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A Perfect Marriage
Broken Vows
To their friends, family and neighbors, Celine and Max Archer had a perfect marriage. Only the Archers knew they'd never been in love, and that nights of passion were few and far between. Still, both thought the other happy with the dry-eyed deal they'd made instead of vows.
Until Max broke the bargain—by wanting more. And suddenly, after twelve peaceful years, the perfect marriage was over.
But when Celine realized how much she loved her husband, was it too late to get him back? For unbeknownst to Max, they'd been blessed with a new beginning….
To their friends, family and neighbors, Celine and Max Archer had a perfect marriage. Only the Archers knew they'd never been in love, and that nights of passion were few and far between. Still, both thought the other happy with the dry-eyed deal they'd made instead of vows.
Until Max broke the bargain—by wanting more. And suddenly, after twelve peaceful years, the perfect marriage was over.
But when Celine realized how much she loved her husband, was it too late to get him back? For unbeknownst to Max, they'd been blessed with a new beginning….
256 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1995
31 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
About the author
Laurey Bright
60 books37 followersLaurey Bright is another pen name of Daphne Clair.
Daphne Clair de Jong decided to be a writer when she was eight years old and won her first literary prize for a school essay. Her first short story was published when she was sixteen and she's been writing and publishing ever since. Nowadays she earns her living from writing, something her well-meaning teachers and guidance counsellors warned her she would never achieve in New Zealand. Her short stories have appeared in many magazines and anthologies, and a collection of them was presented in Crossing the Bar, published by David Ling, where they garnered wide praise.
In 1976, Daphne's first full-length romantic novel was published by Mills & Boon as Return to Love. Since then she has produced a steady output of romance set in New Zealand, occasionally Australia or on imaginary Pacific islands. As Laurey Bright she also writes for Silhouette Books. Her romances often appear on American stores' romance best-seller lists and she has been a Rita contest finalist, as well as winning and being placed in several other romance writing contests. Her other writing includes non-fiction, poetry and long historical fiction, She also is an active defender of the ideology of Feminists for Life, and she has written articles about it.
Since then she has won other literary prizes both in her native New Zealand and other countries. These include the prestigious Katherine Mansfield Short Story Award, with Dying Light, a story about Alzheimer's Disease, which was filmed by Robyn Murphy Productions and shown at film festivals in several countries. (Starring Sara McLeod, Sam's wife in Lord of the Rings).
Daphne is often asked to tutor courses in creative writing, and with Robyn Donald she teachs romance writing weekend courses in her home in the "winterless north" of in New Zealand. Daphne lives with her Netherlands-born husband in a farmlet, grazing livestock, growing their own fruit and vegetables and making their large home available to other writers as a centre for writers' workshops and retreats. Their five children, one of them an orphan from Hong Kong, have left home but drift back at irregular intervals. She enjoys cooking special meals but her cake-making is limited to three never-fail recipes. Her children maintain they have no memory of her baking for them except on birthdays, when she would produce, on request, cakes shaped into trains, clowns, fairytale houses and, once, even a windmill, in deference to their Dutch heritage from their father.
Daphne frequently makes and breaks resolutions to indulge in some hearty outdoor activity, and loves to sniff strong black coffee but never drinks it. After a day at her desk she will happily watch re-runs of favourite TV shows. Usually she goes to bed early with a book which may be anything from a paperback romance or suspense novel to history, sociology or literary theory.
Daphne Clair de Jong decided to be a writer when she was eight years old and won her first literary prize for a school essay. Her first short story was published when she was sixteen and she's been writing and publishing ever since. Nowadays she earns her living from writing, something her well-meaning teachers and guidance counsellors warned her she would never achieve in New Zealand. Her short stories have appeared in many magazines and anthologies, and a collection of them was presented in Crossing the Bar, published by David Ling, where they garnered wide praise.
In 1976, Daphne's first full-length romantic novel was published by Mills & Boon as Return to Love. Since then she has produced a steady output of romance set in New Zealand, occasionally Australia or on imaginary Pacific islands. As Laurey Bright she also writes for Silhouette Books. Her romances often appear on American stores' romance best-seller lists and she has been a Rita contest finalist, as well as winning and being placed in several other romance writing contests. Her other writing includes non-fiction, poetry and long historical fiction, She also is an active defender of the ideology of Feminists for Life, and she has written articles about it.
Since then she has won other literary prizes both in her native New Zealand and other countries. These include the prestigious Katherine Mansfield Short Story Award, with Dying Light, a story about Alzheimer's Disease, which was filmed by Robyn Murphy Productions and shown at film festivals in several countries. (Starring Sara McLeod, Sam's wife in Lord of the Rings).
Daphne is often asked to tutor courses in creative writing, and with Robyn Donald she teachs romance writing weekend courses in her home in the "winterless north" of in New Zealand. Daphne lives with her Netherlands-born husband in a farmlet, grazing livestock, growing their own fruit and vegetables and making their large home available to other writers as a centre for writers' workshops and retreats. Their five children, one of them an orphan from Hong Kong, have left home but drift back at irregular intervals. She enjoys cooking special meals but her cake-making is limited to three never-fail recipes. Her children maintain they have no memory of her baking for them except on birthdays, when she would produce, on request, cakes shaped into trains, clowns, fairytale houses and, once, even a windmill, in deference to their Dutch heritage from their father.
Daphne frequently makes and breaks resolutions to indulge in some hearty outdoor activity, and loves to sniff strong black coffee but never drinks it. After a day at her desk she will happily watch re-runs of favourite TV shows. Usually she goes to bed early with a book which may be anything from a paperback romance or suspense novel to history, sociology or literary theory.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
October 22, 2016
Skip it.
You will thank me!
Spoiler alert, the Hero is a Zero cheating ass
Just an asshole of a hero with very little to redeem him in fact I would start a hate page on a guy like that.
Ah the double standard bullshit and then not only cheating but with a younger woman and then telling your wife what she does for him!
Really?
Is anyone buying this one here?
Cause I am NOT!
Omg I could go on but I have a life and I wasted enough of it on this book.
You will thank me!
Spoiler alert, the Hero is a Zero cheating ass
Just an asshole of a hero with very little to redeem him in fact I would start a hate page on a guy like that.
Ah the double standard bullshit and then not only cheating but with a younger woman and then telling your wife what she does for him!
Really?
Is anyone buying this one here?
Cause I am NOT!
Omg I could go on but I have a life and I wasted enough of it on this book.
November 25, 2017
Infidelity. When it comes to the Romance genre, that word starts the ground shaking as readers rush for opposite camps as to whether a book with an unfaithful partner can ever be called a Romance Novel.
I believe a romance novel can have an unfaithful spouse and still be a believable and satisfying HEA. I confess I did not always feel this way, but that changed when I read Laurey Bright’s A Perfect Marriage.
Max and Celine have been married for 12 years. To everyone on the outside, it looks as if they have the ideal marriage, but both Max and Celine married each other on the rebound of broken hearts. Max’s fiancée died and Celine found herself in love with a married man who eventually rejected her for his wife. In the aftermath of lost love both of them marry each other and the bargain is for companionship, trust and affection.
Both know that they are not in love with each other. Celine feels they have a satisfactory marriage. She thinks they know each other well, as they are old childhood friends, and the companionship and support they have built over the years is something that she takes for granted will always be theirs. There is some regret that they have never had children, but on the whole Celine feels they have a good life and a good marriage.
Max starts to feel differently, he feels there is something missing in his life and his marriage and eventually he comes to the conclusion that the passion he is missing can be found in a romantic relationship with Kate, a new young lawyer who works in his office and looks upon him as a mentor.
Max starts an affair and eventually has to tell Celine he wants to leave her and begin a new life with Kate. Celine is in shock because she never saw it coming. She had vague warnings of Max’s restlessness but in 12 years they have never really talked about feelings or anything that might lie under the surface of their relationship.
Celine is wounded, angry and betrayed, but through this period of turmoil while Max leaves her, she realizes she really is in love with Max and never knew what she had until it was gone. When an unexpected encounter with Max leaves her pregnant, Celine pulls herself together and starts to build a new life for herself and the child she has always wanted.
Max wants love and he tries to tell Celine this, but he isn’t good with emotions and he isn’t able to relate his dissatisfaction with his life into words that Celine can understand. He wants to respect their marriage agreement, but he is lonely and really wants more passion, and he can’t figure out how to get it until his infatuation with Kate. When he does get what he thinks he wants with Kate, he realizes that what he threw away was more precious than he realized and this feeling compounds when he finds out that Celine is having a baby.
Max is by no means a shallow or selfish Hero. He is a good man trying to do the best he can with a marriage that he thinks has no love or passion, but only friendship, and he wants a second chance at happiness when it looks like romantic love has finally come back into his life.
When he wakes up and realizes that his true love is actually his wife, Max is willing to do whatever it takes to get her back, baby or not. He knows he threw away the truest love he had. He knows redemption is difficult to attain and may never happen.
He accepts that Celine may never forgive him, but he has to try. This is where the true strength of the book becomes apparent, in the long slow process of Max and Celine trying to rebuild a marriage bond in the face of such devastating betrayal. Max and Celine finally learn to communicate and look deep into themselves and each other for meaning in their relationship.
I won’t lie, this book is emotional, messy and the ugly truths about infidelity hurt both the characters and the reader. However when Max decides to try to repair the damage he has caused and we read about how both of them come to affirm their deep commitment to each other, this book reaches into the heart and carves a special place there.
Celine is a strong heroine in rebuilding her life, drawing boundaries with Max and his family, and positively facing life on her own. Max is a very humble and empathetic hero trying to earn Celine’s forgiveness and to start a new romantic relationship with her. Max and Celine both learn to appreciate the years of friendship and emotional bonds that each has brought to their marriage and to really cherish and value the long term knowing that a true love needs to last.
This is a book of new beginnings, second chances and true love. It shows that HEA’s don’t always start at the wedding and it shows the value and beauty of a long-term relationship that manages to survive and overcome the challenges.
This book totally changed my ideas of infidelity in Romance and it made me appreciate the fact that true love really can conquer all with grace, understanding and forgiveness. In A Perfect Marriage, Laurey Bright has brilliantly demonstrated that the bonds of true love are strong and that a marriage can be rebuilt and renewed even after the most unforgivable betrayal of all.
******
I wrote this almost ten years ago and I can honestly say that I still feel the same way about this one. I am not by any means comparing this to real life BTW, I am approaching this from a complete romance reader's POV.
But it is a good story, tho with a bit of a more conservative mind set, mostly tho I believed the HEA and was rooting for both of them by the end and still do so many years later.
I believe a romance novel can have an unfaithful spouse and still be a believable and satisfying HEA. I confess I did not always feel this way, but that changed when I read Laurey Bright’s A Perfect Marriage.
Max and Celine have been married for 12 years. To everyone on the outside, it looks as if they have the ideal marriage, but both Max and Celine married each other on the rebound of broken hearts. Max’s fiancée died and Celine found herself in love with a married man who eventually rejected her for his wife. In the aftermath of lost love both of them marry each other and the bargain is for companionship, trust and affection.
