Genre: Science Fiction & Space Opera, LGBT
Brady Garrett needs to go home. He¿s a conscripted recruit on Defender Three, one of a network of stations designed to protect the Earth from alien attack. He’s also angry, homesick, and afraid. If he doesn¿t get home he¿ll lose his family, but there¿s no way back except in a body bag.
Cameron Rushton needs a heartbeat. Four years ago Cam was … taken by the Faceless ¿ the alien race that almost destroyed Earth. Now he¿s back, and when the doctors make a mess of getting him out of stasis, Brady becomes his temporary human pacemaker. Except they¿re sharing more than a heartbeat: they¿re sharing thoughts, memories, and some very vivid dreams.
Not that Brady¿s got time to worry about his growing attraction to another guy, especially the one guy in the universe who can read his mind. It doesn¿t mean anything. It¿s just biochemistry and electrical impulses. It doesn¿t change the truth: Brady¿s alone in the universe.
Now the Faceless are coming and there¿s nothing anyone can do. You can¿t stop your nightmares. Cam says everyone will live, but Cam¿s probably a traitor and a liar like the military thinks. But that¿s okay. Guys like Brady don¿t expect happy endings.
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I loved this book. Dark in the title is fitting as it is very dark for a romance but so well-written and exciting. Definitely recommended for anyone wanting something less sweet and more dark and gritty. Lisa Henry’s writing is wonderful.
This author is new to me, and I didn’t know what to expect when I started Dark Space. I was thoroughly captivated by this mysterious alien race and their technology. At times it sounded spooky as heck but I loved every single bit author threw my way. Told from single POV this story was mildly suspenseful, steamy and a bit angsty. There were moments that made me want to cry so bad. I love when that happens. I enjoyed figuring out the strange connection Brady and Cam had, it was very unorthodox.
Brady Garrett can be considered an unconventional character. Despite his many uncharitable thoughts there is strength in him that has kept him going – love for others. He is a very conflicted young man, and I think he needs someone like Cam to love him and help him see his own worth. There were moments here and there that proved Brady’s resilience and courage even when he was scared witless.
Cameron Rushton is a bit of enigma but in a good way. With each page I wondered about him and his 4 years as captive with Faceless. It certainly was well done how author presented it – flashbacks, memories and dreams – just enough to pique my interest and want to know what exactly happened. The Faceless, as aliens go, were fascinating to read about. Despite their differences they showed more honor and integrity than I expected.
The book can be considered slow-paced, but there is a gamut of emotions running between two men that makes it impossible to put down. The top brass constant power play, peer pressure and jealousy in enclose space, tempers running high make it a very emotionally charged read. I enjoyed this book a lot. Ms Henry’s writing style is frank and engaging, and that makes this book a real gem for me. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
3.5 rounded up
I enjoyed reading this book. The plotline was intriguing, and it was a fairly slow burn romance in a sci-fi setting. What could be better than that?
While there are many things I really enjoyed about this story, I just have to say something that I thought about a LOT while reading that goes against what many reviews have labeled this trope: GFY. I don’t know that I can honestly say I am totally on board with this description. In fact, due to the circumstances, at times, it almost felt like dub-con in a way. Not in a mean or malicious way, it just seems that Brady doesn’t really know what it is that HE really wants; he just knows that what has happened in dreams not his own, has felt good, and that becoming physical seems to help. I don’t know that he would have ever given Cam a second thought if circumstances had been different.
THAT being said, the story was really good. Brady is 19, and was conscripted at the age of 16 to serve his mandatory 10 years in space protecting human kind’s most valuable resource: women. He had to leave his sick father and little sister behind, and he wants nothing more than to go home to take care of his family. He’s had some bad experiences in the black emptiness of space already, but the doc is trying to make his life easier.
Cam absolutely loves the black emptiness of space. Until he was taken prisoner by the alien enemy of earth and its inhabitants, he was a pilot. He’s still a hero to many. But now he’s been sent back four years later with a message, or warning, from the feared Faceless. No one knows if he is friend or foe. The only thing they know for certain is that his life is inextricably bound to Brady’s.
This book is filled with angst, fear, and lust. From what I said earlier, I don’t want to give the impression that the sexy times were not enjoyed by both parties, because they most definitely were. A connection grows between Brady and Cam, and not just telepathic or symbiotic. Again, I’m never going to be certain if this devotion would have developed had they met under different circumstances, but it is what it is.
The ending wrapped up very quickly and a little too neatly for my tastes, but I am still going to be picking up the next book in the series. But for now, Brady, Cam, plus one, have a happily ever after for now ending.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *