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Iriduan Test Subjects #2
The Kraken's Mate
Joanie
I escaped an alien research facility, but my troubles are far from over.
The Iriduans who experimented on me did something to me that changed me. I’m sure of it. Why else would I feel so strongly drawn to the monstrous Nemon, the alien test subject who helped all of us captives escape from the clutches of the Iriduans?
It’s true that Nemon’s face and upper body are so handsome that he could be mistaken for a Greek god, but below his waist, tentacles writhe constantly, and they’re always twisting in my direction like he can barely resist wrapping them around me.
Yet, I feel safer with Nemon than I’ve ever felt in my life, and I can’t help thinking about how it would feel to surrender to his truly alien embrace.
What did the Iriduans do to me? More importantly, what kind of monster lurks behind the sweet and deceptively innocent mask of the male I want to make my own?
***
This book is the second book in the Iriduan Test Subjects series. Don’t miss the other monsters and aliens in the following
The Scorpion’s Mate
The Serpent’s Mate
The Warrior’s Mate
The Hunter’s Mate
The Fractured Mate
The Iriduan’s Mate
The Clone’s Mate
Content warning for all the books in the series can be found on the author’s website.
I escaped an alien research facility, but my troubles are far from over.
The Iriduans who experimented on me did something to me that changed me. I’m sure of it. Why else would I feel so strongly drawn to the monstrous Nemon, the alien test subject who helped all of us captives escape from the clutches of the Iriduans?
It’s true that Nemon’s face and upper body are so handsome that he could be mistaken for a Greek god, but below his waist, tentacles writhe constantly, and they’re always twisting in my direction like he can barely resist wrapping them around me.
Yet, I feel safer with Nemon than I’ve ever felt in my life, and I can’t help thinking about how it would feel to surrender to his truly alien embrace.
What did the Iriduans do to me? More importantly, what kind of monster lurks behind the sweet and deceptively innocent mask of the male I want to make my own?
***
This book is the second book in the Iriduan Test Subjects series. Don’t miss the other monsters and aliens in the following
The Scorpion’s Mate
The Serpent’s Mate
The Warrior’s Mate
The Hunter’s Mate
The Fractured Mate
The Iriduan’s Mate
The Clone’s Mate
Content warning for all the books in the series can be found on the author’s website.
286 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2018
677 people are currently reading
1367 people want to read
About the author
Susan Trombley
32 books845 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 238 reviews
July 22, 2019
When I had been close to her—so close that I could breathe her in with the air that I drew into my lungs—I had seen her eyes widen, her nostrils flare, and her moistened lips part. None of that had been from fear. She’d looked at me with an almost hungry expression, but I didn’t think she wanted to eat me, though with the females of my species, desire to mate and hunger usually came together, often to the detriment of the males.
This author has such a great ability when it comes to creating heros and heroines outside the box and with The Kraken's Mate the second book in the Iriduan subject's we get to explore in more depth a character we met previously in The Scorpians mate.
So its no great secret that I like my alien's to actually look like aliens so I was especially excited to get stuck into this one.
Nemon is huge and instead of legs has tentacles: he is one of the experiments from the research ship
Joanie is one of the human rescued captives and this is their story.
Right from the start here, I felt this one had a slightly different flavour to its predecessor: just more emotive it's hard to exactly pinpoint but the romance here just felt so much sweeter.
“you are like a light shining upon the surface of the water, drawing me from the darkest depths to investigate what manner of treasure could glow so brightly.” His tentacles curled tight against his body. “I do not want to let you leave this ship, lest others will see my treasure and try to take her.”
Nemon though obviously extremely dangerous and potentially deadly has an almost childlike curiosity in his interactions with Joanie and she is fascinated also despite her initial wariness and fear.
I adored Nemon's adoration and enthusiasm as he attempts to woo and also learn all he can about his precious new mate.
I also appreciated the fact that Joanie was an ordinary woman with baggage and flaws its refreshing to find such an imperfect heroine.
This was relatively slow burn and I did love the sensuality behind the build-up: by the time they finally sealed the deal I was definitely invested in Joanie and Nemon's relationship and just for info, this is no way felt weird or strange.
This also had the added bonus of Thrax and Claire and they were very much a part of the story-arc
Finally, the romance in this one is just so adorable and gave me the warm and fuzzies.
“I didn’t fall in love with Nemon’s pretty face. I fell in love with the hearts that beat inside him and with the soul that I can see behind his eyes. That is more beautiful than a face could ever be.”
I enjoyed The Kraken's Mate (Iriduan Test Subjects, #2) a lot it was a well written and enjoyable read.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 27, 2021
2.5 stars? 3 stars? I have no clue how to rate these books. Was,.... interesting. And kinda sweet. Defiantly a different read. Liked I didn’t need to concentrate to follow along with things.
Yeah,.... very much out there.
Yeah,.... very much out there.
April 28, 2021
I didn't enjoy this one as much as book 1, sadly. But I'm definitely continuing the series, and I will say that the ending was exciting and there was some good tentacle smut. 👍🏻
I found Joanie so annoying for the first 50% of the book. I understood she had trauma, but so did Nemon, and I didn't like how she made everything about her past/suffering. It felt like she only regarded him in terms of what he could do for her without considering his needs as well, and that bothered me.
I loved Nemon, but I wished he was more monster-y. He was so kind and considerate and patient that his strangeness lost some of its excitement for me. I loved his character in book 1 so I was a little disappointed to see him lose some of his personality by always making concessions for his mate.
At about the 60%, however, the story really picked up speed. We had some hot tentacle love scenes and Joanie was finally over her shit and was much more tolerable, and then exciting stuff happened in the plot.