Both know that they are not in love with each other. Celine feels they have a satisfactory marriage. She thinks they know each other well, as they are old childhood friends, and the companionship and support they have built over the years is something that she takes for granted will always be theirs. There is some regret that they have never had children, but on the whole Celine feels they have a good life and a good marriage.
Max starts to feel differently, he feels there is something missing in his life and his marriage and eventually he comes to the conclusion that the passion he is missing can be found in a romantic relationship with Kate, a new young lawyer who works in his office and looks upon him as a mentor.
Max starts an affair and eventually has to tell Celine he wants to leave her and begin a new life with Kate. Celine is in shock because she never saw it coming. She had vague warnings of Max’s restlessness but in 12 years they have never really talked about feelings or anything that might lie under the surface of their relationship.
Celine is wounded, angry and betrayed, but through this period of turmoil while Max leaves her, she realizes she really is in love with Max and never knew what she had until it was gone. When an unexpected encounter with Max leaves her pregnant, Celine pulls herself together and starts to build a new life for herself and the child she has always wanted.
Max wants love and he tries to tell Celine this, but he isn’t good with emotions and he isn’t able to relate his dissatisfaction with his life into words that Celine can understand. He wants to respect their marriage agreement, but he is lonely and really wants more passion, and he can’t figure out how to get it until his infatuation with Kate. When he does get what he thinks he wants with Kate, he realizes that what he threw away was more precious than he realized and this feeling compounds when he finds out that Celine is having a baby.
Max is by no means a shallow or selfish Hero. He is a good man trying to do the best he can with a marriage that he thinks has no love or passion, but only friendship, and he wants a second chance at happiness when it looks like romantic love has finally come back into his life.
When he wakes up and realizes that his true love is actually his wife, Max is willing to do whatever it takes to get her back, baby or not. He knows he threw away the truest love he had. He knows redemption is difficult to attain and may never happen.
He accepts that Celine may never forgive him, but he has to try. This is where the true strength of the book becomes apparent, in the long slow process of Max and Celine trying to rebuild a marriage bond in the face of such devastating betrayal. Max and Celine finally learn to communicate and look deep into themselves and each other for meaning in their relationship.
I won’t lie, this book is emotional, messy and the ugly truths about infidelity hurt both the characters and the reader. However when Max decides to try to repair the damage he has caused and we read about how both of them come to affirm their deep commitment to each other, this book reaches into the heart and carves a special place there.
Celine is a strong heroine in rebuilding her life, drawing boundaries with Max and his family, and positively facing life on her own. Max is a very humble and empathetic hero trying to earn Celine’s forgiveness and to start a new romantic relationship with her. Max and Celine both learn to appreciate the years of friendship and emotional bonds that each has brought to their marriage and to really cherish and value the long term knowing that a true love needs to last.
This is a book of new beginnings, second chances and true love. It shows that HEA’s don’t always start at the wedding and it shows the value and beauty of a long-term relationship that manages to survive and overcome the challenges.
This book totally changed my ideas of infidelity in Romance and it made me appreciate the fact that true love really can conquer all with grace, understanding and forgiveness. In A Perfect Marriage, Laurey Bright has brilliantly demonstrated that the bonds of true love are strong and that a marriage can be rebuilt and renewed even after the most unforgivable betrayal of all.
******
I wrote this almost ten years ago and I can honestly say that I still feel the same way about this one. I am not by any means comparing this to real life BTW, I am approaching this from a complete romance reader's POV.
But it is a good story, tho with a bit of a more conservative mind set, mostly tho I believed the HEA and was rooting for both of them by the end and still do so many years later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2025
One of my absolute top go-to book for re-reads. And it never disappoints.
I have dubbed it 'The Saint and The Sinner' and 'The Goat that nibbled over the fence'!
July 2019:
Gawd, this book packs so many punches and they come in a slow drip drip fashion throughout the book.
Old Review: This is a book about out and out cheating, no pulled punches here. Cheating husbands is one topic which evokes strong emotions and it has always been my strictly to be avoided trope till now. But recently having read a few such books, I realized I can take them on with some equanimity when I am somewhat prepared for the shock of betrayal and take it on as a read on human relationships. In real life, lots of couples go through this and then get back together too and same holds true for the opposite results, but this being a HEA Romance the h/H have to find a way back to each other.
DO NOT read the *spoilers* if you want to read the book.
This super angsty book may not be everyone’s cuppa and you will either hate it or like it. I loved it because it is very well written, gripping and so close to how things actually work out in real life. The h is relatable and doesn't let the reader down. Having read some such similar stories you realize it is how the author moves the story along after the betrayal and how the wife decides to deal with it, which makes the difference to a reader.
I have dubbed it 'The Saint and The Sinner' and 'The Goat that nibbled over the fence'!
July 2019:
Gawd, this book packs so many punches and they come in a slow drip drip fashion throughout the book.
Old Review: This is a book about out and out cheating, no pulled punches here. Cheating husbands is one topic which evokes strong emotions and it has always been my strictly to be avoided trope till now. But recently having read a few such books, I realized I can take them on with some equanimity when I am somewhat prepared for the shock of betrayal and take it on as a read on human relationships. In real life, lots of couples go through this and then get back together too and same holds true for the opposite results, but this being a HEA Romance the h/H have to find a way back to each other.
DO NOT read the *spoilers* if you want to read the book.
This super angsty book may not be everyone’s cuppa and you will either hate it or like it. I loved it because it is very well written, gripping and so close to how things actually work out in real life. The h is relatable and doesn't let the reader down. Having read some such similar stories you realize it is how the author moves the story along after the betrayal and how the wife decides to deal with it, which makes the difference to a reader.
Read
June 26, 2017Another I should have listened to the reviews. In some ways I enjoyed reading the horror that the so-called hero inflicted on his wife and his girlfriend, kind of like poking at a sore tooth. Stories like this are where cliches are born.
Cliches
A dog with two bones
None so blind as those who will not see.
Dog in the manger
Wants his cake and eat it too.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. aka Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder.
Apple didn't fall far from the tree.
Like looking in a mirror.
If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
Tis better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all.
How the tables have turned.
You want what you can't have.
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you might find
You get what you need. Woo hoo.
Random Thoughts
Hero cheats on his wife with the 25 yo attorney at his office, but he’s not having a middle age crisis and he is not a cliche. Sure. At least his lover wasn’t his secretary.
None so blind as those who will not see.
The hero gets jealous when he sees the wife he kicked to the curb all dressed up and another man is attracted to her. So, she must be doing it to get him back as apparently the world revolves around him.
Dog with two bones.
The h finds out that her father had an affair with the H's mother years ago when she was the h's mother's best friend. That little crab-apple didn't fall far from the tree. What's worse, the h's mom told her friend, thank you, I'm glad it was you. Now we know where the h got her spine from.
Apple didn't fall far from the tree.
He drops by ALL the time.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
He admits their very best sex was because he had been turned on by his precious.
I have nothing for this one except Yuck.
He takes his precious’ virginity then says thank you, but he made a mistake. Tough toenails chica, guess you shouldn’t have knowingly slept with a married man.
Tis better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all for me, says the married man that it all worked out for.
The mistress/girlfriend/precious/side-piece actually comes to the house to accuse the heroine, HIS WIFE, of being deceitful by sleeping with her own husband, of having taken the pill for years to wait until now to get pregnant, of being too cold to the H and pushing him away, to foisting another man’s baby on the H. Well, she IS a lawyer. In what may be the most ludicrously ironic thing said ever by a wife to a mistress, “We didn’t mean to have sex. It just happened.”
Like looking in a mirror as well as How the tables have turned.
The h runs after the weepy mistress to make sure she’s all right and if she needs a cuppa. Please shoot me now!
What lesson have learned today? That a married man may be separated, but he is still MARRIED until the divorce comes through. That and this boring couple deserve each other.
Preferred title: I Made My Wife My Mistress
Cliches
A dog with two bones
None so blind as those who will not see.
Dog in the manger
Wants his cake and eat it too.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. aka Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder.
Apple didn't fall far from the tree.
Like looking in a mirror.
If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
Tis better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all.
How the tables have turned.
You want what you can't have.
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you might find
You get what you need. Woo hoo.
Random Thoughts
Hero cheats on his wife with the 25 yo attorney at his office, but he’s not having a middle age crisis and he is not a cliche. Sure. At least his lover wasn’t his secretary.
None so blind as those who will not see.
The hero gets jealous when he sees the wife he kicked to the curb all dressed up and another man is attracted to her. So, she must be doing it to get him back as apparently the world revolves around him.
Dog with two bones.
The h finds out that her father had an affair with the H's mother years ago when she was the h's mother's best friend. That little crab-apple didn't fall far from the tree. What's worse, the h's mom told her friend, thank you, I'm glad it was you. Now we know where the h got her spine from.
Apple didn't fall far from the tree.
He drops by ALL the time.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
He admits their very best sex was because he had been turned on by his precious.
I have nothing for this one except Yuck.
He takes his precious’ virginity then says thank you, but he made a mistake. Tough toenails chica, guess you shouldn’t have knowingly slept with a married man.
Tis better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all for me, says the married man that it all worked out for.
The mistress/girlfriend/precious/side-piece actually comes to the house to accuse the heroine, HIS WIFE, of being deceitful by sleeping with her own husband, of having taken the pill for years to wait until now to get pregnant, of being too cold to the H and pushing him away, to foisting another man’s baby on the H. Well, she IS a lawyer. In what may be the most ludicrously ironic thing said ever by a wife to a mistress, “We didn’t mean to have sex. It just happened.”
Like looking in a mirror as well as How the tables have turned.
The h runs after the weepy mistress to make sure she’s all right and if she needs a cuppa. Please shoot me now!
What lesson have learned today? That a married man may be separated, but he is still MARRIED until the divorce comes through. That and this boring couple deserve each other.
Preferred title: I Made My Wife My Mistress
March 13, 2016
2.5 Stars
I give the writing 4 stars. The characters 1 star. The angst 2.5 stars.
A 12 years marriage of convenience was shaken when he announced to his wife that he couldn't have sex with her because he was in a relationship with a much younger woman, They were married because neither wanted to love their spouse but wanted a family and an amicable marriage.. fortunately or unfortunately they didn't conceive during their 12 years together.
Here are my big problem with the story.
I got tired of hearing what an "Honorable" man he was by the idiot wife or his mother or his sister.
The wife had 0 personality.
Every couple in this story had a man who went through an extramarital affair and it was so nonchalantly explained as it is every man's right of passage and it was the wife's job to fight for the marriage. Having sex with someone other than your partner is a decision and not a bodily function that you have no control of. Infidelity is very serious.. it is about breaking trust and trust is a very fragile thing...once broken it will never be as strong as it one day was.
He told her when he looked, he had nothing in common with the OW except I didn't believe in their HEA!
I give the writing 4 stars. The characters 1 star. The angst 2.5 stars.
