I received an email from Lela, who is looking for a specific type of romance:
In a nutshell: can you recommend, or solicit recommendations of, some awesome sci fi romances?
Longer version: I was trolling the Amazon daily deals and came across a 99cent novella billing itself as “science fiction romance” (it was “Kidnapping Keela“, in case you're wondering).
Hold the phone! Is that a real thing?
I'm the nerdiest sci fi nerd you could think of from when I was yea high on a short thing, and I've gotten into romance in the past few years, so why my god have I not heard of this? The daily deal book didn't look all that great but if it's part of a legit subgenre, I need to know.
So if anyone's got a minute – do you know of any awesome sci fi romances? Cause aliens are my jam.
Well, alas, aliens are not my jam, personally. I read the early Jaid Black novel The Empress' New Clothes and my brain had a very difficult time with the nipples causing repeated ovulation. Because alien kidnappings I can accept, but strange explanations of ovulation are apparently my brain's limit for suspension of reality. Go figure.
But I can help! First, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention The Last Hour of Gann, ( A | BN | K) which many readers LOVED, though I know would not be for me (I've been warned, specifically. As in, someone said, “No, Sarah, DO NOT read that.” I listened. I get a cookie!)
If aliens are you jam, that book should keep you very very happy.
Also, you might like Song of Scarabaeus by Sara Creasy ( A | BN | K ), which takes place in an alien world (though the protagonists, I believe, are human). And the Grimspace series by Ann Aguirre might also work ( A | BN | K ).
But I know the reviewing posse here would know more than I do. Here are their recommendations:
Carrie:
If she wants general sic fi romance set in space, (not necessarily sex with aliens) I recommend Lois MacMaster Bujold ( A | BN | K ) – Cordelia's Honor, A Civil Campaign and Captain Vorpatril's Alliance.
I recommend anything by Zoe Archer ( A | BN | K), who does great sci fi romance. (Carrie reviewed Skies of Gold [A-] and Chain Reaction [B+].
Best of Both Worlds by Karen Lord ( A | BN | K ) is romance/sci fi crossover with a delicate, underplayed romance between human and alien. I hated Ghost Planet (Grade: D+) but every one else adored it (RITA® review from Linda: A), and it has a neat twist on human/alien romance.
If you're willing to try comics you should read Saga.
Of the stuff I'm recommending, the most straightforward in terms of keeping to romance novel structure are Susan Grant ( A | BN | K) and Zoe Archer ( A | BN | K). Grant writes great human alien romances – some are light and funny some more serious.
RHG: The only ones I've read were freebies on Kindle and they were TERRIBLE and I wouldn't wish them on anyone.
Elyse: Only one I ever read was Sunlight by Amanda Ashley ( A | BN | K ).
Amanda: Linnea Sinclair's Dock Five Universe series, starting with Gabriel's Ghost ( A | BN | K ), Jess Granger's Realms Beyond series, beginning with Beyond the Rain ( A | BN | K ), and Ann Aguire's Grimspace series.
Also, Gena Showalter has an alien huntress series, starting with Awaken Me Darkly ( A | BN | K ).
Sarah: You might also find some excellent options in the “Space Opera” category at Carina Press.
But I know we're missing some great options. What alien romances do you recommend, if aliens are also your jam?
(And I can't resist adding this.)
