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Mate-Cute #2

Diving in With Alioth: A Fated Mate Alien Romance

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She’s ready to find the one, and he already knows it’s him. Diving in With Alioth

One grumpy alien male with a fountain meant to flow only for his human mate

PLUS

One bubbly human female who’s determined to make her next decade count

EQUALS

A mate-cute, a dash of age-gap, and a finally-ever-after.

*** Diving in With Alioth is the second book in the Mate-Cute Series. With low stakes, out-of-this-world spice, and a dash of humor, this adult alien romance is perfect for those looking for a flutter-worthy love story where finding your fated alien mate is only a happenstance spa visit away.

***

The Mate-Cute Series is a series of interconnected, standalone novellas. They can be read in any order.


***Ratings and content information for all of my works can be found on my website.

137 pages, Paperback

Published October 27, 2025

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About the author

Meghan Monarch

8 books49 followers
Meghan Monarch is a romance author writing flutter-worthy love stories in various romance sub-genres. She loves athleisure wear, movie theaters, dancing, obsessing over her favorite fandoms, loud music, and even louder laughter.

She writes from her Michigan home, where she lives with her dog, Finnick—a super cool standard poodle with a colored mohawk.

When she's not writing, she's reading, working out, relaxing, or going out on solo dates and spending time with her favorite people.

Check out her website and follow her on social media to stay notified of news and updates!

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/authormeghanmonarch

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5 stars
51 (48%)
4 stars
32 (30%)
3 stars
11 (10%)
2 stars
8 (7%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for MaKenna.
237 reviews6 followers
December 3, 2025
A fantastic follow-up to Rooting for Kiran! I had the privilege of reading this one early and it was fantastic. It had the same whimsy and humor from the first one, while still feeling unique and it's own book. This is book 2 in an interconnected standalone series. Very spicy, very hot, and as you can tell from the cover so is the alien. I love how the author has spicy moments but even though it's a novella its not the whole book! The storyline between these two was so sweet. I absolutely am locked into this series and cannot wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Bex.
53 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2025
I received an ARC copy for my honest opinion

I must say these novellas just get better and better.

I'm in love with the main characters so much.
Didn't read Rooting for Kiran first no problem!! Even though it's set afterwards there's no need!!
DIVE IN NOW and fall in love with this spicy alien romance novella NOW.
Profile Image for Shreya.
156 reviews10 followers
October 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐

TROPES
💙Alien x Human
💙Later-in-Life Romance
💙Insta Love
💙Novella
💙Grumpy/Sunshine
💙Age-Gap
💙Tentacle Play

--💟💟--

DIVING IN WITH ALIOTH is a spicy, cozy novella and a second in the standalone Mate-Cute series that follows the love story of Wren, a hairstylist who's just celebrated her thirtieth birthday, and Alioth, a spa owner who discovers his mate in Wren.

I probably skipped the part where Meghan Monarch said this was a novella because we went from 0-50 FAST, but I'm not complaining 😂I loved Alioth - he was such a sweetheart who was so worried about Wren discovering that they were mates and denying their relationship! I was expecting him to have more of a language barrier with Wren since, well, he's an alien, but I loved that they were able to communicate from the get-go, and Alioth's undeniable chemistry with Wren was soooo hot to read about!

I'll admit, it took me a while to like Wren. While I loved how bubbly and unapologetically herself that she was, I kind of felt that she was immature and her 'sunshine' character came off as irritating sometimes, especially when she kept going on about the phallic water-fountain on Alioth's desk. But as the chapters went on, I felt more connected to Wren's spirit and her courage to try being in the water again. She wasn't afraid of Alioth's alien heritage and embraced every part of him!

As for the spice?? Oohh boy 🥵🥵Meghan Monarch SPOILED us with the number of spicy scenes, but my favorite had to be the second time they were in the pool. I kind of wish we got more tentacle play with Alioth (honestly I forgot he had tentacles, it wasn't really mentioned in the beginning). The way our alien would stop at NOTHING to please Wren, even at the cost of his own poor blue balls, was sweet and truly a testament to Alioth's character!

I will note that Kiran, who I believe is the MMC of the previous book in the series, is repeatedly mentioned as "Thea's alien boyfriend", when I think by the third time that he's mentioned, it's fine to just say "Kiran" or "Thea's boyfriend". Saying alien felt unnecessary at that point.

I LOVED the epilogue! Seeing Wren and Alioth allude to a family of their own, and poor Alioth being confused about what I will fight for as the cutest species on the planet was an adorable scene! Hats off to Meghan Monarch! She's made a lifelong fan out of me!

Looking for more of my reviews? Want to contact me? Check out my blog! Shreya Reads, Reviews, and Writes
Profile Image for kymagirl.
7,597 reviews88 followers
October 18, 2025
His fountain exploded first. She was next.

Wren doesn’t do water. Not pools, not tubs, not even splash zones. But turning thirty means facing fears, and a Dyv’i spa sounds like a good place to pretend she’s brave. She doesn’t expect Alioth, the grumpy, gorgeous alien spa owner who makes her feel safer in water than she ever has on dry land. Also unexpected? The ancient fountain in the lobby, Freddie, suddenly spraying to life the moment she walks in.

Alioth’s kept his distance for years, waiting for the one who could activate his Freddie. Now that he’s found her, he’s careful not to scare her off. Wren is human, anxious, and very much not ready to hear she’s his fated mate. He takes it slow, teaching her to swim, offering support, and totally failing to hide how badly he wants her.

Their heat builds through late-night lessons, teasing haircuts, and steamy moments that take them by surprise. When trust is tested and emotions run deep, Wren has to decide if she’s ready for a love that feels nothing like fear. And Alioth has to prove that he’ll never stop showing up for her, even when things get messy.

Wren goes from guarded and scared to brave enough to ask for what she wants. Alioth opens up in ways he never thought he could. Together, they move from hesitant touches to real trust, from awkward beginnings to building something that feels like home. Along the way, there’s one ancient fountain, one ridiculous nickname, and one very stubborn rescue pup named Stub.

A steamy, grumpy sunshine, fated mates, alien–human romance with size difference, found family, and healing through intimacy, blending adventurous erotica with heart. It dives into fear, trust, identity, and what it means to feel truly safe with someone who sees all of you. From swim lessons to dog bowls, it's about love that shows up, connection that heals, and a bond that’s as weird and wonderful as the ones who share it.

The Elevator Pitch: A grumpy alien meets his fated mate when a water-shy human walks into his spa and accidentally triggers a very reactive fountain. What follows is a steamy, heartfelt spiral into late-night swim lessons, emotional unraveling, and unexpected tenderness. With glowing tattoos, misplaced tentacles, and one very opinionated rescue pup, their bond turns chaos into something that feels a lot like home.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,475 reviews55 followers
November 4, 2025
'Great… The most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen just happens to stroll in and get drenched by what she can obviously tell is a phallus-shaped fountain. I probably look like a freak, having something like that in the welcome area of my spa, perched directly atop my desk.'

I enjoyed this book. It was a cute read. I'd liked the first book in this series, but I liked this one even more. I loved both Wren and Alioth- especially her cheerful personality. Thea from the first book got a plant; Wren got a certain-shaped fountain that immediately shot water in her face (thus alerting Alioth that she was his mate). This was a cute first meeting- and definitely unique. She's afraid of water, so for her thirtieth birthday is trying to fight that fear, and needs a little help. The attraction between them is immediate, but could there be more between them?

'How, in the name of galaxies, have I been destined for a mate who is terrified of the very element I’m connected to?
This can’t work. I mean, how could it?
I’m in love with the thing she fears most…'

I also love the cover! 4 stars
Profile Image for Mara Heath.
Author 2 books17 followers
October 26, 2025
Good gravy, Meghan's Mate Cute novellas are fun! If you've read Rooting For Kiran, then you know what you're getting into with Diving in with Alioth: a quick and verrrry dirty fated-mates romance between a human woman and an alien designed exactly "for her pleasure." Ever wondered what you could do with suction cups in the bedroom? Well wonder no more.

Alioth is a bit older, which I find refreshing, and definitely the grumpy to Wren's sunshine. We worry at first that maybe he's not the right guy for our bubbly, chipper, brazen FMC. But Alioth proves his worth--in the pool, in the car, in the hair stylist's chair. And under his gruff exterior, he's a gem. Patient, encouraging, and determined to show Wren that she's meant for him.

Under all the spice and the chaos of exploding fountains, Diving in with Alioth is a satisfying, sweet love story about a girl and her hot, blue, water alien. So don't be afraid of the water. Dive in!
Profile Image for xmanicpixiebookgirlx.
212 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2025
Meghan Monarch is an incredible writer. Wren and Alioth are such lovable characters and they pull you right in. The plot is incredible! I mean who doesn’t want a sexy space water daddy 😉 The concept is so unique. I love the aliens coexistence with humans and the way they all set up shops specifically to cater their specialties and to attract their mate.

I really connected to Wren. As a fellow hairstylist, I really enjoyed the inclusivity of her salon and “the salon scene” 😅 I loved her mentality about making the next decade count and wanting to make herself better for herself and no one else. Her character growth was fun to read.

Alioth is such a fun character! I loved his broodiness and his grumpy demeanor towards having a mate that was scared of water. Their banter and the procession of their relationship is incredibly written and entertaining.

The Mate-Cute series is a must read for all alien romance lovers!
Profile Image for Heather.
27 reviews
October 14, 2025
Thank you Booksprout and Meghan Monarch for the ARC!

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with this... but my god, where can I get my own water-alien daddy?! Apparently I'm weak for alien men, what can I say?

I honestly loved Wren, she was so fun and relatable without being annoying (I too an terrified of the water and swimming sound like a horrifying time!)
Alioth? Adored him! I love his clueless alien man moments (like googling what a banana hammock is) Despite being a water based alien, I loved how he accepted Wren's fear of water and doesn't want to push her into getting over it.

Overall, this was wholesome and spicy. The pacing was well done. I didn't find any editing mistakes or grammatical errors.
Extra extra praise for not having a 3rd act breakup! We love that!
Profile Image for Gleeful Goblin Reviews.
694 reviews20 followers
December 9, 2025
Gleeful Goblin Review: I love that the setup of this story is that our FMC has a huge fear around deep water/being under water and ends up falling for an aquatic alien! Talk about not just facing but overcoming your fears in creative ways. I also find it charming that in each of the books there's an item from home for the MMCs that is **ahem** personally significant that our FMCs interact with in hilariously embarrassing ways. As someone who is pretty awkward and oblivious in person, especially when it comes to someone I'm interested in....this series speaks to me. I love that such a big part of these two getting together is focused on building trust in a variety of ways. This is an unbelievably sweet and steamy story that is as rejuvenating as a trip to the spa! 5/5 Stars
Profile Image for Blair.
267 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2026
Okay. I love when best friend characters get a book. It makes me all tingly and warm inside knowing they will get their HEA. I am SO glad that Meghan Monarch delivered.

Wren is adorable. She knows exactly what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. And when she goes into Alioth's shop to try and conquer her fear of water, I kneeewwwww we were going to get something amazing right away with the fountain.

Alioth's calm demeanor and constant reminders that 40 is NOT old (she yells into the void knowing she is turning 40 soon) gave me life. And that my dude has... some accessories when he turns into his true form. Aliens come down and take over now. We're not doing great here on our own, sooooo....
3,395 reviews33 followers
October 10, 2025
This novella is dual POV, well written and edited, and a steamy, fated mates, sci fi erotic romantic comedy novella between Wren, the female human lead attempting to overcome her fear of swimming, and Alioth, the male water-based alien who knows she’s his fated mate. I chuckled at the banter and interactions between Alioth and Wren. I enjoyed Wren’s brashness and her initiative. I enjoyed Alioth’s grumpy presence balanced by his sweet personality. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes and Alioth’s extras. I adored the epilogue and the relationship.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,895 reviews74 followers
October 28, 2025
This is another fun, funny and very spicy read between a human gal and an alien that is designed exactly for her pleasure ;P Alioth is shocked when he realizes his mate, Wren, is terrified of water, and he's from a water world. With the comedic fun of exploding fountains, I got a kick out of following these two to their HEA. Alioth was quite the grumpy gus, resisting the mate connection due to her fear of swimming, and Wren was all things sunshine, until the terror hit. Lol! He was so patient with her! This was an entertaining, sweet and steamy read and a fab addition to the series. Can't wait for the next book ;D
Profile Image for Rachel Reads.
58 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2025
** ARC REVIEW **

