Close Encounters of the Alien Kind

Alienn, Arkansas #0.5

by Fiona Roarke

Pilot. Guard. Prisoner.

All three are crashed in the Georgia woods, lost on a world where extraterrestrials are the stuff of science fiction. Blending into the human world is doable, if dangerous. But what if the locals are far from human themselves, with secrets of their own?

Former bounty hunter Stella Grey grew up an orphan on family-centric Alpha-Prime, so she knows the value of belonging. Leaving everything—and everyone—behind to join distant kin a galaxy away in Alienn, Arkansas, is a small price to pay. Heading up a retrieval operation following a spacecraft crash in rural Georgia is her chance to prove herself to them. Her mission? Locate the ship’s occupants. Secure the prisoner. And, above all, keep the earthlings from discovering that aliens live and walk among them.

Draeken Phoenix is the bad boy from one of Alpha-Prime’s best families, known for getting in and out of scrapes with wit, charm and sheer bravado. He never expected to become an actual prisoner bound for a galactic gulag. Until now, the worst thing that had ever happened to him was losing the woman he loved.

But he has a plan.

He’s bet his life on it.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Aliens, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Vampires

101 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2017

About the author

Fiona Roarke is a multi-published author who lives a quiet life with the exception of the characters and stories roaming around in her head. She writes about sexy alpha heroes and used them to launch her very first series, Bad Boys in Big Trouble.

Next up, a new Sci-Fi contemporary romance series set in Arkansas. When she's not curled on the sofa reading a great book or at the movie theater watching the latest action film, Fiona spends her time writing about the next bad boy (or bad boy alien) who needs his story told.

A hearty dose of laughter, each and every day, is required along with lots of coffee first thing in the morning as important parts of her routine.

Reviews

[Tiffany PSquared · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the Nocturne Falls Universe stories - it's hard for me to place aliens in with the NF supernaturals.

Roarke made a solid effort, but the aliens didn't seem very "alien" and the ending appeared to be very rushed, which left the book feeling incomplete.

[Deniz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kristen Painter has extended the Nocturne Falls Universe and got a bunch of authors to write novellas. I think they are a must read for fans of the Universe. And also a great way to discover new author- or at least to me they were all new authors.

2.5 Stars

I am feeling kinda divided about this one. I really love that Roarke invaded Nocturne Falls with Aliens. The world building is fun and quirky.
Alas though the idea appeals to me, I didn't enjoy reading this as much as I wished I did.
I am not quite sure why, but somewhere between the fab world building and the insta-love I found myself a bit weary. I wasn't too fond of the dialogues and I am not sure how I feel about the writing style. Or Maybe aliens are just not for me?

Still Cool idea!

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Close Encounters of the Alien Kind by Fiona Roarke

Aliens in Nocturne Falls. I believe this is a take off from a series by the author that takes place in Alienn, Arkansas.
The same cursing by different aliens was cute, "Space Potatoes".

I guess I don't understand aliens because I was amazed that after they escape jail, the characters went to a popular restaurant "hiding in plain sight". They made a few other similar decisions that resulted in their getting caught once again by the sheriff of Nocturne Falls.

I thought some of the writing was a bit circular, often stating the same thing twice. The tarp is up - and then again.

But a visit to the town of Nocturne a Falls and its residents is always pleasant.

[Myriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It was very well written and consistent with what we know about Nocturne Falls and some of the characters were very successfully used, but I cannot get over the idea of Aliens in Nocturne Falls. Or the fact that they never heard of Nocturne Falls or supernaturals living on Earth.
Nevertheless, Fiona Roarke incorporated her alien characters and several other places seamlessly. She also solved the issue of the first contact. Story is pretty solid, maybe a bit rushed towards the end but it is still very interesting. Two more stories are announced and I will happily read them. Two main characters are Draeken from Alpha-Prime and Stella, also from Alpha-Prime, but permanently relocated to Earth, now in Alienn, Arkansas.
Draeken is unusually lovable and charming character. Stella, not so much. She was definitely not one of my favourite characters, mostly concerned with herself and her well being, not caring who gets hurt in the process, for example Draeken in this story.
Regardless of my mixed feelings, I am looking forward to the next two books. Two more characters get their stories and I am very curious to see how the stories will play now that Alienn and Nocturne Falls have contact.
The Nocturne Falls reading order is: The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Nocturne Falls #1), The Werewolf Meets His Match (Nocturne Falls #2), The Gargoyle Gets His Girl (Nocturne Falls, #3), The Professor Woos The Witch (Nocturne Falls, #4), and The Witch’s Halloween Hero (Nocturne Falls #4.5) in Spell of the Ball Anthology, The Werewolf's Christmas Wish (Nocturne Falls #4.6) in Hex the Halls Anthology, The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée (Nocturne Falls #5), A Vampire's Valentine Surprise (Nocturne Falls #5.5), Miss Frost Solves A Cold Case : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #1), The Shifter Romances The Writer (Nocturne Falls #6), Miss Frost Ices The Imp : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #2), The Vampire’s True Love Trials (Nocturne Falls #6.5) in Taming the Vampire collection, Miss Frost Saves The Sandman : A Nocturne Falls Mystery (Jayne Frost #3), The Truth About Cats And Wolves: A Nocturne Falls Universe story by Alethea Kontis, Magic's Song: A Nocturne Falls universe Story by Sela Carsen, The Witch Rescues Her Werewolf: A Nocturne Falls Universe story by Cate Dean, The Vampire Bounty Hunter's Unexpected Catch: A Nocturne Falls Universe story by Larissa Emerald, Reaping The Immortal: A Nocturne Falls Universe story by Pamela Labud and Close Encounters Of The Alien Kind: A Nocturne Falls Universe story by Fiona Roarke. The Dragon Finds Forever (Nocturne Falls #7) is coming this year as well.

[Dana Whyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Nocturne Falls! This novella is part of a Nocturne Falls Universe where certain authors write a story with Kristen Painter's beloved characters. This story is a extension of the Nocturne stories. This story is very different in the Nocturne world, where it features Aliens and not supernaturals. I am not overly crazy about Alien stories, however it was an interesting read. This story follows Stella and Draeken ex lovers back on their home planet of Alpha-Prime. They stand on very different sides of the law. Draeken is being transported to the worst prision in the galaxy when his ship crashes the woods of Nocturne Falls. Stella is sent with her team to retrieve the passengers , unknowingly that Draeken was aboard the ship. We get to see Hugh, Delaney, and Hank which is always enjoyable.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy and I voluntarily reviewed.

Close Encounters of the Alien Kind is written by Fiona Roarke in the Nocturne Falls Universe.

Fiona Roarke brings her story of Aliens from Alpha-Prime into the Nocturne Falls Universe effectively. I enjoyed her characters interactions with the original characters from Kristen Painter's original series'.

Stella Grey is an alien from Alpha Prime working at a galactic way station in Alien, Arkansas when she is sent after a craft that crashed near Nocturne Falls, Georgia. All she knows is there were 3 passengers, The Pilot, The Guard, and The Prisoner. They were en route from Alpha Prime to a Gulag, with a way-stop in Alien on Earth.

Stella discovers The Prisoner is her former lover, Draeken.

And things get interesting from there. I can't wait to read the next stories she alludes to....

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aliens are introduced to the nocturnal falls universe with the mention of a town similar to Nocturnal Falls in Arkansas. Which is an intriguing concept, what other towns are out there in the universe.

This writing style isn't the same as Kristen's and didn't sit as well with me. Unfortunately despite the book likely being very enjoyable for others, it was a bit more of a chore to read for me.

The main characters had a well developed back story which was great, I hate books where you don't know what is happening.

Once again with novellas, I find them too short with the story feeling rushed, (although I know that's the point).

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aliens crash land in Nocturne falls, great story! Love that other authors enjoy this series and want to add their stories to the original set, especially like that there are 2 more planned books to add to this story, looking forward to it. We all enjoy the town that celebrates Halloween 24/7 365 days of the year. Enjoy! This book has been provided by the author with no expectations and that in no way influences my review.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an NFU book I think the author did a wonderful job of incorporating aliens into the Nocturne Falls landscape. I enjoyed meeting the aliens and hope to see more of them in the future. Fully enjoyed the book and am definitely going to look at more from this author.

[AletheaO · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite spending more time away from NF at the beginning of the story than this fan would like, my patience was rewarded once we arrive in NF. The story was enjoyable with enough of a contrast between the leads to keep it interesting and a funny perspective of NF outsiders’ perspective on our favorite town and its citizens. The interactions between these two different worlds is perhaps the highlight of the book. The promise of future interactions make for some great narrative potential that I look forward to.

[SuperMommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. This great story, created by guest author Fiona Roarke for the Nocturne Falls Universe, was a really fun and enjoyable story. When I saw the title, I thought Aliens? in Nocturne Falls? But she brilliantly tied in her story to the NFU. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next sequel she writes in the NFU series! Great book!

[Sue Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - I just love these spin-offs from the original Nocturne Falls series.

When Draeken Phoenix (main male character) is being transported to a galactic gulag (prison) and they crash land outside of Nocturne Falls, I would just never guess how the story was going to play out. Then when Stella Gray (main female character) - a former bounty hunter - shows up to try to find the Pilot-Guard-Prisoner that were aboard the ship that crashed. I was really taken by surprise as to where this story was going to take the reader. And - OMG OMG OMG - it was so good and surprising throughout until the end!!! This is definitely a MUST READ book!!!

I was given a copy for an honest review.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this a well written book with interesting characters and settings. It wasn't my cup of tea but I thought the book well done. I know there will be others who find this more to their liking.

I received a copy of this manuscript, my review has been voluntarily submitted.

