Review: The writing is outstanding, but the subject matter is a little hard to swallow.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 01 15, 2014
To me, this book is about the hard facts of adult life and marriage, and the decisions or indecisions we make, and in turns how those decisions affect us mentally, emotionally and physically.Ben and Cathy’s love was immediate. They were young and as far as they knew, feelings this strong were only real in books. With every breath they wanted to be together and with every touch the butterflies in their stomach soared. Their innocent love reminded me of the corky quote ‘you complete me’, yet that accurately sums up their connection.  Years after marriage they seem to have never left the honeymoon phase; loving touches, quick ‘I am thinking about you’ calls and texts message, and a sex life still ignited by fire. In addition to having foolproof love, they are financially successful. In the realm of things it sounds like they have nothing to complain about. However, there’s one distinctive element missing in their relationship; an element so addictive, not even a perfect relationship can come out the other side without flaws.Arsen and Catherine’s spark was immediate. He’s a mid-20’s playboy with daddy’s money and jaw dropping aqua eyes. Being a playboy wasn’t always his goal, but he learned at a young age that love hurts. Arsen is the man that makes your heart flutter, without effort he makes you feel like the only woman in a crowded room, he can make you hot and bothered without a touch, but when he does touch you, he WILL make you explode. Men like him are danger to a woman’s heart and Catherine is his next casualty. Catherine is in a world of extreme lust. Arsen has become the cushion to her fall, the drink to her thirst, as well as a magnitude of problems in her life.Cathy and Catherine are the same woman, and this is the story of her bizarre love triangle. She’s a self-centered, egotistical and damaged woman who somehow has two men, perfect in their own way, begging her for affection. Ben suspects his wife is cheating, at one point he smells the other man’s sent on her sleeping body, but he hopes to the end of earth that love will conquer all. Arsen’s intensions are a little more blurry, but he’s one that’s able make Catherine feel alive. And there’s something about feeling alive when you feel insignificant.Cathy was at a time in her life when she knew something was missing and desperately needed to find it. During this time she put her happiness first. Most of us will call her selfish for doing so, and I don’t disagree. I think she crossed a line, but I think it’s a line that is SSOOO easy to cross and before you know it, consequences are slapping you in the face.This review was actually challenging for me. The book will test reader’s personal morals. If you are like me, you will be shaking you head and cringing with disbelief. My first instinct was to hate Cathy, and I still can’t say I like her. Yet, as a married woman I understand her feelings; most married woman will, however most will not admit to it. In marriage, the honeymoon phase could possibly be called the best time of our lives, and rightfully so. On the other hand, it typically doesn’t last forever and when it’s gone marriage gets R.E.A.L. – real hard.In addition to the story being about fidelity, not everyone’s favorite topic, the first half of the story is extremely s..l..o..w which almost caused me to give it up before it really got started. The second half of the book is strong and severely emotional; it’s the aftermath and the finally that causes readers to become addicted. My conclusion is that readers will not like every character in every book, and that’s fine, it’s the impact of the story that truly matters.