWED UP TOO? BECAUSE I DID OMG I WAS SCREAMINGGGGGGGGG!!!!
Isoli is so primal in which that he doesn’t understand technology and literally just left his former colony. Leaving fully angry and ready to kill (or Eat!?) humans.
Yia is also an amazing heroine! She’s so passionate and her clearly being on a mission of her own to kill Menops made me side eye a lot of hoooowww are they going to fall in love????
Well I forget, this is a story written by Susan Trombley and I shouldn’t be shocked that she manages to ALWAYS make it work.
AND BOOOYY did she make it work! From fighting eachother, to fighting together, to him eating her…OUT. 😤✌🏼 what more could I ask as a reader looking for aliens who love and devote everything to their queens?
It was funny to see how they both hated eachother and literally found eachother disgusting or not attractive to full on “you’re MINE”.
Also something I really loved about Yia is that she was already used to Menops as a species which is a refreshing perspective since we are usually introduced to a heroine that’s like “aaah! An alien! Omg!” (Which is cool don’t get me wrong I love those tropes) Meanwhile Yia is “The Menops! My Enemy! Kill. Kill.kill!!” When she changes this mindset to “Mine. Mine. Mine.” Instead I almost wanna cry because where’s my ant alien?!?
Speaking of crying, Yias father hologram bit made me shed TEARS. Tears dropped, tears left my sockets over WORDS. Not many books made me cry and this one made the list and Susan I’m coming for you. But that was so bittersweet and truly a closure for Yia that she needed. So bravo!!
There were definitely some scenes that surprised me. Her literally pushing out eggs i was like “HUH?…Oh my…” 🫢 but if Isoli was my mate and we had insect eggs (omg still weird to say ) I’m pretty sure I would still love it and them. So Yia’s reaction was just, and very funny. Especially when the baby’s go to chow town on the Luasian I was like “Yesssss feast upon the blood of your enemyyyy!” 🤣
This book had many scenes I enjoyed and laughed aloud. It was so much fun! I would definitely pick this book up again for a comfort re-read (it’s just that great! ) and while its very insect-like in every way, it’s what I came for when picking it up in the first place!
Overall, AMAZING! We finally get a Menops hero in true full on Ant form! And ugh! It’s amazing! As is all of Susan’s books. I would love to see what happens next from here! For the future Menops, for Cupid and Arrow, all the characters! I’m excited to know what happens next!
Before picking this book up I did read the entire Iriduan Test Subject Series and can say that I’ve long awaited this book.
I’ve always been a fan of the Menops species in Susan’s series so it should come at no surprise that I absolutely loved this book!
Spoilers ahead! 👀
FIRST OF ALL, and I think most of us can agree, Isolis hot.
Like LITERALLY hot. Fire breathing Ant alien? Ooooo that was so cool and hot 😏.
It was amazing to hear more about Isolis Homeworld and species that I don’t think was touched on a lot in The Hunters Mate (which is where Ixcera or Hunter is from! A great book too which started this whole Menops lover train) even though they are different Menops I still appreciated learning more of the species because it makes them feel SO REALLLL!
SIDE NOTE: DID YOU GUYS SCREAM WHEN HUNTER SHOWED UP TOO? BECAUSE I DID OMG I WAS SCREAMINGGGGGGGGG!!!!
Isoli is so primal in which that he doesn’t understand technology and literally just left his former colony. Leaving fully angry and ready to kill (or Eat!?) humans.
Yia is also an amazing heroine! She’s so passionate and her clearly being on a mission of her own to kill Menops made me side eye a lot of hoooowww are they going to fall in love????
Well I forget, this is a story written by Susan Trombley and I shouldn’t be shocked that she manages to ALWAYS make it work.
AND BOOOYY did she make it work! From fighting eachother, to fighting together, to him eating her…OUT. 😤✌🏼 what more could I ask as a reader looking for aliens who love and devote everything to their queens?
It was funny to see how they both hated eachother and literally found eachother disgusting or not attractive to full on “you’re MINE”.
Also something I really loved about Yia is that she was already used to Menops as a species which is a refreshing perspective since we are usually introduced to a heroine that’s like “aaah! An alien! Omg!” (Which is cool don’t get me wrong I love those tropes) Meanwhile Yia is “The Menops! My Enemy! Kill. Kill.kill!!” When she changes this mindset to “Mine. Mine. Mine.” Instead I almost wanna cry because where’s my ant alien?!?
