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Gemma-Hydrox #1

Keeping Pace

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Pace Ruffalo, retired US Army Space Ranger, and full time long haul space trucker, is tired of playing the field. He's anxious to find the right woman and settle down to start a family, but he’s tired of the waifish, doe-eyed debutantes his mother parades in front of him. He wants a woman with a sturdier build, maybe some muscle, who will satisfy his diverse libido. When Gerri Wilder of the Paranormal Dating Agency says she has someone who fits the bill, Pace jumps at the chance.
Lola Xeltrax doesn’t much like her planet’s requirements for becoming a wife and mother, so when Gerri Wilder makes her first appearance on Gemma-Hydrox, she’s thrilled the woman picks her as the match for a male from Earth. Now if she can just seduce him...maybe when she tells him her secrets he won't run away. Then Lola will have the best of both worlds.

Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2018

78 people are currently reading
80 people want to read

About the author

L.J. Vickery

58 books93 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,126 reviews92 followers
August 24, 2019
Keeping Pace

An intriguing new sci-fi paranormal series that was erotic, different and entertaining. The characters were fun to read and it was just a enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Bambi Fogleman.
172 reviews13 followers
September 29, 2018
Awesome pda book

Just amazing. Lj Vickery has swept me away in another awesome adventure this time in the world of PDA. This story was completely different from what I was expecting. The shifter in this blew my mind I hope she writes more to go along with this story. I truly enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews129 followers
Want to read
March 29, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/29/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Stacy Ross.
165 reviews
August 25, 2019
Gerri wilder has never made a wrong match and pace is tired of the women his mother sets up for him so he tries it out. Lola is worried her differences will make her unwanted little does she know that’s exactly what Pace needs. This is a cute story with steamy sex, kidnapping and lots of love.
It was a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Kristen Lindtvedt.
318 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2020
Sexy, Flirty, and Deliciously Open-Minded...

Nimples... Romps... A sassy talking spaceship. A sexy human space trucker. And a sexy, platinum haired, space miner. Oh my, what a wonderfully intriguing and very different take on the paranormal dating agency (PDA) lexicon L.J Vickery's "Keeping Pace" is! Taking its cues from earlier interstellar themed installments from the queen herself, Milly Taiden. Vickery's contribution to the PDA story world begins with Gerri Wilder once again taking the helm as interplanetary mediator extraordinaire. 

Here, acting as the first point of contact between Gemma-Hydrox, a planet on the far, far reaches of the galaxy, and earth. Using her match making prowess with earth human, Pace Ruffalo. A thirty-five year old military vet and established long-haul trucking mogul, navigating his needs and desires, against the run-of-the-mill wife and family his wealthy mother demands. And Hydroxine native Lola Xeltrax, a hard working, sassy gal with a fiercely independent soul. Both matched together by Gerri because of their individual yet overlapping uniqueness, as well as, a roundabout way to cement relations between Lola's planet, Earth, and the Planetary Alignment Consortium (an entity first introduced within Taiden's original PDA installments).

What follows is a fun and quirky, sexy, flirty, and refreshingly open-minded tale of finding true love where you least expect it. 

And while some might find it over the top and a bit cheesy, with it's Hydroxene language infused banter, and Lola and Pace's endless stream of sexual teasing and innuendo. It is still a well constructed story full of emotionally intelligent, well-rounded characters, well worth the read. Not only because of the witty, almost comical back-and-forth between Lola and Pace throughout, but for the forward thinking, fully inclusive and sexually open foundation of the story overall.

This one is a true and refreshingly honest, "the heart wants what it wants" tale of PDA fueled instalove. A story fully worthy of being part of the PDA universe, and a most interesting expansion of the PDA world's boundaries. A definitive must read for the open-minded PDA universe fan!
Profile Image for Kathy Tozzi.
239 reviews9 followers
January 25, 2019

Keeping Pace
Paranormal Dating Agency
L.J. Vickery

Pace Ruffalo – US Retired Army Space Ranger / Space Trucker
Lola Xeltrax – Future bride on Gemma – Hydrox (unknown planet)

Tired of being a player, Pace decides to join the Paranormal Dating Agency run by Geri Wilder.
Lola resides on a planet that Pace has never heard of. Actually no one has ever heard of it. This is the woman Geri has matched him with? Just what was he getting himself into?
Pace is looking for someone different, special. (he has special needs and wants) He has an intense libido, he wants someone who can satisfy his particular sexual needs. Could Lola the lovely lavender beauty be the right one for him, or will she run away once she finds out what he wants.
Lola is different! Will her family support her choice of a human? She has secrets of her own, although Pace is very pleasing to her senses can he accept all that she is?
Once she finally meets this handsome human can she keep him? Can he accept all that she is? What happens when her secret comes out, will he run? Can Lola and Pace become one before the people on her planet interfere and try to replace her with someone they see as more acceptable?
Lots of questions right! Read along to get the answers. Follow along on an interesting journey to find true love and happiness.
Keeping Pace
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,953 reviews46 followers
July 7, 2021
Retired US Army Space Ranger, and full-time space trucker Pace Ruffalo is tired of playing the fields and ready to find the right woman and settle down. His mother has paraded loads of debutantes in front of him but they do nothing for him - he needs someone to satisfy his rather diverse libido. So when Gerri Wilder of the Paranormal Dating Agency says she has someone to fit the bill he jumps at the chance. On Gemma-Hydrox when you become a wife and mother you are forced to stay as a female - something that Lola Xeltrax is not happy with and so has avoided it up until now. So she is thrilled when Gerri Wilder picks her as a match for a man from Earth but she will need to seduce him and then maybe tell him her secrets he won't run away. Lola really hopes she can have the best of both worlds.

I really enjoyed this story which had a perfect pairing between a bisexual man and a woman who can choose which sex she wants to be. I liked the confusion and how that played out between them as Pace and Lola learnt how to trust each other and have what appears to be a perfect relationship. It was also very progressive (in some ways) for Pace to refuse to sign the agreement to force her to change permanently. They had a great relationship so I can't wait to see them in future books in the series. Easy to read and understand. Contains some explicit sexual content.
Profile Image for **Elle**Bee**Double U**.
2,207 reviews24 followers
September 1, 2019
This was definitely an interesting take on shifters.

Pace Ruffalo is determined to settle his wild ways and find him a wife to finally get him mom off his back as well as start a family. All the women his mother has thrown at his are lovely, but none of them have caught this Space Ranger's eye. But not because they aren't beautiful, but because Pace has a secret attraction to both sexes and needs a woman who isn't to feminine to make him give up his philandering ways with men.

Gerri has been busy with helping to make alliances between a new planet named Gemma-Hydrox, and she's recently been given permission to make a perfect match with one of the lucky id-females and a human. But Gerri isn't without her secrets either and she's definitely going to keep Pace on his toes.

I really enjoyed this story. L.J. Vickery's idea behind her shifters in this story is one that I have not read before. I enjoyed reading the banter between Pace and his ship Calamity as well.
Profile Image for Lori.
804 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2021
Some things don't work for me


I read the PDA series to be amused, escape, a difference from my other books. Unfortunately, this writer's version didn't impress and was aggravating too. There are quite a few word errors, spelling, wrong words, and such. There is no reason for that! SpellCheck would cure most problems! When I used to read this series, Gerri Wilder was a slightly older woman, chic, well dressed and exuding charm and sexiness. This version has Gerri as old, wrinkled, in an apartment with doilies everywhere! I was appalled! And I read to relax. But everyone and everything from start to finish was griping and ranting at this guy from start to finish, except the match of course. I don't find that enjoyable. I pretty much skimmed the last few chapters simply because I didn't care what happened. No, not a book I'd recommend.
✋🐺
Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,767 reviews56 followers
October 5, 2018
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:

A EXTREMELY CREATIVE, IMAGINATIVE, STEAMY SCI-FY ROMANCE THAT STOLE THE BREATH FROM MY LUNGS!

LJ Vickery did a splendid job with this short story! From the very start I found this to be completely captivating with seriously awesome characters and a story that was crazy interesting with eye-catching descriptions and scenes. I was really pleased with the heat level and the way Pace and Lola are so different was really fascinating. What a read!

Keeping Pace will keep readers thoroughly entertained and will have fans of The Paranormal Dating Agency BEGGING for more! I give this a UNIQUE AND CREATIVE FIVE SHOOTING STARS!

Profile Image for Laura.
527 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2019
Holy Hockstad!!!!! Pace never thought he would find the perfect mate but with a little help (okay, maybe a lot of help) from the wonderful Gerri Wilder he knew that it would happen. Lola loved her job, but hated certain laws on her planet and never dreamed she would be matched the mouth-watering male from Earth. This book is a wonderful start to a new series from L.J. Vickery and I for one am glad I found it. Love, lust, bad guys, a little fighting with kidnappers. a smart mouth ship's computer and so much more. Surprises here and there even made the reading even better. Book 2 Here I come!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Monica.
2,079 reviews
August 27, 2019
Well this was certainly interesting. Different kind of alien species and their "shifting" wasnt what I thought. I do kinda wish we had a sort of warning but I do understand you have to keep a little mystery to your story without revealing the whole thing and that little gem would definitely give it all away! I did enjoy the story and I like the PDA series so this was definitely unique. Lola was very straightforward and poor Pace was a wee bit shocked by it at first. No matter he really liked that about her. Question is can he accept all of her even though he's got his own secrets and desires?
Profile Image for Jill.
491 reviews
August 24, 2019
Gerri Wilder makes the best matches. Pace goes to Gerri Wilder because he's ready to settle down, she's just opened up her dating agency to include a planet in space. Pace goes for it and meets the incredible assertive and awesome Lola, however, Gerri may have forgotten to share a few details about the planet and the inhabitants. Some very important details that could make or break a relationship. Will Pace be able to accept Lola as she is or will he leave her? You will love this story if you like sci fi, romance, some steamy scenes, humor, and an interesting new concept!!!
Profile Image for 10914 Reviews.
123 reviews
September 25, 2023
From what I've come to expect from Vickery, this was definitely out of the norm. This book has a different feel then that of the Blue Hills gang, but the overall plot was similar. What's interesting is that these characters are completely different in style and background, but this story still has Vickery's familiar - and famous! - writing and it made the story that much better. I enjoyed reading this book and would be interested to see what happens next for Pace and Lola. I am also curious to see how this will develop as a series. Go check it out and let me know what you think!
13 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2018
Keeping Pace is out of this world good!

Lj's first foray into space was excellent! It captures you right from the beginning just as her other pnr does. The romance between Pace and Lola was hot and heavy. Lola is not your average space alien. Her platinum hair and purple skin are just the beginning of her planet's people. My favorite character though is Calamity. Hope she is a regular in this series. Excellent book Ms Vickery. You've done it again!
Profile Image for Florence.
463 reviews8 followers
October 7, 2018
This is the first shifter book I read with this type of shift and hit damn it was soooo good.. Pace and Lola are a match on every level and with Gerri being the initiator they no it has to be fate.. But there are many obstacles from Nosey mothers and kidnappers to pushy politicians they will have to stay strong to overcome it all... This book was a complete wow for me it was hot with a bit of shock factor can't wait to see what this author comes up with next...
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,661 reviews27 followers
November 24, 2018
A shifter like you have never seen before

Gerri has gone way out of this world for the PDA this time. Yet she has found Pace exactly what he needs. Lola is the perfect mate for Pace and the perfect ambassador for an alliance with her planet. Now if only her government, space pirates and Pace would get of his way from claiming her. Like all of the PDA books you are sure to enjoy the HEA for this pair. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Edith .
780 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2019
I'm In Luuuuuv:

With Calamity! What a wonderfully witty and sarcastically intelligent AI. A living space ship. Her numerous names for Pace were not only appopos but exceedingly funny. I couldn't wait to read what came out of her speakers next! That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the carbon based life forms who were set up by the inimetable Gerri Wilder. They were good too. But Calamity is my new favorite character!
20 reviews
May 7, 2019
This book didn't really catch my attention at first, but after chapter 2 I was in it,the storyline was different,strong characters,I loved the computer!,it was hard to visualize in my mind the characters because I kept thinking human,but alas my mind is opened up,ms vickery has once again proven strong women are everywhere in the galaxies,kudos lady ,you rock!
I am an arc reader and this is my honest opinion
Profile Image for Tabi Ann.
1,102 reviews5 followers
October 19, 2018
Exciting Little Story

This was a little different than I am used to reading, but it was a cute little story. I didn't really feel many emotions as I was reading it, but it was still enjoyable and made sense and the flow work.

Interesting take for a man who is bisexual and I did love that we actually changed the look of the female in the story.

Until Next Time... Tabi
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews22 followers
November 28, 2018
Pace Ruffalo goes to Gerri Wilder who owns the Paranormal Dating Agency to find a mate but after meeting the Lola he thinks there has been a mistake in the matching. Lola Xeltrax is matched with Pace Ruffalo and everything is good between them but she has a secret that could destroy the match.


this book is part of the Paranormal Dating Agency Wolrd by various authors.
Profile Image for Haylee James.
396 reviews4 followers
August 26, 2019
I love this book. I have read other PDA books and completely love Gerri and her matchmaking abilities, with this story it's no different. The characters are amazing and so detailed you can envision them easily, the whole story has you completely immersed that you feel like you are in the story. I recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Iluvbks.
586 reviews6 followers
September 1, 2019
This was a very interesting book. Even though it was an outer space type book I enjoyed the story. The verbiage was different on Lola's planet but since Pace had no idea what she was talking about she explained the strange verbiage to him and therfore to us. I enjoyed this story it was funny, sexy, mysterious and an easy read. Looking forward to the other books in this series.
223 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2020
Oh, my goodness, this is a dif view of a romance! First, she’s purple! Lol! Then, he’s a space jockey. Fun, right? Of course, his ship talks - w just a bit of sass.
This is a MFM story, kind of...not. 😉. You’ll like it, good feelings, adventures, sass, and, HEA. Enjoyed. I’m ready for the next. Just clicked, Follow, on Amazon. 😁
Profile Image for zoegrl.
663 reviews5 followers
July 5, 2021
Pace & Lola

What a different planet. Just the thought of visiting other planets & Galaxies is amazing! So add to it a perfect mate match, wow do you have one Hell of a romance.

I hadn't realized that others were writing using Gerri Wilder & the PDA!! Not a bad job. My first time reading LJ. I may have to read more.

Thank you & Enjoy!!!
34 reviews
October 2, 2018
I have read all of LJ Vickery’s books and this was certainly a hot foray into a different realm!! I certainly was not expecting the interesting turn of events!! Surprise after surprise......certainly kept my attention and I would not mind taking a quick (or long) trip with this space trucker!!
Another must read by LJ!!
Profile Image for Patricia Loynd.
203 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2019
Love with a twist!

Very few things come as a surprise when I read... LJ managed to throw in a twist I did not predict. Well done indeed! A pleasure to read, looking forward to returning to Gemma-hydrox.
102 reviews1 follower
Read
August 8, 2019
Totally different in a good way

This really held my attention. I think the concept is very original. I gave it five stars because of the characters and the story.
I like reading all the PDA stories.
Profile Image for Nikki Bao.
695 reviews7 followers
August 23, 2019
Pace just wants to find his perfect mate, so he meets with Gerri. She directs him to Gemma-Hydrox, a planet with purple skinned inhabitants. Lola takes his breath away with her beautiful purple skin. She has a secret, but so does Pace. Will their secrets match?
264 reviews17 followers
August 27, 2019
Lola's secret was not what I expected at all. A bit of a surprise there, wished I had a bit of a hint before the explicit details but the story is well done. Keep an open mind with this one and you'll be fine :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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