That book is Expeditionary Force
I gave up on book 7, so yeah, I tried sticking with it.
Unfortunately there is little plot advancement, perilous situations more contrived, and needless exposition/filler the norm.
As in, if I’m cleaning and have nothing else interesting to listen too.
Some occasional good laughs. Dinosaur holding a plunger badge. :)
I believe the "Nope" sentence was something akin to "{character} thought that {thing} because {thing}."
Jesus Christ. Would it kill you a little to show instead of tell?
(And lest people believe I'm not a fan of some good * opera, I'm not ashamed to admit I've read my fair share of BattleTech, Barsoom, and even Lost Fleet, among less highbrow works)
It sticks in my memory because I remember being somewhat annoyed at the writing level hitherto, reading through that sentence, realizing what I'd just read a few sentences later, going back to double-check, then chucking the book.
And don't get me wrong, I've got space for some crappy writing in my sci-fi (looking at you, Foundation).