Speaking of crying, Yias father hologram bit made me shed TEARS. Tears dropped, tears left my sockets over WORDS. Not many books made me cry and this one made the list and Susan I’m coming for you. But that was so bittersweet and truly a closure for Yia that she needed. So bravo!!
There were definitely some scenes that surprised me. Her literally pushing out eggs i was like “HUH?…Oh my…” 🫢 but if Isoli was my mate and we had insect eggs (omg still weird to say ) I’m pretty sure I would still love it and them. So Yia’s reaction was just, and very funny. Especially when the baby’s go to chow town on the Luasian I was like “Yesssss feast upon the blood of your enemyyyy!” 🤣
This book had many scenes I enjoyed and laughed aloud. It was so much fun! I would definitely pick this book up again for a comfort re-read (it’s just that great! ) and while its very insect-like in every way, it’s what I came for when picking it up in the first place!
Overall, AMAZING! We finally get a Menops hero in true full on Ant form! And ugh! It’s amazing! As is all of Susan’s books. I would love to see what happens next from here! For the future Menops, for Cupid and Arrow, all the characters! I’m excited to know what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
You know, after reading books about a bull getting milked by the FMC, a spider mate, and even a fucking monster with a skull for a head; I genuinely thought this was right up my ally. Mind you, the only one I have liked is the spider one. Yes, even if you don't like spiders, I've got to recommend it.
Regardless, whoever said curiosity killed the cat was right because this book was a little too much for me, but at the same time, I just had to see for myself. Don't you dare boo me. I was just curious, come on! A romance with an alien ant? How would that work?
Let me tell you that the author made it work and, although, it wasn't my cup of tea, the romance and the explicit scenes were the least of my problems with the book.
In regards to the pacing, we have these two characters that can't communicate, right? They don't speak the same language, so the inner dialogues are abundant and things get repetitive quickly. There's no way for them to get information about the other, so the assumptions about the other are all we read for a while.
The setting doesn't help either. We spend most of the book inside a monster's belly. Granted, an interesting take that I have only seen in Pinocchio, but this concept wasn't enough to keep me interested. I felt like they spent too much time inside the innards of this creature. It just halted the story until about 60%.
On that same note, I don't feel like this book needed to be this long. I was hoping we got to see many other places because both characters sounded like adventurers that explored the universe and whatnot. Isoli trying to get revenge from the humans while Yesenia looked to exterminate Menops wherever she could find them.
The Spanish portions got old really quick. My native language is Spanish and I'm Latin American, but I just couldn't stand the back and forth between the two. It was a little like mental gymnastics for me. The good news is that there's a glossary on the very back so you can understand even if you don't speak the language.
Also, the overuse of exclamation points annoyed the heck out of me. If we're not in danger, why are we screaming? Just add it to my list of pet peeves regarding punctuation.
If you're a huge fan of monster romance and don't mind the previous points I made before, this book might be for you!
Regardless, whoever said curiosity killed the cat was right because this book was a little too much for me, but at the same time, I just had to see for myself. Don't you dare boo me. I was just curious, come on! A romance with an alien ant? How would that work?
Let me tell you that the author made it work and, although, it wasn't my cup of tea, the romance and the explicit scenes were the least of my problems with the book.
In regards to the pacing, we have these two characters that can't communicate, right? They don't speak the same language, so the inner dialogues are abundant and things get repetitive quickly. There's no way for them to get information about the other, so the assumptions about the other are all we read for a while.
The setting doesn't help either. We spend most of the book inside a monster's belly. Granted, an interesting take that I have only seen in Pinocchio, but this concept wasn't enough to keep me interested. I felt like they spent too much time inside the innards of this creature. It just halted the story until about 60%.
On that same note, I don't feel like this book needed to be this long. I was hoping we got to see many other places because both characters sounded like adventurers that explored the universe and whatnot. Isoli trying to get revenge from the humans while Yesenia looked to exterminate Menops wherever she could find them.
The Spanish portions got old really quick. My native language is Spanish and I'm Latin American, but I just couldn't stand the back and forth between the two. It was a little like mental gymnastics for me. The good news is that there's a glossary on the very back so you can understand even if you don't speak the language.
Also, the overuse of exclamation points annoyed the heck out of me. If we're not in danger, why are we screaming? Just add it to my list of pet peeves regarding punctuation.
If you're a huge fan of monster romance and don't mind the previous points I made before, this book might be for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2023
Plot rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A true Enemies to lovers book with two people who stand on the opposite side of the battlefield and come together like a miracle.
Yesenia is a human monster hunter on a mission to wipe out Menops, a giant Alien Ant species that destroyed the Earth and killed her family. Isoli is a Menop male whose colony was destroyed and he escaped after killing the killers. He escapes to a primate planet after his ship is destroyed and Yesenia follows him to the same to capture him. In an effort of surviving on a primitive planet, the sworn enemies forge a bond and find companionship, comfort, and love in each other. Though in the start both of them thought of the other as an enemy, their feelings develop throughout the book as both of them look beyond the other’s pain and fear.
It was very funny to watch Isoli go from finding Yia unattractive (like a skin beast in his terms) then to tasty (in a literal sense) and then finally thinking of her as his queen.
The story was beautiful and touching.
I recommend this book to readers who want to read enemies to lovers with an impossible love match between a human and a giant ant alien.
Happy Reading
The spice in this book was very creative given the size differences and the MMC being a giant ant alien. The spice began halfway through the book but the tension between these two started the moment they met.
Isoli has three tounges which he uses very enthusiastically and segmented Ds that were very alien. The author served real alien romance in this book and I loved every second of it. Isoli and Yia were passionate and eager to please each other and were not turned off by the alienness of the other.
Spice elements :
Three hot 👅
2 big Ds
Fluid play
Oviparous Pregnancy
Spice rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A true Enemies to lovers book with two people who stand on the opposite side of the battlefield and come together like a miracle.
Yesenia is a human monster hunter on a mission to wipe out Menops, a giant Alien Ant species that destroyed the Earth and killed her family. Isoli is a Menop male whose colony was destroyed and he escaped after killing the killers. He escapes to a primate planet after his ship is destroyed and Yesenia follows him to the same to capture him. In an effort of surviving on a primitive planet, the sworn enemies forge a bond and find companionship, comfort, and love in each other. Though in the start both of them thought of the other as an enemy, their feelings develop throughout the book as both of them look beyond the other’s pain and fear.
It was very funny to watch Isoli go from finding Yia unattractive (like a skin beast in his terms) then to tasty (in a literal sense) and then finally thinking of her as his queen.
The story was beautiful and touching.
I recommend this book to readers who want to read enemies to lovers with an impossible love match between a human and a giant ant alien.
Happy Reading
The spice in this book was very creative given the size differences and the MMC being a giant ant alien. The spice began halfway through the book but the tension between these two started the moment they met.
Isoli has three tounges which he uses very enthusiastically and segmented Ds that were very alien. The author served real alien romance in this book and I loved every second of it. Isoli and Yia were passionate and eager to please each other and were not turned off by the alienness of the other.
Spice elements :
Three hot 👅
2 big Ds
Fluid play
Oviparous Pregnancy
March 17, 2023
4&1\2 terrific 🌟's for My Ant Monster💖
I adore Susan Trombley as an author. Her exceptional characters and world building make her book's a male a pleasure to read. This series has been one of my favorites since the first book and I have to say I wasn't sure how I was going to like this one. I'm not an insect lover at all and I have to give her props she is one of the very few authors that made an insect leading male appealing . Isoli is a Menops his colony is destroyed and he is looking for those who were responsible for its demise. His ship is corrupted and he needs to escape and he crash lands on a wild isolated planet. Yia an earth woman on a mission to destroy all Menops so that they can never harm another planet the way they destroyed earth. She lost most of her family and her father has just recently died. She is the sword of vengeance and she wants retribution. Yes our lovable Cupid the Lusian and Snarky the AI see a chance to bring two enemies together hopefully not find forgiveness and love. When both of these very different individuals meet danger lurks in every corner and they are forced to work together to survive. There are many misunderstandings many perilous moments but they begin to work together. As they work together they begin to see each other in a different light. Caring, turns to passion and passion turns to love. Love between to very different individuals that on the surface doesn't make sense but turns out to be beautiful in the end! 💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥
I adore Susan Trombley as an author. Her exceptional characters and world building make her book's a male a pleasure to read. This series has been one of my favorites since the first book and I have to say I wasn't sure how I was going to like this one. I'm not an insect lover at all and I have to give her props she is one of the very few authors that made an insect leading male appealing . Isoli is a Menops his colony is destroyed and he is looking for those who were responsible for its demise. His ship is corrupted and he needs to escape and he crash lands on a wild isolated planet. Yia an earth woman on a mission to destroy all Menops so that they can never harm another planet the way they destroyed earth. She lost most of her family and her father has just recently died. She is the sword of vengeance and she wants retribution. Yes our lovable Cupid the Lusian and Snarky the AI see a chance to bring two enemies together hopefully not find forgiveness and love. When both of these very different individuals meet danger lurks in every corner and they are forced to work together to survive. There are many misunderstandings many perilous moments but they begin to work together. As they work together they begin to see each other in a different light. Caring, turns to passion and passion turns to love. Love between to very different individuals that on the surface doesn't make sense but turns out to be beautiful in the end! 💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥
June 1, 2023
Is It The Ant Or I The Monster Lover?
