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Cosmos' Gateway #7
Saving Runt
Amelia ‘Runt’ Thomas’ life revolves around a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the most ruthless criminals in the world. She follows two codes: the code of hackers and her personal code of honor to bring down anyone who thinks they’re untouchable. She is on target until one fateful night when the touch of a strange man sends an unexpected shock wave through her. Now, the faint whispers in her head are growing louder and more annoying, distracting her from her mission.
Derik ‘Tag Krell Manok’s search for the mysterious woman who changed his life nearly two years before is finally over. As a Prime warrior from another world, he knew the moment he touched Amelia that she was his bond-mate—but she disappeared before he could whisk her away to safety. He is determined not to let that happen again, but he also knows that he needs to proceed with caution because Amelia is unlike any woman he has ever known before.
As their connection grows, so does Derik’s fear that he will be unable to keep Amelia safe from a man who is just as determined to find her and use her amazing talents for his own devious purposes. Find out what happens when an alien warrior, a determined AI named RITA, and a few other surprising twists come together to save a special woman named Runt!
Internationally acclaimed S.E. Smith has been awarded USA Today Bestseller 14 times! Now she's returning with another science fiction world that will come alive in your hands. This story's a slow burn romance for the ages with the perfect ratio of humor and drama. There's never been a crime thriller like it!
Derik ‘Tag Krell Manok’s search for the mysterious woman who changed his life nearly two years before is finally over. As a Prime warrior from another world, he knew the moment he touched Amelia that she was his bond-mate—but she disappeared before he could whisk her away to safety. He is determined not to let that happen again, but he also knows that he needs to proceed with caution because Amelia is unlike any woman he has ever known before.
As their connection grows, so does Derik’s fear that he will be unable to keep Amelia safe from a man who is just as determined to find her and use her amazing talents for his own devious purposes. Find out what happens when an alien warrior, a determined AI named RITA, and a few other surprising twists come together to save a special woman named Runt!
Internationally acclaimed S.E. Smith has been awarded USA Today Bestseller 14 times! Now she's returning with another science fiction world that will come alive in your hands. This story's a slow burn romance for the ages with the perfect ratio of humor and drama. There's never been a crime thriller like it!
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2019
381 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Smith
259 books2,573 followersS.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 5, 2021
Saving Runt by S. E. Smith
Book 7, the final book in the Cosmos’s Gateway series. Science fiction romance with erotica elements. Best read as part of the series.
Runt, aka Amelia, is a serious hacker donating her skills to charity and fighting evil. Unfortunately she’s left a few enemies along the way and one has returned to bring her down. Derik came through the Gateway two years ago and met Amelia but she disappeared. Two years later and he thinks she might be ready to acknowledge him.
These two are young! They met when she was 16 and he was 17. They’ve both had difficult lives but two years later it seems to be the time for them to reconnect. Lots of twists in this one from a non-dead mother, to AI interference, and first time experiences gone kinky. Plus the criminal she stole $5 million from wants revenge.
Engaging and racy. A neat conclusion with appearances from prior couples as part of the wrap.
Book 7, the final book in the Cosmos’s Gateway series. Science fiction romance with erotica elements. Best read as part of the series.
Runt, aka Amelia, is a serious hacker donating her skills to charity and fighting evil. Unfortunately she’s left a few enemies along the way and one has returned to bring her down. Derik came through the Gateway two years ago and met Amelia but she disappeared. Two years later and he thinks she might be ready to acknowledge him.
These two are young! They met when she was 16 and he was 17. They’ve both had difficult lives but two years later it seems to be the time for them to reconnect. Lots of twists in this one from a non-dead mother, to AI interference, and first time experiences gone kinky. Plus the criminal she stole $5 million from wants revenge.
Engaging and racy. A neat conclusion with appearances from prior couples as part of the wrap.
July 30, 2019
I do know I am far away from my usual historical reads.
But I came back to romance reading through the paranormal door with authors like Ednah Walkers, Nalini Singh, Elin Peer, Anna Hackett, Charlene Hartnady or SE Smith.
Their books are like candy to my brain. I enjoy them without much thoughts and let me be swept of my feet and transported to wherever pleases the author.
