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Sanity Falls #2
Monster Mate
Falling for the monster she just friend zoned would be problematic…right?
Roxie Rowe will never be a victim. Not again, anyway.
She totally could’ve handled the handsy Orc who grabbed her outside the Monster Match event.
But she didn’t have to because he showed up.
Her hero was Riordan Merrick, a 7’-tall, red-skinned, horned demon from a hell dimension. But that’s not the weird part.
See, he insists she’s his fated mate.
Even if she did believe in fate (she doesn’t), and even if Riordan wasn’t smokin’ hot (he is), her romantic history taught her relationships aren’t for her. But when accidents start happening around her at an alarming rate, Roxie realizes she might need a little help from her wannabe monster mate.
And the more time she spends with him in forced proximity, the harder it gets to remember why she’s anti commitment.
So, how’s a girl supposed to hang on to her heart when all she really wants to do is hold onto the demon who keeps trying to steal it?
Monster Mate, book 2 in the Sanity Falls series, is a light, spicy romance fantasy novel (a romantasy, if you will) that can be read as a standalone. Monster Match, book 1, is also available. If you like snarky, witty banter, quirky heroines, casual cussing, and small town romance hijinks, this is the series for you. Download today, and welcome to Sanity Falls...
Roxie Rowe will never be a victim. Not again, anyway.
She totally could’ve handled the handsy Orc who grabbed her outside the Monster Match event.
But she didn’t have to because he showed up.
Her hero was Riordan Merrick, a 7’-tall, red-skinned, horned demon from a hell dimension. But that’s not the weird part.
See, he insists she’s his fated mate.
Even if she did believe in fate (she doesn’t), and even if Riordan wasn’t smokin’ hot (he is), her romantic history taught her relationships aren’t for her. But when accidents start happening around her at an alarming rate, Roxie realizes she might need a little help from her wannabe monster mate.
And the more time she spends with him in forced proximity, the harder it gets to remember why she’s anti commitment.
So, how’s a girl supposed to hang on to her heart when all she really wants to do is hold onto the demon who keeps trying to steal it?
Monster Mate, book 2 in the Sanity Falls series, is a light, spicy romance fantasy novel (a romantasy, if you will) that can be read as a standalone. Monster Match, book 1, is also available. If you like snarky, witty banter, quirky heroines, casual cussing, and small town romance hijinks, this is the series for you. Download today, and welcome to Sanity Falls...
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2023
34 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Isabel Jordan
33 books507 followersThe normal:
Isabel Jordan writes because it’s the only profession that allows her to express her natural sarcasm and not be fired. She is a paranormal and contemporary romance author. Isabel lives in the US with her husband, her son son, a neurotic Shepherd mix and a ginormous Great Dane mix named Jerkface. (Don't feel bad for Jerkface. He really is a jerk.)
The weird:
Now that the normal stuff is out of the way, here’s some weird-but-true facts that would never come up in polite conversation. Isabel Jordan:
1. Is terrified of butterflies (don’t judge…it’s a real phobia called lepidopterophobia)
2. Is a lover of all things ironic (hence the butterfly on the first edition cover of Semi-Charmed)
3. Is obsessed with Supernatural, Game of Thrones, and Dog Whisperer.
4. Hates coffee. Drinks a Diet Mountain Dew every morning.
5. Will argue to the death that Pretty in Pink ended all wrong. (Seriously, she ends up with the guy who was embarrassed to be seen with her and not the nice guy who loved her all along? That would never fly in the world of romance novels.)
6. Would eat Mexican food every day, if given the choice.
7. Reads two books a week in varied genres.
8. Refers to her Kindle as “the precious”.
9. Thinks puppy breath is one of the best smells in the world.
10. Is a social media idgit. (Her husband had to explain to her last week what the point of Twitter was. She’s still a little fuzzy on what Instagram and Pinterest do.)
11. Kicks ass at Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.
12. Stole her tagline idea from her son. Her tagline idea was, “Never wrong, not quite right.” She liked her son’s idea better.
