The Space Between

by Maggie Robbins

Two women fight for love and careers, in a romance that takes to the stars…

Commander Ruby Peters career ambitions as an astronaut take her to incredible heights, flying three hundred miles above the Earth, aboard the International Space Station. Committed to her extraordinary mission, life on that little blue planet feels a bit irrelevant. That is until she meets Dr. Carter.

Dr. Daphne Carter’s exemplary two-decade tenure studying astronauts has come to an exciting climax, as she prepares to venture to space for the very first time. A woman of science, Daphne is all work and no play, but while collaborating alongside the beautiful and charming Ruby, she finds herself beginning to unravel.

The two can’t deny it. There’s chemistry between them, as hot as the ignited rocket engines on a space shuttle. As perfect as they may seem for one another, their secret romance brings back pieces of a past Daphne fought desperately to forget, and threatens the careers that she and Ruby have worked their entire lives for…

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Science Fiction, Audiobook, Space, Fiction

324 pages, Paperback

First published December 14, 2021

About the author

Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Less recent books and editions were released as Magnolia Robbins

Reviews

[pipsqueakreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astronauts!

Maggie Robbins has written one of my all-time favourite books - Forbidden Melody. So I was thrilled to find out that she's written a new one. And it's about astronauts. Interesting!

This is definitely my first book with an astronaut as a main character and I like her. Ruby is smart and a little cheeky and she has her eye on Daphne, the ice queen scientific researcher whom she has spent months studying because of a project. Daphne is fasinating to get to know. She has a serious personality, curt in the way she deals with people at times and shortchanged in her professional life. Ruby and Daphne are similar in where they are in life - outstanding individuals in their field and established in their careers - but are also very different in personality and they make a perfect power couple.

Daphne spends only three weeks in the International Space Station and the rest of the time on Earth. This means the couple don't spend much time together physically, but I'm surprised by how I never felt the distance between them. Robbins kept the chemistry and relationship going throughout the story.

This book also deals with misogyny in the male-dominated field of science and a lot of angst is generated from there rather than the romance. I thought it's a good topic but the conclusion feels a little too easy and more can be done to develop the redemption and retribution arcs.

This is a refreshing story and I enjoyed it!

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Mildred Gail Digby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read featuring astronauts in a non-SF book and. I really enjoyed it. I felt the setting on the ISS was really well done and felt very realistic.

The romance was an age-gap slow-burn with a rocky start. The two MCs are separated for a lot of it, but the relationship actually develops the most while they are apart. The ingenious ways they manage to communicate were great. I enjoyed the developing romance between the astronaut Ruby and the older and more withdrawn Daphne, who has never been with a woman before. The sexual tension was great and the two of them have some cute and sweet moments as their feelings grow.

One of the themes of this book is sexism in STEM industries. It was so frustrating and aggravating to see (which means it was done well). The baddies were *really* annoying and I wanted to see them get way worse outcomes.

There were a few things I didn’t love about the novel. The first one is the POV. I’m not a huge fan of first person switching and I was continually confused whose head I was in. The voices were very similar and it was very difficult to feel sympathy for either character because I kept having to check who was who. I enjoyed the story in spite of the POV but I didn’t necessarily feel a connection to the characters.

Another point I’d like to see is more introspection by Daphne as she becomes aware of her sexuality. Luckily homophobia doesn’t appear to exist in this world so when she’s attracted to a woman it’s not really an earth-shattering realization that causes her to reevaluate entire sections of her life, but more like: “oh wow, this is a first for me”.


Not sure if this is a spoiler…

The black moment was followed by an interval of non-communication, which had already been done once before, which I felt was begged by the plot to give (one of the characters) time to fully recover from being in space so we could have the (ahem) scene we’ve been waiting for.

Speaking of which, the intimate scenes were well done and just spicy enough for me. I liked how the characters communicated with each other.

Overall, a satisfying read that kept me turning the pages with an original premise that I haven’t seen before in lesfic.




My rating: four stars

I received this ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review

[AnnMaree Of Oz]

Did Not Finish when at 35% in after so many antagonistic scenes of back and forth, where the relationship was making very little headway - one character says

“I was worried before I met you that we’d never get along. And yet, the more I’m around you, the more I think you’re the first person that I’ve ever met who seems to really get me on a level that most people don’t, you know?”
“I completely understand,” I replied, nodding. “The feeling is very much mutual.”

While I'm left with my mouth wide open in shock, because they literally do not get each other, at all, and the author hasn't shown any real relatability or understanding between them!!

