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Zxalian Mate #2
Thawed
She is not Zxalian, but his little mate captured his hearts and soul.
Banished from their clan with new mouths to feed, Xaviar and Ragorith guide everyone to the southern fertility caves. The only place far enough away from the old clan and where they will be able to survive.
With a sprog on the way, the frenzy heat twisting his insides, and Rilee's clan bickering at every turn, Xaviar must hold it together to face the hardest challenge of all.
Keeping his mate and sprogs safe.
He will protect them by any means necessary. Even cut all ties with his clan.
Banished from their clan with new mouths to feed, Xaviar and Ragorith guide everyone to the southern fertility caves. The only place far enough away from the old clan and where they will be able to survive.
With a sprog on the way, the frenzy heat twisting his insides, and Rilee's clan bickering at every turn, Xaviar must hold it together to face the hardest challenge of all.
Keeping his mate and sprogs safe.
He will protect them by any means necessary. Even cut all ties with his clan.
ebook
First published December 22, 2022
16 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Blincoe
25 books87 followersMelissa Blincoe is a Sci-Fi writer who loves to escape to other worlds. Whether it's in her head or in a book. If she's not doing that, you can find her reading, watching Jurassic Park movies, writing her books, or spending time with her family.
If you like the worlds she creates, feel
free to leave a review. It is appreciated!
If you like the worlds she creates, feel
free to leave a review. It is appreciated!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 1, 2023
Overall: ⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖 (I was looking forward to world building here – more about the spider clans, more about what life was like possibly for Riley in 2045 (you know, like who she was as a person before she became a mate to be bred), more details about her family, more about her friendship with Callie, etc but it didn’t happen)
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔 (Minimal character development
Sexual Tension: ⚡(There wasn’t much tension as they are already together and pregnant and just randomly fucking through the book)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋 (The scenes weren’t very emotional to me and also lacked some details I like – they were just too short to be really developed)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑 (These felt even shorter than the previous book and I thought book 1 had short scenes!)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Maybe? If you’re generous? All the scenes are pretty short, but so is the page count of the book)
Humor: There’s a ton of sarcasm and snippy remarks that might work for some
Perspective: First person perspective
Before purchasing, I recommend checking this out )
Should I read in order?
Yes this book picks up directly after the cliffhanger of book 1
Basic plot:
Literally all they do for 90% of the book is walk to a cave.
Ages:
- Riley is 25 years old, not sure about hero
My thoughts:
I was told “Book one was meant to only introduce the characters, book 2 delves way more into world building, culture building, and building of the characters” but sadly this didn’t deliver for me.
I am still confused over plenty of things. I am still not getting a good sense of character depth. I think the book is supposed to be a trilogy and I really can’t picture book 3 giving me everything I would want for this to feel like a deeper read to me and besides that I would not want to have to read 2 books to get any type of emotional connection reward.
I do feel the writing in this novel was slightly better than book 1. I’m not into snippy, snarky, attitude filled dialogue that took over book 1 so that might be why I’m feeling more generous towards it. That type of writing still takes place here, but now it’s a side character who is fighting her mating bond. There were less modern day references that were annoying me than the last book, except the movie ice age (Again it’s just weird to me that this heroine has nothing better to do in 2045 than to watch movies that are 50 years old lol)
This isn’t a book that left me with great feels or the desire to continue with the series. I’ll go over some more details in the quotes/thoughts section though there’s spoilers for the story.
Cock/Hero Stats:
Quotes/thoughts: SOME POSSIBLE SPOILERS
Weird grammar or just general writing style that I struggled with here:
Baritone chirping of crickets can be heard over the crackling fire and I pick at the web blanket covering Lara, Wren, Jess, and I.
---
"Relax? Relax?!?! How can I relax when you basically told me that our baby is going to be forced to breed after ten months?!?!?" I yell. My hysteria wakes everyone and sleepy eyes train on me. I know I should calm down a bit so I don't freak the others, but my calm meter is fucking broken at this point.
---
"Jesus Christ dude! You and Xaviar need icicle wind chimes to let someone know you're there!" Lara yells and places a hand over her heart. "Quiet!" Ragorith hisses at her. "Excuse you?" Lara bites out angrily. "You females are going to attract predators if you keep screeching like a pack of Sirloo's." Ragorith huffs, his jaw snapping and eyes flashing with annoyance. "Fuck you, you blue bug-eyed psychopath." She sneers. "I'm told that this word fuck means breed, so don't tempt me female." With that, he turns and storms off.
---
"Son of a motherfucking, tittie-sucking hoe!" Lara yells, hand clutching her coat in terror.
---
One moon cycle? Hold on one god damn minute. A month? I'm going to give birth... in a month?!?! "You mean to tell me that a female Zxalian's gestation period is a month? Three weeks?!?!" It's hard to not to hyperventilate at this point.
---
You know the saying, "If looks could kill?" (NO PLEASE EXPLAIN)Yeah well, if they could, Wren would be dead right now by the scathing glare Lara is directing at her.
---
The wheels in my head whir as I try to come up with a plan. Minutes tick by and I have bupkiss. Nada. Nothing.
---
"I want every drop of your toxic cum."