A 12 years marriage of convenience was shaken when he announced to his wife that he couldn't have sex with her because he was in a relationship with a much younger woman, They were married because neither wanted to love their spouse but wanted a family and an amicable marriage.. fortunately or unfortunately they didn't conceive during their 12 years together.
Here are my big problem with the story.
I got tired of hearing what an "Honorable" man he was by the idiot wife or his mother or his sister.
The wife had 0 personality.
Every couple in this story had a man who went through an extramarital affair and it was so nonchalantly explained as it is every man's right of passage and it was the wife's job to fight for the marriage. Having sex with someone other than your partner is a decision and not a bodily function that you have no control of. Infidelity is very serious.. it is about breaking trust and trust is a very fragile thing...once broken it will never be as strong as it one day was.
He told her when he looked, he had nothing in common with the OW except I didn't believe in their HEA!
December 17, 2024
" Max was at the Legal Practitioner's Conference.
His idle gaze was caught by one of the younger lawyers, Kate.
She was the 25 year old junior partner at the law firm. She looked like a cross between Marilyn Monroe and Bo Peep.
She was a treat to the eyes and Max let his linger.
She looked up, meeting Max's gaze for a second, and smiled.
Max pulled his gaze away.
He was, he reminded himself, a happily married man. "
Max and Celine grew up together.
At the age of 24 they both had their hearts broken by their partners.
They made a bargain with each other :
Get married and share a nice life together based on love, friendship and respect.
They did that successfully for 12 years.
Everybody considered their union a perfect marriage, even though they were never blessed with children.
At Max's co-worker's retirement party, Celine noticed that her husband seemed to have a cosy little tete-a-tete with a beautiful blonde.
On the way back home, Celine mentioned it to Max and he got irritated and defensive.
At the firm's Christmas party, Max introduced Kate to Celine.
Back at home that night, Max was exceptionally passionate with Celine in bed.
As the weeks slid by, what troubled Celine most was that Max seemed to have lost interest in their sex life. They hadn't made love for ages.
He would stay at his law office until after midnight, and he would ignore her unspoken invitations.
One night Celine initiated intimacy. He abruptly stood up and told her that he'd been seeing someone else for the last two months.
It was serious and he was in love with the girl.
It was Kate, yes, Bo Peep!
He hoped, he said, that Celine and he could remain friends.
Celine told him that she did not think he knew what he was doing, but she couldn't stop him.
Celine was burning with rage and pain and a bewildered disbelief.
The next day he moved out.
Celine went on somehow with her life. It was lucky she had her job as an interior designer to keep her busy.
Celine knew that Max had burnt his bridges by walking away from her.
He had always known exactly what he wanted and gone after it.
Now he wanted Kate and he was prepared to discard his marriage to get her.
Max never stopped coming to visit.
He seemed to want to keep a close relationship with Celine, sort of have his cake and eat it too, but Celine did not want that.
"Be real Max. I am 36 . Kate is 25. You've seen it happen to other men, wives been traded in for a younger model. If you weren't so damned honourable you'd probably have had an affair with the girl and hoped that l'd never find out. "
"I haven't stopped loving you Celine. "
"Oh, l know! You're fond of me. You have some lukewarm affection for me."
"I wouldn't call it lukewarm. "
"But not enough to stand by your marriage vows, Max. "
"Is that what you really want? To be locked into marriage with a man you know has given his heart to another woman? This decision wasn't made lightly, Celine, or in a hurry. "
"You can't have it both ways, Max. You can't have Kate's love and my friendship. I would rather never see you again. "
"One day you may fall in love Celine, really in love yourself. Then you'll understand. "
"Does Kate know you are here with me?"
"I am sure Kate trust me."
"So did l, Max, and look what had happened. "
Months went by and Max never stopped dropping by.
One day they were having a post mortem discussion of their marriage.
"Everyone thought we had the perfect marriage Max. It was a nice life, and if you found it unexciting, we could have worked on that. You didn't need to throw away 12 years of happiness. We were happy. "
"We were contented, even complacent, Celine. Do you call that happiness? I can't pretend, year in and year out. "
"Have you been pretending all those years? I thought our love-life was pretty satisfactory and there was no sign that you didn't enjoy it. What about when we came back from that Christmas party a few months ago and couldn't wait to make love to me?"
"That day at the party, Kate and me kissed. "
Celine saw red.
So he'd kissed Kate and wanted her but couldn't have her, so then he'd come home and forced her into bed with him because he was already turned on by Kate at the party.
Out of control Celine lunged at him and hit him repeatedly on the chest, fought him with a desperation and ferocity that gave her strength.
He was trying to calm her down and eventually she surrender.
"I know l've done you an enormous wrong Celine. I wish there was another way...l am sorry..."
In his effort to console her, they made love and he was regretful afterwards.
He reminded Celine that their marriage was over and what had just happened, was the result of habit.
He left and Celine, little did she know at the time, that in a few weeks she would learn that she was pregnant...
His idle gaze was caught by one of the younger lawyers, Kate.
She was the 25 year old junior partner at the law firm. She looked like a cross between Marilyn Monroe and Bo Peep.
She was a treat to the eyes and Max let his linger.
She looked up, meeting Max's gaze for a second, and smiled.
Max pulled his gaze away.
He was, he reminded himself, a happily married man. "
Max and Celine grew up together.
At the age of 24 they both had their hearts broken by their partners.
They made a bargain with each other :
Get married and share a nice life together based on love, friendship and respect.
They did that successfully for 12 years.
Everybody considered their union a perfect marriage, even though they were never blessed with children.
At Max's co-worker's retirement party, Celine noticed that her husband seemed to have a cosy little tete-a-tete with a beautiful blonde.
On the way back home, Celine mentioned it to Max and he got irritated and defensive.
At the firm's Christmas party, Max introduced Kate to Celine.
Back at home that night, Max was exceptionally passionate with Celine in bed.
As the weeks slid by, what troubled Celine most was that Max seemed to have lost interest in their sex life. They hadn't made love for ages.
He would stay at his law office until after midnight, and he would ignore her unspoken invitations.
One night Celine initiated intimacy. He abruptly stood up and told her that he'd been seeing someone else for the last two months.
It was serious and he was in love with the girl.
It was Kate, yes, Bo Peep!
He hoped, he said, that Celine and he could remain friends.
Celine told him that she did not think he knew what he was doing, but she couldn't stop him.
Celine was burning with rage and pain and a bewildered disbelief.
The next day he moved out.
Celine went on somehow with her life. It was lucky she had her job as an interior designer to keep her busy.
Celine knew that Max had burnt his bridges by walking away from her.
He had always known exactly what he wanted and gone after it.
Now he wanted Kate and he was prepared to discard his marriage to get her.
Max never stopped coming to visit.
He seemed to want to keep a close relationship with Celine, sort of have his cake and eat it too, but Celine did not want that.
"Be real Max. I am 36 . Kate is 25. You've seen it happen to other men, wives been traded in for a younger model. If you weren't so damned honourable you'd probably have had an affair with the girl and hoped that l'd never find out. "
"I haven't stopped loving you Celine. "
"Oh, l know! You're fond of me. You have some lukewarm affection for me."
"I wouldn't call it lukewarm. "
"But not enough to stand by your marriage vows, Max. "
"Is that what you really want? To be locked into marriage with a man you know has given his heart to another woman? This decision wasn't made lightly, Celine, or in a hurry. "
"You can't have it both ways, Max. You can't have Kate's love and my friendship. I would rather never see you again. "
"One day you may fall in love Celine, really in love yourself. Then you'll understand. "
"Does Kate know you are here with me?"
"I am sure Kate trust me."
"So did l, Max, and look what had happened. "
Months went by and Max never stopped dropping by.
One day they were having a post mortem discussion of their marriage.
"Everyone thought we had the perfect marriage Max. It was a nice life, and if you found it unexciting, we could have worked on that. You didn't need to throw away 12 years of happiness. We were happy. "
"We were contented, even complacent, Celine. Do you call that happiness? I can't pretend, year in and year out. "
"Have you been pretending all those years? I thought our love-life was pretty satisfactory and there was no sign that you didn't enjoy it. What about when we came back from that Christmas party a few months ago and couldn't wait to make love to me?"
"That day at the party, Kate and me kissed. "
Celine saw red.
So he'd kissed Kate and wanted her but couldn't have her, so then he'd come home and forced her into bed with him because he was already turned on by Kate at the party.
Out of control Celine lunged at him and hit him repeatedly on the chest, fought him with a desperation and ferocity that gave her strength.
He was trying to calm her down and eventually she surrender.
"I know l've done you an enormous wrong Celine. I wish there was another way...l am sorry..."
In his effort to console her, they made love and he was regretful afterwards.
He reminded Celine that their marriage was over and what had just happened, was the result of habit.
He left and Celine, little did she know at the time, that in a few weeks she would learn that she was pregnant...
June 25, 2011
Reviewed @ Girls Without a Bookshelf.
I'd like to think I'm a reader who do not demand perfect characters. As a matter of fact, I like finding the faults in the characters that makes them so human. However, when I come across a character who barely has any redeeming quality, I also do not hesitate to flog the aforementioned character. And Max Archer is such a bastard of a character I swear he more than deserves some serious flogging.
I don't think the book executed the plot well at all in itself, but by God the characters! Weak, laughably ludicrous and without any ounce of self-respect! Max, in particular was an arrogant ass who revelled in the knowledge that he has two women in his bed. One, his wife Celine. The other, his mistress Kate, a younger work colleague. For goodness' sake how many times do middle-aged men have to be warned about their endless attraction to ambitious, independent women decades their junior? They never learn, do they? Max certainly did not get the memo, because this cheating husband did not only get himself the stereotypical mistress, he threw his wife to the gutter and thought himself in love! His complacency about the severity of his infidelity sends the wrong message, as well as his poor treatment of both Celine and Kate. His actions show no regret or payment for it, only self-confidence that he can apologise once and with clever words ease what he did to Kate and that a little wooing would earn him back his wife. Sorry, life doesn't work that way. Sorry is only too light a word. He seemed completely assured that because his wife is a woman without a pride, he can easily go back to the way things were. Like I said, no redemption. I was utterly disgusted by his behaviour - if he was a real-to-life person and I was in Celine's shoes, I'd divorce him without ado and file an injunction against him! What a despicable character this one is.
Celine - although the victim here - is no better. By God woman, have some dignity! She is so blinded by her love for Max - which, in turns out, she only realise when he left - that she simply continually begged him to come back. Really begged him to come back. Her pride is practically inexistent, and she cannot seem to function without Max. Pathetic. I happen to find it very difficult to find some women like her, who is content to grovel when she has all the resources to move on with her life, forget the episode and find someone who deserves her more. Celine is portrayed as a pushover with no real power in this book, and I think as a female reader that is seriously degrading. And Kate - well, Kate has no real presence in the book, only at the beginning and end. Although I think she is also a victim of the disgusting Max, nothing whatsoever justifies breaking up a marriage like she did (and moreover, begging Celine to let Max go). For goodness' sake, how many times do we also need to remind young, ambitious females to keep their hands off a married man? Motives be damned, if you have enough decency you'd know that ruining a marriage is one of the worse kind of sin!
