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Monster on Board #3
Darthan
An adoring alien merman has claimed me as his mate.
I’m zipping across the ocean on an outer space jet ski above the mythical Lost City of Antheum when a freakish storm gathers so fast I can't make it to shore. I’m knocked overboard by ten-foot swells and sucked beneath the waves. Terrified and about to take in my last breath, I’m rescued by an alien merman with brilliant teal eyes and shimmering scales covering his muscular body.
Claiming he’s the prince of Antheum, Darthan sweeps me away to an underwater castle where he woos me while swimming through gardens brimming with glowing sea flowers. His seductive kisses and loving words are easy to fall for and lure me closer with each passing moment. I can’t find a single reason to return to the surface.
But his mother, the queen of the underwater world, will do anything to control him, and human-Antheun mating is not only forbidden, it's punishable by death. Dare I risk everything to stay with my alien merman?
Darthan is a standalone monster romance set in the Monster on Board world written by USA TODAY bestselling authors Alana Khan and Ava Ross. Expect steamy hijinks, humor, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
I’m zipping across the ocean on an outer space jet ski above the mythical Lost City of Antheum when a freakish storm gathers so fast I can't make it to shore. I’m knocked overboard by ten-foot swells and sucked beneath the waves. Terrified and about to take in my last breath, I’m rescued by an alien merman with brilliant teal eyes and shimmering scales covering his muscular body.
Claiming he’s the prince of Antheum, Darthan sweeps me away to an underwater castle where he woos me while swimming through gardens brimming with glowing sea flowers. His seductive kisses and loving words are easy to fall for and lure me closer with each passing moment. I can’t find a single reason to return to the surface.
But his mother, the queen of the underwater world, will do anything to control him, and human-Antheun mating is not only forbidden, it's punishable by death. Dare I risk everything to stay with my alien merman?
Darthan is a standalone monster romance set in the Monster on Board world written by USA TODAY bestselling authors Alana Khan and Ava Ross. Expect steamy hijinks, humor, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2023
121 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Ava Ross
163 books763 followersAVA ROSS fell for men with unusual features when she first watched Star Wars, where alien creatures have gone mainstream. She lives in New England with her husband (who is sadly not an alien, though he is still cute in his own way), her kids, and assorted pets, including a yorkie pup and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 9, 2023
second hand embarrassment
Painfully cringy. I cannot believe I finished it. I was actually embarrassed reading this book. The writing was childish and the story was weak and predictable. Truly hated it.
Painfully cringy. I cannot believe I finished it. I was actually embarrassed reading this book. The writing was childish and the story was weak and predictable. Truly hated it.
June 10, 2024
I've loved this series from the beginning and so sad to know I only have one book left! Another quick and easy read by Ava Ross and Alana Khan! ❤️🔥
March 27, 2023
While on the trip of her dreams, Adria goes on a hunt for a lost city and its treasure. She's heard of the story since childhood so it was a must that she do it. After a sudden storm, she wakes up to what she's positive has to be a dream!
Darthan hates when the visitors come but when he sees a female underwater in a sudden storm, he's compelled to save her. When the "air kiss" he gives her ignites a fire in them both he knows he can't let her go.
Neither of them can deny the passion between them even as danger comes for them. Can the fate of what's meant to be protect them?
This one has its ups and downs, a controlling Queen and prejudice born of the past and fear of the unknown but ends in a HEA.
Nice short read and yes I recommend it.
Darthan hates when the visitors come but when he sees a female underwater in a sudden storm, he's compelled to save her. When the "air kiss" he gives her ignites a fire in them both he knows he can't let her go.
Neither of them can deny the passion between them even as danger comes for them. Can the fate of what's meant to be protect them?
This one has its ups and downs, a controlling Queen and prejudice born of the past and fear of the unknown but ends in a HEA.
Nice short read and yes I recommend it.
March 8, 2025
This book is part of a series of interconnected standalones. It can, however, be read as a standalone.
I loved this story! ❤️ Ava and Alana did it again! They're making me want to go on a trip aboard the Jewelled Empress 😉
Adria and Darthan are so sweet together! They fit perfectly, like 2 puzzle pieces. I love the fated mates trope, so I'm obviously a big fan of this book... I really liked the twist at the end, and I absolutely did not see it coming!
Overall, I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good alien romance! You won't be disappointed!
I loved this story! ❤️ Ava and Alana did it again! They're making me want to go on a trip aboard the Jewelled Empress 😉
Adria and Darthan are so sweet together! They fit perfectly, like 2 puzzle pieces. I love the fated mates trope, so I'm obviously a big fan of this book... I really liked the twist at the end, and I absolutely did not see it coming!
Overall, I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good alien romance! You won't be disappointed!
May 5, 2023
🌊 “Are you trying to seduce me?”
~~~
Adria is such an amazing woman! I really loved her adventurous and feisty spirit! Even more, I loved that she was kind, compassionate, brave and never hesitated to stand up for herself. I loved her so, so much!
And Darthan, Prince of Antheum, is such a wonderful male! He’s protective, fierce and irresistibly charming. And I loved his determination to fight for his happiness, even if it meant renouncing his heritage. I really liked this smoking-hot merman Prince!
I loved everything that happened between Adria and Darthan! Adria is on the cruise of her dreams when an unexpected storm throws her into the sea, where she’s rescued by a gorgeous merman. Darthan and Adria were attracted to each other from the moment they met. But her being human complicated things. Nevertheless, I loved their chemistry and I really enjoyed the time they spent together getting to know one another and exploring the undersea wonders of the planet. And when they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, the passionate moments they shared were so hot and I enjoyed every second of them! Ohhh, the merman Prince has quite the extras and knows how to use them! But Adria and Darthan have quite a lot to overcome in the face of the controlling Queen and the prejudice of the people of Antheum towards outsiders. But Fate is never wrong and those two were so perfect for each other and more than deserved to find happiness and a forever love with each other.
In addition, the storyline was spectacular! I loved that we got to discover the hidden treasures of Balara, see myths turn into reality and go on an adventure filled with both awe and dangers. The people of Antheum don’t take kindly to outsiders but that might change because there might be more to Adria than anyone, even her, expects.
Overall, the story is another fantastic addition to the series! It’s filled with adventure, danger, suspense, twists, smoking-hot passion and wonderful characters.
I loved it and I cannot wait to see where the Jewelled Empress will take us next!
~~~
Adria is such an amazing woman! I really loved her adventurous and feisty spirit! Even more, I loved that she was kind, compassionate, brave and never hesitated to stand up for herself. I loved her so, so much!
And Darthan, Prince of Antheum, is such a wonderful male! He’s protective, fierce and irresistibly charming. And I loved his determination to fight for his happiness, even if it meant renouncing his heritage. I really liked this smoking-hot merman Prince!
I loved everything that happened between Adria and Darthan! Adria is on the cruise of her dreams when an unexpected storm throws her into the sea, where she’s rescued by a gorgeous merman. Darthan and Adria were attracted to each other from the moment they met. But her being human complicated things. Nevertheless, I loved their chemistry and I really enjoyed the time they spent together getting to know one another and exploring the undersea wonders of the planet. And when they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, the passionate moments they shared were so hot and I enjoyed every second of them! Ohhh, the merman Prince has quite the extras and knows how to use them! But Adria and Darthan have quite a lot to overcome in the face of the controlling Queen and the prejudice of the people of Antheum towards outsiders. But Fate is never wrong and those two were so perfect for each other and more than deserved to find happiness and a forever love with each other.
In addition, the storyline was spectacular! I loved that we got to discover the hidden treasures of Balara, see myths turn into reality and go on an adventure filled with both awe and dangers. The people of Antheum don’t take kindly to outsiders but that might change because there might be more to Adria than anyone, even her, expects.
Overall, the story is another fantastic addition to the series! It’s filled with adventure, danger, suspense, twists, smoking-hot passion and wonderful characters.
I loved it and I cannot wait to see where the Jewelled Empress will take us next!
April 29, 2023
This is the third book in the “Monster on Board” series and it was really a fascinating book to read. The plot is enthralling and has an extremely intriguing storyline, making sure that the reader’s attention is firmly kept until the last page has been turned. The characters (a rather adventurous human female, Adria) & (an alien male merman prince, Dartman) face a lot of resistance towards their relationship but only causes them to become an emotional strong couple who love each other. The secondary characters play good supporting roles.
It is about: a human female (Adria) goes to another planet (Balara) to hunt for the lost city of Antheum but things don’t go exactly according to her plans when a unexpected storm knocks her off her hovercraft, she is rescued by a merman prince (Dartman) and is taken to his Grandmothers castle beneath the waters and they become emotionally involved with each other but his mother who happens to be the queen of Antheun has some appalling plans in store for her son & his human female
There is action, adventure, amazing twists & turns, aliens, humans, humor, evermore mates, suspense, drama, intrigue, prejudices, danger, threats, protectiveness, surprises, compromises, contentment, love, steamy scenes & a hard-earned satisfying conclusion for this couple. I would recommend this book (and the other books in “Monster on Board” series as each of these books are standalone & can be read individually while being part of the series)
It is about: a human female (Adria) goes to another planet (Balara) to hunt for the lost city of Antheum but things don’t go exactly according to her plans when a unexpected storm knocks her off her hovercraft, she is rescued by a merman prince (Dartman) and is taken to his Grandmothers castle beneath the waters and they become emotionally involved with each other but his mother who happens to be the queen of Antheun has some appalling plans in store for her son & his human female
There is action, adventure, amazing twists & turns, aliens, humans, humor, evermore mates, suspense, drama, intrigue, prejudices, danger, threats, protectiveness, surprises, compromises, contentment, love, steamy scenes & a hard-earned satisfying conclusion for this couple. I would recommend this book (and the other books in “Monster on Board” series as each of these books are standalone & can be read individually while being part of the series)
May 30, 2023
Loved it
Adria has always been drawn to the sea and especially fascinated by the tales of a city lost to the ocean on a far away planet. So when she books a cruise that will allow her to take an excursion on that very planet she can’t wait! Only a sudden storm sees her jet ski swamped by massive waves and her sinking to the depths of an alien ocean. Darthan doesn’t know why he went to rescue the forbidden Human when he saw her go down. But as soon as he has her In his arms he knows she is his destined mate. He takes her to the abandoned estate of his late grandmother where after only A Couple of days they’ve bonded deeply and Adria is ready to stay with him. The only problem is his people have very strict rules about outsiders. They must be killed on site to protect their secret civilization and its abundant riches. Darthan is hopeful his mother, the queen, will recognize the rare mate bond he and Adria has formed and allow her to stay. But the number of stern faced guards that rush to greet them as the approach the city has him wishing he’d fled with Adria instead!
Adria has always been drawn to the sea and especially fascinated by the tales of a city lost to the ocean on a far away planet. So when she books a cruise that will allow her to take an excursion on that very planet she can’t wait! Only a sudden storm sees her jet ski swamped by massive waves and her sinking to the depths of an alien ocean. Darthan doesn’t know why he went to rescue the forbidden Human when he saw her go down. But as soon as he has her In his arms he knows she is his destined mate. He takes her to the abandoned estate of his late grandmother where after only A Couple of days they’ve bonded deeply and Adria is ready to stay with him. The only problem is his people have very strict rules about outsiders. They must be killed on site to protect their secret civilization and its abundant riches. Darthan is hopeful his mother, the queen, will recognize the rare mate bond he and Adria has formed and allow her to stay. But the number of stern faced guards that rush to greet them as the approach the city has him wishing he’d fled with Adria instead!
