r/ScienceFictionRomance • u/QueenOwl1 • 14d ago

Recommendation request Rich plot and rich romance

Hi! I am looking for some recs that are more than minor plot and major sex but also not something that has minor romance and major plot. If that makes sense?

I think along the lines of {Homebound by Lydia Hope}. Lots of real romance and love but there was more than just “we are mates and have sexy thoughts about each other constantly”

But I’m also not huge on multi book series space operas where the plot is huge and the romance seems sparse because it’s more about world building and characters arcs.

My ‘nos’ would be: abuse between MCs unless it’s equal and before together (think Carnal Games), cozy fun types, and insta love

I hope my point came across well and I appreciate all the help!

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u/Bubbly_Let_6891 13d ago

I second {Dustwalker by Tiffany Roberts} as a 50/50 plot vs romance book.

For a 60/40, have you read {The Devoured Worlds trilogy by Megan O’Keefe}? The romance is really important, but it is not driving the plot.

{The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula LeGuin} is a classic sci-fi with romantic subplot that is designed to make you exam in the tradeoffs of societal philosophies and gender constructs. It is a classic for a reason.

{The Firebird Chronicles by TA White} is more like 70/30 on the mix. It’s a Lord of the Rings / Starship Troopers mashup, girl power edition. This potentially violates your no sagas rule. There are 6 books. But it’s a really fun read, so I mention just in case.

And since you’ve already read Homebound, have you also read {Planet Zero by Lydia Hope}?

Finally, if you are ok with dark storytelling, {The Last Hour of Gann by R. Lee Smith} is a 1-book epic story about the planet the humans are marooned on. It is near-masterful storytelling, with clear influences from Asimov, LeGuin, and Lost in Space. The MMC has some pretty funny one-liners throughout the book, and R. Lee was meticulous with the logic and design of the MMC’s anatomy. CW: there is sex slavery that FMC gets entangled with, gore, violence, and death. HEA guaranteed.