Since the main protagonists are abhorrent, well the secondary characters are just as bad. They seem to be all happy and contented the marriage eventually gets back on track - no talks to Max about anything, or lectures or what nots. Nothing. Very disappointing - everybody was just oh-so-ready to let every wrong slide.
Despised this!
I'd like to think I'm a reader who do not demand perfect characters. As a matter of fact, I like finding the faults in the characters that makes them so human. However, when I come across a character who barely has any redeeming quality, I also do not hesitate to flog the aforementioned character. And Max Archer is such a bastard of a character I swear he more than deserves some serious flogging.
I don't think the book executed the plot well at all in itself, but by God the characters! Weak, laughably ludicrous and without any ounce of self-respect! Max, in particular was an arrogant ass who revelled in the knowledge that he has two women in his bed. One, his wife Celine. The other, his mistress Kate, a younger work colleague. For goodness' sake how many times do middle-aged men have to be warned about their endless attraction to ambitious, independent women decades their junior? They never learn, do they? Max certainly did not get the memo, because this cheating husband did not only get himself the stereotypical mistress, he threw his wife to the gutter and thought himself in love! His complacency about the severity of his infidelity sends the wrong message, as well as his poor treatment of both Celine and Kate. His actions show no regret or payment for it, only self-confidence that he can apologise once and with clever words ease what he did to Kate and that a little wooing would earn him back his wife. Sorry, life doesn't work that way. Sorry is only too light a word. He seemed completely assured that because his wife is a woman without a pride, he can easily go back to the way things were. Like I said, no redemption. I was utterly disgusted by his behaviour - if he was a real-to-life person and I was in Celine's shoes, I'd divorce him without ado and file an injunction against him! What a despicable character this one is.
Celine - although the victim here - is no better. By God woman, have some dignity! She is so blinded by her love for Max - which, in turns out, she only realise when he left - that she simply continually begged him to come back. Really begged him to come back. Her pride is practically inexistent, and she cannot seem to function without Max. Pathetic. I happen to find it very difficult to find some women like her, who is content to grovel when she has all the resources to move on with her life, forget the episode and find someone who deserves her more. Celine is portrayed as a pushover with no real power in this book, and I think as a female reader that is seriously degrading. And Kate - well, Kate has no real presence in the book, only at the beginning and end. Although I think she is also a victim of the disgusting Max, nothing whatsoever justifies breaking up a marriage like she did (and moreover, begging Celine to let Max go). For goodness' sake, how many times do we also need to remind young, ambitious females to keep their hands off a married man? Motives be damned, if you have enough decency you'd know that ruining a marriage is one of the worse kind of sin!
Since the main protagonists are abhorrent, well the secondary characters are just as bad. They seem to be all happy and contented the marriage eventually gets back on track - no talks to Max about anything, or lectures or what nots. Nothing. Very disappointing - everybody was just oh-so-ready to let every wrong slide.
Despised this!
May 28, 2019
5 stars for a compelling read
1 star for the romance
So many good reviews and discussions. I think this is a very realistic look at two immature people who married to protect themselves from big feelings and ended up having big feelings anyway.
They married to protect their egos - and it worked - for awhile. It's only after heroine had her life blown apart that she stopped living in a world of trivia (bridge night, souffle might fall, etc . . ) and finally felt *something*. It's only after hero acknowledged to himself that he was capable of making mistakes and then showing that flawed self and all of his regret to his wife that he finally grew up enough to even be in a marriage.
They were both so superficial and scared to express themselves at the opening of the story. Only a hero-worshiping bombshell OW could have made the hero secure enough to leave the warm predictability of their non-demanding relationship. And he was so delusional that he thought he'd still have his ego blanket even after chasing his romantic dream.
I think they now have a chance at a real marriage - where they actually talk to each other and acknowledge their feelings. That numb opening - highlighting their shallowness - goes a long way in selling their HEA to me.
1 star for the romance
So many good reviews and discussions. I think this is a very realistic look at two immature people who married to protect themselves from big feelings and ended up having big feelings anyway.
They married to protect their egos - and it worked - for awhile. It's only after heroine had her life blown apart that she stopped living in a world of trivia (bridge night, souffle might fall, etc . . ) and finally felt *something*. It's only after hero acknowledged to himself that he was capable of making mistakes and then showing that flawed self and all of his regret to his wife that he finally grew up enough to even be in a marriage.
They were both so superficial and scared to express themselves at the opening of the story. Only a hero-worshiping bombshell OW could have made the hero secure enough to leave the warm predictability of their non-demanding relationship. And he was so delusional that he thought he'd still have his ego blanket even after chasing his romantic dream.
I think they now have a chance at a real marriage - where they actually talk to each other and acknowledge their feelings. That numb opening - highlighting their shallowness - goes a long way in selling their HEA to me.
December 12, 2024
Celine and Max have been married for YEARRSS, one day Max comes home, admits that he cheated and they become seperated.
He told her when they first got married that he would never love someone, and here he is now, telling her that he is in love with some 25 year old woman.
He leaves the house to live somewhere else, and Celine is all alone now.
You know what the funny thing is? Max tells everyone that this seperation was Celine's idea. So there's that.
These idiots don't sign divorve papers, they keep fucking each other, Celine actually BEGS Max to give them a chance again💀 WHY WOULD A WOMAN THAT GOT CHEATED ON BEG OR GROVEL⁉️ Stomach-churning.
So, take a deep breath. The reason why Max cheated again and again was because of their "lovemaking"
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT OMFG?
Apperently, Celine is cold and not passionate enough. I am flabbergasted.
There is a big scene with Kate (the OW) Max and Celine all have some kind of DUMB fucking fight where everybody starts dropping bombs🔥🔥
MAX WAS OUT HERE SHIT TALKING HIS WIFE AND CELINE WANTS TO TAKE HIM BACK??? WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?
Other than all the bullshit they were on, during this mega serious talk they were having, Max was explaining himself both to Kate and Celine like a 10 year old doing so to his parents.... This man is like 40.
I don't think you do, Max. I don't think you'd be able to comprehend 3rd grade math.
He was out there telling everyone how much he loved Kate, and when he learns that Celine is pregnant (SURPRISE!) it just vanishes? The absolute disrespect for his wife and to his 12 year old marriage is just ignored, Celine forgives him and HEA? NO WAY.
Cheating because you were too much of a pussy to tell your wife of 12 years how you feel is just pathetic. And her forgiving him too... Decide which one is more miserable.
The reason why I gave this 1 star is not because of cheating, as I knew what I was reading. It was the absolute disrespect and self-hatred Celine had for herself since SHE WAS THE ONE GROVELLING. I do not understand WHY. I was expecting a mouth watering grovel from the hero but we got a woman who just forgave cheating without making him work for it. Waste of time.
It was torture reading her beg, I am DISGUSTED.
He told her when they first got married that he would never love someone, and here he is now, telling her that he is in love with some 25 year old woman.
He leaves the house to live somewhere else, and Celine is all alone now.
You know what the funny thing is? Max tells everyone that this seperation was Celine's idea. So there's that.
"Michelle thought it was my idea." "Michelle is all too prone to jumping to conclusions, you know that. I certainly didn't intend to lay any blame on you. But I thought you might not relish-" He hesitated, his hands moving on the steering wheel as he took a bend in the road. "- Being known as your discarded wife?" she finished for him. She actually saw him wince as they passed a bright orange streetlight, and felt a shameful spurt of pleasure in his discomfort. "The one you traded in for a younger model?"
These idiots don't sign divorve papers, they keep fucking each other, Celine actually BEGS Max to give them a chance again💀 WHY WOULD A WOMAN THAT GOT CHEATED ON BEG OR GROVEL⁉️ Stomach-churning.
So, take a deep breath. The reason why Max cheated again and again was because of their "lovemaking"
"No," Max said in a strange voice. "Not about that. It was the lovemaking that was a lie."
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT OMFG?
Apperently, Celine is cold and not passionate enough. I am flabbergasted.
There is a big scene with Kate (the OW) Max and Celine all have some kind of DUMB fucking fight where everybody starts dropping bombs🔥🔥
Her voice rose a fraction. "He said he loved me! He said you'd never been in love with him, anyway. And you were so cold and distant you'd hardly notice that he'd gone-" "Really?" Was that what he'd thought? "I didn't exactly-" Max interjected.
MAX WAS OUT HERE SHIT TALKING HIS WIFE AND CELINE WANTS TO TAKE HIM BACK??? WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?
Other than all the bullshit they were on, during this mega serious talk they were having, Max was explaining himself both to Kate and Celine like a 10 year old doing so to his parents.... This man is like 40.
Max raked a hand into his hair. "No," he said. "I thought I did, God forgive me. You're a beautiful, talented young woman, Kate, and for a while I let that dazzle me. First it was blind emotion, and then ... I'm afraid it was partly a sense of indebtedness, because you'd ... given your heart and. .. and yourself to me. Don't ever think I took that lightly... I'm very aware of what it meant to you."
I don't think you do, Max. I don't think you'd be able to comprehend 3rd grade math.
He was out there telling everyone how much he loved Kate, and when he learns that Celine is pregnant (SURPRISE!) it just vanishes? The absolute disrespect for his wife and to his 12 year old marriage is just ignored, Celine forgives him and HEA? NO WAY.
Cheating because you were too much of a pussy to tell your wife of 12 years how you feel is just pathetic. And her forgiving him too... Decide which one is more miserable.
The reason why I gave this 1 star is not because of cheating, as I knew what I was reading. It was the absolute disrespect and self-hatred Celine had for herself since SHE WAS THE ONE GROVELLING. I do not understand WHY. I was expecting a mouth watering grovel from the hero but we got a woman who just forgave cheating without making him work for it. Waste of time.
It was torture reading her beg, I am DISGUSTED.
June 25, 2024
UPDATE:
Note to self: every time you read a rave review of this Horror Show, do yourself a favor and do NOT download it again to see if there was some element that you were missing the first time you skimmed it and which will make you change your mind about this book. I don't give a rip that this is a good author, that the story is well-written, or that it's realistic, complex, and riveting all at the same time. Let me say that again. I DON'T GIVE A RIP!!! It's TRASH. It's GROSS. It's a CLOWN SHOW!!!!!! And it makes me want to dig a hole six feet deep, hop into it, curl up in the fetus position, and pray for a mud slide that will bury me alive.
ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW:
Haha, what an amaaaaaaaaaaazing little joke from the author in naming the title of this two day old piece of dried up turd of a story (where "hero" not only cheats on his doormat wife but rubs her nose in it) a "perfect marriage."
So funny I forgot to laugh.
