The Dryden Universe is a science fiction concept which allows authors to share backstory, characters and technology. You’ll find out more about Dryden at this website. My slice of Dryden is the star cluster in Sagittarius we know as M24, and it’s set 20,000 years in the future. Humanity has established itself in the star systems there, with an Empire, splinter groups, pirates, and alien species.
The books are all space operas with plenty of action, adventure and battles, all with a romance thrown in. You’ll meet a number of alien species, principally the Yrmaks, who are warriors and pirates. All the stories are stand-alone although the same characters appear in some.