Have you tried Becky Chambers Wayfarer series, beginning with A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet?
Each following can be read as standalone but some characters recur and best read in order. Outstanding characters and interaction among species, diverse, great dialogue, and action but no big space battles.
If you like Scalzi, for sheer fun and a good plot, written in first person, I highly recommend The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. She is a brilliant, versatile SFF writer and this series is a joy. Seeing humanity through the eyes of an uncontrolled robot security officer is perfect.
Hope these appeal .😊