What do you think?
Rate this book
Iriduan Test Subjects #4
The Warrior's Mate
Theresa
Five years ago, I was abducted by aliens.
After escaping an Iriduan research facility with the help of the reptilian Akrellians, I found myself entranced by their leader, Prime Commander Tirel. I was so strongly drawn to him that I didn’t trust my feelings.
Fearing that my powerful emotions for him were the result of Iriduan experimentation on me, I turned my back on his offer of marriage and returned to my ordinary life on Earth.
Now, Tirel haunts my dreams and thoughts of him fill my every waking moment. I miss him so much that I sleepwalk every night as my dreaming mind tries to go to him. I would gladly return to him and beg him to give me that same proposal, kicking myself for turning it down the first time. Unfortunately, I’m stuck on Earth, surrounded by humans who don’t even believe in the existence of aliens.
I have no one who can help me find Tirel.
Until a mysterious and potentially dangerous Iriduan shows up on Earth with a claim that my beloved Akrellian is in terrible danger—and that I’m the only one who can help him.
***
This book is the fourth book in the Iriduan Test Subjects series. Don’t miss the other monsters and aliens in the following
Book 1: The Scorpion’s Mate
Book 2: The Kraken’s Mate
Book 3: The Serpent’s Mate
Book 4: The Warrior’s Mate
Book 5: The Hunter’s Mate
Book 6: The Fractured Mate
Book 7: The Iriduan’s Mate
Book 8: The Clone’s Mate
Content warning for all the books in the series can be found on the author’s website.
Five years ago, I was abducted by aliens.
After escaping an Iriduan research facility with the help of the reptilian Akrellians, I found myself entranced by their leader, Prime Commander Tirel. I was so strongly drawn to him that I didn’t trust my feelings.
Fearing that my powerful emotions for him were the result of Iriduan experimentation on me, I turned my back on his offer of marriage and returned to my ordinary life on Earth.
Now, Tirel haunts my dreams and thoughts of him fill my every waking moment. I miss him so much that I sleepwalk every night as my dreaming mind tries to go to him. I would gladly return to him and beg him to give me that same proposal, kicking myself for turning it down the first time. Unfortunately, I’m stuck on Earth, surrounded by humans who don’t even believe in the existence of aliens.
I have no one who can help me find Tirel.
Until a mysterious and potentially dangerous Iriduan shows up on Earth with a claim that my beloved Akrellian is in terrible danger—and that I’m the only one who can help him.
***
This book is the fourth book in the Iriduan Test Subjects series. Don’t miss the other monsters and aliens in the following
Book 1: The Scorpion’s Mate
Book 2: The Kraken’s Mate
Book 3: The Serpent’s Mate
Book 4: The Warrior’s Mate
Book 5: The Hunter’s Mate
Book 6: The Fractured Mate
Book 7: The Iriduan’s Mate
Book 8: The Clone’s Mate
Content warning for all the books in the series can be found on the author’s website.
328 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2019
599 people are currently reading
541 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
January 4, 2021
I’ve been putting off reading this book mainly because I’m not a fan of second chance romances in any genre and this didn’t appeal to me quite as much as its predecessors did.
I’m happy to say that this was a hit and though it has a slightly different vibe to earlier stories in this series it still appealed to me just in a whole different way.
Though the start of this was as action-filled as I’ve come to expect from this series as was the finish the middle did have a slightly different flavour.
This story does focus much more on the relationship and the emotions involved.
We get to see Terry on Tirel’s homeworld and get a massive insight into Akrellian culture and family dynamics which was incredibly interesting.
There’s still all the usual action but this is just a much more insightful exposure as a whole to what we are used to.
Couple that with the fact that Tirel is also suffering from a massive dose of PTSD from his capture at the Iriduan’s hands which is also affecting his mindset.
He tries to hide it from all those close to him which doesn’t end well at all.
So where we left this I’m excited to see what is coming next especially in regards to Halian’s betrayal and hunters part in it.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading Hunter's story next he just intrigues me so much.
This was an interesting addition to this series.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 15, 2023
2nd read through:
I have never loved second chance romances, and the romance aspect of this story seemed very rushed, even for a fated mate type situation. That being said, I thought the culture of the Akrellians was well fleshed out and the way Tirel’s position in society shifted as the book continues was well done. They were a cut couple together.
1st read through
This wasn’t my favorite book of this series, but was still fairly well done. It deals heavily with PTSD and anxiety. It’s a second chance kind of romance, with a 5 year gap between the beginning to meeting again. This book also addressed miscommunications and expectations not being met between different cultures. I personally thought Tirel was frequently unreasonable in his expectations and was terrible and making his expectations clear.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: captivity, medical experimentation, violence, mental illness, near death experiences, grief
I have never loved second chance romances, and the romance aspect of this story seemed very rushed, even for a fated mate type situation. That being said, I thought the culture of the Akrellians was well fleshed out and the way Tirel’s position in society shifted as the book continues was well done. They were a cut couple together.
1st read through
This wasn’t my favorite book of this series, but was still fairly well done. It deals heavily with PTSD and anxiety. It’s a second chance kind of romance, with a 5 year gap between the beginning to meeting again. This book also addressed miscommunications and expectations not being met between different cultures. I personally thought Tirel was frequently unreasonable in his expectations and was terrible and making his expectations clear.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: captivity, medical experimentation, violence, mental illness, near death experiences, grief
June 10, 2019
This is a series that needs to be read in order. So if you haven't read this yet, go back and grab book 1 The Scorpion's Mate and give it a try! It's a fantastic book, with a deliciously scary sexy alien hero.If you cast your mind back to book 1 of this series, The Scorpion's Mate, then Theresa and Tirel are familiar characters. Theresa was one of the women who was saved alongside the heroine...but opted to go home to earth. Tirel was the commander of the ship they were on when they were rescued. In the book there was a tiny hint that something was happening or had happened between them. However, it was never clear if this was going to be addressed...well, it's definitely addressed in this book!
Theresa has been home 5 years and she regrets every minute. She should have stayed. Tirel has been on her mind every since her return and all she longs to do is find him and explore the connection they have. So, she is determined to do exactly that. She'll find a way back and go to him. However, she isn't the only one who needs to explore the bond between them. Tirel has been taken and using Theresa's bond may be the only way to find him.
Just to get this point out the way early on, I feel like this book, and maybe this series, needs to have a really good and thorough edit. Not just for small things like typos and grammatical edits, but for streamlining and polishing the story. Sometimes the storytelling could be a little cumbersome and clumsy. Which, is a shame as I love Trombley's imagination and her general vision for this series, however, the execution doesn't always live up to that promise.
Now the 'technical bits' are out of the way, lets move on to the story itself. I feel like this is a book in two halves: Before the Rescue and After the Rescue. Each half had it's own good points and bad points and over all I did enjoy the story. However, this certainly wasn't the best in this series - I still love The Scorpion's Mate the most!
