It’s Not Unusual to Be Loved by an Alien

Tentacular Tales, Book 1

By: Chloe Archer

Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux

Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

A sexy alien living incognito on Earth meets a sci-fi loving nerd who wants to rock his universe. What could possibly go wrong? Besides the unexpected tentacles and the accidental Mating Courtship Ritual, that is....

River Sullivan: As a bona fide sci-fi nerd and total X-phile—the truth is out there—I’ve always believed in aliens. Duh. But I never thought I’d actually find them on Earth–let alone right here in Las Vegas! Now, I’ve stumbled onto a big freakin’ secret, and found my very own hot AF alien. I’m head over heels, but he’s being a total grump and holding back. How do I make him realize a geeky sunshine guy like me is just what he needs in his life? Did I mention he also has tentacles?!?! #HolyHentaiFantasyBatman #SwoonworthyAlien #SignMeUpSugar #MakeItSo #VivaLasVegas

Kai Genaro: The last thing I need in my life is a chatterbox twink who’s determined to woo me and could expose the secret existence of aliens on Earth to all humankind. Everything about him annoys me, including his stupidly attractive halo of golden curls and his bright green "come hither" eyes. To make matters worse, he’s been recruited to work for the alien alliance on Earth, and I’m assigned to keep him out of trouble. I don’t care how attractive he is. I don’t date humans! Except, my tentacles may have accidentally started the Mating Courtship Ritual with him....

©2022 Chloe Archer (P)2023 Chloe Archer

A lot of popculture references

If you enjoy a large amount of nerdy popculture references then this is totally for you! Unfortunately that sort of ruins the magic for me. I got about 2 hours in but all the, like, fanservice (?) was driving me kinda crazy. Like sort of meta stuff regarding being a nerd who writes alien romances and proceeds to have an alien romance with a guy who looks like The Doctor from Doctor Who and who's brother looks like the Firefly guy and the annoying guy who looks like Chris Evans....
I think I stayed listening for as long as I did because Greg Boudreaux is so freaking amazing.

Nice Story

The story was nice. There were something I figured out early on. But never the less it was a good listen. However, the short story preview in the beginning of each chapter was a bid much for me. Mainly because it was always random and had nothing to do with story line itself most of the time.

Fantastically entertaining

I didn’t know what to expect when starting the book but quickly became engrossed. I could stop listening and gave up tv for a few days The narration was incredible and cudos to him. I can wait to start the next installment and of course, seeing the movie version

A Blissfully Nerdy Ode to Sci-Fi & Alien Love

This story was a lot of fun. I got a real kick out of all the sci-fi nerdiness and pop culture reverence. Naming a car Serenity? Considering David Tennant the best Doctor (a correct assessment, btw)? Admittedly liking BOTH Star Wars and Star Trek (TNG, obviously)? Love it.

Narrator Greg Boudreaux is fabulous, as always, and he obviously had a field day with this. Credit to him for making River's youthful OTT exuberance, adoration for all things sci-fi, and sheer running-mouth enthusiasm so infectious. This story is a bit (overly) long, but listening to it was a pleasure.

Most entertaining

I had so much fun listening to the audiobook. Can’t wait for the second book. The narrator, Greg really gave life to the story. Please release the second audiobook soon.

Fun and interesting bk 1 Ends on a cliffhanger

I really enjoyed this story. Finally, at least for me, a new take on the whole aliens are among us.
Kai and River are a great match. Although I do have to say, it took a while for me to like River. But by the end, his character grew on me.
The supporting characters are very well done and give a well-rounded and enjoyable tale.
My one big issue is that it does end on a cliffhanger. And I simply do not like that.
As always, Greg did an incredible job with all the characters' voices. And made this audiobook out of this world

Hilarious Story and the Narration is on Point

THE STORY: What an utter delight!!! From the snark to the romance I loved just about everything about this book. River is such a unique MC. I mean he's definitely weird, but he has such a kind and accepting heart. I don't blame Kai at all for falling for his exuberant charms. I just love a grumpy sunshine pairing and Kai is definitely the grumpy to Rivers sunshine.

On top of the romance, there is a criminal case the law enforcing agency of the Aliens are working on. I won't name them, the surprise is worth it! The side characters were also so rich and added a ton of fun to the storyline. Major props to Benji, the hilarious stoner uncle of River's. He was a hoot. Book 2 in this series looks like it's going to continue with Kai and River as the MCs which makes sense as the ending was more of an HFN than an HEA. The plotline will likely also continue in book 2 as well. I will say, I am hoping that Kai's brother Mal gets his time to shine. The little teases we get of his potential love interest makes me have grabby hands for his story. I just want more of this world in general and can't wait to book 2!

THE NARRATION: I have to say, I think Greg Boudreaux knocked it out of the park with this one. His voice for River is spot on to what I imagined he sounded like. And his deep commanding voice for Kai? *shivers* Just top notch for this one!

The truth is out there

This was such a fantastic blend of sci fi story, romance, and humor. River is such a classic sci fi geek, complete with pop culture references and lacking a filter. What he has in spades though is a caring heart and a clever mind. He is so much fun to follow as he learns just what else is out there. In contrast, Kai is very proper and by the book… and very alien. While opposites, it’s easy to see the fascination and growing affection between them. The various secondary characters (River’s BFF, his uncle and his dog along with Kai’s family and work team) bring added dimension and vibrancy to the story.

Greg Boudreaux is absolutely one of my favorite narrators and he knocks this one out of the park. The voices of all the characters are easily distinguished and Greg’s inflection really draws out the humor in the story, making it such a fun listen. I truly hope he performs the rest of this series.

A romp, great comedy, cultural time travel

This is a humorous romp in the stylish fun circa late '80s/early '90s--all fun, no dark. This is the kind of humor that is completely stylish. It's also a book-long walk through U.S. subcultural memory lane.

While the current age language and dialogue throughout the book are more along the lines of BOO and hell to the no, this entire book is directed at readers in need of some good laughs and lots of smiles from "then to now" with zero down time, not even in the second act. (Though not a time travel story, it's just that personal memories strike you left and right because of the many references in a "where was I then" sort of way. It puts your brain through some paces.) I don't think I've ever enjoyed an audiobook as much as this, though I have said that in other reviews. I do love this kind of humor, but this is the very best of it. The story is so imaginative and the situation perfected.

Archer has applied the current comedy style to this MM alien Fantasy/Scify, and that's a big draw. One of the biggest draws for me personally was when River decides to save Kai, I was immediately reminded of one of my most bittersweet memories, preceded by and followed by a hundred other second-long memories (never took me out of the story, it waited until after I'd finished it). That makes this book pure joy on every page at every level--it becomes personal all the way through.

What can you say about Greg Boudreaux except that he performs this story to perfection.

Entertaining and a good plot line

The plot was creative and as original as a sci-fi plot could be these days, with so many people writing sci-fi. The pop culture, movie and TV references were really fun. The intimate scenes were far more comedy than heat and I assume that’s intentional, but just be warned that this isn’t going to make anyone bite their lip. River is a really entertaining character, but his “extra-ness” got a little annoying at times.

My only real complaint is that this author, like so many these days, doesn’t seem to know there are alternative words for “cock.” It almost became a game to count. Cock. Cock. Cock. Cock.

Still, I definitely recommend this book. It was a lot of fun.

Mixed feelings

Well, I have mixed feelings.
On one hand, I didn't particularly feel involved in the story nor the characters so I found the book dull and it was laborious to finish. It was my second attempt and I kinda forced myself to finish it in one sitting (otherwise I'd have dnfed it-again). But on the other hand, I found the end quite abrupt and I'm kinda curious to know what happens next.
To sum up, the book was just ok-even Greg Boudreaux didn't quite saved it-and I'm undecided in reading the sequel or not.

Absolutely Perfect

This series is a sheer delight to read, and even better to listen to! Listening to this book on audio is a MUST. Chloe Archer has created such an amazing world with absolutely hilarious, insightful, and well developed characters and Greg Boudreaux brings them to life. The narration and delivery is perfect for this series, and Boudreaux was the perfect choice for this series. I love the plot, the characters, the humour, the heat, the tentacles, and everything else! An absolute must read and listen.

Definitely the best read of the year (if not more)

I cannot even praise this book enough. Story? Amazing, hilarious, sweet, sexy. Performance? Could NOT be better. It was perfect in every way possible and I fell in love with the story even more because of the incredible narration. Bravo! Honestly, this exceeds every expectation so much that every other book will dull in comparison. Onto the next part of the series!!!

Soooo goood

I can't believe I waited this long to listen to this book. River is my new favorite MC. He's just so positive, and he acts like he's the enrgizer bunny. I love everything about it. And don't get me started on the tentacles... So hot🔥🔥🔥

I love River

I am head over heels for River - he is fabulous and fierce and a little over the top. The narration is absolutely excellent

never laughed so hard!!!

This books is hilarious, it's a comfort listen for me, never fails to make me smile.

The story is brilliant and gripping and I can't wait for the next!

Absolutely loved it

I was cracking up from beginning to end. I adored River and Kai was sweet - loved his tentacle dance moves.

The narrator’s performance was awesome.

Entertaining

Really enjoyed it
The story line was really easy to follow along
Can’t waist for the next book

Utterly delightful!

Fantastic narration, delightful story, wonderful characters. Minimal angst and lots of personality. A standout in its genre and well worth trying out for anyone who is curious.

What fun ride!!

A fun story and excellent narration. It's going into my re-listen category.
Greg Boudreaux outdid himself with all the different voices, but River's voice was the absolute best!
Highly recommend just for the narration alone, but the story is really good as well, especially the plot twist at the end.