Title: The Space Between Us by Megan Hart
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Ménage, F/M/F, F/F, M/F
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+
Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Tesla Martin is drifting pleasantly through life, slinging lattes at Morningstar Mocha, enjoying the ebb and flow of caffeine-starved customers, devoted to her cadre of regulars. But none of the bottomless-cup crowd compares with Meredith, a charismatic force of nature who can coax intimate tales from even the shyest of Morningstar’s clientele.
Caught in Meredith’s sensual, irresistible orbit, inexpressibly flattered by the siren’s attention, Tesla shares long-buried chapters of her life, holding nothing back. Nothing Meredith proposes seems impossible—not even Tesla sleeping with Meredith’s husband, Charlie, while she looks on. After all, it’s all in fun, isn’t it?
In a heartbeat, vulnerable Tesla is swept into a spectacular love triangle. Together, gentle, grounded Charlie and sparkling, maddening Meredith are everything Tesla has ever needed, wanted, or dreamed of, even if no one else on earth understands. They’re three against the world.
But soon one of the vertices begins pulling away until only two points remain—and the space between them gapes with confusion, with grief and with possibility….
The Review:
The Space Between Us is an emotionally complex and highly erotic romance. Megan Hart begins this compelling novel with a tantalizing peak at the ending. But this glimpse gives little of the story away. Instead, it entices the reader to join Tesla, Meredith and Charlie as they embark on an intense relationship that is quickly complicated by unexpected emotions.
The Space Between Us is told in first person from Tesla Martin’s point of view. Tesla is a free spirit, marching along to the beat of her own drummer. She and her brother, Cap, were raised by rather unconventional parents who took the family to live in a commune during their summer vacations. Tesla and Cap had little parental supervision during these visits and they experienced firsthand the free lovin’, partner swapping lifestyle her parents clearly enjoyed. As a result, Tesla is very open minded when it comes to sex and she is in fact, quite comfortable with her own sexuality. She does not conform to society’s expectations and she is actually considered to be a wild child by the people in her life. Of course, Tesla does not view herself this way. She is simply leaving herself open to all possibilities of relationships regardless of the persons’ gender.
At first, Meredith comes across as a warm and caring person. She is quite charming and she easily draws everyone around her into her orbit. She entices them to tell their most interesting stories but gives very little of herself away. A master manipulator, Meredith easily maneuvers Tesla into a ménage relationship with her and her husband Charlie. Although she clearly sees Tesla’s infatuation with her, she initially holds herself back from interacting with Tesla. Slowly but surely, Tesla and Charlie begin to see Meredith for what she truly is and the dynamics of the threesome begin to shift with this new awareness.
Charlie is a sweet, sensitive man. He is hesitant at first to enter into the ménage but Meredith pretty much steamrolls over any objections. Although their marriage is rock solid on the surface, the hidden cracks are slowly revealed. Meredith holds much of herself back and communication is definitely a problem with them. The affection and attraction between Tesla and Charlie is always apparent. As Meredith’s dissatisfaction grows, the more comfortable and close Tesla and Charlie become.
Interspersed with the ménage storyline are key events from Tesla’s past. Told in flashbacks, the events reveal how she became the person she is and provide hints as to why she makes the decisions she does. They show us her hidden desires even though she herself does not know exactly what it is she is searching for.
The Space Between Us is a well-written and multilayered novel. Megan Hart’s characters are always flawed and harbor deep emotional wounds. Her stories are learning experiences for both her characters and her readers. She always manages to touch a nerve and draw gut wrenching emotions from her protagonists. There are never easy fixes and love does not come easily. Many of her novels’ endings are not traditional happily ever afters. Instead, they are always a hint that maybe, just maybe, the couple might find lasting happiness.
Anyone who enjoys a steamy story with genuine and heartfelt emotions and realistic characters is sure to love The Space Between Us.
