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Bubble Babes #3
All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino but an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead
The Bubble Babe series continues in this standalone novel.
Will an aquatic alien duke be able to reconcile the fact that his fated mate is a small, mouthy, human woman who can't swim? Will that human be able to love him despite his scars and the fact that he's keeping her captive?
☆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. Fingers crossed it won’t! 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 should I prioritize the goddess's wishes or grant her the freedom she deserves, joining the other human refugees?
This erotic alien romance is part 3 of the Bubble Babes series. It can be read as either a standalone or as a continuation of earlier books. This book features a 5’2” plus sized Italian-American female male character and a 7’6” aquatic alien duke as the male main character. Tropes include Kidnapping, size difference, enemies to loves, reformed playboy, alien romance, fated mates, and forced proximity. This full-length novel (67K words) ends with a HEA.
Will an aquatic alien duke be able to reconcile the fact that his fated mate is a small, mouthy, human woman who can't swim? Will that human be able to love him despite his scars and the fact that he's keeping her captive?
☆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. Fingers crossed it won’t! 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 should I prioritize the goddess's wishes or grant her the freedom she deserves, joining the other human refugees?
This erotic alien romance is part 3 of the Bubble Babes series. It can be read as either a standalone or as a continuation of earlier books. This book features a 5’2” plus sized Italian-American female male character and a 7’6” aquatic alien duke as the male main character. Tropes include Kidnapping, size difference, enemies to loves, reformed playboy, alien romance, fated mates, and forced proximity. This full-length novel (67K words) ends with a HEA.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2023
58 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
March 28, 2024
I'm glad I gave this quirky little book a shot. It had some great scenes and I think it's a fun read for many SFR fans - but personally, some parts really rubbed me the wrong way. Heads up this will be longer and more explicit than my usual reviews.
Stuff I liked or loved:
♥ Mild enemies to lovers w/some banter, size difference, fated mates, forced proximity, kidnapping, no virgins, some praise, mild caregiving/spoiling, and creative sexytimes/anatomy.
♥ The author provides a very thorough, thoughtful content warning. (You have to go to her website for it, but authors often have to do this. For convenience, I'm pasting it at the bottom of my review.)
♥ Audiobook is free on Hoopla and the narrators (Oliver Highpoint + Ada Sinclair) really got into it. Ada was giving 'Marissa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny ' energy, which was fun.
♥ I surprisingly enjoyed Marta and Raf'ere's dynamic. It's tricky to hit the right note with a feisty FMC + egotistical MMC, but I liked the way she gave him a run for his money.
♥ Marta is mourning her recently deceased dog; I loved that the MMC took her grief seriously and didn't belittle it.
♥ Some good humor. Early on, Marta tries to 'MacGyver' a weapon out of a sex toy, and I respect that kind of creativity 😂.
♥ An oddly specific microtrope I like: He starts doing research on human anatomy and winds up wanking to porn he thinks looks like her. For science, dammit! 🧪
Stuff that didn't work for me:
✗ Other Women/'Evil' OW: We first see Raf'ere alone with two women who are trying to seduce him. He turns them down, but is sort of reluctant about it. A little later, his maid finds him with a hard-on and offers to take care of him (like she often does). She unzips his pants and almost grabs his dick before he pushes her away 😬. Duuuke, seriously? Even the rakiest rakes in HR rarely fuck the help. It's a gross abuse of power not to mention just plain stupid.
⚠Spoiler: Near the end, one of the OW
✗ Marta's self-love scene was bizarre. Up until this scene, she's been scared Raf'ere might sexually assault her. Remember this fact - and buckle up:
So, she takes a shower and lets her fingers do the walking. She then starts moaning - loudly. She knows he can hear her, but basically decides eh, fuck it 🤷♀️🤡. So naturally he barges in, thinking she's hurt. She jumps in surprise, trips, starts to fall - and he deftly catches her.
Now, most people's hands instinctively shoot out when bracing for a fall. It's an automatic survival response. Not Marta! Her reflex system gives no fucks. She's um, in it to win it - still knuckle-deep and ᵒᵐᵍ🫠 she just keeps clam-jammin' away while he's holding her. 🫣 💀
(I could maybe buy it, if this was Omegaverse, or she'd been drugged - but nope! Marta decided this was a power move... to assert dominance 🤦♀️. She's buck naked, 5'2", and being held hostage by a 7'6" alien stranger. Who - remember? - she was scared of 10 minutes earlier. I can't tell if this was meant to be funny, sexy, or both, but ISTG I lost good brain cells trying to process this 😵💫 )
✗ I loved his sex toys - in theory. They honestly sound cool AF. But I personally couldn't get past the fact
✗ Raf'ere refuses to let Marta kiss him, but he
✗ Arrogant, jerky MMCs need to fall HARD. The bigger their egos, the harder they need to fall. Raf'ere did fall for her, and he definitely had some swoony moments, but I needed way more. His idea of a grand gesture was
Trigger/Content Warnings:
(via author's website)
Stuff I liked or loved:
♥ Mild enemies to lovers w/some banter, size difference, fated mates, forced proximity, kidnapping, no virgins, some praise, mild caregiving/spoiling, and creative sexytimes/anatomy.
♥ The author provides a very thorough, thoughtful content warning. (You have to go to her website for it, but authors often have to do this. For convenience, I'm pasting it at the bottom of my review.)
♥ Audiobook is free on Hoopla and the narrators (Oliver Highpoint + Ada Sinclair) really got into it. Ada was giving 'Marissa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny ' energy, which was fun.
♥ I surprisingly enjoyed Marta and Raf'ere's dynamic. It's tricky to hit the right note with a feisty FMC + egotistical MMC, but I liked the way she gave him a run for his money.
♥ Marta is mourning her recently deceased dog; I loved that the MMC took her grief seriously and didn't belittle it.
♥ Some good humor. Early on, Marta tries to 'MacGyver' a weapon out of a sex toy, and I respect that kind of creativity 😂.
♥ An oddly specific microtrope I like: He starts doing research on human anatomy and winds up wanking to porn he thinks looks like her. For science, dammit! 🧪
Stuff that didn't work for me:
✗ Other Women/'Evil' OW: We first see Raf'ere alone with two women who are trying to seduce him. He turns them down, but is sort of reluctant about it. A little later, his maid finds him with a hard-on and offers to take care of him (like she often does). She unzips his pants and almost grabs his dick before he pushes her away 😬. Duuuke, seriously? Even the rakiest rakes in HR rarely fuck the help. It's a gross abuse of power not to mention just plain stupid.
⚠Spoiler: Near the end, one of the OW
✗ Marta's self-love scene was bizarre. Up until this scene, she's been scared Raf'ere might sexually assault her. Remember this fact - and buckle up:
So, she takes a shower and lets her fingers do the walking. She then starts moaning - loudly. She knows he can hear her, but basically decides eh, fuck it 🤷♀️🤡. So naturally he barges in, thinking she's hurt. She jumps in surprise, trips, starts to fall - and he deftly catches her.
Now, most people's hands instinctively shoot out when bracing for a fall. It's an automatic survival response. Not Marta! Her reflex system gives no fucks. She's um, in it to win it - still knuckle-deep and ᵒᵐᵍ🫠 she just keeps clam-jammin' away while he's holding her. 🫣 💀
(I could maybe buy it, if this was Omegaverse, or she'd been drugged - but nope! Marta decided this was a power move... to assert dominance 🤦♀️. She's buck naked, 5'2", and being held hostage by a 7'6" alien stranger. Who - remember? - she was scared of 10 minutes earlier. I can't tell if this was meant to be funny, sexy, or both, but ISTG I lost good brain cells trying to process this 😵💫 )
✗ I loved his sex toys - in theory. They honestly sound cool AF. But I personally couldn't get past the fact
✗ Raf'ere refuses to let Marta kiss him, but he
✗ Arrogant, jerky MMCs need to fall HARD. The bigger their egos, the harder they need to fall. Raf'ere did fall for her, and he definitely had some swoony moments, but I needed way more. His idea of a grand gesture was
Trigger/Content Warnings:
(via author's website)
August 29, 2024
This one was easily my favorite of the series.
When I look back on this series, the FMC in this book will be the main thing that I remember. I loved that she was Italian and had such a feisty personality.
I also liked the relationship between these two more than the characters in the other books.
I did have a hard time reading these though because I can’t help but compare them to Ice Planet Barbarians, and I also think I had too high of expectations.
But overall, these are fun, spicy, goofy, and cute. I would recommend the Bubble Babes series to other romance readers.
When I look back on this series, the FMC in this book will be the main thing that I remember. I loved that she was Italian and had such a feisty personality.
I also liked the relationship between these two more than the characters in the other books.
I did have a hard time reading these though because I can’t help but compare them to Ice Planet Barbarians, and I also think I had too high of expectations.
But overall, these are fun, spicy, goofy, and cute. I would recommend the Bubble Babes series to other romance readers.
January 6, 2025
I love this series so much. Raf’ere was such a dick bit so sweet underneath and Marta was hilarious. Such a fun bubble babes couple and getting a sneak at the current lives of Jess and Opal too! I can’t wait for the next one!
December 2, 2023
5/5 ⭐️
I absolutely devoured this book and it’s 100% my favorite in the Bubble Babes series so far! This series is about a whole bunch of human women who get snatched and taken to alien planets to be s*x workers. It’s surprisingly, a super wholesome, fluffy, funny, and spicy series.
In BB3, you follow along the story of Marta, who is a human woman with a lot of spunk, and the Duke. The angst and tension from the Duke was absolutely delicious. I absolutely love Marta, she is bold, funny, and everything that the Duke wasn’t expecting in the best way possible. This one can be read as a standalone but I feel as though it’s best enjoyed in order of the series.
This book literally had all my favorite tropes and I was HERE for it. So if you enjoy the deets below, then RUN to read this beautiful book!
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-alien duke
-plus size
-mouthy Italian-American human fmc
-royalty
-angst + tension
-space puppies
-delicious smut
-fated mates
-possessive man (alien man? 😂)
-a little bit of a opposites attract vibe
-k*dnapping
-alien s*x toys
what more could you want??? 😍
I absolutely devoured this book and it’s 100% my favorite in the Bubble Babes series so far! This series is about a whole bunch of human women who get snatched and taken to alien planets to be s*x workers. It’s surprisingly, a super wholesome, fluffy, funny, and spicy series.
In BB3, you follow along the story of Marta, who is a human woman with a lot of spunk, and the Duke. The angst and tension from the Duke was absolutely delicious. I absolutely love Marta, she is bold, funny, and everything that the Duke wasn’t expecting in the best way possible. This one can be read as a standalone but I feel as though it’s best enjoyed in order of the series.
This book literally had all my favorite tropes and I was HERE for it. So if you enjoy the deets below, then RUN to read this beautiful book!
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-alien duke
-plus size
-mouthy Italian-American human fmc
-royalty
-angst + tension
-space puppies
-delicious smut
-fated mates
-possessive man (alien man? 😂)
-a little bit of a opposites attract vibe
-k*dnapping
-alien s*x toys
what more could you want??? 😍
February 25, 2025
I enjoyed the previous books in this series, but I did not like this book. I was intrigued to see how the Duke could redeem himself, but it fell flat for me.
I didn't really like the characters, Marta was interesting at the start, but I felt she just resigned herself to being kept captive in the Duke's rooms.
I hated the storyline - it just didn't seem to fit with the world or the series.
The Duke, in my eyes, didn't redeem himself. I started the book disliking him, and I ended the book feeling the same way.
I did enjoy being back in the world, though.
I didn't really like the characters, Marta was interesting at the start, but I felt she just resigned herself to being kept captive in the Duke's rooms.
I hated the storyline - it just didn't seem to fit with the world or the series.
The Duke, in my eyes, didn't redeem himself. I started the book disliking him, and I ended the book feeling the same way.
I did enjoy being back in the world, though.
December 6, 2023
This was my favorite so far in the series!! Thank you so much to the author for sending me this ARC. These books are just fun quick reads for those that love paranormal romances. I finished bb3 in record time, and can’t wait for the next book!
December 5, 2023
Thank you so much Petra for the ARC!
🪐🫧🐙🛸👽🪸🪼✨
5/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was amazing! Marta is sassy & strong-willed and is sick of men telling her what’s best for her. She will speak her mind, put you in your place & cuss you out if need be. I loved her character so much
Duke Raf’ere is lavish & arrogant. He got a bad rep in the previous book so I wasn’t a fan of him in the beginning, but he grew on me. He’s a lover boy deep down.
I loved that we got Marta’s backstory of what her life was like on Earth before she was abducted, and more world building within Sontafrul 6.
This book has everything you’re looking for in alien smut - great characters, a space puppy, lots of spice (& alien sex toys!) jealous ex lovers, heartfelt moments & drama.
We got to see some appearances from previous beloved characters as well as being introduced to the next FMC and MMC of the series (I hope 🤞🏽)
Definitely add the Bubble Babes series to your TBR!
🪐🫧🐙🛸👽🪸🪼✨
5/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was amazing! Marta is sassy & strong-willed and is sick of men telling her what’s best for her. She will speak her mind, put you in your place & cuss you out if need be. I loved her character so much
Duke Raf’ere is lavish & arrogant. He got a bad rep in the previous book so I wasn’t a fan of him in the beginning, but he grew on me. He’s a lover boy deep down.
I loved that we got Marta’s backstory of what her life was like on Earth before she was abducted, and more world building within Sontafrul 6.
This book has everything you’re looking for in alien smut - great characters, a space puppy, lots of spice (& alien sex toys!) jealous ex lovers, heartfelt moments & drama.
We got to see some appearances from previous beloved characters as well as being introduced to the next FMC and MMC of the series (I hope 🤞🏽)
Definitely add the Bubble Babes series to your TBR!
June 9, 2024
Story rating: 3.75⭐️
Romance lvl: 3.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.75🌶️
Smut frequency: 4.0⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
🛸 alien abduction
🛸 keeping her (kinda) hostage
🛸 fated mates
🛸 hate to love
🛸 curvy babe
🛸 reformed (reforming?) rake
----------------------—
~ STORY 📝 ~
Seriously, this series is so ENTERTAINING 😂✨
I ate it all up in one day, book 1 to 3 in one go! It's so easy to read (and maybe also bc in the perfect mood for it hahaha). This one is even smuttier than the ones before with, again, a nice mix of cozy and angsty 🙌
Those two have a very unusual love story but they're cute, I love them 😂
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
If you read "All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino but an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead" you're in for:
🛸 Size difference
🛸 Soft D/s dynamic
🛸 Dirty talk
🛸 Use of toys
🛸 Alien with special anatomy
Romance lvl: 3.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.75🌶️
Smut frequency: 4.0⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
🛸 alien abduction
🛸 keeping her (kinda) hostage
🛸 fated mates
🛸 hate to love
🛸 curvy babe
🛸 reformed (reforming?) rake
----------------------—
~ STORY 📝 ~
Seriously, this series is so ENTERTAINING 😂✨
I ate it all up in one day, book 1 to 3 in one go! It's so easy to read (and maybe also bc in the perfect mood for it hahaha). This one is even smuttier than the ones before with, again, a nice mix of cozy and angsty 🙌
Those two have a very unusual love story but they're cute, I love them 😂
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
If you read "All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino but an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead" you're in for:
🛸 Size difference
🛸 Soft D/s dynamic
🛸 Dirty talk
🛸 Use of toys
🛸 Alien with special anatomy
February 23, 2025
"Are we talking about the same guy? The duke of the Lin'gan Reefs, dresses like an asshole, hates humans?" "He doesn't hate humans." I set my jaw.
"But he does dress like an asshole, l'll give you that."
This was a bit darker than the previous two in the series. We definitely got to see Marta experience her grief of being abducted. And the Duke made it very difficult to like him in the beginning. His redemption period took time
I was very happy to see his growth through the book! Marta is the perfect mate for him because she takes no shit from anyone! And she has zero problems putting him in his place!
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I'm excited for book 4 to be released!
"But he does dress like an asshole, l'll give you that."
This was a bit darker than the previous two in the series. We definitely got to see Marta experience her grief of being abducted. And the Duke made it very difficult to like him in the beginning. His redemption period took time
I was very happy to see his growth through the book! Marta is the perfect mate for him because she takes no shit from anyone! And she has zero problems putting him in his place!
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I'm excited for book 4 to be released!
November 28, 2023
"Loving you was never hard, Marta."
I've been in love with this series from book 1 and the obsession continues!
The enemies to lovers banter between Marta and Raf'ere was perfection. I loved their relationship and watching them fall in love with each other. Did he make some questionable choices regarding Marta? YES. But I think we all expected that given who he is. I mean his skin is gray so he's the perfect choice for a morally gray mmc. 😆
Spice? HOT. Apparently in Sontraful-6 there is no such thing as too many s*x toys. Raf'ere has quite the collection. And he knows how to use them well.
Both characters have some past traumas to work through that cause some miscommunication situations, but I enjoyed the "WHERE IS SHE" moment that we got because of it. We love a feral mmc going to save his girl.
I completely related to Marta's fear of being under the water. I would totally freak out, too. Every time she panicked about it I could feel a bit of panic myself. Underwater or underground? No thanks.
Before I end the review this is my small plea to Petra to give us a story for Hisso. PLEEEEAAAASE. He was only on page for a short period of time but that synthetic stole a bit of my heart. 💖
Loved this book and can't wait to read the next one! We got a bit of an introduction to the next couple at the end of this book, and I can already tell it's going to be a great read!
I've been in love with this series from book 1 and the obsession continues!
The enemies to lovers banter between Marta and Raf'ere was perfection. I loved their relationship and watching them fall in love with each other. Did he make some questionable choices regarding Marta? YES. But I think we all expected that given who he is. I mean his skin is gray so he's the perfect choice for a morally gray mmc. 😆
Spice? HOT. Apparently in Sontraful-6 there is no such thing as too many s*x toys. Raf'ere has quite the collection. And he knows how to use them well.
Both characters have some past traumas to work through that cause some miscommunication situations, but I enjoyed the "WHERE IS SHE" moment that we got because of it. We love a feral mmc going to save his girl.
I completely related to Marta's fear of being under the water. I would totally freak out, too. Every time she panicked about it I could feel a bit of panic myself. Underwater or underground? No thanks.
Before I end the review this is my small plea to Petra to give us a story for Hisso. PLEEEEAAAASE. He was only on page for a short period of time but that synthetic stole a bit of my heart. 💖
Loved this book and can't wait to read the next one! We got a bit of an introduction to the next couple at the end of this book, and I can already tell it's going to be a great read!
September 17, 2024
EEEEE! My favorite of the series so far! I love a nit of slow burn and it was just so much fun. Low stakes per usual, but I ate this book up!
December 6, 2023
I was an ARC reader for this book & this is easily my favorite Bubble Babe so far. Marta is exactly what you would hope for when you hear the FMC is a spicy American-Italian mafia princess. Her sass and confidence makes her a fast favorite. Plus anyone who can weaponize bedroom accessories and fancy booze to mount an attack on an overdressed playboy is a perfect 10 in my book! I loved the look into Raf’ere’s past and the chance to understand his personality and hang ups better!
February 18, 2024
I feel like the books have gotten progressively worse in the series. This one felt very rushed and very predictable, zero character development or world building. I just didn’t care about either of the MCs, and neither of them had a different voice in the book. It was simply boring and the spice wasn’t that interesting BECAUSE you just don’t learn about or care about the characters! The reader has zero emotional connection to either of them, and zero emotional connection exists between the characters.
I feel like if the book was much longer and she took the time to develop the characters and the world it would be a different book! For instance, why in the first two books is our MMC this hated, arrogant, egotistical man? This would have been the perfect book to explore that and his backstory, and instead his character seemed to flip and now he’s actually this boring one dimensional dude with the buildup from the first two novels just thrown out.
She needs a better editor and some world building for the following books she’ll be releasing. It has a lot of promise and i loved the first book, just wish it had more to it!
I feel like if the book was much longer and she took the time to develop the characters and the world it would be a different book! For instance, why in the first two books is our MMC this hated, arrogant, egotistical man? This would have been the perfect book to explore that and his backstory, and instead his character seemed to flip and now he’s actually this boring one dimensional dude with the buildup from the first two novels just thrown out.
She needs a better editor and some world building for the following books she’ll be releasing. It has a lot of promise and i loved the first book, just wish it had more to it!
February 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
As the 3rd installment in the Bubble Babes Series, this was a pretty good read that I sped through. The story follows a mafia princess named Marta who was kidnapped by the Deenz and ultimately ended up on the ship from the previous book. Duke Raf’ere kidnaps her, and the story follows their budding relationship shortly after she awakens.
Starting off on the high-notes, I did like Raf’ere as the male love interest. He’s a no-nonsense type of guy who’s thrown off his game by Marta, and I enjoyed seeing his progression as the book went on. It’s clear he cares for her through (some of) his actions, and when you learn why he’s reacting to her the way he is, and how he overcomes it, that only makes him more endearing. The introduction of more lore for the world through the reintroduction of some of the other alien races and new creations was also a welcome sight. I’ve been craving more world-building with my alien-erotica, and I’m glad Ms. Palerno is trying to expand.
Now, on to my main gripe with this book: Marta being from a mafia family. Honestly, that detail seemed like it was going to be much more important and more relevant than it was in the story. I came into it expecting a bad ass woman who knows how to take care of herself and can keep cool under pressure, and was maybe even involved in the crime-family life. Those expectations were quickly crushed when I realized that her mafia background was reduced to the fact that she’s Italian and she argues with Raf’ere here and there. The author could have said that Marta was just an outspoken Italian woman, and it would have had the same effect without getting my hopes up. Marta, while not soft spoken or a doormat, fell kind of flat for me, and I would have liked to see more from her besides her past making her want freedom. If you were expecting some kind of alien-mafia romance, this is not going to be that.
I’ll be continuing on to read the 4th book to see if we get more world-building with our new main cast of characters, and I hope we get some romance with a race other than the fi’len.
As the 3rd installment in the Bubble Babes Series, this was a pretty good read that I sped through. The story follows a mafia princess named Marta who was kidnapped by the Deenz and ultimately ended up on the ship from the previous book. Duke Raf’ere kidnaps her, and the story follows their budding relationship shortly after she awakens.
Starting off on the high-notes, I did like Raf’ere as the male love interest. He’s a no-nonsense type of guy who’s thrown off his game by Marta, and I enjoyed seeing his progression as the book went on. It’s clear he cares for her through (some of) his actions, and when you learn why he’s reacting to her the way he is, and how he overcomes it, that only makes him more endearing. The introduction of more lore for the world through the reintroduction of some of the other alien races and new creations was also a welcome sight. I’ve been craving more world-building with my alien-erotica, and I’m glad Ms. Palerno is trying to expand.
Now, on to my main gripe with this book: Marta being from a mafia family. Honestly, that detail seemed like it was going to be much more important and more relevant than it was in the story. I came into it expecting a bad ass woman who knows how to take care of herself and can keep cool under pressure, and was maybe even involved in the crime-family life. Those expectations were quickly crushed when I realized that her mafia background was reduced to the fact that she’s Italian and she argues with Raf’ere here and there. The author could have said that Marta was just an outspoken Italian woman, and it would have had the same effect without getting my hopes up. Marta, while not soft spoken or a doormat, fell kind of flat for me, and I would have liked to see more from her besides her past making her want freedom. If you were expecting some kind of alien-mafia romance, this is not going to be that.
I’ll be continuing on to read the 4th book to see if we get more world-building with our new main cast of characters, and I hope we get some romance with a race other than the fi’len.
April 29, 2024
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!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
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!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 5, 2025
4.4/5. They are perfectly imperfect. My only complaint is that he used the sex toys on her he presumably used on all the other women. Gross. And buy a new bed for fucks sake.
But she is feisty and they do go from hate (on her end. Resentment on his) to love and it was fun. not much of a grovel but I’ll take it.
Raf’ere: MMC duke. Ke’ain’s cousin and ruler of the Liin’gan Reefs on Sontafrul 6. Is arrogant and pigheaded with a huge ego. Scarred war hero with a chip on his shoulder. Grieving the more than decade old rejection of his first live finance (Yar’oh).
Marta. Mafia princess. Grieving her dog Bruno who had cancer and she had to put down. He was a pit bull bait dog she rescued with scars all over the left side of his face.
I want to read about the marauders so badly
Now
Alien (shark man). Scarred ex army duke MMC. Reformed (only since finding his mate) rake, most eligible bachelor MMC. He can’t get it up for anyone but her. Scenting. Mafia princess abducted FMC. Hate to lovers. He “rescues” and abducts her. Locks her in the closet. Bondage. Squirting. Sex toys. Huge cock “umbrella” head. Pussy job. Pussy pump. Sucker above cock. Former lover attempts to kill FMC. “I’m no good for you”. He sets her free to prove his love. She claims him. Epilogue 3 months later with breeding.
Triggers:
Mafia references, abduction/stealing her/confinement, drowning (FMC), grief (her for her euthanized dog, him for his past love), parental death (MMC, past, not explicit. FMC mother drowned). scars (MMC), bad self-image because of scars (MMC). pregnancy and childbirth (discussed), Stockholm syndrome (mentioned), collaring, use of restraints, abandonment, xenophobia against humans by aliens
But she is feisty and they do go from hate (on her end. Resentment on his) to love and it was fun. not much of a grovel but I’ll take it.
Raf’ere: MMC duke. Ke’ain’s cousin and ruler of the Liin’gan Reefs on Sontafrul 6. Is arrogant and pigheaded with a huge ego. Scarred war hero with a chip on his shoulder. Grieving the more than decade old rejection of his first live finance (Yar’oh).
Marta. Mafia princess. Grieving her dog Bruno who had cancer and she had to put down. He was a pit bull bait dog she rescued with scars all over the left side of his face.
I want to read about the marauders so badly
Now
Alien (shark man). Scarred ex army duke MMC. Reformed (only since finding his mate) rake, most eligible bachelor MMC. He can’t get it up for anyone but her. Scenting. Mafia princess abducted FMC. Hate to lovers. He “rescues” and abducts her. Locks her in the closet. Bondage. Squirting. Sex toys. Huge cock “umbrella” head. Pussy job. Pussy pump. Sucker above cock. Former lover attempts to kill FMC. “I’m no good for you”. He sets her free to prove his love. She claims him. Epilogue 3 months later with breeding.
Triggers:
Mafia references, abduction/stealing her/confinement, drowning (FMC), grief (her for her euthanized dog, him for his past love), parental death (MMC, past, not explicit. FMC mother drowned). scars (MMC), bad self-image because of scars (MMC). pregnancy and childbirth (discussed), Stockholm syndrome (mentioned), collaring, use of restraints, abandonment, xenophobia against humans by aliens
November 29, 2023
This is the third standalone in the Bubble Babes series, and it did notttt disappoint! I love Marta, the confident and feisty FMC, so much. She’s the perfect match to get our MMC to finally soften up. 🥰
I wasn’t a huge Raf’ere fan, but boyyyy did he win me over. I really enjoyed learning more of his backstory, and also learning about his varied… collection of toys
These books are so fun, and they really keep you entertained the whole time you read them. And this one has SPACE PUPPIES, who could resist??? They’re genuinely an all around good time, read them 😍
Thank you so much, Petra, for letting me read this ARC for an honest review. 💖
Read this if you like:
🛸Alien Romance
🛸”Good Girl”
🛸Fated Mates
🛸SPACE PUPPIESSSS
I wasn’t a huge Raf’ere fan, but boyyyy did he win me over. I really enjoyed learning more of his backstory, and also learning about his varied… collection of toys
These books are so fun, and they really keep you entertained the whole time you read them. And this one has SPACE PUPPIES, who could resist??? They’re genuinely an all around good time, read them 😍
Thank you so much, Petra, for letting me read this ARC for an honest review. 💖
Read this if you like:
🛸Alien Romance
🛸”Good Girl”
🛸Fated Mates
🛸SPACE PUPPIESSSS
January 18, 2024
Rated 3.5 stars on storygraph
Each book seems to be getting better which I enjoy. The characters are likeable and it’s nice having multiple POVs. I like how the author makes an effort to be as inclusive as possible with the characters she’s building. All in all pretty solid. Not going to be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s good for my Ruby Dixon hangover.
Each book seems to be getting better which I enjoy. The characters are likeable and it’s nice having multiple POVs. I like how the author makes an effort to be as inclusive as possible with the characters she’s building. All in all pretty solid. Not going to be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s good for my Ruby Dixon hangover.
January 12, 2025
It was a ✨vibe✨ (pun intended)
Honestly, I like the political structure of the world and the internal struggle of the Duke of duty vs. love. I did have to skim the sex scenes since it just wasn’t adding to my enjoyment of the story but I did love the addition of a pet and the cameos of the previous couples. It’s a fun time.
Honestly, I like the political structure of the world and the internal struggle of the Duke of duty vs. love. I did have to skim the sex scenes since it just wasn’t adding to my enjoyment of the story but I did love the addition of a pet and the cameos of the previous couples. It’s a fun time.
February 3, 2024
This one was my favorite so far out of the series. I read all three books back to back. And I’m a bubble babes fan. In the beginning the FMC would piss me off with how rude she could be at times but at the same time she was kidnapped so I guess give her grace. Book three made my heart pitter patter. Now I’ve fallen down the alien romance rabbit hole I need more.
December 11, 2023
If Petra Palerno writes it, I’ll read it (and probably devour it!). Bubble Babes #3, All I Wanted Was A Glass Of Vino But An Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead, which is another standalone, was just as good as the last two.
I LOVED sassy Marta, she’s the perfect match to Raf’ere, who’s much more stodgy (while also acting like overstuffed playboy). The banter between these two is *chef’s kiss.*
This get all the peppers - Raf’ere and Marta have some serious chemistry in bed!
However, the spice isn’t the main plot. Learning to trust one another, getting over fears, space puppies…this is much more than *just* alien smut.
Thank you to Petra Palerno for the opportunity to ARC read!
I LOVED sassy Marta, she’s the perfect match to Raf’ere, who’s much more stodgy (while also acting like overstuffed playboy). The banter between these two is *chef’s kiss.*
This get all the peppers - Raf’ere and Marta have some serious chemistry in bed!
However, the spice isn’t the main plot. Learning to trust one another, getting over fears, space puppies…this is much more than *just* alien smut.
Thank you to Petra Palerno for the opportunity to ARC read!
January 6, 2024
Another fun addition to this series, the writing makes me laugh and I was a big fan of Marta all around even though I’m still carrying some grudges against Raf’ere from the last book.
November 15, 2024
Marta & Raf’ere 🌊
You dirty, kinky, alien you!
You dirty, kinky, alien you!
February 15, 2025
This series keeps me laughing and rooting for the couples.
November 28, 2023
An Italian-American Mafia boss’s sheltered daughter meets the *outgoing* aquatic alien Duke that kidnapped her, post abduction from Earth. Oh and she’s his fated mate (unbeknownst to her). What could go wrong? What will go right?
This was an amazing third installment to the Bubble Babes series and was everything I’ve come to expect from Petra Palerno. Fast paced. Good humor. Lots of spice.
This was an amazing third installment to the Bubble Babes series and was everything I’ve come to expect from Petra Palerno. Fast paced. Good humor. Lots of spice.
March 27, 2024
guys, this series fully ate up, plate licked clean. like i'm kind of upset that i'm done with it. :( but this was so so so fun. it's quick and easy and short chapters and steamy and so fun! 10/10 recommend
January 29, 2025
(3.5)
bot as invested and some plotholes, still very enjoyable easy read
bot as invested and some plotholes, still very enjoyable easy read
December 26, 2023
Lmao unexpectedly read a christmas book set around christmas, nice staying festive
January 6, 2025
Definitely some grammatical and punctuation errors which occasionally took me out, but made up for it with a fun plot, enjoyable characters, and a spectacular romance! This was definitely my favorite out of the three so far, and I can’t wait for book 4, and eventually the spin-off series!
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December 16, 2023Love a man who sees sex toys as teammates instead of as competition in the bedroom. 💁🏼♀️✨️
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