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Shadow Zone Brotherhood #3
Trench Tactics
Falling in love is a variable none of us can control.
When Jessica Ardem is offered an impossible to obtain round trip ticket to Isia, she jumps at the chance to finally study some of the planet’s fauna in person. After all, how can a xenobiologist do her job when she’s stuck on Earth?
But when she arrives and is delivered to the Sian man studying the deadly creatures that roam the Shadow Zone, all of her priorities shift. Learning about the man she’s getting far too close to could break her heart if she doesn’t want to break the terms of her contract.
Trench applied for a bondmate once. It went badly enough he swore he’d never try again. An outpost full of dead things is no place for a human woman. Until the Saints send him one who fits too perfectly.
Jessica attacks their problem in ways that fascinate him, but she’s going back to Earth at the end of her three month contract. He can’t keep her, but maybe they can pretend for what little time they have.
There’s nothing imaginary about what he feels for her.
There’s nothing make-believe about the way she reacts to him.
They’re both smart enough to know giving into their desires is guaranteed to end badly, but some needs defy logic.
When Jessica Ardem is offered an impossible to obtain round trip ticket to Isia, she jumps at the chance to finally study some of the planet’s fauna in person. After all, how can a xenobiologist do her job when she’s stuck on Earth?
But when she arrives and is delivered to the Sian man studying the deadly creatures that roam the Shadow Zone, all of her priorities shift. Learning about the man she’s getting far too close to could break her heart if she doesn’t want to break the terms of her contract.
Trench applied for a bondmate once. It went badly enough he swore he’d never try again. An outpost full of dead things is no place for a human woman. Until the Saints send him one who fits too perfectly.
Jessica attacks their problem in ways that fascinate him, but she’s going back to Earth at the end of her three month contract. He can’t keep her, but maybe they can pretend for what little time they have.
There’s nothing imaginary about what he feels for her.
There’s nothing make-believe about the way she reacts to him.
They’re both smart enough to know giving into their desires is guaranteed to end badly, but some needs defy logic.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2024
About the author
Dalia Davies
54 books297 followersDalia Davies fell into monster romance--almost by accident--and loves it here. She drinks her weight in tea every day and has been told on numerous occasions that she “knows too much”.
She pairs old gods, monsters, and aliens with human women who get exactly what they want and maybe a little more than they came for.
Brought up on fairytales read while hiding in the back stacks of her small-town library and sneaking in creature features at friends' homes, she always wanted a way to meld two fantasies into one. When not writing, she plays the banjo poorly, dreams of traveling the world, and avoids large crowds and loud noises.
Living in the southwestern US, she lets the outside heat permeate her stories and hopes they leave you panting.
This is, of course, a pen name. It is one of many I write under. You can find my other works as:
Andi Simms - Contemporary Romance
Ava Lunaria - Paranormal Romance
She pairs old gods, monsters, and aliens with human women who get exactly what they want and maybe a little more than they came for.
Brought up on fairytales read while hiding in the back stacks of her small-town library and sneaking in creature features at friends' homes, she always wanted a way to meld two fantasies into one. When not writing, she plays the banjo poorly, dreams of traveling the world, and avoids large crowds and loud noises.
Living in the southwestern US, she lets the outside heat permeate her stories and hopes they leave you panting.
This is, of course, a pen name. It is one of many I write under. You can find my other works as:
Andi Simms - Contemporary Romance
Ava Lunaria - Paranormal Romance
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 8, 2026
Jessica was such a boss babe scientist and I wanna be her when I grow up. She was confident, straight forward, and all determination. Trench was protective and lonely, with poor self esteem. He and Jess fell into lust real quick, and it didn’t take long for him to become devoted to her. Jess had a lot more scientific know how to research the monsters, though Trench had been doing it for years on his own. They made a good team.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: attempted abduction, animal attack, dissections, acid burns, injuries, gore, mention of past medical torture and involuntary medical experimentation, mention of previous murders, broken bone, mentions of past femicide, needles, pregnancy of side character, hunting animals not for food, risk of lava burns
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: attempted abduction, animal attack, dissections, acid burns, injuries, gore, mention of past medical torture and involuntary medical experimentation, mention of previous murders, broken bone, mentions of past femicide, needles, pregnancy of side character, hunting animals not for food, risk of lava burns
March 17, 2025
Absolutely lovedddd Trench and Jess. The tension and build up was torturous and delicious. Trench is just such a sweet guy. Jess was determined and calculated but I really loved seeing her cave for Trench. And my precious Arc. I cannot wait for Arc's love story and the Cold Boys. Ugh. This series is amazing. All the feels, caldera hot spice, and fun space beast with twists. Plus the covers? SO GOOD. Dalia nailed it with this series.
September 16, 2024
“I want you to stay with me, but I’ll never ask you to choose me over yourself.”
Awwwwwww!!!!
Initially this review was to start with who the fuck is Andrea and Cindy, then we got to the end and ooh, their stories are on Patreon.
A scientist with a crush. I definitely need to broaden my data pool when it comes to the Sian column of my research here.
I will always love and gravitate to this series because each of the female characters, in whatever field of work they choose, they are good at it. Though, if it is a criticism, it is that Jess was studying anything and everything (which technically she is right to, as that what her xenobiology title covers, as per Wikipedia).
Now, I have a theory!
“You told me to tell you if I need anything for the room?”
“I did.”
“A rug.” For my feet… and his knees.
The Chemistry, hot! The kinks/sex acts/smut - and just general sex, outrageously hot.
The will she stay, will she go, I'm a bit on the fence on this. Because everyone and their grandmother knew, but they all didn't need to keep reminding/nudging Jess after every conversation. I know if people hounded me like that I would be on the first ship back to Earth and I haven't ever left it. I loved the moment when Jess decided/realized she was staying and then acted on it.
Now, Arc has been a thorn at everyone's side since book 1. The setup, this far, seems to be with Chrys also joining the sisters, but honestly if his book was to follow this one I'd still enthusiasticly read it but it wouldn't be as fulfilling. I want him to suffer!!!!!! His ability does not justify his assholeness. The trauma from the Maker, he can fucking get himself an appointment with a therapist/psychologist etc. He needs to grovel. Eih, his book he needs to grovel. And I loved Jess calling him out.
Trench was an absolute sweetheart. Hot, but a sweetheart 😁🤗.
I also absolutely loved that Jess
The abrupt ending was a bit jarring, I was like haiya, imeisha and now when we start each book, a legend with the couples and their abilities/jobs so far would be great.
So, overall, loved this and looking forward to more from the series.
November 28, 2024
This one might have been my favorite! I loved Trench. I liked Jess too but I didn’t understand why she wanted to go home. I wish there would’ve been a more solid reason for why she felt she couldn’t stay.
Here’s what I liked:
Forbidden love (sort of)
Love interests working together
More from the side characters - I NEED an Arc book and I’m also very interested in who the owner of the club is mated to.
The mysteries in this series are slowly being solved. Jenn uncovered a lot in this book. And I love all the tidbits sprinkled in this book that i hope will be unravelled as the series continues. I absolutely love the overarching plot and need to know who is behind the carvrinskh attacks!!
Here’s what I liked:
Forbidden love (sort of)
Love interests working together
More from the side characters - I NEED an Arc book and I’m also very interested in who the owner of the club is mated to.
The mysteries in this series are slowly being solved. Jenn uncovered a lot in this book. And I love all the tidbits sprinkled in this book that i hope will be unravelled as the series continues. I absolutely love the overarching plot and need to know who is behind the carvrinskh attacks!!
February 21, 2025
I liked this more but I didn't like the FMC waffling the decision to stay since there was zero set up of why she wouldnt want to. She was a alien biologist literally going to an alien Planet.... Also the reason that she is giving for going back is because she doesn't leap to decisions when the first time you meet her she makes a giant decision.
October 23, 2025
Oh. My. Goodness. I LOVED this book!! Trench Tactics is everything I wanted and more 💖✨ The perfect balance of action, spice 🔥, heart ❤️, and sheer alien-romance deliciousness 👽.
Trench? Absolutely irresistible 😍 He’s this powerhouse warrior, masculine and strong and capable, but at the same time soft, sensitive, smart, protective, and so, SO adorable 🥹 Dream alien boyfriend. And Jessica? Fierce, brilliant, thoughtful, cautious, practically a genius 🧠 She knows exactly what she wants (and isn't afraid ask for what she wants) and their dynamic is fire and brains all at once. I could NOT get enough!
The world-building had me hooked! The gore, the monsters, the danger… instead of scaring me it fascinated me 👀 And that slow build toward their bond? Utterly excruciating in the BEST way 💕 By the time it finally happened, it was excitement and relief all at once. 🥵
And can we talk about Arc?? I HATED him with a passion almost the entire book 🤬 like full-on throw-him-into-the-lava-flow 🌋 levels of hate until that little bit of redemption at the end. I know he’s going to play a bigger role later and I’m already curious 🤔
Margo, of course, is a total trip 😂 I’d read a whole side-novel of her antics. The pacing was perfect, the action non-stop ⚡, the spice consistent and glorious 🔥 (and sooo DIRTY, lol. I was like... did Dalia really just go THERE? ... but in the BEST way)
If you love alien romance, monster romance, sci-fi romance… ANY flavor of romance that makes your pulse race 💓 you need to dive into the Shadow Zone Brotherhood series. Trench Tactics is hands down one of my favorite reads this year 🙌📚
Trench? Absolutely irresistible 😍 He’s this powerhouse warrior, masculine and strong and capable, but at the same time soft, sensitive, smart, protective, and so, SO adorable 🥹 Dream alien boyfriend. And Jessica? Fierce, brilliant, thoughtful, cautious, practically a genius 🧠 She knows exactly what she wants (and isn't afraid ask for what she wants) and their dynamic is fire and brains all at once. I could NOT get enough!
The world-building had me hooked! The gore, the monsters, the danger… instead of scaring me it fascinated me 👀 And that slow build toward their bond? Utterly excruciating in the BEST way 💕 By the time it finally happened, it was excitement and relief all at once. 🥵
And can we talk about Arc?? I HATED him with a passion almost the entire book 🤬 like full-on throw-him-into-the-lava-flow 🌋 levels of hate until that little bit of redemption at the end. I know he’s going to play a bigger role later and I’m already curious 🤔
Margo, of course, is a total trip 😂 I’d read a whole side-novel of her antics. The pacing was perfect, the action non-stop ⚡, the spice consistent and glorious 🔥 (and sooo DIRTY, lol. I was like... did Dalia really just go THERE? ... but in the BEST way)
If you love alien romance, monster romance, sci-fi romance… ANY flavor of romance that makes your pulse race 💓 you need to dive into the Shadow Zone Brotherhood series. Trench Tactics is hands down one of my favorite reads this year 🙌📚
October 3, 2024
Sweet and steamy
I didn't think it was possible, but I loved this book even more than the first two.
Characters: 5⭐
Story: 5⭐
Setting: 5⭐
Spice: 5🌶️
I'm this book we learn even more about the over-arching plot happening in the background of all three books, and it gets INTERESTING.
The relationship building between Jess and Trench is so sweet and steamy. I love that they are both so straightforward and upfront - it's sweetly awkward at times, but in a delicious way. I also love the whole "we have to do this for SCIENCE" theme.
I do wish it was a smidge of a slower burn, that Jess and Trench did more actual research together before things got started. But honestly I can't complain too much: they are so perfect for each other and the writing is so captivating. I couldn't put this down.
I also NEVER expected to get a character redemption. I hated him in the first two books, but now I'm rooting for him and hope he gets his own book!
I also REALLY need to know more about the zurgles! I loved the scene at the zurgle cafe, but I need to know more!
I didn't think it was possible, but I loved this book even more than the first two.
Characters: 5⭐
Story: 5⭐
Setting: 5⭐
Spice: 5🌶️
I'm this book we learn even more about the over-arching plot happening in the background of all three books, and it gets INTERESTING.
The relationship building between Jess and Trench is so sweet and steamy. I love that they are both so straightforward and upfront - it's sweetly awkward at times, but in a delicious way. I also love the whole "we have to do this for SCIENCE" theme.
I do wish it was a smidge of a slower burn, that Jess and Trench did more actual research together before things got started. But honestly I can't complain too much: they are so perfect for each other and the writing is so captivating. I couldn't put this down.
I also NEVER expected to get a character redemption. I hated him in the first two books, but now I'm rooting for him and hope he gets his own book!
I also REALLY need to know more about the zurgles! I loved the scene at the zurgle cafe, but I need to know more!
October 7, 2025
3+ stars I loved these characters! The arc of the romance was different from the others, which is cool. The plot continued developing and I reeeeeally want to know what’s next so it’s disheartening that it doesn’t say there’s a book 4.
The spicy scenes has gotten somewhat repetitive and there’s a whole bunch of it and those two things combined reduced the stars.
My guess is that Arc is up next!
The spicy scenes has gotten somewhat repetitive and there’s a whole bunch of it and those two things combined reduced the stars.
My guess is that Arc is up next!
October 9, 2025
I ADORED this book. Ugh it ended too abruptly though, I NEED more. And the yearning!! I need books for Arc, Hannah, and the 8ft tall loner in the woods yesterday! I enjoyed this book way more than the first, that is soo fascinating! 10/10
February 4, 2025
DNF 60%
Read
October 31, 2025Read and enjoyed and forgot to review, apparently! Hopeful that there will be more to come in this series.
February 5, 2026
I love these weird, hunky alien men and I pove the women FMC so far. None have really annoyed me and this one I can kinda relate to although the "for science!!" Excuse is funny it got a little old but not enough where it was overused
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews