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Iriduan Universe Love Stories #3
My Primal Mate
Ariyah
My new next-door neighbor looks like a demon—and acts like one too!
Most of the Akrellians now living on Earth after saving humanity from an alien invasion are super polite. The red-scaled, black-quilled behemoth living next door is a notable exception, and he doesn’t bother to return my enthusiastic greeting with anything more than an impatient growl.
But I know the secret to making friends, and that secret is a dozen red velvet cupcakes with cute monster faces on them, just in time for Halloween. The grumpy, smoldering volcano of a male might pretend he’s not interested in my offering, but he can’t resist my sweet treats for long.
Of course, he might just be too hot to handle, because this Akrellian serves a darker Dancer, and the drumbeats from his primal song draw me to the domineering and demanding male while his wild howl thrills my blood—even as it sends me fleeing. When he gives chase, I try not to reveal how eager I am to be caught.
It’s just too bad that he believes I’m an assassin who tried to poison him.
***
This Halloween holiday romance features a grumpy hero and a sunshine heroine discovering that opposites not only attract, but can complement each other and find harmony together in a fun, quick read that is set in the Iriduan Test Subjects universe but has a lighter and more comedic tone. You don’t need to have read the Iriduan Test Subjects series to read this series, though there are occasional references to events and characters from that series.
The books in this series are standalone and can be read out of order, though they do take place chronologically:
Book 1: My Chameleon Mate
Book 2: My Foxy Mate
Book 3: My Primal Mate
All content warnings on author’s website.
My new next-door neighbor looks like a demon—and acts like one too!
Most of the Akrellians now living on Earth after saving humanity from an alien invasion are super polite. The red-scaled, black-quilled behemoth living next door is a notable exception, and he doesn’t bother to return my enthusiastic greeting with anything more than an impatient growl.
But I know the secret to making friends, and that secret is a dozen red velvet cupcakes with cute monster faces on them, just in time for Halloween. The grumpy, smoldering volcano of a male might pretend he’s not interested in my offering, but he can’t resist my sweet treats for long.
Of course, he might just be too hot to handle, because this Akrellian serves a darker Dancer, and the drumbeats from his primal song draw me to the domineering and demanding male while his wild howl thrills my blood—even as it sends me fleeing. When he gives chase, I try not to reveal how eager I am to be caught.
It’s just too bad that he believes I’m an assassin who tried to poison him.
***
This Halloween holiday romance features a grumpy hero and a sunshine heroine discovering that opposites not only attract, but can complement each other and find harmony together in a fun, quick read that is set in the Iriduan Test Subjects universe but has a lighter and more comedic tone. You don’t need to have read the Iriduan Test Subjects series to read this series, though there are occasional references to events and characters from that series.
The books in this series are standalone and can be read out of order, though they do take place chronologically:
Book 1: My Chameleon Mate
Book 2: My Foxy Mate
Book 3: My Primal Mate
All content warnings on author’s website.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2022
192 people are currently reading
271 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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November 23, 2022This is very plainly a bad-boy trope romance. The only stereotype missing in the aesthetic is tattoos I guess. Essentially, considered a criminal, served time in prison for war crimes (murdering POWs), and out on a rehabilitation/probation. Doesn’t see anything wrong with his past actions and resentful of society not letting him be himself. Bitter that the rest of his group/tribe (gang?) gave into the pressure.
Next-door sweetie totally understands his point and is on his side. A couple of jailhouse visits and “I’ll never give up!” melodrama and all that.
It’s not bad but the bad boy trope was just shoved down your throat with no finesse at all. If you like the trope, you’ll probably really enjoy this story.
Next-door sweetie totally understands his point and is on his side. A couple of jailhouse visits and “I’ll never give up!” melodrama and all that.
It’s not bad but the bad boy trope was just shoved down your throat with no finesse at all. If you like the trope, you’ll probably really enjoy this story.
September 25, 2025
Cupcakes & Cosmic Misunderstandings
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️🤎
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂☺️😘🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
🦸🏼♀️ Heroine: Ariyah
Years after Earth’s near-collapse under the brutal invasion of the Menops—a parasitic alien race that conquers worlds and leaves devastation in its wake—humanity survives thanks to the intervention of the Akrelians. These alien allies now live among us, forming tight-knit communities. Ariyah, a resilient baker with a tragic past, hasn’t felt drawn to anyone since losing her childhood sweetheart in the apocalypse. But when a solitary Akrelian male moves in next door, her curiosity—and attraction—spark something she thought long buried.
🦸🏻♂️ Hero: Zernogal
Zernogal is the last surviving member of the Blood Rising tribe, a faction of Akrelians who refused to abandon their ancient, blood-soaked rituals. Imprisoned for years by the cosmic syndicate, Zern was supposed to be executed. Instead, he was quietly exiled to Earth, shunned by his own kind and forced into isolation. Grumpy, guarded, and steeped in a religion that feels suspiciously like devil worship, Zern is not your average neighbor. He’s also not prepared for Ariyah’s cupcakes—or her kindness.
🔥 Plot Snapshot
Ariyah’s welcome gift of Halloween-themed red velvet cupcakes sets off a hilarious misunderstanding. Zern, who routinely drinks poison and survives, devours the entire batch and promptly falls ill. Convinced Ariyah is a hired assassin; he launches a paranoid investigation into who sent her. Meanwhile, Ariyah just wants to flirt with the hot alien next door. The result? A delightfully absurd slow-burn romance with murder accusations, cultural confusion, and unexpected emotional depth.
❤️🔥 What Hit Home
• The tone is unapologetically silly, but the character work is stellar. I usually struggle with overtly alien heroes, but Zern’s personality won me over fast.
• Zern’s bafflement at human customs adds layers of humor and heart.
• His conviction that Ariyah is trying to kill him? Comedy gold.
• Ariyah’s attraction—partly fueled by Akrelian adult content—is oddly endearing and refreshingly honest.
• Zern’s bloodthirsty religious beliefs are played for laughs, and his inner monologue is hands-down the highlight of the book.
🤨 Room to Grow
• Honestly, not much to critique. It’s silly, yes, but in a way that works.
• The next book features an ant-like alien hero, which normally wouldn’t appeal to me—I prefer my leading men less… exoskeletal. But this story charmed me so thoroughly I might just give it a shot anyway.
🎧 Narration Vibes
Told in dual POV, the narration by Gabriel de Leon and Reagan West is pitch-perfect. Gabriel’s deep, deliberate cadence suits Zern’s alien formality and linguistic awkwardness. Reagan West, one of my favorite female narrators, brings warmth and expressiveness to Ariyah, sounding age-appropriate and emotionally grounded.
📝 Final Thoughts
This audiobook is a chaotic, charming blend of post-apocalyptic grief, alien absurdity, and unexpected tenderness. If you like your sci-fi romance with a side of poisoned cupcakes and misunderstood seduction, this one’s for you.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️🤎
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂☺️😘🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
🦸🏼♀️ Heroine: Ariyah
Years after Earth’s near-collapse under the brutal invasion of the Menops—a parasitic alien race that conquers worlds and leaves devastation in its wake—humanity survives thanks to the intervention of the Akrelians. These alien allies now live among us, forming tight-knit communities. Ariyah, a resilient baker with a tragic past, hasn’t felt drawn to anyone since losing her childhood sweetheart in the apocalypse. But when a solitary Akrelian male moves in next door, her curiosity—and attraction—spark something she thought long buried.
🦸🏻♂️ Hero: Zernogal
Zernogal is the last surviving member of the Blood Rising tribe, a faction of Akrelians who refused to abandon their ancient, blood-soaked rituals. Imprisoned for years by the cosmic syndicate, Zern was supposed to be executed. Instead, he was quietly exiled to Earth, shunned by his own kind and forced into isolation. Grumpy, guarded, and steeped in a religion that feels suspiciously like devil worship, Zern is not your average neighbor. He’s also not prepared for Ariyah’s cupcakes—or her kindness.
🔥 Plot Snapshot
Ariyah’s welcome gift of Halloween-themed red velvet cupcakes sets off a hilarious misunderstanding. Zern, who routinely drinks poison and survives, devours the entire batch and promptly falls ill. Convinced Ariyah is a hired assassin; he launches a paranoid investigation into who sent her. Meanwhile, Ariyah just wants to flirt with the hot alien next door. The result? A delightfully absurd slow-burn romance with murder accusations, cultural confusion, and unexpected emotional depth.
❤️🔥 What Hit Home
• The tone is unapologetically silly, but the character work is stellar. I usually struggle with overtly alien heroes, but Zern’s personality won me over fast.
• Zern’s bafflement at human customs adds layers of humor and heart.
• His conviction that Ariyah is trying to kill him? Comedy gold.
• Ariyah’s attraction—partly fueled by Akrelian adult content—is oddly endearing and refreshingly honest.
• Zern’s bloodthirsty religious beliefs are played for laughs, and his inner monologue is hands-down the highlight of the book.
🤨 Room to Grow
• Honestly, not much to critique. It’s silly, yes, but in a way that works.
• The next book features an ant-like alien hero, which normally wouldn’t appeal to me—I prefer my leading men less… exoskeletal. But this story charmed me so thoroughly I might just give it a shot anyway.
🎧 Narration Vibes
Told in dual POV, the narration by Gabriel de Leon and Reagan West is pitch-perfect. Gabriel’s deep, deliberate cadence suits Zern’s alien formality and linguistic awkwardness. Reagan West, one of my favorite female narrators, brings warmth and expressiveness to Ariyah, sounding age-appropriate and emotionally grounded.
📝 Final Thoughts
This audiobook is a chaotic, charming blend of post-apocalyptic grief, alien absurdity, and unexpected tenderness. If you like your sci-fi romance with a side of poisoned cupcakes and misunderstood seduction, this one’s for you.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
May 9, 2024
Apparently I read this after all.
Sometimes I read a book so quickly and immediately start the next one that I forget entirely that I read this. I have a goldfish brain and that's why I really need GR to keep track of the books I read. Otherwise, I would never remember anything.
This didn't leave much of an impression on me.
But I do love Susan Trombley.
I just love her Iriduan Test Subjects and Dead Fall series more.
Sometimes I read a book so quickly and immediately start the next one that I forget entirely that I read this. I have a goldfish brain and that's why I really need GR to keep track of the books I read. Otherwise, I would never remember anything.
This didn't leave much of an impression on me.
But I do love Susan Trombley.
I just love her Iriduan Test Subjects and Dead Fall series more.
![Profile Image for Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1521418447i%2F78060090._UY200_CR25%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 7, 2024
2.75
This was a ridiculous alien romance and so much weirder than I even thought it would be based on the blurb and cover (truly a terrible cover, I’m sorry). Supposedly it’s a standalone but if you want to really understand any of the world building (Iriduan empire? The war? Their leaders? etc etc) I think you’d need to read other books first. A huge thing that kept me reading in the beginning was like wtf even is a “Dark Dancer”? By the end I still don’t feel like their theology/powers/whatever was explained well enough at all. It wasn’t impossible to enjoy this book without the solid world building but it was a bit weird.
I found the beginning and the “primal kink” (didn’t know what that was before this book) scene fun, but then there’s this long, confusing, boring separation that happens before they really get started and it was annoying. It took me longer to read this 200 some page book than it should have and that’s because it was sometimes very easy to put down and forget about. I do like very alien aliens though and on that this book definitely delivered. This was also just a silly and goofy book so if you’re in a silly goofy alien romance kind of mood this might work for you. And I may even read more books from this universe, who knows 🤷🏼♀️ it was kinda fun.
This was a ridiculous alien romance and so much weirder than I even thought it would be based on the blurb and cover (truly a terrible cover, I’m sorry). Supposedly it’s a standalone but if you want to really understand any of the world building (Iriduan empire? The war? Their leaders? etc etc) I think you’d need to read other books first. A huge thing that kept me reading in the beginning was like wtf even is a “Dark Dancer”? By the end I still don’t feel like their theology/powers/whatever was explained well enough at all. It wasn’t impossible to enjoy this book without the solid world building but it was a bit weird.
I found the beginning and the “primal kink” (didn’t know what that was before this book) scene fun, but then there’s this long, confusing, boring separation that happens before they really get started and it was annoying. It took me longer to read this 200 some page book than it should have and that’s because it was sometimes very easy to put down and forget about. I do like very alien aliens though and on that this book definitely delivered. This was also just a silly and goofy book so if you’re in a silly goofy alien romance kind of mood this might work for you. And I may even read more books from this universe, who knows 🤷🏼♀️ it was kinda fun.
