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Iriduan Test Subjects #7
The Iriduan's Mate
A former elite Iriduan soldier, Shulgi lives with many regrets...
He’s determined to redeem himself by curing the mate imprinting affliction that affects Iriduan males. Unfortunately, the necessity for secrecy makes it difficult to spread the cure to those males in need of it most. He must hide his clinic in the corrupt, criminal city of Za'Kluth, a pirate and slaver hideout on a lava world clinging to the very edge of the CivilRim
.
When cargo he’s expecting is delivered to the wrong dock, bringing him into contact with a beautiful human slave named Molly, things get even more complicated. Her delicate appearance and incomparable grace impress him, but the attraction Shulgi feels towards the “dyed flower” of a notorious gang boss stems from something much deeper.
He was cured of the mating affliction, but his desire for Molly cannot be denied. Knowing that she suffers in the clutches of a monster, he must seek and destroy her foul master and free her from her bonds—even if it means risking his own important mission.
****
Molly has a dangerous secret—a subterfuge so bold and risky that she can’t allow anyone outside of her trusted circle to get too close to her, lest it be uncovered. When Shulgi is lured into her underworld to reclaim his property, he threatens her aloof façade. She didn’t count on her reaction to the handsome Iriduan male, nor how she would come to crave him more than her next breath.
The plan was simple, the potential payoff big enough to take the risk, but her intense feelings for Shulgi cast her carefully constructed life into turmoil. Her feelings for him risk everything she has worked so hard to build, but she can’t bring herself to deny the promise of a love that would be worth any sacrifice.
Shulgi is determined to free Molly from her bonds, and Molly is desperate to protect her secret, even as she loses her heart.
Their love threatens to destroy them both, but neither of them can ignore it.
When tragedy strikes, will they survive the fallout—and can their love possibly endure the truth?
He’s determined to redeem himself by curing the mate imprinting affliction that affects Iriduan males. Unfortunately, the necessity for secrecy makes it difficult to spread the cure to those males in need of it most. He must hide his clinic in the corrupt, criminal city of Za'Kluth, a pirate and slaver hideout on a lava world clinging to the very edge of the CivilRim
.
When cargo he’s expecting is delivered to the wrong dock, bringing him into contact with a beautiful human slave named Molly, things get even more complicated. Her delicate appearance and incomparable grace impress him, but the attraction Shulgi feels towards the “dyed flower” of a notorious gang boss stems from something much deeper.
He was cured of the mating affliction, but his desire for Molly cannot be denied. Knowing that she suffers in the clutches of a monster, he must seek and destroy her foul master and free her from her bonds—even if it means risking his own important mission.
****
Molly has a dangerous secret—a subterfuge so bold and risky that she can’t allow anyone outside of her trusted circle to get too close to her, lest it be uncovered. When Shulgi is lured into her underworld to reclaim his property, he threatens her aloof façade. She didn’t count on her reaction to the handsome Iriduan male, nor how she would come to crave him more than her next breath.
The plan was simple, the potential payoff big enough to take the risk, but her intense feelings for Shulgi cast her carefully constructed life into turmoil. Her feelings for him risk everything she has worked so hard to build, but she can’t bring herself to deny the promise of a love that would be worth any sacrifice.
Shulgi is determined to free Molly from her bonds, and Molly is desperate to protect her secret, even as she loses her heart.
Their love threatens to destroy them both, but neither of them can ignore it.
When tragedy strikes, will they survive the fallout—and can their love possibly endure the truth?
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2021
131 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Susan Trombley
32 books842 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 43 reviews
September 5, 2021
4.5 They paid the price for peace Stars!!
I LOVE this series! Every story deals with such deep internal conflict as well as the crazy political and warring machinations of the Empires and factions. You get sucked in to each and every story. You can relate and empathize with all the character's emotions and internal struggles.
In this one Shulgi and Molly have devoted their lives to fighting slavery and injustice after the horrific pasts they have endured. They don't want anyone to have to go through what they did. Shulgi and Molly struggle with the decisions they make and actions they have to take in their fight for the greater good. Neither feels they are worthy of or will ever find true love. Fighting feelings of guilt and condemnation, they feel like they don't deserve happiness.
Molly and Shulgi's paths cross while doing business on a non-syndicate planet in the outer civil rim. Shulgi is immediately drawn to Molly, and feels that if he hadn't been cured of imprinting he would imprint on her. He can't stop thinking about her and wanting to take care of her, including saving her from the nasty crime boss who keeps her as a slave. As they grow closer Shulgi vows even if he can not have an HEA with her, due to his responsibilities to cure his people, he will do everything he can to make sure Molly gains her freedom.
Molly sees the goodness in Shulgi right off the bat. Being with him makes her feel good and happy for the first time in a very long time. She wants nothing more than to be with him, but she's learned the hard way not to allow hope to bloom. As Molly's love for Shulgi grows she realizes, they can never be together and she can't jeopardize her position which allows her to help and smuggle slaves away to freedom. She knows her happiness can't come at the expense of all those she can help to escape the horrors of slavery.