All in all, an enjoyable read with a definitely NOT human hero who was totally lovable. Excited to see where the series goes from here!
I found Joanie so annoying for the first 50% of the book. I understood she had trauma, but so did Nemon, and I didn't like how she made everything about her past/suffering. It felt like she only regarded him in terms of what he could do for her without considering his needs as well, and that bothered me.
I loved Nemon, but I wished he was more monster-y. He was so kind and considerate and patient that his strangeness lost some of its excitement for me. I loved his character in book 1 so I was a little disappointed to see him lose some of his personality by always making concessions for his mate.
At about the 60%, however, the story really picked up speed. We had some hot tentacle love scenes and Joanie was finally over her shit and was much more tolerable, and then exciting stuff happened in the plot.
All in all, an enjoyable read with a definitely NOT human hero who was totally lovable. Excited to see where the series goes from here!
June 18, 2018
Nemon has been alone for a decade, hiding in waterways underneath the facility that created him. Until he helps a group of other test subjects escape and is given the greatest of gifts; a mate. He knows Joanie is his mate, but he has a battle on his hands to convince her of that. When Joanie is rescued and thrown into the arms of a massive tentacled man, she thinks her life has gone from bad to worse. Only, it isn't quite as it appears. Nemon may look like a monster, with his beautiful upper body and his powerful tentacled lower body, but she is beginning to think he's also everything she ever wanted.What is it about tentacles at the moment? Until April/May this year, I had never read a hero who had tentacles instead of legs, now that seems to be all I am reading. Clearly men with tentacles just do it better. Or at least Nemon does. Nemon is a fascinating and seemingly irresistible mixture of deadly and innocent and was my favourite thing about this book.
Joanie...it took me a few chapters to warm to her. I was still stuck on my first impression of her in The Scorpion's Mate as being slightly insane and hysterical. Which, is understandable, she'd had months of painful and inexplicable tests done to her with no hope of it ever stopping. But as the book progressed I found myself liking her more and more, I liked that Trombley didn't create this perfect heroine. Her life on Earth consisted of a chronic gambling problem and was on her way to being homeless. I liked that she wasn't your typical cookie cutter 'damaged' heroine. However, it is Nemon that stole the show, his intelligence and curiosity paired with his innocence, as well as his complete devotion to Joanie have you falling for him hard.
An enjoyable book in the series, I can't wait to see what Trombley will bring out next! I love that she turns what would be considered a monster into a romantic hero. I can't wait to read more.
*Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
June 22, 2023
Second read through!
Joanie has been medically tortured for months at the hands of the Iriduans and finds herself in the arms of a monster when her cell mysteriously opens and she escapes. Joanie has trauma from her captivity and from her impoverished life on earth that makes her doubt if the monster professing that she is his mate actually cares for her.
I felt like there were enough issues both MCs needed to work through without throwing in Joanie’s a fear of Nemon imprinting on her. They both have trauma coming out of their ears and the focus could have been more centered on processing their experiences together.
However, I adored Nemon. He was the sweetest tentacles cinnamon roll that I wanted to protect from emotional harm. He and Joanie were a good fit, with their ability to understand the other’s fears of rejection and their loneliness.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: abduction, captivity, medical torture/experimentation, discussion on SA and child neglect, grief
Joanie has been medically tortured for months at the hands of the Iriduans and finds herself in the arms of a monster when her cell mysteriously opens and she escapes. Joanie has trauma from her captivity and from her impoverished life on earth that makes her doubt if the monster professing that she is his mate actually cares for her.
I felt like there were enough issues both MCs needed to work through without throwing in Joanie’s a fear of Nemon imprinting on her. They both have trauma coming out of their ears and the focus could have been more centered on processing their experiences together.
However, I adored Nemon. He was the sweetest tentacles cinnamon roll that I wanted to protect from emotional harm. He and Joanie were a good fit, with their ability to understand the other’s fears of rejection and their loneliness.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: abduction, captivity, medical torture/experimentation, discussion on SA and child neglect, grief
June 29, 2018
Nemon has been alone for a decade, hiding in waterways underneath the facility that created him. Until he helps a group of other test subjects escape and is given the greatest of gifts; a mate. He knows Joanie is his mate, but he has a battle on his hands to convince her of that. When Joanie is rescued and thrown into the arms of a massive tentacled man, she thinks her life has gone from bad to worse. Only, it isn’t quite as it appears. Nemon may look like a monster, with his beautiful upper body and his powerful tentacled lower body, but she is beginning to think he’s also everything she ever wanted.
What is it about tentacles at the moment? Until April/May this year, I had never read a hero who had tentacles instead of legs, now that seems to be all I am reading. Clearly men with tentacles just do it better. Or at least Nemon does. Nemon is a fascinating and seemingly irresistible mixture of deadly and innocent and was my favourite thing about this book.
Joanie…it took me a few chapters to warm to her. I was still stuck on my first impression of her in The Scorpion’s Mate as being slightly insane and hysterical. Which, is understandable, she’d had months of painful and inexplicable tests done to her with no hope of it ever stopping. But as the book progressed I found myself liking her more and more, I liked that Trombley didn’t create this perfect heroine. Her life on Earth consisted of a chronic gambling problem and was on her way to being homeless. I liked that she wasn’t your typical cookie cutter ‘damaged’ heroine. However, it is Nemon that stole the show, his intelligence and curiosity paired with his innocence, as well as his complete devotion to Joanie have you falling for him hard.
An enjoyable book in the series, I can’t wait to see what Trombley will bring out next! I love that she turns what would be considered a monster into a romantic hero. I can’t wait to read more.