But, it wasn't just my personal preference that has made this book my least favourite. The pace of this book was like being on the London tube. It would go really fast and then come to a sudden stop and wait around for a bit. This was especially true for the first part of the book, Before the Rescue, in comparison with the second half, After the Rescue. In the After the Rescue section we go to Tirel's home world and are introduced to his family. Although I found the different culture interesting, it was also a little boring as we spent most of the time stewing in Tirel's self loathing.
Which brings us to why I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted to. We spent too much time with miscommunication or no communication between Theresa and Tirel, which caused them both problems. It was a case of a simple conversation solving a number of issues. I understood that Tirel has the equivalent of PTSD and it's easier to say 'have a conversation' but far harder in practice. But, it got very frustrating when you were reading. Story wise, it did make this book drag.
I did like this book and I will definitely continue to read this series, however, I did find this book a little disappointing. However, Susan Trombley does have a fantastic imagination and I love the general direction this series is going, as well as the interesting new aliens she introduces. I guess, even with authors you love you can't like everything.
*Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
April 27, 2019
Tiny Dancer
Theresa was one of the women rescued in book 1. Joanie settled with her kraken, Claire had her scorpion, Cass was found by her serpent, Theresa and Tarin decided to go back home. But longing for home and readapting to a place you no longer fit in with are 2 different things. Especially when part of your heart was left dancing in the stars. Akrellians may be vaguely reptilian but they are far from cold. Tirel let Theresa go because of his honor. But honor isn't love and is a cold replacement. He offered his heart but knew hers wasn't his, no matter how their minds connected. But his capture brings Halian back from the shadows, using Theresa's connection to try to find Tirel. Rescuing his body from the Iriduans is one thing, though. His mind has been infected by the Manops' control and shattered. He shares more with the Dark Partner than the Dancer and his shadows are taking over.
Spoilers ahead!
I have loved this series. Unusual humans that don't fare so well on Earth, unique aliens with unusual cultures, hybrids lost in confusion and instincts they don't understand, galactic governments, ... The list goes on! I would love the stories to be longer, a little more fleshed out, but they never leave you lacking, either. Theresa's and Tirel's tale doesn't start in captivity. It doesn't start in the rescue. This story picks up 5 years after their return to Earth. She and Tarin have only the barest of links to the planet anymore through their families. The families they had to lie to about their disappearance. But when Halian shows up claiming that Tirel needs help and she's the only one who can find him she jumps planet, this time willingly, to help. But Halian isn't the most reliable of companions, and never really anyone you could call a friend. He and his partner, Hunter, are on a weird living ship. (I really want to know more about that. Reminds me of that sci-fi show, Farscape.) But the trust between Hunter and Halian is shaky, and it's clear that Halian is hiding something. The story veers from there and in interesting ways. We've learned a little about the creatures Thrax, Nemon, Nash, and all were crafted from, and even a little about the Iriduan culture. But this is the first in depth look at the fascinating aliens from Book 1. A warrior race that reveres dancing? They're like reptilian Klingons and Vulcans, but with a little Gorn and Orion mixed in. The music, art, dancing, painted scales, tribute of what humans would classify as trivial task workers, all of it comes together in this really intriguing culture. I will admit I was more than a little curious about the biology, humans being mammals and the Akrellians being reptilian. Although, a few species of reptiles do carry young internally, but what testing was done on Theresa was never explained. We know Claire was designated as the new mom. Joanie was sort of a chemical tester pincushion. Cass was captured for pheremones. But we never get told what happened to Theresa and Tarin. Ack. Anyways, I have loved this series. The heroines aren't perfect Mary Sues, TSTL or broken. The aliens are all different with unique cultures and appearances. The mystery and intrigue of just what exactly Halian is up to keeps the readers guessing. What is really going on with the Iriduans and the Manops? There's a lot more going on here than just a romance.
Theresa was one of the women rescued in book 1. Joanie settled with her kraken, Claire had her scorpion, Cass was found by her serpent, Theresa and Tarin decided to go back home. But longing for home and readapting to a place you no longer fit in with are 2 different things. Especially when part of your heart was left dancing in the stars. Akrellians may be vaguely reptilian but they are far from cold. Tirel let Theresa go because of his honor. But honor isn't love and is a cold replacement. He offered his heart but knew hers wasn't his, no matter how their minds connected. But his capture brings Halian back from the shadows, using Theresa's connection to try to find Tirel. Rescuing his body from the Iriduans is one thing, though. His mind has been infected by the Manops' control and shattered. He shares more with the Dark Partner than the Dancer and his shadows are taking over.
Spoilers ahead!
I have loved this series. Unusual humans that don't fare so well on Earth, unique aliens with unusual cultures, hybrids lost in confusion and instincts they don't understand, galactic governments, ... The list goes on! I would love the stories to be longer, a little more fleshed out, but they never leave you lacking, either. Theresa's and Tirel's tale doesn't start in captivity. It doesn't start in the rescue. This story picks up 5 years after their return to Earth. She and Tarin have only the barest of links to the planet anymore through their families. The families they had to lie to about their disappearance. But when Halian shows up claiming that Tirel needs help and she's the only one who can find him she jumps planet, this time willingly, to help. But Halian isn't the most reliable of companions, and never really anyone you could call a friend. He and his partner, Hunter, are on a weird living ship. (I really want to know more about that. Reminds me of that sci-fi show, Farscape.) But the trust between Hunter and Halian is shaky, and it's clear that Halian is hiding something. The story veers from there and in interesting ways. We've learned a little about the creatures Thrax, Nemon, Nash, and all were crafted from, and even a little about the Iriduan culture. But this is the first in depth look at the fascinating aliens from Book 1. A warrior race that reveres dancing? They're like reptilian Klingons and Vulcans, but with a little Gorn and Orion mixed in. The music, art, dancing, painted scales, tribute of what humans would classify as trivial task workers, all of it comes together in this really intriguing culture. I will admit I was more than a little curious about the biology, humans being mammals and the Akrellians being reptilian. Although, a few species of reptiles do carry young internally, but what testing was done on Theresa was never explained. We know Claire was designated as the new mom. Joanie was sort of a chemical tester pincushion. Cass was captured for pheremones. But we never get told what happened to Theresa and Tarin. Ack. Anyways, I have loved this series. The heroines aren't perfect Mary Sues, TSTL or broken. The aliens are all different with unique cultures and appearances. The mystery and intrigue of just what exactly Halian is up to keeps the readers guessing. What is really going on with the Iriduans and the Manops? There's a lot more going on here than just a romance.
May 8, 2019
This series is getting better and better! Can't wait for the books to come!
