Destiny Bad news. Earth is completely uninhabitable. Tsunamis came, the water rose, and humans almost went extinct. Good news. A bunch of us were saved by a super advanced alien race called the Originem, who say they can help rehabilitate our planet. Worse news. Now we’re grounded (or would it be ungrounded?) from our home planet for 500 years while it recovers. Here’s the best news, though. My father and I were chosen to live on Sanctuary Station, a diverse, utopian space ship where all our needs are met, our neighbors are aliens, and adventure awaits around every corner! I’m always ready for the next adventure, but when I capture the attention of one of my new a ruggedly handsome (you know, if fur and horns are your thing), surprisingly sensitive seven-foot-tall alien, I have to ask myself, am I that adventurous?
Sanctuary Station is the first book in a series of cozy, spicy alien romance novels.
Awww this was such a sweet, cozy alien romance!! The whole idea of a space station where humans and different alien species coexist and mingle was so refreshing and fun. I’m always a sucker for found family, so that aspect really got me too.
The size difference between Destiny and Khur, paired with how protective he was and the way he held her close like a big teddy bear, had me kicking my feet!
I also really enjoyed how the author handled the spice. I had a few questions in my head like “wait… how is this gonna work?” 🤔🤣 but everything came together perfectly, and I was so happy for them.
This was actually my first alien romance, and I’m honestly so satisfied. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series ♥️
I went into this book so excited to be part of Rhea’s debut, and it delivered everything I hoped for and more. I mean, alien romance on a space station? Immediate yes from me. Add in that Khur is not just an alien but has a little bit of a monster vibe, really giving off that possessive-but-swoon-worthy energy. Cozy sci-fi alien romance on a space station, people—drop whatever you’re doing and read this!
The story is fast-paced, taking place over the course of a little over a week, and I wish I’d had the time to devour it in one sitting because it’s that addictive. Khur is the book boyfriend—protective, sweet, and unbelievably romantic. The way he cared for Destiny and treated her with respect made me melt. When he learned about human dating customs, he didn’t just meet expectations, he outdid himself and set a whole new standard. Honestly, he outshines any human man I’ve ever met, and I was completely smitten with him from the start. Their relationship felt so balanced and beautiful, with their romance taking center stage while still honoring the depth of their personal stories. Destiny was just as incredible, showing so much strength and grace, especially with how she navigated caring for her dad. I really felt for her. That touch of family connection was relatable and heartfelt, but it never overshadowed her new life on Sanctuary Station, which I appreciated.
OK, to the real good stuff… The spice was everything, emotional, steamy, and fun. Rhea made their intimacy feel so natural and real, which only made it hotter. And yes, I have to mention it: fang licking. Enough said. Then there’s the moment when he files his nails down, this had me giggling in delight. And Khur? He was packing. Like, double hands needed packing. That “it’s not going to fit” moment, followed by Destiny making it work because she needed him? AHHH, so good!
This was such a heartwarming, surprising, and deliciously spicy escape. I loved every moment and can’t wait to return to Sanctuary Station for more stories in this world. Huge thank you to Rhea for trusting me with an ARC of her debut. I absolutely fell for Khur and Destiny, and I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next.
The premise, the station was such a captivating consept I can't wait to see more of it.
Destiny has lost a lot, but is exciting for a change and trying to make a better life for herself and her father. (I wish she can buy every little shiny colorful pottery that she wants)
Khur seems intimidating, but actually a softie. He's done everything from the "book bf application" checklist. He's eager to learn about humans and their culture in order to win her over (and plans the cutest dates). Literally a big fluffy book bf. Their chemistry was to the roof with a few great spicy scenes.
My main issue was that they after NINE DAYS of knowing each other. It was a little rushed.
I was a little disapponted with the father problem, I didn't feel like we got enough closure on that , but I guess It really does work like this in real life. And also I would have loved to hear more about Khur's trauma.
The best thing about this was truly seeing them healing each other. It was very comforting.
And also the ending? You're not ready for this!
Tropes: -Found family -Grumpy x Sunshine -Alien romance
If you're unsure about a monster/alien romance yet want to dip your toes and see what's up, I recommend this novella. It has the perfect amount of plot, romance and spice. It's heartwarming and real cutie.
I loved this book!! this was such a sweet, cosy read. I need me a Khur in my life NOW!! I can't wait to see more of the Station and the different species in the next books.
Summary: A gal named Destiny finds herself on the Station after humans lose planet-side privileges thanks to their destructive ways. Luckily, she meets some friendly Dhugarens (ie. Giant alien yetis) who she befriends, and who show her the ropes. One in particular catches her eye...
Tropes in Sanctuary Station: 💜 Found family 💜 Cosy space romance 💜 Size difference 💜 Healing together 💜 HEA 💜 Knotting
My thoughts: Destiny is such a loveable character, and I really enjoyed seeing the Station for the first time though her eyes. I feel for her and her dad, and I love that she got a chance at a fresh start with a found family. special shout out to the floating balloon packages which i think is so creative! there were so many small things like this throughout the book that I really enjoyed.
Also praying we somehow meet a wursplut in a future book! is there a way to have them somehow unexctinct? they sound so cute 😍
The world building, character development, and plot were well balanced, and the spicy scenes were *chefs kiss*. I especially loved the little insights into Dhugaren culture, and their family life at home with Furga, Urzu and the kids.
And the twist at the end?!?! OMG I cannot wait to find out more!!
Many thanks to the author for providing an advanced copy for review.
❗️A few trigger warnings: PTSD, depression, panic attack on page, discussions of loss of family members, accidental pregnancy
I honestly don't know where to begin because I loved every single thing about this book. Sanctuary Station is a total utopia for displaced humans and aliens, but the real magic starts when Destiny arrives. She is so bright and bubbly despite everything she’s been through, and I truly appreciated her tenacity.
Khur is our MMC, and he is green flags all day! He’s sweet, passionate, and literally saves her life within minutes of meeting. He can be a little possessive and growly, which is so hot. He has so many incredible lines that I gave up on highlighting because I was basically marking the whole book!
Destiny and Khur are such an amazing, supportive couple. They provide the security they both need after losing so much. The mental health representation was handled so well, specifically with PTSD and depression being addressed through therapy. Her relationship with her father really hit me hard too. Without giving anything away, just know that I cried!
The "Introduction Video" at the start was such a creative way to handle the world-building. This was the epitome of a 5-star read and everything you could want in a cozy monster romance. Khur is total book boyfriend goals, and I'm already dying for the next book featuring Meshi! He definitely screams golden retriever energy.
Destiny is ready to embrace the new life she and the rest of the group of humans have been given on Sanctuary Station. For her, it's a second chance to live her life, socialize with aliens, and maybe bring her dad out of his depression. But, an accident on her tour of her division (floor) of the space station has Khur jumping in to save her. And even though he's irritation she and Furga were so reckless, he's also smitten with the little human. Though, he has a lot to learn about courting a human. Admittedly, the subplot with Destiny's dad is eh, it doesn't really feel like it has any bearing on the story. But, I do like Destiny finally standing up for herself and I like the emotions Rhea put into the whole complicated relationship, and really the whole book. Overall, it's a sweet and cozy little alien romance. I think I smiled almost the entire time I was reading this, Khur's dates were adorable and the community was fun. I also think Rhea did a great job with the different kinds of aliens and world building, even with the book being a shorter read. Definitely a story worth curling up with and losing yourself in for a few hours.
I love this story! The whole concept of Sanctuary Station is appealing and unique. There's a lot of worldbuilding and setting in this book, but it's perfectly blended with the story and all of it is really vibrant with detail. I love Destiny because while she's not necessarily the badass she thinks she is (she's a klutz), she's also not the whiny FMC stereotype and faces the shit she's dealt with unwavering optimism, which i appreciate. Khur is basically a big grumpy teddy bear who turns full cinnamon roll for Destiny. He's the perfect book boyfriend and their chemistry and banter is on point.
This book definitely gives cozy space station and romcom vibes, it's light hearted, with some hot little dashes of spice, but with a cute plot that clearly paves the way for a book 2 that I'm excited to read already!
It's shorter, so if you're looking for a feel-good palate cleanser, this is the book for you!!!!
Where do I even start? Sanctuary Station is a beautiful backdrop to an incredible love story. The setting is such a cool concept and I am here for it! It's a sort of melting pot anti-death star. A planet sized station where species from across the universe live. Which brings us to Destiny and Khur. Our two main characters. Destiny is a sweet optimistic human who wants to live and experience everything the universe. Khur is a Dhugaren (Yeti kinda guy) who is protective, serious, and totally intrigued by Destiny from the moment they meet. The romance is ROMANCING. In addition to the sweet love story, Sanctuary Station has some other themes that add depth and complexity to the story. Complex family relationships, mental health, cultural differences, belonging, friendship, community. And the best part- it's still FUN to read, with all these other shades woven in. Rhea Ridge is now an auto-buy author. I will be (impatiently) waiting for her next work of art.
I love an alien romance, but does anyone else feel like they’ve read the same plot over and over again?
When I read the synopsis of SS, I loved that the idea felt more original, with this sanctuary having different biomes and wanting species to mingle with each other.
The writing felt fresh, there was no lost plot or side characters forgotten. The writing flowed and made reading easy. The romance was fun and mostly light. There was some family drama and some hinting at possible other couples 👀
Overall, I really enjoyed Sanctuary Station. I’m sure many readers will find the characters relatable and interesting. The length was perfect and the heat was occasionally heating 🔥
I’d definitely recommend checking it out if you’re into, or interested in trying out, alien romances with lower angst and cozy vibes.
When Destiny applied to live on Sanctuary Station, she wasn't thinking about finding love. Love found her anyway. In the depths of space, following the destruction of Earth due to climate change, Destiny meets a variety of aliens who have also lost their planets. Through her path of discovery, Destiny finds love and lust know no bounds. Rhea Ridge pens a fun and fascinating story of discovery. The characters have in-depth back stories driving them through their lives on Sanctuary Station (a captivating setting of technology and wonder). The spice feels natural, and not overbearing. Most of the book is the growing love story between the primary characters. I would love to explore more of Sanctuary Station and it's denizens. Recommend to anyone with a love for spicy romance with a sci-fi twist ❤️
This is Rhea Ridge's debut novel and it was so cute! Short and sweet with tropes of grumpy x sunshine and found family. Khur was such an absolute cinnamon roll with all the green flags. Destiny is the sunshine, always looking for the bright side, even when things get hard. The book is mainly cozy with no major conflict which was really nice. I love the size difference between them, the insta-attraction, and the spice was spicy.
While it doesn't go into a lot of depth about the various apocalypses, it deals with PTSD and trauma very well. It shows how it can impact people in very different ways. There were a few spelling errors or continuity issues ("new ulvand" vs "little ulvand", and sometimes she's in subdivision 16 and sometimes it's 14), but it wasn't enough to really distract me and I loved the actual story and characters! I can't wait to read Hesitant Hope!
This was such a sweet and cozy romance. Rhea did such a great job with her debut. Khur is a sweet fluffy protective bear. Well technically he is a yeti but you know what I mean. Destiny is just excited to explore this new world. The two of them together is both sweet and hot. Never thought fang licking would do it for me but hey I've read weirder things. And the way Khur is described makes you wanna cuddle up with him as well. The angst was low and everything had a purpose.
There is so much potential of where this series can go with all of the different species on board. Plus the bits happening in the background that the MCs don't get to see but the reader does. Looking forward to the next installment in this series. And hopefully we will get cameos 🥰
This book is so cute! I loved Khur and Destiny. Khur is sooo grumpy and I just love grumpy men who turns out to be the biggest simps. From the first moment he met Destiny, he was head over heels infatuated with her. She is so different from his kind and culture and treated him kindly but also firm. She didn’t have a problem standing up to him but also didn’t mind leading in times where he couldn’t. Their chemistry is fun and you get to see a new side from both of them. Also I can’t wait to see more from this series! All the alluded couples 👀👀 We are going to be in for a treat! Highly recommend this book!
By the way, did anyone ever watch the movie Where the Wild Things Are? For some reason Khur reminds me a lot of the creatures from the movies. 😂💀
Stars:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 Dark:🖤/5 Angst:💔💔/5 “Sanctuary Station” by Rhea Ridge is a fun and fluffy alien romance. Destiny is a sunshiney human, and Khur is a grumpy Dhugaren (similar to a Yeti); both are complex, hardworking survivors dealing with the fallout of their respective apocalypses. Ridge introduces interesting world-building and creative species. This story has plenty of romance, humor, and spice. I loved the extreme size difference, protectiveness, healing, cultural differences, knotting, and happily ever after. I can’t wait to read more of this series.
Sanctuary Station is everything I love in a monster/alien romance. The characters are lovable (and different enough from each other), there are cultural misunderstandings, it's funny, but has an emotional undertone. I love how our characters bring out teh best in each other, and empower everyone else through their love. The worldbuilding is incredibly interesting. It's what pulled me in from page one. The whole premise of there being a space station with different aliens, all of whom have lost their home planet, is just too good. I love how hopeful the novel is—yet another thing I love about scifi romance.
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for Sanctuary Station. This book is a great palette cleanser and refreshing if you love alien romance. Original and intriguing world (station) building that makes you want to know more. Perfect if you’re looking for a wholesome alien romance with spice that you can devour in a day.
Fast-ish burn Alien yeti but cute mmc Grumpy cinnamon roll mmc 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spice HEA
Would have loved the book to be longer to see more of sanctuary station but Rhea definitely set the stage for more stories.
Two words: Se×y. Yeti. This one is 50% monster romance, 50% sci-fi romance, and 100% a fast, fun read! It is short but longer than a novella, so you can knock it out in a day if desired. You get all the light humor of a rom-com plus the *ahem* detailed spice of a “we’ll make it fit” type of monster romance. It’s not all se×y fun though. There’s also a depression and coping with trauma/PTSD sub-plot for depth. But it’s balanced with unique aliens and humorous cultural differences on a space-ship, so it’s all good.
This story creates a beautiful utopia with the "benevolent" Originem bringing species in crisis together, in friendship and more!!! Destiny gets tossed into Sanctuary Station with almost no clues beyond a useless orientation video, but thankfully the sexy abominable snowman, Khur, steps up! Their adorable romance is a slow burn as everyone has to get through their trauma first. Absolutely worth the read!
This was such a fun ride! Everything about the story is perfect! Destiny is such a strong character and very relatable, Khur is so sweet underneath all that fur. Great world building, great character arcs, Rhea Ridge totally knocked it out of the park!
I received an early copy, all opinions are my own 💕
This is a great cozy novel. There is a space station where many different races live together, with humans being the newest race after we've finally destroyed Earth. There are a lot of interesting characters, but we mostly focus on the romantic pair. If you like Ice Planet Barbarians, this is right up there.
This was such a cozy and adorable read! And such a sweet and different take on alien romance.
This is my first impression of Rhea Ridge and you know what? I like it. I cannot wait to see what else happens in this world, the ending left me really intrigued.
This is my FAVEEE type of book so I had to read it and I loved it!!!! I teared up a few times because it was so sweet. Definitely going to want a physical copy for my book shelf! I already know I’m going to be obsessed with this series!!
A charming escape into a cozy, spicy, and heartfelt sci-fi romance! Destiny and Khur's chemistry is fun, engaging, and genuinely sweet. The story is full of imaginative world-building and a likeable cast that creates a warm character-driven romance that left me smiling.
I loved this book so much. This was such a cozy romance read taking place on a space station with all kinds of different characters. The spicy scenes were top tier, this is one I will come back to again and again and I cannot wait for the second book!
The coziest alien romance perfect for fist timers or seasoned reading veterans. It’s short and sweet, but HOOO BOY that ending. Nefarious things are afoot.