Hesitant Hope

by Rhea Ridge

Hope
Some people think I should be grateful to the Originem for saving all the humans when Earth went post-apocalyptic. My sister is all-in when it comes to Sanctuary Station, the space station we were invited to live on, along with a bunch of other aliens. I'm a little more pessimistic.
Sure, Sanctuary Station is a futuristic space station filled with biomes of every ecosystem you could dream of. Sure, all your basic necessities are covered and there's a thriving community of aliens all living together in "harmony." It all seems rather suspicious to me. Especially when we move in and I can't find any art supplies!
When a handsome Winged-One starts flirting with me, I'm sure it must be a conspiracy. Meshi is persistent, though. I could almost believe that he actually wants to get to know me, if I can ever let my guard down.

Hesitant Hope is the second book in Sanctuary Station, a series of cozy, spicy alien romance novels.

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2026

Reviews

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

After falling in love with Khur and Destiny in the first Sanctuary Station book, I jumped at the chance to dive into Meshi’s story, and it absolutely delivered. Returning to the station felt like coming home; the world-building is spot on, and the background characters are so well-developed that I found myself falling in love with the entire community all over again.

I’ll admit, Hope drove me a little crazy at first with her prickly attitude. However, as the story progressed, I really began to see her and feel for what she was going through. Her journey from skepticism to belonging was so rewarding, especially as she realized, with the help of Meshi and the others, that while life on the station is dramatically different, "different" isn't a bad thing. I loved the realization that art and beauty can be found in all forms, even when your traditional supplies are gone.

And then there’s Meshi. He is easily one of the best MMCs I’ve read. He has a heart of gold and a lean-on-me attitude, but he’s also incredibly versatile. He can take command of a situation when needed, yet he’s just as happy to be submissive and give Hope the control she craves. Watching her finally trust him enough to let go of that control because she knew he would take care of her was freaking beautiful.

While this wasn't super spicy, it didn't need to be. The intimacy between them had so much depth and meaning because of the emotional work they put in to get there. If you want a cozy sci-fi romance with a hero who will be whatever his partner needs, you have to read this!

Thank you so much Rhea, for trusting me with this ARC! I’ve truly fallen in love with this world, and I’m so excited to see what happens in Sanctuary next.

[Kriszti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute romance with a love struck alien, a stubborn girl advocating for art, and ropes...

Meshi, who I imagine as a sexy bat and I dont make the rules, is a sweetie. Now, imagine him in love...yeah, he is THE man. From the moment he met her, he knew what kind of courting gift would she like. He made sure she is loved in all the ways she needed, and still let her be her own self.
"Before me is a sight so beatiful, so perfect, that I nearly drop to my knees in awe."

Hope can be seen as a complicated person but as you read more you discover just how fasinating she is, I love her. However, it was hard to believe she actually loved what happened at the end of the book, it was very unlike her, unless love changed her in such way.

"She's smart, capable, driven, she doesn't want anyone to save her. Just someone to be there for her while she saves herself. So that's what I will do."

Their love story started off a little bit cringy, especially after she rejected him, and kind of the only reason she gave him a chance because there was no one else around? But after this rollercoaster, they were really sweet, both having a soft spot for art they made an adorable team.
What I will take away from this book, is how to important it is to find yourself. Having your own life and dreams means a lot.

And of course there are crumbs of a big mystery at every book which will make me crazy if i dont get more anwers soon.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope came to Sanctuary Station with her sister, Prudence, following the destruction of Earth from flooding caused by global warming. They have always had each other, but things begin to change as Prue dives into the cultures on the space station, leaving Hope hesitating and alone. She doesn't know if she can trust their alien leaders or the many new species aboard the station, especially without access to her beloved art materials. Without her art and expression, what is the point?
Meshi, a Winged-one and all around sweetheart, immediately pines for Hope after he witnesses her create a clandestine mural. How can he win the esteem of the stunning and fiery newcomer?

I could not wait to jump back into the world of Sanctuary Station following Rhea Ridge's superb debut of the same name. We meet new faces and continue on with those met before in this second installment. The further development of the world building was phenomenal. As we further delved into the the various biomes aboard the station, the vastness of it all shines. The sincerity of Ridge's characters, their growth and depth, is excellent. I'm drawn in by the small interactions she describes.

Overall, I'm once again impressed by Rhea Ridge's writing and style. I cannot wait for the next installment (or two?) to meet more friends and discover the true motives of the Originem.

[Jen Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope's skepticism and slightly pessimistic outlook is completely relatable and understandable. Her frustration over the lack of art supplies helped fuel her negative perception and negativity—it’s the small things we lose that often hurt the most. Her little act of defiance via art catches Meshi's attention.

Meshi is sweet, kind, thoughtful, and patient; exactly what Hope needs. His persistence, as well as his desire to make Hope happy and to feel like she is a part of the community, is endearing. His earnest honesty and genuineness is adorable. Their romance is slow-burn, built on earning trust. The results are satisfyingly steamy and worth the wait.

I enjoyed the full cast of characters and the visits to the other biomes. Each species is unique and interesting. I'm super curious to learn more about the Originem. Is Sanctuary Station a utopia or a gilded cage? Or is the answer more complicated? This series is hopeful, a little bit suspicious, entirely charming, and is becoming one of my favorites!

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet cozy alien romance in a post Earth setting on a space station.

Hope is sceptical about sanctuary station, thinking that the aliens have an ulterior motive. She’s not sold on the whole community minded story that they are selling. She finds it lonely there sometimes and Art is an outlet for her something that is missing on the station.

Meshi when he first sees Hope, she beautiful to him, loves her fierce nature and wants to get to know her because to him she’ll be worth it.

When Hope sees this hot alien in front of her, she wonders can she open her heart to him, she’s not someone who trusts easily. But when he worms his way into her life, she finds it’s hard to resist him realising that he can be her safe place and that everything is going to be alright.

This was such a sweet, cozy book to read. I love the community setting, how everyone helps each other. How the relationship between Hope and Meshi builds from friends to lovers because she realises he cares for her with gentle touches and passionate kisses and would never hurt her and when he claims her 🥵

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

🦇 Patient Cinnamonroll MMC
🦇 Cynical FMC
🦇 Found Family
🦇 Shibari

(one of these points is not like the others 😂)

A sweet romance on a station created as a sanctuary for many distantly related alien species. Lost your planet? Need a refuge from war? Apply to come live on Sanctuary Station 🫶🏻

FMC finds this extremely suspicious. She is distrusting of everyone. Because there's no way someone has created an entire station as a sanctuary (totally free to its inhabitants) out of the goodness of their heart.....right?

Good thing our precious MMC Meshi, having lived on this station his whole life, is a patient man who will learn his woman and adjust his approach to best support and love her 🙂‍↕️

A sweet romance with very strong found family themes. A cozy read that left me wanting to read about future couples ~

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ I was so happy to visit Sanctuary Station again 🥰 Another fun and cozy experience. This time, though, the FMC Hope isn’t as easily convinced of the safe haven like Destiny was in the first book. She’s much more suspicious of its true purpose, which added an interesting layer to the story.

Then there’s the MMC, Meshi, who has such a sweet and caring soul and falls instantly. It was adorable… maybe a little semi-stalker-ish at first 😅 but hey, he was determined to get his girl. The spice was unique, yet the heart-melting moments to me were him embracing her in his wings. 🥰

Overall, the worldbuilding is addictive, and I enjoyed learning more about the different biomes and traditions. This was such a refreshing read. It honestly feels like a comfort show in book form.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Meshi is a winged alien who falls first (and falls hard!) for our cynical human heroine Hope who is a frustrated artist feeling very much like a fish out of water. This felt very sweet and cozy (with a bonus shibari session!)

This is the second book in the series but I had no problem jumping in with no prior knowledge. Although I am going to go back and read the first one based on how much fun this book is. I’m also excited for the upcoming book because I definitely need to know more about Prue and Asper. I’m also hoping for a story starting Bazzel because her sly sense of humor makes her my people.

** I received an eARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. **

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope and Meshi

I fall more and more in love with Sanctuary Station with every book I read.
First, this is the perfect short little cozy alien romance read. It's kind of like Ice Planet Barbarians, without the dangers of Not Hoth, and different types of aliens.
I think the emotions are written perfectly, and honestly, Hope has every reason to be wary of the human women's arrival to Sanctuary. But it's not really malicious, and I think that's where Meshi comes in and really grounds Hope and makes her see that.

[Kennedy Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author. I pretty much begged and pleaded for an early copy because I loved Sanctuary Station so much, I needed more of this world.
Hesitant Hope did not disappoint! I already knew I loved these characters, and their story was very sweet. Rhea Ridge has a way of unfolding a happily ever after that draws you in.
She's also so great at building a full cast of characters that make you wish you were on Sanctuary Station with them.

[Madi · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, thank you, Rhea for trusting me with an ARC.

I was so happy to get back onto Sanctuary Station. I devoured this second book. Between the expansion of the world-building and character development in this book, I was hooked. The FMC, Hope, has a journey she is on for her growth and the MMC, Meshi, is there to support her through it all.

While this read wasn't loaded with spice... The bat shibari was a spicy surprise at the end that was very welcomed! Meshi can get it!

[T.M. Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for the readers who are just a bit fr€aky. The readers jumping on team ‘weird peen’ who have a slight bat feti§h. You like your spice hot, and you’re willing to endure a slow burn to get here. But don’t worry, you’ll enjoy the burn, because you get one heck of a ‘he falls first’ storyline with a sassy as hell artist FMC who isn’t sold on the whole living with aliens thing. Attitude aside, it’s mostly a fast-paced cozy alien romance in an easy to enjoy sci-fi world.

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**

4 ⭐️
2 🌶

Ahhhhhhhhhh!!! Sanctuary Station, what fun it was to be back! I loved Hope and Meshi together, truly the perfect grumpy x sunshine pairing! The bigger plot also deepens, and I am suspicious 👀 can't wait for the next installment!!!

☆mates
☆grumpy x sunshine
☆size difference
☆bonding over art

[Rachel Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Hope and Meshi so much! Hope had a lot of growing to do as a character, but it made the eventual romance so worthwhile. These two were the cutest. Loved the found family dynamics, and I can't wait to read more about the next alien x human couples on Sanctuary Station!

[Sophia Russo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. My only complaint is i found the FMC's personality gave me a bit of whiplash. She
Oscillates between difficult and accepting that made her a bit inconsistent for me. Then again this book is only 180 pages

[MalkFeratu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy alien romance

It's a feel good romance based on a space station. This FMC is a bit unlikeable, but she's working on it..the MMC is an adorable winged alien. Sweet, little spicy, feel good read

[Alix Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read a lot. Hope is a challenging, but enjoyable FMC and I loved Meshi from the start. I appreciate the opportunity to read it early. Love this series!

[Misty Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually had more fun reading this one that the first! I wish the next one was out already.

[Samantha Koostra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has easily become one of my favorites. I fell in love with Destiny and Khur and after reading their story I was so excited for the next book in the series. I thought there was no way i could love another character as much as I loved them and then I read this story and Hope and Meshi very quickly melted my heart. I think I love this book even more than the first.
Not only is the story cozy with the perfect amount of spice, the world building and description of the array or different aliens on sanctuary Station is captivating. I could not put this down, it is such a great story. I can't wait to order a copy for my shelf and for the next part in this series. I hope the author continues with this story for a long time, these alien romances are my favorite 😍 ❤️

[Laney Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

so happy to be back at the station!!

I am so excited to be back at the Station! One of the things I love most about this series is that the friendships matters just as much as the romance. Watching Hope find people she can trust and build real friendships with makes the story feel so much deeper.

Also… Furga. I LOVE Furga so much. She might honestly be my favorite character in the whole series, and I’m really hoping she gets her own book someday!

Meshi was perfect for Hope because he is so patient and willing to give her the time she needs. Watching Hope wrestle with her feelings made the story feel real. I cried tears of joy at the end of the first book, and this one was no different! It had me crying, but in the best way possible!

This is more of a slow burn, but it’s absolutely worth it 😮‍💨 Daddy Meshi. I can’t wait to learn even more about the Originem, I am really enjoying getting their POV!

Huge thank you to Rhea Ridge for the ARC of Hesitant Hope! In no way was my review influenced by that.

[Lady Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to return to Sanctuary!

I loved this story! Sanctuary Station has all of the cozy vibes, and while HH still nails the cozy vibes, it also features a feisty FMC who gives the sweet cinnamon roll MMC a run for his money. But that's cool, because he's patient and he likes the fire in her. MESHI CAN GET IT! The character development is phenomenal, and the way the author weaves together so many very different characters is SO much fun to experience.
It's a slow burn, but the spice is SPICIN'! I loved everything about this addition to one of my favorite cozy alien romance series!