What is it about tentacles at the moment? Until April/May this year, I had never read a hero who had tentacles instead of legs, now that seems to be all I am reading. Clearly men with tentacles just do it better. Or at least Nemon does. Nemon is a fascinating and seemingly irresistible mixture of deadly and innocent and was my favourite thing about this book.
Joanie…it took me a few chapters to warm to her. I was still stuck on my first impression of her in The Scorpion’s Mate as being slightly insane and hysterical. Which, is understandable, she’d had months of painful and inexplicable tests done to her with no hope of it ever stopping. But as the book progressed I found myself liking her more and more, I liked that Trombley didn’t create this perfect heroine. Her life on Earth consisted of a chronic gambling problem and was on her way to being homeless. I liked that she wasn’t your typical cookie cutter ‘damaged’ heroine. However, it is Nemon that stole the show, his intelligence and curiosity paired with his innocence, as well as his complete devotion to Joanie have you falling for him hard.
An enjoyable book in the series, I can’t wait to see what Trombley will bring out next! I love that she turns what would be considered a monster into a romantic hero. I can’t wait to read more.
May 30, 2025
Hmmm... I loved sweet Nemon, but I didn't like Joanie. She was so wishy-washy with Nemon... Leading him on and then running away.
She deserved to cry and rage about everything that happened to her on the ship, instead she was crying to Nemon about drinking, gambling, exes, and miscarriages. Multiple times…
Im sorry.. that was annoying.
I was hoping for more one-on-one time between them... pillow talk...tentacle snuggles n loves.…
I just didn't feel a connection like Thrax and Claire had.
Just like with book one.. There's a huge time jump at the end. The last chapter is stuffed full of the sappy happy stuff... I wish it was spread out a bit.
I think I'm done with this world.
She deserved to cry and rage about everything that happened to her on the ship, instead she was crying to Nemon about drinking, gambling, exes, and miscarriages. Multiple times…
Im sorry.. that was annoying.
I was hoping for more one-on-one time between them... pillow talk...tentacle snuggles n loves.…
I just didn't feel a connection like Thrax and Claire had.
Just like with book one.. There's a huge time jump at the end. The last chapter is stuffed full of the sappy happy stuff... I wish it was spread out a bit.
I think I'm done with this world.
June 17, 2020
Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Yes well... he's got tentacles. Full stop. LOL I am enjoying these unconventional hero's a great deal. It's just a nice little something else.
Fun.
I was kind of afraid that Nemon would turn out to be a bit "soft" in comparison to Trax but he stood his own ground and he's really so sweet even though not a push over.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Yes well... he's got tentacles. Full stop. LOL I am enjoying these unconventional hero's a great deal. It's just a nice little something else.
Fun.
I was kind of afraid that Nemon would turn out to be a bit "soft" in comparison to Trax but he stood his own ground and he's really so sweet even though not a push over.
December 16, 2019
Poor Joanie has been through some pretty horrible stuff at the hands of the Iriduans. Thankfully, Claire, Thrax and Nemon rescue her when they escape.
Nemon wants a mate so he'll never feel lonely again. He wants Joanie but she's reluctant and he must be sure not to scare her. Very sweet!
Nemon wants a mate so he'll never feel lonely again. He wants Joanie but she's reluctant and he must be sure not to scare her. Very sweet!
August 23, 2020
Hmm, I wasn't quite sure what to rate this one. There were quite a few highs and lows for me. Let's do a compliment sandwich.
Good
Nemon was so lovely. He was so close to reaching cinnamon roll, but fell a little short. He does have an innocence and curiosity that was darn cute at times. I liked Nemon's whole character. I liked his alien look. I liked Nemon. No complaints there. In fact I prefer him to Thrax (who I also did like).
Bad
The middle of the book dragged a lot for me. A lot of back and forth on Joanie's part. And to be fair, she has been through a lot and deserved to have a breakdown or two. But I also felt frustrated because I didn't feel the story was really moving forward.
Good
Yeah, you go get that tentacle sex, girl! Woo!
Bad
But she never did get that therapy. Combined with:
Romance tends to have this "solving mental health issues through the power of love" which I've never really liked. Also, while I think it's good to talk about your problems with your partner... that doesn't replace real therapy. And using your partner as a therapist ain't good, Chief.
It is mentioned that there is a conselor she could talk to, but as far as I could tell she never does. They just decide to take it much slower. A process that is largely "montaged"/skimmed in the story.
Good
Women looking out for women! Women helping and supporting each other! I just love to see that.
Bad
I felt that the solution/resolution with her came much to quickly and easily. It was introduced early and mentioned, but then it was almost forgotten until it came rushing back and was immediately resolved? Eh, felt this plot point could've been developed better.
Good
This promotional art.
Finally
Lastly, maybe I should do an alien romance bingo card. Because "most traumatized heroine paired with most monstrous alien" is something I've seen quite a few times before. Okay, perhaps I am jumping the gun since it's only the second book. But I'm betting on the bingo.
Okay, so the rating for this is 3,5 and I decided to round down.
Good
Nemon was so lovely. He was so close to reaching cinnamon roll, but fell a little short. He does have an innocence and curiosity that was darn cute at times. I liked Nemon's whole character. I liked his alien look. I liked Nemon. No complaints there. In fact I prefer him to Thrax (who I also did like).
Bad
The middle of the book dragged a lot for me. A lot of back and forth on Joanie's part. And to be fair, she has been through a lot and deserved to have a breakdown or two. But I also felt frustrated because I didn't feel the story was really moving forward.
Good
Before, I had thought myself attracted to him in spite of his tentacles, marveling at his ripped upper body and refined facial features. Now, I was more intrigued by those alien parts of him. The parts that promised an experience beyond anything I could find on earth.
Yeah, you go get that tentacle sex, girl! Woo!
Bad
"I can't trust these feelings. I think...," I swallowed the lump in my throat, "I think I need therapy more than I need a boyfriend right now."
But she never did get that therapy. Combined with:
I never imagined that I would end up being held in his tentacles while I cried my eyes out and poured out my problems to him like he was a therapist.
Romance tends to have this "solving mental health issues through the power of love" which I've never really liked. Also, while I think it's good to talk about your problems with your partner... that doesn't replace real therapy. And using your partner as a therapist ain't good, Chief.
It is mentioned that there is a conselor she could talk to, but as far as I could tell she never does. They just decide to take it much slower. A process that is largely "montaged"/skimmed in the story.
Good
She threw me another searching glance. "You all good, Joanie?"
I understodd what she was asking - the unspoken question. Was I afraid of him and did I need someone to help me extricate myself from his company?"
Women looking out for women! Women helping and supporting each other! I just love to see that.
Bad
I felt that the solution/resolution with her came much to quickly and easily. It was introduced early and mentioned, but then it was almost forgotten until it came rushing back and was immediately resolved? Eh, felt this plot point could've been developed better.
Good
This promotional art.
Finally
Lastly, maybe I should do an alien romance bingo card. Because "most traumatized heroine paired with most monstrous alien" is something I've seen quite a few times before. Okay, perhaps I am jumping the gun since it's only the second book. But I'm betting on the bingo.
Okay, so the rating for this is 3,5 and I decided to round down.
July 13, 2018
Second in series
We met Nemon and Joanie in book 1 in the series. Fleeing their captives and leaving with the Arkreillians to go to the syndicate space station to report the iridiuns for their crimes ( using captives as test subjects in experiments )
This book was a epic journey in many ways but mostly in the minds and hearts of the two main characters... Nemon in learning the world around him and Joanie in letting go of the past and focusing on her future.
As I have come to find and love about this author, she does not hold back on the emotion, feels, chemistry or face paced kick ass action that her books contain. There were some truly brilliant interactions between Neman and T ( the scorpion dude in the first book )
HOLY TENTACLES BATMAN!! 🐙🦑🐙🦑🐙🦑
I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment and more from this author.
We met Nemon and Joanie in book 1 in the series. Fleeing their captives and leaving with the Arkreillians to go to the syndicate space station to report the iridiuns for their crimes ( using captives as test subjects in experiments )
This book was a epic journey in many ways but mostly in the minds and hearts of the two main characters... Nemon in learning the world around him and Joanie in letting go of the past and focusing on her future.
As I have come to find and love about this author, she does not hold back on the emotion, feels, chemistry or face paced kick ass action that her books contain. There were some truly brilliant interactions between Neman and T ( the scorpion dude in the first book )
HOLY TENTACLES BATMAN!! 🐙🦑🐙🦑🐙🦑
I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment and more from this author.
March 24, 2022
"Perhaps it is because Nemon has so many hearts that he has never been afraid of giving them away."
Unabashadly giving this 5 stars. Why?? The plot was fascinating, the character depth was better and more developed than the first book, and it was more steamier as well. Still not exactly sure why alien smut with plot captures my attention & love so much but I've certainly been finding some fun, interesting stories within this genre . . . this being one of them.
Unabashadly giving this 5 stars. Why?? The plot was fascinating, the character depth was better and more developed than the first book, and it was more steamier as well. Still not exactly sure why alien smut with plot captures my attention & love so much but I've certainly been finding some fun, interesting stories within this genre . . . this being one of them.
February 22, 2021
3.75
Don't know why I skipped this book when I first started reading this series, but I'm glad I went back and gave it a chance!
Excuse my brain^, but go check this series out on KU if you liked the first book!
Don't know why I skipped this book when I first started reading this series, but I'm glad I went back and gave it a chance!
Excuse my brain^, but go check this series out on KU if you liked the first book!
June 9, 2018
Sweeter than pie
I've always loved cephalopods. They're incredibly intelligent creatures. Had evolution favored them just a bit more they might have become the dominant species on this planet.
Nemon's father released him from the torture of experimentation and into the warrens under the facility a decade ago. He allied with Thrax in Scorpion's Mate to help free Claire and wound up being handed his own human, Joanie. Joanie's life in Earth was a cycle of unending pain. Between her gambling addiction, a medical condition and having no family left, being abducted was just a new trial to overcome. The procedures used on her leave her a shell of herself and that shell is what is handed into Nemon's tentacles. After hiding in her memories to preserve her sanity she's not sure that actually survived when she looks upon her rescuers. The 3 other human women are one thing. The giant scorpion being was scary. The giant tentacled elf holding her? Her mind may have finally broke. Healing takes time but Nemon is a patient being. The prize is worth the wait.
Nemon is adorable. His curiosity, patience, intelligence is so well described by Ms Trombley. I have always been fascinated by marine biology and the abilities of octopi. Their abilities to solve puzzles and manipulate their environments are astounding. I also appreciate a flawed heroine. Joanie isn't perfect. She has ghosts, an addiction problem. She isn't a Disney princess. She isn't instantly healed and happy. She admits she needs therapy. But she's strong and doesn't give up. She sees happiness, no matter how unusual, and fights for it. I'm impressed by this author and this new series. I can't wait to read Nahash's story next. And her spin off series about the Akrellians. I also hope she revisits the world she created in the 2nd book tucked in with Scorpion's Mate.
