The 3. book in this series is on the #WomensPrize2024 longlist, and while it is allegedly a standalone I've heard that a lot of the world building takes place in the first 2 books. Book 1 introduces the reader to the different types of humanity in the galaxy through a diplomatic/humanitarian hail mary on a homesteading planet that is a melting pot of cultures. Expect telepaths, empaths, diplomacy bordering on mannerpunk, and a slow burn romance.