This is a gritty and heart wrenching story of redemption, second chances, and forgiveness. Molly and Shulgi are two good people just trying to right some of the injustices done to the helpless in a Universe where the mighty often prey on the weak. This is action packed, with intrigue and strings being pulled by secret players. Betrayal, jealousy, and greed almost ruin everything causing someone to have to make the ultimate sacrifice to safe the one they love.
Every one of the stories in this series are top notch. Emotional and deep love stories that pull on your heartstrings. Shulgi and Molly came through fire to finally be free, have unimaginable love, and be happy.
I LOVE this series! Every story deals with such deep internal conflict as well as the crazy political and warring machinations of the Empires and factions. You get sucked in to each and every story. You can relate and empathize with all the character's emotions and internal struggles.
In this one Shulgi and Molly have devoted their lives to fighting slavery and injustice after the horrific pasts they have endured. They don't want anyone to have to go through what they did. Shulgi and Molly struggle with the decisions they make and actions they have to take in their fight for the greater good. Neither feels they are worthy of or will ever find true love. Fighting feelings of guilt and condemnation, they feel like they don't deserve happiness.
Molly and Shulgi's paths cross while doing business on a non-syndicate planet in the outer civil rim. Shulgi is immediately drawn to Molly, and feels that if he hadn't been cured of imprinting he would imprint on her. He can't stop thinking about her and wanting to take care of her, including saving her from the nasty crime boss who keeps her as a slave. As they grow closer Shulgi vows even if he can not have an HEA with her, due to his responsibilities to cure his people, he will do everything he can to make sure Molly gains her freedom.
Molly sees the goodness in Shulgi right off the bat. Being with him makes her feel good and happy for the first time in a very long time. She wants nothing more than to be with him, but she's learned the hard way not to allow hope to bloom. As Molly's love for Shulgi grows she realizes, they can never be together and she can't jeopardize her position which allows her to help and smuggle slaves away to freedom. She knows her happiness can't come at the expense of all those she can help to escape the horrors of slavery.
This is a gritty and heart wrenching story of redemption, second chances, and forgiveness. Molly and Shulgi are two good people just trying to right some of the injustices done to the helpless in a Universe where the mighty often prey on the weak. This is action packed, with intrigue and strings being pulled by secret players. Betrayal, jealousy, and greed almost ruin everything causing someone to have to make the ultimate sacrifice to safe the one they love.
Every one of the stories in this series are top notch. Emotional and deep love stories that pull on your heartstrings. Shulgi and Molly came through fire to finally be free, have unimaginable love, and be happy.
January 17, 2023
3.5 Stars
We met Shulgi previously he’s an Iriduan who was once imprinted against his will on an evil goddess this experience and the things he was compelled to do under her allure and also for the Iriduan empire have definitely shaped the male he is today. Shulgi is now living on Za’kluth which is a hot-zone of danger and dangerous criminals he’s attempting to fly under the radar whilst researching the cure in the hope of changing the fate of his Iriduan brothers.
Molly has not had an easy life kidnapped from Earth as a child she has spent the majority of her life enslaved by others. After escaping the brothel where she was forced to work Molly and her fellow slaves managed to carve a life out for themselves using both subterfuge and manipulation to create an illusion that has kept them safe and camouflaged. Their real mission though is using the power and assets they’ve obtained to assist in the rescue and transportation of slaves off-world.
Shulgi and Molly have an instant powerful connection but they’re both still keeping all their secrets close to their chests this is despite both wanting to be transparent there are just too many lives at stake on both sides to risk exposure but when everything inevitably explodes there is some serious aftermath for all involved.
Overall this was a decent addition to the series i definitely liked the storyline and thought Molly herself was such an inspiring woman. She is a strong individual who is self-reliant pragmatic and slightly hardened from all of her experiences. With Shulgi she allows herself to become vulnerable risking her heart in the process.
The world-building as anticipated was once again excellent this series is a beloved favourite of mine and I will continue to keep reading every single book. I did enjoy this but it also didn’t manage to hold my attention as easily as previous works from this series. There was absolutely nothing wrong with this it was well written with fully faceted characters both the main and side but I also found it quite slow initially which definitely contributed to my slight disconnect. At about the third way through this baby then suddenly took off and the last bit of this fulfilled all of my expectations. If it had managed to have that level of engagement throughout my rating would definitely have been higher. This last spurt to the finish-line earned it an extra half star to my final rating.
I definitely recommend this series as a whole, each story is so different and the world-building and total immersion it manages to create is fantastic.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
December 31, 2022
Overall, the Iriduan Test Subjects series is a really strong series. I was very excited when I heard Shulgi, who had a small part in The Fractured Mate was getting his own book. He had been so burnt by the mate bond forced upon him by Nimhursag. In the end he kind of disappointed me.
Let’s talk about characters. So we’ll double back to Shulgi and my issues.
Molly I absolutely loved her as a character. She was a slave that freed herself and others. As a result has bounty’s out on her. She and her gal pals pose as the voice of a creepy tentacle monster gangster while running it all with her human and Ultimen friends. She uses Sha Zaska’s “eating habits” to free slaves without informing slave traffickers.
