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!

The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux [Review]

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

Montgomery/Taggert Family
1. The Black Lyon - Kindle
2. The Duchess
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):

Darkly handsome and rich beyond imagining, the bold English conqueror was called “the Black Lyon” for his lion like ferocity. He had no match among enemies, or women . . . until he met Lyonene, the green-eyed beauty whose fiery spirit equaled his own.

Through a whirlwind romance and stormy marriage, she endured every peril to be by his side, until vicious lies and jealousy drove her into danger. Now only the fierce Black Lyon can save her—for he alone has the courage to destroy the ruthless plot threatening to shatter the bond of love the Lyon and his lady vowed would never be broken . . .

Thoughts on The Black Lyon: Ahh, the beginning of the Montgomery line. Ranulf and Lyonene. This is one I read back in the day and I still didn't love how suspicious Ranulf was of Lyonene's intentions after they married, but the dude had a lot of baggage he needed to purge, so I get it. I didn't love it, but I get it.

So. Ranulf is the grim warrior who is completely surprised by his reaction to Lyonene the first time they meet. To be fair, Lyonene is also a little shocked by how hard and fast she falls for Ranulf. They marry pretty quickly, but between meeting Lyonene and the wedding, Ranulf gets hit by a bucketload of self-doubt. He starts questioning why a woman as beautiful and young as Lyonene would want a battle-scarred knight like him. Given his past, his doubts are understandable. Yet, he goes through with the marriage and their first couple weeks (or months? I dunno, I'm not great with time) aren't great. Then Lyonene lives up to her lioness name and forces her knight to see how much she loves him despite his utterly terrible temperament during their marriage.

BUT...nothing's easy for these two and a conniving woman starts chipping away at Lyonene's trust in her husband and that crack ends up getting her whisked away to be ransomed. Which Ranulf VERY MUCH does not like. Sure, things work out for these two in the end, but these two had a long, rocky road to their happily ever after.

Still, these two smoke when they're not fighting one another and, again, this is the start of the Montgomery line so that's neat.

I Married Krogal by Regine Abel [Review]

I Married Krogal (Prime Mating Agency #11) by Regine Abel
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May, 2024

Prime Mating Agency
1. I Married a Lizardman
2. I Married a Naga
3. I Married a Birdman
4. I Married a Merman
5. I Married a Minotaur
6. I Married a Dragon
7. I Married a Beast
8. I Married a Dryad
9. I Married Wonjin
10. I Married an Incubus
11. I Married Krogal - Paperback | Kindle
12. I Married a Mothman

Regine Abel
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

He is the cuddliest of teddy bears.

A year after fleeing an abusive partner, Farah’s welcome in the refuge sheltering her is ending. With no money, no job, and no options, she’s floored to be presented with a marriage of convenience to an alien behemoth as a solution. Considering her recent ordeal, entering a relationship with a four-armed giant with herculean strength is the last thing she wants. But the sweet, respectful, and cuddly male she discovers behind that intimidating façade makes her feel safer than she has in years.

She exceeds his wildest dreams.

As the biggest and strongest male on Xoccoris, Krogal struggles with his people’s expectations that he should lead a warrior’s life instead of caring for wounded and helpless creatures in his veterinary clinic. When the Prime Mating Agency finally finds his soulmate, Krogal is mesmerized by the stunning and delicate little human she turns out to be. While her previous hardships stir his protective instincts, Farah’s inner strength and compassion dazzle him.

But as their bond grows stronger, will the ghosts of her past destroy the future they’re trying to build together?

Thoughts on I Married Krogal: Okay. Krogal is straight up a marshmallow. In the BEST possible way. He's sweet, cuddly, and he is willing to do anything to make sure Farah feels safe with him. Given the emotional abuse the suffered followed by her fight to prove to authorities that she WAS abused, Farah mostly needs to know she can trust her new husband to have her back.

No lie, Krogal does everything in his power to show her just that. He lets her set the pace in their relationship (and when she's ready to take things to the next level, she is READY), is willing to bend his people's traditions to incorporate her own into their household, and allows her the freedom to make her own choices on what she wants to do in this new life. He's a sweetheart and he's willing to wait as long as it takes for his other half to be comfortable with them as a couple.

On Farah's end, she loves her new world and the people who accept her so whole-heartedly (well, except for Krogal's mother who has issues with A LOT of people, but the lady eventually comes around). She likes everything about her new husband, but she's also wary after what happened in her last relationship. Not that Krogal is anything like her ex, but some things need time and patience before they can get where they need to be.

A little danger, a world of possibilities, more than a few steamy kisses, a critter who helps when it's needed most, a cuddly veterinarian, and a lady who loves hard once she gets over her past issues. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (10/6/24)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• RtP's 2024 Series Tracking - July-September - Tracking those series reads!
• Only the Clonely by Ruby Dixon [Review] - RISDAVERSE ADJACENT!
• Caught Bread Handed by London Lovett [Review] - Scottie!
• How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein [Review] - Werewolf love!
• The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen [Review] - AMAZING worldbuilding!
• Hologram Hookup by Bebe Harper [Review] - Alien love!
• Candle & Crow by Kevin Hearne [Review] - Iron Druid world!
• Mated to the Swamp Monster by Honey Phillips [Review] - Monster love!
• Secret Star by Nora Roberts [Review] - Closing out the series!

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• The Undermining of Twyla and Frank (Hart and Mercy #2) by Megan Bannen
• Currently reading 
• Say Yes to the Death by Madison Score

Secret Star by Nora Roberts [Review]

Secret Star (Stars of Mithra #3) by Nora Roberts
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 20, 2024

Stars of Mithra
1. Hidden Star
2. Captive Star
3. Secret Star - Kindle

Nora Roberts
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Lieutenant Seth Buchanan is astonished when the beautiful victim of his homicide investigation turns up—very much alive—at the scene of the murder. Grace Fontaine is keeping secrets, ones that should have killed her, but the notorious heiress refuses to reveal anything. The cool, controlled cop never lets his feelings get in the way of his job, and with a killer at large, Seth can’t afford any distractions. But there’s something irresistible about Grace…and eventually Seth finds it hard to remember there’s any mystery more important to solve than that of Grace herself.

Thoughts on Secret Star: The last of the BFFs (and the diamonds) are on tap and...Grace's story is maybe a little complicated. Mostly because everyone thinks she's dead when this all begins. You know, because there's a dead body in her house that matches Grace's description and she's been incognito for a while now.

BUT but but but, it turns out Grace isn't dead. Which kinda blows Seth's mind because he had it in his head that her beauty and bright light had been snuffed out. That said, Seth and Grace's first encounter is a little rough. Not physically or anything, but Seth was surprised to find his murder victim facing him over the barrel of a gun and Grace was surprised to find a cop in her house. Things only got more complicated from there.

It takes time and a dangerous situation or two before Seth and Grace get to the place they need to be. Seth needs to put aside his preconceived notions about Grace and Grace needs to trust the person she's fallen for will have her back. It's a bumpy ride at times, but these two get where they need to be.

On the diamonds front, things get settled there, too. The mastermind behind everything is revealed, the diamonds do their thing (which is more than just look pretty, as it turns out), and things fall into place. An enjoyable, sexy, fast paced series overall!