This is weird story. Sorry Susan T. I though the 1st book was some what more than okay, but this monster or monstrosity was just too far fetch for me.
I just couldn't get pass from hatred and schemes of trying to kill all the Ants and Queens of the species, that tore through both their home worlds. Then this mysterious race monitor and cleverly attack the Ants' home world.
How can you crave vengeance for their enemies one minute. Attempting to develop a massive planet wide killing weapon. Only after being forced close contact with each other trying to escape a enormous beast that requires both of them to work so close together for escape. They actually developed a mind altering sexual need for one another while trying to make their escape. This great sexual need impairs their sense abilities and they mate while in the digestive tract of the foul beast.. If I read it correctly this occurred more than once. SMH so many times my neck hurts.
The resulting aftermath of doing the deed she, notices changes within her body, aka mutation preceding the absolute best sexual acts ever experienced by women. This makes her anxious to repeat the experience repeatedly ASAP!
That in itself is too much of a fictional leap for me. Oh did I mention it has dry dialogue in parts of the romantic chatter within this story.Then this CUPID born fantastic romantic storyline just stop with out any warning. The adventures they experience as a couple just end.
Like this review!
This is weird story. Sorry Susan T. I though the 1st book was some what more than okay, but this monster or monstrosity was just too far fetch for me.
I just couldn't get pass from hatred and schemes of trying to kill all the Ants and Queens of the species, that tore through both their home worlds. Then this mysterious race monitor and cleverly attack the Ants' home world.
How can you crave vengeance for their enemies one minute. Attempting to develop a massive planet wide killing weapon. Only after being forced close contact with each other trying to escape a enormous beast that requires both of them to work so close together for escape. They actually developed a mind altering sexual need for one another while trying to make their escape. This great sexual need impairs their sense abilities and they mate while in the digestive tract of the foul beast.. If I read it correctly this occurred more than once. SMH so many times my neck hurts.
The resulting aftermath of doing the deed she, notices changes within her body, aka mutation preceding the absolute best sexual acts ever experienced by women. This makes her anxious to repeat the experience repeatedly ASAP!
That in itself is too much of a fictional leap for me. Oh did I mention it has dry dialogue in parts of the romantic chatter within this story.Then this CUPID born fantastic romantic storyline just stop with out any warning. The adventures they experience as a couple just end.
Like this review!
March 14, 2023
So the hero is a giant ant alien with wings. The heroine is a human whose family was killed by "Menops" the hero's species. She has spent her life hunting them.
The hero's colony was destroyed by "someone" we never find out who. So both of them have lost a lot.
In the first part of the book, they are stuck in the stomach of a huge monster. They have to depend on each other to survive. They fall in love.
They are some steamy scenes. They are also a little funny because their parts are not exactly compatible and they are both trying to figure out ways to please the other person. They figure it out, of course.
SPOILER SPOLER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Hero and heroine have babies. She delivers 12 small eggs. They hatch into half human and half ant people.
The galaxy knows about them and they are almost assassinated by the Lusians. Now they are protected by other allies and a previous Menops hero who turned mostly human to be with his mate.
The hero's colony was destroyed by "someone" we never find out who. So both of them have lost a lot.
In the first part of the book, they are stuck in the stomach of a huge monster. They have to depend on each other to survive. They fall in love.
They are some steamy scenes. They are also a little funny because their parts are not exactly compatible and they are both trying to figure out ways to please the other person. They figure it out, of course.
SPOILER SPOLER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
Hero and heroine have babies. She delivers 12 small eggs. They hatch into half human and half ant people.
The galaxy knows about them and they are almost assassinated by the Lusians. Now they are protected by other allies and a previous Menops hero who turned mostly human to be with his mate.
July 18, 2023
Look. I'm not proud of this rating, mostly because bugs squick me the fuck out, but this was a good book. A really solid alien romance that was surprisingly horny in a good way. I just- I don't know y'all. I'm flabbergasted by how much I enjoyed this book.
It's a solid enemies to lovers romance. I wouldn't call it slowburn as I was able to finish the book in a four hour sitting, so maybe it lacks the length for slowburn, but it definitely takes time to build up to mutual attraction. There was no insta lust, which was a very good move on the author's part. I enjoyed that the protagonists mentioned at the beginning how alien they found one another's features and how they actually repelled by one another's appearances at the very start.
But yeah. I liked this book. A lot. Surprisingly so, again because of the aforementioned bug squick. It was a fun read and the author knows what she's doing because she made me understand falling in love with an ant man.
It's a solid enemies to lovers romance. I wouldn't call it slowburn as I was able to finish the book in a four hour sitting, so maybe it lacks the length for slowburn, but it definitely takes time to build up to mutual attraction. There was no insta lust, which was a very good move on the author's part. I enjoyed that the protagonists mentioned at the beginning how alien they found one another's features and how they actually repelled by one another's appearances at the very start.
But yeah. I liked this book. A lot. Surprisingly so, again because of the aforementioned bug squick. It was a fun read and the author knows what she's doing because she made me understand falling in love with an ant man.
August 30, 2024
When you get lured in by the absurdity of "alien hunter x ant-alien ETL" but instead find a heartwarming story about overcoming grief and finding camaraderie. With a 2m tall ant alien that spits fire.
Easily my 2nd favorite of Trombley's Iriduan alien books (The Fractured Mate still reigns supreme, alas). She got the ETL part down, and the human-alien miscommunication was delightful. I do almost wish that Trombley had committed to taking that darker approach that she talked about in her blog post, as that would've done serious damage to my emotions, but this one struck a good balance between humor and serious topics as it was.
And now we wait for whatever else Susan Trombley has cooking in this universe :')
Easily my 2nd favorite of Trombley's Iriduan alien books (The Fractured Mate still reigns supreme, alas). She got the ETL part down, and the human-alien miscommunication was delightful. I do almost wish that Trombley had committed to taking that darker approach that she talked about in her blog post, as that would've done serious damage to my emotions, but this one struck a good balance between humor and serious topics as it was.
And now we wait for whatever else Susan Trombley has cooking in this universe :')
March 13, 2023
This series just keeps getting better and better!
I am a huge fan of aliens that look like aliens and this story did not disappoint. The author did a wonderful job with both characters and how they worked through their trauma to trust and love one another.
It was wonderful to get a glimpse of the future with them as well.
I also love seeing Cupids pov and his AI...not gonna lie would love to see both of them get their own HEA.
I highly recommend this series and others from this author!
I am a huge fan of aliens that look like aliens and this story did not disappoint. The author did a wonderful job with both characters and how they worked through their trauma to trust and love one another.
It was wonderful to get a glimpse of the future with them as well.
I also love seeing Cupids pov and his AI...not gonna lie would love to see both of them get their own HEA.
I highly recommend this series and others from this author!
March 12, 2023
There is a “higher power” a demigod alien that wants to make the universe better, more full of love. He does this by stranding enemies together in survival situations and facilitating cooperation and collaboration. He acts as translator and then just waits as love blooms. Fortunately the new lovers don’t know they’ve been manipulated and are content to spend their time finding ways around their biological differences in an attempt to more fully mate. It’s sweet.
March 13, 2023
I Loved It!
I have been so excited about this book since I first found out about it. It was everything and more than I was hoping. I have followed this world with great enjoyment since I first found the Scorpion's Mate. I loved Hunters story but I also liked how you kept Isoli as an original Menops. Very well done as usual.
Thank you Susan! You did a fantastic job!
I'll definitely be rereading this one.
I have been so excited about this book since I first found out about it. It was everything and more than I was hoping. I have followed this world with great enjoyment since I first found the Scorpion's Mate. I loved Hunters story but I also liked how you kept Isoli as an original Menops. Very well done as usual.
Thank you Susan! You did a fantastic job!
I'll definitely be rereading this one.
April 6, 2023
Couldn't put it down.
This novel was wonderful.Even when it was over, I wanted to know more about what happens after. I didn't even want to put it down so I could go to work. I know this comment won't be put with the others because for some reason Amazon has banned my comments for years and they won't answer why my comments have been banned. Anyways love this novel and can't wait to read more like it.
This novel was wonderful.Even when it was over, I wanted to know more about what happens after. I didn't even want to put it down so I could go to work. I know this comment won't be put with the others because for some reason Amazon has banned my comments for years and they won't answer why my comments have been banned. Anyways love this novel and can't wait to read more like it.