Shulgi The Iriduan. He is cured of his affliction to be controlled by pheromones by his mate but he falls for a girl anyway. Ok, I’ll be honest, my aggravation with Shulgi likely stems from having read a ton of alien romance recently and the fact that he made me skim a fair bit of this book. After seeing him interact with Paisley, he deserved a happy ending. But he made so many assumptions that led to lots of pain for Molly - emotionally and physically that I can’t just forgive The entire “betrayal” by Molly was a blackmail scheme that happened as a result of Shulgi not keeping it in his pants. The sex was consensual for both but I felt it happened too quickly and I was not shocked when shit hit the fan because of it.
I freaking adored the side characters. They were from so many diverse backgrounds and I await their books.
Morg and Grun : The Ultimen (they are the aliens that inspired the bigfoot legends on earth). They were total gamers. Totally protective of Molly, big bro style. They empowered her to make her own decisions and never controlled her.
Luna : the female Lusian. There is so much that can be done with her story.
Ava : a great addition to any story in this universe. How is it that she has not got her book yet? Although, not giving us her book leaves her mysterious which is a bonus. I loved to see her humaness in this one with her having insecurities. It made me love her more.
I need to take a break from alien romance and I will after I read A Gift for Nicholas because I need an alien krampus in my life this holiday season. Also Bound because it is highly anticipated by me. But this definitely felt weaker than other books from the series. I’ve been going out of order posting my reviews because I’m chaotic like that but this will definitely be the first of many Sci-fi/Alien romances in the queue. As of December 18, I’m caught up but I hope a new book in the series comes soon because I wanna know what happened with Morg and Grun!
Let’s talk about characters. So we’ll double back to Shulgi and my issues.
Molly I absolutely loved her as a character. She was a slave that freed herself and others. As a result has bounty’s out on her. She and her gal pals pose as the voice of a creepy tentacle monster gangster while running it all with her human and Ultimen friends. She uses Sha Zaska’s “eating habits” to free slaves without informing slave traffickers.
Shulgi The Iriduan. He is cured of his affliction to be controlled by pheromones by his mate but he falls for a girl anyway. Ok, I’ll be honest, my aggravation with Shulgi likely stems from having read a ton of alien romance recently and the fact that he made me skim a fair bit of this book. After seeing him interact with Paisley, he deserved a happy ending. But he made so many assumptions that led to lots of pain for Molly - emotionally and physically that I can’t just forgive The entire “betrayal” by Molly was a blackmail scheme that happened as a result of Shulgi not keeping it in his pants. The sex was consensual for both but I felt it happened too quickly and I was not shocked when shit hit the fan because of it.
I freaking adored the side characters. They were from so many diverse backgrounds and I await their books.
Morg and Grun : The Ultimen (they are the aliens that inspired the bigfoot legends on earth). They were total gamers. Totally protective of Molly, big bro style. They empowered her to make her own decisions and never controlled her.
Luna : the female Lusian. There is so much that can be done with her story.
Ava : a great addition to any story in this universe. How is it that she has not got her book yet? Although, not giving us her book leaves her mysterious which is a bonus. I loved to see her humaness in this one with her having insecurities. It made me love her more.
I need to take a break from alien romance and I will after I read A Gift for Nicholas because I need an alien krampus in my life this holiday season. Also Bound because it is highly anticipated by me. But this definitely felt weaker than other books from the series. I’ve been going out of order posting my reviews because I’m chaotic like that but this will definitely be the first of many Sci-fi/Alien romances in the queue. As of December 18, I’m caught up but I hope a new book in the series comes soon because I wanna know what happened with Morg and Grun!
July 29, 2023
Rough patches throughout, but overall well done
Molly and Shulgi were very cute together and I’m so glad that Shulgi got to find a HEA. I liked that they both had important goals and priorities that complicated the relationship - not just petty issues.
I thought parts of the relationship were rushed and illogical, but it worked out in the end.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: slavery, discussion of SA, murder, gore
Molly and Shulgi were very cute together and I’m so glad that Shulgi got to find a HEA. I liked that they both had important goals and priorities that complicated the relationship - not just petty issues.
I thought parts of the relationship were rushed and illogical, but it worked out in the end.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: slavery, discussion of SA, murder, gore
July 14, 2021
Alien Love
I love this whole series so so much. I have such high expectations for every single book and they’re always better than expected.
I love this whole series so so much. I have such high expectations for every single book and they’re always better than expected.
August 3, 2021
3.5
Liked the story and premise but I'll be honest in that I skim a lot of the book just to get to the end.
Liked the story and premise but I'll be honest in that I skim a lot of the book just to get to the end.
September 7, 2021
Unsurprisingly, this was amazing. So, so good. The star-crossed lovers angst had me nearly tearing my hair out with frustration, unable to imagine HOW they could ever find a way to be together! It was devastating! 😩
Shulgi was a straight badass and so deliciously tortured, and Molly was epic! My favorite kind of strong heroine - strong of heart and personality, very intelligent and capable of making hard choices.
