Reading the Paranormal

Titanoboa by Naomi Lucas [Review]

2026-08-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

Titanoboa (Naga Brides #7) by Naomi Lucas
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 6, 2026

Naga Brides
1. Viper
2. King Cobra
3. Blue Coral
4. Death Adder
5. Boomslang
6. Cottonmouth
7. Titanoboa - Paperback | Kindle
8. Copperhead
9. Black Mamba

Naomi Lucas
|Website | Amazon|

Synopsis (Goodreads):

She is not supposed to be here, so how is she? This human woman, found outside my nest.

Is she from the sky like the metal crafts now flying around?

Is she from the forest where my enemies are?

Until she wakes, I do not know. And deciding what to do with her if she does…

That is going to be a problem.

Because if she is my enemy, I cannot let her leave, and if she is not…

The secrets I keep close can’t come to light.

But I will not kill her. I will not let a female—any female—come to harm.

So, I believe I only have one option…

I will need to convince her to trust me… to not fear me.

I will need to convince her to be MINE.

Thoughts on Titanoboa: Well dang. Syasku caused a bit of chaos when he busted out of his chains and went on a rampage to rescue his honey aboard the Dreadnaut. Sparking a rebellion, killing a few (more than a few, really) soldiers, and causing a mass exodus from the ship was only the beginning. Now there are thousands of refugees making their way planet-side, the Dreadnaut is gone, and the survivors have to figure out their next steps.

Sabrina is one of those survivors. She and her small crew made it off the ship (barely) and landed in the (mostly) deserted ruins of a city. Their plan is to scavenge some old Earth tech to trade for fuel and beat feet to somewhere more inhabited. It's not a terrible plan as plans go, but the city isn't entirely uninhabited. As Sabrina finds out when she stumbles a little too close to Darolus's lair.

Darolus is...not bad as jailors go. He doesn't want to hurt Sabrina, but he doesn't trust her not to give away his location to any of his enemies. He's also pretty clueless when it comes to what a human needs to survive. So while he's not a bad individual, he doesn't always do the right thing when it comes to caring for her. No worries, though, she sets him straight pretty quickly.

Soon the two are navigating a tentative sort of friendship. And then...well, their friendship takes a bit of a turn and becomes a relationship. Being that Darolus never expected to have ANY sort of relationship with a female given his perceived monstrousness (and that he's a naga with all the possessive instincts that go along with that), he gets very territorial about his little human. Which doesn't sit all that well with Sabrina.

They get past that though and deal with all the weirdness that rolls in their direction. And YESSSS I am so here for all these nagas finding their special someones and treating them to their special brand of possessiveness. *thumbs up*

I Punched an Alien and Now We're in Couples Therapy by Kimberly Lemming [Review]

2026-08-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

I Punched an Alien and Now We're in Couples Therapy (Cosmic Chaos #2) by Kimberly Lemming
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: July 11, 2026

Cosmic Chaos
1. I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com
2. I Punched and Alien and Now We're in Couples Therapy - Paperback | Kindle

Kimberly Lemming
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

It’s not in Blair’s nature to just give up. Not when she’s beamed up to a spaceship and then dropped on an alien planet. Not even when she’s in the middle of a forest fire surrounded by dinosaurs. And definitely not when she’s captured by an arrogant alien king. If King Osid thinks he can break her, he’s in for a shock. Blair lives by one motto: If you stay ready, you never have to get ready.

But absolutely nothing could have prepared her for finding out that she’s that arrogant King Osid’s mate.

Despite recent hiccups, the alien researchers are determined to get their breeding program back on track. With that in mind, Blair and Osid are bundled off to the research center for what they’re told is couples counseling. As they face a series of increasingly dangerous challenges, it soon becomes clear the research aliens may have confused an episode of The Bachelor with Survivor. Bonding over their common enemy, and shall we say...encouraged by love darts, Blair and Osid let down their walls (and take off their clothes). When they discover that there are—somehow—even more secret plans in the works, another hilarious, steamy, over-the-top adventure is in store.

Thoughts on I Punched an Alien and Now We're in Couples Therapy: Another couple are being gently guided toward matedom by bird aliens who are WOEFULLY unprepared for the reality of human ladies who ARE NOT going to sit back and take things gracefully. Nope, Earth girls hit hard and go for the soft spots.

They also destroy enclosures, make friends with dinosaurs, and burn down (with a little help) buildings. Because YEAH THEY DO.

Anywho. We met Blair in Dory's book and Blair is a lot. I want to say that I don't mean that in a bad way, but that lady is terrifying. Just straight up chaos with a side of gleeful destruction. BUT...Osid is kinda the same. He's a good leader overall (as in he really does want his people to thrive), but he rules through fear and he's a little bloodthirsty. I'm laughing because I understated that. He's a lot bloodthirsty. He's the guy who lops off heads and asks questions later.

He's also really into Blair and her chaos demon vibe. The two of them together are gale force winds that leave a path of destruction in their wake. Which might be exactly what the survivors from Osid's planet and the abducted Earth ladies need. Throw in Dory and her men and the combined can-do attitude of the other human abductees and THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN.

Probably good things. Maybe slightly chaotic things. In fact, there might be a straight up uprising against the aliens facilitating all these unhinged meet-cutes. (Also, to be fair to those aliens, Dory and Blair did mess up all their plans by escaping, but what do you expect when you put a bunch of Earthers in an unknown situation. THINGS HAPPEN.)

Dinosaurs, a whole lot of plotting and planning, a little backstabbing, a lady who is very protective of her hair, and a couple who just might have been made for one another. *thumbs up*

Cottonmouth by Naomi Lucas [Review]

2026-08-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

Cottonmouth (Naga Brides #6) by Naomi Lucas
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 4, 2026

Naga Brides
1. Viper
2. King Cobra
3. Blue Coral
4. Death Adder
5. Boomslang
6. Cottonmouth - Paperback | Kindle
7. Titanoboa
8. Copperhead
9. Black Mamba

Naomi Lucas
|Website | Amazon|

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Ever since humans arrived, my world has changed. Tensions are high as we quarrel over territory, reforming our fractured clans.

I will have none of it. I did not capture a bride.

But then my world goes dark—and she appears.

A female so lovely she possesses my mind, a bride who blushes every time she catches my eye.