The entire story so far has been nothing but hostile and resistant, mainly via MC Dr Daphne Carter being especially gruff. I get it, she's a female in a male dominated field trying to prove herself - but her talking down to the other MC (who we are supposed to believe is a 'love interest') in Commander Ruby Peters, is just irritating and grating.

There's no charm or attraction here. How can I continue reading, when the line above made me so jilted and shocked, I guffawed like a donkey in disbelief!?

Not rating since I dnf, lots of details about the project and space station, but the human elements were sorely lacking.

[Miss KittyKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story. I had to finish it in one sitting and stayed up late to do that. I loved the setting at NASA and on the International Space Station. The two MCs were a contrast to each other. Commander Ruby Peters was friendly and had a sense of humor. The scientist Dr. Daphne Carter was prickly and stand offish. Ruby soon melts the doctor's heart. I liked how Daphne dealt with sexism in her work and from her boss. Well written. I would like more stories set on the International Space Station.

[LeeBookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fantastic romance from Maggie Robbins. A portion of the story takes place aboard a space station which was such an awesome setting.
The age-gap romance between an astronaut and a scientist is a very well-paced slow-burn.

[Mary Gallucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely gorgeous book! Some of my favorite things about it, trying to avoid spoilers:
-The way the women deeply, genuinely, show-not-tell admire each other
-I love in romance when most of the conflict is not *between* the MCs, and in this case it is mostly them together vs. misogyny; when there IS conflict between the MCs, it is both clearly motivated and rectified in a really emotionally satisfying way
-The (significant!!) age gap is handled in a way that feels both realistic and totally comfortable, with a really fine-tuned balance of power throughout
-The supporting character friendships
-The way Ruby stands up to misogyny and is SO articulate and sharp and fearless
-How much research went into this?! I'm completely sold on the "troponin activator drug trial" that serves as the very prominent NASA project throughout the book.
-Villain who has just enough positive qualities to be even more unnerving (and realistic)
-Watching Daphne soften and learn to trust is such a visible beautiful process
-The slow burn is SO EFFECTIVE, amazing pacing!
-Lovely chess metaphor
-Gorgeous planet Earth scenery
-Cute research rats!

Audiobook coming soon!!

[Susan Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance with a gorgeous backdrop of space and the ISS. There were a few uneven parts, mostly some disproportionately mean comments from one of the women, and I wished for a lot more terrible things to happen to the douchey ex husband. But the setting here is really creative and I loved that.

[Henry Ames · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, it's not a horrible book but I did not enjoy it. Definitely not my style. I was cringing so many times while listening to this book. I mean, phone/photo sex in space? yuck, so unrealistic. I think the author must have had some terrible experiences with men in the professional world- why else make such unbelievable vial and detestable male characters? Also, the characters are so naive about the unity of women and the acceptance of homosexuality. Maybe this book was written a decade or two ago, I'm not sure, but reading it in 2022 made me uncomfortable with how the characters handled the central conflict (their relationship). Overall, I would not recommend it. Unless you are a 40-year-old closeted lesbian who has been harassed and belittled by male colleagues your entire life and wants to vent that anger through an unrealistic sappy sapphic romance novel- this is a hard pass. I will say though, that beyond the unrealistic plot, Robbins did a good job composing this novel in terms of structure, rising/falling action, climax, and grammar.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that is engaging, takes us 3 miles above the Earth, and doesn’t fit into the same cookie cutter mold as most books in this genre, then I’d recommend this book. Maggie Robbins did her research for this one and through her vivid descriptions, the reader is able to see what the characters see. Ruby and Daphne’s love for one another will make you swoon while the blatant sexism will make you grind your teeth. This definitely on my reread shelf!

[Beta The Ninth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
Really don't understand the high praise for this one. Like the dudes in power (who were just absolute trash the entire book) are all sexist assholes but in the end absolutely nothing happens to them except they decide to give her her position back.
Just ended very poorly, I almost wish I didn't finish it because I did enjoy some of it. And I also very much dislike the cover of this book.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby and Daphne's story is a slow burn age gap. It's a sci-fi setting in the International Space Station between the commander and the doctor researching. I like the originality of it, it was a refreshing read, with dual POVs, but they felt similar and something was missing, I wanted to connect more to the story and characters. I really enjoyed watching how Ruby wins Daphne's heart. It was a good audio to listen, the narration by Mary Helen Gallucci was good, although being both characters quite similar in writing sometimes it was difficult to keep on who is who if you stopped for a while and resume the audio. Overall I would give it a go for the refreshing story.