I've always loved cephalopods. They're incredibly intelligent creatures. Had evolution favored them just a bit more they might have become the dominant species on this planet.
Nemon's father released him from the torture of experimentation and into the warrens under the facility a decade ago. He allied with Thrax in Scorpion's Mate to help free Claire and wound up being handed his own human, Joanie. Joanie's life in Earth was a cycle of unending pain. Between her gambling addiction, a medical condition and having no family left, being abducted was just a new trial to overcome. The procedures used on her leave her a shell of herself and that shell is what is handed into Nemon's tentacles. After hiding in her memories to preserve her sanity she's not sure that actually survived when she looks upon her rescuers. The 3 other human women are one thing. The giant scorpion being was scary. The giant tentacled elf holding her? Her mind may have finally broke. Healing takes time but Nemon is a patient being. The prize is worth the wait.
Nemon is adorable. His curiosity, patience, intelligence is so well described by Ms Trombley. I have always been fascinated by marine biology and the abilities of octopi. Their abilities to solve puzzles and manipulate their environments are astounding. I also appreciate a flawed heroine. Joanie isn't perfect. She has ghosts, an addiction problem. She isn't a Disney princess. She isn't instantly healed and happy. She admits she needs therapy. But she's strong and doesn't give up. She sees happiness, no matter how unusual, and fights for it. I'm impressed by this author and this new series. I can't wait to read Nahash's story next. And her spin off series about the Akrellians. I also hope she revisits the world she created in the 2nd book tucked in with Scorpion's Mate.
July 1, 2018
Okay. I'm just going to put this out at the get-go: I have a massive soft spot for dudes with tentacles. Aliens with tentacles make it even better. SWEET aliens with tentacles who sometimes have to unleash their more primal side to protect their friends and/or mates is THE BEST.
As you might have guessed, Nemon hit the spot for me. He's tentacle-y. He's VERY alien. He's sweet. He's protective. Annnnnd...sometimes he kills things. But only when it's needed, really.
And he adores Joanie. He was enraptured by her from the moment she was placed in his tentacles. Despite his beastly side's need to get physical with her, he restrains himself. Because, you know, she's dealing with things. Like being tortured and held captive by the Iriduans. Let's face it, that weighs on a person.
For her part, Joanie is...confused by all these feelings she has for this very alien being. He's like nothing she's ever experienced before, but she doesn't know if she can trust her emotions after her captivity. Plus, not knowing what was done to her with those experiments has her questioning everything.
No worries, however. Nemon and Joanie figure things out. It takes time and a bit of danger, but they do it.
I'm really digging this world and these aliens. The experiments done to them were brutal and not cool, but they are finding their special someone in the end. And that's what I'm here for.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
As you might have guessed, Nemon hit the spot for me. He's tentacle-y. He's VERY alien. He's sweet. He's protective. Annnnnd...sometimes he kills things. But only when it's needed, really.
And he adores Joanie. He was enraptured by her from the moment she was placed in his tentacles. Despite his beastly side's need to get physical with her, he restrains himself. Because, you know, she's dealing with things. Like being tortured and held captive by the Iriduans. Let's face it, that weighs on a person.
For her part, Joanie is...confused by all these feelings she has for this very alien being. He's like nothing she's ever experienced before, but she doesn't know if she can trust her emotions after her captivity. Plus, not knowing what was done to her with those experiments has her questioning everything.
No worries, however. Nemon and Joanie figure things out. It takes time and a bit of danger, but they do it.
I'm really digging this world and these aliens. The experiments done to them were brutal and not cool, but they are finding their special someone in the end. And that's what I'm here for.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 8, 2019
This was a lighter, sweeter read than book 1. Sure, the books shared some of the same aspects - alien altered male gets an Earth girl of his own - but the big difference was how the romance proceeded.
In this case, he's almost super-aware of his emotions yet utterly clueless what to do with them. He's the equivalent of an awkward virgin teen in love with the girl of his dreams. Except his girl is damaged from the experiments done to her. She's a poster child for PTSD, Sci-Fi version. And all he wants to do is become a gooey love puddle at her feet - literally.
I liked the flip to this story - that he was capable of some serious badassery, yet was a bumbling fool for his girl. He was all aflutter with desire and need and possessive protectiveness - yummy!!! - but he'd shrink back at every small slap on the wrist...er...tentacle...when he thought he'd misstepped with his girl and made her PTSD worse.
It's not my usual taste - I prefer some Alpha darkness thrown in with the sweet romance - but I was surprisingly happy all around with this one. I dunno if I'm going to continue on to the Serpent story, but maybe someday I will. When I need more sweetness again :)
In this case, he's almost super-aware of his emotions yet utterly clueless what to do with them. He's the equivalent of an awkward virgin teen in love with the girl of his dreams. Except his girl is damaged from the experiments done to her. She's a poster child for PTSD, Sci-Fi version. And all he wants to do is become a gooey love puddle at her feet - literally.
I liked the flip to this story - that he was capable of some serious badassery, yet was a bumbling fool for his girl. He was all aflutter with desire and need and possessive protectiveness - yummy!!! - but he'd shrink back at every small slap on the wrist...er...tentacle...when he thought he'd misstepped with his girl and made her PTSD worse.
It's not my usual taste - I prefer some Alpha darkness thrown in with the sweet romance - but I was surprisingly happy all around with this one. I dunno if I'm going to continue on to the Serpent story, but maybe someday I will. When I need more sweetness again :)
June 15, 2018
Who knew?
I have never been a tentacle porn girl, but dang if the Kracken didn't make me seriously rethink that! Whew, yeah, Nemus is hot and so frickin sweet!!! And did I say hot? It's was so adorable that his tentacles kept having a mind of their own. I wasn't crazy about the mc. She was really weepy and weak. But she finally got stronger and more open and accepting. I actually liked the version of her that stood up to the Empress. Would have liked to have seen more of her. I hope we see more of these 4 in the future books. It really would have been nice to know why father changed his mind. It didn't make much sense, as he was obviously dead set on his path before he just changed his mind out of the blue. That was the only part that didn't make sense to me and I hope it gets explained later. Any way, even if you aren't into tentacles, you will still want to read this story. He's just such a sweet and lovable monster!
I have never been a tentacle porn girl, but dang if the Kracken didn't make me seriously rethink that! Whew, yeah, Nemus is hot and so frickin sweet!!! And did I say hot? It's was so adorable that his tentacles kept having a mind of their own. I wasn't crazy about the mc. She was really weepy and weak. But she finally got stronger and more open and accepting. I actually liked the version of her that stood up to the Empress. Would have liked to have seen more of her. I hope we see more of these 4 in the future books. It really would have been nice to know why father changed his mind. It didn't make much sense, as he was obviously dead set on his path before he just changed his mind out of the blue. That was the only part that didn't make sense to me and I hope it gets explained later. Any way, even if you aren't into tentacles, you will still want to read this story. He's just such a sweet and lovable monster!
January 28, 2021
DNF 30%. The Hero was a bit too child-like in his thinking and I didn't care for the Heroine. And I couldn't stand the other women's interference of the pair. Everyone had to have a say or an opinion about the way the Hero looked, about how he should behave if he wanted to have a mate and about the Heroines wish to see him.
I got the feeling that everyone stood in the way of them meeting each other and getting to know each other in private. They're not children, they don't need supervision.
I got the feeling that everyone stood in the way of them meeting each other and getting to know each other in private. They're not children, they don't need supervision.
February 25, 2023
i didn’t expect some aspects of this book. first of all, it was a slow-burn which is unusual with this kind of genre. the fmc got abducted by evil aliens who experimented on her for months then she got rescued by her future mate who also was a product of similar experiments.
there was a lot of trauma for both characters and nothing wrong with that, sometimes you need to sob when reading. but i kind of thought that the book would end like in the middle when they finally mated and resolved some their mental issues bc it was long and boring enough but no. fmc got abducted again but this time by mmc’s captor.
i was disappointed by the Father. i got to believe he wasn’t that bad by the way nemon was describing him. i was sure he could see that what he did was terrible but no i was wrong he was truly awful and selfish so nothing special here,typical white man with micro penis . also the way they treated her was disturbing.
also i didn’t like how everyone was treating nemon. they sedated him every time it was inconvenient for them. yes he was terrifying and the most dangerous creature there, but he was a living thing.
didn’t understand the need for that epilogue where the earth was now integrated with aliens and joanie casually visited her mother’s grave. also she had children?? i wish authors didn’t feel the need to make every fmc a mother in the end.
at the beginning i wondered why the book had not so high rate but summarizing every bad aspect of it i have to agree. i wish it was shorter and more fast paced. nobody reads books with tentacle creatures for the plot.
there was a lot of trauma for both characters and nothing wrong with that, sometimes you need to sob when reading. but i kind of thought that the book would end like in the middle when they finally mated and resolved some their mental issues bc it was long and boring enough but no. fmc got abducted again but this time by mmc’s captor.
i was disappointed by the Father. i got to believe he wasn’t that bad by the way nemon was describing him. i was sure he could see that what he did was terrible but no i was wrong he was truly awful and selfish so nothing special here,
also i didn’t like how everyone was treating nemon. they sedated him every time it was inconvenient for them. yes he was terrifying and the most dangerous creature there, but he was a living thing.
didn’t understand the need for that epilogue where the earth was now integrated with aliens and joanie casually visited her mother’s grave. also she had children?? i wish authors didn’t feel the need to make every fmc a mother in the end.
at the beginning i wondered why the book had not so high rate but summarizing every bad aspect of it i have to agree. i wish it was shorter and more fast paced. nobody reads books with tentacle creatures for the plot.
April 30, 2021
This is the second book in the Iriduan Test Subjects series and features Nemon and Joanie. You meet Nemon from the first book and he recognizes Joanie as his when Thrax hands her to him when they are escaping from the alien research facility.
Nemon isn't human...he is handsome and has tentacles and mates differently. If aliens or aliens that have very little visually human characteristics aren't your thing, I wouldn't pick this up. However, I think Trombley does such a fantastic job at taking something out of the ordinary and making it beautiful.
I loved Nemon...he was caring, compassionate and devoted. I almost wish he had a little bit more of an edge to him. Joanie was rather annoying through the first 58% of the book. Nemon has suffered but he set all of that aside EVERY TIME for Joanie (who admittedly has her own trauma) and I felt like Joanie never gave true acknowledgment of his pain. I felt like Nemon was doing all the work and that bothered me. However, around the 60% mark, things do start to get better. The steam picks up, the action and adventure picks up and Joanie starts to be less selfish.
I really like the world that Trombley has built and the unique romantic relationships that she develops. Overall, if you like alien romances with a thoughtful story line, then I would recommend this one.
Nemon isn't human...he is handsome and has tentacles and mates differently. If aliens or aliens that have very little visually human characteristics aren't your thing, I wouldn't pick this up. However, I think Trombley does such a fantastic job at taking something out of the ordinary and making it beautiful.