What’s a girl to do when she’s terrified of the water but her fated mate is a water element alien? Take private swim lessons with him obviously 😉

Wren barters swim lessons for haircuts, and soon discovers that the water has a lot more to offer her than just panic about going under.

Alioth and Wren make such a cute grumpy and sunshine couple. Despite their intial challenge in overcoming Wren’s fears of water. The two of them come together for some very cute, very spicy moments.

I recommend this mate cute novella for anyone looking to splash into a low-angst alien romance with a lovable grump and the bubbly human who brings him out of his shell.
Profile Image for Iluvbks.
691 reviews6 followers
November 17, 2025
Book 2 did not disappoint. This short quick read was full of hot bedroom scenes and swimming lessons. She was very brave to go to a spa to float in a tub when she was so afraid of water. Taking on her fear lead to her finding her mate. The water fountain was perfect for this alien and his way of finding his mate. Book 1 used a plant so I wonder what the next book(s) will feature. There is no big drama or lots of background or history on thw characters. No instant love but instant lust yes!! A fun quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jess Spain.
43 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2025
So happy I got my hands on this story just like the first book in the series this one does NOT disappoint. It's cute, sexy, and hilarious. I was so excited to find out how grumpy Alioth was. I love a good grumpy MC and then to find out he's also a little older 😩🤌 heck yeah girl get that grumpy water daddy! I don't want to spoil anything for you guys but this is a great read and when y'all get to the haircut scene LET ME TELL YOU....it's so worth it. once again another great read from our beautiful Meghan Monarch thanks queen!!!
Profile Image for Lili .
231 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2025
This was funny as hell and I want a Freddie now!!
Who's Freddie?
Glad you asked, Freddie is a special water fountain. He's Alioth’s (our MMC) peen-shaped water fountain, but wait it gets better. It will only actually start to flow when Alioth finds his mate.

Cue meeting Wren(our FMC)! Omg she's so sweet, chaotic, and open to love. She's in for a treat when she goes to Spa’wa ( Alioth’s Spa) and gets splashed by Freddie!

Alioth and Wren are in for a fun ride and I loved reading about it! This is definitely a unique spin on fated mates and I can't wait to read more of this series!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
215 reviews
October 29, 2025
Happy to continue this series. It was nice to see another character in this universe, the connections ... and their meetcute with questionably shaped objects involved. I enjoyed that the miscommunication didn't last too long, as in the first one, and they just get to be happy with each other. It was steamy and sweet, but it didn't hit as hard as the first one for me, even if I still enjoyed reading this one very much. Guess I'm not that much into water.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kaitlin Wiley.
9 reviews14 followers
November 3, 2025
WATER DADDY

Do I need to even say anything? I think this cover speaks for itself in my opinion. This book is hot 🔥 I want an alien invasion to happen and for me to find my own swxy hot alien mate 😭 i thought Kiran was my favorite but Alioth takes the cake. I can't wait for the 3rd book in this series. If you love smut, romance and sexy grumpy aliens. Then this book is for YOU. Even if you haven't "dived" 😉 into alien smut before then give this series a try you have nothing to lose!
15 reviews
December 4, 2025
Cute and SPICY!!!