January 22, 2023
A much softer tale from Trombley
Trombley is excellent in her story telling and tends to show all the darkness that can exist in humans and aliens alike. This was a different kind of story for her. Although she still addressed dark topics, it was primarily in passing and as a reference to the past. I enjoyed the nod to the manic pixie dream girl in the form of a woman in her mid to late 30s without the harmful aspects of the stereotype. Both characters helped each other grow into better versions of themselves, although Zernogal definitely had more growing to do.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: mentions of apocalypse, invasion, captivity, and cu1ts
Trombley is excellent in her story telling and tends to show all the darkness that can exist in humans and aliens alike. This was a different kind of story for her. Although she still addressed dark topics, it was primarily in passing and as a reference to the past. I enjoyed the nod to the manic pixie dream girl in the form of a woman in her mid to late 30s without the harmful aspects of the stereotype. Both characters helped each other grow into better versions of themselves, although Zernogal definitely had more growing to do.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: mentions of apocalypse, invasion, captivity, and cu1ts
May 2, 2025
Short, cute yet funny read! He thinks she’s poisoned him from her baking because he ate them all at once and got sick! He then believes shes a witch! Highly recommend this, there’s romance with a good laugh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2022
This book was very funny. There is also a great "chase" scene between the hero and heroine. He wants to catch her, she wants him to catch her, fun is had by them both.
This is a grumpy hero, sunshine heroine theme. He is on probation for committing some crimes and has to integrate into Earth. He is grumpy and just wants to be left alone. But she is really attracted to him and keeps trying to get his attention.
Some of the things the hero says and does were so funny that I laughed out loud. He eventually makes friends and he and the heroine live happily ever after.
This is a grumpy hero, sunshine heroine theme. He is on probation for committing some crimes and has to integrate into Earth. He is grumpy and just wants to be left alone. But she is really attracted to him and keeps trying to get his attention.
Some of the things the hero says and does were so funny that I laughed out loud. He eventually makes friends and he and the heroine live happily ever after.
October 23, 2022
Surprisingly, (despite the cover) this was a very good, sweet book.
December 29, 2022
I had hope for this one. It started off really strong with humor and the cover was funny to me (chasing the grumpy alien with sweets), but it started to decline around halfway when he got arrested after their insta-love/f*#k. Too soon for all that went down, in my opinion.
Most of this story has the dialogue in their heads, explaining and reminiscing and most of the time I couldn’t follow the whole Dancer/Dark Dancer grandmaster thing. I think I missed something vital by reading this out of order.
I did enjoy his misery stint serving the public and fast food at the wiener shack :)
But I loved the first part, had me lol’ing with their perspectives of each other and his interpretation of human traits:
“The human female definitely poisoned me. I’m certain of it as I lay on my back on my rug next to the plate, empty save for a little card beneath clear plastic in the center of it. The calling card of an assassin. Bold, but then again, so was she to approach me so openly with her death cakes. My stomach hurts so much that I fear it will burst open and spill out my entrails.”
Most of this story has the dialogue in their heads, explaining and reminiscing and most of the time I couldn’t follow the whole Dancer/Dark Dancer grandmaster thing. I think I missed something vital by reading this out of order.
I did enjoy his misery stint serving the public and fast food at the wiener shack :)
But I loved the first part, had me lol’ing with their perspectives of each other and his interpretation of human traits:
“The human female definitely poisoned me. I’m certain of it as I lay on my back on my rug next to the plate, empty save for a little card beneath clear plastic in the center of it. The calling card of an assassin. Bold, but then again, so was she to approach me so openly with her death cakes. My stomach hurts so much that I fear it will burst open and spill out my entrails.”
January 10, 2024
Funny! Recommend!
The book was so funny and Ariyah was so bubbly that it infected Zern’s brooding self too. An enjoyable read albeit I was confused about the Dark Dancer and other things involving the universe of the book, since this is the 3rd book in the series. It did affect my reading flow so I would suggest reading it in order.
The book was so funny and Ariyah was so bubbly that it infected Zern’s brooding self too. An enjoyable read albeit I was confused about the Dark Dancer and other things involving the universe of the book, since this is the 3rd book in the series. It did affect my reading flow so I would suggest reading it in order.
October 27, 2022
Funny as hell! This book was so good❤️❤️
November 7, 2022
I enjoyed the author's "Dead Fall" and "Iriduan Test Subject" books, but this one was as sickeningly sweet as the three inches of buttercream frosting our Pollyanna heroine drowned all of her pastries in. If I had a neighbour as ditsy, immature, annoying, stalker-ish, and prone to verbal diarrhea as Ariyah, I'd want to sacrifice her to a Dark Dancer too. She was a widow? Now that took a stretch of the imagination.
November 6, 2022
Once again, Susan Trombley knocks it out of the park!
This was such a fun read. It's set around Halloween, so if you love the holiday like I do, it's even more delightful. There are some really funny moments, but also some serious ones, too. I loved the whole redemption arc and learning more about the Akrellians who are devoted to the Dark Dancer.
Anyway, if grumpy neighbor meets persistent ball of sunshine is your thing, this book has it in spades.
I love Cupid and I will read anything and everything the author writes for this world. Part of me is dying inside because I only have 1 1/2 books left (set in the Iriduan universe) and I don't know what I'm going to read after I'm finished. :( (Probably the other series by the author XD).
This was such a fun read. It's set around Halloween, so if you love the holiday like I do, it's even more delightful. There are some really funny moments, but also some serious ones, too. I loved the whole redemption arc and learning more about the Akrellians who are devoted to the Dark Dancer.
Anyway, if grumpy neighbor meets persistent ball of sunshine is your thing, this book has it in spades.
I love Cupid and I will read anything and everything the author writes for this world. Part of me is dying inside because I only have 1 1/2 books left (set in the Iriduan universe) and I don't know what I'm going to read after I'm finished. :( (Probably the other series by the author XD).
October 30, 2022
Heh. Zern is an Akrellian who's a little more in touch with his primal side and Ariyah is just a simple human baker. Which basically means Zern looks at things through the filter of his instincts and past (which hasn't been the greatest as far as being accepted goes) and he jumps to the conclusion that Ariyah was trying to poison him when she gifted him with a plate of cupcakes. AS ONE DOES.
Just to be clear, Ariyah was NOT attempting to kill the poor guy. She was just being an enthusiastic neighbor who loves to bake. Admittedly, she has more than a simple neighborly appreciation for Zern, but more in a sexy-eyes sort of way than a "coming to kill you" sort of way.
A *slight* misunderstanding, an alien walking a fine edge, a little Halloween festival fun, a corn maze, a chase, and a VERY sexy encounter that causes a few problems for the big alien. Our Lusian Cupid is three for three in matching couples up and I'm ready for more!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Just to be clear, Ariyah was NOT attempting to kill the poor guy. She was just being an enthusiastic neighbor who loves to bake. Admittedly, she has more than a simple neighborly appreciation for Zern, but more in a sexy-eyes sort of way than a "coming to kill you" sort of way.
A *slight* misunderstanding, an alien walking a fine edge, a little Halloween festival fun, a corn maze, a chase, and a VERY sexy encounter that causes a few problems for the big alien. Our Lusian Cupid is three for three in matching couples up and I'm ready for more!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
November 22, 2025
4.5 stars
I liked the fact that this book bridged the gap between the darker Iriduan books and the lighter side in the "love stories."
The primal chase and howl scene was very good, and a nod to all the Halloween movie chase scenes. Throw in a dark altar and a ritual claiming, and I'm in! The fact that he was so confused by her overly sweet personality just made it all the better.
I liked the fact that this book bridged the gap between the darker Iriduan books and the lighter side in the "love stories."
The primal chase and howl scene was very good, and a nod to all the Halloween movie chase scenes. Throw in a dark altar and a ritual claiming, and I'm in! The fact that he was so confused by her overly sweet personality just made it all the better.
October 26, 2022
Absolutely loved it💖💖🔥🔥
Omg I thought My Foxy mate was awesome this one was even more fantastic! I hope our gray Cupid has many more stories to tell . Zern is an Akrellian with natural read and black scales that is a devoted to the Dark dancer. Because of his ancient primal nature his own people have turned on him and he's been in prison for years. If he ever wants to be free he must show his people he can be civilized so he's one Earth as part of his reintegration to society. This is where he meets Ariyah. Ariyah lost her husband 12:years ago in the Menops invasion of Earth. She has mourned him for a long time.She has her bakery where she loves to create sweet treats and her friends but longs to love and be loved again. When she meets her new Akrellian neighbor he makes her feel things she's never felt before his grumpy and very primal nature awakens something inside her she wants to explore. She pursues him relentlessly and makes him sweet treats to entice him. Zern doesn't know why the pretty human want a him so much he believes she's an assassin out to seduce him and end his life with cup cakes 😂😂 from the first page to the last this story has everything laugh out loud humor, a bit of danger and angst and lots of sexy sexy times. Fabulous characters with intense chemistry! You will not regret picking this story up its awesome and I highly recommend! 💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥
Omg I thought My Foxy mate was awesome this one was even more fantastic! I hope our gray Cupid has many more stories to tell . Zern is an Akrellian with natural read and black scales that is a devoted to the Dark dancer. Because of his ancient primal nature his own people have turned on him and he's been in prison for years. If he ever wants to be free he must show his people he can be civilized so he's one Earth as part of his reintegration to society. This is where he meets Ariyah. Ariyah lost her husband 12:years ago in the Menops invasion of Earth. She has mourned him for a long time.She has her bakery where she loves to create sweet treats and her friends but longs to love and be loved again. When she meets her new Akrellian neighbor he makes her feel things she's never felt before his grumpy and very primal nature awakens something inside her she wants to explore. She pursues him relentlessly and makes him sweet treats to entice him. Zern doesn't know why the pretty human want a him so much he believes she's an assassin out to seduce him and end his life with cup cakes 😂😂 from the first page to the last this story has everything laugh out loud humor, a bit of danger and angst and lots of sexy sexy times. Fabulous characters with intense chemistry! You will not regret picking this story up its awesome and I highly recommend! 💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥💖💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥🔥💖💖🔥🔥
March 17, 2023
Zernagol is the most unreliable of narrators and I LOVE IT! He is unreliable because he doesn't ever admit to himself what is actually going on. It's amazing. His level of self-deception is HIGH, but he's totally fine with it. It actually comes across way healthier than I'm making it sound.
This dude has a cute next door neighbor who owns a bakery chasing after him, and he has convinced himself that she's an assassin. What led him to this conclusion?? Eating an entire platter of cupcakes in one sitting. I get it though, that sounds TERRIBLE!
Ariyah can't get Zernagol out of her head, and he seems to not want anything to do with her. Until he does!!! And then he hunts her through a cornfield, scares the pants off of her, and it is very hot.
There is a large portion of this book dedicated to the question of whether or not criminals can be rehabilitated. And if those rehabilitated criminals deserve freedom. Yes, they can. And yes, they do. We can talk about it more in depth if you choose, and every case is different, but the answer overall, is yes.
I would love for Cupid to have their own happy ending. <3
This dude has a cute next door neighbor who owns a bakery chasing after him, and he has convinced himself that she's an assassin. What led him to this conclusion?? Eating an entire platter of cupcakes in one sitting. I get it though, that sounds TERRIBLE!
Ariyah can't get Zernagol out of her head, and he seems to not want anything to do with her. Until he does!!! And then he hunts her through a cornfield, scares the pants off of her, and it is very hot.
There is a large portion of this book dedicated to the question of whether or not criminals can be rehabilitated. And if those rehabilitated criminals deserve freedom. Yes, they can. And yes, they do. We can talk about it more in depth if you choose, and every case is different, but the answer overall, is yes.
I would love for Cupid to have their own happy ending. <3
November 10, 2022
cute series
This series is adorable. It’s truly about bringing together couples who need each other. This book is really funny because the male who is suspicious of everyone has convinced himself that his Nextdoor neighbors gift has poisoned him. Not realizing that what she brought him were cupcakes not meant to be consumed all at once, this sets the tone for the story. It’s very cute and heart warming. Especially when they end up with three Pomeranians that he insists will become great hunters, because he can’t admit he simply thinks they’re very cute, plus an old horse who follows him around like a puppy since he spoils it so much. He starts off very formidable and ends up showing how wonderful he is. He simply needed the right other half of him.
This series is adorable. It’s truly about bringing together couples who need each other. This book is really funny because the male who is suspicious of everyone has convinced himself that his Nextdoor neighbors gift has poisoned him. Not realizing that what she brought him were cupcakes not meant to be consumed all at once, this sets the tone for the story. It’s very cute and heart warming. Especially when they end up with three Pomeranians that he insists will become great hunters, because he can’t admit he simply thinks they’re very cute, plus an old horse who follows him around like a puppy since he spoils it so much. He starts off very formidable and ends up showing how wonderful he is. He simply needed the right other half of him.
October 14, 2023
2.5 ⭐
Rounded up for adorableness.
This is grumpy/sunshine at its best. A huge, ex-con alien who refuses to renounce his evil god. An older (38) human who bakes for a living, then bakes for her neighbors in her free time.
The beginning is extremely fun. Very reminiscent of Amanda Milo's Quarry Master. She brings him a bunch of cupcakes. He eats them all at one time, then thinks she tried to poison him because he make himself sick. The best part is him falling in love without noticing.
Then, around the 50% mark, ZZZZZZ. The writing becomes bloated like a corpse fished out of the river. So much monologuing. And of course it ends with pregnancy.
Rounded up for adorableness.
This is grumpy/sunshine at its best. A huge, ex-con alien who refuses to renounce his evil god. An older (38) human who bakes for a living, then bakes for her neighbors in her free time.
The beginning is extremely fun. Very reminiscent of Amanda Milo's Quarry Master. She brings him a bunch of cupcakes. He eats them all at one time, then thinks she tried to poison him because he make himself sick. The best part is him falling in love without noticing.
Then, around the 50% mark, ZZZZZZ. The writing becomes bloated like a corpse fished out of the river. So much monologuing. And of course it ends with pregnancy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2022
Strong start then the middle got bogged down in boredom (for me) There's really nothing to the FMC other than she bakes and she's all about banging the alien next door- which hey, he's hot and has big horns, I get it but it would have been nice to have her have a personality outside of her job and her horndogginess.
for me the book never came back to the greatness of the beginning and I set it aside at 82%. i was gonna return it to KU then thought, nah, I should finish it. So I tried and ended up skimming. It just didn't interest me much, I'm sad to say.
for me the book never came back to the greatness of the beginning and I set it aside at 82%. i was gonna return it to KU then thought, nah, I should finish it. So I tried and ended up skimming. It just didn't interest me much, I'm sad to say.
December 15, 2022
obsessed
This book was soooo freaking good!
I loved that this book wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine. They MC’s went through a lot just to have the chance to be together. I think my favorite part was that the MMC thought the FMM was an assassin trying to kill him simply bc he got sick after eating a WHOLE plate of red velvet cupcakes LOL
Although this book was different that most of the monster romance books I read, it still had all the qualities I love. Let’s not forget the chasing scene and the spice 👀
This book was soooo freaking good!
I loved that this book wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine. They MC’s went through a lot just to have the chance to be together. I think my favorite part was that the MMC thought the FMM was an assassin trying to kill him simply bc he got sick after eating a WHOLE plate of red velvet cupcakes LOL
Although this book was different that most of the monster romance books I read, it still had all the qualities I love. Let’s not forget the chasing scene and the spice 👀
April 24, 2023
I liked it till he goes back to prison. I didn’t understand the heroines motivation to get the hero out of jail. They maybe had talked and had sex once. This book felt like the bad boy, nobody understands me clique where the goody goody comes and saves the day. Cuz “no one understands him.” Like I read enough of that bullshit in high-school I really don’t need to read any more bad boy romances. Like the heroine ends up looking kind of stupid and naive and the hero ends up seeming immature .
But I did like that the hero didn’t have a complete personality change.
But I did like that the hero didn’t have a complete personality change.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2023
SOOOOOOO much inner dialog and so little movement in the story. It would have been a book I would normally love but there was just so much self talk! I kept waiting for something to happen. I don't often complain about smexy times but when the story did finally move along it was to have sexy times and honestly, I was a little confused if he was using his 🍆 or another body part. They kept referring to his 🍆 as a comesta...I googled that word and couldn't find a definition. I really wanted to love this story but it just seemed to drag.
October 23, 2022
AN ERUPTION…
…OF MY FEELS!! This book has made me SO RIDICULOUSLY HAPPY that I cannot articulate it, all I can do is point and burble with glee! We got the extreme ends of the storm cloud /cinnamon roll dichotomy, a hilariously mistaken identity, dark god worship, chickee towels, howling in a corn maze, and some truly phallic corporate sponsorship. This whole series is wonderful, but this book is my current favorite, hands down!
…OF MY FEELS!! This book has made me SO RIDICULOUSLY HAPPY that I cannot articulate it, all I can do is point and burble with glee! We got the extreme ends of the storm cloud /cinnamon roll dichotomy, a hilariously mistaken identity, dark god worship, chickee towels, howling in a corn maze, and some truly phallic corporate sponsorship. This whole series is wonderful, but this book is my current favorite, hands down!
October 24, 2022
My Primal Mate
I love the relationship between Aliyah and Zern My primal mate give me such happy feelings And had me laughing I love that Zern Realized it's okay to like cute things But still act like he doesn't like them he doesn't like to show any weakness And I love that Aliyah Went after what she wanted No matter what anyone told her I loved everything about this book I'm Very excited for more Awesome book good job Susan Trombely
I love the relationship between Aliyah and Zern My primal mate give me such happy feelings And had me laughing I love that Zern Realized it's okay to like cute things But still act like he doesn't like them he doesn't like to show any weakness And I love that Aliyah Went after what she wanted No matter what anyone told her I loved everything about this book I'm Very excited for more Awesome book good job Susan Trombely
October 24, 2022
I love this story!
Ariyah is such an adorable woman! Always sharing her goodies and bringing a ray of sunshine to those around her - a sweetheart, indeed. I get such a kick out of Zernogal! He’s dangerous, cranky, suspicious, and ambivalent (about Ariyah). The misunderstandings make for delightful reading, and the ensuing passion for his little ‘assassin’ is off the charts! This love story brought me great joy in the reading. I know this will be on my frequent re-read list. Hot, hot, hot!
Ariyah is such an adorable woman! Always sharing her goodies and bringing a ray of sunshine to those around her - a sweetheart, indeed. I get such a kick out of Zernogal! He’s dangerous, cranky, suspicious, and ambivalent (about Ariyah). The misunderstandings make for delightful reading, and the ensuing passion for his little ‘assassin’ is off the charts! This love story brought me great joy in the reading. I know this will be on my frequent re-read list. Hot, hot, hot!
December 16, 2022
Sunshine x Grump
I am a sucker for a good sunshine x Grump story, especially when the MFC is not in her 20s. Give me someone with some life experiences, a strong sense of self, and an identity in the bedroom.
I loved all the goofy translation turns of phrase, every day ridiculousness, and small gestures of affection that really rounded out the story and gave it texture.
A fun, engaging read, and I LOVE the cover art.
I am a sucker for a good sunshine x Grump story, especially when the MFC is not in her 20s. Give me someone with some life experiences, a strong sense of self, and an identity in the bedroom.
I loved all the goofy translation turns of phrase, every day ridiculousness, and small gestures of affection that really rounded out the story and gave it texture.
A fun, engaging read, and I LOVE the cover art.
February 8, 2023
You don’t understand how upset I was that I couldn’t finish this book 😭 The cover drew me in immediately and then the little blurb sounded really cute but I just couldn’t get into it. I’m not really sure if this was intended to be read as part of a series or what but I feel like I was just dumped into a new world with the expectation that I already know everything. There were dancers, avatars and stuff and I was just so confused 😂 also came off a bit cult-ish and it put me off
February 9, 2024
So yeah, it's my second book by the author and I love how kinky (and hot!) her stories are.
The "primal" part ist pretty much what you understand under that kink and it was well done.
As a holiday romance, it was of course kinda over the top but if you just relax and enjoy the craziness (like the heroine's obsession with baking sweets for everyone around her or the hero's stubborn devotion to the initial misunderstanding), you are in for a treat!
The "primal" part ist pretty much what you understand under that kink and it was well done.
As a holiday romance, it was of course kinda over the top but if you just relax and enjoy the craziness (like the heroine's obsession with baking sweets for everyone around her or the hero's stubborn devotion to the initial misunderstanding), you are in for a treat!
March 28, 2024
Amazing
I’ve never been disappointed by a book by Susan Trombley and this one was no exception. I love the universe that’s been created in these books and just as I say after I read every one - this is my favourite book! I love this book’s theme of darkness and the Dark Dancer being unable to thrive without his light Partner. I read these all on KU but I end up breaking my leg sprinting to the store to purchase them after reading anyway.
I’ve never been disappointed by a book by Susan Trombley and this one was no exception. I love the universe that’s been created in these books and just as I say after I read every one - this is my favourite book! I love this book’s theme of darkness and the Dark Dancer being unable to thrive without his light Partner. I read these all on KU but I end up breaking my leg sprinting to the store to purchase them after reading anyway.
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