Let There Be Light

by R. Cooper

In war-torn Europe of 1872, Karol and Hart devoted themselves to protecting England and the peace England maintained. Hart was a spy and bodyguard for Karol, a brilliant but hotheaded scientist. Their partnership was almost unstoppable... until Hart could no longer bear to see Karol in danger—or with other men—and seeing Hart repeatedly put his life on the line came to terrify Karol. Then a horrible accident separated them for what they believed would be forever.

Now the enemy's plan to kidnap Karol has Hart volunteering to guard him once again. Alone together with their fear and pain from the past might destroy them... or it might give them hope for a brighter future.

Genres: Steampunk, M M Romance, Historical, Romance, LGBT, Historical Fiction, Novella

102 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2010

About the author

I'm R. Cooper, a somewhat absentminded, often distracted, writer of queer romance. I'm probably most known for the Being(s) in Love series and The Suitable 'Verse stories. Also the occasional story about witches or firefighters in love.

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Reviews

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Despite this being Cooper’s first published work and despite this having some rough edges, the actual story and emotions completely won me over.

Hart and Karol have a history. They were paired in the military to do tasks believed to be impossible. Hart had always been the tactical muscle, talented and adept, trusted to carry out only the most difficult of missions. Karol’s a brilliant mastermind at weaponry and solving puzzles and made said missions an absolute success. Not surprisingly, there was initial antagonism between these two, but it’s made evident that they formed a powerful and effective team that worked perfectly…. until it didn’t.

There’s a time separation here. Hart had to recover from some severe injuries, and Karol quit the service altogether but still remains in the employ of her majesty, inventing important and amazing things. When Karol's life is threatened, Hart shows up at his door to do what he does best.

What is slowly revealed is the quiet torturous yearning of both these men for the other as well as the reasons why they’re not together. Despite their obvious mutual attraction, there’s definitely a lack of clarification and plenty of assumption where Karol struggles with Hart’s devout duty to everyone but himself, and Hart doesn’t want to be another conquest simply to be thrown away. This had some excellent angsty, insecure doubt and longing which is my favorite kind of conflict, showcasing complex feels and the slow unfolding of the hard truth between these two that was oh so satisfying.

Against the backdrop of a historical steampunk (which is just a bonus in my opinion) this was more than an alternate universe, romantic suspense. The love connection surprisingly impressed me with its depth, and the epilogue was just as equally wonderful for such few pages.

Take a chance on this. I’m sure glad I did.

[Drache.... (Angelika) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely as always.
This is R. Cooper's first published novel and although it's not my favourite by her and the writing isn't the smoothest, I enjoyed it.
Loved the intensity of feelings between Hart and Karol, anger, frustration, longing.

[Meags · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

R. Cooper is a well-established M/M author these days, but this steampunk themed novella is where it all began.

Being an older story, I had a few issues, namely with the writing style. It was one of those stories where characters would share dialogue, asking a question or making a statement, and then pages later, of detailed inner monologues, the other character would respond, by which point it had been so long that I couldn’t remember what the discussion was even about. This was an ongoing occurrence, practically happening every time the two MCs spoke. I found this very disorienting. It took me out of the story and often forced me to flick back and forth between pages just to re-read passages and dialogue to keep things straight, which isn’t ideal in a story of only 86 pages.

On the other hand, the world-building was very cool, especially if you’re into the steampunk genre, which in itself is quite an immersive and fascinating concept when handled correctly. I certainly liked what we gleaned here from this 19th century, alternate version of London, and my only regret is that we didn’t get to experience more of it.

I can also see how this romance would be considered fairly epic by some readers, featuring a longing and desperation from its two leads, who have spent years apart, due to circumstances, professional stations and dangerous shared experiences that have misshaped how each character perceived the other’s true feelings.

It could be said that some miscommunication was at play here, which I rarely enjoy, but my main issue was that, when given the chance to communicate and open up properly here, these two seemed to talk in riddles, making their feelings and intentions hard to grasp, even when the final page had turned.

There was a lot of complex feelings and mutual longing between these characters, no doubt, which I appreciated, but I ultimately felt that their romance was too obscure, leaving me feeling like I needed more than was possible in these limited pages.