May 14, 2023
Adria is enjoying herself on a water planet when the unthinkable happens and she ends up overboard. She is rescued by a beautiful blue merman. Darthan is captivated by Adria but his culture more than frowns upon an Antheum-Human relationships. I loved how you get to be there, along for the ride as it where with them as they discover each other and also the amazing world that they are on. Adria is just a joy. Her spirit was endearing along with her sense of adventure. Darthan was charming, protective and the choices that he was prepared to make for Adria set him apart.
Ava Ross and Alana Khan, without doubt, two of my absolute favourite authors and for very good reason. The way that the story just wraps around you and pulls you in. Those wonderful characters and all the world-building that is seamlessly melded together.
Ava Ross and Alana Khan, without doubt, two of my absolute favourite authors and for very good reason. The way that the story just wraps around you and pulls you in. Those wonderful characters and all the world-building that is seamlessly melded together.
May 29, 2023
Another cute, quick read by Ava Ross and Alana Khan! Adria is on the trip of a lifetime. She has been dreaming of this trip her whole life. Her trip quickly takes a turn when she is knocked off her craft and saved by Darthan. Darthan and Adria's path to happiness is not easy. Standing in their way is Darthan's mother, the Queen, and the prejudice the people of Antheum have towards outsiders. As Adria and Darthan learn more about each other, they will have to fight for their love. Will the couple succeed or are their worlds too different? This book has been my favorite so far in the series! I loved reading about the history of Antheum through Adria's and Darthan's eyes. If you are looking for a book that has romance, danger, and adventure, then this is the book for you. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!
July 5, 2023
Hmmm, yeah, I don't know. This one was a little boring on the romance front.
The whole "ancient myth is real aspect" was pretty cool but it required ignoring some obvious questions like "how is this myth even known in the first place?" and "how is space-faring level of technology unable to detect a sentient species and entire city below the sea?" Granted, it sounded like the city was small - it was said to be only hundreds of people.
I wasn't too pleased with the ending since the rampant xenophobia was still very much real.
There were a number of times when things were referenced as if a character had been given information - even though they hadn't. Like a conversation never happened, they didn't mention being told or learning about it, they just suddenly "knew" the knowledge or claimed a conversation happened that didn't, at least not on the page. It was a little confusing and would bring me out of the story every time.
The whole "ancient myth is real aspect" was pretty cool but it required ignoring some obvious questions like "how is this myth even known in the first place?" and "how is space-faring level of technology unable to detect a sentient species and entire city below the sea?" Granted, it sounded like the city was small - it was said to be only hundreds of people.
I wasn't too pleased with the ending since the rampant xenophobia was still very much real.
There were a number of times when things were referenced as if a character had been given information - even though they hadn't. Like a conversation never happened, they didn't mention being told or learning about it, they just suddenly "knew" the knowledge or claimed a conversation happened that didn't, at least not on the page. It was a little confusing and would bring me out of the story every time.
April 29, 2023
Adria is on vacation to see if she can find the lost city under water. Legand has it there is treasure and wonderous people. Can she find it? When the hoover craft she is on goes haywire. She is thrown off and is unconscious and could die. Alias, someone or soemthing sees her, can he get to her in time?
But, when Darthan saves he he instantly knows there is something about this female he is atteacted to. Yet, can a human and merman live together? Will his kind understand this??? Ooh the obstacles.. love this sci-fi romance. I wish the lost coty of Atlantis is real and mer-people were real too.
But, when Darthan saves he he instantly knows there is something about this female he is atteacted to. Yet, can a human and merman live together? Will his kind understand this??? Ooh the obstacles.. love this sci-fi romance. I wish the lost coty of Atlantis is real and mer-people were real too.
July 14, 2023
I adore adventures, romance, and mystery. When I saw this book and read what it was about, I had to get it. Adria, the FMC, was going on an adventure to 'see' the Lost City of Antheum. She happily starts on her tour, enjoying the breeze and that is when things go haywire. The storm that comes from out of nowhere eventually transports her to an underwater world where she spends time with Darthan, the MMC. Oh Darthan really falls for Adria and together they have to fight to be together. I loved to see their transformation of them as a couple and how they dealt with each bump in the road they came to. If you like sweet heat and an exciting new world then you will adore this one too!
March 31, 2023
Darthan seems to have a curiosity about the air/earth world. Living underwater his whole life knowing they have to stay hidden makes one curious about other things. He is to be the future king of his people. He was raised for it and knows he will be king one day. His mother is another story.
Adria is an orphan that has a massive curiosity for the water world. She uses her whole savings to take a cruise to find the lost City of Antheum. Only to get caught in a storm and rescued by a merman. Things heat up from them. The life saving kiss of his people seals their fates
Adria is an orphan that has a massive curiosity for the water world. She uses her whole savings to take a cruise to find the lost City of Antheum. Only to get caught in a storm and rescued by a merman. Things heat up from them. The life saving kiss of his people seals their fates
April 9, 2023
This one had a surprise right at the beginning. A Merman...who can change! The surprises just kept on coming with this one. This one wasn't quite as appealing to me as the others (but then, The Little Mermaid isn't my jam either), but it's still a fun and romantic little read. Definitely worth the price of admission and we always have a happily ever after that we all crave. New and fun twists to what could have been a retelling of the same old story. Kudos to the authors for making the surprises fun and worth waiting for.
May 9, 2023
This is another fab addition to the series and I, again, loved the world building and characters in it. The authors sucked me in with the unique way Adria and Darthan met, but also all the prejudice and family drama they had to deal with. Adding this into the fact the story is based around the myth of a lost city, well, count me in ;D Expect a fantastic read filled with adventure, danger, suspense, twists and steamy romance to take you on a wild reading ride. I'm really enjoying each of these new stand-alone stories and can't wait for more to come :D
May 16, 2023
"That big, merman jerk locked me in!"
Adria is on a bucket list trip, complete with a shore excursion to look for an Alien planet's equivalent to Atlantis -- equally mythical, equally fascinating.
Darthan doesn't understand these tourists. Normally he avoids them, but when he sees one caught up in a storm he rushes to her aid... and finds them both facing the consequences.
This done in one quick read is a delightful story about trust, leadership, relationships, and both the struggle to fit in and belong, and feeling like an outsider.
Adria is on a bucket list trip, complete with a shore excursion to look for an Alien planet's equivalent to Atlantis -- equally mythical, equally fascinating.
Darthan doesn't understand these tourists. Normally he avoids them, but when he sees one caught up in a storm he rushes to her aid... and finds them both facing the consequences.
This done in one quick read is a delightful story about trust, leadership, relationships, and both the struggle to fit in and belong, and feeling like an outsider.
May 16, 2023
A Cruise Gone Wrong!!
Adria was raised in multiple foster homes. She had always enjoyed the water, and saved for a trip to the planet Balara, and the supposed location of the Lost City of Antheum. A storm throws her from her vehicle, where Darthan, Prince of Antheum finds and rescues her.
She is his evermore mate, but humans are to be put to death to keep the secret of Antheum. Quite the challenge. An enjoyable read.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Adria was raised in multiple foster homes. She had always enjoyed the water, and saved for a trip to the planet Balara, and the supposed location of the Lost City of Antheum. A storm throws her from her vehicle, where Darthan, Prince of Antheum finds and rescues her.
She is his evermore mate, but humans are to be put to death to keep the secret of Antheum. Quite the challenge. An enjoyable read.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
May 31, 2023
I thought this was absolutely amazing. A Merman, for goodness sake, plus a prince to boot too. Darthan's compassion and bravery were intense. His immediate connection to Adria was so powerful and sexy. Phew. The underwater scenes and his world were so descriptive that I felt like I was under the sea with them, too. Unfortunately for me, though, I couldn't relate to him breathing for her.
He was prepared to forgo his whole existence in life for the woman he loved. Going against his queen, his mother for his forevermore. Wow. Such a brilliant read.
He was prepared to forgo his whole existence in life for the woman he loved. Going against his queen, his mother for his forevermore. Wow. Such a brilliant read.
May 8, 2023
Darthan seems to have a curiosity about the air/earth world. Living underwater his whole life knowing they have to stay hidden makes one curious about other things. He is to be the future king of his people. He was raised for it and knows he will be king one day. His mother is another story. Adria is an orphan that has a massive curiosity for the water world. She uses her whole savings to take a cruise to find the lost City of Antheum. Only to get caught in a storm and rescued by a merman. Things heat up from them. The life saving kiss of his people seals their fates
May 9, 2023
What an awesome book. I love the ocean so much but ended up living in a desert. This book was fantastic. Imagine loving the ocean so much and taking a cruise to a world populated by ocean dwelling people. This book takes you to the wonderful underwater world of Antheum where a once in a lifetime true love is found. This book has so much romance, a small amount of danger, but the most romantic story I have read in a long time. Best of all, it has a truly beautiful HEA.
May 9, 2023
What an awesome book. I love the ocean so much but ended up living in a desert. This book was fantastic. Imagine loving the ocean so much and taking a cruise to a world populated by ocean dwelling people. This book takes you to the wonderful underwater world of Antheum where a once in a lifetime true love is found. This book has so much romance, a small amount of danger, but the most romantic story I have read in a long time. Best of all, it has a truly beautiful HEA.
April 27, 2023
Darthan by Ava Ross and Alana Khan is another fun, easy read in their Monsters on Board series. Darthan, a merman, rescues Adria while swimming on vacation. The two easily fall for each other, but not everyone in Darthan’s world is accepting of this. There are wonderful twists and turns to this HEA with a little surprise at the end. I highly recommend!
August 19, 2023
love
So, without reading the blurb and diving head first into this tale, I thought it was a Naha story, going by the cover, but I was happily deceived. Inside I found a tale of underwater love. A reverse little mermaid story, so to speak, that is just as good as the two stories prior.
So, without reading the blurb and diving head first into this tale, I thought it was a Naha story, going by the cover, but I was happily deceived. Inside I found a tale of underwater love. A reverse little mermaid story, so to speak, that is just as good as the two stories prior.
December 15, 2023
Adria is on the vacation of her dreams when a storm sucks her under the water and she is saved by a merman named Darthan. She can't help being attracted to Darthan but she is a human who can't breath under water. There's lots of action, steamy romance and her possible death? Fate had a hand in Adria finding her mate and family.
April 23, 2024
The third story in the Monster on Board, so far I would say this was my favorite of the series to date. Adria when she is swept into the ocean by a storm is rescued by Darthan the prince of Antheum. Adria has a secret even she does not know about. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending with all the twists and turns and surprises that happened. I will be reading Jarrn's story tonight.
March 20, 2023
This is the 3rd in the Monster on Board series. You don't need to read in any specific order as they are all standalone. This have been my favorite of the three so far. It's an insta-love, with low angst and is a quick fun read. Can't wait for the next one.
April 17, 2023
Filled with wonder and intrigue, Darthan will keep the reader's interest and the pages turning. A mythical lost city, a handsome merman and the possibility of a forever love.....what's not to love about the story?
April 25, 2023
What a different tale - a merman rescues a human that is visiting a distant planet. Twists and turns abound as the main characters work through issues so that they can achieve their happily ever after. Sweet read with great characters.
April 26, 2023
I absolutely loved Darthan's and Adrian's romance. A whirlwind that kept me entertained and turning the pages until the end. My favorite part was how this book did not go as I expected..... that ending with who she was....
April 28, 2023
The two main characters meet in the most unusual place and the attraction starts there. It’s not all smooth sailing though as there are hard emotional decisions to make and extreme prejudices to overcome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews