Summary
These days,romancebooks include characters from all over the world, but notably, some series have a particular focus on the aliens and beings who live far beyond earth.The alien romance genre is one that has gained serious popularityin recent years. Generally, thesehighly anticipated romance bookstell the stories of young women who are taken to space and come face-to-face with the impossible: aliens. Yet, they realize that perhaps these otherworldly creatures are not as bad as they originally seemed. From there, sweet and steamy bonds form between the protagonist and her alien love interest.
The following sci-fi book series are those that have taken the alien romance community by storm. These books have impressive Goodreads scores and are often recommended to those seeking out the genre. Though they may differ in plot and themes, each ofthese series can be considered entertaining and worth the read for those interested in aliens. On this list, readers will find a diverse array of intergalactic worlds and romances. Hopefully, at least one series will become a new favorite.
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10Ice Planet Barbarians: Ruby Dixon
3.64 Stars On Goodreads
The series that truly kickstarted the alien romance craze is Ruby Dixon’sIce Planet Barbariansseries. Made up of 19 books published from 2015 to 2021,theIce Planet Barbariansseries begins with the story of a young woman who is abducted by aliens. However, her situation only worsens when her captors leave her and the other victims on a planet made of ice. There, she finds an alien who is blue, horned, and may just be attracted to her.
TheIce Planet Barbariansis a good candidate for those who are just starting outin the alien romance genre. Though there are many books in the series, readers don’t have to read all of them or even read in order to understand the plot. Each book stands on its own, though reading them together will reveal connections between the stories. Ultimately,Ice Planet Barbarianshas been criticized for frustrating characters, but it may still be worthwhile for those looking for an introduction into the genre.
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9Saving Askara: J.M. Link
3.97 Stars On Goodreads
What makesSaving Askaragreat is the ways in which it breaks the formulas of typical alien romance novels. Written by J.M. Link, theSaving Askaraseries has three books in total. The first book, entitledSaving Askara,follows a woman named Victoria who is a medical specialistaboard an orbiting space station. Her life is mundane until she runs into intelligent extraterrestrial life, the Askara. From there, Victoria must not only learn from the Askara, but also work out her feelings for one alien in particular.
Readers who prefer a solid plot over the main romance are likely to really enjoy this book. Whereas other alien romances can come across as having “insta-love,“Saving Askarais much more of a slow-burn. The main characters are certainly attracted to each other, but must overcome their differences before they can truly be together. Plus, the book introduces a massive plot that needs solving as well. In this way,Saving Askaraisa book that is heavy on the science part of fiction, but still provides an enjoyable alien romance.
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8The Spider’s Mate: Tiffany Roberts
4 Stars On Goodreads
While some alien romances provide the aliens that most readers would expect, others get a bit more monstrous. TakeThe Spider’s Matefor example.The Spider’s Matetrilogy isan alien romance which focuses on Ketahn, a spider-like alienwho runs away to avoid marrying the queen of his planet. Yet, in the jungle, Ketahn meets Ivy, a woman who he believes is his soulmate. The following three books lay out Ketahn and Ivy’s complex love story.
There is aSpider’s Matecoloring book.
What makesThe Spider’s Matea standout from other alien romances is its main character.Ketahn is unlike other alien love interests. His spider-like appearance makes him more monstrous than alien. This can definitely appeal to certain readers. For others, it may not be their cup of tea. However, another plus is thatThe Spider’s Mateis a series following just one couple: Ketahn and Ivy. Therefore, readers can see their beloved couple in more than just one book.
7Intersolar Union: Etta Pierce
4.07 Stars on Goodreads
Looking for a strong female character? TheIntersolar Unionseries may be exactly what readers are looking for. This six-book series follows Olivia, a behavorial analyst who is abducted by an alien. This kidnapping isn’t what it seems though.The alien, Atarian, needs Olivia’s helpin taking down an evil alien trafficking scheme. They begin to work together to stop these crimes. However, Olivia and Atarian’s proximity only makes their attraction to each other grow stronger.
Those who may want a darker, more strange tale may findIntersolar Unionslightly disappointing.
Once again, theIntersolar Unionseries breaks the mold by introducing a main character who is not a victim but a vital piece of a greater puzzle. Unlike other alien romance protagonists,Olivia has a fair amount of agency and a talent that is pivotal. LikeIce Planet Barbarbians,this is a great series for beginners in the alien romance genre. Those who may want a darker, more strange tale may findIntersolar Unionslightly disappointing.
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6Clecanian Series: Victoria Aveline
4.13 Stars On Goodreads
For those seeking an alien abduction story that is more cute than scary, theClecanianseries may be the way to go. With seven books in the series, these books follow the various love stories between humans and aliens. The first book,Choosing Theo,follows Jade, a young woman who is forced to spend a year on an alien planet. In that time, she must choose a husband. She chooses Theo, who believes Jade is a spy. From there, the two overcome their distrust and learn to accept the chemistry between them.
TheClecanianseries is a solid set of alien romance books. Among the seven stories, there is sure to be one that readers will completely fall in love with. Each book presents a different couple with an entirely distinct story. Where others have been criticized for falling flat, others are well-loved by the book community. Generally,Choosing Theohas been panned for not including enough steamy content, but overall, it presents a strong, romantic story.
5Rix Universe: Lydia Hope
4.11 Stars On Goodreads
Lydia Hope’sRix Universeflips the script on alien romances by setting the book on earth. The first installment,Homebound,follows Gemma, a human woman who works at a prison. One day, she is reassigned to the alien ward and comes into contact with Simon, an alien who is supposedly incredibly dangerous, but is wasting away. When Gemma treats him better than the other humans, Simon begins to regain strength - enough for him to escape and return home. However, his connection with Gemma creates unintended problems.
Lydia Hope also wrote a popular standalone alien romance calledPlanet Zero.
Homeboundoffers a very strong story for those invested in science fiction. While the romance is certainly a centerpiece of the story,Hope infuses her book with interesting worldbuildingand a slow-burn plot. Ultimately, this can be enticing to some readers and a turn-off for others. Regardless,Homeboundand its sequelSky Songoffer up entertaining and steamy peeks into the world of aliens.
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4Stolen By An Alien: Amanda Milo
3.95 Stars On Goodreads
For those seeking a classic alien romance,Stolen by an Alienis the way to go. The eight-book series by Amanda Milo follows varying stories of human/alien romances. The first book in the series is entitledStolen by an Alienand follows Angie, a human woman who is kidnapped by aliens and put up for auction. Yet, in the nick of time,she is saved by an alien gladiator who mistakes her for an alien princess. The two’s bond continues from there.
Overall,Stolen by an Alienis a great example of a traditional alien romance story.
TheStolen by an Alienbooks just get better and better according to Goodreads. Milo’s vastly different stories offer up a little something for every type of reader. Plus,this series settles into many of the beloved alien romance tropessuch as possessiveness and unique alien rituals. Overall,Stolen by an Alienis a great example of a traditional alien romance story.
Stolen by an Alien
Rescued by an Alien
Won by an Alien
Craved by an Alien
3R. Lee Smith Books
4.10 Stars On Goodreads
Although R. Lee Smith does not have an alien series under her belt, she has certainly written some alien romance stories that are huge among romance readers.One particularly important R. Lee Smith book isThe Last Hour of Gann.This story follows Amber, a young woman who willingly joins Earth’s first space colony, but wakes up to find that their flight never made it. She and her human peers are intercepted by a holy alien warrior, and Amber becomes the object of his desires.
The Last Hour of Gannis notable for how emotional it makes readers. Based on the book’s Goodreads reviews, it is clear that the story is an epic tale that quickly invests readers and takes them on a wild journey. Notably, this book is quite dark and has several trigger warnings that readers should look into before reading. However,The Last Hour of Gannand R. Lee Smith’s other alien books are definitely worth checking out.
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2Horde Kings of Dakkar: Zoey Draven
Zoey Draven is one of the most popular alien romance authors around, and there’s a reason for her success. TheHorde Kings of Dakkarseries has eight books in total, which see young women claimed by the brutish and powerful alien kings of Dakkar. The first book,Captive of the Horde King,follows a woman who sells herself to a Horde Kingafter her brother breaks the Dakkari law. However, the protagonist is shocked when she realizes that she is not a prisoner, but is set to become queen.
Once again, theHorde Kings of Dakkarseries follows the most popular alien romance tropes. There are unique power dynamics, feisty main characters, and protective love interests.This series has often been compared toGame of ThronesandIce Planet Barbariansfor its mixing of cultures and monarchies. In the end, theHorde Kings of Dakkaris a steamy and expansive world that alien romance lovers won’t want to miss.
1Dark World Mates: Olivia Riley
4.03 Stars On Goodreads
Olivia Riley’sDark World Matesseries is a very beloved story within the alien romance genre. The four-book series follows Lana, a young woman who is tasked with studying a terrifying alien named Xerus. Although Xerus is locked up, his influence shines through his cell walls, making Lana easily entranced by him. Despite everything she knows about this alien,Lana can’t help but wonder if there is more underneath his devilish exterior.
Readers have praised theDark World Matesseries for its slow-burn romance and captivating storytelling. Lana is not a whiny or annoying protagonist, but instead is powerful and protective. Furthermore,many readers enjoyed how strange and evil Xerus seemed to be, setting him apart from other, more human love interests. Though theDark World Matesmay not be everyone’s cup of tea, they have certainly become popular in theromancegenre for a reason.