Still, this was a fairly impressive first published story from Cooper, considering the lofty themes and world-building involved in the steampunk genre. An expanded and revised edition may not be on the table, unfortunately, but it would certainly be something I’d be eager to read if it ever came to pass.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb. This is one of my favourites. I absolutely love it. I've read this several times and it doesn't ever lose its power. It's set in an AU Victorian London and takes place over almost exactly twenty-four hours and the story consists almost entirely of two men with a lot of history in a room together avoiding talking to each other. It's spectacularly good. Completely enthralling. The tension is magnificent. This is a tight little story full of depth and subtlety and subtext where not just every word, but every eye blink and breath and not-look matters and it gets me right in the heart every time. On the surface, Hart and Karol are cold and distant and a little tetchy and wishing they weren't stuck together in this room, but at its core, it's an intensely emotional love story and it's so moving and they are wonderful together. There are no sweet nothings or grand romantic gestures or passionate declarations of love; there's mostly just hard words, and raw emotion is suffused into every mundane little action and it's so powerful, and so full of love underneath it all and between the lines. It's a gorgeous story about love and it's so well crafted. I think it's kind of perfect. I love this book.

[Achim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just knew that guided by R.Cooper I can enjoy steam-punk which usually isn't my cup of tea. Okay, here steam-punk is only some kind of background setting where 2 guys are circling each other like tigers waiting for the other to finally give in but it makes the whole setting interesting, gives it a certain alluring color. Nevertheless it's not about the technical gimmicks of that genre but about the relation between Karol and Hart where both know that they need and want each other but assume that the other doesn't want the same thing on the same condition. You know that one will give in finally but on the same time that struggle is captivating you don't want it to end so soon. You wonder how long the author is able to prolong the inevitable believably.

Reading that story cost me my needed sleep but it was worth it. Couldn't stop just because I only had a few hours left until the wake-up call ... and now I know another couple I want to read more about and looking at the end of the story there has to be something more because the reason why both guys met again and why Hart sees the need to protect Karol is not solved. Ms.Cooper: I need to know what happened after Karol left the tower! Seems like the start of a nice adventure and I don't want to miss that.

[Plainbrownwrapper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an odd but very interesting steampunk romance. It's a sort of vignette looking into the lives of these two characters -- it drops you into the middle of their lives and only lets you see one short day of it.

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My father, like many others, had a belief—tikkun olam—contribute to the world. Perfect it. Leave it a better place,” — Karol

Warnings: From R.Cooper herself..."References to violence, torture; Onscreen sex; Facial scars/public reaction to them." And I have no notes.

Let There Be Light is a character-driven book with Karol does not pretend to be anything he isn't. Hart is a soldier, a good one and loyal to his men. He has never had an experience quite like the ones he's had in the company of Karol. His extensive and easily recognisable scarring is treated with respect. It is set over 24 hours it is a delicate balance of deception of self and truth. They have a history that much is made obvious from the outset but the truth isn't revealed until later in the piece. It is essentially only the two of them for the entire story and given the exceptionally short time frame that is a good thing but the plot is simple enough so it is more about the characters for me.

I appreciate how the elements come together. There is something appealing about a man written as Karol is, unknowingly in a way user, with an extremely high IQ with an equally low EQ. Hart's nature is more balanced, able to understand people's emotions but still able to nearly keep up with Karol's intelligence. A genius scientist who takes his pleasure where he can find it (he is essentially a manwhore) but never lets his heart get involved. One night and then he never wants to see you again. The refrains that are used multiple times to tie everything together. This is an author who knew her limitations and chose not to exceed them. I feel it shows a remarkable respect for the characters and the reader. When writers attempt to eclipse their writing skill when it comes to intimate scenes I find it can damage a character, or alter their whole character type. I