This is the PERFECT book to read between soul crushing epic fantasies. An older (man... how is 30s old! But I digress...) couple with good communication who know what they want? CHECK ✔️ Tons of hot, alien, tentacled sex? CHECK ✔️ A fourth wall break? Almost! 😆 I find it very amusing that many book heroines now a days low key sense they're in a romance novel. It keeps everything light and fresh. Recommending this book to anyone needing a hot water daddy to call you "good girl" while you ride him.
Profile Image for Sydnee Walsh.
1,388 reviews33 followers
October 11, 2025
Alioth is a water 💦 alien 👽 and his mate just happens to be terrified of water 💦. Went takes her 30th birthday 🎂 by storm and takes an appointment to try and overcome her fear of water by going to the alien water 💧 baths 🛀🏻.
The hot alien behind the counter makes her confidence level rise. That is until a peen shaped fountain ⛲️ exploded in her face. That is the beginning of the end for these two lol.
Profile Image for Selena.
63 reviews4 followers
October 19, 2025
ARC Review:

This was such a cute story and I’m a sucker(see what I did there 😉) for alien romances. This is a fast paced Mate-cute story about Alioth and Wren. Alioth is a grumpy Spa owner and Wren is a bubbly-speaks her mind-hairstylist. Hilarity ensues when Freddie(IYKYK)enters the picture and the book had me kicking my feet and twirling my hair and giggling. The spice was chefs kiss 😘
This is the second book in a stand alone mate-cute series!

Releases October 28th!
Profile Image for Meg Bozarth.
140 reviews11 followers
October 20, 2025
Book 2 in the interconnected standalone Mate-Cute Series by Meghan Monarch.

This was a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read.

Such a fun, spicy, fast paced novella about a super hot water alien, Alioth, who finds his mate Wren, but ironically he is mated to a woman whose biggest fear is water.

The details, and world building was done in such a interesting way.

I love their banter, it definitely lives up to the series adjective "cute"!

Profile Image for Nicole Johnson.
Author 1 book9 followers
December 3, 2025
I found this book and series when the author was asking for volunteers for the cover reveal. The hot 🔥 water daddy on the cover was absolutely enough of a draw to reel me in. Get it? Reel me in? 🎣 Anyhow, in addition to the grumpy/sunshine and water PTSD drama, my second favorite part of this book, and the series, is that it takes place in an alternate universe where instead of COVID-19 we got sexy aliens looking for mates. I mean, that's the dream, isn't it?
398 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2025
Wren knows what she wants and gets it - her own hot alien! Loads of steamy fun! I love Wren finding her own hot alien. And Alioth is a hot sweetheart with a grumpy exterior but a lovable softie inside. And the special touches the aliens have for their mates are yummy. Lucky Wren!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cathleen.
29 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2025
I received my copy of this book as part of the ARC team, but all opinions are my own.

This was a quick little read. It’s lighthearted and simple, so easy to read in one sitting. It’s good if you want a fast dirty fix with some feeling. Fun banter with a confident FMC (other than her fear) who goes for what she wants.

Profile Image for Cassandra Bergman.
175 reviews15 followers
October 31, 2025
This book was so fun to read! If you love aliens & tentacles, then it’s a must. It’s a fast paced book, so I finished it super quick. Loved the personalities of Alioth and Wren. The spice was just enough for me, but also playful. Definitely gives me more fun vibes rather than dark romance. This book left me giggling and kicking my feet like a school girl. 10/10 you should read, darling.
799 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2025
Diving in With Alioth is book 2 of The Mate-Cute Series. This is a fated mate alien romance that was intense, spicy with some humor. The characters were interesting and likable. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,703 reviews9 followers
November 11, 2025
This was a cute story, low angst, funny, with a good dose of steam. I liked that the main characters knew what they wanted and went for it instead of dancing around each other endlessly. Freddie was hilarious.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Notyourmomsshelf.
643 reviews8 followers
November 20, 2025
These meet cutes are just that. I love this series for something short and sweet. It’s a fun time from the beginning and Meghan has you laughing for sure. I loved the Kiran and Thea cameo! Alioth and wren were so different and had a great storyline. I enjoyed the water element and how the alien species are differentiated. Overall, a super fun novella!
5 reviews
December 3, 2025
this book was so cute! I loved how realistic and down to earth the characters were, how theres no beating around the bush and the fmc just gets to the point. its also refreshing how the characters just communicate and talk to each other, instead of miscommunicating and breaking up just for them to end up together. its a quick read, but sometimes you need a little candy to get you out of a slump.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews