Book Review: I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-C… by Kimberly Lemming
I feel some type of way about this book. Sigh. Normally, I devour the whimsical worlds Kimberly Lemming crafts, especially her beloved Mead Mishaps series, which I’ve reread more times than I care to admit. But when I picked up I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-C…, I found myself unexpectedly stumbling through the pages, almost like I was trapped in a confusing rom-com of my own. What happened, KL?
Beginning with Dory’s quirky adventure into alien abduction—yes, you read that right—this story features our heroine who’s diligently pursuing her PhD in wildlife biology. But before she knows it, she’s not just analyzing animal behavior; she’s being whisked away by aliens after a surreal encounter with a lion that she affectionately names Toto. The Wizard of Oz reference is cute, offering a hint of nostalgia and humor in the midst of this wild narrative.
The book has its moments of brilliance: the playful banter, which is KL’s signature style, does shine, albeit less frequently than one might expect. Dory meets Sol and Lok, who become pivotal to her peculiar adventure, leading her into some steamy encounters that, for someone who doesn’t often venture into MMF territory, left me a bit wide-eyed but intrigued nonetheless. The heat is undeniable, and let’s be real—The tail? Yes, the tail. Let’s just say it adds a unique twist to the romance.
However, as I dug deeper—like searching for those favorite greens in an unexpected salad—I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. The pacing seemed off, especially in the first half that dragged. I found myself checking the percentage to see how much more I had to read—something I rarely do with Lemming’s works! The slow buildup muddied what could have been a captivating journey, and some aspects seemed rushed or scattered, such as the introduction of side characters and antagonists that felt too sudden for comfort.
What I craved was more coherence—why wasn’t more time spent on developing the dynamics among Dory, Sol, and Lok before diving into their escapades? The backdrop of dinosaurs added a thrilling edge, but the rationale behind the overall plot choices felt muddled. It’s like being handed a beautifully wrapped gift only to find the package lacks substance inside.
In all honesty, I might revisit this book later to see if I can adjust my perspective. Despite my frustrations, I enjoyed the quirky elements sprinkled throughout, like nostalgic references to Tamagotchi, which tugged at my childhood heartstrings. And yes, Toto eventually grew on me; I just couldn’t stay mad at a lion who finds his queen!
I would recommend I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-C… to readers who enjoy lighthearted sci-fi romances with steamy twists and a touch of whimsy, but perhaps not as an entry point for new fans of Kimberly Lemming. This one might require a little experience with her style to navigate fully.
In the end, regardless of my challenges with it, I still look forward to the next installment of Lemming’s quirky universe—maybe it’ll take me on a journey I can wholeheartedly enjoy!
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