Many years ago I read either a SF book or a short story in which there were astronauts (maybe) who encountered creatures that would suck out their life force if they got to close to them. The thing was, it felt really really good so the victims would lay back and enjoy it until they died. Does this plot ring a bell for anyone? You guys always come through no matter how vague my recollections may be, so I’m counting on you! I’d love to read it again.
“The Space Vampires”, by Colin Wilson?
Could be, but that novel was 1976 and I think what I read was older. I was pretty young when I went through my SF phase. I’ll check it out though - the theme sounds right.
Sounds a little like “Shambleau” by C. L. Moore, which is a short story from 1933.
I’ve ruled out the book mentioned first, because I don’t remember the story taking place on a ship.
Shambleau might be it. I found it online to read again, but it’s not giving me a Hallelujah, That’s Was It!
My (admittedly very foggy) recollection is that the men were on another planet, but the creature was not as humanoid as the Shambleau in the story. I am unsure.