These are the romance novels (and comics) that have had me in a chokehold this 2024! As you will note, I have a thing for science fiction and paranormal romance, as well as sprinkles of romantic fantasy.
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1. Under the Oak Tree by Suji Kim (Romantic Fantasy)
Suji Kim’s Under the Oak Tree is a high fantasy romance series (AND comic) that enthralls its readers with a rich fantasy world and a STEAMY arranged marriage romance between a low-born knight and a stuttering noblewoman.
My favorite romance of all time! Sir Riftan Calypse healed my daddy issues.
Unfortunately, Seasons 1 and 2 of the UTOT novel (RIDI translations) are no longer available on Amazon. But you can still find them on manta.net!
However, UTOT (Vol. 1) (Inklore translation) will be released by Inklore on November 5, 2024 and will be available on Amazon!
You can read the latest issues of the UTOT comic on manta.net! But if want a hardcopy, Vol. 1 is available on Amazon.
2. Dark Planet Warriors by Anna Carven (Sci-Fi Romance)
Silver alien warriors (with tyrannical tendencies) fall like dominoes for human women in this futuristic sci-fi romance. Sexy and pulse-pounding. I want to take Tarak al Akkadian (and the rest of the First Division warriors) home with me.
Side stories in the Dark Planet Warriors world:
3. DarkStar Mercenaries by Anna Carven (Sci-Fi Romance)
Dark Planet Warriors spin-off series! The alien goodness continues.
Side stories in the DarkStar Mercenaries world:
4. The Cleclanians by Victoria Aveline (Sci-Fi Romance)
Abducted human women mate with sexy male aliens trained to be the perfect mates in a society where females are scarce. The heroines are wonderfully modern without being cliche, and the heroes are swoon-worthy alpha aliens that always “fall first”. This series ignited my love for the “mars needs women” trope.
5. Horde Kings by Zoey Draven (Sci-Fi Romance)
Horde Kings is a dystopian/alien sci-fi romance series that is sure to grab the attention of alien barbarian lovers! Each book follows the sexy and angsty love story between a vorakkar (a Dothraki king) and a human woman (or half-human).
A word of warning that while I LOVE this series, books 4 and 5 pissed me the f*ck off. Those particular Vorakkars are very polarizing!
6. Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger (Historical Paranormal Mystery Romance)
Parasol Protectorate is a hysterical romance-meets-comedy of manners-meets-mystery. The core romance between a sassy half-Italian preternatural and a Scottish werewolf alpha (all wrapped up in a victorian steampunk setting) is pure cozy comedy.
7. Brides of Kylorr by Zoey Draven (Sci-Fi/Alien Romance)
Brides of Kylorr is a sexy and angsty sci-fi/alien romance. The Kylor MMCs are jealous, possessive, and tortured (vampiric monster) alphas. The FMCs are competent and take charge, but tortured by their dire need of resources (yes, save me from financial ruin trope!). This slow burn series tourches the house down. Zoey Draven just doesn’t miss.
8. Disobey the Duke if You Dare by Romance Machine K (Comic) (Romantic Fantasy)
Lily is twice-widowed and forced into her third marriage to Duke Vladislav de Winter, the illegitimate son of the emperor and a naga-like monster female. The Duke refuses to let Lily see his face! This story takes place in rich fantasy world remisniscent of medieval times but full of magic and monsters. It is a slow burning HOT.
The full comic can be found at manta.net! Manta has recently released a hardcopy version of Vol. 1 of this comic that is available on Amazon.
9. Winter Wolf by RubyChe (Historical Romance Comic)
Winter Wolf is a sizzling “historical” romance manhwa featuring the love story of a beautiful nobleman woman on the run from an assassin, and the secretive and calculating “broker” paid to help her escape. The smut in this comic works overtime!
This spicy comic can be found at manta.net!
10. A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas (ACOTAR, 5)
I liked the ACOTAR series just fine, but I LOVED A Court of Silver Flames. The angsty and fiery love story of Nesta and Cassian had me hooked. It is a beautiful tale of overcoming trauma, redemption, and forgiveness. The spice is also amped by a factor of 100.
