Jessa is the most talented weaver in her village, but when her ruthless uncle claims she can spin legendary goldthread, he traps her in a lie that could cost her everything… including her little sister.
Desperate to save her sister, Jessa flees into forbidden Vultor territory in search of the rarest plant of all. Instead she finds Tarek, a gruff, solitary alien feared by humans and shunned by his own kind.
Tarek has been alone for too long, so when a pretty little human strays into his territory, he can’t resist offering her a bargain—his help in exchange for a promise to be fulfilled later.
What begins as a reluctant deal turns into something far more dangerous, because Tarek is more than he seems. And the price he asks might be her heart. Sometimes love is the most dangerous bargain of all.
Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, reluctant protector, hidden identity, found family
Another exiled, lonely Vultor is up to find his special someone and Jessa kind of needs a lot of patience to convince Tarek to let her in. Well, her and her sister. Tarek has convinced himself he's better off alone and that he doesn't deserve companionship, but Jessa and Dani find a way to worm their way into his heart. Eventually. It really does take time and patience on Jessa's end for that to happen.
Jessa is in a tough situation. Her greedy uncle is withholding her sister's much needed medicine unless Jessa falls in line. Unfortunately, the thing he wants her to do is nearly impossible. Even if she COULD do it, it would leave her and her sister at her uncle's mercy going forward. So Jessa takes a leap of faith and heads into the mountains with Dani in the hopes they can figure things out and get more medicine before things become dire.
Tarek has been trying to convince his beast to not get attached to the little human weaver since they helped her before. But it's kind of a lost cause because he's already attached. So when he comes across her and her sister in his mountains during a brutal storm, he does what any borderline obsessed individual would do and takes the two of them to his den to ride out the storm. Soon the three of them are settling into a routine and Tarek and Jessa are making eyes at one another. Covertly, of course.
Until, you know, it's not covert.
A past that eats at an honorable Vultor, an illness that needs his special skills, and a lady who is willing to fight for the things that are important to her. GOOD STUFF!
Ohhh, this one went back to its roots and I am HERE for it. I absolutely LOVED it. 🥹 I’m so glad these two finally got the happy ending they truly deserved - every moment of it felt earned, tender, and chaotic in the best way.
I’m also thrilled to see more of some of the OG pack! I missed them in the last book, and having them back made the story feel whole again. The pack dynamics, the banter, the loyalty - it reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place.
And let’s talk about our leads for a second: a weaver with fire in her soul and a man exiled from his old life, trying to find refuge and belonging… yes, yes, yes. Watching them carve out a space together, protect one another, and slowly unravel their walls was everything I wanted. The tension, the tenderness, the stolen moments - I was glued to every page.
This book is the perfect mix of heart, humor, and raw, feral love. It reminded me why I can’t get enough of this series, why I keep coming back, and why I will forever stan these characters like they’re actual friends.
Hmm… so I have read a few books similar to this one, and I find them all to be written exactly the same. I’d say probably the best book I’ve read similar to Alien’s Bargain is “Ice Planet Barberian” by Ruby Dixon. I hate to compare the authors, but the theme in both books is the same. Alien’s Bargain brings a cute, interesting story. It felt rushed. Ruby Dixon’s book Ice Planet Barberian has a long build-up, and I kind of enjoy that. I would rather the book be long and enjoyable than short and lacking.
If you want a different type of love story, a quick read, and with a pinch of spice, this one is your book. I will read the first book in this series just because I want to know how these people got where they are.
Better than I expected! I was bracing myself for the inevitable kidnapping to happen in the third act, but we got to skip that this time. It was fun having a fiber crafting heroine, and interesting to have a Vultor hero who wasn't part of an established pack.
🖤 “I will give you everything. Everything I am, everything I have, everything I’m capable of.” ~~~ Jessa is not only an amazing and fiery woman but she’s also the most talented weaver in her village! She is kind, compassionate, caring, hardworking, resilient and the best sister a little girl could want. Even more, I loved her strength, determination and courage to face all the challenges and hardships thrown her way. Jessa is absolutely incredible and I loved her so, so much!
And then, there’s Tarek! The exiled Vultor is one fearsome, growly and dangerous male. But there’s more to Tarek than meets the eyes. Because underneath his stoic and grumpy facade, is an honorable, considerate and brilliant male who deeply cares and fiercely protects what’s his. Tarek is absolutely irresistible and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!
I absolutely loved everything that happened between Jessa and Tarek! Forced into an impossible situation and willing to do everything to get medicine for her sick sister, Jessa ventures into the forbidden Vultor territory in search of a rare plant. Instead she finds Tarek and a bargain is made…
I adored Jessa and Tarek together! Their chemistry was off-the-charts from the beginning and I loved every moment they spent together. I also loved how Jessa and her sister turned Tarek’s solitary life upside down - that lonely male more than needed light, laughter and love in his life, and the two lovely humans more than delivered. Even more, what begins as a reluctant deal, quickly becomes something so much more. And when Jessa and Tarek finally gave into the undeniable attraction, the passionate moments they shared were smoking-hot and I couldn’t get enough of all the naughty delight. Tarek and Jessa were absolutely perfect for each other and after everything they went through, they more than deserved to find happiness and love together.
In addition, Jessa’s sister completely won my heart - that girl is so lovely, sweet, bright and brave! And with everything happening, I was glued to the pages till the very end.
Overall, Alien's Bargain is another fantastic addition to the series and I absolutely loved every single page of it.
This is a fun sci-fi shifter Rumpelstiltskin retelling. It’s part of the Alien Wolf Tales series of interconnected standalones.
Human FMC Jessa is a weaver trying to make ends meet and take care of her sick little sister. Her uncle is exploiting her weaving talents, and when he oversells her abilities, Jessa is forced to venture into Vultor territory in search of a rare material. She stumbles into MMC Vultor alien Tarek’s territory. Exiled and living alone for years, he reluctantly agrees to help her find the plant so they can go their separate ways. But when Jessa’s uncle causes more trouble, her first thought is, of course, to go to Tarek.
I really enjoyed this installment. I’ve never read a Rumpelstiltskin retelling before, but I liked how Phillips adapted the story. The characters were sweet together, and I enjoyed watching them work as a team and slowly become a little found family, caring for each other and for Jessa’s sister.
Another fun addition to the series! I can’t wait to see what happens next in Book 7, Alien Awakening, scheduled to release in March 2026.
Spice 4/5 Plot: 4.5/5 Writing: 4.5/5 My Enjoyment: 4.5/5
*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Jessa is an amazing weaver and has inherited her mothers skills. Her ability to weave beautiful cloth is what is keeping her little sister alive. Her younger sister has a cough that is getting worse and only medicine from Port Canter can make her better. Her uncle since their parents death has tried to control every aspect of their lives but the one thing Jessa will never be able to forgive her uncle for is with holding the medicine her sister needs To survive. She takes her sister and runs to the mountains to the one person she hasn't known long but knows deep down that they'll safe. Tarek, is a Vultor with a past a make in exile he doesn't deserve a female or a fami!y to call his own until whirlwind named Jessa enters his life. Both she and her little sister bring a warmth and life back into his heart. They make him want things he believes he no longer has a right too. Together Tarek and Jesus work to save her sister and build a relationship built on love acceptance and support. Its an excellent story with hints of Rumpelstiltskin 100% worth reading love it!💖🔥🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥💖🔥🌟🔥💖🌟💖🔥🌟🔥🌟💖💖🔥🌟
“To help without getting entangled, protect without claiming, care without… Without what? Without caring? It was already too late for that.”
This series just keeps getting better and better with great world building, engaging storylines, and all the alpha wolf hotness your heart desires!! Jessa, a talented weaver meets Tarek, an exiled Vultor while out searching for Sunvine to weave into cloth. They have both known loss and hardship with Jessa still desperately trying to treat her sister, Dani’s illness as well as escape from the overreach of her uncle who has nefarious ambitions. Tarek, is a ex healer with a past. He is noble, protective, and kind (while inside his grumpy exterior lies a cinnamon roll heart). I loved how they created a family bond and found a way to mesh their lives together into a beautiful whole 🥰. And meeting up with some other characters from the series - just icing on the cake 🍰. Truly a joy to read!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Update: I ended up finishing this one and the second half definitely made up for the slowness of the first half. Jessa and Tarek’s love story is really quite sweet, it’s just a bit quieter than the other books with lots of very soft moments and internal feelings. Still, I’m glad I finished as the last 30% was quite good. 3.5 ⭐️ for the final and I’ll keep going with the series.
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Ok friends… I’m pausing this one at 47%. I’ve enjoyed all these odd alien pallet cleansers so far; sweet quick reads with a decent love story and likable characters. I like these characters too, and I can tell the love story will be so sweet. But this one feels like a slog to get through. Not even halfway and it’s been so repetitive on inner thoughts I can’t continue anymore. The stakes aren’t high enough to elicit feelings of deep tension and angst, or fear and despair for Jessa. And Tarek spends his whole chapters debating with his wolf about how temporary this situation is, how she can’t be his mate because she’s human, how he doesn’t deserve someone since he exiled himself (still no clues as to why), and how he just can’t. So we get lots of little touches or kisses, and then him running off. I may return to this one because I do like the world and usually the writing but I’m feeling exhausted every time I pick it up so it’s time to move on.. for now.
As always , I enjoy a trip to Creseca !!! In this story, we meet Jessa and her sister Dani. Their mother has died and left them alone except for her greedy uncle , who fancies himself a mover and shaker of their village. Jessa is a weaver and has great talent. Just like her mother. Not too long ago, she found a type of vine in a busted up tree , golden threads ,that she soaked , and coaxed into a thread. The material they made was beyond beautiful. Only problem is that her uncle saw it . And now he has promised a trader BOLTS of it !!!! From HER !!!! Uuurrrgh !!!! Tarek lives in his area above the village on the mountain . On this particular day, he smells something odd.... Italian a pleasant scent, but doesn't belong. He is intrigued. Once he spies Jessa , of course , things happen !!! These 3 were a wonderful read . Lots of adventures and happy times as well as sad times make this book a delightful read !!! I love each and every story !!!
I loved the retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. Jessa is so strong, and protective of her younger sister Dani. Of course you have the uncle who uses his clout to undermine and dictate Jessa and in a way Dani's life. Holding back what they need for Dani . I loved her determination . I also loved the way she reacted to Tarek. How she wasn't afraid of him even from their first meeting. I loved learning about her mother and the wisdom she gave them. Tarek had his secrets and a troubled past. I loved his eventual acceptance of Jessa and Dani in his life. His protectiveness. I loved that Jessa never gave up on him. I liked that Seren and Korrin and their mates made a visit to their den. His proposal was worth thinking about for them. POV of each . The worldbuilding was excellent. I loved the way the story weaved and flowed. And of course the perfect fairytale ending aka HEA for them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jessa is a talented weaver controlled by her cruel uncle, and Tarken is the gruff, solitary Vultor who makes a bargain to help her. Tarek is the ultimate grumpy protector. He’s been alone for a long time, forced into exile, and watching Jessa’s light and resilience slowly wear away at his hardened exterior is so satisfying.
The tension between Jessa and Tarek is intense from the start, but it is the tender moments between them that make their relationship feel genuine and earned. Tarek's protectiveness and desire to be a male worthy of Jessa and her little sister is heartwarming.
It’s such a fresh spin on Rumpelstiltskin! Honey Phillips kept the 'impossible bargain' stakes but swapped the dark undertones for a romance that actually feels romantic. The chemistry between them makes the fated-mates trope work so well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another fairytale retelling by Honey Phillips with an Vultor on Cresca? Sign me up! Tarek and Jessa (and her little sister Dani) have been though some very difficult life situations and gave had to make hard choices. But together they are stronger and can make it through even impossible situations. I really loved that the story didn't take the direction I thought it might when things got dicey. Instead, the characters leaned on each other and trusted each other. It really showed the underlying strength that they each had and further cemented how good they were for each other. The weaving elements were so neat too. My mom uses my great-grandma's loom to weave rugs so I could picture Jessa weaving the fibers. And yes, if you took it apart, it would take forever to get back together! Another excellent read!
Jessa is desperate to save her little sister Dani. She has been sickly and needs her medication to keep functioning. Her uncle is a monster for using her to get money all while withholding the medication Dani needs. So her chance encounter with Tarek. He isn’t just helping her but saving them both. Tarek has his past to overcome for his family. The family he never knew he wanted until they show up in his territory. These two females make him start living not just existing. Jessa has to be the aggressor in this relationship because Tarek is in his head to much. Thinking he shouldn’t isn’t what she wants. She wants all of him. Not only for herself but for her sister too. They are finally happy and all because of her mate.
I have loved each book in the Alien Wolf Tales Series so far and this Rumpelstiltskin Retelling met my expectations. Tarek & Jessa made a great couple in this story and I really liked Jessa's ten year old sister Dani as well and how she completed their little family unit. I look forward to continuing this series of that blends Alien romance with Fairy Tale Retellings so well.
Alien Wolf Tales Series Big, Bad Alien: Finnar & Scarlett Alien Huntsman: Korrin & Tessa Alien Charming: Seren & Elli Cursed Alien: Malrik & Bella Alien Song: Valrek & Ariella Alien's Bargain: Tarek & Jessa Alien Awakening: Rykan & Ember
Steam Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.8⭐️ A weaver & a loner create a beautiful tapestry together
Another enjoyable ready from Honey Phillips. I love the details Honey includes in her stories. I love protective heroes who feel broken, but realize that the right woman can help heal that brokenness. Tarek is lonely after he was exiled and build walls around his heart. He thinks he is fine being alone until he meets Jessa. Jessa is a strong, talented woman who will do anything to care for her sister. When she meets Tarek, she finds love, protection and a future for her & her sister that is different & better than she ever expected. This is a steamy romance with a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jessa’s ruthless uncle is using her sister’s Dani’s illness to control how she makes money from her weaving. When he sees the sample she weaved from golden fibres she found accidentally he promises a trader the impossible. With Dani’s health in the balance, she goes into Vultor territory to try to find more of the golden plant. When she encounters the exiled Tarek, he senses she is his mate. He makes her a bargain to help her in exchange for an as yet unnamed promise. The reason for Tarek’s exile got drawn out a bit but I loved how much he cared for Jessa and Dani whilst also giving them space. Jessa showed a lot of courage including being forward and honest with her want for Tarek. Loved the appearance of the heroes and heroines of the previous books.
I am so in love with this series! In this story, Jessa is an exceptional weaver with a sick sister who needs medicine. Her uncle is controlling her through the needed medicine by having her make material that has a special plant thread in it in exchange for medicine. While searching for this plant she meets Tarek, a Vultor alien whose race is feared by humans but she doesn't fear him. He helps her find what she is looking for but will she always be under the control of her uncle or will she figure out how to be free from him? A spicy captivating Rumpelstiltskin retelling. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
-This sci-fi shifter twist on a classic German fairytale delivers adventure, heart, and plenty of swoon. I was lucky to received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Jessa’s determination to save her sister pairs beautifully with Tarek’s gruff, exiled protector vibes. Their slow-burn bond and found-family sweetness make the romance feel tender and earned.
This is a strong addition to the Alien Wolf Tales series with rich world-building and irresistible alpha energy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It has been a very hard week for me. This story was just what I needed to soothe my heart. Tarek and Jessa are such a wonderful couple in this sort of retelling of Rumplestiltskin. This is the way it SHOULD have gone 😁. I absolutely love these Alien Wolf Tales. I love the spin Honey Phillips puts on our favorite fairytales. Her characters are so wonderful, a true pleasure to read. The storylines hold me to the page when I know there are other things I should be doing..but, well, just one more chapter won't hurt. Read these books, you'll be happy you did!
A beautiful love story with great wisdom & healing! Jessa and Tarek fall in love and find a beautiful family with Dani, and the beginnings of an even bigger found family. The story of their developing love is beautiful. There is great wisdom here in stories Jessa's mother told her and in lessons Tarek learned from his mentor. They all find a beautiful new life that will only get better now. I do love a spicy HEA!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As always Honey delivers another impeccable heartfelt story. The emotional ties that bind families isn't always by blood. From every aspect of this story the undeniable attraction whether through love and intimacy or familial love is without a doubt obvious from the very beginning. Page after page you a drawn into a remarkable love story with an amazing HEA 💜💜🔥
Your words and story telling are an addiction Honey!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tarek's Words "Found You"! Jessa is a talented weaver who her evil and greedy uncle is taking advantage of her and her ill sister Dani. Jessa has more strength than she thought when she decides to run to safety with her little sister Dani. She runs to Tarek because she has a feeling, although Vultor, will help save them from their evil uncle. She met Tarek previously. This is when the story of all three really comes to life. Jessa and Dani feel cherished, safe and at home with Tarek in his den. Their future together is all about love and happiness.
Alien's Bargain by Honey Phillips is a wonderful retelling of Rumplestilskin. Jessa cares for her acutely ill sister after their parents pass away. She is a weaver extraordinaire whose evil uncle steals most of what she earns as her broker. One night the two sisters steal away to the forest to escape and are cared for by banished healer Tarek, whose cures were used to kill by his ruthless leader. Together they form a beautiful family and eventually join up with the other Voltar in the area, overcoming her uncle and establishing new trade routes for the benefit of human and Voltar alike.
Jessa needs to get herself and her sister away from a greedy uncle. She meets Tarek in the forest. Tarek has been exiled from his pack and alone for many years. He decides to help and soon the two are falling for each other.
I enjoyed reading as Jess and Tarek learn to trust and open up to each other. Tarek has many personal demons he has to work through.
I always look forward to reading Honey’s books and this one did not disappoint.
Another great story in the "Alien Wolf Tales" series. The plotlines and stories just keep getting better and better. In all of them, there is a smidgen of the fairy tales from my youth all merging together in a storyline for adults. Him being there in exile and her running away to escape an abusive uncle is a recipe for finding love and finding inner peace as they come together and get their HEA.
Felicito a Honey Philips por ser tan buena escritora.
Esta es una hermosa , interesante y romàntica hidtoria. Te mantiene atado a su trama. Esta autoestima el fin de describir con palabras sencillas es cenas que tocan tus sentidos y tu corazón. No necesita de excesivas escenas eróticas para ser una historia llena de valores y enseñanzas que atraigan al lector. Honey Phillips es una escritora dotada de una gran inspiración, es de las nejores. Todos sus libros buenisimos.
Love this series - love how a fairy tale is turned into a human and shifter story located on another planet. Tarek is alone by choice when he runs into Jessa. They make a perfect couple and are so supportive of each other. Add Dani to the mix and it’s a very sweet story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.