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Among the Cosmos #1

Sautiition's Hope

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Waking from a six-year stasis, Captain Kari Hanley - along with her Lieutenant Jeff Mooney - is ready to complete her mission; to find a possible inhabitable planet deeper in our solar system.

When they find themselves suddenly space-napped into a new mission, Captain Hanley will have to fight to make this mission a success. However, when things immediately start to take strange turns, not only do they struggle to help their new friends; but love and friendship, along with life-changing decisions and danger begin to pop up around every corner.

Will she succeed in saving her kidnapper’s race? Will she let love invade her soul, causing her to set her mission aside?
Or will she manage to complete her mission and make it back home?

Does she even want to?

Follow Kari in her journey Among the Cosmos.

*Sautiition's Hope is a slow burn Alien Romance with lots of adventure and struggle. There are difficult topics discussed, as well as tough situations and sexual scenes that make this book suitable for audiences 18+.

Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

18 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Melissa Smith

30books207followers
Melissa Smith is a stay at home mom and wife living in Missouri, where she's spent her entire life. She writes for the joy of it and is passionate about sharing stories with uplifting messages, deep relationships, and life lessons.

She likes to write steamy romances and strange sci-fi. She currently writes Contemporary Crime Drama Romance, Sci-fi Romance, and YA Sci-fi. Her YA Sci-fi series was written for her baby sister, but she's enjoyed writing those stories just as much as her others.

Melissa loves being able to help others in the author community as much as she can, which is why she wrote a self-publishing guide and journals to help those in need. When she isn't working on plotting, writing, or editing, she's making graphics, playing games with her family, or enjoying what little peace and quiet she manages to get.

If you would like to keep up on her current work, or learn more, you can follow her social media pages. links in her linktree.

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5 stars
29 (51%)
4 stars
17 (30%)
3 stars
5 (8%)
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1 (1%)
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4 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Caprice.
150 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2021
Interesting and sweet

This story is quite interesting. The MC is sweet. Written from the 1st POV in present tense. It’s packed in action and the thoughts don’t revolve around mating which is difficult to find in SFR this days.

Only I don’t quite understand how it’s classified as slow burn as the whole thing between “Hi My name is…� and “I’m staying with you forever…� takes less than a full DAY. Just because the book describes only 1 day and the action only happens in the end of the book doesn’t make it slow burn. I’d say it’s instant fall and instant major life changing decisions making. It was also hard to understand the depth of feelings of MC considering few hours together with either of aliens.

P. S. It might be weird but OK that aliens on another planet speak English but it’s more “weird-ass� that they use an American slang.
Profile Image for Becca Sabala.
442 reviews31 followers
January 24, 2022
This was my first dive into aliens, and I wasn't disappointed. This was a fun read.

This book is so full of emotion and so many questions.
Kari and Jeff are thrown into a new world they know nothing about, taking a chance with the fact that the species is very similar to them. Little did they know their life was about to completely change. They find love, and new loves, and friendships.

I absolutely loved Kari. She is so determined to whatever she sets her heart to. Whether it will interfere with her happiness or not, she doesn't give up when she has given her word to complete a mission. She gives it her all, and continues to be her snarky self all the way until the end.

Can't wait to dig into book 2!
Profile Image for Phyllis Farmer .
605 reviews8 followers
June 11, 2021
Universal Love

Melissa Smith’s first book in her new ‘Among the Cosmos� series is out of this world. There’s adventure, aliens, beautiful surroundings and romance. Kari and Vahru, two of the main characters, just at one glance are fated soul mates, only Kari doesn’t realize it . Kari is a captain with her second in command Jeff on a mission in outer space to find sub-stainable life on Jupiter and Saturn. When they come out of a six year stasis their ship is taken over and they are kidnapped by alien beings. This book was so riveting that it was hard to put down. I loved the storyline and all the characters. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
Profile Image for Shauna Beach.
21 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2023
Sautition's Hope is a great "quick read." The storyline is constantly moving forward and I never felt bored with it. It is a great Sci-fi romance with space ships, aliens and even the occasional sabotage.
Kari and Jeff are on a space mission and are kidnapped by aliens. They then try and help those same aliens hoping that they will be able to go home afterwards. Everything changes though once they get to the planet.
There were several plot twists I didn't expect and I really enjoyed this read.
Profile Image for Becky.
457 reviews6 followers
January 23, 2022
Such a fun read! I will admit that I haven’t read many alien romance stories despite my love of Doctor Who and the X-Files, but I absolutely adored this book. Kari is such a spitfire, making for a fantastic FMC. Vahru, may be my new favorite book boyfriend, purple skin, horns, tail, and all. The tentacled-side characters, Tonya and Melodie, are just adorable and brought a good mix of laughter and heartfelt emotions to the story! Looking forward to the next installment of the Among the Cosmos series!!
237 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2022
Everyone Needs a Vahru!

This is only the second Sci Fi Romance I’ve read, and let me tell you It did not disappoint!

Kari is a strong, dedicated woman—and her struggle between her deepening attraction to Vahru and completing her mission is beautifully done.

Melissa Smith is a very talented author—she’s created an incredibly immersive world that I honestly couldn’t get enough of!

It’s such a fun read! 5 big beautiful stars!
Profile Image for Karly Randall.
160 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2021
This book really is amazing. The feeling and connection you get with the characters really immerses you into the story. The flow of storyline is smooth and the characters are developed really well. The story make you feel the ups and downs the main character feels as well!

This was absolutely an amazing book and I can not wait for the next one! I highly recommend this!!!
Profile Image for Gina Porter.
1 review
June 2, 2021
Sweet as pie

I loved this book. The Sautiitions were absolutely adorable and its always interesting to see an honorable kidnapping.
For a shorter story, the plot was well thought out and enjoyable all the way around.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Lyndsay Whitlock.
29 reviews9 followers
May 29, 2021
Sautiition's Hope is the beginning of a sweet science fiction romance series. Kari is the captain of a two person crew and has been asleep for 6 years as they travel to their destination. They have been tasked with scouting out planets to see if they are suitable for life. Kari and Jeff get abducted from their ship by an alien race called the sautiitions. Their planet has been destroyed and they need a new place to go. They know just the place and need Kari and Jeff's help. They agree and are taken to the proposed planet for the sautiitions where they try to bring two species together peacefully. They meet Vahru, the chiefs son, who is a hunky purple alien with a big heart. It is evident that Vahru is attracted to Kari and drawn to her and the two grow close as they learn more about each other and their cultures. kari battles with herself and her important mission. Does she choose duty or love. And is there a place for both?

This book was sweet and it was nice to see the characters take their time to grow close and develop a relationship.
Profile Image for Erin Moya.
Author20 books192 followers
June 15, 2021
What a book!

Melissa manages to create a beautiful developing romance within this suspenseful novel. She weaved her plot magnificently, building to the point where we are left wondering if Kari will be able to save herself and her friends.

I cannot wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Mary Rose.
749 reviews48 followers
May 26, 2021
Sautiition's Hope is a Sci Fi romance adventure. Our main female character, Kari, is the captain of her space crew. She, along with her crewmate, Jeff, get taken by aliens and are asked to take on a new mission. Kari is used to being in control of everything, and she must adapt to many changes throughout the course of this book. She is career focused and spends all her time completing missions in space. Kari and Jeff, in the company of the aliens, arrive on an alien planet, and in comes the purple alien (my favorite!) named Vahru, who is self assured yet kind. Kari is immediately drawn to him, but she fights her destiny, as she cannot let anything get in the way of completing her mission. Will she give in to her feelings, or will she leave Vahru behind and go back to her old life? With a little suspense and a lot of heart, readers will enjoy this sweet, slow burn Sci Fi adventure romance. And in case you need more convincing, PURPLE ALIEN. Enough said.
Profile Image for Lillie Alexander.
Author5 books198 followers
August 15, 2023
This incredible story follows Kari and Jeff as they embark on a mission to find a potential new home for mankind. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they are abducted and thrown into a whole new adventure! 😱

Amidst strange turns of events, Kari and Jeff not only face the challenges of their mission but also find themselves entangled in love, friendship, and life-altering decisions. 💔💫 With danger lurking at every corner, they must navigate through tough situations and fight to save their newfound friends. Will they be able to succeed and make it back home? 🌍

If you're a fan of captivating alien 👽🛸romance and thrilling sci-fi adventures, this book is definitely a must-read! � So grab your copy and join Kari in her journey through the cosmos! 🌠
Profile Image for Mel.
271 reviews6 followers
December 20, 2021
An intriguing read with great world and character building

This isn't something I would normally read but I received a free copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I didn't get into it straight away but followed Kari and Jeff's chaotic journey when everything goes wrong after they awake from a 6 year stasis on their universal mission.
Who has kidnapped them and what do they want?
Where will the kidnappers take them?
And what adventures will they have when they get there?
This is a gripping read with a very hot sex scene towards the end! I can't wait to see what happens in book 2 on their next missio
Profile Image for Kristina.
632 reviews19 followers
May 25, 2021
Sautiition's Hope is an amazing Sci-Fi slowburn romance story by Melissa Smith. Captain Kari and her second Jeff start out on what they think is a simple mission and end up assisting a pair of Octopus like aliens called Sautiitions. With great characters and an easy to read enjoyable plotline you will love this story.
Profile Image for Elizabeth McDaniel.
2,381 reviews
July 10, 2023
interesting

Kari and her second in command are taken by another ship that are aliens and they all end up on Varuh’s alien planet. Kari is seeking asylum for her aliens but things take an interesting and exciting twist as danger and love from their eternal mates are brought to their door. Fun read.
Profile Image for Laura Beltran.
870 reviews7 followers
December 11, 2021
Fun Alien Romance

I really enjoyed this book. Melissa Smith is off to a great start for anew series with this story. It's a fun, and heartwarming slow burn alien romance . I can't wait to find out what happens with our main characters in the next book.
15 reviews
June 2, 2021
Omg a must read of this year!

If you love slow burn alien romance this is the book for you. Loved this book it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I so can not wait for the second book to come out. You don't want to miss this book or you will regret it.
Profile Image for Marianne.
6,723 reviews79 followers
May 23, 2021
A fun to read sci-fi romance with heart.. I enjoyed it! It has a mysterious vibe.. and has some danger and suspense.
Profile Image for Ciarrah Fernandez (BeautyandtheBook94).
29 reviews7 followers
August 21, 2021
This was super fun! If you’re looking for a quick escape and a lighthearted journey to another planet, then this is for you.

This was a quick read and I really enjoyed diving into something different for a change.

With that being said, I do have some things I wished had gone differently for the novel itself. I felt the female MC was a bit repetitive in her thoughts. We could’ve inferred a lot of feelings without them being written out every time something happened to trigger the female MC.

I also feel like the chapters ended in weird places. The middle of scenes would end a chapter and begin another but the scene itself wasn’t set up to be broken the way that it was. The overuse of exclamation points I would’ve also changed. I feel it is not often I actually see exclamation points while reading and that’s because the author is able to make me ✨feel� what the MC is going through with context clues. I was lacking that here. I didn’t feel enough and might’ve actually felt more without that specific use of punctuation because it threw me off and out of the world every time I came across one.

If we take out the 🌶 spicy 🌶 scenes it read more like a YA book in my opinion because of how fun and whimsical everything seemed, including the aliens and the other planet where the action happened. So if you’re up for a change and an easy read this may be something you’d want to pick up and give a shot.
Profile Image for Heather.
211 reviews
November 30, 2022
Adventure among the cosmos

Slow burn sci fi romance adventure with big purple aliens. Vahru is patient and kind and Kari is passionate and determined. Vahru knows immediately that Kari is his but she is determined to complete her mission and not fall for the big purple alien. Looking forward to seeing more of them in the future. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for A.R. Morgan.
Author3 books15 followers
January 26, 2023
If you're looking for a lighthearted sci-fi romance with lots of fun twists and turns, give this a shot. Definitely has some gripping scenes and the author does a nice job of giving the reader vibrant visuals!
Profile Image for Wormy Book Lover.
101 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2023
Good story!!

The beginning of this book was a little slow for me, but once I connected with Kari, our FMC, I was so in for the ride! An astronaut whose mission is thrown way off course by the arrival of aliens who need help - what's a girl to do? Kick bootay and show them who's boss that's what! I can't wait to move onto the 2nd book in this series and see what is next!
1,385 reviews6 followers
June 5, 2021
The heroine is a smart, and feisty little thing, but that doesn’t stop her protecting those she considers herself responsible for, regardless of species. The hero will stop at nothing to keep his mate safe, regardless what action she takes. A very interesting start...an Earth spaceship crashes into ...nothing? Aliens requesting their help? Not something I was expecting. There’s another twist I certainly wasn’t expecting either, but the romance, that was a given.
Profile Image for Mari.
87 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2023
My rating:☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️(5/5)

Like everything I have read from the author, this book was amazing!!! I practically ate it up! This book had me flipping the pages wanting more from the moment I started it. I at first thought Jeff and Kari were love interests because the Sautiition's description looked nothing like the cover but the main story plot seemed to have been delivered. And wow was I glad to be wrong! Tonya and Melodia while the while being why they ended up with Vahru and his tribe are so cute and adorable. If this book ever gets to have an audio version I can't wait to see how they bring their first encounters to life. Vahru and Willa seem such great counterparts for them. The twists and turns the story take is incredible!

🚨Spoilers below read at your own risk🚨

This story was incredible! Watching Kari struggle from going from her original mission to putting her life on the line with what little information she had in all scenarios was amazing to see. I loved that Vahrus tribe was willing to let the Sautiitions stay as long as they also respected the land as they do. My one complaint, while very brief is that the story is told solely through Kari's point of view. While I enjoyed being in her head I would have given good money to be in Vahru's head when he first laid his eyes on Kari. Or in Jeffs head when the soul-bound mate was explained to him and he realized that was exactly what was going on. Even to be in either Tonya or Melodias headspace when their ship was destroyed!!! Knowing this story ends on a cliffhanger is only made better because I know I get to see more of their lives in the books to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lena.
245 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2022
Life is a journey and Kari’s life takes a unexpected turn when her space mission is compromised by aliens. Kari and her second, Jeff, are kidnapped by two Sautiittions that are in dire need of their assistance. Kari and Jeff agree to help them speak with the inhabitants of a new planet in exchange for a trip back to their ship. From there, they learn about aliens and their own destiny.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really like Kari. She’s a strong, determined, smart and dedicated woman. Kari is very goal focused and she struggled with leaving a mission incomplete. She definitely has larger goals at the end of this book! Jeff is a great second to her. I could really feel the respect that he has for Kari. Vahru is a hot alien and Kari is a lucky woman for finding him! I’m excited to see where the journey takes them in the next book.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,192 reviews37 followers
October 16, 2022
Sautiition's Hope is the first book in the "Among the Cosmos" series, and gives us a first view of possible worlds outside of earth. I really enjoyed the world building in this first book; it was interesting to get to know these planets, and their fauna and flora. It's clear the author has several more ideas for us to discover in the rest of this series.

About the characters: I really like our purple alien Vahru, and how he connects with our fmc when he meets her. My favorite characters though, are Melodie and Tonya; their personalities really got to me and I'm glad they will have a part in the next book as well.

Even though this is a first book in a series, there are no nasty cliffhangers to deal with. The first part of the story wraps up nicely, with a new adventure to look forward to.
648 reviews15 followers
March 15, 2023
Sautiition’s Hope is book one in the Among The Cosmos series by Melissa Smith. It’s a sci-fi romance with mystery, action, and a little humor.

💜 FMC astronaut who’s the captain and scientist
💜 long term friendship
💜 new found friends
💜 strange new places
💜 missions to complete
💜 🌶 spice

Kari Hanley was just waking up from her 6year cryogenic slumber that she was in for her mission from NASA with her colleague, Jeff, as she noticed that he has woken up too. Once they get their bearings, they go to get started on their mission to check out Saturn and Jupiter and their moons to see if they are inhabitable for humans. Next they know, they are kidnapped. Can they get out of this? Are they going to be harmed?

This goes on a fun and mysterious journey where Kari will need to make some tough decisions regarding their mission. I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
1,988 reviews16 followers
March 24, 2023
This is my first book by this author, but it's not going to be my last. It had everything I look for in an Alien Romance and more. I'm a sucker for detailed world building, I blame all the fantasy authors I read as a teen for this, and the author went above and beyond while describing this new world. There was so much detail and it made it easy to imagine myself there. Another thing I loved was the complexity of the characters, and not just the main ones. There was also a lot of personal growth for Kari, and even some for Jeff. The adventure and danger were broken up with moments of humor and some steamy scenes. There are a lot more places and characters to explore, and I'm excited to see where the adventure goes from here.
Profile Image for Brittni Shafer.
301 reviews5 followers
February 29, 2024
Cute!!

I love a good woman in stem and a strong fmc and she was all of that plus some. My only gripe is that the fmc is so well put together until she's not and the dialogue gets a little unbelievable because of it. Other than that! I love the storyline and can't wait to see what happens next
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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