[Lisa Guertin · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book had some fun and entertaining sections, overall it just didn't work for me. Stella wasn't very likable and seemed to be too stiff. Draeken was far too immature to make a believable hero. It was good to see the Nocturne Falls residents again along with Spyder's cameo.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, it was a fun read! I liked the new characters a lot.

[Dasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ni fu, ni fa...

[Jillian Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As will all my reviews there are no spoilers and no story recap. This short story is written in third person and has no explicit language or sexual scenes. While this is a part of the Nocturn Falls Universe created by Kristen Painter it can be read as a standalone without having read any other book in the series and it can be read in no particular order if you haven’t (for some strange reason) already gobbled up all the other stories/books of Nocturn Falls.

I am giving this story 4 & ½ stars (rounded up because Amazon doesn’t allow ½ stars) I have not read anything else by Mrs. Roark; thought I will be looking into her other stories. This story is a little different but fits well in the NF storyline. Many familiar people are brought into this story and hold true to how Mrs. Painter portrayed them. It is a second chance story of two aliens on Earth. One making a life on Earth with family “covering up” aliens stopping/living here, the other crash landed on his way to prison. That aspect at least explains both of them using the same words and phrases which got slightly annoying towards the end. The story also rushes the ending slightly. I’m not a big fan of second chance stories, usually too much is left out or I feel lost – this was not written that way at all. I did enjoy how it was all put together I only wish it was a full-length book.

Additionally, there is an “up next…” mentioned at the end of this story so maybe we are getting another story in the NF universe from Mrs. Roark. I will be getting it and I look forward to reading it.

Get all the NF books if you don’t already have them; you won’t be disappointed.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series: Alienn, Arkansas #0.5; Nocturne Falls Universe
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

When an alien shuttle carrying a prisoner crash lands in the Georgia woods, Stella Grey and her cousins are sent to retrieve the aliens and their shuttle before humans find them. What Stella doesn’t expect is for one for the criminal to be the man she loved and never expected to see again.

This was a very interesting start to a series. Alienn, Arkansas sounds like a fascinating place to hide alien travelers. Stella was a humanoid alien who grew up without a family. Now she lives and works for her cousins and loves actually having family to rely on. I liked Stella. She seemed like a smart, strong, woman who knew what she wanted in life. She wasn’t afraid to leave everything behind for it either.

Draeken is the bad boy alien who was always getting in trouble before he fell in love with Stella. His capture and sentencing to a gulag (prison) isn’t what it appears to be. Draeken wasn’t much of a bad boy but I still thought he was a pretty ok hero. His ability to read minds and persuade people was fascinating.

I really enjoyed how this book tied into Nocturne Falls. Seeing the town through the eyes of aliens was pretty great. My only issue with this book was the lack of background information on the aliens of Alpha-Prime. I was really hoping for more information about the aliens in general and why they were on Earth.

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

________________________
2021 beat the backlist - person on the cover

[Alejandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. I know it is only part of the nocturne universe but the fact that it wasn't really based off the actual town.

I did enjoy Draeken and Stella's relationship. They were clearly in love even after everything they have gone through.

Well I am off to read the rest of the alien series! I believe the next two books are about the other members of the UFO crash and the rescue team!

Happy Reading
-A

[Denise Snider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Nocturnal Falls Universe book which I definitely enjoyed. The characters were likable and humorous. There was a bit of mystery along with some romance. The author's writing style is something I'm not used to, but overall found the book easy to read and get in to. Great addition to the series.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this one. I guess because I'm not a big alien buff. But once I got to the second chapter, it started moving along for me. I do like that a story with aliens was written in Nocturne Falls and there were some really cute ideas. It was also nice to see Hugh and Delaney. This was a very creative story and I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Lokien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

Nothing quite like a romance rekindled. I could tell that there was a lot of backstory previous universe that this was just a fun across over. I do look forward to the other two books that are also crossovers. This one was fun

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paranormal alien adventure and romance with a plot that's too complex for light reading. The Nocturne Falls characters are mere props. There's a bit of repetition.
Comma used for semicolon, missing comma.

[Helen Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS WELL WRITTEN AND GOOD DESCRIPTIONS THROUGHOUT. I STRUGGLED WITH THE CONCEPT OF ALIENS AND WAS A LITTLE CONFUSED AT TIMES.

[Jacy Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read.

A wonderful addition to the Nocturne Falls Universe. Looking forward to reading the rest in the series to see how it grows.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aliens now. How fun! I look forward to reading the Alienn, Arkansas series. Keep on truckin'.

[Lauretta Middleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

Just ok Not one of the better Nocturne Falls Universe stories. But, not bad either. I’ll keep trying it and though.

[Christina's Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good idea/ theme but not executed very well

[DKW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close encounters

Secrets, aliens and paranormals. Sweet story of aliens on earth and meeting paranormals. Nice read, good characters and no cliffhanger.

[Tina Boudreau · Rating 2 out of 5]

Arkansas.