13. Breaks one vacuum cleaner a year because she ignores standard maintenance procedures (Really, you’re supposed to empty the canister every time you vacuum? Does that seem excessive to anyone else?)
14. Is still mad at the WB network for cancelling Angel in 2004.
15. Can’t find her way from her bed to her bathroom without her glasses, but refused eye surgery, even when someone else offered to pay. (They lost her at “eye flap”. Seriously, look it up. Scary stuff.)
Isabel Jordan writes because it’s the only profession that allows her to express her natural sarcasm and not be fired. She is a paranormal and contemporary romance author. Isabel lives in the US with her husband, her son son, a neurotic Shepherd mix and a ginormous Great Dane mix named Jerkface. (Don't feel bad for Jerkface. He really is a jerk.)
The weird:
Now that the normal stuff is out of the way, here’s some weird-but-true facts that would never come up in polite conversation. Isabel Jordan:
1. Is terrified of butterflies (don’t judge…it’s a real phobia called lepidopterophobia)
2. Is a lover of all things ironic (hence the butterfly on the first edition cover of Semi-Charmed)
3. Is obsessed with Supernatural, Game of Thrones, and Dog Whisperer.
4. Hates coffee. Drinks a Diet Mountain Dew every morning.
5. Will argue to the death that Pretty in Pink ended all wrong. (Seriously, she ends up with the guy who was embarrassed to be seen with her and not the nice guy who loved her all along? That would never fly in the world of romance novels.)
6. Would eat Mexican food every day, if given the choice.
7. Reads two books a week in varied genres.
8. Refers to her Kindle as “the precious”.
9. Thinks puppy breath is one of the best smells in the world.
10. Is a social media idgit. (Her husband had to explain to her last week what the point of Twitter was. She’s still a little fuzzy on what Instagram and Pinterest do.)
11. Kicks ass at Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.
12. Stole her tagline idea from her son. Her tagline idea was, “Never wrong, not quite right.” She liked her son’s idea better.
13. Breaks one vacuum cleaner a year because she ignores standard maintenance procedures (Really, you’re supposed to empty the canister every time you vacuum? Does that seem excessive to anyone else?)
14. Is still mad at the WB network for cancelling Angel in 2004.
15. Can’t find her way from her bed to her bathroom without her glasses, but refused eye surgery, even when someone else offered to pay. (They lost her at “eye flap”. Seriously, look it up. Scary stuff.)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 20, 2024
Roxy was fiercely protective, emotionally constipated, and (rightfully) leery of committed relationships. Her demon man was a cinnamon roll consent king. I enjoyed the romcom vibes combined with some dark themes. What I didn’t love was that there was a lack of give and take in the relationship, at least, not on page. Roxy was selfish, but her man had to carry her through her commitmentphobia and he didn’t get much out of the relationship beyond less loneliness and physical intimacy. But it’s not like Roxy wasn’t willing to pull her weight in emotional intimacy by the end, we just don’t get to see a moment where she’s there for him.
Spice: 3.5/5
SPOILERS IN TRIGGER WARNINGS
Triggers: DV (off page), stalking (by ex), attempted SA, sexual harassment, murder (off page), house fire, hospitalization, kidnapping, violence, bomb threat
Spice: 3.5/5
SPOILERS IN TRIGGER WARNINGS
Triggers: DV (off page), stalking (by ex), attempted SA, sexual harassment, murder (off page), house fire, hospitalization, kidnapping, violence, bomb threat
February 2, 2025
3.5 stars
Most of this book was super cute. It starts with a prickly human FMC (Roxie) who is fending off a groping orc, when the demon MMC (Riordan) shows up and is all “how dare you accost my mate??”
That part of the story was low angst and adorable, because Riordan was a cinnamon roll (to her) and very respectful of boundaries. And even though Roxie friend zoned him at first, she was very peeved when other monsters judged him for being different, because how rude!
I wish the book went in a different direction with the Roxie in danger plotline though, because that had dashes of heavier themes which took away from the lighthearted vibes. The story wobbled a bit towards the end, but overall it was still very entertaining.
Most of this book was super cute. It starts with a prickly human FMC (Roxie) who is fending off a groping orc, when the demon MMC (Riordan) shows up and is all “how dare you accost my mate??”
That part of the story was low angst and adorable, because Riordan was a cinnamon roll (to her) and very respectful of boundaries. And even though Roxie friend zoned him at first, she was very peeved when other monsters judged him for being different, because how rude!
I wish the book went in a different direction with the Roxie in danger plotline though, because that had dashes of heavier themes which took away from the lighthearted vibes. The story wobbled a bit towards the end, but overall it was still very entertaining.
June 3, 2023
Cozy monster romances are my comfort reads. There’s just something about cinnamon roll monster boyfriends that just pulls me out of my own head. So naturally after a disastrous day the other day (losing your keys in the store on a 90* day is not recommended) I started and basically devoured this read.
The main character Roxie is pretty independent and really just isn’t looking for a relationship, especially after the last one ended in disaster. But that all changes when a 7ft tall demon in leather pants literally throws a man who is harassing her into another dimension. See this demon claims that he’s her mate and shows her more kindness than she’s ever been shown before. He’s even nice to her dog and her grumpy, 82 year old roommate (okay he’s kind of an asshole but he’s also her best friend).
Okay that demon is Riordan and I love him. His solution to basically any problem is to read, he even reads romance novels so that he can learn to be a better lover both in and out of bed. He’s so sweet and patient with Roxie and never pressures her to accept the mating bond. He just loves her, her old man best friend, and the escape artist dog.
I had so much fun reading this book which isn’t a surprise because I read the first book in this series Monster Match and absolutely adored it.
The main character Roxie is pretty independent and really just isn’t looking for a relationship, especially after the last one ended in disaster. But that all changes when a 7ft tall demon in leather pants literally throws a man who is harassing her into another dimension. See this demon claims that he’s her mate and shows her more kindness than she’s ever been shown before. He’s even nice to her dog and her grumpy, 82 year old roommate (okay he’s kind of an asshole but he’s also her best friend).
Okay that demon is Riordan and I love him. His solution to basically any problem is to read, he even reads romance novels so that he can learn to be a better lover both in and out of bed. He’s so sweet and patient with Roxie and never pressures her to accept the mating bond. He just loves her, her old man best friend, and the escape artist dog.
I had so much fun reading this book which isn’t a surprise because I read the first book in this series Monster Match and absolutely adored it.
January 20, 2025
Roxie goes to a Monster Match event and ends up being saved by Riordan. A seven foot tall, red-skinned, horned demon from a hell dimension. Who says she's his mate. But Roxie has been through a lot, and instead of embracing him, she keeps him at a distance. But when things start happening around her, and she ends up living with him for her protection, causing feelings to grow, it becomes harder for her to deny him.
Short, a little spicy, and sweet, I loved this. Roxie tries to fight her feelings for Riordan, but the more she's around him, the harder that gets... and that's not the only thing hard. HA. GET IT? (Sorry, bad joke) The forced proximity was great. The spice was great. I loved the side characters (her elderly roommate and chubby dog), and I loved the tie in with Lucy and Viktor from the first book. These are short reads and they're highly entertaining.
Short, a little spicy, and sweet, I loved this. Roxie tries to fight her feelings for Riordan, but the more she's around him, the harder that gets... and that's not the only thing hard. HA. GET IT? (Sorry, bad joke) The forced proximity was great. The spice was great. I loved the side characters (her elderly roommate and chubby dog), and I loved the tie in with Lucy and Viktor from the first book. These are short reads and they're highly entertaining.
November 11, 2024
These were ok.
February 15, 2026
The rule is to leave the audience wishing for more. This doesn't find that - it manages the opposite.
Starts out strong, fun, has the reader cheering and laughing right off. But halfway through, its enough.
The big question is why the story takes away the fun events and presents badly scripted ends of the breadcrumbs laid in the first chapters.
Sloppy story, the author has enough published works to have done this right, and didn't bother. Even the HAE Epilog comes out of nowhere.
Starts out strong, fun, has the reader cheering and laughing right off. But halfway through, its enough.
The big question is why the story takes away the fun events and presents badly scripted ends of the breadcrumbs laid in the first chapters.
Sloppy story, the author has enough published works to have done this right, and didn't bother. Even the HAE Epilog comes out of nowhere.
August 20, 2023
We're back in Sanity Falls and this time we have a demonic gentleman and a FEISTY human lady. No joke, Roxie would probably fight her own mother if circumstances called for it (and if she knew who her mother was). The lady isn't much intimidated by the monsters roaming around town and she's not about to let someone get the best of her even if they're a foot taller and/or an Orc.
In fact, Roxie's so used to fighting her own battles (against generally overwhelming odds) that she doesn't quite trust Riordan when he pops in and takes care of a problem for her. Somehow the big guy wins her trust just by being himself. And then he keeps proving he's the real deal. It doesn't take long before Roxie's as smitten as Riordan is and they're steaming up the sheets (and the walls and pretty much anywhere else they can get away with steaming things) and making things work.
On Riordan's end, he knows Roxie's his special someone the moment he lays eyes on her. She's fire and fury and passion and all the things he wants in a partner and he's determined to show her he won't let her down. The big guys brings a rescue, another little rescue, a sweet, sweet home for Roxie and her roommates (or should I say family-esque folks) to settle into, and a whole lot of smoldering looks to the table and Roxie is THERE for it.
Danger, a nasty ex, an escape artist doggo, Winston, a cinnamon roll demon, and a lady who isn't afraid of a little angry bangin'. GOOD STUFF.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
In fact, Roxie's so used to fighting her own battles (against generally overwhelming odds) that she doesn't quite trust Riordan when he pops in and takes care of a problem for her. Somehow the big guy wins her trust just by being himself. And then he keeps proving he's the real deal. It doesn't take long before Roxie's as smitten as Riordan is and they're steaming up the sheets (and the walls and pretty much anywhere else they can get away with steaming things) and making things work.
On Riordan's end, he knows Roxie's his special someone the moment he lays eyes on her. She's fire and fury and passion and all the things he wants in a partner and he's determined to show her he won't let her down. The big guys brings a rescue, another little rescue, a sweet, sweet home for Roxie and her roommates (or should I say family-esque folks) to settle into, and a whole lot of smoldering looks to the table and Roxie is THERE for it.
Danger, a nasty ex, an escape artist doggo, Winston, a cinnamon roll demon, and a lady who isn't afraid of a little angry bangin'. GOOD STUFF.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 13, 2023
I read for enjoyment and sometimes I come across the book I'm looking for at exactly the right time. I've had an annoying eye condition for a couple of days so I was looking for something short and light.
"Monster Mate" by Isabel Jordan fit the bill to a T.
Roxie Rowe, on the run from her abusive ex, gets attacked by an Orc and makes the acquaintance of a seven-foot tall Demon, Riordan, who is absolutely sure that she is his eternal mate.
She's made romantic mistakes in the past so she is determined to take things slow - good luck with that Roxie!
Though mostly fluffy as all get out the book does have a dark core which surfaces occasionally. In fact, had the dark element been increased it could have burned into something very different and, possibly, far more memorable.
Still, I enjoyed it greatly - it's a simple story, well told and, of course, has lots of sex and a HEA.
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
"Monster Mate" by Isabel Jordan fit the bill to a T.
Roxie Rowe, on the run from her abusive ex, gets attacked by an Orc and makes the acquaintance of a seven-foot tall Demon, Riordan, who is absolutely sure that she is his eternal mate.
She's made romantic mistakes in the past so she is determined to take things slow - good luck with that Roxie!
Though mostly fluffy as all get out the book does have a dark core which surfaces occasionally. In fact, had the dark element been increased it could have burned into something very different and, possibly, far more memorable.
Still, I enjoyed it greatly - it's a simple story, well told and, of course, has lots of sex and a HEA.
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
January 23, 2024
The best introduction between fated mates characters being actually respectful decent human/monster beings that I’ve found to date. The story is solid and a pretty quick read but aside from how mr monster handles the introducing himself to said fated mate it’s nothing to write home about. It’s not quite an insta-love scenario maybe just sped-up-love? The story needed more plot points for me to feel like the relationship went any deeper.
July 16, 2023
always good for a laugh
Funny, sexy, sweet. The three best words for a romance. Riordan and Roxie may need to battle fate, fear, ant the batty ex for their happily ever after, but luckily they have Winston and Waldo to lend a hand. And the snarky octogenarian and woeful pup are up for the job. Who knew demons could be so much fun?
Funny, sexy, sweet. The three best words for a romance. Riordan and Roxie may need to battle fate, fear, ant the batty ex for their happily ever after, but luckily they have Winston and Waldo to lend a hand. And the snarky octogenarian and woeful pup are up for the job. Who knew demons could be so much fun?
August 4, 2023
Monster Mate is a pretty intense monster romance. Both MC's have bad experiences in their past which overflow into their newly shared and still developing present. They are tested by circumstances and idiots! I very much enjoyed reading this story and hope that a third in the series might soon follow, featuring a certain feisty orc.
June 14, 2025
This book was really cute. I liked it better than the first. Riordan was so sweet and then so protective. I loved when he got mad because it was such a sweet mad. Roxie had a lot of development. We could have gotten more about her past I think, but you still got the idea of why she was the way she was. This is a fast, fun read with a little action in there.
February 7, 2024
Easy and uneventful.
While dealing with an unsavory orc, Roxie is saved by a Riordan, a huge monster who quickly informs her she is his fated mate. While agreeing to test out the waters of their relationship, Roxie and Riordan are faced with reappearances from Roxie's past.
Winston, Roxie's unsavory elderly roommate, was easily the highlight. His snark, dry humor, and unfailing loyalty made me love him immediately.
The dirty talk and angry love admissions were also amazing.
While dealing with an unsavory orc, Roxie is saved by a Riordan, a huge monster who quickly informs her she is his fated mate. While agreeing to test out the waters of their relationship, Roxie and Riordan are faced with reappearances from Roxie's past.
Winston, Roxie's unsavory elderly roommate, was easily the highlight. His snark, dry humor, and unfailing loyalty made me love him immediately.
The dirty talk and angry love admissions were also amazing.
February 1, 2026
This is the second book in the series, and it was a little better than the first- but still not all the way there. The story line was rushed and we could’ve had so much more depth to the FMC and MMC.
June 11, 2023
Fast, fun paranormal romp
I love Jordan's snarky humor and fast paced dialogue. Light, sexy fun for a great beach read. Totally recommend, 5 bright stars!
I love Jordan's snarky humor and fast paced dialogue. Light, sexy fun for a great beach read. Totally recommend, 5 bright stars!
June 12, 2023
This was a cosy read.
July 21, 2023
Demon
Loving this series. The monsters are interesting and the mates appropriately snarky, but loveable women. And the villains meet an appropriate end.
Loving this series. The monsters are interesting and the mates appropriately snarky, but loveable women. And the villains meet an appropriate end.
November 9, 2023
Quick, sweet, steamy amd fun... Great for getting out of a reading slump
Read
November 30, 2023DNF @ 34%
It's too much like a RomCom with uninspired writing.
It's too much like a RomCom with uninspired writing.
August 2, 2024
Humans can be so very stubborn. It’s a trait that allows us to survive just about anything, but sometimes it also makes us blind the very best things in our lives.
September 10, 2024
🎧 I loved this, quick fun read with a hot demon, strong yet vulnerable FMC, cranky old guy and a fat beagle. What's not to love
May 30, 2025
If it is possible for a guy to have too many green flags, it would be Riordan. The best kind of simp with brains, a fancy house, manners, and a gooey inner core.
November 3, 2025
Loved 🥰
April 16, 2026
love this series!
I loved reading this book! The whole series is amazing! It really pulls you in. I can’t wait to read more in this universe.
I loved reading this book! The whole series is amazing! It really pulls you in. I can’t wait to read more in this universe.
May 31, 2024
this was cute, sweet, and short. love a demon simp.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews