Books Like...
If you liked Homebound, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
A uniquely creative, suspenseful alien romance with excellent world-building and a truly monstrous hero - but the slow-burn, occasional logical leaps, and editing issues mean it's best suited for patient fans of sci-fi adventure and unconventional love stories.
Heart's Prisoner by Olivia Riley is an alien romance novel that follows the story of Lana, an open-minded doctor hired to understand Xerus, a powerful alien warrior on a dangerous mission. The book is praised for its well-thought-out plot, interesting characters, and action-packed scenes. The relationship between Lana and Xerus is portrayed as realistic and engaging, with a slow burn romance that keeps readers hooked until the end.
The bar was like any other in the city. On Tanis, base L3Z, home to hundreds of military recruits, and just as many students, the city was filled with them. Lana had lived on the base for a solid four...July 2020•298 pages - #2
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 - #3
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 - #4
Smart, sweet, and certifiably bizarre - "Strange Love" is a must-try for adventurous romance readers who want humor, heart, and a truly alien love story (plus bonus talking dog). Not for the faint of heart or the sticklers for traditional romance tropes!
'Strange Love' by Ann Aguirre is a unique alien romance that follows the story of Zylar, an alien who kidnaps a human named Beryl to be his mate in a tournament on his planet. The plot is filled with humor, adventure, and romance, with a touch of weird alien sex. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of quirky characters, misunderstandings in communication, and a talking dog that adds to the charm of the story.
He’d had doubts about signing up for the matching service, but he couldn’t resist the prospect of millions of potential partners across hundreds of compatible species. It was humiliating that he’d bee...January 2020•305 pages - #5
A wildly inventive, genuinely alien romance with great world-building; perfect if you want something new and aren't fazed by body weirdness or cliffhangers. Worth a try for sci-fi romance readers looking for a fresh, non-human twist!
In "Saving Askara" by J.M. Link, a first contact story unfolds as humans and the alien race of Askarians navigate their interactions. Tori, a doctor on an Earth spaceship, becomes the reluctant liaison between the two species as she assists the Askarians, particularly Aderus, a warrior from a complex and aggressive society. The book explores the challenges of understanding and communicating with a truly alien race, while also delving into the complexities of developing relationships across different worlds.
The author's writing style in "Saving Askara" is praised for its ability to create a believable and intriguing sci-fi romance narrative. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters, the slow burn romance between Tori and Aderus, and the immersive world-building that highlights the differences in behavior and culture between humans and the Askarians. The book's plot, which includes elements of suspense, romance, and inter-species diplomacy, keeps readers engaged and eager to see how the relationships and conflicts evolve.
Dr. Victoria Davis fidgeted nervously as she felt the shuttle dock with the south gate of the Amendment. It was the largest Earth-orbiting maintenance station, though the occupant ship was anything bu...February 2018•205 pages - #6
A surprisingly sweet, high-stakes alien romance with a protective gladiator hero and a clever human heroine; great if you want emotional connection and unique sci-fi flavor, but maybe skip if you prefer lighter, less intense reads.
'Bad Guy' by Ruby Dixon tells the story of Mina, a human slave, and Crulden, a beastly alien gladiator, both prisoners to a Mesakkah lord. Despite their initial dislike for each other, their relationship evolves from animosity to genuine love and affection as they navigate their captivity and the dangerous world around them. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and surprised, while the writing style captures the evolution of the characters' feelings and the development of their relationship with depth and emotion.
Days pass, maybe. A week? It's hard to say when I exist in a drugged stupor. Whenever I wake up, they're watching me. From afar, now. They’ve learned not to get too close. That even if I’m drugged, I’...April 2021•297 pages - #7
A spicy, character-driven enemies-to-lovers with a fantasy-sci-fi twist - think Dothraki romance in space, but with more heart! Definitely recommended for fans of romantic worldbuilding and brooding heroes, but may not appeal to readers who want pure sci-fi or dislike forced proximity tropes.
In "Captive of the Horde King" by Zoey Draven, readers are taken on a thrilling journey to a new planet where two different cultures collide as Luna, a strong and vulnerable heroine, finds herself becoming the queen to a brooding and devoted Horde King. The story unfolds from Luna's point of view, allowing readers to experience her struggles and triumphs as she navigates through a world with unfamiliar customs and language. The plot is filled with misunderstandings, conflicts, and budding romance as Luna and the Horde King try to learn and love each other amidst the challenges they face, all while laying the groundwork for potential future stories in the series.
A horde had passed directly next to our village, but didn’t step foot inside. The memory of them, though I’d been young, was forever imprinted on my mind. From afar, the Dakkari horde had seemed like...March 2019•313 pages - #8
Surprisingly sweet and original, "Ensnared" wins with slow-burn romance and creative world-building. Approach with an open mind (and no severe arachnophobia), and you might just fall for a spider hero!
Ensnared by Tiffany Roberts is a captivating science fiction romance novel that follows the unlikely relationship between Ketahn, a male weaver and hunter for the Vrix people, and Ivy Foster, a human from a colonization project on another planet. The book intricately weaves together elements of alien cultures, language barriers, and survival lessons as Ketahn and Ivy navigate their differences and learn to communicate in order to coexist in the Tangle, a vast jungle on Ketahn's planet. The slow-burn romance between the two protagonists is beautifully portrayed, with a mix of adorable moments and hot, spicy resolutions that keep readers hooked until the very end.
The world-building in Ensnared is exceptional, with Tiffany Roberts crafting a rich and detailed planet filled with unique flora, fauna, and mythos. The story unfolds with a perfect balance of action, adventure, and exotic romance, keeping readers entrapped in the journey of Ketahn and Ivy. The writing style is engaging and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their surroundings, while also delving into complex themes of culture, communication, and understanding in a fantastical setting.
Moonfall Tunnel was all but deserted as Ketahn strode along it. The soft glow of the spiritcap mushrooms growing on the rough-hewn stone could not banish the dancing shadows cast by the blue-green spi...May 2021•349 pages - #9
A bold, dark, and wildly inventive survival romance set on an alien world - absolutely gripping if you want rich world-building and flawed, raw characters, but editing mishaps and rough relationships may test your patience. If you love gritty sci-fi with an edge, it’s a wild ride worth taking!
'Planet Zero' by Lydia Hope is a sci-fi romance novel that takes readers on a journey to a primitive world where the protagonist, Abby, strives for survival among a different culture. The book explores the rich and detailed alien culture, with well-developed characters and a strong focus on world-building. The writing style is immersive, with a unique portrayal of alienness that keeps the story refreshing and gripping.
Clamping a hand over the spot, Adelaide Rye fought tears that threatened to pour in a hot torrent from her eyes. Frozen on all fours under the spiky Qom bush, she breathed through the nose, working th...October 2021•549 pages - #10
An offbeat, slow-burn sci-fi romance that’s funny, weird, and unexpectedly touching. Definitely worth a try if you want something unique and don’t mind an unusual premise.
In "Beyond the Next Star" by Melody Johnson, the story follows Delaney, a woman who has endured a traumatic past of abuse and torture. After being abducted by aliens, she is adopted by Torek, a Loreian commander with his own struggles. Delaney, now known as Reshna, must navigate being treated as a pet while hiding her true identity. The book explores themes of survival, trust, and the complexities of relationships in a unique alien setting. Readers are taken on a journey filled with suspense, emotional depth, and a slow-burn romance that develops amidst challenging circumstances.
The writing style of "Beyond the Next Star" blends elements of alien romance, survival instinct, and emotional growth. Johnson intricately weaves a storyline that delves into the psychological effects of trauma, the dynamics of power and control, and the evolution of the characters as they navigate a new world. The book offers a balance of familiar and original elements, tackling language barriers and world-building intricacies in a detailed manner, keeping readers engaged and curious throughout.
When the lorienok abducted Delaney—after she’d finally accepted that she wasn’t dreaming, in a coma, having a mental breakdown, or in hell—she’d given them a fake name: Jane Smith. Not an exceptionall...June 2020•369 pages