October 28, 2019
I had kinda put off reading this one because some of the reviews, but I wish I hadn't. This book was great, in fact this whole series so far is amazing. I'm glad Tirel finally got his happy ending because I was feeling so bad for him and his loneliness. People were putting down Theresa's character for not staying with him the first time but I can understand being scared of such different/new things and being overwhelmed then later regretting not taking the plunge. Also I felt the author brought to light PTSD and soldiers acclimating to regular life after being in the military (no matter what species they are) and how it affects their relationships in a real way. This one has ended up being one of my favs and I can't wait see the story continue with Hunter's and Halion's stories.
June 10, 2020
Better than book 3. 😁 Tirel and Theresa were an okay pair. I didn't love that he just let her leave and I was annoyed by how often she worried about everything.
However, I really liked learning about the different aliens and Tirel not being a test subject was a nice break.
I do not like the Tarin thing.
Safe Mostly - 5 year separation where he was celibate and she was not. Though she didn't have a lot of relationships and they were short. Double standard for me because I wouldn't have touched this book if their roles were reversed. 😂
However, I really liked learning about the different aliens and Tirel not being a test subject was a nice break.
I do not like the Tarin thing.
Safe Mostly - 5 year separation where he was celibate and she was not. Though she didn't have a lot of relationships and they were short. Double standard for me because I wouldn't have touched this book if their roles were reversed. 😂
September 15, 2019
Can't wait
This is the type of series where every book is good and makes you feel like you can't wait for what's next. And in my open to read this particular book you should really read the others because overarching story lines, history, and a variety of supporting characters are all introduced prior. Having said that they are all good and this one was as well. It absolutely has aliens that are alien that are alien but still humanoid enough and hot. I wasnt sure in the beginning of I would like Theresa as much as the other leading ladies but I quickly warmed up to her. She was strong and smart in her own ways while dealing with her own issues and the larger issues she ran into. Tirel was a hot gentleman who had that growly primal side he could unleash, and show boy did he do that spectacularly. I also loved how we got even more in depth looks into alien civilizations and day to day kinds of interactions in top of the standard action and sci-fi adventure. For me this story held a lot of duality with vivid contrast of life & loss, light & dark, love and hate. And a lot of what the characters go through is relatable and realistic while still fulfilling that fictional aspect. There is so much to chew on in this book because it is full to overflowing with details and emotions. While some scenarios that popped up I didn't see coming, the really fit and brought even more to this story. And the ending who!e seemingly a HEA for our couple overall for this world as a whole was a happily for now and I can't wait to see what's next. Especially if we get Eva's story and the author even mentions a story about the Fayi people which could be super interesting. So if you are looking for aliens that are alien, sci-fi adventure, super hot romance and more this book and series as a whole is for you. Great book would recommend.
This is the type of series where every book is good and makes you feel like you can't wait for what's next. And in my open to read this particular book you should really read the others because overarching story lines, history, and a variety of supporting characters are all introduced prior. Having said that they are all good and this one was as well. It absolutely has aliens that are alien that are alien but still humanoid enough and hot. I wasnt sure in the beginning of I would like Theresa as much as the other leading ladies but I quickly warmed up to her. She was strong and smart in her own ways while dealing with her own issues and the larger issues she ran into. Tirel was a hot gentleman who had that growly primal side he could unleash, and show boy did he do that spectacularly. I also loved how we got even more in depth looks into alien civilizations and day to day kinds of interactions in top of the standard action and sci-fi adventure. For me this story held a lot of duality with vivid contrast of life & loss, light & dark, love and hate. And a lot of what the characters go through is relatable and realistic while still fulfilling that fictional aspect. There is so much to chew on in this book because it is full to overflowing with details and emotions. While some scenarios that popped up I didn't see coming, the really fit and brought even more to this story. And the ending who!e seemingly a HEA for our couple overall for this world as a whole was a happily for now and I can't wait to see what's next. Especially if we get Eva's story and the author even mentions a story about the Fayi people which could be super interesting. So if you are looking for aliens that are alien, sci-fi adventure, super hot romance and more this book and series as a whole is for you. Great book would recommend.
May 25, 2021
I took a break from this series for a bit, and I'm so glad I started it up again because this book was awesome.
Tirel was a great character, noble and proud and secretly deeply wounded after the horrors he suffered infected with the menops fungus. (Which was freaking cool, by the way! I will never forget that episode of Planet Earth where the fungus makes the ants go crazy and eventually kills them and then a mushroom grows out of their head. So creepy!!!!!!!!!) And I was super glad to see that Theresa had gotten over her shit and was ready to commit to him and their marriage.
The plot wandered a bit in the middle and I could have used a little more excitement, but overall, I really enjoyed this book. The steam was steamyyyyyyy and to my satisfaction. :)
And now I'm dying of curiosity to see how Hunter's book turns out! Never thought I would read a romance about a giant one-eyed ant, but there's a first time for everything.
GOD, I love Susan Trombley for writing these romances about scorpion men, snake men, tentacle monster men, and, in Tirel's case, porcupine reptile men. (He was super hot btw. Just wait til you get to the description of his 'mating claw.' ;)
Tirel was a great character, noble and proud and secretly deeply wounded after the horrors he suffered infected with the menops fungus. (Which was freaking cool, by the way! I will never forget that episode of Planet Earth where the fungus makes the ants go crazy and eventually kills them and then a mushroom grows out of their head. So creepy!!!!!!!!!) And I was super glad to see that Theresa had gotten over her shit and was ready to commit to him and their marriage.
The plot wandered a bit in the middle and I could have used a little more excitement, but overall, I really enjoyed this book. The steam was steamyyyyyyy and to my satisfaction. :)
And now I'm dying of curiosity to see how Hunter's book turns out! Never thought I would read a romance about a giant one-eyed ant, but there's a first time for everything.
GOD, I love Susan Trombley for writing these romances about scorpion men, snake men, tentacle monster men, and, in Tirel's case, porcupine reptile men. (He was super hot btw. Just wait til you get to the description of his 'mating claw.' ;)
January 8, 2020
My absolutely favourite thing about this author is the way information is trickled down to us. For example, the mating sound Tirel made during sex. First we saw it through Theresa's eyes, and then only after do we hear about it from Tirel and it turns out it's embarrassing and cute and it just makes it so much better. :D
One thing that does piss me off a bit is when the heroines forget vital details. I don't remember what it was with the previous 3 books, but so far Theresa has forgotten their mind-locked status a billion times already. On page 178, she's relieved now that Tirel is retired he can't go off for months while she's planet-side. Uhm, HELLO??? It's like they haven't just spent the past 5 YEARS in agony apart from each other?? I can understand that kind of mistake from a human just recently mated and unaware of the exact pitfalls of this bond, but she's had freaking 5 years to experience it. It pisses me off. It makes me feel that the heroine isn't actually invested in the hero when they make mistakes like that. I also don't forget my husband's favourite food or games or whatever, why can't you remember something as simple as a basic NEED for your own mate, Theresa?
Anyway I will update with the full review later once I've finished the book :)
Edit:
Okay so I've finished the book. Disregarding moments when Theresa forgot basic facts, it was a great read because I frankly loved Tirel and even Theresa, her stupidity in the beginning notwithstanding. Also this world is beyond cool. On the other hand, the ending was rushed in my opinion. Tirel spends about 60% of the book dealing with nightmares/ battle fatigue completely on his own, but then it's fixed when he opens his mind to his mate finally after freaking months of staying closed off. Anticlimactic. And a lot of Deus maxima with the dancer which is also annoying to me.
That's something I just don't understand either. I personally wouldn't have been able to allow him to stay locked off from me. I'd feel completely betrayed and abandoned. Theresa only puts up token protests once or twice.
Lastly, the synchrony or whatever it was called was so cool, but in the end we only got to experience it once or twice and that annoyed me. I'm not sure the whole battle fatigue thing was enjoyable for me. The only thing that made it okay was the fact that I was hungry for literally any glimpse of the Akrellians and thankfully we got a very rich world building there. It's just that the whole getting married thing and living at home thing was so out of character for the Tirel we had come to know up till that point. And then we barely got to know the new Tirel because of the whole wedding prep. Meh.
One thing that does piss me off a bit is when the heroines forget vital details. I don't remember what it was with the previous 3 books, but so far Theresa has forgotten their mind-locked status a billion times already. On page 178, she's relieved now that Tirel is retired he can't go off for months while she's planet-side. Uhm, HELLO??? It's like they haven't just spent the past 5 YEARS in agony apart from each other?? I can understand that kind of mistake from a human just recently mated and unaware of the exact pitfalls of this bond, but she's had freaking 5 years to experience it. It pisses me off. It makes me feel that the heroine isn't actually invested in the hero when they make mistakes like that. I also don't forget my husband's favourite food or games or whatever, why can't you remember something as simple as a basic NEED for your own mate, Theresa?
Anyway I will update with the full review later once I've finished the book :)
Edit:
Okay so I've finished the book. Disregarding moments when Theresa forgot basic facts, it was a great read because I frankly loved Tirel and even Theresa, her stupidity in the beginning notwithstanding. Also this world is beyond cool. On the other hand, the ending was rushed in my opinion. Tirel spends about 60% of the book dealing with nightmares/ battle fatigue completely on his own, but then it's fixed when he opens his mind to his mate finally after freaking months of staying closed off. Anticlimactic. And a lot of Deus maxima with the dancer which is also annoying to me.
That's something I just don't understand either. I personally wouldn't have been able to allow him to stay locked off from me. I'd feel completely betrayed and abandoned. Theresa only puts up token protests once or twice.
Lastly, the synchrony or whatever it was called was so cool, but in the end we only got to experience it once or twice and that annoyed me. I'm not sure the whole battle fatigue thing was enjoyable for me. The only thing that made it okay was the fact that I was hungry for literally any glimpse of the Akrellians and thankfully we got a very rich world building there. It's just that the whole getting married thing and living at home thing was so out of character for the Tirel we had come to know up till that point. And then we barely got to know the new Tirel because of the whole wedding prep. Meh.
August 24, 2019
The book was generally not bad.
But ...
It was not easy to read.
The book and its story was torn between the previous and the following book.
And not in a good way, it was not a standalone.
In the beginning it wasn’t easy to read because I felt like I was constantly missing some details.
Turns out those could be found in the previous books.
Additionally the story constantly jumped in time. It isn’t fluent and makes it hard to experience it.
Not only the plot threads were loose but also the development of the characters and their interactions.
At one part in the story they stayed on a ship and we got constantly told how everyone sparsely interacted with each other, consciously avoiding to accidentally meet in the corridors and more or like isolated themselves.
We get not much info of the two other travel companions.
Suddenly they are best buddies and protective, it makes no sense, and we experience some deep emotions towards each other, which are not explainable all of a sudden.
Later I found out, the missing pieces are found in the following book.
There was not much day to day life.
Dialogues were stretched and interrupted by long inner monologues.
It wasn’t really fun.
But ...
It was not easy to read.
The book and its story was torn between the previous and the following book.
And not in a good way, it was not a standalone.
In the beginning it wasn’t easy to read because I felt like I was constantly missing some details.
Turns out those could be found in the previous books.
Additionally the story constantly jumped in time. It isn’t fluent and makes it hard to experience it.
Not only the plot threads were loose but also the development of the characters and their interactions.
At one part in the story they stayed on a ship and we got constantly told how everyone sparsely interacted with each other, consciously avoiding to accidentally meet in the corridors and more or like isolated themselves.
We get not much info of the two other travel companions.
Suddenly they are best buddies and protective, it makes no sense, and we experience some deep emotions towards each other, which are not explainable all of a sudden.
Later I found out, the missing pieces are found in the following book.
There was not much day to day life.
Dialogues were stretched and interrupted by long inner monologues.
It wasn’t really fun.
September 19, 2019
2.5 stars.
Again, close to liking it, but like the last book this one - for me - has pacing issues still. It dragged for a really long time between certain high action parts, and I get why, some of it’s learning about culture and tradition etc, but there’s A LOT of it and it becomes a bit tedious with all the rest of the story. I just feel like if there was maybe 50-75 pages less it would be better? I think this author has a mad imagination, but im here for the romance and it takes a back seat a lot of the time.
This one had a lot to do with tradition and PTSD, and it had some sad bits and some really cool traditions. I did like those bits, but there was a lot of going over things again and again and then it ended like the last few where we end up back with the other characters and a lot of that seems unnecessary. It could be done by contacting them throughout the book instead of a random visit at the end.
Will be reading the next book, then I’ll determine if I’ll continue with the series.
Again, close to liking it, but like the last book this one - for me - has pacing issues still. It dragged for a really long time between certain high action parts, and I get why, some of it’s learning about culture and tradition etc, but there’s A LOT of it and it becomes a bit tedious with all the rest of the story. I just feel like if there was maybe 50-75 pages less it would be better? I think this author has a mad imagination, but im here for the romance and it takes a back seat a lot of the time.
This one had a lot to do with tradition and PTSD, and it had some sad bits and some really cool traditions. I did like those bits, but there was a lot of going over things again and again and then it ended like the last few where we end up back with the other characters and a lot of that seems unnecessary. It could be done by contacting them throughout the book instead of a random visit at the end.
Will be reading the next book, then I’ll determine if I’ll continue with the series.
April 29, 2019
*WARNING* for 18+ due to sexual content
Tirel knows who his mate is, where she is, and that's the problem. Tirel met his mate 5 years ago and they formed a psychic bond as soon as their eyes met, but Theresa turned him down and went back to Earth. Tirel's subconscious is trying to seek her out.
Theresa has tried dating many times, but it's just not right. Theresa now knows she made a HUGE mistake 5 years ago when she turn down Tirel.
The description of Tirel is fierce and vivid. The story is a reminder to treasure what you have and not to constantly worry over what might come to be.
Tirel knows who his mate is, where she is, and that's the problem. Tirel met his mate 5 years ago and they formed a psychic bond as soon as their eyes met, but Theresa turned him down and went back to Earth. Tirel's subconscious is trying to seek her out.
Theresa has tried dating many times, but it's just not right. Theresa now knows she made a HUGE mistake 5 years ago when she turn down Tirel.
The description of Tirel is fierce and vivid. The story is a reminder to treasure what you have and not to constantly worry over what might come to be.
May 1, 2019
Liked the least
I was excited for another book in this series but was let down.
I liked the point of views from the main characters but the writing was mostly telling with some dialogue inbetween. It didn't engage me with the characters even though what was happening was supposed to be interesting. The best parts were in the moment.
Hope the next one improves!
Read in KU, typos
I was excited for another book in this series but was let down.
I liked the point of views from the main characters but the writing was mostly telling with some dialogue inbetween. It didn't engage me with the characters even though what was happening was supposed to be interesting. The best parts were in the moment.
Hope the next one improves!
Read in KU, typos
May 4, 2019
Some time has passed since our plucky heroines were abducted from Earth. A few found their happy place with their (very) alien mates while Theresa and Tarin opted to head back home. Guess what? Not being able to tell people what has happened to you (or at least having everyone think you're a kook if you do tell) makes it VERY hard to deal with all the craziness you were put through.
In other words, Theresa isn't in the best mental place when we first catch up with her. As much as she loves her family, she no longer feels like she fits in on Earth and being away from Tirel is slowly eating away at her. Which means she pretty much jumps at the chance to head out to him when the opportunity presents itself.
Even though it means putting herself in danger to save him. Even though it means giving up everything to be with him. At least she has Tarin, right? Except Tarin's dealing with a few things that look like they're going to be VERY interesting down the road.
But that's another book for another day.
Delving into betrayal, forgiveness, figuring how to fit into a literally alien society, and ...well, there's a lot of alien stuff going on here. Tirel needs to find his new place in the world after his imprisonment. Theresa needs to figure out how she fits in with his family and into his life. It's great!
I'm totally digging this series. The aliens are VERY non-human and I like that. A LOT.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
In other words, Theresa isn't in the best mental place when we first catch up with her. As much as she loves her family, she no longer feels like she fits in on Earth and being away from Tirel is slowly eating away at her. Which means she pretty much jumps at the chance to head out to him when the opportunity presents itself.
Even though it means putting herself in danger to save him. Even though it means giving up everything to be with him. At least she has Tarin, right? Except Tarin's dealing with a few things that look like they're going to be VERY interesting down the road.
But that's another book for another day.
Delving into betrayal, forgiveness, figuring how to fit into a literally alien society, and ...well, there's a lot of alien stuff going on here. Tirel needs to find his new place in the world after his imprisonment. Theresa needs to figure out how she fits in with his family and into his life. It's great!
I'm totally digging this series. The aliens are VERY non-human and I like that. A LOT.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 2, 2019
Loved loved loved it
If this were how aliens really are, I’d be begging to be abducted!! But seriously a awesome read, with wonderful in-depth characters. I felt like I was there with the characters just floating above it all and taking it in. It was so realistic for me!! I would tell anyone who is a fan of reading to give this series a try. I would really like to see these made into a T.V. Series!!! Try the first book and you’ll be hooked. Thanks for the wonderful hours of supreme entertainment ❤️❤️
If this were how aliens really are, I’d be begging to be abducted!! But seriously a awesome read, with wonderful in-depth characters. I felt like I was there with the characters just floating above it all and taking it in. It was so realistic for me!! I would tell anyone who is a fan of reading to give this series a try. I would really like to see these made into a T.V. Series!!! Try the first book and you’ll be hooked. Thanks for the wonderful hours of supreme entertainment ❤️❤️
August 16, 2019
It was a good fourth book in he series. I really hope our bad guy gets his in the end. I really kinda hate this guy. Anyway I was glad that Theresa and our hero got together.
June 11, 2021
This wasn't my favorite book in the series, but I enjoyed it. I really like Trombley's world building and alien heroes in this series and am looking forward to reading the next one.
December 26, 2019
Not too bad. Most of the action is at the beginning of story, the rest is just progress of relationship of Theresa and Tirel. No communication, no collision of two very different cultures,nothing to actually to point out. Bit lagging and boring at parts. Basically it is supposed to be romance with a dash of overcoming inner struggles. I expected more.
August 4, 2021
Not a great entry
I normally do longer reviews that start with a quick blurb to whet the appetite of people who are following me. But in this case I don’t really have the energy to try to encourage people to read this book. Because this book greatly disappointed me.
I have really liked what this series has done so far and I was looking forward to seeing Tirel and Theresa’s story. Mostly because it had been hinted to in both Claire and Joni’s books but what we got wasn’t up to the hints.
First off, we completely missed the meeting and honestly everything that’s hinted to in the blurb. The entire meeting and subsequent discussions are all covered in infodump. And we all know how I feel about infodump. Then when Tirel and Theresa get together most of the drama is just very low stakes. And one of the most dramatic scenes is actually something that I absolutely hate and it’s something I have given one stars for in the past and that is overblown jealousy. Especially over blown jealousy of a female family member toward a male family member and the love interest just blows her top. It’s frankly disgusting. It shows that the relationship is not built on a foundation of trust. It is honestly disturbing as somebody who has been a victim of that kind of jealousy to the point where it has turned violent. And honestly, it’s lazy writing.
As with the other books in the series, it’s very babies ever after. So bear that in mind.
The only thing redeeming this is the on going overarcing plot.
Two stars
I normally do longer reviews that start with a quick blurb to whet the appetite of people who are following me. But in this case I don’t really have the energy to try to encourage people to read this book. Because this book greatly disappointed me.
I have really liked what this series has done so far and I was looking forward to seeing Tirel and Theresa’s story. Mostly because it had been hinted to in both Claire and Joni’s books but what we got wasn’t up to the hints.
First off, we completely missed the meeting and honestly everything that’s hinted to in the blurb. The entire meeting and subsequent discussions are all covered in infodump. And we all know how I feel about infodump. Then when Tirel and Theresa get together most of the drama is just very low stakes. And one of the most dramatic scenes is actually something that I absolutely hate and it’s something I have given one stars for in the past and that is overblown jealousy. Especially over blown jealousy of a female family member toward a male family member and the love interest just blows her top. It’s frankly disgusting. It shows that the relationship is not built on a foundation of trust. It is honestly disturbing as somebody who has been a victim of that kind of jealousy to the point where it has turned violent. And honestly, it’s lazy writing.
As with the other books in the series, it’s very babies ever after. So bear that in mind.
The only thing redeeming this is the on going overarcing plot.
Two stars
June 6, 2019
ALIENS, ALIENS, ALIENNNNNS.
4.25 quills-tentacles-and-pincers-OHMY stars☆
4.25 quills-tentacles-and-pincers-OHMY stars☆
July 19, 2023
Quarto livro da série “Iriduan Test Subjects” que eu amo demais e que está entre os meus favoritos! Adorei a escrita da autora, a história e as cenas “hot” são ótimas!
Cinco anos atrás, o Comandante Tirel conheceu Theresa quando a salvou de um centro de pesquisa Iriduan. A ligação psíquica entre os dois foi instantânea e poderosa, mas receosa com a intensa atração entre os dois e com medo de abandonar sua família e a vida que conhecia, Theresa escolheu voltar para a Terra mesmo após Tirel lhe pedir em casamento.
Infelizmente a separação só fez com que os dois sofressem e que a mente de Tirel começasse a se dividir de forma perigosa.
Tirel aceita o conselho de Halian sobre procurar por Theresa, mas acaba sendo traído pelo próprio Halian e capturado por iriduans. Ele se torna parte de um experimento e sofre horrivelmente nas mão dos iriduans e de uma rainha menops, até que Theresa aparece para resgatá-lo.
Tirel é um akrelliano, um alienígena com escamas verdes por todo o corpo, garras, dentes afiados, olhos de réptil amarelos e azuis, chifres de mandíbula e com penas na cabeça e na protuberância nas costas que podem se tornar espinhos venenosos.
Ele é gentil, honrado, corajoso, altruísta, carinhoso, protetor, divertido e apaixonado! Sedutor, selvagem e possessivo, Tirel adora perseguir e Theresa se diverte muito com isso!
Theresa sabe que fez os dois sofrerem com sua escolha de voltar para Terra e negar a ligação que existia entre eles, mas ela vai atrás dele pronta para estar a seu lado e começar uma nova vida.
Tirel e Theresa estavam destinados a estar juntos! Sua intensa ligação os mantém em harmonia quando estão juntos e separados! Eles praticamente são os futuros substitutos dos deuses de Akrellia (a Dançarina e seu Parceiro Sombrio) trazendo de volta o equilíbrio entre luz e escuridão.
Como serão líderes, isso permitirá que Theresa também ajude a cuidar do futuro da Terra, que ainda permanece em perigo na série.
Eu amei conhecer mais sobre a espécie do Tirel! A autora criou muita coisa em termos de cultura, lendas e tradições que fizeram o universo da série se tornar ainda mais interessante.
Theresa e Tirel são um casal maravilhoso! Eu amei muito o livro dos dois! Fiquei ainda mais curiosa para ler o livro da Tarin e do Hunter, o do Halian e claro, o da Ava e seus lusians, que parecem estar manipulando muitos eventos desde o início da série!
Cinco anos atrás, o Comandante Tirel conheceu Theresa quando a salvou de um centro de pesquisa Iriduan. A ligação psíquica entre os dois foi instantânea e poderosa, mas receosa com a intensa atração entre os dois e com medo de abandonar sua família e a vida que conhecia, Theresa escolheu voltar para a Terra mesmo após Tirel lhe pedir em casamento.
Infelizmente a separação só fez com que os dois sofressem e que a mente de Tirel começasse a se dividir de forma perigosa.
Tirel aceita o conselho de Halian sobre procurar por Theresa, mas acaba sendo traído pelo próprio Halian e capturado por iriduans. Ele se torna parte de um experimento e sofre horrivelmente nas mão dos iriduans e de uma rainha menops, até que Theresa aparece para resgatá-lo.
Tirel é um akrelliano, um alienígena com escamas verdes por todo o corpo, garras, dentes afiados, olhos de réptil amarelos e azuis, chifres de mandíbula e com penas na cabeça e na protuberância nas costas que podem se tornar espinhos venenosos.
Ele é gentil, honrado, corajoso, altruísta, carinhoso, protetor, divertido e apaixonado! Sedutor, selvagem e possessivo, Tirel adora perseguir e Theresa se diverte muito com isso!
Theresa sabe que fez os dois sofrerem com sua escolha de voltar para Terra e negar a ligação que existia entre eles, mas ela vai atrás dele pronta para estar a seu lado e começar uma nova vida.
Tirel e Theresa estavam destinados a estar juntos! Sua intensa ligação os mantém em harmonia quando estão juntos e separados! Eles praticamente são os futuros substitutos dos deuses de Akrellia (a Dançarina e seu Parceiro Sombrio) trazendo de volta o equilíbrio entre luz e escuridão.
Como serão líderes, isso permitirá que Theresa também ajude a cuidar do futuro da Terra, que ainda permanece em perigo na série.
Eu amei conhecer mais sobre a espécie do Tirel! A autora criou muita coisa em termos de cultura, lendas e tradições que fizeram o universo da série se tornar ainda mais interessante.
Theresa e Tirel são um casal maravilhoso! Eu amei muito o livro dos dois! Fiquei ainda mais curiosa para ler o livro da Tarin e do Hunter, o do Halian e claro, o da Ava e seus lusians, que parecem estar manipulando muitos eventos desde o início da série!
September 17, 2025
If you read the first book in the series, you’ll probably remember that Theresa was one of the women rescued with Joanie, Claire, and Tarin at the Iriduan facility. She and Tarin chose to return home, so I thought that would be the last we saw of them. Not every character needs to be paired up or serve a larger purpose, after all. However, they return after five years, and this story centers on Theresa and Tirel, the Akrellian commander of the spaceship Star Dancer.
Why them? In book two, from Joanie’s perspective, we catch a glimpse that there might have been something between Theresa and Tirel, but nothing comes of it because they go their separate ways. We don’t see the depth of that connection until this book, where it’s revealed
This installment had its ups and downs. Tirel is a strong male lead, and while Theresa is an okay female lead, she isn’t one of my favorites. Tarin, her best friend and fellow abductee, tags along since she also regrets going back to Earth. We also get some insight into the Akrellians, along with a few slice-of-life moments toward the end.
I’m going to go on a bit of a tangent here: Tarin’s role is minor, though clearly meant to set up her own story. Her sudden interest in
The only explanation that came to mind is that maybe she was injected with the mate-imprinting affliction that male Iriduans are genetically predisposed to, which could explain her behavior. Tarin and Theresa weren’t at the facility for long, but that doesn’t mean the Iriduans didn’t do something to them while they were unconscious. We don’t get a clear answer, but since That left me wondering—what did the Iriduans do to Tarin, or what did they plan for her?
In the end, I just wasn’t feeling this one as much.
Why them? In book two, from Joanie’s perspective, we catch a glimpse that there might have been something between Theresa and Tirel, but nothing comes of it because they go their separate ways. We don’t see the depth of that connection until this book, where it’s revealed
This installment had its ups and downs. Tirel is a strong male lead, and while Theresa is an okay female lead, she isn’t one of my favorites. Tarin, her best friend and fellow abductee, tags along since she also regrets going back to Earth. We also get some insight into the Akrellians, along with a few slice-of-life moments toward the end.
