Must-Read SFR and More - Carol Van Natta

Science Fiction Romance Resources: A list of must-read SFR (science fiction romance) books, where to find more SFR, and tips on writing SFR. From the “Science Fiction Romance” panel presented at the 2016 Fort Collins Comic Convention, with panelists Melisse Aires, Drew Bankston, Rich Keller, and me (Carol Van Natta).

Definition of Science Fiction Romance (SFR):

A story that has BOTH and science fiction AND romance (not just romantic elements).
Science fiction uses scientific discoveries or advanced technology — either actual or imaginary — as part of the plot (Dictionary.com). Romance contains two basic elements: 1) a central love story, and 2) emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending, also known as a “happily ever after” or “happy for now” ending (Romance Writers of America). Both must be present and integral to the plot for a good SFR.

Must-Read SFR

In no particular order. Includes subcategories of First Contact, Exploration, Alien Lovers, Galactic Empire, Genetic Engineering, Steampunk, Dystopian, Alternate History, Post-Apocalyptic, and more.

C791 (Cyborgs: More Than Machines) by Eve Langlais

Gabriel's Ghost (Dock Five series) by Linnea Sinclair

Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair

Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1) (Psy/Changeling Series) by Nalini Singh

Shards of Honor (Vorkosigan Saga Book 2) by Lois McMaster Bujold

Among Galactic Ruins (Phoenix Adventures Book 0) by Anna Hackett – FREE

The Iron Duke (Iron Seas Book 1) by Meljean Brook

Wreck of the Nebula Dream (A Sectors SF Romance) by Veronica Scott

Phoenix Rising A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris (steampunk)

The Star King (The Star Series Book 1) by Susan Grant – FREE

Mercenary Instinct (The Mandrake Company Series Book 1) by Ruby Lionsdrake

Driven (Northern Waste Book 1) by Eve Kenin (pen name for Eve Silver)

Fortune's Pawn (Paradox Book 1) by Rachel Bach (pen name for Rachel Aaron)

Agent of Change (Liaden Universe Book 9 [really, it’s book 1]) by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller – FREE

Naked in Death (In Death, Book 1) by J. D. Robb

Grimspace (Sirantha Jax series Book 1)

Hunter's Claim (The Alliance Book 1) by S.E. Smith

Torkel's Chosen (A World Beyond Book 1) by Michelle Howard

Blood Will Tell (The Gaian Consortium Series Book 1) by Christine Pope

Solia's Moon (Outer Settlement Agency Book 0) by Lyn Brittan – FREE

Star Nomad (Fallen Empire, Book 1) by Lindsay Buroker

Reckless Rescue (A Barren Planet Romance Book 1) by Rinelle Grey – FREE

Shielder (Shielder series, Book 1) by Catherine Spangler

Sunrise Alley (Sunrise Alley Series Book 1) by Catherine Asaro

Primary Inversion (Skolian Empire series) by Catherine Asaro

Diaspora Worlds Four Book Bundle by Melisse Aires

After Dark (Ghost Hunters, Book 1) (Harmony)

Finding More Must-Read SFR

Places to look for more must-read SFR, new releases, etc.

Portals series – FREE – Seven volumes. Each book has the first chapters of SFR books and links to buy them if you like what you read. They're available on most major ebook retailers (e.g., Amazon).

SFR Station: www.sfrstation.com — find science fiction romance using a variety of search criteria, categories, as well as by author, title, or series.

Science Fiction Romance Quarterly: www.scifiromancequarterly.org — quarterly journal with articles, reviews and excerpts from science fiction romances

SFR Galaxy Awards (current and previous years): sfrgalaxyawards.blogspot.com — annual science fiction romance awards given by a select committee

Amazon: “Books” category: “Books > Romance > Science Fiction” — with other retailers, try “science fiction romance,” “sci-fi romance,” or even “paranormal romance” (and note that with all of them, even Amazon, you'll find some things that don't seem to belong)

Heather Massey's “The Galaxy Express” literary and fan blog: thegalaxyexpress.net

USA Today’s “Happily Ever After” column, especially those by Veronica Scott: https://veronicascott.wordpress.com/veronicas-usa-today-hea-columns-archive/ — Veronica writes stories about science fiction romance interviews SFR authors

Groups on Facebook, e.g., https://www.facebook.com/groups/the.scifi.romance.group/

SFR Brigade Showcase – links to monthly excerpts of SFR books: http://sfrcontests.blogspot.ca/p/sfr-brigade-presents.html

Tips on Writing SFR

Veronica Scott: Science Fiction Romance or Romantic Elements? http://amazingstoriesmag.com/2016/03/science-fiction-romance-romantic-elements/

Cynthia Sax: Are You Writing a Cyborg Romance? http://tasteofcyn.com/2016/02/12/are-you-writing-a-cyborg-romance/

Cynthia Sax: Writing Tips: http://tasteofcyn.com/category/writing-tips-2/

Cara Bristol: How Alien Can an Alien Hero Be? http://carabristol.com/2016/01/how-alien-can-an-alien-hero-be-in-sci-fi-romance-sfr/

Cara Bristol: 10 Good Practices for Every Author http://carabristol.com/2015/11/10-good-practices-for-every-author/