A lost city, a hidden past, one woman’s destiny
Join Sara Donovan and Kiernan Fyn on a high-stakes science fiction adventure of war, secrets, and unexpected love.
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Hunted Across the Stars
When elite operative Sara Donovan signs up for a mission beyond her galaxy, she expects danger, not destiny. Shot down on a hostile world, Sara is forced to rely on more than training as she teams with Kiernan Fyn, a member of the Ojemba resistance. Hunted by three separate forces who believe she carries the key to a vanished civilization, Sara must navigate shifting loyalties, uncover the truth about her baffling abilities, and find the hidden city before its secrets are exploited.
The Key: Project Enterprise 1 blends high-stakes sci-fi adventure with a slow-burn, forbidden romance as Sara’s search for a hidden city brings her closer to understanding her own emerging abilities and the truth behind her mother’s past. Award-winning and emotionally rich, this is perfect for adult readers who love space opera, character-driven mysteries, and a heroine who must choose who she’ll become under pressure.
Will Sara unlock an ancient power—or lose everything trying to protect it?
A lost city, a hidden past, one woman’s destiny
Join Sara Donovan and Kiernan Fyn on a high-stakes science fiction adventure of war, secrets, and unexpected love.
When elite operative Sara Donovan signs up for a mission beyond her galaxy, she expects danger, not destiny. Shot down on a hostile world, Sara is forced to rely on more than training as she teams with Kiernan Fyn, a member of the Ojemba resistance. Hunted by three separate forces who believe she carries the key to a vanished civilization, Sara must navigate shifting loyalties, uncover the truth about her baffling abilities, and find the hidden city before its secrets are exploited.
The Key is a fast-paced romantic space adventure that blends pulse-pounding action with intimate character growth. Readers who enjoy strong heroines, morally complex allies, and worlds torn by war will find themselves gripped by the hunt for the lost city—and by the slow-burning connection that forms between two very different people. Perfect for fans of speculative romance and cinematic worldbuilding, this award-winning novel brings mystery, heart, and relentless momentum to every chapter.
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Pauline Baird Jones crafts emotional, adventurous science fiction with memorable characters and vivid worldbuilding. Her work explores identity, loyalty, and the ties that shape us. The Key: Project Enterprise 1 is an Independent Book Bronze Medal and Dream Realm Awards winner.
More Praise for The Key:
“Every once in a while you come across a story that ticks all the boxes for you—The Key did that for me.”
“Breathtaking! With characters like Sara and Fyn, this book shouts out to be read.”
“A huge, sprawling space opera you’ll want to wallow in—it’s that good.”
“I couldn’t stop reading—Sara is girl power to the nth degree and Fyn is perfect for her.”
“Action-packed, suspenseful, with a kick-butt heroine and a swoon-worthy romance.”
“This is sci-fi romance at its finest, with a compelling heroine and thrilling plot twists.”
“Loaded with humor, action, adventure, and intergalactic love—what more could you ask for?”
“The Key is like Star Trek meets Galaxy Quest, with heart and a clean romance.”
“A sweet romance set in a thrilling sci-fi world—perfect for fans of romantic space adventures.”
“An edge-of-your-seat ride through space with twists, tension, and a satisfying HEA.”
“If you love sci-fi with a strong female lead and authentic military feel, this one’s for you.”
“The world-building is immersive and the emotional stakes sky-high—I was hooked.”
“Characters that leap off the page and grab your heart—this one’s a keeper.”
“Think Linnea Sinclair or Susan Grant, but with a voice all her own—fun and fantastic.”
“Believable flying, witty dialogue, and two characters you’ll root for from start to finish.”
“Sara Donovan never slips out of character—she’s fierce, funny, and unforgettable.”
“A fun sci-fi romp with tech, adventure, romance, and heart.”
“There’s just the right mix of suspense, romance, and humor—it kept me up all night.”
“Absolutely LOVED when Sara had to sing for the visiting dignitaries—unforgettable scene!”
“This is the best book of this genre I’ve ever read—and I read a LOT!”