Books like 'Essential Beginnings'
Readers who enjoyed Essential Beginnings by Kennedy Layne also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
futuristic science fiction dystopian military suspense
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Winterfair Gifts by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsMiles Vorkosigan and his fiancée Ekaterin are enjoying the Winterfair festivities and wedding gifts on their home planet Barrayar, but Miles’ enemies are at work. Sergeant Taura, a genetically engineered young woman Miles befriended, helps uncover the sinister plot. A double dose of romance enlivens this delightful novella in the New York Times bestselling Vorkosigan saga... -
![Cetaganda by Lois McMaster Bujold]()
Cetaganda by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 47 ratingsThe fifth installment of the Hugo-award winning adventures of Miles Vorkosigan.In this novel Miles Vorkosigan and his cousin Ivan travel to Cetaganda, the long-standing enemy of Barrayar, to represent their Barrayar at the funeral of the mother of the Cetagandan emperor... -
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![Going Ballistic by Dorothy Grant]()
Going Ballistic by Dorothy Grant
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen her plane tries to come apart at apogee during a hijack, ballistic airline pilot Michelle Lauden handles the worst day she could imagine. After getting down without losing any passengers or crew, though, she finds her troubles have just begun!The country she's landed in has just declared independence from the Federation... -
![Diplomatic Immunity by Lois McMaster Bujold]()
Diplomatic Immunity by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsReturning from their honeymoon on Earth, Miles and Ekaterin stop at one of the asteroid-based habitats informally known as Quaddiespace (see FALLING FREE), where Miles is sent to defuse an incident between a Barryaran military command and the local police... -
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![CryoBurn by Lois McMaster Bujold]()
CryoBurn by Lois McMaster Bujold
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsKibou-daini is a planet obsessed with cheating death. Barrayaran Imperial Auditor Miles Vorkosigan can hardly disapprove—he’s been cheating death his whole life, on the theory that turnabout is fair play... -
![Hunted by Lisa Harris]()
Hunted by Lisa Harris
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHe promised to protect her.But what happens when the hunter becomes the prey?Welcome to Shadow Ridge, where LONGMIRE meets JERICHO.From USA Today Best-selling author Lisa Harris comes an epic series where the survival of Shadow Ridge depends on learning how to fight crime all over again...Categorized as:
dystopian suspense christian contemporary new adult science fiction futuristic length-short -
![Holmes by Anna Hackett]()
Holmes by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe battle of survival against the invading aliens heats up…but Hell Squad never quits. General Adam Holmes’ life is dedicated to keeping his small band of survivors alive. On the run, with only Hell Squad and the other soldiers for protection, they are making their last dangerous drive to the secret stronghold of the Enclave... -
![The McClane Apocalypse Book Ten by Kate Morris]()
The McClane Apocalypse Book Ten by Kate Morris
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAs the McClane saga continues, the family realizes that someone in their trusted, inner circle may just be the person who has leaked precious information about them, Fort Knox, and their community allies to the men who were running the highwaymen and ultimately to whoever they were reporting... -
![The Passengers by John Marrs]()
The Passengers by John Marrs
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsEight self-drive cars set on a collision course. Who lives, who dies? You decide. When someone hacks into the systems of eight self-drive cars, their passengers are set on a fatal collision course... -
![Survival by Lisa Harris]()
Survival by Lisa Harris
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWelcome to Shadow Ridge, where Longmire meets Jericho.A dead body. A missing suspect. A town fighting for survival. In today’s world, law enforcement agencies across the country rely on forensic tools, DNA testing, and crime labs...Categorized as:
suspense dystopian mystery christian contemporary survival science fiction futuristic -
![The Wife Pact: Emerson by Frankie Love, Charlie Hart]()
The Wife Pact: Emerson by Frankie Love, Charlie Hart
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen an ultrasound reveals the truth about Tia’s pregnancy, the compound is riddled with fear. They know that it means one thing -- death. Unless Banks can find a cure. Stress weaves its way into Tia’s heart and a break from the harsh reality is just what the doctor ordered. But a trip to Emerson’s family home reveals yet another hidden secret and Tia is confronted with a shocking reality... -
![Roth by Anna Hackett]()
Roth by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIn the aftermath of a deadly alien invasion, a band of survivors fights on… Roth Masters is a protector to the bone. Driven by the losses of his past, he fights side-by-side with Hell Squad to protect the human survivors of the alien invasion. As leader of Squad Nine, he and his team are known for their perfect timing in a firefight... -
![Niko: Scifi Alien Invasion Romance by Anna Hackett]()
Niko: Scifi Alien Invasion Romance by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsIn the aftermath of a deadly alien invasion, a band of survivors fights on… Mackenna Carides is tough, strong, and excellent at her job as second-in-command of Squad Nine. She often works side by side with Hell Squad on some of the toughest missions to fight back against the alien raptors. Now she’s helping the survivors of Blue Mountain Base settle into their new home at the Enclave... -
![Hidden Flames by Kennedy Layne]()
Hidden Flames by Kennedy Layne
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThere were a few things that got Owen Quade through his multiple combat tours. One was the dream of riding a custom motorcycle on a winding mountain road. The former Marine had finally managed to complete that goal, and along the way he’d gained his own bike shop and the mechanic to go with it. She was a rare beauty, and he wasn’t talking about his bike either...Categorized as:
dystopian military suspense science fiction futuristic bikers contemporary length-short -
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![Levi by Anna Hackett]()
Levi by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the middle of an alien invasion, a bad boy berserker collides with a spunky mechanic on a dangerous sabotage mission. Levi King has always lived rough. Raised by a biker dad, he fought for everything he had—including being president of the Iron Kings motorcycle club. But when the aliens invaded, he lost it all...Categorized as:
dystopian military aliens science fiction futuristic independent heroine m-f length-short -
![Buried Flames by Kennedy Layne]()
Buried Flames by Kennedy Layne
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsMason Sykes had served many years in the Marine Corps for his country. His loyalty and sacrifice had left him disfigured—inside and out. He didn’t harbor regrets, especially since he’d finally found the peace and quiet he’d always desired on a Nebraska farm. Brenna Helm was a country girl through and through, right down to her cowgirl boots... -
![Finn: Scifi Alien Invasion Romance by Anna Hackett]()
Finn: Scifi Alien Invasion Romance by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn the aftermath of a deadly alien invasion, a band of survivors fights on… For Hawk pilot Finn Erickson, flying is in the blood. Since the aliens decimated the planet, he spends most of his time flying Hell Squad into combat. With communication to other survivor bases cut off, he has no idea if his family is still alive and feels their loss keenly...Categorized as:
military dystopian futuristic aliens science fiction independent heroine m-f length-novella -
![Scorch Road by Toby Neal, Emily Kimelman]()
Scorch Road by Toby Neal, Emily Kimelman
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA new romantic action adventure for fans of romance thriller suspense and family romance series! One of six Italian brothers and a sister, JT Luciano is a widowed environmental biologist with a touch of the Sight who is preparing for an apocalyptic event he knows is coming... -
![Bonded To The Alien Centurion by Mina Carter]()
Bonded To The Alien Centurion by Mina Carter
Behind ‘enemy lines’ the last thing she expects is a sexy alien warrior determined to make her his… When things screw up in diplomatic talks with the Lathar Dani Black finds herself lined up for the one thing every dyed in the wool soldier dreads… a diplomatic function...Categorized as:
military suspense science fiction futuristic aliens non-human-hero length-short open-door -
![Shaw by Anna Hackett]()
Shaw by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn the aftermath of a deadly alien invasion, a band of survivors fights on… Hell Squad sniper Shaw Baird is a man on a mission. His squad is his family and now the invading aliens have done the unforgivable…taken one of his team. Claudia Frost—soldier, friend, and all-round badass—is running on borrowed time...Categorized as:
dystopian military futuristic aliens science fiction warrior-heroine m-f length-short -
![Lucky 7 by Rae D. Magdon]()
Lucky 7 by Rae D. Magdon
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsElena Nevares is on the run. She’s a jacker, someone who connects to virtual reality with their brain, and everyone else on her crew was murdered during a mission gone wrong. Sasha Young is planning a rescue. She’s a handler, a team leader whose crew has been scattered by an evil corporation: Axys Generations... -
![Romancing the Alpha: An Action-Adventure Romance Boxed Set by Zoe York, Ruby Lionsdrake]()
Romancing the Alpha: An Action-Adventure Romance Boxed Set by Zoe York, Ruby Lionsdrake
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA multi-author anthology of action-packed adventure novellas. Let the adrenaline flow! ***ZOE YORK, RUBY LIONSDRAKE, ZARA KEANE, ANNA HACKETT, EMBER CASEY, ANNA LOWE, SADIE HALLER, LYN BRITTAN, LYDIA ROWAN, A.J... -
![Ash by Anna Hackett]()
Ash by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIn the middle of an alien invasion, will the bad boy berserker catch the geeky tech genius? Computer genius Marin Mitchell is doing her part to help humanity survive the raptor invasion, working tirelessly to decrypt alien data. She spends her days working and drooling over a certain tattooed, biker berserker from Squad Three. But Marin knows the rules: geeks do not snag sexy bad boys... -
![Odium III by Claire C. Riley]()
Odium III by Claire C. Riley
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn this life, nothing is simple...not even DEATH In the third instalment of the Odium series, having distanced herself from Mikey, Nina is on a mission. She's seeking a woman who could be the answer to all their problems...or just another nightmare made reality. Travelling alongside Nova, the two women are faced with countless threats and inexplicable circumstances..Categorized as:
dystopian military humor science fiction futuristic child-death horror length-medium -
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![Partners - Book One by Melissa Good]()
Partners - Book One by Melissa Good
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter a massive volcanic eruption puts earth into nuclear winter, the planet is cloaked in clouds and no sun penetrates. Seas cover most of the land areas except high elevations which exist as islands where the remaining humans have learned to make do with much less. People survive on what they can take from the sea and with foodstuffs supplemented from an orbiting set of space stations...Categorized as:
dystopian military science fiction f-f age difference futuristic post-apocalyptic queer -
![Targeted by Susan Hayes]()
Targeted by Susan Hayes
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAlliance Commanders Brandt Carver and Hawke Summers have a new mission. Take command of Space Station: Alpha X2, get it running smoothly again, and find out how the last station commander wound up murdered in the middle of a Krytos sanctuary... -
![Odium IV: The Dead Saga by Claire C. Riley]()
Odium IV: The Dead Saga by Claire C. Riley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Dead Aren’t the only thing to fear… A kid, an old lady, and a heartbroken man…what could possibly go wrong? Mikey is holding true to his promise to Nina, and is doing everything he can to keep the group alive. But when something attacks the threesome in the middle of the night, things begin to take a turn for the worst. Luckily a new group—the N.E.O... -
![Savage Alien: A Science Fiction Alien Romance by Lisa Lace]()
Savage Alien: A Science Fiction Alien Romance by Lisa Lace
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMichelle's dating a movie star and from the outside, her life looks glamorous. But she wants something more. At night, Michelle has dreams about an alien. She can't believe how handsome he is and lets him do unspeakable things to her. After all, it's just a dream, right? She's surprised when the alien appears out of nowhere... -
![Warrior's Reign: A Sci Fi Alien Romance by Emma Alisyn, Sora Stargazer]()
Warrior's Reign: A Sci Fi Alien Romance by Emma Alisyn, Sora Stargazer
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsRedemption. Assassination. A bond forged under fire. Reign is given a second chance to save her career when a royal friend offers her a job on an elite team of personal guards. Determined to prove her worth, she fends off sneaky sabotage by the implacable head of security, Vykhan, who thinks she is dangerous and hot-headed...Categorized as:
suspense dystopian multicultural science fiction aliens futuristic mystery length-long -
![Provoking Odium by Cynthia Sax, Amanda Kelsey]()
Provoking Odium by Cynthia Sax, Amanda Kelsey
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA Beautiful CyborgWhile accompanying his leader on a mission, Odium, an E Model cyborg, hears a distress call over the communication lines. The voice on that message makes his circuits surge with energy and all his systems light up. He has to respond to the mysterious female, would risk his lifespan and the lifespans of everyone on board their ship to protect her...Categorized as:
military suspense science fiction futuristic insta-love alpha male aliens length-short -
![Cruz: Scifi Alien Invasion Romance by Anna Hackett]()
Cruz: Scifi Alien Invasion Romance by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsBattle-hardened soldier Cruz Ramos is running on empty. As second-in-command of the deadliest commando squad fighting the invading aliens, he doesn't know why he’s fighting anymore. He’s seen too much destruction, devastation, and far too much death. Still, every day he goes out to protect those humans left, and every day the growing numbness threatens to take over...Categorized as:
dystopian military aliens science fiction futuristic alpha male independent heroine m-f -
![Noah by Anna Hackett]()
Noah by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe battle of survival against the invading aliens heats up…but Hell Squad never quits. Tech genius Noah Kim works day and night to keep the survivors at Blue Mountain Base with lights, power and hot water. He’s also working on a top secret project to help keep them safe. He’s tired, stressed and under pressure—and one woman adds to it all...Categorized as:
dystopian military futuristic aliens science fiction independent heroine cold heroine m-f -
![Alpha's Enslaved Bride by Lisa Lace]()
Alpha's Enslaved Bride by Lisa Lace
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsKnowing the future isn't a blessing. It's a curse. Especially when you've seen your death. I'm going to die in the arms of someone I have never seen before. He's a person I will love, but I don't know anything about him. When TerraMates matched me with Airik, I couldn't believe it. This sexy alien could see the future, just like me. I wasn't alone anymore... -
![Undone by Wendy Higgins]()
Undone by Wendy Higgins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsUSA Today and New York Times bestselling author, Wendy Higgins, brings you the gripping, sensual conclusion to her apocalyptic trilogy. Amber Tate never dreamed their heart-wrenching escape from the enemy’s attack would lead them to the most beautiful place she’s ever seen, marred by one ugly fact; it’s under enemy control...Categorized as:
dystopian military suspense science fiction aliens futuristic new adult length-medium -
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![Gabe by Anna Hackett]()
Gabe by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFor a limited time, you can get the latest Phoenix Adventures novella, On a Cyborg Planet, free. Visit here to find out more > bit.ly/annahackettbooks (paste into your browser) Hell Squad soldier Gabe Jackson has lost everything that mattered, including his twin brother. Now he just wants to kill the invading aliens anyway he knows how…and he knows a lot of ways...Categorized as:
dystopian military aliens science fiction futuristic independent heroine cold heroine m-f -
![Hope's Folly by Linnea Sinclair]()
Hope's Folly by Linnea Sinclair
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsAdmiral Philip Guthrie is in an unprecedented position: on the wrong end of the law, leading a ragtag band of rebels against the oppressive Imperial forces. Or would be if he can get his command ship-the derelict cruiser called Hope's Folly-functioning. Not much can rattle Philip's legendary cool-but the woman who helps him foil an assassination attempt on Kirro Station will... -
![Zekke by Hannah Davenport]()
Zekke by Hannah Davenport
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA military male by heart, Zekke wants no part of having a mate. They make you weak…vulnerable. He would rather be on his war ship fighting the enemy. When King Mallik ordered that Earth be protected, Zekke didn’t hesitate. Commanding a fleet is what he was born to do, what he lived for. But what he finds on Earth is the very thing he’s trying to avoid... -
![Craving by Lisa Lace]()
Craving by Lisa Lace
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEarth is losing the war with the Anquesh. The world government needs TerraMates to find a bride for an alien warrior and finalize a peace treaty with the dangerous race. Jennifer Carden never thought Kai would select her as his mate. He's tall, dark, devilishly handsome, and different from all the males she's ever known. Once Kai decides Jenn is his sindare, she's taken to an alien planet... -
![Descent Into Darkness by A.J. Newman]()
Descent Into Darkness by A.J. Newman
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAmerican Apocalypse: Descent Into Darkness - Book 2 Book 2 of the series American Apocalypse continues the heroic struggles of an unlikely band of survivors in Southern Oregon. Joe Harp, the leader, was an overweight auto mechanic without any special survival skills. He had never been in the military but did know how to hunt, fish, and camp... -
![Crystal Soldier by Sharon Lee, Steve Miller]()
Crystal Soldier by Sharon Lee, Steve Miller
Centuries in the past, mankind fought a seemingly unbeatable adversary from sector to sector across the Spiral Arm until the war ground to a standstill and the Enemy withdrew. Believing that they had won, the citizens of the galaxy rebuilt... -
![Outsystem by M.D. Cooper]()
Outsystem by M.D. Cooper
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsIn 4123, the greatest colony ship ever built is leaving the Sol System, and Major Tanis Richards has secured a berth.Demoted by the military and hung out to dry, the media calls Tanis the Butcher of Toro. But despite her soiled record, she still one of the best military counterinsurgency officers in the Terran Space Force... -
![Palpitations by S.K. Munt]()
Palpitations by S.K. Munt
Good girls don't smoke Good girls get their injections Good girls are excited on the eve of their wedding. Good girls die in the first five minutes of the zombie apocalypse Charlotte's naughty streak is either going to pay off, or get her devoured. And there are worse things going bump in the night than the red-eyes. A hostage. A viral outbreak... -
![Imperfect Match by Jordan Castillo Price]()
Imperfect Match by Jordan Castillo Price
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA man whose future is assigned - A heart that yearns to be free. Lee Kennedy’s destiny is controlled by the Algorithm. It’s the reason he’s still in college, regardless of his good academic performance. He’s switched his major repeatedly and stalled on his Master’s thesis, but there’s only so much longer he can hold out. Because once he graduates, the Algorithm must be triggered... -
![Stolen: A Science Fiction Alien Mail-Order Bride Romance by Lisa Lace]()
Stolen: A Science Fiction Alien Mail-Order Bride Romance by Lisa Lace
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThe aliens are savage animals.Zandra wants nothing to do with them. She has plans for her life.But when she gets kidnapped by TerraMates, she doesn't have a choice.Suddenly Earth is far away, and she's expected to be a wife and a mother.Her husband? He's bloodthirsty and ruthless. He's the feral leader of the tribe.And now Zandra belongs to him... -
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![Forever Mate: A Science Fiction Alien Romance by Lisa Lace]()
Forever Mate: A Science Fiction Alien Romance by Lisa Lace
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsSix-foot-seven alien seeks marriage of convenience He’s the most sought-after assassin in the galaxy. His latest mission? Rescue a kidnapped child. The woman needs to pose as his wife and be good with kids. Nothing more. The matchmaker promises him the perfect mate. He never imagines the matchmaker might be telling him the truth...Categorized as:
military suspense science fiction multicultural futuristic aliens non-human-hero m-f -
![Reed by Anna Hackett]()
Reed by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFor a limited time, you can get the latest Phoenix Adventures novella, On a Cyborg Planet, free. Visit here to find out more > bit.ly/annahackettbooks (paste into your browser) As part of Hell Squad, former Coalition Navy SEAL Reed MacKinnon fights for humanity’s freedom from the alien invaders. He also fights for his brown-eyed girl—the woman he rescued from the aliens’ secret laboratory... -
![At Star's End by Anna Hackett]()
At Star's End by Anna Hackett
Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDr. Eos Rai has spent a lifetime dedicated to her mother's dream of finding the long-lost Mona Lisa. When Eos uncovers tantalizing evidence of Star's End--the last known location of the masterpiece--she's shocked when her employer, the Galactic Institute of Historic Preservation, refuses to back her expedition... -
![Sidone by Milana Jacks]()
Sidone by Milana Jacks
He’s half my age. He cooks. He fusses over my bad sleeping habits, and knows how to handle a gun. Our little reprieve during a mission can only mean one thing: my guard is down. And the enemy I hunt is watching me, waiting for the perfect time to strike. The time is now...Categorized as:
suspense dystopian science fiction aliens futuristic cold hero omegaverse length-novella -
![Wrong Alien by Lisa Lace]()
Wrong Alien by Lisa Lace
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLife isn't worth living without an Internet connection. I'm always on the computer, video chatting, and even reading books on my phone. It was natural for me to use the TerraMates app to find a husband... -
![Auxem: A Science Fiction Alien Romance by Lisa Lace]()
Auxem: A Science Fiction Alien Romance by Lisa Lace
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTheir union could save a species. First, they’ll have to save themselves. The Auxem are desperate. A virus has killed all their women and is beginning to affect the males’ fertility. Their only chance for survival is mating with human women. Jayne Lynch is in charge of supervising the small group of volunteers who will be test subjects for a breeding program with the aliens...Categorized as:
military suspense science fiction multicultural futuristic aliens non-human-hero length-novella
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