The Monster at the End of This Courtship

The Monster at the End of His Pregnancy #2

by Edie Monte

What good is fate when your mate won't look your way?

Omega Tuft has always wanted a mate. He's craved someone to love and support him since he was a human changeling on earth. Now that he's a kobold/human hybrid, he understands this desire is hardwired into his genes. Too bad his new mate hasn't gotten the message.

Axel had tried so hard to fit in on Earth. He'd had a girlfriend, a steady job, and a group of friends for video game nights. Now, he's an alpha adrift in one of those fantasy games with no way out and an omega who keeps calling him mate.

Thanks to the destruction of the summoning circle, Axel was returned to his plane of origin early. Tuft has one year of courtship to convince him they're meant to be together. If he fails, he'll have to face the reality of living alone without any hope for love and hatchlings.

The Monster at the End of This Courtship is a knotty reluctant fated mates male/male mpreg/eggpreg romance between 2 consenting versatile adults. It has monster anatomy, knotting, all the slick, nesting, true love, fated mates, adorable babies, snark, eggpreg spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after!

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal

Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2024

Reviews

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, the world-building and detail for this series is just top notch. Really, I would happily just read about all the kobolds making a new life for themselves after returning from Earth.

Tuft and Axel have a slow burn romance for fated mates. In fact, Axel isn't very pleasant to his mate at first. He's got issues to work through.

I really appreciated them dating, spending time together and really getting to know each other before jumping into the making babies thing.

There's a lot of sweet moments, not just between the pair, but with Lark and Weld, Tuft's ex. Those were extra sweet and I'm glad they made it into the book.

Super curious about the dragon and Mac!

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Monster at the End of This Courtship is the second book in The Monster at the End of His Pregnancy series. The series is best read in order. This is the story of Tuft an omega and Axel an alpha both are kobold/human hybrids. Tuft just wants a mate to love and be loved by. Axel is pulled away from everything he knows. I love the world building and character building that went into this book. Edie Monte does such a great job with the story. The emotions in the story are so well done. I feel bad for Axel as he learns to deal with how his life has changed. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monster at the End of This Courtship by Edie Monte is the second book in her The Monster at the Endo f His Pregnancy series. You may want to read the other book first as I am sure it explains a lot about what the setting and plot will be like. This book is one of the most fantastical ones I have read in a long time with not only the characters and how they look and live as well as the setting and especially pregnancies and births. Kobolds are the beings who live on Ignitis. They are somewhat lizard like but also have some human features. Dragons almost killed their civilization with their fire and they retreated into their fortress and lived there for a hundred years. They also sent their children to Earth to protect them and had them fit in with their magic as well as adopting them out until they reached the age of 25 when they would return to Ignitas. Then the current dragon became friendly with one of them and everything changed, especially when they burned down the stone circle that recalled all the kobolds from Earth, even if they were not of the correct age to return and also they could now go out in the sun without being afraid of being eaten. The Priestess Alma and some of the Alphas held classes so they could learn about their ways and what would happen to them. Their magic could also return them to Earth, which they often went back to for food or to get things they wanted. Tuft had been back on Ignitas for a year and was an omega. He had met an alpha, Weld, and though they weren’t fated mates decided to mate with him. This produced 2 eggs but they did not survive due to the cold of the fortress. They were both very sad over this but knew they couldn’t do anything about it. Then, when all of the kobolds came back unexpectedly, Axel, an alpha, was with them. When Tuft smelled him he knew he was his fated mate. But Axel didn’t know what he was and still had his tail. He went to classes and then when it molted he was considered an adult and ready to take his place in Ignitas. But he also rejected Tuft as his mate because he had his life back on Earth that he couldn’t leave. When he returned there he realized that what he thought he had was a lie so he came back to Ignitas ready to be open with Tuft. The story continues as they meet for lunches and dinners and get to know each other. They found that they liked the same things and got along very well, which surprised Tuft because he knew that others thought he was somewhat odd, even though that wasn’t true and everyone liked him. Because they were able to go out into the sun Tuft and Axel came up with the idea of having a sports complex that everyone could use and enjoy and build community with and once they got permission to make it, they went at it with everything they had. Tuft was the spreadsheet man and got everyone signed up and Axel was the builder who designed and made all of the fields, including a pavilion for the dragon to watch from. Tuft wanted to go slow with their relationship because he didn’t want it to turn out like his first one, but eventually they mated and then had their babies which led to their family being filled with love. I had a somewhat hard time getting into this story as it was so different but once I did, I was hooked. This is such an unusual group of creatures being lizard-like yet having very human qualities, especially their eating habits. Tuft’s and Axel’s love story was pretty typical with being rejected at first, then going slowly, and finally finding their happy ending with a lot of hot love scenes in between. And the way Tuft had his babies was beyond belief and something I never heard of before. Ms. Monte really has quite the imagination! I highly recommend this book, especially if you like alien love stories that are very different and strange and also have mpreg with eggs that lead to having a family and love when they didn’t think that it would be possible.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monster at the End of This Courtship by Edie Monte is a sweet story with some hot scenes. This is the second in a series and I strongly recommend reading the first book before this one, as it lays out the important elements of the fantasy world and introduces the reader to not only the important characters in Book One, but also the characters for Book Two. The main character in Book Two is Tuft, an omega, who chafes at the constraints on omegas mostly due to events in the past. He is also a fun kobold, having adjusted to and reveled in his kobold anatomy. His reluctant alpha is Axel and it is entertaining to watch his attitude change a 180 degrees from wanting nothing to do with Tuft or the kobold world at all to embracing everything (not really a spoiler since this is a romance) with a HEA. One part that really appealed to me was the rehabilitation of Weld from egotistical alpha to someone who deserves to find their HEA too. I would not have thought it possible since he was almost a villain in Book One. The author did a great job here. It will be fun to read his story one day. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tuft was introduced in book 1 after getting with Weld. After a devastating event and further developments, Tuft and Weld are no more. Although now Tuft had met his fated mate and Axel is not interested.
I really enjoyed when fated mates have to work for it. This is a slow burn as Axel firstly comes to terms with his whole life changing and then gets to know Tuft. I loved the whole dating storyline.
Due to their human genes I love how popular human customs, food etc are incorporated in the story and the project was perfect for Axel and Tuft, especially as Tuft has the gift of the gab.
Due to what happened with Tuft previously, there are some sensitive topics which are handled tenderly.
It was also good to catch up with Lark and Punky and their little ones, who had me laughing with some of their antics.
With more known of the Dragons I am curious to read about Mac

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an ARC copy of the novel. This is a rather unique story as it is the first I've read of a hybrid humanoid. Axel suddenly finds himself on an alien world naked and looking a little lizard-like. When he's casually greeted by Tuft as his mate he's just a little stunned. On Earth he believed he was straight, engaged to be married, with a baby on the way. Tuft is hurt and confused by his mate's rejection. Axel has a lot to learn about himself and his place in this new reality including how to reconcile his past attraction to his bond to his fated mate. Tuft was hurt when a previous mating was unsuccessful. Building a new life will mean dealing with the past for both of them. Certainly an engaging read.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edie Monte follows up with their series about kobolds with Tuft and Axel.
Here we found a difficult coupling with baggage.
We solve previous entanglements, face grief and find new hope.
Tuft is an omega who doesn't want all his life be rearing his kids and Axel is his perfect match.
In this novel we learn more about this world and its culture, how kobolds face a futurowith no dragon fearing.
I like this series and Tuft story, I really felt this book was all over him, is a great addition, it`s well written, continues the story where The Monster at the End of This Pregnancy ended and adds a lot.
I recommend it.

[Holly Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been in a reading slump, but I enjoyed the first in this series so much, it was no hardship to start reading. As always with Edie's stories, I couldn't put it down until I got to the end.
Axel is such a sweet character who, despite a rocky beginning, embraces his new world with tenacity and grace.
Tuft is sassy, colorful, and unapologetically himself. His journey to healing was well-paced and truly beautiful to read.
Cute babies, dragons, bonded pets and found family is just the beginning of this magical story. I'll be waiting with bated breath for the next one!

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the Monster at the End... series, was as enjoyable as book one. The worldbuilding is exemplary. The concept is unique. Things that you would expect from an Edie Monte story. There's angst, with the alpha rejecting his omega at first. There's triumph with what Tuft and Axel bring to Ignitis. Their courtship is sweet. I like when fated mates take a breath before jumping right into bed. Without an instant sex scene, there's more story to enjoy.
A good read. Fun and quick.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my review.