She is sweet.

She is young.

She is everything I am not.

Except nothing is as it seems. I’m no longer in the forest; I’m in a cage. I’m on a ship, far from my nest, wrapped in chains.

And the female?

She is my enemy.

Only… I’m the devious naga who does not care.

Thoughts on Cottonmouth: I really like this series and I absolutely ADORE how feral these naga are when it comes to their special someones. BUT, WOW, was I stressed about all the information being amassed by the scientist in charge of Syasku's imprisonment and "testing". And then there was the whole thing with Asera. Like, bro, no mate is worth the price you're paying to get a little V.

But that's down the road. First up, Syasku and Vivian. He was the naga captured in the previous book. She's on the medical (and I use that term loosely because A LOT of what was done to him was medical in name only) team assigned to manage him. She's also one of the children of the Dreadnaut's commander (who is NOT a good person in any way, shape, or form) and she's almost as trapped as Syasku is. Her dad's desperate to hang onto the power he has and her boss is just plain power-mad. She's caught in a place where her best bet is to remain unnoticed.

Frankly, being unnoticed gets throw out the window when Syasku speaks to her. She's the only one he'll communicate with which puts her in a tough position. A serious of events has her ending up imprisoned in his cell with him and, well, things escalate from there. Soon the two are enjoying their alone time A LOT.

But they're both still prisoners and the people in charge aren't about to let a valuable asset slip through their fingers. Let's just say things get messy and Vivian and Syasku have to fight their way to freedom.

(Also, Asera, no. Just no.)

A whole lot of danger (at pretty much every turn), a rebellion, a very bad woman using every drop of her power to take what she thinks she deserves, a naga who will carve a path through a ship to keep his mate safe (once he heals, that is), and a lady who has found someone worth burning down her world for. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (08/16/26)

2026-08-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe [Review] - Serious Mulder/Scully vibes!
World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon by Olivia Dade [Review] - Demon/Oracle ROMANCE!!
Chosen by the Hunter by Lynnea Lee [Review] - Alien love!
Marc by Anna Hackett [Review] - Next generation love!
Never Text a Minotaur by Honey Phillips [Review] - Minotaur love!
Caught by the Drider Stepbrother by Zoe Krave [Review] - Monster love!

Bookish Delights

Books added to the pile

None!

Currently reading

Trapped with a River God by Sable Rowan

Caught by the Drider Stepbrother by Zoe Krave [Review]

2026-08-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Caught by the Drider Stepbrother (Green World Monster Stepbrothers #5) by Zoe Krave
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 5, 2026

Green World Monster Stepbrothers
1. Claimed by the Orc Stepbrother
2. Knotted by the Werewolf Stepbrother
3. Taken by the Minotaur Stepbrother
4. Stuffed by the Dryad Stepbrother
5. Caught by the Drider Stepbrother - Kindle

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Primal Monster Stepbrothers
1. Stepbrothers of the Green World

Zoe Krave
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

As we escaped the dying Earth through the portal, my mother married a Spider Lord to secure our place in the high canopy of the Green World.

That left me living in the shadow of my stepbrother. Arans is a terrifying masterpiece of bronze skin and black obsidian armor, a lethal predator who has spent five years keeping his distance. But when he finds me helpless and trembling in his trap, his restraint shatters. He doesn't want to release me. He wants to claim his prize.

Thoughts on Caught by the Drider Stepbrother: I do enjoy a good non-human hero in a romance and this one gave me that. Arans is half-man, half-spider and he has it baaaaaddddd for Hallie. To be fair, Hallie also had it bad for Arans. They've both been kind of (sort of) keeping this under wraps, but the intense looks can't be contained.

So when Hallie follows Arans one night and gets caught in his sticky web (not a euphemism, mind you, a literal web that is sticky), the two of them can't help but act on these repressed feelings. They both want it. They both have feelings for one another. Hallie is caught and unable to escape (not that she wants to) and THINGS HAPPEN.

Non-human heroes, my friends. They make sure their special someone is having a good time from beginning to end. *thumbs up*

Never Text a Minotaur by Honey Phillips [Review]

2026-08-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Never Text a Minotaur (Wrong Move, Right Monster #2) by Honey Phillips
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 31, 2026

Wrong Move, Right Monster
1. Never Kiss a Krampus
2. Never Text a Minotaur - Paperback | Kindle
3. Never Dance with a Demon
4. Never Invite a Vampire to Dinner

Honey Phillips
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

She wanted a ladder. She got a minotaur.

Clara Bellweather’s professional life is a meticulously organized system of color-coded calendars, perfectly cataloged books, and emergency backup bookmarks. Unfortunately, her personal life is a chaotic mess of tripping over air and failed online dates.

In desperate need of a ladder for a reading event, Clara does what any socially awkward librarian would do—she texts her handsome new neighbor. Or, at least, she thinks she texts him.

A series of awkward texts leads to an even more awkward meeting where she discovers that she’s actually been exchanging messages with a massive, horned minotaur. Rion is gruff, reclusive, and intimidating but he's also unexpectedly kind and ridiculously handsome.

After recruiting Rion to help with her event, she starts to realize that the grumpy minotaur might be the only male in town who isn't completely and utterly wrong for her.

The library needs a ladder. The town needs an event. And Clara needs to stop having feelings for a minotaur who's probably allergic to sunshine.

Thoughts on Never Text a Minotaur: Clara's a little bit accident-prone, has a tendency to overthink things, and just accidentally texted the wrong number when trying to ask her neighbor to borrow a ladder. Her texting buddy is a little terse, but a lot knowledgeable about how to fix things like precarious ladders. So, you know, I guess it all worked out for the library display Clara was trying to put together.

To be fair, it also worked out for her. Rion might be guarded and private, but Clara's sweet enthusiasm soon had him agreeing to a meeting. And when she finds out he's a minotaur, she doesn't run screaming in the opposite direction. In fact, she's a little fascinated by the idea of non-human individuals living their lives right under her nose.

And Rion's horns? She REALLY likes those.

Soon Clara's ladder emergency turns into the two cautiously dating and learning everything there is to learn about the other. Frankly, Clara likes everything about Rion except that he has to hide who he is. She thinks he's amazing and she just knows if everyday humans got to know him they'd say the same.

A whole lot of texting, a labyrinthine house, steamy kisses, a withering teacherly put-down, a talented minotaur who is careful in everything he does, and a lady who isn't afraid to embrace life and all it's oddities. *thumbs up*

Marc by Anna Hackett [Review]

2026-08-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

Marc (Hunter Squad #3) by Anna Hackett
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 29, 2026

Hunter Squad
1. Jameson
2. North
3. Marc - Paperback | Kindle
4. Zeke

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Hell Squad
1. Marcus

Anna Hackett
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

We survived the invasion and beat the aliens. But they left something behind…

Killing monsters is what I do. Like my father before me, I fight side by side with my twin brother and my squad to protect our people.

Since the invasion, life is dangerous. I know how short it can be, so I live it to the fullest. I work hard on Hunter Squad, I party harder, I love a joke and a good time, and I never get tangled up in relationships. I watched my father’s grief at losing his brother. I almost lost my own twin. I’ll never let myself get in too deep.

Then our squad’s pilot crashes alone in monster-infested mountains.

Tiny, opinionated Colbie who’s the best pilot I know. A fierce redhead who never hesitates to stand up to me.

Everything changes. Every protective instinct I have is in overdrive. I have to find her and bring her home.

I’ll risk it all—monsters, raging rivers, dangerous terrain—but when the two of us are alone and fighting for survival, I realize that what’s most at risk is the one thing I’ve always guarded—my heart.

Thoughts on Marc: We're back with the HS crew as they work on making this alien ravaged Earth a little safer for the humans who've survived. This time around we have Marc and Colbie. He's convinced himself that caring for someone is outside his wheelhouse (because the world is a dangerous place and people inevitably get lost) and he pushes any and all inconvenient feelings he might have for Colbie down. She likes the big guy, but she's not willing to be just a notch on Marc's headboard.

Then Colbie's copter is brought down in monster-infested territory and suddenly they're both facing the idea that they might have missed out on something good by not acting on their feelings. Also, Colbie's alone, afraid, and fighting to stay alive long enough for Hunter Squad to find her. Which, you know, is rough.

But find her they do! Then, she and Marc end up separated from the rest of the group and have to seek shelter in the abandoned Blue Mountain base. Which is downright awesome because I LOVE revisiting decaying settings like that. On the downside, the base has its fair share of monsters that have taken up residence in it and Colbie and Marc have their hands full keeping themselves alive.

A little danger, some freaky new alien hybrids, familiar faces, a man who has to confront his fears before he loses the only woman he's ever had feelings for, and a lady who isn't willing to sit back if it means leaving her loved ones unprotected. *thumbs up*

Chosen by the Hunter by Lynnea Lee [Review]

2026-08-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

Chosen by the Hunter (Xarc'n Warriors #14) by Lynnea Lee
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 21, 2026

Xarc'n Warriors
0.5. Pursued by the Hunter
1. Claimed by the Hunter
2. Wanted by the Hunter
3. Taken by the Hunter
4. Cherished by the Hunter
5. Rescued by the Hunter
6. Stolen by the Hunter
7. Captured by the Hunter
8. Protected by the Hunter
8.5. Hunter's Valentine
9. Desired by the Hunter
10. Coveted by the Hunter
11. Craved by the Hunter
12. Treasured by the Hunter
13. Fated to the Hunter
13.5. Holly and the Hunter
14. Chosen by the Hunter - Kindle

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Xarc'n Warriors: Mountains
1. Hunter's Quest

Lynnea Lee
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

I blame the moonshine. AKA, I kissed a Xarc’n warrior and I liked it.
One moment, I’m strolling home, midnight snack in hand, and the next I’m smooshed against a broad, purple chest, tongue tangled with a Xarc’n warrior. “Drunkenly Taste-test an Alien” achievement unlocked!

What follows is a flirty game of cat and mouse that makes me feel young and ready to make questionable life choices again. Ror’k wakes up a part of me I thought I buried right next to my divorce papers. Wanting the horned and fanged silver fox is easy. Trusting again? Not so much.

But New Franklin has bigger problems than my accidental alien make-out session. Supplies are disappearing, people are getting jumpy, and someone in our cozy little settlement is up to no good. We need to get to the bottom of this before the summer swarms or New Franklin’s in serious trouble.

Thoughts on Chosen by the Hunter: Oh-ho! A silver fox warrior finds his special someone and YESSS! I am here for it!

Ror'k is in a weird headspace when we first meet him. He's one of the older warriors who spent most of his time aboard one of the Xarc'n motherships after being injured. While he was overseer (which is both important and fancy!) of his ship, he sees himself as less than the warriors out there fighting the scourge since he's, you know, not fighting beside them. Just to make this a double whammy for the poor guy, his mothership was the one that was lost previously so now he's also an overseer without a ship.

Yeah, he's dealing with a few things.

BUT...then Dottie runs into him (literally) after sampling some homemade hooch and plants a big ole kiss on the big guy and now he has something besides his "failures" to occupy his mind. Yep, one sassy librarian who always seems to be one step ahead is all he can think about.

On Dottie's end, she's not looking for romance. Or so she thinks. I mean, whenever these two get close to one another they seem to find themselves kissing so there mayyyyybe there could be a little romance. For all she keeps telling herself she isn't looking for anything long term (been there, done that, she says), Ror'k makes her feel safe and seen. Yup, she likes the big guy with his rippling muscles and silvered hair and determined focus.

A little thievery, a slight case of kidnapping (adultnapping?), KITTENS!, a little danger, a warrior who doesn't see in himself what others see, and a lady who can hold her own against the sexy male who keeps chasing her. *thumbs up*

World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon by Olivia Dade [Review]

2026-08-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon (Supernatural Entanglements #2) by Oliva Dade
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 26, 2026

Supernatural Entanglements
1. Zomromcom
2. World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon - Paperback | Kindle

Olivia Dade
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Gwen Wexloff might be able to see the future, but not when it matters. Her visions invariably involve piddling issues, which means—unlike most oracles—she’s spent her life predicting for everyday humans instead of international power brokers. After a clutch of brain-slurping zombies escapes from their walled-off compound, though, Gwen experiences the first genuinely world-altering vision of her life . . . and now she needs help.

Unfortunately, that help comes from Hugh Blacke, the same starchy (but annoyingly cute) demon who watched her bomb her oracle verification test years ago. To Gwen's dismay, the two of them will need to work together to unravel the deadly conspiracy behind the zombie breach, despite their complicated past and the secrets they’re keeping.

Even with her newfound power, she couldn't have foreseen how quickly they'd both want more than a simple partnership. But the clock is ticking—and with the fate of humanity at stake, Gwen and Hugh will have to decide how much they’re willing to risk for an unexpected, passionate love...and a future together that might prove very short indeed.

Thoughts on World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon: As an oracle, Gwen is one that sort of slips under everyone's radar. Her visions are mundane and don't tend to affect the greater world order (although they do tend to be greatly appreciated by the people she's oracle-izing for). That is, until she has a doozy of a vision after helping take out a massive group of zombies in the Containment Zone (which is a whole other story. Literally. It was book 1.) with her neighbors.

Let's just say this doozy of a vision could mean very bad things for a whole lot of supernaturals if she and her friends don't find a way to stop it before it comes to fruition.

So she girds her loins (kind of literally) and prepares to seek out the one demon who might be able to help them put a stop to this badness before it boils over. As it turns out, that one demon is devastatingly handsome, makes her heart go pitter-patter, and was present when she made a fool of herself at her oracle test years earlier.

As it also turns out, Hugh is morally upright (so not caught up in the twisted plot to bring down a large swath of supernaturals), genuinely kind, and has never forgotten Gwen after their brief meeting. He's also fiercely dedicated to keeping her safe no matter the cost.

Trollish shenanigans (come at me, bro!), demons, oracles, and zombies (OH MY!), complicated family dynamics, a demon who is ready to go all in, and an oracle who can do far more than she ever believed she could. GOOD TIMES!

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe [Review]

2026-08-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 19, 2026

Purchase Links: Paperback | Kindle

Mallory Marlowe
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Hallie Barrett's life has imploded after she's dumped by her hotshot ex, who also happens to be her coworker and the star of the online series she was producing. Without a new show to present for the company competition, she’ll be out of a job. But inspiration can come from the strangest places . . . like the most handsome guy she’s ever seen passionately discussing Bigfoot on a late-night docuseries.

Hayden Hargrove made a name for himself as a cryptid expert on his hit podcast, and is intrigued by the plucky, blue-haired producer who offers him the opportunity to lead his own web show. When the production team sees that Hayden’s solo on-screen presence is bad enough to make a ghost blanch, Hallie jumps on camera too, hitting him (and his cryptids) with a healthy dose of skepticism—and enough chemistry to electrify their show to the top of the competition.

As Hayden and Hallie investigate the unknown, they unearth feelings for each other that shake their beliefs to the core. In their search for Mothman, aliens, and the truth, the most elusive discovery might just be learning to love again.

Thoughts on Love and Other Conspiracies: MAN, I like when a book turns out to be what I'm looking for before I know I'm looking for it. Hallie and Hayden had the dynamic I wanted and they SUPER worked for me. (As an aside, I'm doing my every-so-often rewatch of The X-Files so the Mulder/Scully parallels tickled my funny bone.)

So. Hallie and Hayden. Hallie is piecing her life back together after getting out of a toxic relationship. That alone is enough to drag a girl down, but she still has to work with her ex and, frankly, the entire work environment she's dealing with is rough (but it's mostly because of her ex). To be fair, after the number her ex did on her, she has a hard time standing up for herself or believing she deserves good things, so some of what she's forced to deal with is simply because she hasn't spoken up. (But also her ex is TERRIBLE and every time she starts to get back on her feet, he shows up to knock her down again.)

(Did I mention she has a terrible ex?) (Because he's awful. Terrible. An absolute waste of air.)

Hayden is the exact opposite of her ex. He's a little awkward (until he starts talking about cryptids). He's kind. He cares. He does the things that need to be done just because someone has to do them. Hallie might not believe in monsters (or aliens), but she believes in Hayden and her Scully-esque skepticism balances out his over-the-top excitement in the most perfect way.

These two were sweet with a heavy dose of steam. Hallie isn't looking to jump into a relationship and she fights feeling all the feels. Hayden has spent the last couple years dealing with his lingering grief alone and Hallie makes him feel things he wasn't expecting. They take things slow until they don't and BOY was I here for that.

RtP's Week in Review (08/09/26)

2026-08-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

Alien Awakening by Honey Phillips [Review] - Vultor love!
Vowed to the Vulture God by Ruby Dixon [Review] - Romantasy love!
Breach Protocol by Adrian Blue [Review] - Alien love!
The Queen's Shadow by Adrian Blue [Review] - More alien love!
The Captain's Claim by Adrian Blue [Review] - Even MORE alien love!
The Vampire's Hunger by S. Alexander [Review] - Vampire prison romance!

Bookish Delights

Books added to the pile

None!

Currently reading

Alien's Stranded Mate by Emerald Cox

The Vampire's Hunger by S. Alexander [Review]

2026-08-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Vampire's Hunger (Monster Prison Brides #3) by S. Alexander
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 8, 2026

Monster Prison Brides
1. The Demon's Mark
2. The Orc's Prize
3. The Vampire's Hunger - Kindle
4. The Shadow's Embrace
5. The Angel's Sacrifice

S. Alexander
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

I was sent to study monsters.

When I broke the rules, I was locked in the dark with one.

Valentin Dragomir is ancient, starving, and dangerously controlled. He hears my heartbeat. He wants my blood. And instead of taking me, he holds himself back.

That restraint is worse than fangs.

As the prison collapses around us, survival means trusting a vampire who calls me his Bride—and facing a hunger that isn’t just his. His blood heals me. My presence steadies him. Together, we are forbidden, bound, and exactly what the Authority never intended.

They wanted a monster.

They got a choice.

And I don’t plan on walking out of this prison alone.

Thoughts on The Vampire's Hunger: I'm still a little shaky on the timeline for these books. With Elaina and Valentin finding their way out of the prison that makes three separate instances where something catastrophic happened? Or does this one take place line with Tara and Garruk's escape? I also think the Warden dies in every previous book, so...I'm not sure what's going on there. That said, I DO know he didn't die this time and there was setup for other prisons that need to be liberated.

Anywho. Valentin is starving, Elaina gets thrown in his prison with him. She knows what he is and she knows what he's capable of, but he surprises her by not going all feral on her and draining her dry. Things happen, she gets hurt (bot by him), he heals her, they escape. Kind of. More like they stepped into a trap set by the Warden so he can trigger Valentin's monster and see what he's capable of.

Honestly, the Warden has now had 3 separate couples escape from his prison. I don't think he's the mastermind he's being portrayed as. In the end, I'm here for the possessive monsters and I AM getting that, but I have questions.

The Captain's Claim by Adrian Blue [Review]

2026-08-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Captain's Claim (Taken by the Stars #5) by Adrian Blue
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 21, 2026

Taken by the Stars
1. Heart of the Deep
2. Starbound
3. Breach Protocol
4. The Queen's Shadow
5. The Captain's Claim - Kindle

Adrian Blue
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

When pirates board her research vessel, Dr. Orla Carter expects the worst. What she doesn't expect is their captain. Seven feet of dark scaled muscle with eyes that see straight through her. A reluctant leader carrying eight hundred Kadrin refugees and nowhere left to take them.

She doesn't expect to care. But the more she learns about who he really is, the harder it becomes to remember she's supposed to be his hostage.

Trapped on a patchwork ship full of families and a suspicious first mate who definitely hates her, Orla has a choice: remain a hostage, or become something more.

Thoughts on The Captain's Claim: When Captain Renn gives Orla the choice to either join them "voluntarily" or watch her crewmates get spaced one by one until she agrees, Orla does what any decent person would do. She goes with the captain. Except, instead of a bloodthirsty pirate ship, she finds a cobbled together sanctuary housing the last of Renn's people.

She's scared and a little angry at being forced to help, but the more she learns about Renn and his people, the more she begins to see why he did what he did. Finding out she worked for the very corporation that forced them to flee their own planet? Well, she has to come to terms with that and decide what her next move will be.

And if she starts seeing the captain in a slightly different light after learning about everything? It's understandable. He's been chased off his world and has the weight of eight hundred lives on his shoulders. He's trying his hardest to give his people a chance at living and Orla's contribution was a big piece of that.

A little subterfuge, a boatload of corporate cruelty, a captain who will go to any lengths (even if he hates himself after), and a lady who is willing to help people in need just because it's the right thing to do. *thumbs up*

The Queen's Shadow by Adrian Blue [Review]

2026-08-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Queen's Shadow (Taken by the Stars #4) by Adrian Blue
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 15, 2026

Taken by the Stars
1. Heart of the Deep
2. Starbound
3. Breach Protocol
4. The Queen's Shadow - Kindle
5. The Captain's Claim

Adrian Blue
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Queen Seraphina of Elysara has spent years learning to read every room, every threat, every carefully concealed agenda. She is composed. Strategic. Untouchable. The one thing she has never let herself read is the man standing three paces behind her. But when an assassin's ambush strands them in Elysara's most unforgiving wilderness, she is forced to reckon with a truth she has carefully avoided for years. The man who would die for her without hesitation is the one person she has never let herself truly see.

But he has always seen her.

Thoughts on The Queen's Shadow: Oh-ho! The strong, stoic bodyguard who has ruthlessly quashed down his want for the woman he's guarding and the queen who trusts the male who has her back more than anyone else. Under normal circumstances, they're very careful to keep themselves locked down and not let anyone (the other included) know how deep their feelings run. In fact, if they hadn't been attacked and ended up stranded in the wilderness with only one another to rely on, it's HIGHLY possible they would have remained as they were into perpetuity.

Fortunately for them (although not so fortunately for those who had been with them), they WERE attacked and had some serious alone time to come to terms with all the things they'd been hiding from one another.

A queen and her bodyguard. I'm here for it!

Breach Protocol by Adrian Blue [Review]

2026-08-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

Breach Protocol (Taken by the Stars #3) by Adrian Blue
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 15, 2026

Taken by the Stars
1. Heart of the Deep
2. Starbound
3. Breach Protocol - Kindle
4. The Queen's Shadow
5. The Captain's Claim

Adrian Blue
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Elara
I built my life around certainty. Clean data. Measurable outcomes. The kind of work that left no room for doubt. For three years, the alien in my lab was a specimen, a means to an end, and I was very good at not thinking too hard about what that end was. Then everything fell apart at once, and suddenly the only thing standing between me and a slow death is the creature I've been studying.

D'varek
I had five years to imagine what I'd do when I finally got free. I never imagined the bond. Unbreakable. Irreversible. Tying my soul to the one person in the universe I had the most reason to hate. I told myself it was only biology. That knowing her wouldn't change anything. But the longer I spend at her side, the more I wonder if it knew exactly what it was doing.

Thoughts on Breach Protocol: Conducting experiments on a comatose, non-responsive specimen is one thing. Finding out said specimen felt every cut is another. Finding that out when the station is compromised and the clock is ticking on how long Elara and her alien have to live? ROUGH.

But let's back up. After suffering a terrible loss, Elara has channeled her grief and anger into conducting the experiments she's been tasked with. It's a job and she does it to the best of her ability. Then the station fails and she can't get to her escape pod. Her only chance of getting out of the lab alive is to wake the specimen and see if he can help.

Let's just say that goes both better and worse than Elara imagined. For one, D'varek is not the primitive being she thought he was. He also agrees to help her. Mostly because he knows she's his bonded the moment he scented her and he couldn't let her die when he could do something about it. So the two make their way through a destabilizing station, realize they need to repair the escape pod before they can get away, and work together to give themselves a chance to survive.

Things are tough, but Elara and D'varek make it happen. But that's only the beginning. If they make it off the station, they need to hope someone hears their distress call. Then there's the information Elara discovered about the war and the experiments she unwittingly took part in. That information needs to get out there so her people can't keep committing atrocities. Plus, the bond between these two is flaring and it's not really something they can ignore.

No lie, I enjoy stories set in slowly decaying settings. The station is dying around them, they're hit with obstacles at every turn, and they have to figure out how to survive when everything is actively trying to stop them. *heart eyes*

Vowed to the Vulture God by Ruby Dixon [Review]

2026-08-04T03:00:00.000-07:00

Vowed to the Vulture God (Aspect and Anchor #5) by Ruby Dixon
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 17, 2026

Aspect and Anchor
0.5. The King's Spinster Bride
1. Bound to the Battle God
2. Sworn to the Shadow God
3. Wed to the Wild God
3.5. The Half-Orc's Maiden Bride
4. Servant to the Spidae
4.5. The Sea-Ogre's Eager Bride
5. Vowed to the Vulture God - Paperback | Kindle

Ruby Dixon
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

The Vulture God of Aos needs a partner.

Or more accurately, a watchdog. It's my job to escort him through the phenomenon called the Anticipation. If I make sure he stays alive until the very end, the fates will save my brother's life.

Of course I say yes. Who wouldn't?

I expected Kalos to be repugnant, not an elegant, world-weary man with silvery hair and tired green eyes. I expected him to be cruel and uncaring. As we get to know each other, I find that his caustic commentary shields a soft heart that's been betrayed too many times before.

He's used to everyone hating him. He doesn't know how to handle love, or understanding. He doesn't know what to do when I don't turn away from him, and kiss him instead.

Most of all, Kalos doesn't know that I'm doomed to leave his side, no matter how this ends.

Thoughts on Vowed to the Vulture God: Another human from the regular world has been chosen to help an aspect during the Anticipation on Aos and Elsie does what she needs to do. Which makes it sound easy, but it's FAR from that. Elsie's just a regular lady trying to make ends meet in her world when she's dumped in a place she doesn't know with a god who doesn't care if he survives what's coming.

Kalos's aspect isn't the easiest one to deal with (who would be, really? Arrogance? You could just challenge him to do something by saying you didn't think he COULD do it and he'd fall all over himself to prove you wrong). Elsie has to push him into taking care of himself (not that he needs to do much since he doesn't eat or sleep, but moving out of the path of the advancing army is maybe a little important). She has to do her best to coax him into caring for those around him. Which is...well, he doesn't care. I mean, that's literally his thing. But Elsie soldiers on. Because what are the alternatives?

That said, Kalos does care. At least as much as this aspect can. He might be terrible at showing it, but Elsie gets him moving. He trusts her to lead them to wherever they're going next. He hates being forced into the mortal world during the Anticipation, but Elsie worms her way under his shields with her kindness and patience and boundless optimism and soon he's dreading leaving her. On the plus side, once he'd back in his realm they can be together. Or so he thinks. But Elsie's bargain with Fate has a different ending in store for them.

I honestly adore this world and these arrogant gods who are being forced to lean on their humans during their walk in the mortal realm. I know we've met at least one of all the aspects now, but there are still so many stories that can still play out (Seth! What is UP with that guy??). Aos is big and messy and I'd love to see where these characters take us.

Alien Awakening by Honey Phillips [Review]

2026-08-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

Alien Awakening (Alien Wolf Tales #7) by Honey Phillips
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 15, 2026

Alien Wolf Tales
1. Big, Bad Alien
2. Alien Huntsman
3. Alien Charming
4. Cursed Alien
5. Alien Song
6. Alien's Bargain
7. Alien Awakening - Paperback | Kindle
8. Alien Tower

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
How the Aliens Were Won
1. Borgaz

Seven Brides for Seven Alien Brothers
1. Artek

Honey Phillips
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

She was meant to sleep forever.

When Ember Duvain’s ship explodes, her escape capsule locks her in stasis and crashes deep in Cresca’s mountains. She awakens in the arms of a brooding alien wolf shifter who trusts no one.

Rykan doesn’t trust easily. Betrayal drove him from his pack, and he has no patience for fragile princesses who need protecting.

But mountain life strips away illusion.

As Rykan trains Ember to survive, he realizes the sheltered heiress is far stronger than she appears. And when she uncovers proof her own family tried to steal her empire, he is determined to remain by her side.

They thought she was weak.
They were wrong.

Thoughts on Alien Awakening: We're back on Cresca with a stoic Vultor who has convinced himself he's fine on his own. He mostly is. Then an escape pod crashed in his mountains and suddenly all those suppressed protective instincts of his are roaring to the surface. To be fair, those instincts rose up mostly because the woman in the escape pod was his special someone. His fated honey-bunny. His mate.

Only, you know, he refuses to admit it at first. Because he's FINE on his own. And because he knows Ember belongs to the civilized human world, not his wild mountains.

As it turns out, that's not entirely correct. Ember thrives in the mountains. She breaks out of the shell she's been wrapped in and learns how strong she is. BUT...she has responsibilities back home. Given that the person who sabotaged her ship and attempted to take her out of the picture permanently also has the ability to destroy her father's legacy, she can't justify staying hidden away. Too many people rely on the Duvain empire for her to walk away entirely.

Rykan and Ember have to figure out how to navigate a new relationship while guarding their backs against those trying to twist the Duvain empire into something her father never intended. Ember needs to show everyone she's not weak and Rykan works on finding his place in Ember's world.

We got a few familiar faces, some set-up for the future, and two people who are willing to meet one another halfway to make things work. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (08/02/26)

2026-08-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

Longing for the Alien Lawman by Ursa Dax [Review] - Stoic alien love!!
Cursed with Benefits by Roxie Ray [Review] - Vampire love!
Starbound by Adrien Blue [Review] - Alien love!
The Beast Lord's Prize by S. Alexander [Review] - Monster love!
The Demon's Mark by S. Alexander [Review] - More monster love!
The Orc's Prize by S. Alexander [Review] - Even MORE monster love!

Bookish Delights

Books added to the pile

Vexing Valmir (Ice Planet Clones #5) by Ruby Dixon
Runaway Rockstar by Kylie Scott

Currently reading

Vexing Valmir by Ruby Dixon

The Orc's Prize by S. Alexander [Review]

2026-08-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Orc's Prize (Monster Prison Brides #2) by S. Alexander
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 4, 2026

Monster Prison Brides
1. The Demon's Mark
2. The Orc's Prize - Kindle
3. The Vampire's Hunger
4. The Shadow's Embrace
5. The Angel's Sacrifice

S. Alexander
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

I was supposed to expose the monsters… not fall for one.

Oblivion Lock wasn’t on any map—until the Authority bagged me, dragged me underground, and threw me into a freezing cell with a seven-foot orc who could snap me in half.
Garruk should terrify me.
He does.
But he also shields me, helps me, and watches me like I’m something worth protecting… something his.

When the prison goes into chaos, we escape together—fighting guards, golems, and a Warden who wants us dead. And somewhere between dodging death and pressing up against him in narrow tunnels, I realize the truth:

I’m not afraid of the monster in chains.
I’m afraid of how safe I feel with him.

He calls me “little thorn.”
His mate.
His prize.

And I start wanting a future that shouldn’t exist for a human and an orc on the run.

I came here searching for my best friend.
Now I’m holding hands with the monster who would tear the world apart to keep me.

Freedom is close.
So is falling for him completely.

Thoughts on The Orc's Prize: We're back in the monster prison and this time around we have a lady thrown into a cell with an orc. She was trying to figure out what happened to her friend, he's been locked is this prison for ages. They meet. He knows she's the one for him. She's not onboard quite as quickly as he is, but the big guy hasn't killed her yet so HEY let's do this.

I have to say I'm a little iffy on the timeline for this one. Lily and Malek (book 1) broke out a couple weeks before (based on Tara looking for her here)? And then there was a second prison shake-up that let Garruk and Tara escape? Or did this all happen around the same time? To be fair, I'm really only here for the possessive monsters finding their special someone, so the timeline isn't completely killing the vibe for me. Still, I have questions about when this takes place in relation to book 1.

The Demon's Mark by S. Alexander [Review]

2026-07-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Demon's Mark (Monster Prison Brides #1) by S. Alexander
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 4, 2026

Monster Prison Brides
1. The Demon's Mark - Kindle
2. The Orc's Prize
3. The Vampire's Hunger
4. The Shadow's Embrace
5. The Angel's Sacrifice

S. Alexander
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

I was thrown into a monster prison by mistake.
Worse—into the same cell as the demon they kept petrified for centuries.

One touch woke him.
One breath and he called me “mine.”

I should fear Malek’s claws, wings, and hellfire…
but he shields me, protects me, and looks at me like I’m his whole world.

His mark is burning on my skin.
His chains are breaking.
And escaping this place might be the only thing more dangerous than falling for him.

Thoughts on The Demon's Mark: Lily thinks she was thrown into the monster prison by mistake, but it seemed more like calculated cruelty to me. I mean, she hadn't done anything to warrant being imprisoned AND she was put in the cell with one of the most dangerous monsters. Although, to be fair, I'm going to go out on a limb and say ALL the monsters in the prison are dangerous. So maybe Malek isn't the MOST dangerous.

But the guards didn't expect her to survive the night. Which says to me, they fully put her in there with cruel intent.

Anywho. Lily and Malek. She's a nurse put in a terrible position. He's a demon kept chained and bound. He thinks she's a fever dream when he first scents her since the fates would never bless him with a mate. Not after centuries of letting him rot in this prison. But she's real. And she's brave. And she's definitely his.

On Lily's end, she's terrified, but she has the fake it 'til you make it mask down. So she puts on a brave front, helps Malek when he's injured, and start to trust the big demon with everything inside her. Soon the two are breaking out, causing a little mayhem, and doing what they need to do to survive.

A dark prison, a demon who'd let go of hope, and the human lady who wasn't about to leave anybody behind. Least of all the monster who protected her and treated her like a treasure. *thumbs up*

The Beast Lord's Prize by S. Alexander [Review]

2026-07-30T03:00:00.000-07:00

The Beast Lord's Prize (Cursed Marriage Auctions #1) by S. Alexander
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 3, 2026

Cursed Marriage Auctions
1. The Beast Lord's Prize - Kindle
2. The Undying Lord's Obsession
3. The Dragon Lord's Treasure
4. The Sea Lord's Captive
5. The Thorn Lord's Bride
6. The Stone Lord's Vow

S. Alexander
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

They branded me a witch and put me on a block in the Red Amphitheater—a treaty bride for sale to keep monsters obedient.

I wasn’t chosen.
I was auctioned.

Then Lord Vorak of Blackwood arrived—horned, scarred, and barely leashed. He didn’t bid.

He fought.

He won me in blood… and claimed me with a vow that made the crowd go quiet.

They say his curse turns him into a beast that destroys everything he touches. They say no bride survives Blackwood.

But the first thing he gives me isn’t pain.

It’s protection.

And when his rage rises, my hands are the only thing that can pull him back—because something in my blood wakes for him. Something the crown wanted buried.

The contract says he has thirty nights… then he must return me.

The crown forgot one detail:
Monsters don’t give back what’s theirs.

Thoughts on The Beast Lord's Prize: Beasts and curses and defiance? I'm IN!

I don't think the crown expected to have an open rebellion on their hands when they put Annora up on the auction block. But that's what they got. Well, after she was claimed by Vorak, taken to his fort, and figured out that the "beasts" weren't nearly as terrible as she'd been taught.

But let's back up a little. Annora is a healer at heart. While she's not technically a witch, she does have some sort of magic simmering in her blood. She doesn't know this and it probably wouldn't have manifested if the crown hadn't done what they did and put her in Vorak's path. Maybe it also manifested because Vorak needed her when his curse flared. I don't know. The point is that the people in power put her in a situation they couldn't control and so this rebellion is kind of on them.

That said, Vorak really did need her. He might not have known why when he claimed her at the auction, but she called to him from the start. His desperation and her desire to help started a ripple that looks to be spreading to the others who are in situations like Vorak out there.

A little danger, a little steam, and a wicked world with plenty more action to be found. *thumbs up*

Starbound by Adrian Blue [Review]

2026-07-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

Starbound (Taken by the Stars #2) by Adrian Blue
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 2, 2026

Taken by the Stars
1. Heart of the Deep
2. Starbound - Kindle
3. Breach Protocol
4. The Queen's Shadow
5. The Captain's Claim

Adrian Blue
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Kira of Eshara has spent twenty-three years being the one her family loves but doesn't need. Not the heir. Not the prodigy. The middle child, steady and quiet and forgettable. So when her planet needs a treaty bride for the most feared warlord in contested space, she's the one who volunteers. She is the one they can afford to lose.

Morak is prepared for a political match. A name on a treaty. Someone who would fulfill the terms and nothing more. But when Kira steps onto his ship, something in his careful plans comes undone, and the bond that takes hold between them is as old as his species and just as permanent.

Because when Morak looks at her, he doesn't see someone replaceable. He sees someone he would give up everything to keep.

Thoughts on Starbound: Kira is not unloved or forgotten by her family, but she feels like the disappointing child/sibling who doesn't quite fit. She's not brilliant or needed. She's not flashy and she doesn't make waves when she enters a room. She supports her family in every way she can, but she doesn't feel like anything she does is quite enough. She also doesn't feel like anything is hers.

Until Morak. He might be a powerful warlord who is physically intimidating and VERY unlike a human, but she chose this path that led to him and she's determined to stick with it.

Morak is gobsmacked by Kira. You know, as much as a feared warlord can be gobsmacked. He was expecting nothing more than a political match, but he gets hit in the feels the first time he lays eyes on his treaty bride. She's soft and gentle and his and he likes that. A lot.

A sex-ay alien encounter, a warlord who wants his little human to want him, and a lady who didn't know what she was looking for until she laid eyes on the big warlord. *thumbs up*

Cursed with Benefits by Roxie Ray [Review]

2026-07-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Cursed with Benefits by Roxie Ray
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 10, 2026

Purchase Links: Paperback | Kindle

Roxie Ray
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

House-sitting a creepy mansion was supposed to be easy—until Nadia accidentally wakes up a grumpy vampire lord who’s now magically bound to her.

Step One: Get him to stop calling people “peasants.”
Step Two: Convince him that biting is NOT an acceptable form of communication.
Step Three: Absolutely, under no circumstances, fall for him. (Oops.)

Thoughts on Cursed with Benefits: What was supposed to be a summer of self-care and re-learning to love herself turned into something a teeeeeeny bit different for Nadia. Different as in the house she's house-sitting for is possibly haunted, the vampire she accidentally awakened is smokin' hot, and the local vampires are SUPER invested in getting her new vampire housemate to join them.

They will literally go to any lengths to get him. Including, but not limited to, betrayal, vague promises, invading his dreams, an over the top masquerade ball, and just being general jerks.

To say that Cristian isn't into their whole court thing might be understating it. The guy has already dealt with being bound by them once, he's not about to let them get their metaphorical fangs in him to drain him dry now that he's escaped.

In fact, he just wants his freedom. But since he's magically bound to Nadia, he's kind of stuck. Except...being bound to her starts feeling less like a prison every day. He admires her kindness. He appreciates her bubbly spirit. He feels maybe a little less lonely when she's around.

So when the vampires targeting him put her in their sights, he does what any powerful vampire lord would do...well, maybe that's not right. He does what he thinks he needs to do to keep Nadia safe. Even it if might not end well for him.

A spooky house, some serious affirmations, more than a few steamy kisses (not to mention a bite or two), a vampire who found something worth fighting for, and a lady who realizes she doesn't need to face the world on her own. You know, as long as it's the right person she's facing it with. *thumbs up*

Longing for the Alien Lawman by Ursa Dax [Review]

2026-07-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

Longing for the Alien Lawman (Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides #8) by Ursa Dax
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 8, 2026

Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides
1. Married to the Alien Cowboy
2. Wrangled by the Alien Rancher
3. Resisting the Alien Rider
4. Wanted by the Alien Warden
5. Married to the Alien Mountain Man
6. Rescued by the Alien Bull Rider
7. Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner
8. Longing for the Alien Lawman - Paperback | Kindle
9. Bound by the Alien Buckaroo

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Holiday Romances of Elora Station
1. Chimera for Christmas

Ursa Dax
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A curvy OBGYN who's all sunshine and sweetness, a stern alien warden who prizes order above all else, and one very opposites-attract roommate situation...
"Do you know any doctors who'd want to work on a prison planet?"

That's the message I get on my comms tablet the same day my personal life falls apart. Well, I'm a doctor - OBGYN, in fact. And while a penal colony isn't my first choice at a fresh start, I take a chance on it anyway. I like to go with the flow. And who knows? Maybe working with a bunch of cowboy convicts and their wives and babies will be fun!

What isn't fun, though? The steely-eyed, hard-jawed warden who rules over the province I'll be working in. The coolly disciplined Warden Hallum makes the icy Zabria Prinar One landscape seem downright cozy by comparison.

We'll have to get along. Big stick up his bum or not, he is my colleague here. Except I soon find out we'll be more than that. The construction of the hospital I'm meant to live at has been delayed by snowy weather. So the stern and starchy warden Hallum won't just be my coworker now...
He'll also be my roommate.

Thoughts on Longing for the Alien Lawman: The very by-the-book (one would almost say "uptight") Warden Hallum is about to get a roommate and Lualhati is glorious, rainbow colored chaos. She's an excellent doctor, but she is not orderly or contained or any of the things Hallum is. Seeing as they're about to share space, this could be a recipe for disaster.

BUT...her chaos doesn't bother Hallum. She creates joyful messes and is so genuinely kind that Hallum is charmed by her. She's also sweetly direct and kind of likes Hallum's stern default expression. That said, he is maybe a little emotionally constipated and doesn't express himself as clearly as he could, so they do have to work through the pangs of figuring one another out.

As for Lualhati, she has a one year contract on Zabria Prinar One. One year to get herself together and plan for the future. This future likely won't be on Zabria Prinar One since her endgame involves having a baby soon-ish. So she'll stay her year and then go somewhere she can build a life (and where she can get knocked up medically) for her potential child. Except...she likes Hallum. She likes the gentle male under the military precision and she likes the men he's been tasked with watching over. Not to mention the babies that are soon to be born and the incredible scenery and the human women who've ended up here.

An unrepentant ex, a hospital behind schedule, a Warden who is instantly smitten, and a woman who absolutely deserves a male who adores her. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (07/26/26)

2026-07-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

How to Housebreak Your Werewolf by Riley Harp [Review] - Werewolf love!
The Cuddle Clause by Roxie Ray [Review] - Neurodivergent werewolf love!
Emotional Support Alpha by Riley Harp [Review] - More werewolf love!
Bite My Wiener by Riley Harp [Review] -Even MORE werewolf love!
Bite Me Twice by Riley Harp [Review] - SO MUCH WEREWOLF LOVE!
Falling for my Demon by X. Callisto [Review] - Instalove demon romance!

Bookish Delights

Books added to the pile

None!

Currently reading

Claimed by the Alien Military by Deiri Di