Review: Wow...I did not see that coming!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 26, 2013
Well, hells bells.  That was NOT was I was expecting, in a completely excellent way.It's been a long time since I loved a book that I am not supposed to.  I mean, this book challenges you because it's not an easy story to read.  It's angsty, conflicting, powerful, painful and if you're anything like me, it'll make you mad (like, want to slap someone mad) in parts.  Cathy, our main character, is a complete anti-heroine.  For me, it was really hard to find things to like about her.  She seems so selfish.  Add the fact that she's married to such a sweet guy who LOVES her, Ben, and it only adds to my distaste for her.  But, I was hooked.One thing I did really like about this book was the way it was written.  Through a series of flashbacks you learn the story of Cathy and Ben, how they met in college and some of the more pivotal points in their relationship.  They're going through a tough time in their marriage after 11 years together.  Enter Arsen, whom Cathy meets through a business meeting.  He's a carefree badboy, and they seem to have an instant and consuming sexual tension and chemistry.  To his credit, once he finds out she's married, he backs off, and they continue to be "friends".  But I don't think they were ever really just friends, if you know what I mean.Arsen...oh, Arsen.  It's really impossible not to like him even though you kind of want to, and he works his way into your heart even though there should be huge, neon sign above him blinking "DANGER".  I will say that between Ben and Arsen, it was hard for me to choose a team.  They both have their strengths and weaknesses, and I don't envy Cathy's position (for the most part) in this story.I do think that the first half of the book was kind of slow.  The author takes a lot of time to set up the story, so I can see why it is, and it's worth it once you get to the second half.  But, seriously, hold on to your britches for that second half.I really want to thank this author for giving us a book that takes you out of your comfort zone.  It's brave to write a story like this, and I think it takes an immense amount of talent as well to craft a story that is this raw and unpredictable.  I was completely surprised by where it took me, and I think everyone needs to take this particular journey.  It's intense and does what any good book should do, evoke a strong reaction in the reader.  5 stars.