Some quotes I liked
• He was something to see in action, fearless where the pursuit of knowledge was concerned. — This is about Karol. As a librarian and someone with a strong interest in sociology and research, I totally understand this trait. I really like that it is written as a positive trait here. Then again R. Cooper is a strong supporter of libraries. (Hart)
• Acts between men had only been officially decriminalized for ten years, but Karol had been taking advantage of the Crown’s willingness to overlook the misbehavior of its top minds—provided they produced results—for years before then. It had been yet another reason his assistants and security details had never lasted. Each man might have been hoping for more, but all they’d gotten was one night. — I don't know why I feel the need to include this but I do. It adds context in the book, but I also really like the phrasing and what it says about Karol. It is a polite way to call him a manwhore. (Hart)
• “If you were mine, Hart, and not Victoria’s, I would treat you better. If you were mine, I would not allow this.” — Victoria is Queen Victoria, as is common for a steampunk setting. Hart is in her service. This is something of a refrain for this book. It is because of his duty to Victoria that Hart is covered in scars. Those scars make Karol angry. (Karol)
• Karol loved him. Unbelievable. But Karol did not come in pieces. He was wonderful and terrible and Hart wanted all of him. — When Karol is in he's in. It suits his character type, more academic and quite bitter. (Hart)
• “Run away? Or to you?” Karol raised his eyebrows. “I can take care of myself. You try to remember that, and watch out for yourself.” He handed the patch back to Hart, smiled slightly as Hart took it and stuffed it into his coat. His smile faded when he met Hart’s eyes. “Don’t hide from me again. Please.” — There is a strong sense of tenderness to this line. Or as tender as I think Karol can get. (Karol)
• During the day, during nearly every moment of waking, he was Victoria’s. He was service. — Does anyone know Babylon 5? This reminds me of the line associated with Psycorps. "The corps is Mother, the corps is Father." It was a knee-jerk reaction of a thought. I always associate that line with pure duty, duty to the detriment of the rest of their life. (Hart)
• “Fiat lux,” he said, ignoring Isabel’s puzzled exhalation.
Let there be light. — Going to be honest these are the best last lines I've read in a while. They are perfect for the story. Though these are only the last lines of the main story, not the last lines of the book. The phrase is Latin a language Karol despises. (Hart)

At the end of the main story, there is a bonus called A Day Like Today. It is a fantastic addition the the original. I'm so glad R. Cooper chose to include it. It is a switch in perspective. It gives the reader an idea of exactly what Karol suffers through as what is essentially a military husband leaves. His near sincere jealousy of the queen and not a little anger and fear. Karol is a jealous, jealous man. The idea of Karol playing with pleasure/pain just works, it suits him. Robert/Hart is so different in this to the original he is still arrogant but we see his loving partner and devoted soldier sides in absolute combat for domination. With the soldier victorious, as Karol expects. But it is the altered perspective that makes this. Seeing the difference between how Hart perceives Karol and how Karol perceives Hart.

Some quotes I liked from the bonus.
• But all of that had been before. Before he had Robert in his bed, and Robert’s scars to kiss, and Robert’s mocking little smiles replaced by private, glancing, surprisingly tender touches. — I appreciate the switch in perspective. Though it is difficult to write as a far more analytical mind such as Karol's. There is a beauty is this writing. (Karol)
• “I love you,” he said, unoriginal and raw as he was only around Robert. He could not have borne it if Robert had died, could not have borne it no matter what Robert hoped in his brutal yet idealistic mind. — That idea of a brutal, idealistic mind is one that I don't come across often. (Karol)
• I adore the cover of this. I likely would have gotten to it eventually given it is Cooper's first published work. But It was the cover that drew me in. I like steampunk and the cover is just fantastic it is one of the few that actually very, very nearly aligns to the characters too.

I really enjoyed this, more than I was concerned about. This was R. Cooper's first piece of professional writing I was concerned about seeing something I didn't want to see. As a first publication, this is nearly exceptional. It is clear to see why R. Cooper has the fanbase she does with this as a launch point. Honestly, a must-read for her fans. Not a bad steampunk the elements aren't overused combined with reasonable romance for those who like character-driven over smex-driven arcs.

Karol’s stomach flipped and tightened, his heart raced, his palms felt damp. If he could have, he would have driven this thing from him, used electricity to shock it apart or into pieces so small he could not find them. It would destroy the fabric he was made of, that the universe was made of. To split such pieces into tinier fragments painted pictures of catastrophe that Karol could not explain, but at that moment he would have welcomed an explosion, especially one that would have rocked the world. — Karol

A representative gif:

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me say first that as a new fan to both steampunk and m/m, I was intrigued the moment I saw the description for this novella. If I enjoy both separately, why not together, right? In the case of Let There Be Light there is no separating the two genres, the story just is. Comfortably, achingly, beautifully is. This is storytelling at its best - when you stop looking for a familiar plot formula and instead breathe with the characters, happy to live in the moment with them.

To read more of Karol and Hart would be bliss.

R Cooper's writing style is fluid and descriptive. She weaves complex emotions deftly into the interplay between the two men, as they attempt to banter their mutual, and yet unfulfilled, attraction to each other away. The past between them is slowly unfurled, but never fully explained, and the future looms heavily between the two as the novella closes. There is so much more to know that I can only hope R Cooper decides to share it.

[L-D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story had a lot of potential but ended way too abruptly. I think the length of the story made it difficult to follow the development of the characters. We know they have a past and we learn about it in snatches and scraps, but I didn't really get the entire reason why they were apart or why Karol was such a slut. I think that part of the story bothered me a bit. I liked the storyline a lot and I liked the internal monologues about their past missions and how well they worked together and how they slowly began to act like a team. I think the story could have used a lot more of that so that we can get a better feel for their connection as friends and lovers.

I was also really getting into the story but it felt to me that it ended without a real conclusion or any closure. I liked the story but I think it could have been a fully developed 5 star full length novel.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice story but it had a lot more potential. For the characters, the world building and the romance.
The plot and story is in my opinion not really there because we don't see a conclusion
It was the first published book by this author but in my opinion it would be great to have either a longer version or a second book...
Maybe we get another one ... I would certainly buy it

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish it was longer! Yet, I really liked it.

This book was gifted by Holly Gingersnap. Thank you so much!

[Deja Dei · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little apprehensive about reading this book because I really don't know anything about steampunk. I was worried it might be overly technical and bogged down with a lot of mechanical descriptions, but it really wasn't. The story is character driven and the action is never confusing. I took a chance on this book because some friends described it as being very different and unique, two qualities I am always seeking in my fiction. I'm so glad I decided to give this book a chance, because it really is quite original. My fears about long, boring passages describing weird gadgets were completely unfounded.

The story takes place in a fantasy version of Victorian England. I guess this is pretty typical to steampunk, but like I said I am really new to the genre. Carol is a brilliant and eccentric scientist and inventor. He's also unabashedly gay and quite promiscuous. He gets away with this behavior because his skills are so valuable to the government, they'rer willing to overlook his indiscretions. Hart, the spy charged with protecting Carol from foreign enemies who want his secrets, is much more reserved.

These two have had quite a history together, been on many adventures and in many dangerous situations. Eventually neither can stand seeing the other in danger, and their partnership dissolves. Though there has always been tension, the two of them have never taken their relationship beyond friendship and business. Part of the reason for this is that Carol likes to take things apart, to dissect them and see how and why they work as they do, and Hart is just not comfortable under that kind of scrutiny. Also, the events of the past weigh heavily on both Carol and Hart and influence their present-day behavior. At times, the novella feels almost like a psychological portrait of these characters and how everything they've been through together has shaped the men they've become.

I highly recommend Let There Be Light. It is very different from anything I've read in a long time, and the characters are spectacular: very well-rounded, subtle, and enthralling even when they're not at their best. The author has done a great job of making them seem human. Their thoughts and actions stem logically from the events of their pasts.

If I could change one thing, I'd like this to be a full-length novel so I could actually watch Hart and Carol on their adventures instead of seeing them in flashback. This doesn't detract from the story, though. I'm just wishing for more of a good thing.

~De

[piranha · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous short story. oh yes, it'd be lovely if we had a prequel and a sequel, or if this were a full novel, because the glimpse we get into the 24 hours of these characters' lives is fascinating, and i for one want to know more about them, about what happened before, and where they will go from here.

but as an example of a thoughtful, interesting, character-driven, tightly-plotted short story, this rocks, even if i never find out more about the characters. that's why i am giving it 5 stars, even though i almost ache with wanting to know more. it is that good; far better than the genre usually offers. ghods, i sound like a total fanboi. ;)

[Sammy Goode · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ONLY reason this got 4 stars is because it is in desperate need of a sequel AND a prequel--I want to know more about these boys, the time period and their relationship! This book sizzles with tension both sexual and relational--it is a really fast read and a good one! Please, please, R. Cooper--more??

[Jaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of R. Cooper's earlier books and it's wordy as hell, lol. We have to have a description of every single muscle twitch either of these guys have. But OH MAN. This book is still AMAZING, just like everything she does. She is very, VERY good at longing, mutual pining, mutually unrequited, and finally getting to be with the person who has complete wrecked you for years.

IT'S FANTASTIC.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Really, really wanted a little more at the end. What happens next!?!?

The sexual tension between the characters was great and liked the steampunk setting.

[Jilrene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I started this short story, I didn't think I'd like steampunk. I am so very glad I took a chance and read it anyway. I enjoyed reading this so much I'm going to try other steampunk stories. ;)

[Raymond Mathiesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let There Be Light

Love and hatred: two sides of men.

Victoria is Queen of England and hostilities rage in Europe as enemy states vie for supremacy. Technology is struggled over in a secret war of espionage and counter espionage. Karol, a brilliant but temperamental scientist, has been caught up in this war. Hart, an agent of Victoria, has been sent to protect him. But this is not a first meeting. The two have a long history of adventure, struggle and conflict. Old disputes between them re-emerge, but for the next few hours, the two must be together.

R. Cooper really excels in this tense psychological piece. She portrays two men, both tough in their own separate ways, circling around one another, fighting, playing games, calculating, joking, reminiscing, and admiring one another. If you are looking for a plot driven story you would do well to look elsewhere, but if you want to get into the minds of people, to see the complexity of their thoughts, and to feel their emotions, then this is the book for you.

The story covers a few short hours so the book is necessarily brief. Cooper keeps the characters moving around one another, skilfully revealing more and more of the truth so the reader is kept intrigued. This tale is never boring. The conversation between the two characters is filled with tension. We cannot help but wonder where things are going, who will 'win'?

The characters, as I say, are complex. Cooper has created to men that 'live'. There is nothing standard about either. Under less skilled hands this could have been a simple 'spy' and 'mad scientist' story (cardboard cut outs), but Cooper instead intrigues us, keeps us guessing as to history, actions and motivations.

Cooper's theme is the love/hate relationship that can develop between strong minded men. Pride keeps men separate, yet friendship, shared struggle, draws then together. This is no simple gay romance.

There is a sex scene in the story, but I would hardly call this book erotica. Cooper is more interested in the meeting of two minds than the mechanics of two bodies touching.

This story really intrigued me and I am happy to award it five stars.

[Pernilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently an early work of Cooper's, and it shows. The characters are good, the setting intriguing (a kind of steampunk AU historical), but the pacing is a bit off. Everything is kind of gearing up to some big dangerous event, at the same time as the two MCs struggle through all their common baggage from their previous history, and their misunderstandings about each other, but in the end the big showdown doesn't even take place on page, which leaves you feeling a bit dangling. That said, Cooper's skill with words is apparent, and it's not badly told, just sort of... incomplete.

[Guadalupe]

R Cooper is a master of in media res, so to speak. She gives us a couple that has a past - a past we get to know as the narration unravels it, bit by bit, so we're both thrilled by the discovery and by what is moving the action forward, moving the characters toward each other. This book is a great example of that, and the world building is so fascinating, and she manages to do all that in what could be a novella or a short story, depending on how you wish to classify it. She's a truly brilliant author.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aahhh how I wish this book and its story was longer. R.Cooper created a wonderful world with enough backstory that made me so interested in what happens next, also with great strong characters! It was amazing. For it to be 5 stars, there was really just the need to actually have the story finished (since it did not really!).

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite R. Cooper - this one was especially tortured and twisty. Interesting premise but required a lot of close attention and I'm still not sure I got aspects of it, nor that I will especially remember it.

[Laurie Takao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and complex characters rounded out in such a short format! I thoroughly enjoyed the tension between them with the Steampunk world providing so much background. What a great first novella. I would have loved to read a Hart and Karol series.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM romance between a cranky scientist and the stoic solider who guards him.
Typos: lead (present tense) is twice used for led (pas tense). A few sentences separate parenthetical clauses or changes of direction with commas.

[Z. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The interesting thing about this book is that there's a content warning for "facial scars/public reaction to them," but not for "character who routinely throws dishes at his love interest."

Not my favorite version of toxic romance. Also I just don't care about steampunk.

[Smch · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story was good but the end was too abrupt like it was missing some part.

[Indira Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute.

[Poptart19 (the name’s ren) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Good prose, great setting, decently unique characters, & lovely slow burn.

[dee~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually quite good for a debut. Could have been expanded here and there, but shows R. Cooper's unique style already. Enjoyed it!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 rating A historical romance set in 1872, a queens guard has to protect a brilliant scientist he has secretly loved for the past 3 or more years. Can he resist him?