The Rec League: Cozy Space Opera Romance

This Rec League request comes from Sasha:

I’m a recent (since the pandemic started) but voracious HR reader, but have also really enjoyed what I think is probably labeled as sci-fi-lite/space opera romance. I LOVED Everina Maxwell’s Winter’s Orbit and also really liked Edge of Nowhere (Felicia Davin) and Dark Space (Lisa Henry). I still need to read the rest of those series but would love other similar books. When I search sci-fi romance I seem to find a lot of series that include a lot of violence or battles or assassins, not necessarily my thing. I don’t mind some world building but I really like character driven romance. Also, despite the fact that all my examples are, doesn’t have to be MM romance, I’m up for anyone falling in love.

Editor’s note: It’s been over two months of the HarperCollins Union strike, and there is still no agreement. At the Union’s request, we have not been promoting, featuring, or reviewing HarperCollins titles. Because there has been no movement, we will now be indicating where we would have mentioned a HarperCollins title in the content we produce. So if you see [Redacted HarperCollins title due to strike] this is why: HarperCollins needs to go to the bargaining table with the Union and reach an agreement. The people who make the books we love should have a fair wage for the work that they do.

Sarah: All of [Redacted HarperCollins title due to strike] for sure

EllenM: On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden is a graphic novel that I think fits – it’s a cozy sort of melancholy found family sci-fi with a romance

Amanda: I feel like Rory Thorne is a little on the cozy fun, rompy side.

Sarah:  I think that Murderbot can be somewhat cozy, though there is some violence and fighting, the characters are what drive the story

Do you think Linnea Sinclair’s books would fit?

Amanda: It’s been so long since I’ve read them, so I can’t remember how cozy-ish they are.

Tara: I think Fletcher DeLancey’s Chronicles of Alsea series might fit. It starts with The Caphenon. ( A | BN | K | G | AB )

What about This Is How You Lose the Time War?

Shana: It’s definitely got the sci fi romance part down

Lara: I’ve only read one space opera – Only Bad Options by Jennifer Estep and I loved it. Some violence but nothing that stuck with me. Lovely suspense and slow burn romance.

But I am going to be reading all your recs!

Susan: On a Sunbeam was my first thought too!

Space Battle Lunchtime by Natalie Reiss ( A | BN ) is about a baker who has to has to short-notice fill in on a bake-off show IN SPACE, that might work. The second volume has a lot more peril, but the first one is pretty cozy.

Iona Datt Sharma, THAT’S the author I was trying to remember! They primarily write short fiction, but their stuff sounds very like what’s being asked for – I feel like I recommend “Archana and Chandni” at every opportunity, but it’s my favourite story about weddings and family.

Which books would you recommend? Let us know below!