Sci-fi and fantasy romance guest recs with Jaymie Dieterle
And there's definitely a lot of smooching in these.
My name is Jaymie Dieterle, and I blog about books at The Neverending TBR. You can also find me at @justjaymied and @Neverending_TBR on Twitter.
I have been a voracious reader all of my life. For a few years, I got to work as an elementary school librarian, and it was the best job I have ever had. I read books for all ages — kids, teens, and adults. My favorite genres are romance, of course, as well as cozy mysteries, science fiction, and fantasy. Today I want to tell you about four awesome sci-fi/fantasy worlds for those who enjoy some extraterrestrial and magical elements in their kissing books.
The Kitty Katt-Martini/Alien series by Gini Koch (Indiebound)
Katherine “Kitty” Katt discovers aliens are on Earth when she follows her instincts and chases down a monster in her Arizona town. Kitty’s aliens are from the Alpha Centauri system. They have super speed, super strength, and other special gifts that make them targets for the corrupt and power-mad, both on Earth and out in the galaxy. But Kitty is part of the team, now, so she’ll “turn up the crazy” and foil the bad guy plans to keep her sexy man and her new family and friends safe.
There are currently 16 fantastic books in this series as well as a few e-book shorts. The series has science-fiction features as well as steamy romance, mysteries and conspiracies, and lots of action thrown in. It is, hands down, my favorite series.
The Sons of Destiny series by Jean Johnson (Indiebound)
Eight mage brothers, born in four sets of twins, fulfill the ancient Sons of Destiny prophecy and so are sent into exile on the island of Nightfall. The prophecy indicates the oldest brother, Saber, will bed a maiden and set off a chain of events that could destroy their home country of Katan. Therefore the brothers are forbidden from having women on the island. But prophecies have a way of thwarting the plans of men. When the youngest brother is scrying a far off world he discovers a young woman in danger. In order to save her life, he transports her to Nightfall. Saber is insistent that the outsider, Kelly, keep her distance. But some of the younger brothers are ready to see this prophecy kick off because it promises love for each of them, and they are ready to discover their destined brides.
There are 8 books in this series, one for every brother. All of the brothers have magic powers to various degrees, and each book explores the relationship between the mage and his prophesied mate. While I love the individual stories in this series (book 6, The Storm, is my favorite), the overarching tale of exile, conspiracy, and a battle for power is captivating. I re-read the whole series regularly because I love both the characters and this world.
The Consortium Rebellion series by Jessie Mihalik (Indiebound)
Three High Houses control the ins and outs of the universe — the von Hasenbergs, the Rockhursts, and the Yamados. Ada von Hasenberg is the fifth of 6 children in her family, so her value is as a spy and a marriage prospect to shore up their alliances. An arranged marriage with House Rockhurst is one of the primary reasons she left her family and has been hiding out in the galaxy. But her father has offered a significant finder’s fee for her return. And her ex-fiance is also determined to get Ada back. But Ada’s survival instincts have been well-honed over the years. She knows Richard Rockhurst is hiding something that can’t be good for her or for her family. So she teams up with an irresistible outlaw known as the “Devil of Fornax Zero” to help her stay ahead of both House Rockhurst and her own father.
There are two books in this series so far, and book 3 releases in May 2020. Each book focuses on one von Hasenberg sister and a love interest as they move through the galaxy trying to maintain their freedom, protect their family (at least their siblings), and save the Consortium. I adore sharp, sassy, and bold protagonists, and the von Hasenberg sisters fit that description perfectly!
The Scarred Earth Saga by G. A. Aiken (Indiebound)
A prophecy about a rising queen to replace the recently dead king angers his sons who want no part of anything that would force them to give up the throne. While they fight and kill one another (the king had a LOT of sons), they are also hunting down this would-be queen. When it looks like the new queen will be her younger sister, a female blacksmith gathers supporters to defend her family and save the kingdom.
This was irreverent and hilarious and one of my favorite books of 2019. I can’t find any information yet on what book 2 will be called or when it might release, but I loved this first one so much that the second will be a must-buy for me. This is more violent than the others on the list, but the characters are fantastic, and the twists and turns kept me turning pages. I love a book that is both smart and makes me laugh, and this is both.
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