I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-C: A Mixed Bag of Galactic Adventures
I feel some type of way about Kimberly Lemming’s latest offering, I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-C… Typically, I dive headfirst into her books, gobbling up the delightful chaos she concocts, and her Mead Mishaps series is a beloved staple on my bookshelf. So you can imagine my disappointment when this one had me feeling more “meh” than mesmerized.
Let’s get into it, shall we? The premise itself had me intrigued: Dory, our plucky protagonist pursuing a PhD in wildlife biology, finds herself whisked away in a whirlwind of alien abduction and unexpected romance. The adventure kicks off with a lion (whom she affectionately names Toto—yes, like the one from The Wizard of Oz) that adds a layer of whimsy to her scientific pursuits gone awry. A lion saving Dory only to be healed by aliens? I mean, count me in!
However, I found myself battling through the pacing of this book. It felt as though I were munching on a salad filled with random ingredients: tasty greens occasionally popping up, but overshadowed by jarring, off-putting elements. There was plenty of Lemming’s signature humor and banter—those moments of levity leading to genuine giggles kept me going—but they were sporadic, leaving me longing for that delightful rhythm I’m used to.
As for the romance? While I appreciate the vibrant MMF dynamics and the sizzling encounters between Dory, Sol, and Lok, these scenes felt a tad rushed, almost like a fast-forward through an enticing romance film. I mean, where’s the buildup? The tension that leaves us yearning for more? When Dory’s relationships accelerate to full-throttle about 30% in, I was both shocked and slightly overwhelmed. That’s not the pace I prefer when it comes to romantic interludes!
What I adored: the moments that truly made me smile—particularly Toto and his journey alongside Dory. His character brought depth and comedy that I didn’t expect and definitely lightened the narrative’s heft. Plus, Lemming’s sprinkling of delightful throwbacks—who doesn’t love a nostalgic Tamagotchi mention?—was a sweet surprise.
Now onto my concerns. As I mentioned, the pacing was rocky. The introduction of key plot elements felt abrupt, especially the ‘bad guy,’ who pops up too late in the narrative for me to fully appreciate the stakes. And while Dory’s alien world introduces fascinating ideas like dinosaurs roaming the landscape (both terrifying and thrilling), I found myself left with more questions than answers.
So what’s my verdict? This book, for all its quirks, might resonate more with readers who enjoy a carefree jaunt through alien landscapes and unconventional romances without the usual buildup. I found myself wavering, feeling as though I might change my mind if I delved into it again. As of now, it’s my least favorite KL book, but with Lemming’s creative flair, there were still nuggets of joy throughout.
If you’re a longtime fan of Kimberly Lemming, you may want to grab this one just for the unique experience it provides. It’s a mixed salad of laughs and chaotic adventures that might just hit the spot, especially for those yearning for something wildly unconventional in their romance. Here’s hoping the next installment will reclaim that spirited, whimsical essence I’ve come to cherish!
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