Space has always been a loved backdrop for science fiction books, from the classic Star Wars to another classic, Dune. The force of space warfare, interplanetary battles, and dramatic adventures have brewed great romances too. This post is dedicated to such science fiction love stories; an appreciation for the grand scale of romantic stakes, the significant sacrifices made amidst the stars, and the expansive space where such tales echo with passion—an attempt to find the kind of love that is complicated, forever, sacrificial, and high stakes.
Volatile Memory by Seth Haddon
Rage and revenge in space? A powerful sapphic cyberpunk romance pitched as This is How You Lose the Time War meets Ex Machina. This novella follows the fate of a tech hunter whose latest acquisition isn’t meant to retain memory or identity but the AI-masked-corpse woman she has found is real. Now both set off to get answers from her ex-husband.
The Red Scholar’s Wake by Aliette De Bodard
Pirate politics? Check. Lesbian space pirates? Check. Sentient Ships? Check. A marriage proposition that is deemed to be just a formal partnership? Check. The formality of this partnership dismantles into a sapphic romance? Check. As the interstellar war against piracy rises, a scavenger who expects death is in fact proposed amidst politics set in space.
Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
A political thriller but definitely a romance before anything else. A space empire has relied on alliances and relied on it once again when Kiem’s cousin’s death sparks instability for his high profile marriage is disrupted. To convince the population of stability, Kiem is arranged into a marriage with his cousin’s widow, Jainan. The unique situation they find themselves in fosters the most heartfelt romance against their intricate backstories.
The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow
In a future Earth occupied by an alien species who have prohibited all forms of art and creativity, Ellie is a book-loving teenager who defies the regime by secretly running a hidden library. When she encounters a rogue alien soldier who escapes from his own people and takes refuge in her library, the two form an unlikely alliance. Full of tropes but also moving with a message about the power of art, the “road trip” these two take together is the way for them to fall in love.
Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik
Ada, a princess on the run from an arranged marriage is caught and thrown into a cell with the infamous Marcus Loch, also known as the Devil of Fornax Zero. Ada strikes a deal with him for freedom and together, they navigate a galaxy of political intrigue, secrets, and a chemistry between the leads that is reminiscent of classic space rogue and princess pairings.
The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis
Majorly romantic, this Star Wars novel dives into the early days of Han Solo and Princess Leia’s relationship, set against the backdrop of a galaxy still reeling from the fall of the Empire. The story begins with their iconic wedding and follows the couple as they embark on a honeymoon aboard the luxurious starcruiser, the Halcyon. As they navigate the complexities of their newfound marriage, Han and Leia also face lingering threats from the remnants of the Empire.
A Sacrifice of Blood and Stars by Jennifer Brody
Kari has finally enlisted in the Space Force, her dream, and will now train to be a guardian for a war-devastated Earth targeted by interstellar terrorists. Drae, a former high-school bully is assigned as the civilian who helps her focus on the Earthside, and he’s smitten with her. With an impending attack on Earth that must be thwarted, their romance builds amidst a compelling mystery and action-packed courage with hints of a secret society.
Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews
Set in the world of the Kinsmen, a well-established Earth-diaspora colony on sister planets, a story of vengeance unravels while brewing an enemies to lovers romance between rivals. Betrayed by their spouses, Ramona and Matias must ally with each other despite belonging to rival families, and be the perfect match they’re meant to be in order to save everything they hold dear.
Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon by Annie Mare
Okay, this isn’t actually in space but the romance is across time and space, and the multiverse component suits the science fiction label so I’m not going to miss this opportunity to share a fun romance! Two women falling in love despite living in worlds that are five months apart. Now they must find a timeline that doesn’t in a disaster just so they can be together forever.
The Principle of Moments by Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson
I know we’re all here for more romance but I also love when there’s more than romance, like a centuries-spanning adventure. It’s the start of a sci-fi trilogy that explores racial injustice and has a found family full of heart. At the core of this space quest, there’s a queer romance said to be swoony, swoony, swoony.
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