---
The flesh balls on Rilee's chest shake with a sigh and she reaches up to
slowly remove my claw from her face. "I'm afraid there's nothing you
can do." FLESH BALLS
---
And here – things like this would be an opportunity for character development but this is all we get so far about Riley’s mom – and literally you were given nothing in book 1 except that her mom was a nurse and her mom would be happy for her that she found a mate. There is no hint of drama or trouble – I have no idea why this happened or even how Riley felt about it. Though it is brought up again a bit later in the book, it is left mostly as a huge mystery that I’m assuming will be wrapped up in some anticlimactic way in the third book. I felt like just dropping these couple lines here wasn’t enough to really give any emotional pull and it was so vague and out of place I was barely even curious over except the brief ‘wtf’ I whispered throughout the story.
As a witness to my mother going into shock, I know the signs. The doctor that treated her told me how to watch out for them should it ever happen again, but it only happened once.
---
Again with the current day (or is this even current anymore? Why is Riley watching and thinking about shows that are 45 years old? Oh yeah we have no idea because we know nothing about her or her life prior to coming here.) references with the heroine that was born in 2020 and from the year 2045
Xaviar drops two carcasses. A warthog and a sloth the size of two warthogs combined. The sloth has yellowish fur and I swallow the urge to say, "Oh, Sid. You finally met a predator Manny couldn't save you from."
---
"You caught and killed it, the least we can do is gut it so we can store some meat for the winter. Pun intended."
I don’t get this pun. Is it about storing meat? I’m confused. The person saying it isn’t fucking a spider so whose meat is she storing? Anyway I thought I was just dumb but after presenting it to multiple people we decided a better question is “how many people does it take to understand bad spider writing?” and called it a day.
---
"Are you coming, my Rilee?" His voice is like candy. Dangerous if too much is consumed, but sinfully delicious. Mamma wants candy. I want that dangerous, sugary, sticky candy.
----
"Oh, right. You don't know that word either. Barbarian age and shit,"
This is an example of things that confuse me – why can’t she just let go of the ceiling? Why are her arms giving out when she could just put them down?
"I must have your essence on my tongue." Is his only warning before grabbing my legs, pushing my dress up, and lifting me high to angle my pussy over his mouth. Hovering, my hands scrabble on the rock ceiling of the cave, finding nothing to hold onto. Flattening my palms on the cool rock, I bite my lip and pray that I don't fall.
/
A searing orgasm tenses my legs and I cry out, drenching his face with my slick. Panting, I look down at him as I struggle to keep my shaking arms from buckling.
/
"M-my arms will g-give out if you k-keep going." I gasp. "Must breed." Xaviar's voice sounds different. Garbled and deep. Husky and inhuman.
Like isn’t he holding her up??? I don’t get where the strain on her arms is coming from. But I feel like a lot of scenes are just missing some general details and come off as 2 dimensional, flat or confusing.
---
And here is towards the end of the book when Riley is holding some big secret (at this point it’s hard to care because so little has been given about it)
Climbing into the nest, I lower and curl a finger under her chin, forcing her sad gaze on mine. "I will not make you tell me of what troubles you, but I will not allow you to distance yourself from me. I may have oathed to your clanmate that I will give you space, but I can no longer honor it. My Snowflake, it pains me to see you suffer. It breaks me to consider ever giving you space." Her chin trembles, eyes welling with water. "It's just a dumb memory from my past," She replies quickly, pulling back to dislodge my grip. "It doesn't have to do with you."
But why is she acting like this when she literally had complains about Xavier doing this to her at the beginning of the book about his mother’s death??
To be honest, I don't blame him. I'd be the same way if my mom died. What hurts, is that he's pushing me away.
You don’t want to be pushed away but it’s okay for you to push him away??
---
hahahahaha they have to fuck or they explode like a firework
It won't be long now. Xaviar said the first sign is a short fuse. Then their movements will get sluggish. The frenzy will test their sanity, push the boundaries. Drive them completely mad. Then finally, combustion. From what Xaviar told me, the toxicity will cause Ragorith to burst. I'm envisioning a firecracker with a lit fuse before exploding. Blood and guts everywhere. Grotesque. Not pretty. The awful thing is, the same thing will happen to Lara. Without the cum her body craves from her mate to make babies, her organs will fail and she too will explode. That part, of course, I didn't tell Lara. The dying part, yes. But the explosion part? I feel like she has enough to deal with as it is.
---
For how little she’s mentioned in both books 1 and 2, this is hard to believe. Just brief random thoughts of ‘wow I should find Callie’ spread out about every 70 pages or so
All I can see is my best friend. The girl that befriended me in elementary school and had my back throughout high school. She stayed by my side even after graduation. She's my rock. My ride or die. She's my Callie
---
Lip trembling, I cover my mouth to muffle a sob. This whole time I've been here. I gave up looking for her because I thought her dead. I chose to stay here for Xaviar and the baby. I did this. If I would've fought harder to find her, maybe she'd be safe back in the future right now
Huh? Yeah you sucked at looking for her because you really didn’t in any way but you always SAID you were looking for her. That you were going to find her. But now you gave up looking for her?? This is first person narration. We are in your head and we didn’t even know you gave up? Remember, on page 77 you said
I know Xaviar promised to help me look for Callie after we find a cave to call home, but time is running out. With every passing second, Callie could be in danger. She may need my help. Don't worry Callie, I am coming. Just hold on a little longer. I think, determination furrowing my brow.
and on page 115
Then, after Xaviar and I... collected firewood, I found a red leather glove that belongs to her. Callie is still out there, and once everyone is settled, I am searching every inch of this ice age until I find her!" I declare, tears blurring my vision.
And on page 163
Please God, Please let Callie be okay, I beg in my head, desperately willing her to be alive. It's the only thing I can do at the moment, lest I go mad from uncertainty and guilt. "Mate?" Xaviar asks, hurt lacing his rumbling voice as my hands fall from his. "I can feel your sorrow, your pain, through our bond. I beg of you. Tell me what ails you." "Callie." I mumble, heart aching by the mere mention of her name. "We shall find your friend after I return from my mother's passing ceremony. I oath this to you."
And on page 166…
I straighten my shoulders and push onward. Xaviar must attend his mother's funeral and pregnant or not, Callie must be found.
So when did you give up? Whoooooooooooooooo knows?
Last complaint - WHY CAN'T XAVIER SAY HUMAN???? He talks perfectly normal for almost every single thing except 'hoomun'. No. it's not cute. It just makes him seem robotic and weird. It's not endearing at all.
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖 (I was looking forward to world building here – more about the spider clans, more about what life was like possibly for Riley in 2045 (you know, like who she was as a person before she became a mate to be bred), more details about her family, more about her friendship with Callie, etc but it didn’t happen)
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔 (Minimal character development
Sexual Tension: ⚡(There wasn’t much tension as they are already together and pregnant and just randomly fucking through the book)
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋 (The scenes weren’t very emotional to me and also lacked some details I like – they were just too short to be really developed)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑 (These felt even shorter than the previous book and I thought book 1 had short scenes!)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Maybe? If you’re generous? All the scenes are pretty short, but so is the page count of the book)
Humor: There’s a ton of sarcasm and snippy remarks that might work for some
Perspective: First person perspective
Before purchasing, I recommend checking this out )
Should I read in order?
Yes this book picks up directly after the cliffhanger of book 1
Basic plot:
Literally all they do for 90% of the book is walk to a cave.
Ages:
- Riley is 25 years old, not sure about hero
My thoughts:
I was told “Book one was meant to only introduce the characters, book 2 delves way more into world building, culture building, and building of the characters” but sadly this didn’t deliver for me.
I am still confused over plenty of things. I am still not getting a good sense of character depth. I think the book is supposed to be a trilogy and I really can’t picture book 3 giving me everything I would want for this to feel like a deeper read to me and besides that I would not want to have to read 2 books to get any type of emotional connection reward.
I do feel the writing in this novel was slightly better than book 1. I’m not into snippy, snarky, attitude filled dialogue that took over book 1 so that might be why I’m feeling more generous towards it. That type of writing still takes place here, but now it’s a side character who is fighting her mating bond. There were less modern day references that were annoying me than the last book, except the movie ice age (Again it’s just weird to me that this heroine has nothing better to do in 2045 than to watch movies that are 50 years old lol)
This isn’t a book that left me with great feels or the desire to continue with the series. I’ll go over some more details in the quotes/thoughts section though there’s spoilers for the story.
Cock/Hero Stats:
Quotes/thoughts: SOME POSSIBLE SPOILERS
Weird grammar or just general writing style that I struggled with here:
Baritone chirping of crickets can be heard over the crackling fire and I pick at the web blanket covering Lara, Wren, Jess, and I.
---
"Relax? Relax?!?! How can I relax when you basically told me that our baby is going to be forced to breed after ten months?!?!?" I yell. My hysteria wakes everyone and sleepy eyes train on me. I know I should calm down a bit so I don't freak the others, but my calm meter is fucking broken at this point.
---
"Jesus Christ dude! You and Xaviar need icicle wind chimes to let someone know you're there!" Lara yells and places a hand over her heart. "Quiet!" Ragorith hisses at her. "Excuse you?" Lara bites out angrily. "You females are going to attract predators if you keep screeching like a pack of Sirloo's." Ragorith huffs, his jaw snapping and eyes flashing with annoyance. "Fuck you, you blue bug-eyed psychopath." She sneers. "I'm told that this word fuck means breed, so don't tempt me female." With that, he turns and storms off.
---
"Son of a motherfucking, tittie-sucking hoe!" Lara yells, hand clutching her coat in terror.
---
One moon cycle? Hold on one god damn minute. A month? I'm going to give birth... in a month?!?! "You mean to tell me that a female Zxalian's gestation period is a month? Three weeks?!?!" It's hard to not to hyperventilate at this point.
---
You know the saying, "If looks could kill?" (NO PLEASE EXPLAIN)Yeah well, if they could, Wren would be dead right now by the scathing glare Lara is directing at her.
---
The wheels in my head whir as I try to come up with a plan. Minutes tick by and I have bupkiss. Nada. Nothing.
---
"I want every drop of your toxic cum."
---
The flesh balls on Rilee's chest shake with a sigh and she reaches up to
slowly remove my claw from her face. "I'm afraid there's nothing you
can do." FLESH BALLS
---
And here – things like this would be an opportunity for character development but this is all we get so far about Riley’s mom – and literally you were given nothing in book 1 except that her mom was a nurse and her mom would be happy for her that she found a mate. There is no hint of drama or trouble – I have no idea why this happened or even how Riley felt about it. Though it is brought up again a bit later in the book, it is left mostly as a huge mystery that I’m assuming will be wrapped up in some anticlimactic way in the third book. I felt like just dropping these couple lines here wasn’t enough to really give any emotional pull and it was so vague and out of place I was barely even curious over except the brief ‘wtf’ I whispered throughout the story.
As a witness to my mother going into shock, I know the signs. The doctor that treated her told me how to watch out for them should it ever happen again, but it only happened once.
---
Again with the current day (or is this even current anymore? Why is Riley watching and thinking about shows that are 45 years old? Oh yeah we have no idea because we know nothing about her or her life prior to coming here.) references with the heroine that was born in 2020 and from the year 2045
Xaviar drops two carcasses. A warthog and a sloth the size of two warthogs combined. The sloth has yellowish fur and I swallow the urge to say, "Oh, Sid. You finally met a predator Manny couldn't save you from."
---
"You caught and killed it, the least we can do is gut it so we can store some meat for the winter. Pun intended."
I don’t get this pun. Is it about storing meat? I’m confused. The person saying it isn’t fucking a spider so whose meat is she storing? Anyway I thought I was just dumb but after presenting it to multiple people we decided a better question is “how many people does it take to understand bad spider writing?” and called it a day.
---
"Are you coming, my Rilee?" His voice is like candy. Dangerous if too much is consumed, but sinfully delicious. Mamma wants candy. I want that dangerous, sugary, sticky candy.
----
"Oh, right. You don't know that word either. Barbarian age and shit,"
This is an example of things that confuse me – why can’t she just let go of the ceiling? Why are her arms giving out when she could just put them down?
"I must have your essence on my tongue." Is his only warning before grabbing my legs, pushing my dress up, and lifting me high to angle my pussy over his mouth. Hovering, my hands scrabble on the rock ceiling of the cave, finding nothing to hold onto. Flattening my palms on the cool rock, I bite my lip and pray that I don't fall.
/
A searing orgasm tenses my legs and I cry out, drenching his face with my slick. Panting, I look down at him as I struggle to keep my shaking arms from buckling.
/
"M-my arms will g-give out if you k-keep going." I gasp. "Must breed." Xaviar's voice sounds different. Garbled and deep. Husky and inhuman.
Like isn’t he holding her up??? I don’t get where the strain on her arms is coming from. But I feel like a lot of scenes are just missing some general details and come off as 2 dimensional, flat or confusing.
---
And here is towards the end of the book when Riley is holding some big secret (at this point it’s hard to care because so little has been given about it)
Climbing into the nest, I lower and curl a finger under her chin, forcing her sad gaze on mine. "I will not make you tell me of what troubles you, but I will not allow you to distance yourself from me. I may have oathed to your clanmate that I will give you space, but I can no longer honor it. My Snowflake, it pains me to see you suffer. It breaks me to consider ever giving you space." Her chin trembles, eyes welling with water. "It's just a dumb memory from my past," She replies quickly, pulling back to dislodge my grip. "It doesn't have to do with you."
But why is she acting like this when she literally had complains about Xavier doing this to her at the beginning of the book about his mother’s death??
To be honest, I don't blame him. I'd be the same way if my mom died. What hurts, is that he's pushing me away.
You don’t want to be pushed away but it’s okay for you to push him away??
---
hahahahaha they have to fuck or they explode like a firework
It won't be long now. Xaviar said the first sign is a short fuse. Then their movements will get sluggish. The frenzy will test their sanity, push the boundaries. Drive them completely mad. Then finally, combustion. From what Xaviar told me, the toxicity will cause Ragorith to burst. I'm envisioning a firecracker with a lit fuse before exploding. Blood and guts everywhere. Grotesque. Not pretty. The awful thing is, the same thing will happen to Lara. Without the cum her body craves from her mate to make babies, her organs will fail and she too will explode. That part, of course, I didn't tell Lara. The dying part, yes. But the explosion part? I feel like she has enough to deal with as it is.
---
For how little she’s mentioned in both books 1 and 2, this is hard to believe. Just brief random thoughts of ‘wow I should find Callie’ spread out about every 70 pages or so
All I can see is my best friend. The girl that befriended me in elementary school and had my back throughout high school. She stayed by my side even after graduation. She's my rock. My ride or die. She's my Callie
---
Lip trembling, I cover my mouth to muffle a sob. This whole time I've been here. I gave up looking for her because I thought her dead. I chose to stay here for Xaviar and the baby. I did this. If I would've fought harder to find her, maybe she'd be safe back in the future right now
Huh? Yeah you sucked at looking for her because you really didn’t in any way but you always SAID you were looking for her. That you were going to find her. But now you gave up looking for her?? This is first person narration. We are in your head and we didn’t even know you gave up? Remember, on page 77 you said
I know Xaviar promised to help me look for Callie after we find a cave to call home, but time is running out. With every passing second, Callie could be in danger. She may need my help. Don't worry Callie, I am coming. Just hold on a little longer. I think, determination furrowing my brow.
and on page 115
Then, after Xaviar and I... collected firewood, I found a red leather glove that belongs to her. Callie is still out there, and once everyone is settled, I am searching every inch of this ice age until I find her!" I declare, tears blurring my vision.
And on page 163
Please God, Please let Callie be okay, I beg in my head, desperately willing her to be alive. It's the only thing I can do at the moment, lest I go mad from uncertainty and guilt. "Mate?" Xaviar asks, hurt lacing his rumbling voice as my hands fall from his. "I can feel your sorrow, your pain, through our bond. I beg of you. Tell me what ails you." "Callie." I mumble, heart aching by the mere mention of her name. "We shall find your friend after I return from my mother's passing ceremony. I oath this to you."
And on page 166…
I straighten my shoulders and push onward. Xaviar must attend his mother's funeral and pregnant or not, Callie must be found.
So when did you give up? Whoooooooooooooooo knows?
Last complaint - WHY CAN'T XAVIER SAY HUMAN???? He talks perfectly normal for almost every single thing except 'hoomun'. No. it's not cute. It just makes him seem robotic and weird. It's not endearing at all.
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
February 1, 2023
Prefacing this review by encouraging you to read *THIS POST* to stay informed about the situation.
Don’t let the cover and icy world fool you… this book is a certified HOT MESS™️
There is clearly still no improvement as the quality is just as bad as the first installment. Judging from publishing dates, as a reader, my honest impression is that the books are being released too quickly rather than being looked through and edited. This seems like a rough draft, and as a paying reader, it feels both disrespectful and disappointing. Equally as disrespectful and disappointing is that the author has been having more critical reviews reported and removed.
The spice is never as good as promised (the scenes themselves are only like a paragraph or two long and very cringe-worthy), and the plot is somehow both generic and riddled with holes. This reads like it was taken from a template and was reminiscent of popular alien (the caves concept reminded me of IPB, “frenzy” vs. “resonance,” Lara and Ragorith feeling familiar to Liz and Raahosh, etc.) and monster romances (the concept of weaving of the dress from webbing reminded me of Ensnared, as did the dialogue about wedding dresses, etc.).
The characters are unlikeable (there was supposed to be more character development in this book, which didn't happen), the story unbelievable (even for a fantasy this feels far-fetched, but I think this stems from subpar world-building), and overall, it’s just BAD.
The formatting is also weird in this… I am just questioning if there was a QA process prior to release.
If you don’t mind typos, grammatical errors, and a 3rd-grade writing style… the good news is that this book is for you!
But for me… Alexa, play “Thank U, Next”!
I included some screenshots below to round out my review. To be clear, I am not trying to tell you what to think — I am merely offering examples of where I was honestly reminded of other works while reading this one. For more regarding Frostbite (the first book in this series), please see my previous review *HERE!*.
Don’t let the cover and icy world fool you… this book is a certified HOT MESS™️
There is clearly still no improvement as the quality is just as bad as the first installment. Judging from publishing dates, as a reader, my honest impression is that the books are being released too quickly rather than being looked through and edited. This seems like a rough draft, and as a paying reader, it feels both disrespectful and disappointing. Equally as disrespectful and disappointing is that the author has been having more critical reviews reported and removed.
The spice is never as good as promised (the scenes themselves are only like a paragraph or two long and very cringe-worthy), and the plot is somehow both generic and riddled with holes. This reads like it was taken from a template and was reminiscent of popular alien (the caves concept reminded me of IPB, “frenzy” vs. “resonance,” Lara and Ragorith feeling familiar to Liz and Raahosh, etc.) and monster romances (the concept of weaving of the dress from webbing reminded me of Ensnared, as did the dialogue about wedding dresses, etc.).
The characters are unlikeable (there was supposed to be more character development in this book, which didn't happen), the story unbelievable (even for a fantasy this feels far-fetched, but I think this stems from subpar world-building), and overall, it’s just BAD.
The formatting is also weird in this… I am just questioning if there was a QA process prior to release.
If you don’t mind typos, grammatical errors, and a 3rd-grade writing style… the good news is that this book is for you!
But for me… Alexa, play “Thank U, Next”!
I included some screenshots below to round out my review. To be clear, I am not trying to tell you what to think — I am merely offering examples of where I was honestly reminded of other works while reading this one. For more regarding Frostbite (the first book in this series), please see my previous review *HERE!*.
December 22, 2022
Thawed is the second book in the Zxalian Mate series, and it was so much more intense than the first book!
Thawed begins right where Frostbite leaves off, which is great, because Frostbite left you with a damn cliffhanger!!
I was delighted by everything this second book had to offer. You get danger around every corner; you get personal growth as well as friendship growth; you get laughter and sadness, pain and pleasure; you get anger, hate, a desire for revenge; you get spicy spice + bondage; and you get growing and budding love, all rolled into its own developmental issues.
I found myself laughing my ass off while I read, and found myself enthralled for... uhum... several reasons!!
I'm proud to say that I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one, and I DEFINITELY can't wait for book three to come out!! I need it now!! I need to KNOWW!!! But, I can wait patiently while the highly talented Melissa Blincoe writes more and more for us!!
If you're into monsters, time travel, and spicy spice + bondage, you should absolutely give Thawed a read, after you've read Frostbite of course!! HAHA!!
This is a book series you never knew you sinfully wanted!! Or maybe you did!! Who am I to say, HAHA!!
Thawed begins right where Frostbite leaves off, which is great, because Frostbite left you with a damn cliffhanger!!
I was delighted by everything this second book had to offer. You get danger around every corner; you get personal growth as well as friendship growth; you get laughter and sadness, pain and pleasure; you get anger, hate, a desire for revenge; you get spicy spice + bondage; and you get growing and budding love, all rolled into its own developmental issues.
I found myself laughing my ass off while I read, and found myself enthralled for... uhum... several reasons!!
I'm proud to say that I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one, and I DEFINITELY can't wait for book three to come out!! I need it now!! I need to KNOWW!!! But, I can wait patiently while the highly talented Melissa Blincoe writes more and more for us!!
If you're into monsters, time travel, and spicy spice + bondage, you should absolutely give Thawed a read, after you've read Frostbite of course!! HAHA!!
This is a book series you never knew you sinfully wanted!! Or maybe you did!! Who am I to say, HAHA!!
December 25, 2022
Soooo enjoyed this, despite the cliffhanger, 😁 but then you are left digesting all the emotion of these wonderful characters! If you have read Frostbite, then you will love this 2nd in series more. The author, new for me, has filled in the gaps from the start and built on what we read in the first in series.
These endearing characters have depth, emotion with touches of humour. I won't elaborate as per the other very informative review 😊, you will just have to immerse yourself into the world of Xavier and Riley, along with the other characters.
Thank you for sharing your characters with us readers. 😊 Roll on the next book.
These endearing characters have depth, emotion with touches of humour. I won't elaborate as per the other very informative review 😊, you will just have to immerse yourself into the world of Xavier and Riley, along with the other characters.
Thank you for sharing your characters with us readers. 😊 Roll on the next book.
December 18, 2022
Trigger Warnings:
Massive Ice Spiders
Monster Peen
Smut
Dark Scenes
Foul Language
Size Difference
Scenes of Violence
Fated Mates
Web Bondage
Breeding
Death
Forced Proximity
Cliffhanger
Non Human Anatomy
Pregnancy
Gore
Xavier and Rilee leave his clan after Xavier is banished. They are with three human females and a Zxalian warrior named Ragorith as they all try to reach the southern fertility caves. There is dangers and trauma that they whole group have to deal with that causes problems for the fated mates. Not to mention Rilee is pregnant and has no idea how her pregnancy will be especially since she's human and Xavier is a Zxalian ( A Huge Spider)... I do believe I have developed a lot of kinks while reading romance, but here I am thirsting over an Arachnid ( Seriously questioning myself right now) between the spider bondage and getting the pound town treatment who wouldn't love Xavier. I'm really loving monster kink sigh and I really like this series ...Still upset about the cliffhanger because that was what! Can't wait till the next book!
Massive Ice Spiders
Monster Peen
Smut
Dark Scenes
Foul Language
Size Difference
Scenes of Violence
Fated Mates
Web Bondage
Breeding
Death
Forced Proximity
Cliffhanger
Non Human Anatomy
Pregnancy
Gore
Xavier and Rilee leave his clan after Xavier is banished. They are with three human females and a Zxalian warrior named Ragorith as they all try to reach the southern fertility caves. There is dangers and trauma that they whole group have to deal with that causes problems for the fated mates. Not to mention Rilee is pregnant and has no idea how her pregnancy will be especially since she's human and Xavier is a Zxalian ( A Huge Spider)... I do believe I have developed a lot of kinks while reading romance, but here I am thirsting over an Arachnid ( Seriously questioning myself right now) between the spider bondage and getting the pound town treatment who wouldn't love Xavier. I'm really loving monster kink sigh and I really like this series ...Still upset about the cliffhanger because that was what! Can't wait till the next book!
December 17, 2022
Ahhhh! i got left with a cliffhanger but i was warned haha. Before i knew it i was at the end of book 2 of my arc read. Interested in reading book 3. Do I feel a Lara and Ragorith pov coming? ;)
January 17, 2023
They have been banished from the Zxalian clan so they have to find a new place to live. So they head to the fertility caves that are least likely to be used. Xaviar is wrestling with the death (and murder) of his mother and Riley is dealing with a mountain of things. She has people to take care of, her mother whom she abandoned in the future, and her best friend Callie who is more than likely dead.
I have decided that I don't like Wren and Jess, I am waiting patiently for something to eat them and I am not sure what that says about me as a person. Side characters are good. But I really just hate them. I want more Lara, girl has more sass than Riley, and a mouth...oh her mouth. She reminds me of my best friend from high school sometimes and it just catches me off guard in the best ways.
There was more wolrd-building in this one, which I love to see. we learn more about the Zxalians culture and them as a species in general. At the end we get even more, so I am hoping that the third book really builds on it.
One thing I really love about this book is it sort of touches on the whole...monster/human breeding and the reality of the baby thing. Obviously there is some compatibility because she is indeed pregnant and carrying a baby/sprog, but differences pop up and the uncertainty of it all is talked about. Is she having a baby like a human or is she going to have an egg sac like a Zxalian? Is it going to have more human features? I am super curious to how it all works out.
Overall I do enjoy this series, I am looking forward to finishing the series up and then the spin-off that has been teased for Lara and the brooding Ragorith is going to be fun I think.
OH! And the web bondage? Yes please. Here for it.
I have decided that I don't like Wren and Jess, I am waiting patiently for something to eat them and I am not sure what that says about me as a person. Side characters are good. But I really just hate them. I want more Lara, girl has more sass than Riley, and a mouth...oh her mouth. She reminds me of my best friend from high school sometimes and it just catches me off guard in the best ways.
There was more wolrd-building in this one, which I love to see. we learn more about the Zxalians culture and them as a species in general. At the end we get even more, so I am hoping that the third book really builds on it.
One thing I really love about this book is it sort of touches on the whole...monster/human breeding and the reality of the baby thing. Obviously there is some compatibility because she is indeed pregnant and carrying a baby/sprog, but differences pop up and the uncertainty of it all is talked about. Is she having a baby like a human or is she going to have an egg sac like a Zxalian? Is it going to have more human features? I am super curious to how it all works out.
Overall I do enjoy this series, I am looking forward to finishing the series up and then the spin-off that has been teased for Lara and the brooding Ragorith is going to be fun I think.
OH! And the web bondage? Yes please. Here for it.
December 28, 2022
I highly enjoyed Thawed, almost just as much as I had with Frostbite. Thawed gives you an entirely separate vibe than the first and I was thoroughly into it. Frostbite was all about the setup and the inevitable spicy meet up with the Zxalians. The second book focuses on the complex range of emotions that comes with leaving behind your entire life and being thrust into the unknown. The most prevalent are: Guilt (Riley and Xavier not being able to be their for their mothers; Wren rethinking why she stayed in the Ice Age), Anger (Lara and Ragorith being fated mates against their personal wishes to be otherwise), Fear (the unknowns that come with Riley's pregnancy to a part-human/part-sprog child; that Riley won't be able to find her best friend; the overall fear of trekking and living in the Ice Age ), and Bravery (the new found tribe working together to navigate their new future together). Thankfully Thawed delves you right back into the original storyline, that had left you previously off kilter from the cliffhanger in Frostbite! This newest cliffhanger has me chomping at the bit to get my hands on the third book! I was absolutely obsessed with meeting the other characters and the brewing chemistry and dark emotional turmoil between Ragorith and Lara.
Based solely on personal preference, I wish the overall dialogue didn't have so much "teenage angst". This probably won't bother others since it adds to the intense emotional building vibes Thawed is all about. I would personally love some more spicy scenes. Although the ones we did get were so incredibly delicious and soooo different from those of Frostbite. But as always who am I to judge, I loved this second book and the emotional journey it brought with it! ❤️
Based solely on personal preference, I wish the overall dialogue didn't have so much "teenage angst". This probably won't bother others since it adds to the intense emotional building vibes Thawed is all about. I would personally love some more spicy scenes. Although the ones we did get were so incredibly delicious and soooo different from those of Frostbite. But as always who am I to judge, I loved this second book and the emotional journey it brought with it! ❤️
February 1, 2023
ARC from author - NO spoilers, Adult Fated mates Sci-fi read, Bk2 in Zxalian Mate series, ends on cliffhanger.
CW: Ice spider MMC, size difference, bondage, pregnancy, mild violence, med Spice and profanity.
Book 2 picks up where Frostbite ends and follows in much the same format in being that of a Novella in my opinion and with it shorter scenes, less character development but it does cover a shorter time span so it equals out somewhat.
We do see more of a burgeoning closeness between our MC's, Riley and Xaviar are starting to get to know each other now the initial Lust flare has bloomed and Sprogs are on the way, which helps you to connect to them more.
One side character I will admit I am having trouble with, but maybe the emphasis on Lara and her attitude with Ragorith is a teaser to a possible future project?
Enjoying the additional information about the Zxalian Culture, hierarchy, sexes and the World in general. Helps to visualise the trials our characters are facing, not just emotionally but physically too.
Spice is just right, doesn't flood the book nor is it too heavy.
An entertaining, quick read which ends on a big cliffhanger and I am interested to read the outcome. Still have a healthy fear of spiders in my home though!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
CW: Ice spider MMC, size difference, bondage, pregnancy, mild violence, med Spice and profanity.
Book 2 picks up where Frostbite ends and follows in much the same format in being that of a Novella in my opinion and with it shorter scenes, less character development but it does cover a shorter time span so it equals out somewhat.
We do see more of a burgeoning closeness between our MC's, Riley and Xaviar are starting to get to know each other now the initial Lust flare has bloomed and Sprogs are on the way, which helps you to connect to them more.
One side character I will admit I am having trouble with, but maybe the emphasis on Lara and her attitude with Ragorith is a teaser to a possible future project?
Enjoying the additional information about the Zxalian Culture, hierarchy, sexes and the World in general. Helps to visualise the trials our characters are facing, not just emotionally but physically too.
Spice is just right, doesn't flood the book nor is it too heavy.
An entertaining, quick read which ends on a big cliffhanger and I am interested to read the outcome. Still have a healthy fear of spiders in my home though!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 2, 2023
wow the second book! i have been waiting and it was so good! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
i am going to be honest it has me crying because Riley was trying so hard to keep the group together and even pregnant she was supporting her friends and also thinking about Callie.
That is a lot of pressure for someone but Xaviar was always there for her asking is she was ok and try to make her feel better. Melissa's books are amazingly good! i mean a big spider-Xzalian worshiping the ground where you stand? ufff! what else will i want?! Xavier was so protective over her and i was relief to found out that Riley found callie! ohhh but another Cliffhanger!Thank you again Melissa for another incredible book.
i am going to be honest it has me crying because Riley was trying so hard to keep the group together and even pregnant she was supporting her friends and also thinking about Callie.
That is a lot of pressure for someone but Xaviar was always there for her asking is she was ok and try to make her feel better. Melissa's books are amazingly good! i mean a big spider-Xzalian worshiping the ground where you stand? ufff! what else will i want?! Xavier was so protective over her and i was relief to found out that Riley found callie! ohhh but another Cliffhanger!Thank you again Melissa for another incredible book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
Another good read with our two favorite characters, Riley and Xaviar! This is a good continuation from book 1 but maybe not quite as intense as the 1st one was. I thoroughly enjoyed the spicy, sexy times and the absolute sweetness of Xaviar.
This book was very sweet, romantic, challenging (in a good way of course) and gives us a glimpse of the kind of relationship a Zxalian male gives to his mate. And honestly, I kind of want one of my own! I really liked this book and can't wait for the next one! Definitely a FOUR STAR worthy story here!
This book was very sweet, romantic, challenging (in a good way of course) and gives us a glimpse of the kind of relationship a Zxalian male gives to his mate. And honestly, I kind of want one of my own! I really liked this book and can't wait for the next one! Definitely a FOUR STAR worthy story here!
February 6, 2023
This was another fun and frosty read with the right kind of heat to keep you going ;) Xavier and Riley are deepening their relationship as he deals with his grief for his mother. The other gals are experiencing a fair amount of emotional angst as they acclimate to their new reality. And poor Lara and Ragorith aren't moving forward very well with their mating and it's starting to show. Lol! Suspense, drama, danger, and some steamy romance flow through this story but left us on such a cliffy! I am dying to know what's going to happen next ;D
December 30, 2022
This one went faster than the first, I feel like there should of been more filler between events, it was like one major thing after another with nothing between. I love the story, the characters, an emotions. I just wish there was more ! The cliffhanger though! I'm waiting for the next one!
Highly recommend if your wanting to start into the monster romance but you're kinda hesitant about it all. This series is a good starter for beginners!
Highly recommend if your wanting to start into the monster romance but you're kinda hesitant about it all. This series is a good starter for beginners!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2022
This adventurous second book in the Zxalian Mate series was such a captivating read. Time travel, paranormal smexy time, and some major suspense kept me entranced in the story. I love how Riley is innovative and resourceful, while stubbornly maintaining her own identity, even with her possessive, cinnamon roll mate. It does end on a cliffhanger, and just left me wanting more!
August 9, 2023
Love it!
Can’t wait to read book 3 for the baby to be born, Callie to be rescued, and what’s going to happen to Lara. Hurry! Please release book 3
Can’t wait to read book 3 for the baby to be born, Callie to be rescued, and what’s going to happen to Lara. Hurry! Please release book 3
November 13, 2023
DNF I didn't make it but a few pages. I honestly barely finished the first one. However I was curious and wanted to see if it would get better. Just strange.
August 18, 2024
omg
They found her friend. Apparently she’s a hostage. What kind I’m guessing she’s someone’s mate. She’s about to have the baby and is officially a hunter. I love the progression.
They found her friend. Apparently she’s a hostage. What kind I’m guessing she’s someone’s mate. She’s about to have the baby and is officially a hunter. I love the progression.
December 17, 2022
🖤 ARC REVIEW 🖤
So … book two picks up where book one ends and continues with the adventure of Riley and Xaviar. This book also introduces you to a few more of the characters from book one. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it but I am loving this series what more than I expected to! Thank you @authormelissablincoe for the chance to read an ARC of this book.
🕸️Releases 22nd December 🕷️
So … book two picks up where book one ends and continues with the adventure of Riley and Xaviar. This book also introduces you to a few more of the characters from book one. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it but I am loving this series what more than I expected to! Thank you @authormelissablincoe for the chance to read an ARC of this book.
🕸️Releases 22nd December 🕷️
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