Sunastara & the Venusian by Jess K. Hardy is a sci-fi romance set on a spaceship. Sunastara Nex, who works on a space cruise, is drawn to Freddie, a former one-night stand who unexpectedly joins her crew.

I loved the plot, and this is my first time reading a romance set on a spaceship. The author skillfully weaves humor into the story, mixing just the right amount of science and spice.

Fans of science fiction romance with humor and adventure may enjoy this space-centered love story, releasing in December 2024.

Jess is truly the queen of writing romances that are sexy, funny, immersive, and important, and this book is no exception. Sunastara and the Venusian was heartfelt, achingly real (you know, you a sci-fi novel), and beautifully inclusive.

Sunny was an incredibly fun and vibrant FMC, but she was also hurting deeply and (maybe not so secretly) struggling, which made her all the more easy to relate to. She was strong and brave and I'm so so glad I got to witness her growth. Then we have Freddie, whom I just want to keep forever. He was so patient, so kind, even when he was hurting, too. The depth of these two characters was beautiful, and watching them come together was mending.

Romance aside, the mysterious subplot of what was going on on and behind the scenes of the ship was also really well-done, in my opinion. I think it was important that it happen the way it did for a lot of reasons, the greatest of all obviously being for Sunny's character and what Sai had come to mean to her. (And oh my gosh, Sai was an absolute joy to my heart.)

Overall I am once again amazed by Jess' ability to write romance, even in space, with such depth and substance. Definitely another winner for me!

ARC review. Sunny’s working on a pleasure cruise drifting through space and definitely not looking for long-term romance at all, not even when she meets Freddie, who’s the greenest green flag to ever flutter in the Known Universe. I spent so much of this book wanting to scream at the main character not to let him get away, because he’s so adorable. This book is genuinely hilarious and has sooo many good things: a 40 year old FMC, men taking the pill (well done, Science, you got there in the end), the world’s most sophisticated dating app that gives badges for multiple orgasms, malfunctioning pleasure pods, and a reveal that will wrench your heart of your chest and smoosh it.

A space romance? Yes please!!
This was equal parts romance and sci-fi and now I need to dive into more from this series. I wasn’t aware this was a republishing of “Love in a Time of Wormholes” and I’m hoping we get a republishing of the rest of the series because I’m having a hard time finding copies of the other two books.

Sunastara “Sunny” was such a fun character yet complex emotionally with her healing process after losing her child. She’s a hospitality specialist on a space pleasure cruise, which is basically an intergalactic match maker, and she’s very good at connecting those around her. After a heart stopping, steamy start with a one night stand set up through an app that uses aliases for anonymity, she finds her partner from said night, Freddie, is actually the newest member hired for her crew. Thus ensues a forbidden workplace romance. But is it really forbidden because they work together, or is Sunny just scared to open herself up to love because she’s still dealing with her own grief from the loss of her child? Meanwhile, an external threat is looming over some very important passengers amongst their ship that threatens not just their passengers but the whole of the Known Universe.
The side characters played an important part in adding to the world building and creating a full plot line to keep the story pace moving in between the threatening and very spicy moments. And speaking of spicy moments, the pods malfunctioning had me cackling because poor Elanie had to endure fixing said problem while Sunny and Freddie had their hands full with each other.
I would also mention to check trigger warnings for loss of a child (in past history reference). This was a very integral part of Sunny’s storyline and healing process and it is referenced often.

This book was so good! The story was just what I wanted! It is such a unique book. I have never read a book set in space like this one and I would highly recommend it!

When Sunny is forced on a break from her job, she meets Joshua via the space equivalent of Tinder and they have an amazing one stand. While she finds him compelling and interesting, her one rule regarding relationships is basically, no feelings, no problems. So they go their separate ways.

Time passes and Sunny is working on the pleasure cruise, it's revealed that there is a new addition to their staff - Joshua who is actually Freddie. Freddie has been obsessed with Sunny since their one night stand. He's intent on convincing Sunny that they should be together, despite her rule against all feelings.

I really liked this book. I've enjoyed everything from Jess K. Hardy and this is no exception.

Sunastara & the Venusian was such an interesting book! Set centuries into the future, it features Sunastara, a hospitality specialist on a space cruise ship (imagine Royal Caribbean in space), and Freddie, the ship’s newest big time employee. Only they met once before on the future version of Tinder and had the best night either of them ever experienced, then went their separate ways.

Freddie fell HARD that first night and is thrilled to see Sunastara again—he wants it all with her. But she considers herself a broken person after the loss of her son, is completely self-destructive, and actively fights having meaningful relationships with anyone. The story follows their bumps and bruises, as well as other plotlines on the ship involving a senator and some guests considered barbarians throughout the galaxy.

Freddie is a kind, likeable, patient guy. Even though he had major losses and bad times in his life, he feels himself reawakening and knows Sunastara is for him. She’s not so sure. I had a really tough time with her. On one hand, her loss is the most devastating thing I can imagine and who knows how I would react. On the other hand, she’s so cruel to Freddie and purposely hurts him, and she thinks of no one other than herself for much of the story.

Jess K. Hardy’s writing style really works for me. I love how she puts everything together and really enjoy her writing. Unfortunately in this book, I didn’t connect as much with the characters as I did in her other books. There was a lot going on between the romantic plot, the senator, all the different side characters and events that it was hard to keep track of and feel like you knew the characters. Still, it was a really fun book and something completely different for me!

I love Jess K Hardy's Gen X romance novels and was pumped to see something that looked totally different. In her author's note, she refers to her initial idea as something like "Love Boat but in space" and that is pretty much exactly the vibe here. Our female main character is Sunastara (Sunny), a hospitality specialist on an interstellar pleasure cruise ship (where things seem to get pretty spicy, pretty often). While on some sort of required professional development break, she meets and hooks up with the titular Venusian and has a pretty amazing time. Grieving the loss of her young son five years ago, Sunny has some pretty strict boundaries that basically amount to - never catch feelings and don't let anyone get too close. But when Freddie (the Venusian) shows up as her newest crew colleague, things get a little messy. Meanwhile, there's an important political figure on the ship and Sunny is assigned to keep her and her family happy and safe while she continues to try to do her own job AND avoid her feelings for Freddie. I found this funny and fast-paced and I liked the adventure elements as well as the sci-fi romance of it all. I would highly recommend for fellow fans of Jessie Mihalik's sci-fi romances. Content warning for past loss of a child and of a partner (separate characters) as well as kidnapping and threatened violence.

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in return for my honest thoughts.
Content warning: off-page mention of child loss.
Sunastara Nex is an expert in hospitality management on a hedonistic space cruise that caters to its guests' most indulgent desires. During the annual Winter Revel, she crosses paths with Joshua, a charming Venusian who’s just looking for a fun-filled night. After an unforgettable evening together, they part ways. But fate intervenes—Joshua, who’s actually Freddie, soon joins her crew. Sunastara has a firm rule about not getting romantically involved with colleagues, but Freddie’s charm proves hard to resist.
Freddie, too, can’t stop thinking about the incredible night he shared with Sunastara. When he realizes she’s working on his new ship, he’s determined to reignite their spark, even if it means pulling out all the stops in his pursuit. However, it’s not all romance—when a real danger threatens the ship, they’ll have to figure out if they’re willing to fight for a future together.
The chemistry between Freddie and Sunastara is electric. Their intimate moments were scorching, and I adored the witty, playful exchanges between them, especially since they both share a unique sense of humor.
This was an entertaining read with some heavier themes woven in gracefully. Sunastara has experienced a significant loss in her past, which makes her hesitant to open up to anyone. To help her feel comfortable, Freddie comes up with a clever idea: they’ll interact using their alternate personas as he gradually wins her over. His patient and gentle approach was touching, and I loved seeing Sunastara slowly lower her defenses and trust him more with each passing moment.
The universe Ms. Hardy crafted was captivating. At first, I thought the unique terminology might be tricky to follow, but it was surprisingly easy to grasp. The book was packed with action, and the pacing felt just right. This was my first time reading a space-themed romance, and I found it to be an incredibly enjoyable and creative experience. Ms. Hardy’s imagination was on full display, especially in how she reimagined everyday things through a futuristic, space-age lens. One highlight was Squee, a dating app that pairs people based on their ability to climax—definitely an interesting and spicy twist!
This story was full of excitement and heartfelt moments. I truly hope Ms. Hardy decides to expand this into a series!

**Title:** *Sunastara & the Venusian*
**Author:** Jess K Hardy
**Rating:** 4/5

**Review:**

*Sunastara & the Venusian* by Jess K Hardy is a thrilling and steamy sci-fi romance that effortlessly blends interstellar adventure with electric chemistry. Set aboard a pleasure cruise through deep space, this novel delivers on its promise of a high-stakes romance amidst an imaginative and vividly depicted backdrop.

Sunastara "Sunny" Nex, the novel’s fiercely independent and rule-abiding protagonist, is instantly captivating. As the hospitality specialist on a notorious interstellar pleasure cruise, her strict no-pleasure-on-the-job rule keeps her grounded in a universe filled with debauchery and chaos. Her professionalism, however, is tested when Freddie, a dangerously handsome one-night stand from her past, unexpectedly joins the crew. Freddie, as charming and relentless as ever, sets the stage for a tantalizing game of push and pull that drives the romantic tension throughout the novel.

What sets *Sunastara & the Venusian* apart is its unique setting and world-building. Hardy’s interstellar pleasure cruise is not just a backdrop but a vibrant, living part of the story—filled with quirky alien species, indulgent luxury, and the looming threat of the unknown. It feels futuristic and fun, but also layered with enough danger to keep you on edge. The romance unfolds against this wild backdrop, creating a thrilling contrast between Sunny’s personal struggles and the larger intergalactic threat.