The action scenes were so vivid, I felt like I was living them. Damn it, I started wishing we didn't live in a backwards patriarchal society because HOT DAMN, this book would make one hell of an epic sci-fi action romance flick. (Which they'll never make because rOmAnCe bOoKs aReNt ReAl LiTeRaTuRe 🙄)
I dunno about you, but I would watch the hell out of that movie! 😉
Shulgi was a straight badass and so deliciously tortured, and Molly was epic! My favorite kind of strong heroine - strong of heart and personality, very intelligent and capable of making hard choices.
The action scenes were so vivid, I felt like I was living them. Damn it, I started wishing we didn't live in a backwards patriarchal society because HOT DAMN, this book would make one hell of an epic sci-fi action romance flick. (Which they'll never make because rOmAnCe bOoKs aReNt ReAl LiTeRaTuRe 🙄)
I dunno about you, but I would watch the hell out of that movie! 😉
October 8, 2021
Trombley does it again! Great installment to the Iriduan Test Subjects series. I really liked that Molly was a strong character who didn’t actually need someone to rescue her, unlike a lot of the heroines I find in alien romance books. Not that there’s anything wrong with a damsel in distress but it’s nice to see an author deviate from that.
These books tend to be slow burns and though I’m not always a fan of that, the author’s world-building and storytelling are such that I really don’t mind! I very rarely ever read this many books in a series, but Trombley not only manages to weave the stories together in a way that keeps me coming back, but she creates new characters that are unique enough to keep me interested.
These books tend to be slow burns and though I’m not always a fan of that, the author’s world-building and storytelling are such that I really don’t mind! I very rarely ever read this many books in a series, but Trombley not only manages to weave the stories together in a way that keeps me coming back, but she creates new characters that are unique enough to keep me interested.
February 13, 2022
I didn't expect this series to continue on after Halian's story, so I was definitely curious to see how Trombley would be tackling this. If you were a fan of the higher stakes and plot in the 6th book, you'll probably enjoy this one! It's a lot heavier on the plot and political intrigue side of things versus the romance, and that ended up making this book a weird mixed bag.
Sure, I think the world-building of the series, with the Iriduan politics and the anti-trafficking aspect, is really interesting. But, on the other hand, the romance is so instalove with so much immediate devotion that I had a hard time getting invested. Molly is great, though! Love competent ladies.
Uthangol the 8 ft tall sadistic spider lady though... 0/10 would not recommend, get her away from me.
Sure, I think the world-building of the series, with the Iriduan politics and the anti-trafficking aspect, is really interesting. But, on the other hand, the romance is so instalove with so much immediate devotion that I had a hard time getting invested. Molly is great, though! Love competent ladies.
Uthangol the 8 ft tall sadistic spider lady though... 0/10 would not recommend, get her away from me.
September 9, 2021
I was excited to read about Shulgi (I liked him from Fractured Mate!) but in the end I liked Molly much better than him.
The heroine, Molly, is a real hero.
- slave who freed herself and others
- now posing as a fake slave of a creepy tentacle monster, Sha Zaska
- running the whole mafia with her human and Ultimen friends
- works hard to free other slaves and cart them back to Earth
- knows what she wants
- knows how to keep a secret
I liked her a lot.
I also loved all the new characters:
- The Ultimen gamer bois/bodyguards, Morg and Grun, who were fiercely protective of Molly, yet empowered her to make her own choices.
- Luna, the female Lusian!
- Ava, as usual (I want her book!)
- Ubarras, the Iriduan rebel
I am very much looking forward to the next books in the series.
The heroine, Molly, is a real hero.
- slave who freed herself and others
- now posing as a fake slave of a creepy tentacle monster, Sha Zaska
- running the whole mafia with her human and Ultimen friends
- works hard to free other slaves and cart them back to Earth
- knows what she wants
- knows how to keep a secret
I liked her a lot.
I also loved all the new characters:
- The Ultimen gamer bois/bodyguards, Morg and Grun, who were fiercely protective of Molly, yet empowered her to make her own choices.
- Luna, the female Lusian!
- Ava, as usual (I want her book!)
- Ubarras, the Iriduan rebel
I am very much looking forward to the next books in the series.
July 4, 2023
THIS WAS A PLEASANT SURPRISE TO FIND SHULGI'S OWN STORY. Frankly, I can't remember much about what happened in the Iriduan Universe. In my defense, it has been awhile, but if memory serves me well, I believe Shulgi wasn't exactly playing on the good guys' team. Knowing my love for anti-heroes and villains, I delved into this without a second thought.
DID IT LIVE UP TO MY EXPECTATIONS? Sadly, no. And trust me when I had none in the first place.
WHY? Because it screamed too insta-love!!
This is a personal preference, so if like me you'd rather experience and see how the relationship/attraction evolves over time to real love, then you would find this to be a MEH. It was enjoyable but utterly forgettable.
SHULGI started off as a captivating character because I'm such a sucker for the military male type, but for all his anti-imprinting and seemingly not the kind to nurture softer or foolish emotions like love....well, when he became line, hook and sinker for MOLLY the moment they met....yeah, I felt like I got sold short. It fell flat right there and then. I expected something...deeper and meaningful. What I'm saying is I'd definitely like this better if it had been a slow burn romance. Shulgi's character was honorable, if not a little distrustful of women due to his past. The baggage he carried would have been a good point to be used to build his relationship (and trust) with the heroine. I couldn't quite accept his entire cool demeanor degenerating into a love sick puppy for most of the story. It was almost...emasculating. NOT that I'm saying a man in love is bad. It just didn't hit the right spot.
MOLLY was indeed plain. As in, I'm having trouble describing her to you other than she was a ex-sex slave and her mission in life is to free as many others who were like her. She was pretty much the good to Shulgi's bad?? They both come from a coloured past, in order to build a sense of empathy and a connection between them, but otherwise I didn't feel anything genuine.
OVERALL I apologize if I'm not making any sense. I haven't had much expectations for the Iriduan Universe series ever since the third book (and that's how long since I think the author has churned out a great book). There wasn't much intrigue or even attraction towards the MCs...definitely not the kind of character you'd go "Ahh, that's the type of love I want, or OMG I would die to be in his/her shoes". Definitely no butterflies in my tummy here.
DID IT LIVE UP TO MY EXPECTATIONS? Sadly, no. And trust me when I had none in the first place.
WHY? Because it screamed too insta-love!!
This is a personal preference, so if like me you'd rather experience and see how the relationship/attraction evolves over time to real love, then you would find this to be a MEH. It was enjoyable but utterly forgettable.
SHULGI started off as a captivating character because I'm such a sucker for the military male type, but for all his anti-imprinting and seemingly not the kind to nurture softer or foolish emotions like love....well, when he became line, hook and sinker for MOLLY the moment they met....yeah, I felt like I got sold short. It fell flat right there and then. I expected something...deeper and meaningful. What I'm saying is I'd definitely like this better if it had been a slow burn romance. Shulgi's character was honorable, if not a little distrustful of women due to his past. The baggage he carried would have been a good point to be used to build his relationship (and trust) with the heroine. I couldn't quite accept his entire cool demeanor degenerating into a love sick puppy for most of the story. It was almost...emasculating. NOT that I'm saying a man in love is bad. It just didn't hit the right spot.
MOLLY was indeed plain. As in, I'm having trouble describing her to you other than she was a ex-sex slave and her mission in life is to free as many others who were like her. She was pretty much the good to Shulgi's bad?? They both come from a coloured past, in order to build a sense of empathy and a connection between them, but otherwise I didn't feel anything genuine.
OVERALL I apologize if I'm not making any sense. I haven't had much expectations for the Iriduan Universe series ever since the third book (and that's how long since I think the author has churned out a great book). There wasn't much intrigue or even attraction towards the MCs...definitely not the kind of character you'd go "Ahh, that's the type of love I want, or OMG I would die to be in his/her shoes". Definitely no butterflies in my tummy here.
August 15, 2021
Decent entry into the series with a really fun heroine
Iruduan warrior Shulgi has a mission. A mission to save the males of his race from being bound into eternal servitude to a single woman due to the strength of her pheromones. He’s already experienced what that’s like, and now armed with a cure it’s up to him to try to save as many men as he can. But he knows that he can’t be open with his cure. Too many people would either want to destroy it or control it. The cure is power, and he knows it. Now hiding on a base near the rim, he encounters the human Molly who is the spokesperson for a elusive crime lord. And not just a spokesperson, a slave. A slave who holds many secrets; secrets which could jeopardize not only the lives of those on board the station but also the budding relationship between Shulgi and Molly.
—
Unlike some of the other Readers of the series I wasn’t that interested in Shulgi s story. He was an OK character. But I was more interested in people like Anubis or even the next generation of test subjects.
However that being said, I really did like Molly. I liked that she was resourceful and intelligent and knew how to make the best of a bad situation. I never felt that she was TSTL and that’s a good thing.
But there are some things about this book that I didn’t like. I didn’t like the repetitiveness of using a scientist as the primary antagonist character. Didn’t we just do that with Halian? I also felt that this narrative is sort of damaging right now in today’s society were too many people are not trusting the science regarding things like climate change our vaccines. It reinforces the narrative that science is bad and muscles and strength are good and that’s not always the case in the real world. And I didn’t like what felt to be the killing of the only person of color in the series.
The plot itself was OK. Sort of generic on and didn’t feel that tied to the rest of the series. Supposedly Ava’s book is Up Next but by now I’ve sort of lost interest in Ava. And I’m not interested in the new female character that has just been introduced at all.
It’s a decent book. But it’s not gonna be one of my favorites.