November 13, 2023
This book started out rough.. I had a hard time getting into it, there’s a ton of lingo that made no sense with little to no explanation. Once it started to make sense, it was slow to get to the good stuff. The good was pretty good, but kinda cringe cause it was like typical romance shit but alienated lol. Like licking his fingers afterwards lol I was like bro doesn’t even have fingers come on.. lol. Anyways it was just ok.
March 7, 2025
Cute, Sexy, and Entertaining!
This book is extremely creative how it manages a successful relationship between a Menhops and a human. I didn’t see how this could work out with Iso not being a test subject. However, the author worked her magic and this book ended up with a very satisfying relationship and even HEA between an 🐜 giant adaptive ant and human female- including hybrid offspring galore. A+++ I will definitely be reading more of these spicy stories! 🔥 ♥️
This book is extremely creative how it manages a successful relationship between a Menhops and a human. I didn’t see how this could work out with Iso not being a test subject. However, the author worked her magic and this book ended up with a very satisfying relationship and even HEA between an 🐜 giant adaptive ant and human female- including hybrid offspring galore. A+++ I will definitely be reading more of these spicy stories! 🔥 ♥️
March 15, 2023
Cupid and snarky!
I love these 2. And this book! Yia and Isoli are wonderful. I like how it wasn't an immediate "I love you so much!" So much as a "I want to kill you, but suppose I will wait". Their relationship developed, and it was beautiful. And now menops may not be the most evil thing out there? What? Just love it.
I love these 2. And this book! Yia and Isoli are wonderful. I like how it wasn't an immediate "I love you so much!" So much as a "I want to kill you, but suppose I will wait". Their relationship developed, and it was beautiful. And now menops may not be the most evil thing out there? What? Just love it.
March 16, 2023
Unexpected surprises!
I absolutely love how Ms. Troubles world builds and just draws you into the story. Yesenia and Isol have both experience grief and it is through this grief and *sprinkle a little trouble* that they will bridge the sizeable gap between enemy species on order to bring forth something unprecedented. Monster romance lovers, this is definitely for you
I absolutely love how Ms. Troubles world builds and just draws you into the story. Yesenia and Isol have both experience grief and it is through this grief and *sprinkle a little trouble* that they will bridge the sizeable gap between enemy species on order to bring forth something unprecedented. Monster romance lovers, this is definitely for you
March 18, 2023
Another amazing book
Susan's books are always amazing and this is a great example of her work. It stands alone in the series and also blends seamlessly with the other stories in the series. This book didn't disappoint in making me laugh and ahhh and was so hard to put down to go grab the laundry.
Susan's books are always amazing and this is a great example of her work. It stands alone in the series and also blends seamlessly with the other stories in the series. This book didn't disappoint in making me laugh and ahhh and was so hard to put down to go grab the laundry.
March 19, 2023
Tainted Love?
HEA. I was happy to read another Trombley Tale. Heheh, quite the perfect tongue twister if you ask me. Loved this story as it relates to my own life. Most of her stories do which is why I adore any Trombley Tale that comes along! Keep sending them out there, Susan! Forever more, yours truly.
HEA. I was happy to read another Trombley Tale. Heheh, quite the perfect tongue twister if you ask me. Loved this story as it relates to my own life. Most of her stories do which is why I adore any Trombley Tale that comes along! Keep sending them out there, Susan! Forever more, yours truly.
March 21, 2023
My Ant Monster Mate!
I just loved Isoli and Yia! Definitely a different love story but so so good. Loved the pace of the story and the emotional healing for the storyline to reach it's conclusion. The world building was very well written and interesting. I have absolutely loved this series and can't wait for more. I highly recommend!!
I just loved Isoli and Yia! Definitely a different love story but so so good. Loved the pace of the story and the emotional healing for the storyline to reach it's conclusion. The world building was very well written and interesting. I have absolutely loved this series and can't wait for more. I highly recommend!!
April 7, 2023
The romance was good but rushed and a little forced. The initial goals that drived the main characters took a backseat. I have not read all of the books from these series, so maybe that's why the story seems to be missing some vital pieces. It left many lingering questions: Who was the hybrid?, What happened to their daughters?, Who created the disease?, Who attacked first?, and so on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2023
Ants have never been so Interesting
Each story in this universe is always a completely different experience. The characters are interesting and complex, which is a Susan Trombley trope. . I never thought of an Ant this way before and will always be altered myself because of this book.
Each story in this universe is always a completely different experience. The characters are interesting and complex, which is a Susan Trombley trope. . I never thought of an Ant this way before and will always be altered myself because of this book.
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