5th Annual SFR Galaxy Awards: Round Two by Jo Jones

Best Realistic Ending

The Cold Between by Elizabeth Bonesteel

In most science fiction romance novels you expect the two lovers to end up together. Sometimes that is a realism that just does not fit. Bonesteel lets the flow of the story control the outcome between Treiko and Elena.

Most Promising New Author

The Dark of Light (Shield of the Starhawke #1) by Audrey Sharpe

The Dark of Light is a very well written space opera that does not have an out and out romance. Sharpe gives us subtle clues but makes us guess about the relationship between three of the characters. The next book in the series is due out in 2017. Only downside to having a very well written first book – high expectations for book two.

Best Misleading Title

Warrior Wench 

(The Asarlaí Wars #1) by Marie Andreas

I picked this one up thinking that the warrior wench would be the main female character. Well, turns out I was partially right. The Warrior Wench is the name of a ship and the ship does play a central role in the story – just not the role I expected.

Best Slow Burn Romance

Star Cruise: Outbreak by Veronica Scott

Emily Shane and Jake Dilon are attracted but work together before acting on that attraction. It adds spice to the story line while keeping a very realistic feel to the plot.

Best Love Story With a Twist

Shades of Treason by Sandy Williams

Is she or is she not guilty and if not why is she not talking? How do you defend someone who will not defend herself and how can you have a romance between two people when one cannot talk about what really happened? That makes for a love story with a twist.