Four stars
Iruduan warrior Shulgi has a mission. A mission to save the males of his race from being bound into eternal servitude to a single woman due to the strength of her pheromones. He’s already experienced what that’s like, and now armed with a cure it’s up to him to try to save as many men as he can. But he knows that he can’t be open with his cure. Too many people would either want to destroy it or control it. The cure is power, and he knows it. Now hiding on a base near the rim, he encounters the human Molly who is the spokesperson for a elusive crime lord. And not just a spokesperson, a slave. A slave who holds many secrets; secrets which could jeopardize not only the lives of those on board the station but also the budding relationship between Shulgi and Molly.
—
Unlike some of the other Readers of the series I wasn’t that interested in Shulgi s story. He was an OK character. But I was more interested in people like Anubis or even the next generation of test subjects.
However that being said, I really did like Molly. I liked that she was resourceful and intelligent and knew how to make the best of a bad situation. I never felt that she was TSTL and that’s a good thing.
But there are some things about this book that I didn’t like. I didn’t like the repetitiveness of using a scientist as the primary antagonist character. Didn’t we just do that with Halian? I also felt that this narrative is sort of damaging right now in today’s society were too many people are not trusting the science regarding things like climate change our vaccines. It reinforces the narrative that science is bad and muscles and strength are good and that’s not always the case in the real world. And I didn’t like what felt to be the killing of the only person of color in the series.
The plot itself was OK. Sort of generic on and didn’t feel that tied to the rest of the series. Supposedly Ava’s book is Up Next but by now I’ve sort of lost interest in Ava. And I’m not interested in the new female character that has just been introduced at all.
It’s a decent book. But it’s not gonna be one of my favorites.
Four stars
February 23, 2025
Some pacing issues with this one, but I enjoyed it overall.
We met Shulgi in Halian’s book. I’m glad he got his HEA because I felt sorry for him. He was forced to do horrible things, but even Fluffy forgave him. 🥺
He was a hot mess. Literally. Battle hormones going haywire, touch-starved, love-starved. He just wanted to be looooooved. Which isn’t easy to convey well sometimes with characters. Sex is one thing, but truly pining for your other half subconsciously has more nuance, when you’re pre-pining before even meeting her.
Enter Molly. Adaptive, driven, brave- even when she doesn’t want to be. And that’s what I liked about her. She didn’t seem to revel in her own bad-assery. No time for all that. Use male egoes against them. Play the part. Yet she was also able to retain a heart.
Along with the pacing, not as much spice in this one, to my dismay. A lot more political and TW: with some gruesome on-page and off-page character deaths. Both of friends and foes.
I’m going to be sad when I finish the next book because I know the others aren’t out yet. I believe she states in her Afterward that Ava’s book will be next, and at some point the two Ultimen will get theirs, and maybe also the female Lusian. (Forgot her name but she reminded me of Mirage from the Incredibles.)
On to the next!
We met Shulgi in Halian’s book. I’m glad he got his HEA because I felt sorry for him. He was forced to do horrible things, but even Fluffy forgave him. 🥺
He was a hot mess. Literally. Battle hormones going haywire, touch-starved, love-starved. He just wanted to be looooooved. Which isn’t easy to convey well sometimes with characters. Sex is one thing, but truly pining for your other half subconsciously has more nuance, when you’re pre-pining before even meeting her.
Enter Molly. Adaptive, driven, brave- even when she doesn’t want to be. And that’s what I liked about her. She didn’t seem to revel in her own bad-assery. No time for all that. Use male egoes against them. Play the part. Yet she was also able to retain a heart.
Along with the pacing, not as much spice in this one, to my dismay. A lot more political and TW: with some gruesome on-page and off-page character deaths. Both of friends and foes.
I’m going to be sad when I finish the next book because I know the others aren’t out yet. I believe she states in her Afterward that Ava’s book will be next, and at some point the two Ultimen will get theirs, and maybe also the female Lusian. (Forgot her name but she reminded me of Mirage from the Incredibles.)
On to the next!
July 17, 2021
Love! 😍 Want more!
OMG! I could not put it down. From beginning to end I was completely engaged and sucked into the dark underworld of the outer rim of space. The characters were fabulous and tragically beautiful. They all have deep struggles and their own demons. The love and passion sent my heart into double time and the action, adventure, and danger shot my adrenaline way up. I love the world of Iridian test subjects. In this story you met some brand new awesome characters that I can't wait to hear their stories. Along with the return of many of the old characters. ♥️Roz and Ava and Nemon.
Urbarra seems like an interesting rogue character and his crew of mayhem creating team. Mogrol and Grundon I just adore. Love big cuddly strong giants. This is definitely one to jump into if you enjoy plenty of action adventure and heart pounding moments. I would recommend reading the previous book to familiarize yourself with Shulgi and his struggles.
OMG! I could not put it down. From beginning to end I was completely engaged and sucked into the dark underworld of the outer rim of space. The characters were fabulous and tragically beautiful. They all have deep struggles and their own demons. The love and passion sent my heart into double time and the action, adventure, and danger shot my adrenaline way up. I love the world of Iridian test subjects. In this story you met some brand new awesome characters that I can't wait to hear their stories. Along with the return of many of the old characters. ♥️Roz and Ava and Nemon.
Urbarra seems like an interesting rogue character and his crew of mayhem creating team. Mogrol and Grundon I just adore. Love big cuddly strong giants. This is definitely one to jump into if you enjoy plenty of action adventure and heart pounding moments. I would recommend reading the previous book to familiarize yourself with Shulgi and his struggles.
September 10, 2021
interesting story but slow burn
I have enjoyed this author’s books previously however this one did not resonate with me. I am not sure why except that I am not a fan of slow burn romances. I need a little something to happen in the beginning to formulate the romance. There was a lot of world building and interesting historical information about the war, illness, nanites, cures, etc. I don’t understand why neither Luna nor Molly tell the lead male the truth, even a partial truth. Since Molly said that the lead male was a good person only killed when necessary, why keep him in the dark and all along knowing he was all about separating and freeing Molly from slavery? At the 80 percent mark, the plot turned and the lead male and female were forced to make choices. I was like finally there is some romantic happenings and story became more interesting. I finished but this one didn’t grab me. Disappointed.
I have enjoyed this author’s books previously however this one did not resonate with me. I am not sure why except that I am not a fan of slow burn romances. I need a little something to happen in the beginning to formulate the romance. There was a lot of world building and interesting historical information about the war, illness, nanites, cures, etc. I don’t understand why neither Luna nor Molly tell the lead male the truth, even a partial truth. Since Molly said that the lead male was a good person only killed when necessary, why keep him in the dark and all along knowing he was all about separating and freeing Molly from slavery? At the 80 percent mark, the plot turned and the lead male and female were forced to make choices. I was like finally there is some romantic happenings and story became more interesting. I finished but this one didn’t grab me. Disappointed.
July 22, 2021
One of the better installments in this series
I enjoyed both halves of the main couple and their journey very much because they were a meeting of equals. Power imbalances are such a common feature of this genre that this story was a refreshing change of pace.
I'm looking forward to Luna and Urbarra as well as the Ultimen getting their own stories, but I am disappointed that Ava will apparently be next. I'll be skipping that one because I feel like we have already seen enough of her. It was actually pretty cool that we had a side character whose romance arc was only revealed in glimpses over time. Oh, well.
I enjoyed both halves of the main couple and their journey very much because they were a meeting of equals. Power imbalances are such a common feature of this genre that this story was a refreshing change of pace.
I'm looking forward to Luna and Urbarra as well as the Ultimen getting their own stories, but I am disappointed that Ava will apparently be next. I'll be skipping that one because I feel like we have already seen enough of her. It was actually pretty cool that we had a side character whose romance arc was only revealed in glimpses over time. Oh, well.
July 25, 2021
This is what I'm taking about!
For some reason I thought this series was over with Halian's book and boy am I glad I was wrong! I absolutely loved Molly - her personality, her background, her decisions. We got to know Shulgi more after meeting him in the last book and he was such an excellent match for Molly. I was on the edge of my seat when falling in love, braced for heartbreak, and amped up by the action. This was a much needed story in this series and I absolutely cannot wait for what more there is to come in this universe (any and all in the Author's note please!). So well done Ms Trombley! I absolutely recommend!
For some reason I thought this series was over with Halian's book and boy am I glad I was wrong! I absolutely loved Molly - her personality, her background, her decisions. We got to know Shulgi more after meeting him in the last book and he was such an excellent match for Molly. I was on the edge of my seat when falling in love, braced for heartbreak, and amped up by the action. This was a much needed story in this series and I absolutely cannot wait for what more there is to come in this universe (any and all in the Author's note please!). So well done Ms Trombley! I absolutely recommend!
July 27, 2021
I had been looking forward to Shulgi's story but this was missing some of the magic from the previous books in the series. It still benefits from all the world building that came before it but there wasn't a lot of chemistry between Molly and Shulgi (and honestly there was more depth to his character in the previous book than this one). The dialogue was also oddly formal and stilted which wasn't the case in previous books. Molly is almost a totally flat character with no discernable arc outside of their insta-love. It was ok, but unusually "meh" for one of her books.
October 11, 2021
Best happily ever after, ever!
This story is truly gritty, unpleasant in some places, and of course you will smile, laugh, and sometimes want to cry. Molly is remarkable and Shulgi the Iriduan may not immediately see that. However, do not worry, the HEA is in the works. And, my! Doesn't Shulgi look handsome as a knight in shining armor?!
I think that right now this book is my favorite in the series. I will be saddened if this series ends.
If anyone knows of other series as fantastic as this, let me know in the comments.
This story is truly gritty, unpleasant in some places, and of course you will smile, laugh, and sometimes want to cry. Molly is remarkable and Shulgi the Iriduan may not immediately see that. However, do not worry, the HEA is in the works. And, my! Doesn't Shulgi look handsome as a knight in shining armor?!
I think that right now this book is my favorite in the series. I will be saddened if this series ends.
If anyone knows of other series as fantastic as this, let me know in the comments.
