Saltic the Fifth

by Lauren Logan

Tolina a divorced, former assassin is drugged, kidnapped, and winds up on the pool deck of a younger nano-tech company owner named Kortul Voutin Saltic the Fifth. Forced into a marriage with Kortul upon arrival, she quickly discovers she’s landed on a planet with people who evolved from jumping spiders. Tolina evolved from a butterfly, and all she wanted was freedom after leaving her harsh home-world. Furious with her marriage entrapment, Tolina decides not to give Kortul a chance, and she sets out to find love elsewhere.

Kortul may have said he would allow Tolina to date, but he has other plans. Wanting Tolina by his side, and understanding her skills, Kortul hires her to work for him as his bodyguard.

When Tolina meets the reason Kortul needs a bodyguard at his business meetings, she decides to wait until he is asleep to take matters into her own deadly hands.

Saltic the Fifth is a dark scifi romance filled with toxic obsession, a web of lies, and a slow burn scorching hot romance. It's insta-love for him, and hate-to-love for her.

This book is not recommended for anyone under 18.

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2026

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again Lauren has brought out all the crash out emotions for me in a book. This book follows Tolina a Vo-Pess that crash lands onto another planet right onto Kortul’s balcony. When Kortul sees this stunning woman in her pod he is IMMEDIATELY obsessed with her and claims her for himself. Now he does this so that they don’t end up in jail as his planet has very strict rules, so he forces his best friend to perform a marriage ceremony but is he doing this for his own selfish reasons? When Tolina comes to and she realizes what happened she is determined to get away from the crazy man no matter how gorgeous or rich he is. Even after explaining to her why they had to get married and that she can leave after a year, Tolina is determined to date and find her own way. As a Vo-pess, she never had a say in how her life was going to go and now that she left her bonded trying to make a life for herself somewhere new she is not going to let Kortul make this decision for her. Kortul is determined to make Tolina see that she belongs with him and he will not let her go. He is possessive of her and determined to make her see why she should stay with him. In time Tolina realizes in her heart that she does want to be with him as well but is too stubborn to admit it. Lauren is very good with the world building/descriptions of everything and you can feel yourself there like you are watching everything play out in real time, from his relationship with his father figure Mabit to his friendship with the always reluctant Tyce, and his bond with his Eckolie Brock, everything is a perfect fit in his life and earns a place in Tolina’s. If you love both an MMC and FMC that will destroy worlds for their other half, then you will absolutely love this book! 10000/10 recommend!
Tropes:
🔥Slow Burn
🌶️Super Spicy
💥Handsome Spider switch MMC
💥Mean Empath Butterfly assassin FMC
💥Touch Her and ☠️
💥 Touch Him and ☠️
💥 Banter 🤌🏼
💥 Found Family🩷

[Zinda reads a lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4/5⭐️
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 4/5 🌶️

Thank you, to the author for an ARC of this book and giving me the opportunity to enjoy it.

Tropes:
Slow Burn
Forced Marriage
Murder (A lot of it)
Talks and descriptions of Spiders.
Obssessive MMC
Touch her and 💀
Touch him and 💀
LOTTA SPICE

This is the first book of Laurens that I picked up and needless to say, I loved this. It has everything I was looking for in the dark sci-fi romance genre.

The world building and the way the high-tec was incorporated was amazing. The details given was enough to explain what is needed to envision the scenario/scenes and not be overwhelming to the point that I was confused. The characters descriptions, personalities and development (something I do look for in good books) were there too.

Character wise I LOVE Tolina, the badass that she is, she made my heart happy. Kortul did to for other reasons, his insta-love/obsession over Tolina was great and him messing with her dates to make sure they don't go well had me cackling. There is tons of spice in the book when they finally admit their feelings for ech other and it was "fans self" very good.

Overall I enjoyed this read a lot and it is a 4.5 star from me! Will be picking up all of Laurens other books ASAP! A definite recommend from me!

Happy reading!

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Saltic the Fifth” is a captivating sci-fi novel that blends adventure, romance, and rich world-building. The story follows Tolina and Kortul as they navigate their complex relationship amidst political intrigue and personal struggles.
Tolina’s growth from a haunted past to a more empowered individual is compelling. Kortul’s journey of self-discovery adds depth.
The unique setting of Corbatton, with its underground civilization and environmental challenges, is vividly described and immersive. The mix of romantic tension and witty banter keeps the reader engaged and entertained.The intertwining narratives can be a bit overwhelming, requiring careful attention from the reader.
Overall, “Saltic the Fifth” is a thrilling read for fans of sci-fi and romance, offering a blend of action, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes.

[Julie Simpkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book quite literally made me chuckle out loud.

Their thoughts alone cracked me up. The toxicity with both of them blended together wonderfully. They matched each other’s crazy, and I loved it.

It’s definitely sci-fi romance with some dark romance vibes, and a splash of comedic energy.

Loved it.

[Cuukie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saltic the Fifth is such a fun, character-driven read. I really loved the dynamic between Tolina and Kortul and watching both of them evolve throughout the story

But honestly, Brock stole the entire book for me. A tiny frog man who is ridiculously cute? Instant favorite. Mabit is another standout I loved seeing on page.

[Baileybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your favorite dark romance and science fiction novel had a funny trigger warning filled baby!

Tropes:
Slow Burn
Forced Marriage
lots of murder
Spiders.
Obsessive MMC
Butterfly FMC
Jumping spider MMC
Touch her and 💀
Touch him and 💀
SPICE

[Originalninja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I was really surprised by how much I liked this book. I may have to look into more of her work.

[bry’s corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book but I couldn’t really get into til the end.

[Rose G · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Lauren Logan book and I am hooked! Who knew sci-fi romance could be so fun!

[SmuttQueen Extreme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal!!!

[JP Newmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read by this author. This book has vibrant characters and a fast paced, action packed plot. Black cat/golden retriever energy with one part insta-obsession and one side enemies to lovers. I love the development of the characters and the way their emotions eventually meet up. A must read for scifi romance lovers.

[adriana]

Writing = no for me.

[FeliciaoftheTwistedPlot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! My first sci-fi romance and loved that it was also a dark romantic comedy horror!! I absolutely loved the sassy, grumpy FMC and the “he falls first,” golden retriever MMC. Their banter was chef’s kiss!!💋 this starts quick and has a lot of action scenes. Slow burn to very spicy scenes and a very satisfying ending!! 🥰