[Squeaky Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel.

The ability to find a consistently lighthearted undertone that suits a HEA romance is not as straightforward as it might seem. I would say that is especially true when the baggage the characters carry could never be contained inside a dire wolf's storage van.

However, even with the depth of the characters and the story digging a little deeper than the first book...Edie Monte pulls it off.

Top marks for appropriate spice, quirkiness, story, and emotional pull.

Looking forward to fan art of a certain someone in a Kentucky Derby hat....

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. This is the second book in this series and should definitely be read in order because this time we get to see Tuft find his HEA. The world building is so amazing and the characters are so fascinating. I was completely drawn into the story and I didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to read more stories set in this world. There are so many characters that I can’t wait to read about.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Tuft and Axel’s story. I wasn’t 100% sure about Tuft but he is an omega who was the victim of circumstance and listening to the wrong alpha. Now he is getting a second chance with his fated mate if only he can convince the alpha Axel to stay. This whole series is set in an interesting world of dragons and kobolds and magic. It’s a good read. Axel has to figure out what he really wants before he and Tuft can make a go of being mated.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

more interesting going’s on in this world

More interesting stuff going on in this fun world of Edie Monte’s. Nice to see Tuft getting his happy ending. Slowest fated mates story I think I’ve ever read mostly because of Tuft having gone through bad stuff in the previous book but I warn you that they don’t get it on until about 70% of the way through the story. Lots else going on there to read about though.

[Morgan Lysand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this in one setting. I LOVED Tuft and Axel. Tuft is so endearing and sparkly and Axel is just like dafaq is even going on with me? They take things slow and actually courted each other (so cute). I also love that we get more Weld (he needs his own HEA :cries:). I think Tuft's and Weld's shared past was done well. I got teary eyed at the epilogue, it was so sweet of Axel :cries:

[Amanda Quarles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tuft and Axel

I loved Tuft and Axel's story. Their courtship was sweet. I was so happy for them. I could definitely read more about them but I'm also excited for the next couple in this series. Definitely recommend reading!

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tuft & Axel

I enjoyed this story just as much as book one. I appreciated that wasn't an instant mating and that there really was a courtship. I also liked that Tuft and Weld redeemed themselves regarding their misguided actions from book one.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!

A bit of a rough start for the two leads but it was worth it to watch their story unfold. Also, watching Weld and Tuft grieve together was sp beautiful. Can't wait for the next book!

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good paranormal, fantasy, romance. The world and character building are good. The chemistry between the characters was good. I like that even though the MCs are mates, they still had to do some work to make the relationship work.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fated mates

Tuft and Axel had a lot to get through for their HEA.
I loved that they actually took time to get to know one another first and then built their relationship off of that.
Amazing world building and the found family aspect was great.

[camms.bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

courtship

This was a well written book about an unlikely fated mate that was just too cute. I enjoyed this book very much.

[...]

DNF @30% ... I remember liking the first one in this series enough to look forward to this, but maybe I'm just not in the mood? Anyway... bored, so I'm moving on. 🤷‍♀️

[J.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

No spoilers of any kind included.
All I will say about The Monster at the End of This Courtship is I enjoyed reading it.
So it will be a yes I do recommend.

[Liz Prosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

a better end

I am so happy for the omega lead in this story, he had a really rough time in book one and with losing his eggs from his not true alpha. He finds his real true mate in this book, stuff happens I’m not telling about and lots is happening in their world now that they can be outside. I would definitely recommend reading book one in this series so you know the situation. A wonderful story and I am looking forward to book three. A definite must read male pregnancy and egg pregnancy lovers.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Tuft and Axel’s story. I loved seeing how they were able to help expand things on their home world. It took Axel a bit but he was able to really discover himself away from all the influences he had grown up around. Tuft was just adorable and I loved his enthusiasm for everything.

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful fantasy story of Tuft, an omega kobold/human hybrid who wants to find love with his fated mate and Axel, an alpha who wants to return to Earth to be with his fiancé. Enjoyed the world building and the characters and found despite the fantasy the emotions were very realistic. Highly recommend.