In paranormal romance, the vampires are most often embodied by the heroes. Heroes-as-vampires offers a specific fantasy, namely that of the dark and dangerous, yet ultimately safe lover. That subgenre’s explosion is testament to the power of the fantasy lover offered by the stories.
It’s a valid fantasy, no doubt. But what if you don’t need that particular kind? Or what if you seek heroines who are extraordinary in their own right?
One thing I love about romance is that it offers many different kinds of fantasies across all of the subgenres. Some may be more popular than others, but the alternatives are out there—if you know where to look.
Though science fiction romance is usually grouped under the paranormal umbrella, this subgenre takes a different approach to heroes and heroines, especially when it comes to alien lovers. Let’s explore the fantasies offered by alien heroes and heroines.
One main appeal of alien heroes and heroines is their exoticism. They represent the unknown and undiscovered frontiers in committed relationships. Often these types of characters are referred to as “the Other.” Sometimes alien heroes and heroines possess a level of danger (e.g., they start out as an enemy or opponent), but not always. More often than not, they are heroic and honorable with nary an angst-ridden fang in sight.
Note that whenever I mention heroes, I’m also mentioning heroines. That’s because science fiction romance tends to generate stories with extraordinary alien heroines as well as heroes.
Alien heroes and heroines are packaged with elements that make them unique and even strange. These elements are often biological in nature; there are physical differences in appearance, such as skin color. There are chemical, psychological, and cultural differences. All of these elements impact the romance in some way.
One of the subtexts such alien characters convey is that people are worthy of love no matter what they look like or where they come from.
That’s a very different fantasy from the dark and dangerous supernatural lover, isn’t it? I’d wager it’s just as powerful, too.
In stories with a more erotic slant, alien lovers also offer the kink and titillation factor, such as tales featuring aliens with enhanced sexual organs. Sometimes, you just want the fantasy of otherwordly, super-charged sex, and science fiction romance alien lovers can deliver that, too.
For your reading pleasure, here’s a selection of titles that feature alien heroes and heroines:
Alien Revealed by Lilly Cain and The Antaren Affair by Erica Anderson both feature alien heroines with anatomical qualities—visible on their skin—that reflect their emotions and enhance physical/sexual contact.
In Touched By An Alien by Gini Koch, the hero is an alien from Alpha Centauri. He has not one, but two hearts, and is an empath to boot.
Lisa Paitz Spindler’s The Spiral Path features a heroine, known as a Chimeran, who can shift between dimensions.
Kaye Manro’s Forbidden Love features an alien with reptilian characteristics.
Jessica E. Subject’s Celestial Seduction features an alien hero in disguise.
Melisse Aires’s Starlander’s Myth has a gryphon shifter heroine.
Cheryl Brooks’s Slave, Maree Anderson’s From the Ashes, and Maria Zannini’s True Believers include heroes with enhanced appendages.
In Forced Mate by Rowena Cherry, the hero is from an alien race known as the “Djinn.” This alien race is the basis of Earth’s genie legends.
Jess Granger’s hero from Beyond the Rain emits a powerful hormone. It’s for bonding with his future mate, but the hormone also commands a high price in the black market.
The hero in Lucy Woodhull’s Ragnar and Juliet does some interesting things with his…tail.
So that’s my ode to the alien lover fantasy. Do you have a favorite alien lover in books, film, or television?
Heather Massey is a lifelong fan of science fiction romance. She searches for sci-fi romance adventures aboard her blog, The Galaxy Express.
She’s also an author: Her latest sci-fi romance is Queenie’s Brigade from Red Sage Publishing. To learn more about her published work, visit www.heathermassey.com.