Note to self: every time you read a rave review of this Horror Show, do yourself a favor and do NOT download it again to see if there was some element that you were missing the first time you skimmed it and which will make you change your mind about this book. I don't give a rip that this is a good author, that the story is well-written, or that it's realistic, complex, and riveting all at the same time. Let me say that again. I DON'T GIVE A RIP!!! It's TRASH. It's GROSS. It's a CLOWN SHOW!!!!!! And it makes me want to dig a hole six feet deep, hop into it, curl up in the fetus position, and pray for a mud slide that will bury me alive.
ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW:
Haha, what an amaaaaaaaaaaazing little joke from the author in naming the title of this two day old piece of dried up turd of a story (where "hero" not only cheats on his doormat wife but rubs her nose in it) a "perfect marriage."
So funny I forgot to laugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2019
I really debated about reading this one for sometime, because infidelity isn't my idea of romance. But something caught my eye the other day, and once I started to read, I could not put it down.
I gave this 5 stars for three reasons: 1) intensity, 2) it was extremely well written and a very realistic portrayal of human failure, 3) I was so mesmerized by it, that I read it in one sitting.
This is a story about a marriage that is in serious trouble, yet from an outsider's perspective it is "a perfect marriage". It's about two people who end up being complacent and putting other priorities first. It's about the worst betrayal a person could suffer and it's about how to heal and go on with life when you are given a bitter blow.
Even though this is a 5 star read, there were a few messages the author delivered that I found I didn't like.
1) that in order for a marriage to survive, it has to start with passion. Love is so much more, it survives when all else fails. I felt the author trivialized the meaning of love.
2) It was incredible to me, that his infidelity was so easily chalked up by his family as "an itch" that all men go through. That she needed to go fight for him, because, after all they had a perfect marriage. I guess it wasn't surprising since his own mother carried on an affair with her best friend's husband. I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. As far as I was concerned, he and his family were morally bankrupt and the heroine would have been wise to run for her life.
I do actually recommend this book. I don't agree with the author's position, but I respect the quality of her work.
I gave this 5 stars for three reasons: 1) intensity, 2) it was extremely well written and a very realistic portrayal of human failure, 3) I was so mesmerized by it, that I read it in one sitting.
This is a story about a marriage that is in serious trouble, yet from an outsider's perspective it is "a perfect marriage". It's about two people who end up being complacent and putting other priorities first. It's about the worst betrayal a person could suffer and it's about how to heal and go on with life when you are given a bitter blow.
Even though this is a 5 star read, there were a few messages the author delivered that I found I didn't like.
1) that in order for a marriage to survive, it has to start with passion. Love is so much more, it survives when all else fails. I felt the author trivialized the meaning of love.
2) It was incredible to me, that his infidelity was so easily chalked up by his family as "an itch" that all men go through. That she needed to go fight for him, because, after all they had a perfect marriage. I guess it wasn't surprising since his own mother carried on an affair with her best friend's husband. I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. As far as I was concerned, he and his family were morally bankrupt and the heroine would have been wise to run for her life.
I do actually recommend this book. I don't agree with the author's position, but I respect the quality of her work.
March 23, 2012
This would have gotten 5 stars were it not for one thing: a cheater H. Yeah, that's right. The whole basis of this book is a bloody cheater who didn't have the f-ing guts to tell his wife he wanted her to show more of her emotions. He cheats and we're reading this, accepting it and letting him get away with it. This book is someone's life and it's stupid that this book had a happy ending when I can imagine 1000s of women who never get the happy ending and are stuck with a bad taste in their mouth when their exes desert them for a shiny new model.
phffff!
P.S He f-s his wife AND his gf and THEN also tells his wife about it in the end... like he says ['After you f-ing changed your looks and attitude and I fell for you']... "I wasn't able to perform with my mistress/gf but I tried my darndest and I succeeded a coupla times...be proud of me!"
SWINE!
phffff!
P.S He f-s his wife AND his gf and THEN also tells his wife about it in the end... like he says ['After you f-ing changed your looks and attitude and I fell for you']... "I wasn't able to perform with my mistress/gf but I tried my darndest and I succeeded a coupla times...be proud of me!"
SWINE!
March 25, 2017
This guy one of the worst cheaters I have read yet! What a selfish ass!!!
October 12, 2018
At its core, this is the story of a man who goes through a very stereotypical midlife crisis and has an affair that hurts two good women, his family, and possibly his business.
What makes the book exceptional are 1) narrative choices that inspire a lot of thinky thoughts, 2) an incredible heroine, and 3) a hero I can’t hate despite the fact that I would describe him as selfish, egotistical, and (non-maliciously) cruel.
A Perfect Marriage is a story that packs an emotional punch, and I rather wish I had never read it because I can’t stop thinking about it but the ending doesn’t make me sufficiently happy to overcome the hurt I had to endure to get there. A book that can make me feel this strongly is probably worth 5 stars, but I have to subtract a star for all the pain it leaves behind.
What makes the book exceptional are 1) narrative choices that inspire a lot of thinky thoughts, 2) an incredible heroine, and 3) a hero I can’t hate despite the fact that I would describe him as selfish, egotistical, and (non-maliciously) cruel.
A Perfect Marriage is a story that packs an emotional punch, and I rather wish I had never read it because I can’t stop thinking about it but the ending doesn’t make me sufficiently happy to overcome the hurt I had to endure to get there. A book that can make me feel this strongly is probably worth 5 stars, but I have to subtract a star for all the pain it leaves behind.
February 9, 2017
You ever do that thing where you see reviews that are all saying Do Not Read This Book and describe all these things that you hate and are guaranteed to make you angry and sickened and furious, and you go, Hmm I think I'll read this book? No? Well then you're a heckuva lot smarter than me.
I dunno man, I guess I thought I would just take a peek at the ending, but instead of flipping to the end I started at page 1. Then I thought, well for sure I'm definitely skipping all the hateful parts, but instead I accidentally read every word. So here I am, having read the damn thing, all of it, and hating myself because it's not like, Surprise, you're upset and unhappy! I knew what it would be. It's just this, what is it, perverse, masochistic curiosity. My mother has often warned me of this character flaw. I'm working on it.
So basically, this book has a cheating husband who turns out to want his wife back, but only after he puts her through a wringer of every mental/emotional torture possible. His crimes are extreme:
-throws away his long-time wife for perky, blonde, much younger co-worker
-has explosive sex with his wife and tells her later it was because he was horny for the OW whom he'd just kissed before returning home
-tells her repeatedly how in-love he is with the OW, AND how physically attracted they are to each other
-causes his wife to sleep on the floor by letting her believe he and the OW had sex on both his bed & his couch
-takes the OW's virginity that she was saving for her true love and lets her believe they are going to get married and start a family (heck, he believes it himself)
-tells OW (in front of his pregnant wife) how it meant so much to him that she gave him her virginity
-tells his wife details about when and how often he has sex with the OW, including how after he & the wife made love again he had difficulties in the bedroom with the OW- in fact, he could only have sex with the OW two more times after that! How embarrassing!
I could go on about other outrages, because this book had LOADS of them, not least of which the heroine's pining, pathetic, I-just-want-you-back behavior, but whatever. I did this to myself. Make smart choices, friends.
P.s. It was well-written. She's a good writer. 3 stars for holding my interest and riling me up.
I dunno man, I guess I thought I would just take a peek at the ending, but instead of flipping to the end I started at page 1. Then I thought, well for sure I'm definitely skipping all the hateful parts, but instead I accidentally read every word. So here I am, having read the damn thing, all of it, and hating myself because it's not like, Surprise, you're upset and unhappy! I knew what it would be. It's just this, what is it, perverse, masochistic curiosity. My mother has often warned me of this character flaw. I'm working on it.
So basically, this book has a cheating husband who turns out to want his wife back, but only after he puts her through a wringer of every mental/emotional torture possible. His crimes are extreme:
-throws away his long-time wife for perky, blonde, much younger co-worker
-has explosive sex with his wife and tells her later it was because he was horny for the OW whom he'd just kissed before returning home
-tells her repeatedly how in-love he is with the OW, AND how physically attracted they are to each other
-causes his wife to sleep on the floor by letting her believe he and the OW had sex on both his bed & his couch
-takes the OW's virginity that she was saving for her true love and lets her believe they are going to get married and start a family (heck, he believes it himself)
-tells OW (in front of his pregnant wife) how it meant so much to him that she gave him her virginity
-tells his wife details about when and how often he has sex with the OW, including how after he & the wife made love again he had difficulties in the bedroom with the OW- in fact, he could only have sex with the OW two more times after that! How embarrassing!
I could go on about other outrages, because this book had LOADS of them, not least of which the heroine's pining, pathetic, I-just-want-you-back behavior, but whatever. I did this to myself. Make smart choices, friends.
P.s. It was well-written. She's a good writer. 3 stars for holding my interest and riling me up.
April 25, 2011
Even today I remain conflicted about this book. The hero and heroine loved other people and were hurt(hero's fiancee died and heroine's turned out to be a jerk), so they married for convenience(MOC) and it's been 12 years and their lives are okay if not spectacular when the hero asks for a divorce from the heroine because he has been having an affair in his office with a 25 year old, she makes him feel young and loved and important which the heroine doesn't apparently. Both of these people wanted to change the status quo but did not have the courage so the hero found it outside, the heroine is very hurt, apparently the husband Max thought that it wouldn't hit her that much since it was a MOC and she didn't seem to care that much about him and his lovemaking but well still waters run deep. These two people were in a rut. They move forward, the hero with the Kate(OW) and Celine as well, her father comes to live with her because of some problems. One days things happen b/w the h/h and Celine becomes pregnant. Yup marriage sperm during crisis!!She was unable to conceive before and is able to now. BUT she doesn't use it to get Max back, she is all satisfied to raise the child on her own and even goes out on dates and changes herself, the way she dresses, Max notices and is jealous. The PIG!He gave her up so why should he care what she wears?She doesn't tell him the kid is his and she doesn't give up the relationship she shares with Max's side of the family and Max's family are pro-Celine. Finally some nice in-laws. What a heroine, she was strong. And Max I can't really say about him. This book shows that marriage requires time, effort, communication and nurturing. Max starts coming around later on and we later find out that over time he found out that Katie was just an infatuation of sorts, because he got something from her, he didn't from Celine and that he ended his relationship with her long before he found about the baby and when he felt it was sufficient time, he would start wooing Celine and making up for what he had done to them and start afresh. The way he starts wooing her is great, you can see Max's hesitancy and remorse as well I think. He wanted to leave things upto Celine. And man it was hilarious that Celine had no idea that she was being wooed.
Let me clear everyone may not like this book and when I read it first I didn't as well. You can see the agony and the hurt of characters, what is the impact of infidelity, so it may not be your cup of tea.
And I guess since I read this book such a while back, I may have missed some things.
I liked this book because of the heroine Celine. Max was never re-deemed much or enough for me especially after the things his OW Kate said. And goody for Max or Oscars for Max that he couldn't get it up or satisfy Kate after being with Celine?And that pig tells Celine all of this bravo, telling your wife or ex whatever what you do in bed and how and expect her to be glad?But this books get more stars for effort, and especially in a category romance.
Let me clear everyone may not like this book and when I read it first I didn't as well. You can see the agony and the hurt of characters, what is the impact of infidelity, so it may not be your cup of tea.
And I guess since I read this book such a while back, I may have missed some things.
I liked this book because of the heroine Celine. Max was never re-deemed much or enough for me especially after the things his OW Kate said. And goody for Max or Oscars for Max that he couldn't get it up or satisfy Kate after being with Celine?And that pig tells Celine all of this bravo, telling your wife or ex whatever what you do in bed and how and expect her to be glad?But this books get more stars for effort, and especially in a category romance.
September 28, 2021
Reread numerous times, I’m surprised I never took the time to review this one. Surprising because it’s one of the best cheating husband books I’ve read. It gives a full story arc within the limited page count of a category romance.
A marriage of convenience story between friends, 12 years into their marriage, he’s looking for more—isn’t necessarily unhappy, but wants more out of their relationship. She’s content and is somewhat oblivious to his hints that something isn’t right. And ultimately, that’s when he strays to the point of falling in love with a younger OW he works with, both are attorneys.
What makes the story work is her cycle of emotions and grief. She has a calm strength through the story that comes across as smart. She’s unwilling to continue as his friend, though she’s grieving the loss of her marriage, she tries to make a life for herself separate from him. For the middle half of the book, he insists he’s in love with the OW, but doesn’t understand why she has not only cut herself off from him but also his family. He truly thinks they can continue to be friends. She’s very unwilling to do this, though she eventually opens up to her SIL and MIL, neither are accepting of his behavior.
It’s at this point he seems confused and a little lost--jealous when he has no right to be, they have an encounter that leaves her pregnant, while he’s still with the OW. She’s moving on, but chooses not to share her pregnancy news immediately. When he shows up unannounced and wants to talk about their relationship, he discovers she’s pregnant and makes the assumption it’s the OM’s, someone that has shown interest, but she’s not that ready to move on.
Now, he’s definitely lost. As readers we find out later in the story that he’s already broken off from the OW. What he thought was love turned out to be lust and mid-life crisis. He’s ruined his life for nothing but lust for a younger woman--realizing he's lost the woman, the friend, he truly loves. When he realizes the baby is his, he’s begging for crumbs, hoping his wife will let him be part of the pregnancy and the baby’s future. This moves into a period of courting, where she’s not always accepting or trusting of what is happening.
A well done confrontation with the OW, the husband and wife brings a level of closure and moves the story toward a HEA.
Once again, I believe indie authors could learn about how to tell a concise story from category authors. This is a full story in less than 200 pages.
A marriage of convenience story between friends, 12 years into their marriage, he’s looking for more—isn’t necessarily unhappy, but wants more out of their relationship. She’s content and is somewhat oblivious to his hints that something isn’t right. And ultimately, that’s when he strays to the point of falling in love with a younger OW he works with, both are attorneys.
What makes the story work is her cycle of emotions and grief. She has a calm strength through the story that comes across as smart. She’s unwilling to continue as his friend, though she’s grieving the loss of her marriage, she tries to make a life for herself separate from him. For the middle half of the book, he insists he’s in love with the OW, but doesn’t understand why she has not only cut herself off from him but also his family. He truly thinks they can continue to be friends. She’s very unwilling to do this, though she eventually opens up to her SIL and MIL, neither are accepting of his behavior.
It’s at this point he seems confused and a little lost--jealous when he has no right to be, they have an encounter that leaves her pregnant, while he’s still with the OW. She’s moving on, but chooses not to share her pregnancy news immediately. When he shows up unannounced and wants to talk about their relationship, he discovers she’s pregnant and makes the assumption it’s the OM’s, someone that has shown interest, but she’s not that ready to move on.
Now, he’s definitely lost. As readers we find out later in the story that he’s already broken off from the OW. What he thought was love turned out to be lust and mid-life crisis. He’s ruined his life for nothing but lust for a younger woman--realizing he's lost the woman, the friend, he truly loves. When he realizes the baby is his, he’s begging for crumbs, hoping his wife will let him be part of the pregnancy and the baby’s future. This moves into a period of courting, where she’s not always accepting or trusting of what is happening.
A well done confrontation with the OW, the husband and wife brings a level of closure and moves the story toward a HEA.
Once again, I believe indie authors could learn about how to tell a concise story from category authors. This is a full story in less than 200 pages.
February 25, 2015
this isnt an easy read. it's hurt. even days after i read this. it kept bugging my mind. why? how could he ? was the first 2 question hangiing on my mind. i dont expect max to not falling inlove w/kate. but the fact that he betrayed celine, the girl that he knw almost all her and his life, the girl that shared his childhood life, everything that happened in his life, why did he has to betrayed her at her back like that? i mean, he can respect her to at least make the break up clean bfore he slept w/kate. heck even he can say that he love kate to celine as the reason why they should parted way, BEFORE he slept w/kate. after he drop that bomb, then go ahead and burried your d*** as long as u want into that young girl of yours. but spare celine some respect! for god sake!
and i giving celine a standing ovation for what she dealt w/and still took him back without even a single bit of a groveling act. woah.. celine is the perfect/ideal wife to all those cheater outthere. max was practically insulted her.hard. deep. unforgivable. yes i knw there's no sparks fly, but he can respect her, for lord!
this book isnt for anyone, specially for those who interested in reconsiliation of a wife and a cheating husband who wants to see how sorry the husband was and how much he done to EARN his forgivenes from his wife. this book hasnt had all that. so, those without a hard heart, can leave this book and walk away to search other one.
i find it even funny how max after his pure-love declaration to celine that he infact inlove w/kate and never felt that way after his first fiancee died, can turn back his heart in months to realize that he was inlove w/his wife. this isnt make sense at all. he have her for 12 years in marriage bond. and he known her for all his life. yet he didnt has the restraint to save his marriage first bfore he sleeping w/kate ? unbeliavable. aND even more funnier how honourable max was when he refused to slept w/celine the night when he finally confessed his affair to her, bcoz he said he's now commit to kate and cant have sex w/celine who still legally his wife, but just in paper. how honorable of him! did he got worm in his brain? HE SLEP W/KATE WHILE HE ALSO SLEPT W/HIS WIFE LONG BEFORE HE CONFESSED HIS AFFAIR TO CELINE! and he even USED CELINE AS HIS SEXUAL pleasure when he was all aroused after he was kissing kate!!! for god sake! he put his own wife in a very loe level than his GF. his freaking wife who also his bestfriend for his/her entire life. im insulted after reading this. ughhhh...
and why all novel about infidelity put the guy in a high position? i mean, the guy cleep around w/his new GF, while all the wifes in this kind of story cant even have 1 freaking new BF and dont sleep with anyone. it sucks! i demand equality! ughh...
i need to forget this story and delete it from my laptop now. i hate it. loath it, disgust w/it. No sin cant be forgiven, BUT HE HAS TO EARN IT, WORK FOR IT, SORRY FOR IT, FIGHT FOR IT. THEN HE CAN COME BACK. what maz did, done and being accepted again ISNT WORTH forgiveness
and i giving celine a standing ovation for what she dealt w/and still took him back without even a single bit of a groveling act. woah.. celine is the perfect/ideal wife to all those cheater outthere. max was practically insulted her.hard. deep. unforgivable. yes i knw there's no sparks fly, but he can respect her, for lord!
this book isnt for anyone, specially for those who interested in reconsiliation of a wife and a cheating husband who wants to see how sorry the husband was and how much he done to EARN his forgivenes from his wife. this book hasnt had all that. so, those without a hard heart, can leave this book and walk away to search other one.
i find it even funny how max after his pure-love declaration to celine that he infact inlove w/kate and never felt that way after his first fiancee died, can turn back his heart in months to realize that he was inlove w/his wife. this isnt make sense at all. he have her for 12 years in marriage bond. and he known her for all his life. yet he didnt has the restraint to save his marriage first bfore he sleeping w/kate ? unbeliavable. aND even more funnier how honourable max was when he refused to slept w/celine the night when he finally confessed his affair to her, bcoz he said he's now commit to kate and cant have sex w/celine who still legally his wife, but just in paper. how honorable of him! did he got worm in his brain? HE SLEP W/KATE WHILE HE ALSO SLEPT W/HIS WIFE LONG BEFORE HE CONFESSED HIS AFFAIR TO CELINE! and he even USED CELINE AS HIS SEXUAL pleasure when he was all aroused after he was kissing kate!!! for god sake! he put his own wife in a very loe level than his GF. his freaking wife who also his bestfriend for his/her entire life. im insulted after reading this. ughhhh...
and why all novel about infidelity put the guy in a high position? i mean, the guy cleep around w/his new GF, while all the wifes in this kind of story cant even have 1 freaking new BF and dont sleep with anyone. it sucks! i demand equality! ughh...
i need to forget this story and delete it from my laptop now. i hate it. loath it, disgust w/it. No sin cant be forgiven, BUT HE HAS TO EARN IT, WORK FOR IT, SORRY FOR IT, FIGHT FOR IT. THEN HE CAN COME BACK. what maz did, done and being accepted again ISNT WORTH forgiveness
August 8, 2023
I don’t know why I’ve read it since the reviews were very clear and exhausting about this one.
I wanted to see it it was as bad as they said.
And it was all that and then some.
- it would be a MOC gone sour. Two people who’ve been friends forever and had been disappointed with their love life, his fiancée died and she was madly in love with a married man. They decided to marry without being in love.
Big mistake.
Huge.
Love is the minimum requisite for a marriage, at least in the beginning.
Couples being in love are more frequently able to overcome the year long challenge of a long marriage.
If love is absent it’s easier to stray when things are difficult.
- the couple have been married for 12 years and he’s restless.
- enter ow. Cliche: younger, blond, sultry.
- the characters have really a very boring and safe marriage without passion and intimacy, the real intimacy. They have sex in the dark. My god! It’s not a regency! And the heroine has her faults, it seems she’s too comfortable in her marriage and doesn’t really find time for her husband. No good.
- he cheats and does the worst thing: he leaves his wife telling her he’s in love with ow.
- the heroine is a whimper. She doesn’t cuss, she doesn’t get angry and she is too cold.
- he has sex with her months after he’s gone and the heroine gets pregnant.
In the end he leaves ow because hey it was not love but only sex and middle age crisis. He loves the heroine. And she loves him.
- so, the hero was really bad, the usual weak coward who blames the wife for his faults. He wronged the heroine and wronged ow too who was too young and naive not to see he was telling her a pack of lies. I just can see him, complaining about his wife and how she was cold, uninteresting, how their sex life was a bore and she never loved him. He’s really a loser.
- the heroine heard all those beautiful things by ow herself and took the hero back nonetheless. What does it say about her? That she doesn’t really love him of course! If she did she wouldn’t be able to take all this with such a good humor. And this is what I liked of the book. The hero thinks she loves him but she will never be in love with him, and he will have to settle since he had a child with her.
- I hated the book, the hero wasn’t entitled to cheat because he was unhappy with his marriage. This is chauvinism. Of course she was celibate even if there was a charming om who was interested in her. She’s a lost cause too. So yes, this is really a perfect marriage.
I wanted to see it it was as bad as they said.
And it was all that and then some.
- it would be a MOC gone sour. Two people who’ve been friends forever and had been disappointed with their love life, his fiancée died and she was madly in love with a married man. They decided to marry without being in love.
Big mistake.
Huge.
Love is the minimum requisite for a marriage, at least in the beginning.
Couples being in love are more frequently able to overcome the year long challenge of a long marriage.
If love is absent it’s easier to stray when things are difficult.
- the couple have been married for 12 years and he’s restless.
- enter ow. Cliche: younger, blond, sultry.
- the characters have really a very boring and safe marriage without passion and intimacy, the real intimacy. They have sex in the dark. My god! It’s not a regency! And the heroine has her faults, it seems she’s too comfortable in her marriage and doesn’t really find time for her husband. No good.
- he cheats and does the worst thing: he leaves his wife telling her he’s in love with ow.
- the heroine is a whimper. She doesn’t cuss, she doesn’t get angry and she is too cold.
- he has sex with her months after he’s gone and the heroine gets pregnant.
In the end he leaves ow because hey it was not love but only sex and middle age crisis. He loves the heroine. And she loves him.
- so, the hero was really bad, the usual weak coward who blames the wife for his faults. He wronged the heroine and wronged ow too who was too young and naive not to see he was telling her a pack of lies. I just can see him, complaining about his wife and how she was cold, uninteresting, how their sex life was a bore and she never loved him. He’s really a loser.
- the heroine heard all those beautiful things by ow herself and took the hero back nonetheless. What does it say about her? That she doesn’t really love him of course! If she did she wouldn’t be able to take all this with such a good humor. And this is what I liked of the book. The hero thinks she loves him but she will never be in love with him, and he will have to settle since he had a child with her.
- I hated the book, the hero wasn’t entitled to cheat because he was unhappy with his marriage. This is chauvinism. Of course she was celibate even if there was a charming om who was interested in her. She’s a lost cause too. So yes, this is really a perfect marriage.
February 10, 2021
This is a good story.
The book is a bit dated, ideas of motherhood, careers are old fashioned but the issue of cheating is explored well.
The Hero and heroine had a happy marriage but they were best friends rather than swept away with love.
Both had been bitten in the past so were happy with that.
The Hero starts to feel dissatisfied with their relationship and tries to sort things out but difficult circumstances and life get in the way so instead he is flattered by the attention of another woman.
There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The Hero does cheat but although issues and feelings are discussed thoroughly there are no intimate scenes of the other woman with him.
We have one confrontation scene with the other woman.
I liked that the author didn't have the other woman as a psycho type as an excuse for him being manipulated.
The other woman was younger but due to miscommunication between the Hero and heroine she thought she could have a future with the Hero.
Whether you would forgive him or not the issue of cheating is thoroughly discussed, its effects on not just the couple but the families and friends of the Hero and heroine, which not all books do.
Spoiler.
He does grovel.
It's the heroine's POV so at first you are not sure of his motives.
HEA. If you are convinced there is recovery from cheating, I believe that depends on each readers view on the situation.
The book is a bit dated, ideas of motherhood, careers are old fashioned but the issue of cheating is explored well.
The Hero and heroine had a happy marriage but they were best friends rather than swept away with love.
Both had been bitten in the past so were happy with that.
The Hero starts to feel dissatisfied with their relationship and tries to sort things out but difficult circumstances and life get in the way so instead he is flattered by the attention of another woman.
There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The Hero does cheat but although issues and feelings are discussed thoroughly there are no intimate scenes of the other woman with him.
We have one confrontation scene with the other woman.
I liked that the author didn't have the other woman as a psycho type as an excuse for him being manipulated.
The other woman was younger but due to miscommunication between the Hero and heroine she thought she could have a future with the Hero.
Whether you would forgive him or not the issue of cheating is thoroughly discussed, its effects on not just the couple but the families and friends of the Hero and heroine, which not all books do.
Spoiler.
He does grovel.
It's the heroine's POV so at first you are not sure of his motives.
HEA. If you are convinced there is recovery from cheating, I believe that depends on each readers view on the situation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2023
After many years of contemplation, I have finally read this book. As a lover of the cheating trope, this ticks all the boxes, but alas, my fellow lassies with feminist leanings, this is rage-inducing at times.
November 25, 2023
Голяма краста са тези стари Арлекини. И когато в един от десет случая се случи добра история (като тук), читателката ползва следните бонуси в сравнение с отвратителния New Adult:
✔️ Кратко и стегнато разказване в 150 страници, вместо едно кило пропиляна хартия и 500 раздути страници. (А често и брутален роден превод).
✔️ Никаква вулгарност и псувни, обожавани от “модерните” авторки на истории, предназначени за “белия боклук” от женски пол, обитаващ САЩ.
Тук един уж стабилен брак крушира след 12 години, защото съпругът си намира млада любовница (класика!), и се изнася при нея. Съпругата е потресена, но осъзнава, че съвсем не е да не е имало предупредителни сигнали, че нещата не са наред, просто се е опитвала да не ги вижда. А съпругът, уж получил каквото най-сетне му е липсвало, изведнъж се светва, че май всъщност не е точно така и жестоко е прецакал нещо хубаво, което е бил приел за даденост.
В крайна сметка, тъй като сме в Романсландия, всичко свършва благополучно и без адвокати. Но не без доста драма. Но пък героите са превъзходни! Много реални.
✔️ Кратко и стегнато разказване в 150 страници, вместо едно кило пропиляна хартия и 500 раздути страници. (А често и брутален роден превод).
✔️ Никаква вулгарност и псувни, обожавани от “модерните” авторки на истории, предназначени за “белия боклук” от женски пол, обитаващ САЩ.
Тук един уж стабилен брак крушира след 12 години, защото съпругът си намира млада любовница (класика!), и се изнася при нея. Съпругата е потресена, но осъзнава, че съвсем не е да не е имало предупредителни сигнали, че нещата не са наред, просто се е опитвала да не ги вижда. А съпругът, уж получил каквото най-сетне му е липсвало, изведнъж се светва, че май всъщност не е точно така и жестоко е прецакал нещо хубаво, което е бил приел за даденост.
В крайна сметка, тъй като сме в Романсландия, всичко свършва благополучно и без адвокати. Но не без доста драма. Но пък героите са превъзходни! Много реални.
September 4, 2021
4 Angsty Stars
Reread: Feb. 2021
This one hasn't lost one ounce of the angst I felt when I first read it. Still incredibly gut-wrenching. I read it in one sitting. Out of all my angsty reads, this is up there with Unbreak My Heart. Both make you want to cry for mercy. Check out 'boogenhagen's review.
Marriage in Trouble...with a cheating hero.
Yikes, I know!
>>>>>Not at all for the faint of hearts.<<<<<
What in the heck would attract me to these books? The angst and a groveling hero. I FLOVE a good grovel. It's catnip to my drama-loving heart. The bigger the angst, the bigger the grovel it requires. I hoped the cheating hero in this one would redeem himself enough to give me a satisfying HEA. Some reviewers didn't think he had, but I gave him a shot anyway. The negative reviews had me preparing for the worst of the worst, and I think that helped soften the blow. I gotta say though...I know what a punch to the heart feels like. I felt it at the 56% mark, to be exact. Ouch! Yep, I realize I asked for it.
The author doesn't sugarcoat shit, and I won't either. It was brutal. Read the other reviews for the gory details. They're kind of right but also not really *lol* When you take things out of context, sometimes they sound worse than they really are in the book. In short, Celine & Max had a marriage of convenience. And it took losing Max for Celine to realize she was in love with him, and it took another woman for Max to realize he couldn't live without Celine. I can't deny the perceptions some of the characters had about relationships were bonkers but I also know that, unfortunately, it's not uncommon in the real world. Fact is, relationships are fucking complicated.
A Perfect Marriage had me reading practically nonstop. That's what a good angsty book does to me. I do feel Celine went easy on Max and sadly (for me), he never really had to grovel. Good thing Max constantly doted on her so it made up for it. All in all, I feel I needed more convincing. I also needed more blissful times between them. The ending wasn't as satisfying for this hopeless romantic, but the book was entertaining nonetheless.
Reread: Feb. 2021
This one hasn't lost one ounce of the angst I felt when I first read it. Still incredibly gut-wrenching. I read it in one sitting. Out of all my angsty reads, this is up there with Unbreak My Heart. Both make you want to cry for mercy. Check out 'boogenhagen's review.
Marriage in Trouble...with a cheating hero.
Yikes, I know!
>>>>>Not at all for the faint of hearts.<<<<<
What in the heck would attract me to these books? The angst and a groveling hero. I FLOVE a good grovel. It's catnip to my drama-loving heart. The bigger the angst, the bigger the grovel it requires. I hoped the cheating hero in this one would redeem himself enough to give me a satisfying HEA. Some reviewers didn't think he had, but I gave him a shot anyway. The negative reviews had me preparing for the worst of the worst, and I think that helped soften the blow. I gotta say though...I know what a punch to the heart feels like. I felt it at the 56% mark, to be exact. Ouch! Yep, I realize I asked for it.
The author doesn't sugarcoat shit, and I won't either. It was brutal. Read the other reviews for the gory details. They're kind of right but also not really *lol* When you take things out of context, sometimes they sound worse than they really are in the book. In short, Celine & Max had a marriage of convenience. And it took losing Max for Celine to realize she was in love with him, and it took another woman for Max to realize he couldn't live without Celine. I can't deny the perceptions some of the characters had about relationships were bonkers but I also know that, unfortunately, it's not uncommon in the real world. Fact is, relationships are fucking complicated.
A Perfect Marriage had me reading practically nonstop. That's what a good angsty book does to me. I do feel Celine went easy on Max and sadly (for me), he never really had to grovel. Good thing Max constantly doted on her so it made up for it. All in all, I feel I needed more convincing. I also needed more blissful times between them. The ending wasn't as satisfying for this hopeless romantic, but the book was entertaining nonetheless.
May 22, 2012
2.5 stars. I could barely forgive the H in this one and that is only because they were upfront with each other TWELVE YEARS AGO when they first got married and she treated him like a shoe. IMO, he really hurt her with all the luuuurv he professed regarding this other woman. He really should be left to the curb but, eh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2010
This book was really quite interesting. Celine and Max have known each other since they were kids, growing up almost as close as siblings. Max had been engaged to be married but his fiancee died. In mourning he turns to Celine for comfort and the two drift into a relationship. They are very sensible about it. Max acknowledges that he probably won't love Celine as deeply and passionately as he had his now dead fiancee. Celine, for her part, is fine with that. The two of them embark on a very sensible married existence.
Twelve years later Max informs Celine that he has had an affair and is in love with the woman in question. Celine forces Max to move out and begins her own process of re-invention.
But even though the two seem to come to terms with the marriage being over, Max finds himself unable to stay away from Celine especially when he sees that other men begin to move on her once the break-up becomes public knowledge. And Celine can't seem to keep herself from accepting his help when she knows she should be turning him away.
One thing I found very interesting about this book was that, despite it being in the Harl/Sil line, they actually allowed the husband to be very unsympathetic. Usually in the category romances (especially what I have found in my recent foray into cheating husbands plots) they generally allow the man to go only so far. He can have an emotional (or imagined emotional) attachment with another woman but not a physical one. Also they are careful not to make him more of a jerk than he has to be.
But in this case, Max really crosses the line on many levels. Not only is he in love with this other woman (he reminds his wife that he was never in love with her) but he also had a physical affair with her. The other woman in question, isn't a villainess. She is as much a victim of Max as his wife is. Also, we are allowed to see him interacting with his wife while he is supposedly in the throes of this deep infatuation. There is one scene where Max is making love with Celine (this is before he confesses his love for the other woman) and as a reader you are intensely aware that he isn't just making love to his wife, he has more going on in his head. Later in the book after the two are separated, Celine confronts him about that lovemaking and I don't think he acquits himself very well in that explanation.
While Max is definitely in the wrong here, Celine is problematic too. She is entirely too much in her head. Imo, she make things way too easy for Max. After he has confessed about his love for this other woman, at one point he is gratified that she is taking it so well. I thought she took it too well. It was too matter of fact. It was almost as if they were discussing a contract or something. of course, inside she is hurt and ragey but she doesn't let that really show, so Max almost feels justified in his decision. Her practical reaction in the wake of his confession seems to confirm the luke-warmness of her feelings for him.
I felt very bad for Celine. I wanted her to rail, and call him a son-of-a bitch and to throw his clothes on the lawn and set them on fire. But she was way too civilized for that. Instead she had a lot of inner dialogue and suffered a lot.
Of course the two get back together and I wondered how they'd reconcile his supposedly awesome love for this other woman with him staying with Celine. I think it was a somewhat typical solution but it actually worked for this book.
One thing that stunned me in a good way was the scene with the other woman. She wasn't some red fingernailed hoochie. She was quite sympathetic herself and I felt very bad for her.
While I wasn't a great fan of Max, I respect what the author tried to do with him. She did a good job of conveying his complex and often confusing feelings.
This is really a 3.5 star book for me.
Twelve years later Max informs Celine that he has had an affair and is in love with the woman in question. Celine forces Max to move out and begins her own process of re-invention.
But even though the two seem to come to terms with the marriage being over, Max finds himself unable to stay away from Celine especially when he sees that other men begin to move on her once the break-up becomes public knowledge. And Celine can't seem to keep herself from accepting his help when she knows she should be turning him away.
One thing I found very interesting about this book was that, despite it being in the Harl/Sil line, they actually allowed the husband to be very unsympathetic. Usually in the category romances (especially what I have found in my recent foray into cheating husbands plots) they generally allow the man to go only so far. He can have an emotional (or imagined emotional) attachment with another woman but not a physical one. Also they are careful not to make him more of a jerk than he has to be.
But in this case, Max really crosses the line on many levels. Not only is he in love with this other woman (he reminds his wife that he was never in love with her) but he also had a physical affair with her. The other woman in question, isn't a villainess. She is as much a victim of Max as his wife is. Also, we are allowed to see him interacting with his wife while he is supposedly in the throes of this deep infatuation. There is one scene where Max is making love with Celine (this is before he confesses his love for the other woman) and as a reader you are intensely aware that he isn't just making love to his wife, he has more going on in his head. Later in the book after the two are separated, Celine confronts him about that lovemaking and I don't think he acquits himself very well in that explanation.
While Max is definitely in the wrong here, Celine is problematic too. She is entirely too much in her head. Imo, she make things way too easy for Max. After he has confessed about his love for this other woman, at one point he is gratified that she is taking it so well. I thought she took it too well. It was too matter of fact. It was almost as if they were discussing a contract or something. of course, inside she is hurt and ragey but she doesn't let that really show, so Max almost feels justified in his decision. Her practical reaction in the wake of his confession seems to confirm the luke-warmness of her feelings for him.
I felt very bad for Celine. I wanted her to rail, and call him a son-of-a bitch and to throw his clothes on the lawn and set them on fire. But she was way too civilized for that. Instead she had a lot of inner dialogue and suffered a lot.
Of course the two get back together and I wondered how they'd reconcile his supposedly awesome love for this other woman with him staying with Celine. I think it was a somewhat typical solution but it actually worked for this book.
One thing that stunned me in a good way was the scene with the other woman. She wasn't some red fingernailed hoochie. She was quite sympathetic herself and I felt very bad for her.
While I wasn't a great fan of Max, I respect what the author tried to do with him. She did a good job of conveying his complex and often confusing feelings.
This is really a 3.5 star book for me.
April 17, 2011
Had read this book long tyime back but still my feelings for Max-Disgusting good for nothing pig headed selfish mean man are as same as the time i read the book
It is a real emotional roller coaster and while reading i had only one emotion that is anger so much anger god for Celine more cause she was 2 good,forgave that pig headed husband of hers so easily
Don't even wanna go to write abt Max or else my cursing won't stop and that Kate she was tried to be shown a naive virgin in her twenties but she was one manupalative B**** when started sleeping with Max she knew she was breaking a marriage and never even once she was shown to regret and later when she shows up and says things that Max told her abt Celine how she is cold and had no emotions n all ohh come on you are not born tom ,she must have a idea how men manupalates to get in skirts and Celine after hearing everything she still forgives Max
Max set the rules for the marriage when Celine abided by it he was angry and frustarted and potryaed himself as victim, he said so many cruel things to Celine,most disgusting thing was when he was having that mindblowing sex with Celine he was thinking of Kate and how conveniently later when he finds out Kate is way too young for his sexual apetite he comes back to Celine
I was very disapoointed cause Celine forgave him way too easily
Good read not a keeper for me
It is a real emotional roller coaster and while reading i had only one emotion that is anger so much anger god for Celine more cause she was 2 good,forgave that pig headed husband of hers so easily
Don't even wanna go to write abt Max or else my cursing won't stop and that Kate she was tried to be shown a naive virgin in her twenties but she was one manupalative B**** when started sleeping with Max she knew she was breaking a marriage and never even once she was shown to regret and later when she shows up and says things that Max told her abt Celine how she is cold and had no emotions n all ohh come on you are not born tom ,she must have a idea how men manupalates to get in skirts and Celine after hearing everything she still forgives Max
Max set the rules for the marriage when Celine abided by it he was angry and frustarted and potryaed himself as victim, he said so many cruel things to Celine,most disgusting thing was when he was having that mindblowing sex with Celine he was thinking of Kate and how conveniently later when he finds out Kate is way too young for his sexual apetite he comes back to Celine
I was very disapoointed cause Celine forgave him way too easily
Good read not a keeper for me
February 17, 2021
It's difficult for me to give "A Perfect Marriage" a review because it's a romance novel that deals with adultery.
Max and Celine have had a comfortable, friendly marriage for 12 years, but with no passion nor love. The hero "falls in love" with another woman, sleeps with her, and then leaves his wife. But after a night of unexpected passion with Celine, Max gets his estranged wife pregnant. Finally, he realizes, almost too late, that it's his wife he's loved all along.
The heroine is way too good for the hero, a man in the throes of a mid-life crisis. Despite the fact that the author tries to make Kate, the other woman, seem like a naive, beautiful virgin who is as much a victim as Celine, in my eyes, she's a manipulative b****. Kate is no innocent schoolgirl; she's an educated attorney who has no qualms about breaking up a marriage. Max never sufficiently redeems himself. It is only through Celine's love and forgiveness that reconciliation is possible. The book was an emotional roller-coaster as the author does a wonderful job showing how separation and divorce can affect the whole extended family. Ultimately, this book deserves a positive rating because of how it portrays the healing power of love.
Max and Celine have had a comfortable, friendly marriage for 12 years, but with no passion nor love. The hero "falls in love" with another woman, sleeps with her, and then leaves his wife. But after a night of unexpected passion with Celine, Max gets his estranged wife pregnant. Finally, he realizes, almost too late, that it's his wife he's loved all along.
The heroine is way too good for the hero, a man in the throes of a mid-life crisis. Despite the fact that the author tries to make Kate, the other woman, seem like a naive, beautiful virgin who is as much a victim as Celine, in my eyes, she's a manipulative b****. Kate is no innocent schoolgirl; she's an educated attorney who has no qualms about breaking up a marriage. Max never sufficiently redeems himself. It is only through Celine's love and forgiveness that reconciliation is possible. The book was an emotional roller-coaster as the author does a wonderful job showing how separation and divorce can affect the whole extended family. Ultimately, this book deserves a positive rating because of how it portrays the healing power of love.
May 23, 2021
The husband cheats...nope it’s not a one off...he has the much younger ow meet his family...talks about her to the wife, they work at the same law firm and are obvious, says he never thought he’d feel this way again(the first was a dead fiancé not wife) and it is heartbreaking! That’s not even all of it....maybe it was good his first true love died as he probably would have messed her up too!
Lots of great reviews...Preeti, Boogenhagen, megzy, Vintage, St Margaret’s to name a few....
This was well written. It kept me turning the pages. It kept my body in constant anxiety mode,. I don’t think I would reread it, because I’m not sure Ben and Jerry and me could survive it.
Upon finishing the book I believed in the HEA...but after reading some reviews I feel pissed off at the hero again and wish he had suffered more. Maybe the ow who was a virgin(so much worse)...will get a new lover and thank the H publicly for dumping her so she could experience someone with a better noodle to doodle her with! It’s a thought!
I need one of my comfort reads....it might be time for a Lynne Graham!
Omg...I just found out that this author is Daphne Clair...I’ve been on a Daphne Clair reading trip lately.
Lots of great reviews...Preeti, Boogenhagen, megzy, Vintage, St Margaret’s to name a few....
This was well written. It kept me turning the pages. It kept my body in constant anxiety mode,. I don’t think I would reread it, because I’m not sure Ben and Jerry and me could survive it.
Upon finishing the book I believed in the HEA...but after reading some reviews I feel pissed off at the hero again and wish he had suffered more. Maybe the ow who was a virgin(so much worse)...will get a new lover and thank the H publicly for dumping her so she could experience someone with a better noodle to doodle her with! It’s a thought!
I need one of my comfort reads....it might be time for a Lynne Graham!
Omg...I just found out that this author is Daphne Clair...I’ve been on a Daphne Clair reading trip lately.
June 5, 2013
i hated max. he was a big bastard.. how could celine let him come back so easily !? the book was well written (i mean the author has talent, she has very good skills of narrating a story) but i hated the way celine let max walk all over her. i mean she was too nice. she had to move on but it seemed she waited 4 him when over n over again he told her dat it was kate he loved n on a night when he was very passionate, he was infact using her as he could not have kate. how horrible !! where's ur pride woman !? things were way too easy 4 dat asshole
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