How to Start Reading Bex McLynn’s Books
If you are new to Bex McLynn’s romance-filled universes, you have three primary entry points depending on your preferred subgenre. For readers who enjoy high-heat science fiction romance (SFR) featuring possessive heroes, sentient ships, and complex space travel dynamics, the absolute best starting point is Thanemonger, the first novel in her signature Ladyships series. It sets the tone for her solo work, combining high-stakes adventure with deep, emotional connection.
If you prefer a lighter, sweet-and-steamy romance that centers on family bonds and protective heroes, you should start with Mama and the Alien Warrior. This is the first book in the long-running Treasured by the Alien series, co-authored with Honey Phillips. Finally, if you are a fan of sci-fi retellings of classic fairy tales, The Ugly Dukeling (part of the multi-author Cosmic Fairy Tales project) offers a fantastic standalone romance with witty banter and clever world-building.
The Ladyships Series
The Ladyships series is Bex McLynn’s most popular solo series. It blends space opera elements with intense alien romance, focusing on human women navigating life and love alongside powerful extraterrestrial warriors in a universe populated by sentient ships. While the core romances change with each book, the overarching world-building and character connections mean that they are best read in order.
Recommended Reading Order for The Ladyships
- Sarda (Book 0.5 - 2019): A prequel novella that introduces readers to the fiery chemistry between Vedma and Dyr aboard a derelict spaceship. While it was published after Thanemonger, it serves as an excellent introduction to the universe's mechanics and lore.
- Thanemonger (Book 1 - 2018): The book that started it all. It follows Seph, a human abductee who must deal with a domineering alien commander named Thane while fighting to return to her son on Earth.
- Tell No Tales (Book 1.5 - 2019): A companion collection consisting of deleted scenes and bonus content from the series. It is not required to understand the plot but offers delightful character moments for fans of the first book.
- Bane (Book 2 - 2019): This novel follows Therion, a complex hero hiding behind a humorous exterior, and features mind-bending time twists and deep romantic progression.
Reader Note: A third novel, tentatively titled Culler, has been announced and anticipated by fans, but its release remains unconfirmed due to the author's extended hiatus from publishing since around 2022.
Treasured by the Alien Series (Co-Authored with Honey Phillips)
Co-written with fellow science fiction romance author Honey Phillips, the Treasured by the Alien series is a sprawling, sweet, and steamy series about human women finding love and safety with protective alien warriors on a frontier world. Unlike The Ladyships, these books are designed to be read as standalones, but reading them in publication order lets you see the community grow and follow recurring side characters.
Publication and Reading Order
- Mama and the Alien Warrior (2019): The series starter, focusing on a mother protecting her child in a harsh new environment.
- A Son for the Alien Warrior (2019): Continues the theme of family dynamics and protective instincts in the cosmos.
- Daughter of the Alien Warrior (2020): A heartwarming addition that builds on the growing settlement's community.
- A Family for the Alien Warrior (2020): Focuses on healing past wounds and creating a new home together.
- The Nanny and the Alien Warrior (2021): A cozy, high-heat romance involving caretakers and interstellar duty.
- A Home for the Alien Warrior (2021): Highlights the struggles of establishing roots in alien territory.
- A Gift for the Alien Warrior (2022): A festive or special installment that brings warmth and romance to the frontier.
- A Treasure for the Alien Warrior (2022): Explores ancient secrets and deep connections.
- Three Babies and the Alien Warrior (2023): High stakes and high humor as the couple handles an unexpected triple addition to the family.
- Sanctuary for the Alien Warrior (2023): A story of finding peace and shelter from external threats.
- A Miracle for the Alien Warrior (2024): Touches on hope and unexpected second chances in the far reaches of space.
- Hope for the Alien Warrior (2024): The twelfth book, continuing the heartwarming legacy of the series.
Cosmic Fairy Tales: The Ugly Dukeling
The Cosmic Fairy Tales series is a collaborative project featuring standalone science fiction romance retellings of classic fairy tales by different authors. Bex McLynn’s contribution is The Ugly Dukeling (2019), which retells The Ugly Duckling. It features a Regency-inspired setting blended with advanced alien technology, witty dialogue, and a heartwarming romance. While it is officially Book 5 in the multi-author series, it can be read completely independently of the other books.
For completionists, the publication order of the Cosmic Fairy Tales series is as follows:
- The Hunchback (2019)
- Contaminated (2019)
- Escaping Wonderland (2019)
- Jackie and the Giant (2019)
- The Ugly Dukeling (2019) - Written by Bex McLynn
- The Frog Prince (2019)
- The Lion and the Mouse (2019)
- Rampion (2019)
Standalone Novels and Other Worlds
Bex McLynn has also dipped her toes into paranormal romance with her standalone novel, Rein: A Tidefall Novel (2019). Set in a distinct universe from her sci-fi works, this book focuses on werewolf shifters, magic, and gods. The plot follows Nikolas, a wolf shifter hunting those of his kind afflicted by a cursed "Madness," who meets Oliviana, a fierce huntress. It is a standalone story with no sequels, making it a perfect quick read if you want a break from alien romances.