The Temptress by Jude Deveraux [Review]

The Temptress (Montgomery/Taggert Family #3) by Jude Deveraux
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 11, 2024

Montgomery/Taggert Family
1. The Black Lyon
2. The Duchess
3. The Temptress - Paperback | Kindle
4. The Raider
5. Mountain Laurel
6. Sweet Liar
7. Wishes
8. The Princess
9. Eternity
10. Someone to Love
11. The Heiress
12. The Awakening
13. The Invitation
14. High Tide
15. A Knight in Shining Armor

Jude Deveraux
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

When a kidnapper falls for his captive, who is the true mark?

With a daughter as strong-willed and independent as Christiana, her father is certain she won’t come home on her own—so he decides to send two men to bring her back.

With the blazing spirit of a true Montgomery, heiress and newspaper reporter Christiana Montgomery Mathison bravely defies the two men who abduct her. Forced into the primitive rain forests of the Washington Territory, she is swept into a thrilling adventure. Amid schemes of greed and intrigue, the bold beauty resists the wooing of one captor and cleverly entices the other, the mysterious and fatally handsome Tynan, a man who desires her . . . but must refuse her love at all costs.

Thoughts on The Temptress: No lie, I was looking forward to hitting Chris and Tynan's book in my re-read because I vaguely remembered that Tynan had this uncanny ability to unbutton a lady's clothes whenever they started kissing. And that, my friends, was exactly what the guy could do. When he gave such a brief kiss he only unbuttoned THREE buttons, well, DANG, you know things are about to go down.

So, yes, Tynan has an unbuttoning gift. Honed from all the years when he'd do nothing more than flash a lady his smile and she'd practically fall in love with him. Christiana isn't immune to that smile, either. For all Tynan did everything he could to stay away from her and try to get her to fall for their traveling companion, Chris was smitten with the big, intense guide from the first. To be fair, Ty was also smitten with Chris. Possibly because his first glimpse of her was when she was nekkid. Or maybe it was just her adventurous spirit. Who knows!

Anywho. Chris and Tynan. She's smart, fearless, and determined to right wrongs. This determination got her into a little trouble every now and then. Tynan, on the other hand, is quiet, a little brooding, and determined to keep his hands to himself. Too bad Chris had other plans, amirite? Chris fell, fell hard, and then had a heck of a time convincing Ty that she knew her own mind and if she said she was in love with the big idiot, she was in love with him.

Throw in some complicated family dynamics, a traveling companion who can't hold a candle to Ty, an adventure in a house of ill repute, a little danger, a gloriously fringed costume, kisses that leave Chris in a STATE, a man who is determined to do the right thing, and a lady who pushes forward even when the odds are against her. GOOD TIMES!

The Duchess by Jude Deveraux [Review]

The Duchess (Montgomery/Taggert Family #2) by Jude Deveraux
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 6, 2024

Montgomery/Taggert Family
1. The Black Lyon
2. The Duchess - Paperback | Kindle
3. The Temptress
4. The Raider
5. Mountain Laurel
6. Sweet Liar
7. Wishes
8. The Princess
9. Eternity
10. Someone to Love
11. The Heiress
12. The Awakening
13. The Invitation
14. High Tide
15. A Knight in Shining Armor

Jude Deveraux
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Claire Willoughby risked losing millions in her inheritance if, as decreed by her grandfather, she did not wed an "acceptable" man. Harry Montgomery, the eleventh Duke of MacArran, seemed perfect. He owned a historic castle, he looked manly in a kilt, and he was as much a titled Scotsman as Bonnie Prince Charlie himself.

Their engagement announced, Claire's future as a duchess was assured—and she set off with her family to meet the Montgomery clan in Scotland. Bramley Castle was a damp, chill place, overflowing with eccentric relatives. But there was also Trevelyan, a secretive, brooding man who lived in Bramley's ancient halls. Whoever he was, he wasn't at all like Harry: Trevelyan was the most exasperating, arrogant, know-it-all of a man Claire had ever met. And the most fascinating...

Thoughts on The Duchess: This is a re-read for me (actually, the bulk of this series is a re-read and just YESSSSS!) and I kind of remember this as not being my favorite in the series. Maybe? But then I started reading it and ...I liked it. A lot. Way more than I remember liking it. I mean, Trevelyan is a little infuriating at times with his secrets and such, but then who HASN'T wanted to hide from their relatives and duck their responsibilities upon occasion? PFFT. Not me, that's for sure.

Anywho. Time has definitely made me a little more accepting of his eccentricities.

While Trevelyan is secretive and maybe a little brooding, Claire is sunny and curious. She loves the history of Scotland and the crumbling castle and the people who live on the land. Unfortunately, Harry's relatives don't all love her, the loud American. And by Harry's relatives, I mean his mother. She's...not fun. At all. And while the family needs Claire's money, Harry's mother does her level best to make Claire (and everyone around her) as miserable as she is.

Good thing Claire has the infuriating (secretive, brooding) Trevelyan to help her through these trying times.

A whole lot of secrets, excellent Scottish whiskey, more secrets, twisted (and complicated) family dynamics, some glorious fangirl behavior from Claire, a man who can't stop thinking about how nicely he and Claire fit (while refusing to admit just that), and a lady who loves hard when she finds her person. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (10/13/24)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• I Married Krogal by Regine Abel [Review] - Alien love!
• The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux [Review] - Classic Deveraux!
• All I Wanted was Sushi but I got Abducted by Aliens Instead by Petra Palerno [Review] - ALIENS!
• All I Wanted was to Become a Scientist but now I've got an Alien Boyfriend by Petra Palerno [Review] - More aliens!
• All I Wanted was a Glass of Vino but an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead by Petra Palerno [Review] - MORE aliens!
• Storm Warning by Nora Roberts [Review] - An oldie, but a goodie.

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• A Gargoyle's Delight (Monster's Duet #1) by Naomi Lucas and Mel Braxton
• Currently reading 
• When She's Common by Ruby Dixon

Storm Warning by Nora Roberts [Review]

Storm Warning by Nora Roberts
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 23, 2024

Purchase Links: Kindle

Nora Roberts
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Back in rural Virginia to take over her aunt’s mountain inn, Autumn Gallegher is surprised to find the resort so full of guests—and shocked to discover Lucas McLean among them. A writer of extraordinary depth and talent, Lucas’s way with words won Autumn’s love in a passionate affair that he ended without warning. Three years later, she’s still drawn to his dark intensity and desires him more than ever. But when a guest’s dead body is discovered, Lucas becomes the police’s prime suspect. And while Autumn still loves Lucas, she also has evidence that could convict him of murder…

Thoughts on Storm Warning: I think this might the first NR throwback book that didn't work for me. While there were parts I enjoyed, the ending seemed abrupt and I wasn't thrilled with the reasoning behind why Lucas broke things off with Autumn originally. It just felt...I dunno, too easy a reason, maybe? (On an unrelated note, the blurb doesn't quite hit right either. Mostly because I don't remember Autumn going to to the inn to take it over [she was just there for a visit] and Lucas was never in the police's prime suspect [by the time the police arrived, the baddie had been caught by those at the inn]. So, there's that.)

Anywho. The things I enjoyed (in no particular order): Murder. Trying to figure out who did the deed. Autumn's passion for photography and acceptance of her slightly absentminded aunt's tangents.

Like I said, this is the first NR throwback I didn't love, but it's not going to stop me from continuing to delve into her backlist.

All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino but an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead by Patra Palerno [Review]

All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino But an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead (Bubble Babes #3) by Petra Palerno
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 26, 2024

Bubble Babes
1. All I Wanted Was Sushi But I Got Abducted By Aliens Instead
2. All I Wanted Was to Become a Scientist But Now I've Got an Alien Boyfriend
3. All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino But an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead - Paperback | Kindle

Petra Palerno
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

☆MARTA

The reality of being a mob boss' daughter is anything but glamorous, despite what one might think. In the absence of true freedom, my only companion was my loyal dog, Bruno. When he passed, I felt like my life had hit rock bottom. But when aliens abducted me from my pity party in a local wine bar, I realized how wrong I was. As if things couldn't get any worse, I woke up in an alien duke's closet, forced to rely on a giant alien pleasure toy as my only means of defense. All I know is that the gaudy duke can’t stand me…and the feeling is mutual.

☆RAF’ERE

Throughout my dukedom, I have dedicated myself to restoring the fi'len species to their natural aquatic habitats. How in the goddess's name am I supposed to do that when this human is my mate? Despite her mouthiness, the tiny human cannot swim. Did that stop me from stealing her cryopod from a crashed ship and locking it in my closet? Absolutely not. I also didn’t expect her to wake up and demand answers, either. But I can’t expect my people to look at me to lead if a human stands beside me, despite how much my body burns for hers. The dilemma arises: should I prioritize the goddess's wishes or grant her the freedom she deserves, joining the other human refugees?

Thoughts on All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino But an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead: Oh ho! It's Raf'ere's turn to find his special someone and let's juts say he DID NOT make the best impression in the earlier books. He's a little uptight a little smug (I was probably channeling Ke'ain as I wrote that last part), and he went a little too far with Jessy. That last one was a cultural thing, though, I think. I mean, these fi'len males do have a tendency to be straightforward in a way that's a little uncomfortable for human women. Especially if said women have been trafficked and forced into a life they didn't want.

But that's another story for another day. Let's just say that Raf'ere had some things that happened and leave it at that. Except, wait. He also kidnapped Marta. Which is bad. But again, cultural differences. Namely, the mating bond and the way it makes people act to protect those they're mated to. While this is technically a TERRIBLE idea, Marta gives as good as she gets. And her pushiness and unwillingness to back down on the things she needed gave Raf'ere the kick in the pants he needed to be a better person. Or at least a person who isn't confined to the rigid mold he thinks he needs to hold himself to.

As for Marta, she went from one cage to another. And that was even without being forced to dance for the aliens who abducted her. She was kept on a tight leash on Earth because of her father's business and the danger it put her in. Then she was kept captive in Raf'ere's rooms as he struggled with how to keep her safe while bending enough to give her some sort of freedom.

Yeah, these two didn't start out on the best foot. But with time and a whole lot of patience, they both got where they needed to be.

Am I digging these abducted women and the aliens who fall hard for them? YES, I AM!

All I Wanted Was to Become a Scientist But Now I've Got an Alien Boyfriend by Petra Palerno [Review]

All I Wanted Was to Become a Scientist But Now I've Got an Alien Boyfriend (Bubble Babes #2) by Petra Palerno
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 25, 2024

Bubble Babes
1. All I Wanted Was Sushi But I Got Abducted By Aliens Instead
2. All I Wanted Was to Become a Scientist But Now I've Got an Alien Boyfriend - Paperback | Kindle
3. All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino But an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead

Petra Palerno
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

☆JESSY

For the past few years, my life has kind of blown. On Earth, I dedicated my entire existence to science, even if my peers dismissed me as a pretty face. When I got abducted by aliens, I was forced to dance in a bubble for extra-terrestrial enjoyment.

I can’t get anyone to take me seriously even in space.

When I escaped by crashing my alien captor’s bus, Gra’eth saved me from drowning and even offered me a place to stay. He keeps telling people I’m his mate, even though I keep telling him the human word for what we are is roommates, but he refuses to say it that way. Sometimes I can’t tell if he’s being sarcastic or serious—and for my very literal neurodivergent brain, that’s a big problem.

☆GRA’ETH

I never expected to have to save Jessy, and I certainly never expected for this strange human to be my mate. Her idea of fun would be to take apart my data pad only to see if she could put it back together again, which sounds like torture to me.

I’ve convinced her to stay in my apartment as what she calls a roommate. The mating bond won’t let me let her leave, but humans can’t even feel it. I don’t know how to keep things friendly when just the smell of her hair is enough to send me into a mating frenzy.

I don’t want to make her uncomfortable, but I can’t keep fighting the pull of this bond. This little speckled human will be the death of me.

Thoughts on All I Wanted Was to Become a Scientist But Now I've Got an Alien Boyfriend: Opal's found her alien prince and it turns out Jessy has a slightly fussy (or at least fussy when it comes to germs) royal attorney who lights up whenever she's around. Gra'eth is minorly germophobic (I say minorly because Jessy's germs don't bother him AT ALL) and he's determined to show Jessy he's the one for her. Except, he doesn't really know how to do this, so things go a little sideways on him.

On Jessy's end, she's not great with social cues when humans are involved and dealing with aliens with their different customs complicates things further. She doesn't quite know how to quantify this thing between her and Gra'eth, but she knows she feels safe with him. Considered she was abducted and trafficked across space, feeling safe with someone is a pretty big deal.

A little case of broken trust, bad aliens who keep popping up at THE WORST time, new friends, newly trafficked human women, a man who makes a bad call and has to deal with the consequences, and a woman who can science THE HECK out of things when it's needed most. Good stuff!

All I Wanted Was Sushi But I Got Abducted By Aliens Instead by Petra Palerno [Review]

All I Wanted Was Sushi But I Got Abducted by Aliens Instead (Bubble Babes #1) by Petra Palerno
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 25, 2024

Bubble Babes
1. All I Wanted Was Sushi But I Got Abducted By Aliens Instead - Paperback | Kindle
2. All I Wanted Was to Become a Scientist But Now I've Got an Alien Boyfriend
3. All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino But an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead

Petra Palerno
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Opal is trying her best in the Midwest after the sudden death of her parents. Everything comes to a crashing halt as she's abducted by aliens and forced to work as a human dancer for extraterrestrial enjoyment. A chance encounter with an alien prince while stuck in a traffic jam might just change the trajectory of Opal's new life in space.

Thoughts on All I Wanted Was Sushi But I Got Abducted By Aliens Instead: No lie, this book had me at the title. Because, why not, right? And then Opal got shot up with alien horndog juice and suddenly things are getting VERY interesting. Or maybe the interesting started when Opal tried to unman one of the aliens who abducted her and found out the sad truth that not all aliens have kickable junk.

Let's just say that THINGS HAPPENED early on. And thanks to those THINGS, Opal suddenly found herself whisked off her feet (not literally, at first because there was a whole decontamination thing) by an alien prince. Ke'ain is big, gray, and vaguely shark-like. To be clear, Opal is FINE with all those things. Also to be clear, Ke'ain is REALLY into Opal in all ways.

On Ke'ain's end, he knows Opal is his one and only after their explosive sexy-time moment. He has no idea the dancers from Earth are on his planet against their will or what can of worms he's opening by swooping in and spiriting her away to the palace. Let's just say that the aliens who masterminded abducting human ladies from Earth to dance for them are NOT happy about this turn of events.

A little exhibitionism (with a side of avid voyeurism by the Prince), some hive-aliens who aren't so great, sexy times in a bus (and in the water and pretty much anywhere else Opal and Ke'ain can manage), a Prince who has plans for his planet (if only he gets the chance to implement them), and a human lady who very much goes with the flow when her new alien honey rescues her from a not-so-great situation. Fun and ridiculous! I LIKE!