Even if this story can be read as a standalone with the many characters from the previous books and the background plot, I would say it could be better to begin with the first one in this series Tink’s Neverland.
I am not fond of fated mates, as it is more a bum bam boum thing between the hero and heroine. But Mrs Smith has a way to exploit this trope without boring the readers.
Sure it is quite often the sale schematic with the big bad alpha finding his destined half but said-half disagrees with the whole scheme and refuses the guy because some lore/bond/chemistry say she must. She fights when in the meantime the hero tries to prove he is worthy while making mistake after mistake until the damsel realizes she has come to care for the big oaf who put his life in line each time to prove he is right for her.
When she surrenders to the pull, they band together to fight evil beings.
Saving Runt follows the same narrative with the tiny difference that Derik and Amelia have known each other for years but needed time to grew up as they were barely still teenagers when they first meet. Derik has not doubt as any Prime Warrior, he recognizes the bond when it is offered. Amelia if she can have a say in that matter, wants to have nothing to do with the predator coming from the stars, why for two years it was a game of cat and mouse until Derik says stop. To him to convince Amelia they are made for another.
I loved it for the incursion of the characters from the previous books with the addition of new ones and the sweet romance between two young being who learn the first steps of love together.
But I came back to romance reading through the paranormal door with authors like Ednah Walkers, Nalini Singh, Elin Peer, Anna Hackett, Charlene Hartnady or SE Smith.
Their books are like candy to my brain. I enjoy them without much thoughts and let me be swept of my feet and transported to wherever pleases the author.
Even if this story can be read as a standalone with the many characters from the previous books and the background plot, I would say it could be better to begin with the first one in this series Tink’s Neverland.
I am not fond of fated mates, as it is more a bum bam boum thing between the hero and heroine. But Mrs Smith has a way to exploit this trope without boring the readers.
Sure it is quite often the sale schematic with the big bad alpha finding his destined half but said-half disagrees with the whole scheme and refuses the guy because some lore/bond/chemistry say she must. She fights when in the meantime the hero tries to prove he is worthy while making mistake after mistake until the damsel realizes she has come to care for the big oaf who put his life in line each time to prove he is right for her.
When she surrenders to the pull, they band together to fight evil beings.
Saving Runt follows the same narrative with the tiny difference that Derik and Amelia have known each other for years but needed time to grew up as they were barely still teenagers when they first meet. Derik has not doubt as any Prime Warrior, he recognizes the bond when it is offered. Amelia if she can have a say in that matter, wants to have nothing to do with the predator coming from the stars, why for two years it was a game of cat and mouse until Derik says stop. To him to convince Amelia they are made for another.
I loved it for the incursion of the characters from the previous books with the addition of new ones and the sweet romance between two young being who learn the first steps of love together.
November 4, 2020
If you follow this series by S.E. you know that this has been a while in the making. We met Runt way back when the same time that we met Derik. When they first met the matting symbol appeared by Runt was not having none of it. She took off and has been running from Derik ever sense.
When this story first opens up Derik lets everyone know that he has had enough of not having his mate with him. He is a typical alpha male that does not realize that Runt is not a submissive woman. She has been living and surviving on her on for years. When they are finally in the same space she lets him know that she is not going to be attached to him forever so he needs to get over that idea.
In this story there was a lot of things that I was not expecting. We learn a lot about Runt and her pass. We learn more about what her end goal is and how she has been evading not only Cosmos at times but also everyone around her.
I am glad that Derik ending up accepting Runt as she is as well Runt understanding that not everyone is going to use and leave her. I also loved seeing Rita's kids. I was not expecting that but I am so excited to see them 'grow up'. LOL
When this story first opens up Derik lets everyone know that he has had enough of not having his mate with him. He is a typical alpha male that does not realize that Runt is not a submissive woman. She has been living and surviving on her on for years. When they are finally in the same space she lets him know that she is not going to be attached to him forever so he needs to get over that idea.
In this story there was a lot of things that I was not expecting. We learn a lot about Runt and her pass. We learn more about what her end goal is and how she has been evading not only Cosmos at times but also everyone around her.
I am glad that Derik ending up accepting Runt as she is as well Runt understanding that not everyone is going to use and leave her. I also loved seeing Rita's kids. I was not expecting that but I am so excited to see them 'grow up'. LOL
August 15, 2019
Most parts were good
I really liked the story between Runt and Derik, I even liked her uncle who started off as bad guy, The one complaint i had is her mom Anne, she seemed selfish she left her daughter with her abusive dad having excuse he would never let us both go so she faked her death and even after her abuser died she never tried to contact her daughter and had plenty excuses of why, her brother Afon seemed more important to her then her own child! Could have done without Anne or at least a better back story.
I really liked the story between Runt and Derik, I even liked her uncle who started off as bad guy, The one complaint i had is her mom Anne, she seemed selfish she left her daughter with her abusive dad having excuse he would never let us both go so she faked her death and even after her abuser died she never tried to contact her daughter and had plenty excuses of why, her brother Afon seemed more important to her then her own child! Could have done without Anne or at least a better back story.
August 5, 2019
Love This Series
I am so happy this series in continuing. I started reading this author for the first time when I read the first book in this series. The title captured my attention, the story and characters have kept me coming back for more. I have never been disappointed in one of her books.
I am so happy this series in continuing. I started reading this author for the first time when I read the first book in this series. The title captured my attention, the story and characters have kept me coming back for more. I have never been disappointed in one of her books.
June 14, 2023
3.5 Stars 🌟
This is the last book in this part of the series (I think) and it had Runt finally getting "caught" by her bond mate. I have to say that this was not my favorite of the series, though I have really enjoyed the series as a whole. I think it might have a little to do with the ages of this couple - they are both still teenagers and that makes it a bit hard to put that aside.
I do however, respect Runt's immense talent at all things software and IT related and she is definitely a genius. The one thing that did surprise me about this book that I wasn't expecting was the information about her mother. For some reason, that more than anything, evoked pretty strong feelings from me and they were not pleasant. To me, her mother came across as completely self centered and narcissistic. To leave her daughter with her dead beat father - who was a known abuser? To fake her death? There are NO reasons that make this okay. NONE. If it was a hard enough life that you had to fake your death to escape, yet you left your daughter in it? And there were YEARS afterwards that you could have reached out....
Wow....I guess I felt more strongly about this that I originally thought. I didn't know until I started typing. Oh well. Yep, did not like her mother.....
So, this series has ended, but there were enough loose ends that it looks like there is going to be some type of continuation. We will see.....
This is the last book in this part of the series (I think) and it had Runt finally getting "caught" by her bond mate. I have to say that this was not my favorite of the series, though I have really enjoyed the series as a whole. I think it might have a little to do with the ages of this couple - they are both still teenagers and that makes it a bit hard to put that aside.
I do however, respect Runt's immense talent at all things software and IT related and she is definitely a genius. The one thing that did surprise me about this book that I wasn't expecting was the information about her mother. For some reason, that more than anything, evoked pretty strong feelings from me and they were not pleasant. To me, her mother came across as completely self centered and narcissistic. To leave her daughter with her dead beat father - who was a known abuser? To fake her death? There are NO reasons that make this okay. NONE. If it was a hard enough life that you had to fake your death to escape, yet you left your daughter in it? And there were YEARS afterwards that you could have reached out....
Wow....I guess I felt more strongly about this that I originally thought. I didn't know until I started typing. Oh well. Yep, did not like her mother.....
So, this series has ended, but there were enough loose ends that it looks like there is going to be some type of continuation. We will see.....
August 3, 2019
I love it, and I still want more!
It’s been long enough! Derik ‘Tag Krell Manok returns to Earth to find his ever elusive mate, Amelia ‘Runt’ Thomas. She’s young, a brilliant computer hacker, and her time on the streets has honed her survival skills. Retribution is her goal. Derik is really a sweetheart, but she certainly gives him a run for his money. I love the slow build and the mutual inexperience (when they have time for dallying). This book is action-packed, with peril not only on Earth, but on their romantic (hah) getaway worlds away. There are escapades, battles, narrow escapes, surprises, unlikely allies...scads of fun!
I will say one thing. Don’t ever threaten someone RITA loves. “I will lock your ATM and you’ll have to spend the rest of your life writing checks!” Dire threats for Millennials and Gen Z. A most delightful day of reading!
It’s been long enough! Derik ‘Tag Krell Manok returns to Earth to find his ever elusive mate, Amelia ‘Runt’ Thomas. She’s young, a brilliant computer hacker, and her time on the streets has honed her survival skills. Retribution is her goal. Derik is really a sweetheart, but she certainly gives him a run for his money. I love the slow build and the mutual inexperience (when they have time for dallying). This book is action-packed, with peril not only on Earth, but on their romantic (hah) getaway worlds away. There are escapades, battles, narrow escapes, surprises, unlikely allies...scads of fun!
I will say one thing. Don’t ever threaten someone RITA loves. “I will lock your ATM and you’ll have to spend the rest of your life writing checks!” Dire threats for Millennials and Gen Z. A most delightful day of reading!
November 24, 2024
Well, I listened to the first book of this series and had to find the next one to carry on the story. Needless to say, I have just finished book 8. I have tried to find book 9 but have had no luck yet. I got so immersed with the characters and stories, I felt that I was a part of the story. I laughed when they laughed and cried when they did. I loved the different characteristics of each person and adored the computers and their personas. I have now spent all my allowance for this month buying the next book, and the next, and the next, to carry on following the antics of the people and aliens. I would highly recommend anyone who is looking for a captivating adventure to buy this set of books and settle down to be amazed. The mark of a good author is to bring their books alive and I thank this author for doing so and giving me this special treat.
December 31, 2020
Cosmos' gateway heading in another direction...
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
If you are a follower of this series, you know that we have been on Runt's hunt for a long time now. Now, we have here story and the makings of a delicious journey. I loved getting to know more about Runt and Derik, the youngest Krell Manok. The end of the journey was written. We just had to be patient enough to wait for it to play out. Runt and Derik were destined by the stars/goddess or whatever. They finally have that chance and there was one thing after another that was making it presence known. Then we get a few surprises along the way. The story even ended with multiple directions for it all to go. Things have really gotten more interesting. I have experience many of Samantha Cooks narration and have not been left wanting anything. I enjoy the ride.
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
If you are a follower of this series, you know that we have been on Runt's hunt for a long time now. Now, we have here story and the makings of a delicious journey. I loved getting to know more about Runt and Derik, the youngest Krell Manok. The end of the journey was written. We just had to be patient enough to wait for it to play out. Runt and Derik were destined by the stars/goddess or whatever. They finally have that chance and there was one thing after another that was making it presence known. Then we get a few surprises along the way. The story even ended with multiple directions for it all to go. Things have really gotten more interesting. I have experience many of Samantha Cooks narration and have not been left wanting anything. I enjoy the ride.
January 2, 2020
I'm so confused, an S.E. Smith book that wasn't rife with errors a halfway decent editor would find? Be still my heart! Seriously, the one thing that kept me ambivalent about them was how riddled with wrong words or grammar the books tend to be so this actually made me REALLY happy because the sense of humour and dedication to HEAs is a win with me.
This is one you need to have read the other books for because I don't think you can be as invested in our young leads without seeing young Derik, for example, being saved by a hammer wielding badass. With the background you can't help but have a happy sigh at the happy ending.
okay for aayesha
This is one you need to have read the other books for because I don't think you can be as invested in our young leads without seeing young Derik, for example, being saved by a hammer wielding badass. With the background you can't help but have a happy sigh at the happy ending.
okay for aayesha
August 25, 2019
Book Seven in the Cosmos gateway series. We finally get to see the relationship development between Derik and Runt. Another solid book by SE Smith unfortunately missing the passion and humour of the other books in this series. Given that these two main characters are younger than the other series leads it is understandable that this book is tamer. Derik as a lead character was somewhat lacking in the whole alpha male role that this series thrives on, but again this can be attributed to the character age.
Interesting development with Runt’s mother, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see how it evolves.
Interesting development with Runt’s mother, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see how it evolves.
February 25, 2020
Each book in this series is fascinating, and each is better than the last! I loved Amelia and Derik's story of love, patience, devotion and faith in each other and their shared destiny. To watch as Amelia began to open up to Derick and to trust in him and their fate, after running from attachments for so long, was a beautiful tale.
I anticipate a lovely story about her mother and the warrior on her trail. I can hardly wait to see if her uncle gets his happily ever after as well!
I anticipate a lovely story about her mother and the warrior on her trail. I can hardly wait to see if her uncle gets his happily ever after as well!
November 17, 2019
Después de dos años de espera se vuelven a reunir para finalizar lo que habían empezado antes. Runt lucha por encontrar la verdad y Derik por poder convertirse en un buen compañero.
***
Creo que se alargó un poco la historia y no era necesario. Sí, tiene la mezcla de todas las historias anteriores y está bien. Creo que hubiera podido mejorarse un poco.
Calificación: 4,0 ⭐
***
Creo que se alargó un poco la historia y no era necesario. Sí, tiene la mezcla de todas las historias anteriores y está bien. Creo que hubiera podido mejorarse un poco.
Calificación: 4,0 ⭐
February 6, 2020
Excellent
We are back to war with the Juangans. I wondered what was going on with them. Now it's going to be war. Amelia and Derik had a rough road. Amelia was very young when they met. She is smart and street wise. Derek is a warrior from Baade. They are bond mates. There are some new surprising revelations. Great book. Can't wait for the next one!!
We are back to war with the Juangans. I wondered what was going on with them. Now it's going to be war. Amelia and Derik had a rough road. Amelia was very young when they met. She is smart and street wise. Derek is a warrior from Baade. They are bond mates. There are some new surprising revelations. Great book. Can't wait for the next one!!
January 15, 2021
It took me a long time to finish this book because I lost interest in it in the middle. Little passion no humor and Ms Smith broke cannon. In Tink’s book she could barely get through a week without her alien, yet Runt lasts for years with no ill effects. Tame and redundant a poor ending for a background story that has taken seven books to develop.
August 11, 2019
I enjoyed this all except for one tiny little thing. When Derik puts the clamps on Runt she makes a comment on returning the favor and he grimaces and demurs against it, so he’s ok with her discomfort but not that much in love that he’ll share it with her?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2020
Runt's story was something I was waiting for. It was what I expected and I found that I liked it more than the other ones. it was just that cookie-cutter feeling from book 2 was still there. Where is the variety? there is a whole new planet of beings and only a certain type of woman is available?
August 26, 2020
Focused more on the story than the couple but was good nonetheless. In fact when I finished it I went back and started with Tink's Neverland again. Can't wait to go back to Baud and the prime warriors.
October 19, 2020
Saving Runt
Interesting beginning and I was surprised that someone with such incredible computer skills had not managed to eke out a better livlng. Of course she was busy destroying the finances of bad guys. Derek is sweet but a bit clueless.
Interesting beginning and I was surprised that someone with such incredible computer skills had not managed to eke out a better livlng. Of course she was busy destroying the finances of bad guys. Derek is sweet but a bit clueless.
October 24, 2023
Best
Action and adventure awaits For you in this book and everyone of her books. You will not regret ever getting 1 of her books. I hope you find this as entertaining and As adventurous as I do
Action and adventure awaits For you in this book and everyone of her books. You will not regret ever getting 1 of her books. I hope you find this as entertaining and As adventurous as I do
August 23, 2019
All I can say is ... I want book 8! Love love this series!!
September 19, 2019
This book lacked the maturity and fluidity of the others.
April 7, 2020
Loved it
Wow! Another great story by this great author! I love how the feelings grow in their relationship. So sweet and funny and romantic!
Wow! Another great story by this great author! I love how the feelings grow in their relationship. So sweet and funny and romantic!
April 17, 2020
Always leaves me wanting more lol will there be a book 8?
September 5, 2020
Good read
Full of action and mayhem as you’d expect from this author. Runt is very young and it shows however the storyline is really good and I recommend the series.
Full of action and mayhem as you’d expect from this author. Runt is very young and it shows however the storyline is really good and I recommend the series.
March 23, 2021
Interesting aliens with interspacial gateways story.
May 23, 2021
I can only say the whole series was great, had everything, live, drama and humor. I definitely recommend this series.
August 13, 2020
I really like Derik and Runt's story... Good storyline development and well written- I love that things aren't so black and white- Runt finds out she's related to the bad guy... I like that people are complex- people have their good side and their bad side but, we are re redeemable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews