All I Wanted Was Wine, Sushi, or a Lab Coat. But Petra Palerno Gave Me Alien Romance Instead
A Palerno Starter Pack for her Bubble Babes Universe
TL;DR: Petra Palerno’s Bubble Babes books are chaotic, kinky, and surprisingly sweet.
Each story starts with an Earth woman being abducted, but what follows is less doom and gloom and more “hot alien boyfriend with emotional range.” Whether it's a sushi-loving optimist (Opal), a mafia princess grieving her dog (Marta), or a neurodivergent scientist (Jessy), these heroines work to carve out all the space they need for pleasure, partnership, and personal growth. Also, expect hot alien guys and absurd setups (including intergalactic traffic jams and being badly hidden in underwater ducal closets). These are light reads with dark edges—goofy but grounded, sweet but spicy.
Pick it Up If: Because sometimes you just need smart, steamy chaos in space. These books serve up sex-positive, body-positive, neurodivergent-friendly heroines who refuse to be sidelined—even when abducted.
Skip if: Discussions of sex slavery or underwater ocean scenes with danger make for hard limits.
All I Wanted Was Sushi But I Got Abducted By Aliens Instead by Petra Palerno
Release Date: January 13, 2023
Quick Take: If I ever get abducted by aliens, I want to be like Opal in All I Wanted Was Sushi But I Got Abducted By Aliens Instead by Petra Palerno. She is adorable and optimistic, but she isn't naive. She seems to accept what she can and cannot control. So why not get off and fall in love with a hot, nice alien guy when the opportunity presents itself?
About the Plot: Opal's life changes dramatically when she's abducted by aliens and forced to work as a dancer for extraterrestrial audiences. A chance encounter with an alien prince during an intergalactic traffic jam offers her a new path in this adventurous sci-fi romance.
Why You'll Love It: The MCs are so adaptive and positive in the face of royal politics, assassination attempts, and other serious stuff that I think of this as a light and fun read. They are adorable.
Skip It If: If love at first mutual masturbation is just too much for you, so too will the opening scene of this story.
All I Wanted Was To Become A Scientist But Now I've Got An Alien Boyfriend by Petra Palerno
Release Date: June 1, 2023
Quick Take: Petra Palerno showcases that nerds, even the hot ones, are irresistibly adorkable when in love in All I Wanted Was to Become a Scientist, but Now I’ve Got an Alien Boyfriend.
About the Plot: Jessy, a dedicated scientist from Earth, is abducted by aliens and forced into a demeaning performance for their amusement. Her escape leads her to Gra’eth, an alien who insists they are mates. Throughout their journey, Jessy, who is neurodivergent, firmly asserts her boundaries and needs, emphasizing her autonomy and desire for mutual respect.
Why You’ll Love It: Neurodiverse readers will find Jessy’s character relatable and empowering. Her unwavering insistence on independence and emphasis on clear communication resonate deeply. Plus, if competence paired with vulnerability is your thing, this couple delivers.
Skip It If: Discussions and depictions of human captivity and themes related to sex slavery are triggering or uncomfortable for you. The narrative doesn’t shy away from these dark elements, making it a challenging read for some.
All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino but an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead by Petra Palerno
Release Date: December 4, 2023
Quick Take: Petra Palerno delivers inventive scenarios and a confident, plus-sized female lead who unapologetically owns her space in All I Wanted Was a Glass of Vino but an Alien Duke Kidnapped Me Instead.
About the Plot: Marta, a mafia boss’s daughter, seeks solace in a wine bar after her dog’s passing but is abducted by aliens and awakens in an aquatic alien duke’s closet. Despite their initial animosity and her inability to swim, an unexpected romance unfolds.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re into reformed playboy male leads, strong and curvy female protagonists, and enjoy some playful accessories in your romance, this one’s for you.
Skip It If: The story involves underwater scenes and a heroine who’s not the strongest swimmer. If you share her phobia of large bodies of water, this might either be the perfect read to confront your fears or one to steer clear of.
BONUS BOOK IN THE SAME UNIVERSE!
Love on the Korlyan Moon by Petra Palerno
Release Date: June 18, 2024
Quick Take: Fans of the Bubble Babes universe should definitely consider picking up Love on the Korlyan Moon by Petra Palerno—especially if they ever wondered, "Why not tentacles?"
About the Plot: Stranded on the Korlyan Moon during the brutal Proving Trials, Lena is forced into an unexpected alliance with Kitaico, a tentacled alien warrior. What begins as a desperate survival pact quickly spirals into an intense, taboo entanglement neither of them expected.
Why You'll Love It: This novella offers a spicy alien romance featuring a language barrier, organic chemically induced heats, tattoos, and tentacles—including some with minds of their own.
Skip It If: The Korlyan Moon is a perilous place, with near-death experiences and actual fatalities. If themes of danger and human sex slavery present in the Bubble Babes universe are not your cup of tea, it's perfectly fine to give this one a pass.
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