Los Angeles social media influencer El Martin seems to have a picture-perfect life. But what El wants more than anything is to find something real to make her heart race in a way it hasn’t in years. She doesn’t expect that feeling to come from capturing footage of an unidentified flying . . . thing, much less from the charming Man in Black who keeps following her around.
Agent Carter Brody is trying his best to keep the Private Intelligence Sector afloat by dragging their hopelessly out-of-date office into this century, even though what he really wants to do is follow in his father’s footsteps by identifying and hiding extraterrestrial sightings. He gets his chance after being assigned to El’s case and is stopped in his tracks not only by her ingenuity and confidence but also by an unnerving coincidence—her sighting looks eerily like what Carter himself saw right before a family tragedy.
The deeper El and Carter fall into the mystery, the harder it is for them to ignore their growing chemistry as their own alien feelings become dangerously terrestrial.
Release Date: Aug 15, 2025
Heat Level: Sensual
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley
Price: $10.99
“The lights flash from white to red to blue and it picks up speed. So do I. Then a horrible thought crosses my mind: Am I getting abducted by aliens? Like actual, for real aliens? Aliens are so not my brand. I believe their real because the universe is too big for us to be the smartest things out there, but I did not expect them to come to Earth. I did not expect them to follow me home from my photo shoot. I know I’m hot and might be hearty stock for their intergalactic babies, but I didn’t think they’d pick me. My brain plays an Instagram carousel of photos of what’s to come – little green men standing over my bed, probing, way too much chrome.”
I’ve been meaning to read Mallory Marlowe before, but I regret not getting to them sooner. What a pleasant surprise this book turned out to be! It embodies everything I think a Romcom should be. It was funny and engaging, full of banter that just made you laugh out loud. The characters had depth, but didn’t take themselves too seriously or try too hard.
El and Carter’s relationship was a delightful journey. Carter truly cared about the real El, not the curated version of her from her Instagram feed. He’s sweet and loving, and makes El feel safe to be herself, which I found incredibly romantic. I loved the twist on Men in Black and their quest for the truth. The writing was fantastic. It hooked me from page one. This is definitely a book you don’t want to put down, so be prepared to read it in one sitting. I know I am excited to explore more of her work!
If you enjoy romantic comedies like those by Lynn Painter or Meghan Quinn, then this will be right up your alley.
~ Michelle
Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Google Play