October 13, 2021
I love the Iriduan Test Subjects series. The Iriduan's Mate, however, was a difficult read. I found my mind wandering too often. It took me way to long to finish the story as it just didn't capture and hold my attention like the previous books in the series. The latter part of the book was more engaging than the earlier parts of the book. I am glad I finished it. However had this been the first book I read in the series I would not have come back for another one. Susan Trombley is an excellent author. This book just missed her usual mark of excellence.
July 20, 2021
A thrilling romance, against all odds!
What a moving story! Two individuals, so very different, neither in a position to act as they wish. What a quandary. Can it be resolved, as Shulgi and Molly draw ever closer?
This is simply amazing! Molly and Shulgi go through such gamut of emotions as they struggle to reach for what they truly desire. The barriers they face seem insurmountable at times, the journey perilous, but persistence pays off. The outcome made me very, very happy!
What a moving story! Two individuals, so very different, neither in a position to act as they wish. What a quandary. Can it be resolved, as Shulgi and Molly draw ever closer?
This is simply amazing! Molly and Shulgi go through such gamut of emotions as they struggle to reach for what they truly desire. The barriers they face seem insurmountable at times, the journey perilous, but persistence pays off. The outcome made me very, very happy!
September 24, 2022
mouthpiece
The Iriduan’s Mate is book seven in the series Iriduan Test Subjects by author Susan Trombley. This series just get more intriguing as it goes on. In this particular book the storyline is bittersweet with bits of brutality- sacrifice- endurance and courage. Yes I’m between these pages there’s is some light that filters through the moments of bleakness. This one speaks to the heart and will warm your soul.
Enjoy!!
The Iriduan’s Mate is book seven in the series Iriduan Test Subjects by author Susan Trombley. This series just get more intriguing as it goes on. In this particular book the storyline is bittersweet with bits of brutality- sacrifice- endurance and courage. Yes I’m between these pages there’s is some light that filters through the moments of bleakness. This one speaks to the heart and will warm your soul.
Enjoy!!
July 18, 2021
Love, love , love this book and the series
I enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down!! Susan continues to intrigue me with fascinating character building and wording. The love between both of the broken H & hs' was amazing. Please keep this series alive Susan; I love all the books and highly recommend.
I enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down!! Susan continues to intrigue me with fascinating character building and wording. The love between both of the broken H & hs' was amazing. Please keep this series alive Susan; I love all the books and highly recommend.
July 20, 2021
This book was absolutely awesome! I was so thrilled that we got to read more about Shulgi. Susan Trombley always creates an intriguing world, and her characters are so well written. She also brought the heat and there were so very good steamy parts. We also got a treat and got to revisit some of the other characters from the previous books. I was not disappointed in this book at all. I hope she continues to write more books in this series.
September 9, 2021
I liked it
So far I liked this story the most out of all the books in the series. If you skip most of the love scenes its still a great story. Shulgi and Molly both keep secrets that are very dangerous. In the mean time they fall in love.
The story has just about everything. There's trickery, gangsters, secrets, explosions, and love. I really enjoyed it.
So far I liked this story the most out of all the books in the series. If you skip most of the love scenes its still a great story. Shulgi and Molly both keep secrets that are very dangerous. In the mean time they fall in love.
The story has just about everything. There's trickery, gangsters, secrets, explosions, and love. I really enjoyed it.
July 29, 2024
Meh; while the circumstances of this one was refreshing, the whole thing kind of felt more like a spin-off/0.5 type of book & not on actual part of the series to me for some reason. Which absolutely doesn't make it bad or anything, but i wasn't into it quite as much as the others. I did enjoy it, though.
March 18, 2025
These “monsters have grown on me
This time the only physical monsters were the bad guys and a fake. As is most common in life, the must evil and harm is done by those claiming to care for the better good. I do hope we touch back to this “den of villainy” later to see how the good folks are faring.
This time the only physical monsters were the bad guys and a fake. As is most common in life, the must evil and harm is done by those claiming to care for the better good. I do hope we touch back to this “den of villainy” later to see how the good folks are faring.
August 2, 2021
Great Book
This one was a great book? It has everything you want in a romance with plenty of action, mystery, drama, love, and steamy hot romance with awesome characters? A must buy and won't disappointed when reading this series.
This one was a great book? It has everything you want in a romance with plenty of action, mystery, drama, love, and steamy hot romance with awesome characters? A must buy and won't disappointed when reading this series.
October 2, 2021
The Iriduan
Such a wonderful premise to create a monstrous mob boss to keep some of the underground population safe from the nasty baddies. Then an enigmatic human female becomes sought after by an unusual male.
Such a wonderful premise to create a monstrous mob boss to keep some of the underground population safe from the nasty baddies. Then an enigmatic human female becomes sought after by an unusual male.
October 4, 2021
Good read
Took a while to get into this book because it is the only one in the series that I have read. It ended up being quite interesting. Molly was definitely a strong character and well liked. She was quite resourceful as well. Good read.
Took a while to get into this book because it is the only one in the series that I have read. It ended up being quite interesting. Molly was definitely a strong character and well liked. She was quite resourceful as well. Good read.
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