Sci-Fi Encounters: The buzz about sci-fi and fantasy romance
Welcome to my new column at Happy Ever After! Twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursdays, I'll be talking about science-fiction and fantasy (SF&F) romances. I'm excited about giving a "signal boost" to SF&F romance of all kinds in this space and having readers weigh in, too. I'll try to provide a mix of news, author Q&As, reviews and reader views, with my opinions sneaking in on occasion.
Why "Sci-Fi Encounters"? I spend time in a science-heavy, tech-y place where encounters with planets are common, so the term seemed like a natural fit for a column dealing with other worlds and alternate universes. And romance!
SF&F romance is as wide ranging as the galaxies, so I'm not going to self-impose too many rules. Rod Serling said on The Twilight Zone that science-fiction was "the improbable made possible," while fantasy was "the impossible made probable." Works for me! I'm here to highlight some fine, fun and fabulous books from established authors, as well as small press and self-published. But since we're talking romance in my column, there'll be a love story and a happy ending (for ever after or for now). Or enough romantic plot elements to make me happy.
Ever since I was a little kid discovering my dad's bookshelves full of Andre Norton, Isaac Asimov and the like, I've loved science-fiction. All those endless new worlds to explore, so many adventures, but never enough romance in those stories to satisfy me. Thankfully that's not the case nowadays — romance abounds. Please join me on my SF&F explorations in the coming months.
That's enough about what the column will be — let's get to talking about books!
MIND MELDING WITH ... S.E. SMITH
I've invited S.E. Smith, whose new novel, Hunter's Claim (The Alliance book one), hit No. 1 on the Amazon SFR Best Seller List, to stop by and be the first author to answer some questions for us:
S.E. Smith, a USA TODAY best-selling author, enjoys writing science-fiction and paranormal romance. She tells me her real love is seeing the worlds come alive and discovering the interactions and relationships between the characters. When she's not writing, she can usually be found working on computers or camping.
What's your favorite line from your newest book?
S.E.: "You knocked me out," he said with a curve to his lips. "I have never had a female do that to me before."
What's your guilty pleasure?
S.E.: That is a tough one. Reading is definitely one of my biggest guilty pleasures. I love to sneak somewhere quiet and just lose myself in another world. Chocolate-covered cherries is another one. LOL. I try to limit those far more than reading; not as many calories with the first and just as much pleasure.
How do you celebrate when you finish a novel?
S.E.: I usually take a few days off. I don't know if it is really a celebration. It is actually a difficult time as I feel like I'm saying goodbye to friends and family that I might not see in a while. I get a little down for a few days, at least until the next story starts pushing for me to start writing.
What's on your Bucket List?
S.E.: To write a series of YA books for my grandson that he will want to read to his children one day. I think leaving a little piece of myself for future generations is important. I already have the story and adventure picked out and have started it. Now, I just need the time to finish it.
I LOVE that idea, very sweet! What book by another author would you recommend to readers who are new to reading science-fiction and/or fantasy romance?
S.E.:The Accidental Goddess by Linnea Sinclair. I really enjoyed that book! She has several that I completely fell in love with the characters. I love the world she creates, the interaction between characters, the plot, everything. I would highly recommend checking it out to my readers.
You can find out more about S.E. and her books at sesmithfl.com.
MORE WORLDS TO BE EXPLORED …
Fighting Kat (The Triton Experiment) by PJ Schnyder. Intergalactic mercenary Kat Darah has been ordered to keep her shape-shifting ability a secret from everyone but those closest to her, for her own safety. She's learned how to control the feral rage … for the most part. But when Lieutenant Rygard's military unit goes missing, she'll use every skill she has to find her man.
Under Different Stars by Amy Bartol. Kricket isn't one to wish upon stars; she believes they're rarely in her favor. At 17, she's an expert at dodging caseworkers who'd force her back into Chicago's foster care system. But when soldiers from enemy factions find her, their plans to take her back to her true home on Ethar collide. Caught between Trey's high society in Rafe and the political intrigue of Kyon's Alameeda clan, Kricket's inherent gifts become more valuable than any fire in the night sky. With rumors of war threatening Kricket's existence, will her life be torn apart under different stars?
Breeder by Cara Bristol. To secure his legacy, Commander Dak, a ruling Alpha of planet Parseon, purchases Omra, a breeder slave. He intends to impregnate her, produce a son, and hand her off to his anointed beta partner. As Dak and Omra discover a sexual bliss banned by law, he begins to question the traditions and ways of his people, causing him to jeopardize his command and endanger the life of the woman he has come to love.
Girl Gone Nova (Project Enterprise) by Pauline Baird Jones. Delilah Oliver Clementyne's orders are simple: Do the impossible and do it yesterday. A genius who kicks butt, Doc does the impossible on a regular basis. But this time the impossible is complicated by an imminent war between the Earth expedition to the Garradian Galaxy and the Gadi, an encounter with some wife-hunting aliens, and not one but two bands of time travelers. The only way it could get worse? If the heart she didn't know she had starts beating for the wrong guy …
Made for Her by Jessica Subject. Colonel Mikayla Jones trains squadrons full of the clones her late husband brought to life. But, when she discovers a young clone of her husband in her newest class, she can't help but yearn for him to fill an ache in her heart? Dare must prove he is more than just a DNA copy, and relies on the wife of the man who donated his genes. But when she refuses to train him, he faces discharge and returning to the labs. Can he convince Colonel Jones to finish his training? Or will long kept secrets unhinge the entire clone project?
DON'T MISS ...
I'll end these columns with some cross-media recommendations, starting with a science-fiction movie featuring a hunky alien soldier, a butt-kicking Viking heroine, and an almost fire-breathing alien beastie. The film, referred to by one reviewer as "Beowulf meets Predator," is one of my all-time favorites. Starring Jim Caviezel, star of the TV show Person of Interest, Outlander (2008) is a stylish action flick with a very nice romance going on. (No connection to the Diana Gabaldon book of the same title, sorry.) Grab the popcorn and try it some evening when you're in the mood for a good SFR movie!
Please leave a comment, share your SF&F recommendations or anything related to our topic — I'll be back in March.
Amazon best-seller Veronica Scott is a two-time recipient of the SFR Galaxy Award and has written a number of science-fiction and paranormal romances. You can find out more about her and her books at veronicascott.wordpress.com. Please e-mail Veronica at scifiencounters@gmail.com about content related to this column. Due to the volume of mail, e-mails may not be answered personally, but all will be read.