This is a standalone novel. It does however advance the overall story in glimpses of what had happened prior to this point. This story seems even darker than those that came before it, maybe because both the main characters involved are human. The pacing is perfect to allow you to savor every dark moment or contemplate what is happening to them. The characters are very well drawn and pull you in because they have personalities that make them accessible.

Major Darby McCabe has been in love with her CO (commanding officer for a very long time but has never said anything to him. While on a salvage mission to Petra to go through the wreckage of a suspected K’lahn ship an accident causes her to come in contact with a strange pebble that has an effect on her. Her feelings are intensified and she starts to make plans that could hurt everyone involved.

Colonel Ethan Saracen has feelings for Major McCabe but wants to wait to the war is over before he lets her know. After the mission on Petra she hardly speaks to him, only follows orders and nothing more. So when she comes and invites him out he believes they are about to get to the root of their problems. What happens instead is his abduction and subjugation by a woman he loves and learns to hate. Can obsession bring love or only loss?

I find that I like the fact that these alpha males are brought to their knees by the women in their lives. But they are a weepy bunch of soldiers. The fact that there is a wider story buried within the tales of these couples is really good. This has an element of mystery as well as the romance, sex, and great aliens. I am totally invested in these stories and cannot wait for the next one. Whether you start here or at the beginning, you should start.

There are themes of non-consensual sex, torture, and abduction. If you find any of this not to your liking, then you should pass.