I’m going to go on a bit of a tangent here: Tarin’s role is minor, though clearly meant to set up her own story. Her sudden interest in
The only explanation that came to mind is that maybe she was injected with the mate-imprinting affliction that male Iriduans are genetically predisposed to, which could explain her behavior. Tarin and Theresa weren’t at the facility for long, but that doesn’t mean the Iriduans didn’t do something to them while they were unconscious. We don’t get a clear answer, but since That left me wondering—what did the Iriduans do to Tarin, or what did they plan for her?
In the end, I just wasn’t feeling this one as much.
June 26, 2019
I was thrilled to see that Tirel had a story of his own, and was pleasantly surprised for Theresa to return. I was like, yes! An Akrellian story!
Tarin joining Theresa was ok, and I'm looking forward to her character being more fleshed out. In book 1, I had thought that Theresa and Tarin were two throw-away type characters, put in the story only to show that more women than Claire and Joanie were abducted. I had wondered who the other two women would be in the books written so far. I thought sending them home was one way to tie up their strings. Although I wondered how they'd cope back on earth...despite seeming like cardboard cutouts in the first book.
I was happy to see Theresa's character given much more depth (and Tarin's story developing as well). I never imagined that she'd be able to return to find Tirel. I assumed that she'd go home and that'd be the last we'd hear of her. I was pleasantly surprised, and I thought it was fitting for these long-suffering characters to reunite. As far as her jealousy when Tirel had to leave, I could understand her feelings. I would worry about the same thing she had, despite all that, perhaps, should've convinced me otherwise.
Although some reviewers might disagree, I also liked how the author went into PTSD with Tirel. It's a difficult subject, but I thought it worked well, showing how even the strongest, most adept soldier can be affected by PTSD. I thought the depiction of hiding the PTSD, being pushed out of the military, and feeling ashamed of it were well done and accurate. I also liked reading about Tirel's internal struggle with having to adapt to civilian life when military life was all he had known for so long. After my (very) brief stint in the Navy, I found that it can be difficult to transition, that you can feel rudderless and lost, wondering what to do now.
I also enjoyed learning more about Akrellian culture, and while this story wasn't as steamy as the others, I still really enjoyed it. So when do the next ones come out? :-) Because I can't wait!
Tarin joining Theresa was ok, and I'm looking forward to her character being more fleshed out. In book 1, I had thought that Theresa and Tarin were two throw-away type characters, put in the story only to show that more women than Claire and Joanie were abducted. I had wondered who the other two women would be in the books written so far. I thought sending them home was one way to tie up their strings. Although I wondered how they'd cope back on earth...despite seeming like cardboard cutouts in the first book.
I was happy to see Theresa's character given much more depth (and Tarin's story developing as well). I never imagined that she'd be able to return to find Tirel. I assumed that she'd go home and that'd be the last we'd hear of her. I was pleasantly surprised, and I thought it was fitting for these long-suffering characters to reunite. As far as her jealousy when Tirel had to leave, I could understand her feelings. I would worry about the same thing she had, despite all that, perhaps, should've convinced me otherwise.
Although some reviewers might disagree, I also liked how the author went into PTSD with Tirel. It's a difficult subject, but I thought it worked well, showing how even the strongest, most adept soldier can be affected by PTSD. I thought the depiction of hiding the PTSD, being pushed out of the military, and feeling ashamed of it were well done and accurate. I also liked reading about Tirel's internal struggle with having to adapt to civilian life when military life was all he had known for so long. After my (very) brief stint in the Navy, I found that it can be difficult to transition, that you can feel rudderless and lost, wondering what to do now.
I also enjoyed learning more about Akrellian culture, and while this story wasn't as steamy as the others, I still really enjoyed it. So when do the next ones come out? :-) Because I can't wait!
June 19, 2025
I liked the book, but the characters pissed me off so many times ;)
Theresa was one of the women rescued in the first book, she decided to go back to Earth. Five years later she regretted her decision, because she couldn't forget Commander Tirel. As it was hinted earlier they had a thing. She felt instant pull towards him and was afraid that it was because of Iriduan's experiments. He wanted her to stay, and was hurt by her decision to leave.
Tirel was a wreck after five years without his mate. He was losing his mind and hiding it from his crew, only Halian knew what was happening to him. Poor Tirel knew what Theresa was to him and tried to explain to her that it was a bond his people formed with their mates and not some Iriduan experiment, but when she didn't believe his explanation he didn't try to stop her from leaving. He wanted her back and was willing to take a risky mission to find Earth's location and look for his mate.
The action was interesting, Halian once again was so fucking confusing, and I'm pissed off at the Epilogue, I cried for the poor one-eyed, ugly Hunter and I shouldn't. The second half of the book was very fluffy, but I enjoyed reading about Akrellian culture and family dynamics. Tirel pissed me off with hiding everything from Theresa. If she knew he had PTSD she could have been helping him with it from the beginning. That wasn't the only thing they should have communicated about, they wanted to marry and he didn't tell her anything about the traditions, before they got to his family. I would be so pissed, if a man didn't explain to me his weird traditions that I was expected to take part in that I would break the engagement. With Tirel being an alien, and a smart one for most of the time we saw him before, he should know that he should be talking about the differences in their cultures and traditions with Theresa as soon as they got back together.
Theresa was one of the women rescued in the first book, she decided to go back to Earth. Five years later she regretted her decision, because she couldn't forget Commander Tirel. As it was hinted earlier they had a thing. She felt instant pull towards him and was afraid that it was because of Iriduan's experiments. He wanted her to stay, and was hurt by her decision to leave.
Tirel was a wreck after five years without his mate. He was losing his mind and hiding it from his crew, only Halian knew what was happening to him. Poor Tirel knew what Theresa was to him and tried to explain to her that it was a bond his people formed with their mates and not some Iriduan experiment, but when she didn't believe his explanation he didn't try to stop her from leaving. He wanted her back and was willing to take a risky mission to find Earth's location and look for his mate.
The action was interesting, Halian once again was so fucking confusing, and I'm pissed off at the Epilogue, I cried for the poor one-eyed, ugly Hunter and I shouldn't. The second half of the book was very fluffy, but I enjoyed reading about Akrellian culture and family dynamics. Tirel pissed me off with hiding everything from Theresa. If she knew he had PTSD she could have been helping him with it from the beginning. That wasn't the only thing they should have communicated about, they wanted to marry and he didn't tell her anything about the traditions, before they got to his family. I would be so pissed, if a man didn't explain to me his weird traditions that I was expected to take part in that I would break the engagement. With Tirel being an alien, and a smart one for most of the time we saw him before, he should know that he should be talking about the differences in their cultures and traditions with Theresa as soon as they got back together.
June 17, 2023
3.5 little dancer stars.
First, I observed that the pacing in this one is slower, where the plot focuses on the relationship between an Akrallian and a human. It's more about love, the Synergy bond that tied Tirel and Theresa together as mates, and exploring more of Akrallian's tradition in living, marriage, and beliefs. I found the plot fascinating that I got to see and feel how and where Tirel grew up as an Akrallian and why he ended up as a warrior and Prime Commander. Furthermore, the world of Akrallian generally amazed me with its architecture and culture in many ways.
As for Theresa and Tirel's love story, I wish there were more build-up and a portion of slow-burn in their second chance romance, not dive straight into 'I love you'. Although the tension between them has fire and is achingly particular since the previous book, I still appear the need to feel more. Despite the love and sexual tension, the partnership as mates, both hero and heroine, successfully delivers a character of a leader as their bond guides them together as a solid team during anything, especially battle.
Besides the Akrallian, here I also got to see the fate of Earth and the upcoming problem, which is intriguingly exciting. I'm so in for Halian, Tarin, and Hunter as they are involved a lot in this one. The epilogue, though? Hooked me so hard since I didn't see it coming. Hence my excitement right now to start the next book.
First, I observed that the pacing in this one is slower, where the plot focuses on the relationship between an Akrallian and a human. It's more about love, the Synergy bond that tied Tirel and Theresa together as mates, and exploring more of Akrallian's tradition in living, marriage, and beliefs. I found the plot fascinating that I got to see and feel how and where Tirel grew up as an Akrallian and why he ended up as a warrior and Prime Commander. Furthermore, the world of Akrallian generally amazed me with its architecture and culture in many ways.
As for Theresa and Tirel's love story, I wish there were more build-up and a portion of slow-burn in their second chance romance, not dive straight into 'I love you'. Although the tension between them has fire and is achingly particular since the previous book, I still appear the need to feel more. Despite the love and sexual tension, the partnership as mates, both hero and heroine, successfully delivers a character of a leader as their bond guides them together as a solid team during anything, especially battle.
Besides the Akrallian, here I also got to see the fate of Earth and the upcoming problem, which is intriguingly exciting. I'm so in for Halian, Tarin, and Hunter as they are involved a lot in this one. The epilogue, though? Hooked me so hard since I didn't see it coming. Hence my excitement right now to start the next book.
January 29, 2024
Theresa + Tirel
So good, probably the best yet in the series! This is a second chance, fated mates, psychic bond, alien romance. Seriously, this series and author is so under hyped it is shocking.
This book takes place 5 years later from books 1-3, bringing our couple back to together in all the epic of ways! This book plot wise is so exciting and fun. So much happens, and I look down and I'm only at 25% read - crazy! The first quarter of the book could have easily just book the sole plot of the book.
The only reason this isn't a 5 star, is because there were a few scenes towards the end that were told in past tense, as if the character was reflecting back on what happened and kind of glazed over it. When in my opinion it was a big enough plot point to be written in the present tense letting us the reader get the full experience. And then the poor hero, it was hard at times how much he kept his guard up (literally) from the heroine to "protect her" when of course it was just making everything worse. A character choice for a reason, but still frustrating!
So good, probably the best yet in the series! This is a second chance, fated mates, psychic bond, alien romance. Seriously, this series and author is so under hyped it is shocking.
This book takes place 5 years later from books 1-3, bringing our couple back to together in all the epic of ways! This book plot wise is so exciting and fun. So much happens, and I look down and I'm only at 25% read - crazy! The first quarter of the book could have easily just book the sole plot of the book.
The only reason this isn't a 5 star, is because there were a few scenes towards the end that were told in past tense, as if the character was reflecting back on what happened and kind of glazed over it. When in my opinion it was a big enough plot point to be written in the present tense letting us the reader get the full experience. And then the poor hero, it was hard at times how much he kept his guard up (literally) from the heroine to "protect her" when of course it was just making everything worse. A character choice for a reason, but still frustrating!
May 18, 2019
It was pretty good
I enjoyed Tirel's character when we were first introduced to him and I'm happy he got his HEA but lot of these stories don't really make sense to me yet a lot of it was very predictable. Mainly speaking about Halian I knew that Hunter and Halian were double crossing the girls from the very beginning especially when they found Hunter with the knife in his already damaged eye, I mean really if Halian was really trying to get at Hunter don't u think he would take out his last good eye instead of the already damaged one? But how in the heck Hunter managed to not only take the Menops Queen alive and get off that planet alive before it blew up I have no idea it makes no sense. I know why Hunter wants the Queen dead but what her purpose will serve Halian I don't know. Having said all that I will say the book was pretty good I did have to skim over some parts that were pretty boring for me like way too much info kind of boring but all in all it was good
I enjoyed Tirel's character when we were first introduced to him and I'm happy he got his HEA but lot of these stories don't really make sense to me yet a lot of it was very predictable. Mainly speaking about Halian I knew that Hunter and Halian were double crossing the girls from the very beginning especially when they found Hunter with the knife in his already damaged eye, I mean really if Halian was really trying to get at Hunter don't u think he would take out his last good eye instead of the already damaged one? But how in the heck Hunter managed to not only take the Menops Queen alive and get off that planet alive before it blew up I have no idea it makes no sense. I know why Hunter wants the Queen dead but what her purpose will serve Halian I don't know. Having said all that I will say the book was pretty good I did have to skim over some parts that were pretty boring for me like way too much info kind of boring but all in all it was good
June 27, 2019
Tirel and Teresa 💖
Oh boy did I love these two! I've had a crush on commander Tirel since the first book. He is one of the most forth right , loyal Alien commanders I've read about in a long time. From the first book just like Terry I was drawn to Tirel and his quiet strength. He is a Handsome male in a very reptilian kind of way. Terry knew she made a mistake leaving Tirel the minute she landed back in earth 5 years goes by for both and they are miserable without the other. They actually created a physic link all those years ago that has deeply affected both their lives. In a rare opportunity Terry gets a second chance to be with her commander and save him from a fate worse than death. Together they must learn to trust each other and let their souls and minds connect and realize that ONLY together can they defeat their enemy and live a life of love together. I can't wait for the next book!
.
Oh boy did I love these two! I've had a crush on commander Tirel since the first book. He is one of the most forth right , loyal Alien commanders I've read about in a long time. From the first book just like Terry I was drawn to Tirel and his quiet strength. He is a Handsome male in a very reptilian kind of way. Terry knew she made a mistake leaving Tirel the minute she landed back in earth 5 years goes by for both and they are miserable without the other. They actually created a physic link all those years ago that has deeply affected both their lives. In a rare opportunity Terry gets a second chance to be with her commander and save him from a fate worse than death. Together they must learn to trust each other and let their souls and minds connect and realize that ONLY together can they defeat their enemy and live a life of love together. I can't wait for the next book!
.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews