Books Like...
If you liked Dustwalker, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Zany, sexy, and totally original - Good Deeds is a wild sci-fi romp full of heart, heat, and humor. Go in for the bonkers premise, stay for the lovable characters and big feels!
"Good Deeds" by Kathryn Moon is a unique and steamy science fiction romance novel that follows the adventures of N tchka Uumian, an adventurous alien who finds herself on a pleasure planet during her first heat cycle. Desperate to avoid mating with unknown aliens, she navigates the Droid brothel district and forms unexpected connections with defective pleasure bots at the Cozy House. The book explores themes of love, self-discovery, and acceptance in a playful and outrageous world filled with lovable characters and endearing relationships. The writing style is engaging, humorous, and filled with steamy scenes that keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
“I’m… I’m alright,” I said, ignoring the way sweat was starting to drip down my back and between my breasts. Now was not the time to start telling people to turn their environs down to a less tropical...January 2019•251 pages - #2
A quirky, uplifting space romance bursting with heart, consent, and clever subversions of genre tropes - perfect for fans of sci-fi love stories who want something fresh and inclusive.
'Love Code' in the 'Galactic Love' series by Ann Aguirre is a sci-fi romance novel that explores the relationship between an AI named Helix and an alien scientist. The book delves into themes of consent, power dynamics, and gender identity, all while maintaining a respectful and heartwarming approach to the characters' development. The plot involves the AI transitioning into an organic body and navigating a unique and complex relationship with the alien scientist, showcasing a beautiful and respectful romance that defies traditional gender roles.
The writing style in 'Love Code' is described as well thought out, character-driven, and filled with intricate world-building. The author, Ann Aguirre, skillfully weaves together a story that is both unique and captivating, touching on various aspects of the sci-fi genre while focusing on character development and a respectful exploration of relationships in a non-human context.
Which was a shock, because he had never lost awareness before. As an AI, he didn’t sleep, and his mechanical avatar didn’t tire. He stirred, and a flash of something for which he had no analogue screa...January 2021•323 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Galactic Love ) - #3
A smart, surprising, and fresh spin on sci-fi romance - short, sweet, and definitely worth a listen if you want something different and entertaining, even if it doesn't answer all your questions.
'The A.I. Who Loved Me' by Alyssa Cole is a sci-fi romance novella that explores the relationship between Trinity, a Black data analyst recovering from PTSD, and Li Wei, a biosynthetic human posing as the nephew of Trinity's neighbor. Set in a dark future controlled by an organization called Hive, the story delves into themes of personhood, identity, memory, and choice. The plot unfolds with a mix of mystery, humor, and pointed commentary, highlighting the interactions between the characters and the development of the romance amidst a complex background.
The writing style of Alyssa Cole in 'The A.I. Who Loved Me' is described as zippy, gripping, and immersive, with emotional punches packed into many sentences. The novella touches on the essence of what it means to be human, similar to the exploration in 'Blade Runner,' while focusing on a beautifully written romance that captivates readers with its quirks, originality, and depth of character development.
Trinity: (sings commercial jingle) FOUR SCOOOORE!! (laughs) That song really gets stuck in your head, huh? I have the last model, the Washington, but sometimes I like doing things the old-fashioned wa...December 2019•159 pages - #4
An endearing, slow-burn grumpy-sunshine romance set in a realistic post-apocalyptic world - with all the caretaking, cozy cabin, and survival drama you could want. If you like your romances patient and character-driven, give "Moonshine" a try!
Moonshine by Kat Bostick is a post-apocalyptic romance novel that follows the story of Liv, a sunshine character who struggles to adapt to a new world after a dystopian event. The book explores Liv's journey as a vegetarian trying to survive in a changed society, her dynamic with the grumpy hero, Joshua, and the slow burn romance that develops between them. Readers praise the realistic depiction of the characters' struggles and the well-paced development of their relationship, set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop.
No one knows why the lights went out. Except maybe some secret branch of the government. They always know stuff like that, don’t they? I suppose it doesn’t really matter now. Six months after the blac...May 2020•380 pages - #5
A dark, emotionally charged slow-burn with heart and depth - perfect for readers craving unique alien romance and don’t mind a bit of grit (and some rough edges). If you can overlook the editing issues and want a story about kindness blooming in dire places, this one’s for you!
Homebound by Lydia Hope is a science fiction romance set on a dystopian Earth. The story follows Gemma, a prison guard at a human and alien prison, who forms a deep connection with an alien prisoner named Simon. The book explores their evolving relationship, the challenges they face in a corrupt and harsh environment, and the mysterious world they inhabit. Despite some flaws in writing style and world-building, the plot captivates readers with its strong characters and unique setting.
Back then, no taxpayer money had been spared on the prison’s construction. Copious amounts of reinforced concrete had been poured in a precise fashion to resemble a medieval castle, and the resulting...January 2020•536 pages - #6
Dark, gripping, and challenging - Cottonwood is one of the most unique and emotionally intense sci-fi romances out there, but make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
Cottonwood by R. Lee Smith is a sci-fi novel that delves into the world of aliens who are stranded on Earth, particularly focusing on the immigration camp of Cottonwood. The story follows Sanford, an alien bug and former soldier, who is struggling to ensure the safety and well-being of his son T'aki in a disheartening environment. The book explores themes of racism, gender identity, and sexism, while also showcasing the rich character development and intricate relationships between the human caseworker, Sarah, and the alien residents of Cottonwood.
The writing style in Cottonwood is described as phenomenal, with exceptional world-building and characterizations. The author skillfully weaves together a narrative that not only presents heavy topics like racism and exploitation but also highlights the resilience, compassion, and hope that emerge in the face of adversity. The book is praised for its originality, natural character quirks, and the way it immerses readers into a complex and thought-provoking story.
It was almost seven o’clock on a Wednesday morning, which found Sarah Fowler sitting at the kitchen table, drinking coffee and reading the help-wanted ads and singing under her breath in no particular...February 2013•467 pages - #7
A dark, twisty, and original sci-fi romance that's definitely not for everyone - deeply unconventional, gothic, and emotionally raw. You'll either love its weirdness or bounce right off.
Wild Blood in the series 'Cyborg Shifters' by Naomi Lucas is a unique blend of cyborgs and shifters in a captivating new universe. The story follows the journey of Kat, a woman running from her past and seeking a cure, who finds herself working for a cyborg named Dommik. Dommik, a complex character created as a weapon, is portrayed as both a victim and a monster, adding depth to the plot. The book focuses on the evolving relationship between Kat and Dommik, exploring themes of trust, forgiveness, and healing as they navigate a world filled with intriguing cyborg shifters.
It manifested in her eyes as the blank stare of someone who was looking but not actually seeing. Not focusing. Kat felt the lump grow and expand until it caused her throat to close, making it hard to...May 2017•247 pages - #8
A charming, fast-paced sci-fi western romance with likeable leads and swoony moments - perfect for a quick, feel-good escape.
In the book "The Good, the Bad, and the Cyborg" by Honey Phillips, readers are taken on a sci-fi adventure to Mars where cyborgs play a crucial role in colonizing the planet. The story follows Hattie, a woman who finds herself in a dire situation on Earth and ends up on Mars through an arranged marriage. When her husband dies, she faces the risk of losing her claim on Mars until a cyborg ranger named Morgan steps in to help. As Hattie and Morgan navigate the challenges of homesteading on Mars, they develop a deep connection that defies the norms of their society. The writing style blends elements of romance, action, and suspense, making it an engaging and quick read for fans of sci-fi romance.
Unfortunately, she believed him. Like most residences on Earth, the apartment was small, but it had two tiny bedrooms and an actual window with a sliver of a view of the dirty grey waters of Miami Bay...January 2020•209 pages - #9
A sprawling, brilliant, gut-punch of a sci-fi saga with a unique romance - unforgettable, disturbing, and definitely not for the faint of heart. Read the content warnings first!
'The Last Hour of Gann' by R. Lee Smith is a lengthy science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic world with elements of romance and redemption. The story follows a group of survivors, including the practical and determined Amber, who crash-land on an alien planet and must navigate a new society led by the lizardman Meoraq. The book delves into themes of survival, clash of cultures, and the complexities of relationships amidst graphic scenes of violence and sexual content.
The eviction notice was hanging on the door when they got back from the hospital. The time stamp said 1:27 am, six minutes after Mary Shelley Bierce’s official time of death, an hour and twenty-eight...September 2013•704 pages - #10
Mercury Striking is steamy, dark, and unputdownable - a must-try for anyone craving pulse-pounding, post-apocalyptic romance and doesn’t mind their heroes fierce and a little flawed.
In a post-apocalyptic USA, 'Mercury Striking' by Rebecca Zanetti follows the story of Lynn Harmony, a CDC scientist, and Jax Mercury, the leader of a group trying to survive in Los Angeles. Lynn, accused of starting a deadly epidemic, seeks refuge with Jax as they both search for a cure to stop the spread of the lethal bacterium that has devastated the population. The book delves into a dystopian world filled with dangerous challenges, intimate connections, and a race against time to save humanity.
'Mercury Striking' presents an intriguing blend of romance, survival, and suspense set in a world ravaged by a deadly virus. The characters, especially Lynn and Jax, are portrayed as strong, resilient, and multi-dimensional individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, while the writing style immerses the audience in a harsh post-apocalyptic reality filled with danger, intrigue, and unexpected alliances.
Despair hungered in the darkness, not lingering, not languishing . . . but waiting to bite. No longer the little brother of rage, despair had taken over the night, ever present, an actor instead of an...January 2016•392 pages











