I was schlepping books around, desperate to make space for more books, like you do. Since it seemed like a good idea to organize while making new piles, I randomly hit the SciFi section downstairs in the rec room (aka wreck room).

It was fun putting all the Alan Dean Foster paperbacks together, then Larry Niven, but wait… Larry and Steve, Larry and and and… Oopsie. After a bit I realized just how many SciFi volumes I had, and better yet, I had a pretty good idea of my preferences when it comes to all things geeky.

I loves my SciFi, yes I do, but what tickles my fancy the mostest is hard science fiction. By that I’m talking bigger, badder ion drives, hydrogen scoops, phasers/blasters/ion cannons… I think you see what I like. Boy toys. BIG BOY TOYS.

But I also have me a brand new fancy and it’s called SFR or “science fiction romance” for those of you not up to speed here. Many (if not most) of these are written by gals. Oh yeah, I know… *facepalm* but hey ho, these authors know their way around a shuttle and can navigate the bejeebers from co-ordinate X to co-ordinate Y, and at the same time tell a compelling story with real heart and emotional content.

It’s kinda like Astaire and Rogers. Ginger did everything Fred did, but backwards and in heels and wearing a dress weighing 30 pounds! Cool, huh? But the problem with the SFR category is it tends to have way more emo than techie when I browse the Zon or lists made by other authors.

So, come on list makers and purveyors of technology. I want to hear about the newest in SFR because I have 3 Kindles and an itchy trigger finger (for one-click buying). If you have an author or title to share, please comment. Let’s spread the word!

As for my current library of SFR authors, here are 3 of my favorites in no particular order:

1. Linnea Sinclair: I cut my teeth on Hope’s Folly. It has a kick-ass heroine, a damaged but wowzer hero and enough techie to keep me swooning through the entire book. And action, did I mention action?

2. Greta van der Rol: This author does high action with authentic tech, well-developed ‘Verses, swoon-worthy Admirals and heroines who can take care of themselves (and do!). Oh yeah, there’s a dollop of romance to boot. I recommend the Iron Admiral series and Morgan’s Choice for a good intro to this up-and-coming author.

3. Lois McMaster Bujold: this classic SciFi author has a body of work to rival any author. I swear, once you start the Vorkosigan Saga, be prepared to pony up some disposable income to acquire all the books in this series.