The chemistry between Sunny and Freddie is electric, and their secret romance is full of steamy moments that will have readers rooting for them. Freddie’s relentless pursuit of Sunny, combined with his strategic (and slightly ridiculous) seduction methods, adds humor and levity to the novel. Their banter and flirtation are both playful and emotional, making their connection feel genuine and deeply rooted in their shared past.

However, while the romance shines, the plot takes an exciting turn when a very real threat emerges, putting not only the ship but possibly the entire Known Universe in peril. Hardy expertly weaves together the romance and action, keeping the stakes high for both Sunny and Freddie’s relationship and the survival of their world. This balance of personal and cosmic stakes adds depth to the narrative, making the novel more than just a romance.

Sunny’s inner conflict—torn between her duty and her undeniable feelings for Freddie—is relatable, and her character growth is satisfying. Freddie, on the other hand, is the perfect match for her: confident, daring, and fully aware of the risks he’s taking to win her heart. Together, they’re a dynamic duo you can’t help but root for.

In summary, *Sunastara & the Venusian* is a fun, fast-paced sci-fi romance that delivers both heat and heart. Jess K Hardy’s world-building is rich with imagination, and her characters are full of chemistry and charm. Fans of romantic space operas with a blend of humor, adventure, and plenty of spice will thoroughly enjoy this novel. If you’re looking for a romance that’s out of this world—literally—this is the perfect read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

TW: loss of a child off page

Sunastara Nex is a hospitality specialist aboard a pleasure cruise known for its debauchery. While at a at the annual Winter Revel she meets Joshua, a sexy Venusian looking for a night of fun. After an amazing night they part ways, but not for long because as it turns out Joshua is really Freddie, and he’s the newest member of her crew. Sunastara has strict policy: dating coworkers is a no-no, but can she resist Freddy’s seduction?

Freddie can’t forget the amazing night he spent with Phoebe. He’s pleasantly surprised to discover she’s the hospitality specialist on his new ship. She’s set on separating business from pleasure, so he comes up with a wild seduction strategy she can’t resist. It’s not all fun and games. When a real threat puts their ship at risk, they’ll have to decide whether it’s worth fighting for their future.

Freddie and Sunastara’s chemistry was to the nth degree. The spicy scenes were off the charts. I loved their banter and that they shared the same quirky sense of humor.

This book was a lot of fun and the serious topics are handled with grace. Sunny experienced a great loss that had a profound effect on her. She’s scared to get close to anyone again, so Freddie comes up with the idea of using their alter egos while he woos her. He’s gentle with her, and it was lovely to watch as he proves to her she’s worthy of love. I enjoyed watching Sunny slowly bring down her guard as she began to trust Freddie more and more.

I loved the world that Ms. Hardy created. I thought it would be a little hard to follow the different jargon specific to this world, but she made it fairly easy to keep track of. It was action packed, and I felt the pacing of the novel was spot on. I’ve never read a romance novel that takes place in space before, and it was such a fun experience. Her creativity shined brightly in the way common things were heightened to add a space agey sheen to them. My absolute favorite was the dating app, Squee, that matched people based on their ability to reach an orgasm. Very spicy indeed!

This book was full of heart and action packed! I hope Ms. Hardy turns this into a series.

Sunastara & the Venusian by Jess K Hardy was a fun read and definitely not what I was expecting.

I'll admit that I expected this to have tons of crazy aliens and weird terms throughout and it wasn't like that at all - sure there were other species from other planets and different things, but it was written matter of factly and as such an ordinary thing and it all blended together so well that it just WAS and it was normal and perfect.

Sunny reluctantly has to go to a conference and while there decides to partake in a little space age version of Tinder and matches with the perfect person for at that exact moment. She meets 'Joshua' and she is 'Phoebe' and sparks fly between them immediately and it's not just the usual lust - after an amazing night together, Sunny can't quit thinking about him and sleeps with his tie under her pillow so that she has a piece of him with her.

She's still thinking about him when she goes to a meeting on her ship to meet the newest crew member, Freddie. Freddie turns out to be "Joshua" and oh boy, those sparks are still there, but she doesn't think that they should act upon them.

Thus entails a friendship that they both want to be more, intrigue with guests on the ship, and a possible volatile situation. Will they overcome all of this to actually find love as Sunastara and Freddie? I'm not spoiling this fun adventure.

Ms. Hardy's book had me not wanting to put this book down at all. I read it in one sitting and was left wanting more. Fun characters, interesting intergalactic species, and a ship that I want to go on? Check, check, and check!

This book was given to me as an ARC for my honest opinion by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

this was a wonderfully done romance novel with the scifi element with what I was hoping for. The plot worked overall and enjoyed how the characters worked in this universe. It uses the space atmosphere and that everything worked overall. It was a strong start to this series and was glad I got to read this. Jess K Hardy wrote a strong story and the characters had that element that I was looking for.