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[Jonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It had some good tropes - age-gap, ice queen, toaster - but was set firmly in male-dominated STEM-land and also was an interesting examination of how the patriarchy takes down women in science.

The protagonists are both well written and likable in their own ways. Ruby is an astronaut who has already accomplished much in her career and Daphne is an older scientist who is the foremost expert on spinal issues arising from zero gravity environments. She has been screwed by the patriarchy in her scientific pursuits before (and specifically by her ex-husband) and is paralyzed when history repeats itself. Both women are strong, driven, and want to be their absolute best in all things. Their mutual attraction developed at a believable pace and I appreciated that while a toaster story, the angst Daphne experienced was not about that - she took it rather in stride.

As a former scientist, I have witnessed or been made aware of truly horrifying situations where men use their authority/connections/resources/good old boy status to gaslight women, take their research, exclude them from discoveries, and worse. Sadly this is all too prevalent across scientific disciplines and while the story told here was extreme (it is fiction after all) it was not as beyond the pale as many readers probably assume. I appreciate that Maggie Robbins took the time to tell this story and wrote a brief afterword about the need for more women in STEM.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, detailed romantic drama

Maggie has created us a host of utterly adorable (and detestable, but more of him later) characters that just grow and grow through the book. Ruby is our optimistic, determined and loyal NASA Astronaut. She meets our stoic, frosty scientist, Daphne and through the magic of space, seen through some incredibly vivid descriptions of the International Space Station, they fall in love.

Maggie spins a very engaging story for us, charting the highs of their relationship and the lows. Sadly for Daphne and Ruby, the lows seem to be accompanied by a few particularly slimey and unlikeable villains who deserve a flight into space in their own right - without the spacesuit. Maggie does a great job of making me wish a certain individual may find slugs in his cornflakes, leeches in his underwear and sleeping gas in his oxygen. 

Under all of this, despite the beautifully vivid space setting that Maggie brings to life for us, this is fundamentally a story of love and as such it's beautiful and sweet. 

What a movie this would make!

This review is based on a kindly given ARC copy but the review is not influenced by that. 

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was well written. It had a nice flow. I ADORED Dr. Carter and smiled at her little acts of professing a deeper love than even she was aware … I did not love the book. Perhaps it was the way the subject matter was intertwined so much into the story. I’m not a huge fan of Sci-fi and although this book cannot be classified as one, it was just a little TOO science for me. But great pains were taken to get us to understand just what was going on and why it was so important.
The detail of Earth in space is hard to put into words. When one sees something that takes the breath away how can you put it to words? It’s like writing poetry and not everyone can do that. Maggie Robbins does just that with such eloquence that it brought such a longing to see it as Ruby saw it. M. Robbins managed to help Dr. Carter see what she saw AND so much more. (I hope it can say that without giving anything hints away. Just to be safe going to check the spoilers option)
I live on the Space coast. I can see and am privy to every rocket or shuttle that arches up and out of the atmosphere. I have to say it never gets old. Space it such a mystery and for those of us who will never be able to experience weightlessness while looking down upon the Earth, this is the next best thing. The attention to detail is Phenomenal!!
BRAVO! I can certainly feel the passion within this book. You poured your heart out to us and we thank you!

[MissAlice · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I saw a new book by this author I knew I would quickly be swept away in a well-written, poignant, beautiful piece of fiction. And that is exactly what happened.

It took me a few days to read this book as I found myself huffing and puffing over the sexism the women in science face, and then getting all teary eyed at the united front. There is a magic this writer weaves- from the plot, to the dialogue, to the overall feel the book is able to convey to the reader and it is a marvel to be a part of. You feel as though you've read an autobiography of an astronaut or a woman of science with how in-depth it goes into the minutiae of space travel and the subsequent research; it doesn't deter, it encompasses you and you find yourself floating away with the space station and imagining the blue dot with them. It is a remarkable book, you won't put it down, you'll want more, and you will enjoy every single chapter. She taps into the kid in us, the one that spent hours wishing on shooting stars and wondering at the night sky.

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! Ruby, the astronaut is so cute and loveable. Daphne the scientist is the perfect ice queen that Ruby can melt. Daphne is studying spinal changes is astronauts that are in space for a long time. She is to be the civilian scientist to bring her lab rats onto the space station. Ruby had months to study up on Dr. Daphne Carter, as she floated abored the space station. Shes not to far from eclipsing the current record for being in space. She is going to work with Daphne and take over the lab rats after Daphne leaves the space station.

Having to work together, the two women become friends. In fact, they grow closer than friends. But when Daphne is back on earth, things have changed. Actually, they started to change before she went to space. She could lose her job if Dr. Hale, her boss finds out about her and Ruby.

This is a very good, slow burn, ice queen, nice girl, older woman, younger woman, bad boss and evil ex-husband story. Read it, you won't be disappointed!

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the beginning. The descriptions are so detailed it often made me feel as if I was on the ISS myself along with Ruby and Daphne. Some parts even had me holding my breath as the author wrote about how magnificant earth looked like from space and I was imagining it in my head. Both MC's are so passionate about their job it left me in awe of their courage to work in male dominated workplaces. Both Daphne and Ruby possess more self-control than me for being able to muster up the energy to not lash out at all the horrible men in their life.
The romance between the two is really cute and I love that it's not about the impact their orientation will have on their life but rather the impact love will have on their careers. Their dates are really adorable and I found myself smiling when reading those parts.

An ARC was sent to me by the author in exchange of an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

The whole beginning of this book has some weird uncomfortable argumentative tones to it, all the characters save for the astronauts on the station are passive aggressive and needlessly argumentative.

This book seems very well researched at first glance, but it misses the key detail that none of the central characters act the way astronauts act. The author gets a lot of details about science and technical details correct but absolutely misunderstands how astronauts and NASA as an organization behave. Like the simple fact that the mental health of astronaut crews is factored in and filtered for during selection and people who can't get along with anyone would simply not be chosen to fly in the first place. Let alone the wild unprofessionalism of the academic corporate side of things on earth. It strains credulity.

The wild back and forth of scientific terms being tossed around and then characters acting like they're in a soap opera was simply not my vibe. To each their own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a retired engineer, I always enjoy books about women in unusual occupations and you don't get much more unusual than astronaut and space scientists. I certainly identified with the macho culture and the men taking credit and pushing the women into boxes. Ms Robbins has written a fast moving, interesting and heart warming book about how people find their way through difficulties because they are destined to be together even when they aren’t even on the same planet…

Recommended for a few hours of escapism and a look at a whole different world.

[Carolyn G. Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Novel

Commander Ruby Peters is an astronaut and spending a year and a half on the International Space Station. She lives to be in space and wants to be there to set a record. When Dr. Daphne Carter is scheduled to come to the ISS to conduct research on the effects of space on the spine to expand the ability for distant space travel she is enthralled by her vision and dedication. The story of two dedicated, ambitious career women who dare to go three hundred miles above the earth. Recommend totally.

[Mayra Luria · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful and uplifting story

I read to escape the pressures of everyday life and to offset the amount of professional reading I have to do. When I find a book that not only entertains me but also offers inspiration and hope I consider it a super win. I don’t know how I found Maggie Robbins but it certainly was a gift. The Space Between is all the things I just mentioned and a wonderful love story. I’m looking forward to reading more of Maggie Robbins books.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance for the ages

I loved the story. I've always loved things dealing with outer space and love. When you put the two together that's right up my alley. Thanks to Maggie for doing both. I loved the whole story. From the first time these to women meet face to face on a computer to them meeting in person to them acknowledging the attraction to their love for each other. Great story. Thanks

[Laetitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb - must read!

I absolutely LOVED the book. The story is fresh (I haven't read anything similar before, which is great), its exciting and a beautiful love story. I also enjoyed learning about space travel and felt it was very well researched by the author. I Highly recommended this novel.

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool read

I enjoyed this book, particularly the chemistry between the two main characters. I liked the strong female roles too. I did find some of the phrasing a bit repetitive, but it wasn't anything major. All up, an exciting and emotional read that pulls at the heart strings and has you waving a feminism flag. Oh and space, space is awesome.

[Faraona del sol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely

This is an out of the world experience, sweet and lovely, I really enjoyed it, the characters are smart and brave, women battling in a world of men. I definitely recommend it.

[Lindsay Ottens · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful story about feminism and equal rights based off gender and sexuality. The author did a great job of capturing the medical side of things in the scientific side of things you can tell a great deal of research went into this project.

This really was a beautiful story of self discovery!!

I would love to see more of these two!!

[Riv · Rating 5 out of 5]

So in love with this one, thank you

[A.KATHLEEN PANCAKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and delightful

A double love story, both between two dynamic women, and Space. It moves me deeply and I recommend it highly.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kathleen Worthem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I want to go to space and fall in love! Lol! The story felt really genuine. Maggie really paints a great picture with her words!