I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
The Space Between Us
by
Megan Hart
erotic romance in Paperback edition that was published by MIRA Books on September 4, 2012 and has 384 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Tempted, Precious and Fragile Things, Broken, Three to Tango, Vanilla, Naked, An Erotic Collection Volume 1
An erotic romance with a woman willing to be seduced into a threesome.
My Take
This was a bittersweet tale of the reality of threesomes. As much as I enjoy the idea of the Happily Ever After for a threesome, I don’t think the human species is hardwired for it to work. It’s hard enough for two people to make a relationship work, but when you add in a third. Hoo-boy. Of course, Meredith isn’t exactly playing fair in this one.
The story follows one woman with flashbacks to her childhood growing up between two worlds and the desertion of her parents to the life she’s currently living. I think Tesla is a bit naive to believe it could really work, and it’s the switch from Tesla’s initial attraction at the end that creates the twist on the plot line of the couple looking for a bit of excitement. There’s a minor twist in the Murphy brothers subplot with the boys more anxious about being open than Tesla, but I think the boys should have looked at themselves before casting that particular stone.
It was easy to be seduced into Tesla’s world. Hart created a cast of warm characters from Elaine’s open welcome, the kids’ love, Vic’s decency (although I don’t understand why he had to keep that one secret), the fun of Darek, the interaction with Tesla’s regulars, and Charlie’s sweetness.
What’s special about Tesla is that she embraces herself as she is and she accepts others with very little judgment…I don’t think anyone could avoid making judgments about Joy! Tesla cares about the people around her.
Odd note: If Vic was working undercover, when did he do it? He was always home at night and at the garage during the day.
It’s an odd thing to say, but there was a sweet eroticism to this story. Tesla is vulnerable and so hopeful. The one thing she truly wants from people is honesty.
The Story
Tesla has always been open about sex and she doesn’t fight her attraction to Meredith. She simply accepts it and accepts that it isn’t reciprocated. Meredith just isn’t that kind of woman. At least she believes this until the day of the proposition.
So not expected and Tesla so wants to accept if only to be near Meredith. It’s a slow seduction that later proves a refuge for Tesla as well as an opportunity to realize what she really wants.
The Characters
Tesla is working as a barista at Morningstar Mocha. She enjoys her work for the most part, but is beginning to wonder about her lack of ambition, her lack of expectations, and the curiosity of being twenty-six and living in someone’s basement. Captain is her younger brother, and he works at the garage with Vic.
She’s known Vic for most of her life. He was a regular at The Compound, a hippie commune, where Tesla’s family spent the summers. He rescued Tesla and Cap when their parents deserted them and has cared for them ever since. Elaine is Vic’s wife and the nicest, sweetest woman. She’s currently pregnant with their third. Simone and Max are their young children and they all adore Tesla.
Meredith is a new regular at the shop and brings a vibrancy, always asking people for their stories as she works her home-parties. She has to be in control, which conflicts with her own desires. Charlie is her husband, willing to be led, and possessing a nice sensitivity.
Joy manages the coffee shop and why she’s there, I have no idea. She certainly doesn’t enjoy her job. Darek is a fellow employee and a sweet guy with somewhat questionable taste. Brandy has issues and is clueless.
Tesla’s regulars include:
Johnny Dellasandro who frequently comes in with his grandson; Eric is an emergency room doctor who loves lists; Sadie is pregnant and loves to escape to the shop for a bit of sanity; and, Carlos is a writer.
Chase and Chance Murphy are not the first sexual partners Tesla had, but they are the first threesome. Certainly a unique incentive to study. Melissa was her first female partner.
The Cover and Title
The detail of the cover makes me think of Rembrandt’s work. It’s a black background with two red-variegated tulips curving to meet with a sombre simplicity. A bit like the ending.
The title starts and ends this story, for Charlie feels The Space Between Us.
