Best
Unpredictable Sci-Fi Romance
Paradox by
P.J. Dean
P.J. Dean's The
Felig Chronicles is an alien invasion sci-fi romance that takes place in a
contemporary Earth setting. Paradox
is the fourth installment of the series. Key highlights include an interracial
romance, an ensemble cast of lively characters, and lots of homemade meals.
The series is best read in order, so suffice it to say
that Paradox continues the ongoing
adventures of Tina Cain and Nate Lowe as they simultaneously navigate their
burgeoning romance and defend Earth against the Feligs, a horde of winged,
energy sucking aliens. The alien invasion framework is used to explore various themes
and Paradox takes the series into
darker territory.
The diverse cast is a huge part of this series' appeal
and in my reading experience it’s one of the few sci-fi romances where a black
heroine headlines the story. Even scenes as seemingly mundane as Tina getting
dressed provided me with as much "sense of wonder" as the story's
science fictional elements.
What makes The
Felig Chronicles a stand out series is its sheer unpredictable nature. Each
story offers a multitude of twists and turns and I loved not knowing what was
going to happen next!
Best Carnivorous
Blob Villain Since THE BLOB
Hellcat's Bounty by Renae Jones
Hellcat's
Bounty is a fun blend of classic Western and far future
space opera. A sweet "opposites attract" romance with hot, tasteful
love scenes develops amid a threat of carnivorous, amoeba-like aliens. A big
"Yee-haw!" for this futuristic lesbian romance.
Most Persuasive
Smiling Heroine
Lana's Comet by Lyn Brittan
Who can resist the smile of that lovely heroine on the
cover? Not me! I came for the heroine and interracial romance and stayed for
the social commentary, which touches upon themes of racism, privilege, and
gender roles. Some of it plays out in the dialogue between the hero and
heroine, which made it even more entertaining. Lana's Comet also offers a forbidden romance and a touch of cli-fi
for the win.
Most
Inventive Secret Identity For A Futuristic Gypsy
Beneath
a Trojan Moon by Anna Hackett
Heroine Relda Dela-Cruz is a gypsy by trade on the
market world of Souk and going into this action-adventure sci-fi romance one
may wonder how the story will explain the existence of a fortune teller in a
far future setting. Well, now I know and It. Is. Awesome!
No spoilers from me, though--you'll just have to read Beneath a Trojan Moon yourself to
discover the deep, dark secret that makes Relda special. What I can tell you is she's an engaging
heroine with a keen nose for business and a great fashion sense. She's also
paired with a good guy hero who supports her and her abilities in every way.
All of the above is why I'm on #TeamRelda.
Best
Transgender Hero Sci-Fi Romance
Sky
Pirate: Safe Harbor by Spring Horton
Sky
Pirate: Safe Harbor was my favorite discovery of 2014. I'd
been actively seeking more diverse reads and I’m grateful to the alert reader who
brought this title to my attention. This romantic steampunk story stars a transgender
hero who craves adventures, but first he needs to acquire an airship.
Sky
Pirate: Safe Harbor features a cast of quirky characters--my
favorite was the automaton ship's doctor! This story is worth checking out for its positive
portrayal of an underdog trans hero who takes a crew of misfits under his wing.
Best
In-This-World Sci-Fi Romance Television Show
MY
LOVE FROM ANOTHER STAR (SBS)
MY LOVE FROM ANOTHER STAR is cracktastic sci-fi
romance at its best! This twenty-one episode South Korean TV show is about an
alien, Do Min Joon (Kim Soo-hyun), who falls in love with movie star Cheon Song
Yi (Jun Ji-hyun) after being stranded on Earth for four-hundred years.
The romance is primarily one of soul mates and
star-crossed lovers. Hero Do Min Joon is a “I can’t believe no one has done
this before” cross between Spock and Superman. The “opposites attract” factor generates much of the humor and conflict.
MY LOVE FROM ANOTHER STAR is a heady mix of comedy,
drama, and science fiction-lite. The villain subplot and non-linear
storytelling techniques make for a number of surprising and occasionally
tear-inducing twists. It’s also a show with beautiful actors, amazing fashion,
and most importantly, chicken and beer!
Most
Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Romance Film
THE
ONE I LOVE
Directed by Charlie McDowell
Screenplay by Justin Lader
Starring Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss
THE ONE I LOVE is a comedic, character-driven sci-fi
romance with big appeal for SFR fans. An estranged couple visits a lavish
mansion retreat to rekindle their love, but it doesn't quite go according to
plan. In fact, the plan goes deep into Twilight Zone territory. You'll have to
excuse the cryptic description, but spoilers must be avoided at all costs in order to obtain the
maximum enjoyment from this quirky, thought-provoking film.