I loved Nemon...he was caring, compassionate and devoted. I almost wish he had a little bit more of an edge to him. Joanie was rather annoying through the first 58% of the book. Nemon has suffered but he set all of that aside EVERY TIME for Joanie (who admittedly has her own trauma) and I felt like Joanie never gave true acknowledgment of his pain. I felt like Nemon was doing all the work and that bothered me. However, around the 60% mark, things do start to get better. The steam picks up, the action and adventure picks up and Joanie starts to be less selfish.
I really like the world that Trombley has built and the unique romantic relationships that she develops. Overall, if you like alien romances with a thoughtful story line, then I would recommend this one.
November 30, 2023
« I’d lost my home, my old life, and everything that existed for me on Earth, and in the end, I’d gained the greatest gift in the galaxy. »
The greatest gift in the galaxy is… tentacle sex? I’ll take your word for it, Joanie.
Okay, stop, I know she means having a mate. But the result remains the same.
Okay, so hear me out. This second installment was still as weird as the first and yet it was better. The monster part is still as horrifying, I will not say that a giant octopus is better than a scorpion, but the writing, the plot and the characters were all better this time around. Joanie and Nemon were actually likable but what sold me is that this time it was a little less questionable. They took their time to get to know each other, to be okay with what had happened to them, and there is no smut until the 60% mark.
The greatest gift in the galaxy is… tentacle sex? I’ll take your word for it, Joanie.
Okay, stop, I know she means having a mate. But the result remains the same.
Okay, so hear me out. This second installment was still as weird as the first and yet it was better. The monster part is still as horrifying, I will not say that a giant octopus is better than a scorpion, but the writing, the plot and the characters were all better this time around. Joanie and Nemon were actually likable but what sold me is that this time it was a little less questionable. They took their time to get to know each other, to be okay with what had happened to them, and there is no smut until the 60% mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2020
Continuing this wtf challenge with friends. While the plot of this book was more high energy and had more action, I can't get behind the romance of Nemon and Joanie. Sure, imprinting and all that. But...he's basically an octopus below the waist. Lol. I did not enjoy those more intimate scenes because all I could picture was Joanie basically being jackhammered... Nemon seems too child-like for much of the book and Joanie has such a tragic backstory. Geez. I liked the action parts of the book the most and the Iriduans are truly the worst. Also, I low-key think the author is bitter she's not an alien because whenever the Ididuans speak of humans, it's all in disgust.
August 14, 2022
This series might become an addiction cos it looks like I'm binge reading it.
Alien smut , with properly alien looking heroes, mating, tentacles, Insta attraction and plenty of action and plot.
Really curios for the rest of the aliens 👀
Alien smut , with properly alien looking heroes, mating, tentacles, Insta attraction and plenty of action and plot.
Really curios for the rest of the aliens 👀
November 24, 2018
3.5
I read for the non-human alien aspect but I'm not really into tenticle porn so this just wasn't for me but I enjoy this author.
I read for the non-human alien aspect but I'm not really into tenticle porn so this just wasn't for me but I enjoy this author.
May 1, 2019
I frankly didn't expect to enjoy this book so much. It may be something cultural, I resisted to read this book because I thought I wouldn't be able to see the hero as a romantic interest, in no way attractive...I was wrong.
In my country, Spain, we eat octopus, in fact, it is considered one of the finest delicacies for us, we consume it with absolute delight...That's why I couldn't imagine I would in any way see the hero as an attractive male, but Nemon took my breath away, I fell for his hotness.
Linked to the first book in this series, the story starts with the h, Joanie, living a hell as a test subject for the Iriduans; she has been tortured, hurt, starved and isolated. She is rescued by the fascinating Akrellians (love them), with other 3 human women and 2 other monster-aliens. one of which is our tentacled Nemon...You should read the rest because it is worth it.
At times, I couldn't take Joanie's doubts and insecurities, she was hurting the H and I hated her for that; you see, Nemon is so vulnerable emotionally with regards to her, that you feel for him, his happiness at finding the h and his terror of losing her. I found his mind riveting, it made me drool (and not with hunger, at least not the one in my stomach LOL).
We learn more about Iriduans, Akrellians and the Galactic Syndicate...orgasmic for a science fiction fan, a genre that Susan Trombley masters.
I read this book because Ms Trombley told me that the characters in The Warrior's Mate appeared on it, but I'm so glad I did! (I have read it in one go, it is 4:20 a.m, couldn't stop).
If you enjoy your aliens to be alien, if you have read the first book in this series and enjoyed it, don't miss this one.
In my country, Spain, we eat octopus, in fact, it is considered one of the finest delicacies for us, we consume it with absolute delight...That's why I couldn't imagine I would in any way see the hero as an attractive male, but Nemon took my breath away, I fell for his hotness.
Linked to the first book in this series, the story starts with the h, Joanie, living a hell as a test subject for the Iriduans; she has been tortured, hurt, starved and isolated. She is rescued by the fascinating Akrellians (love them), with other 3 human women and 2 other monster-aliens. one of which is our tentacled Nemon...You should read the rest because it is worth it.
At times, I couldn't take Joanie's doubts and insecurities, she was hurting the H and I hated her for that; you see, Nemon is so vulnerable emotionally with regards to her, that you feel for him, his happiness at finding the h and his terror of losing her. I found his mind riveting, it made me drool (and not with hunger, at least not the one in my stomach LOL).
We learn more about Iriduans, Akrellians and the Galactic Syndicate...orgasmic for a science fiction fan, a genre that Susan Trombley masters.
I read this book because Ms Trombley told me that the characters in The Warrior's Mate appeared on it, but I'm so glad I did! (I have read it in one go, it is 4:20 a.m, couldn't stop).
If you enjoy your aliens to be alien, if you have read the first book in this series and enjoyed it, don't miss this one.
June 25, 2019
I bought this series because I wanted to read this author's take on krakens. I loved Tiffany Roberts's 'The Treasure of the Abyss,' and I was curious for someone's else's interpretation of kraken love. As you can see from my 2 stars, it was ok. The other books in the series are much better.
I was disappointed. I didn't really like Joanie, the heroine. I feel bad that I didn't like her because her character had gone through the most torment of all the women, so her trauma-induced fragility makes sense. Anyone would be close to cracking and have emotions all over the place after enduring what she had, especially after having such a poor start in life. When she fainted during the escape in Book 1, my first thought was, no. No, she can't be the one for Nemon. The girl needs a fainting couch and smelling salts, for goodness' sake. She seemed whiny and needy, which, based on her circumstances, was understandable, but I didn't feel much affection for her.
And Nemon was ok. I thought I'd like him more, but his personality didn't really do it for me either. Maybe it was because, to me, he seemed more like a friend than a lover. I struggled with his relationship to his 'father' and his complete lack of anger and resentment. However, it was his temperament and curiosity that made him unique instead of just another cookie-cutter, chest-thumping alpha male.
I'm not sure why, but this one fell flat for me.
I was disappointed. I didn't really like Joanie, the heroine. I feel bad that I didn't like her because her character had gone through the most torment of all the women, so her trauma-induced fragility makes sense. Anyone would be close to cracking and have emotions all over the place after enduring what she had, especially after having such a poor start in life. When she fainted during the escape in Book 1, my first thought was, no. No, she can't be the one for Nemon. The girl needs a fainting couch and smelling salts, for goodness' sake. She seemed whiny and needy, which, based on her circumstances, was understandable, but I didn't feel much affection for her.
And Nemon was ok. I thought I'd like him more, but his personality didn't really do it for me either. Maybe it was because, to me, he seemed more like a friend than a lover. I struggled with his relationship to his 'father' and his complete lack of anger and resentment. However, it was his temperament and curiosity that made him unique instead of just another cookie-cutter, chest-thumping alpha male.
I'm not sure why, but this one fell flat for me.
March 27, 2020
This series is darker than what I usually read, but I had to at least read this second book because of the hero. One of my favorite things in a romance is a hero with a pure heart and childlike earnestness, either because he has been isolated or because he is an alien who doesn't understand human ways. This book definitely didn't let me down on that score. I also appreciated that the author didn't have the hero's love magically fix all the heroine's mental issues.
This series is meant to be about alien heroes who really look like aliens. So far, the author hasn't just given us human painted green with magic genitals. However, the aliens in the first two books are able to present themselves in less frightening ways and tuck away the truly scary bits, so they aren't that off-putting.
I was going to stop at this book, but then the epilogue and the author's note have me intrigued. Guess I have to take a look at book three!
This series is meant to be about alien heroes who really look like aliens. So far, the author hasn't just given us human painted green with magic genitals. However, the aliens in the first two books are able to present themselves in less frightening ways and tuck away the truly scary bits, so they aren't that off-putting.
I was going to stop at this book, but then the epilogue and the author's note have me intrigued. Guess I have to take a look at book three!
July 19, 2022
2.75
Steam: 1.75/5 - There's one scene that isn't very long but is explicit. There's some brief touching, kissing, yearning, and a bit of fade to black as well.
Romance: 2.75/5 - Just didn't really work for me. There was a bunch of back and forth and unnecessary emotional drama.
Plot: 3/5 - There's stuff going on and definite world building but it didn't suck me in.
Rereadable: Considering the fact that it took me forever to read and I almost DNF @ 70%, no. I actually started another book and got to about 70% in that one when I wasn't sure I wanted to finish it, so I came back to this one hoping to break my 3 book DNF @ 70% streak.
Continuing with series/author: I remember liking the 1st book in the series but I read it before I started doing reviews so I can't be sure. I also think I remember having some of the same problems with it that I did with this one, so probably not.
Steam: 1.75/5 - There's one scene that isn't very long but is explicit. There's some brief touching, kissing, yearning, and a bit of fade to black as well.
Romance: 2.75/5 - Just didn't really work for me. There was a bunch of back and forth and unnecessary emotional drama.
Plot: 3/5 - There's stuff going on and definite world building but it didn't suck me in.
Rereadable: Considering the fact that it took me forever to read and I almost DNF @ 70%, no. I actually started another book and got to about 70% in that one when I wasn't sure I wanted to finish it, so I came back to this one hoping to break my 3 book DNF @ 70% streak.
Continuing with series/author: I remember liking the 1st book in the series but I read it before I started doing reviews so I can't be sure. I also think I remember having some of the same problems with it that I did with this one, so probably not.
February 9, 2019
Let me tell you something that I disliked about this book. Her name is Joanie and she is stupid.
I wanted her to fucking grovel for his love after the bullshit she pulled, but no. Nemon was too damn forgiving. Yes, Joanie, you were a mistake and you can't even say that you weren't considering the fact that you fucking shattered him.
Originally, I gave it one star, but as if progressed past her damn stupidity, it got better and managed to get to 2 stars.
I wanted her to fucking grovel for his love after the bullshit she pulled, but no. Nemon was too damn forgiving. Yes, Joanie, you were a mistake and you can't even say that you weren't considering the fact that you fucking shattered him.
Originally, I gave it one star, but as if progressed past her damn stupidity, it got better and managed to get to 2 stars.
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