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Clean Break
A riveting tale of psychological suspense about a woman who finds herself in an impossible situation.
Lured by the hope of a better life for herself and her son, Celeste Vanek must deal with the emotional and physical resistance of her compulsive gambler husband when she asks for a divorce. Though she hopes she is on the verge of making a clean break, her husband demands his family back, and things get
violent. Jake Atwood, who witnesses the shocking scene between Celeste and her husband, struggles with his own emotional and ethical issues while attempting to help Celeste escape her marriage. At the same time, Jake is involved with Sara, a
married and childless police detective who has a private agenda to pursue when a crime is committed that links all of these characters together and changes their lives forever. With heart-pounding suspense and brilliant psychological insight, CLEAN BREAK will leave readers breathless.
Lured by the hope of a better life for herself and her son, Celeste Vanek must deal with the emotional and physical resistance of her compulsive gambler husband when she asks for a divorce. Though she hopes she is on the verge of making a clean break, her husband demands his family back, and things get
violent. Jake Atwood, who witnesses the shocking scene between Celeste and her husband, struggles with his own emotional and ethical issues while attempting to help Celeste escape her marriage. At the same time, Jake is involved with Sara, a
married and childless police detective who has a private agenda to pursue when a crime is committed that links all of these characters together and changes their lives forever. With heart-pounding suspense and brilliant psychological insight, CLEAN BREAK will leave readers breathless.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
David Klein
5 books36 followersI am the author of the novels STASH and CLEAN BREAK, published by Broadway Books, the novels IN FLIGHT and THE SUITOR, and the exclusive eBook THE CULLING.
I like to write, and read, stories about people who find themselves, often due to their own character flaws, in extraordinary and difficult circumstances that test their moral courage.
Visit my web site: http://www.bydavidklein.com.
I like to write, and read, stories about people who find themselves, often due to their own character flaws, in extraordinary and difficult circumstances that test their moral courage.
Visit my web site: http://www.bydavidklein.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 5, 2012
I'm the author, so it gets FIVE BIG ONES!
July 9, 2012
From Lilac Wolf and Stuff
I love it when I get a gripping suspense novel, AND it's well written. Granted I wasn't always surprised by the actions of the characters, but I also had plenty of time to be shocked. Ever read a book and get hit so hard you take a sharp intake of breath? Yeah, that happened here a few times.
What really got me was when he told the story from Adam's point of view. See, Adam was the gambling husband who was getting progressively more violent. He was such a sad case. He knew he was screwing up, he was aware of his bad decisions. Yet he still lost control.
It was freaky how easy it was to go down that slope. Klein really makes the point that not only do you not know what the people around you are capable of, you don't even know what YOU are capable of.
This was a great ride, and I'm a little sorry it's over. I'm looking forward to reading more by David Klein.
I love it when I get a gripping suspense novel, AND it's well written. Granted I wasn't always surprised by the actions of the characters, but I also had plenty of time to be shocked. Ever read a book and get hit so hard you take a sharp intake of breath? Yeah, that happened here a few times.
What really got me was when he told the story from Adam's point of view. See, Adam was the gambling husband who was getting progressively more violent. He was such a sad case. He knew he was screwing up, he was aware of his bad decisions. Yet he still lost control.
It was freaky how easy it was to go down that slope. Klein really makes the point that not only do you not know what the people around you are capable of, you don't even know what YOU are capable of.
This was a great ride, and I'm a little sorry it's over. I'm looking forward to reading more by David Klein.
August 31, 2012
Clean Break by David Klein is a novel about relationships. That means it’s something like a romance novel, right? Well, maybe and maybe not. There is a budding romance at the center of the story, but there are break ups too. More than one.
When Celeste and Jacob start tentatively ‘almost dating’, they both have enough baggage between them to fill an SUV. She’s just come out of her marriage to Adam, a former college sports star whose addiction to gambling wrecked their marriage, which had been happy for the first ten years. Jacob has just come out of an affair with Sara, a tough lady who works in law enforcement. She showed Jacob the door when she realized that their affair was just as much about him getting a lucrative contract for his company as it was about attraction, love and affection. This was the man she’d risked her marriage for as well as her career. She opened her eyes and realized that the risks just weren’t worth it.
Both ladies are trying here for a clean break to two destructive relationships. However, in the course of the story, it becomes obvious that we carry within us lasting memories of the relationships we experience and however much we may yearn for them, clean breaks are not always possible.
A sensitive and skilful writer, Klein writes objectively, without cloying sentimentality. It is easy to feel for the lost soul that Adam Vanek has become, returning from the rehabilitation clinic to find that his wife and son just won’t be there for him to support him as he tries to make it through. But at the same time, it’s not difficult to sympathize with Celeste, his wife, who has had her fill of heartbreak, broken promises, simmering tension and the threat of violence. All she wants now is a peaceful divorce and a reasonably amicable relationship with her former husband, as they continue to parent their child. Although Celeste has had enough of her marriage, the need for love and companionship doesn’t go away and she finds herself attracted to Jacob. And Jacob, who rather cynically used Sara, is not a bad man really. He’s just a man who never found the right woman to settle down with.
Although the subject matter of this novel is rather grim, it’s far from a grim read. The writer’s easy style draws us in and we find ourselves caring for the characters as the story unfolds. The climax which comes about four fifths through the story brings an unexpected twist which makes the ending far from predictable.
Overall, I’d say that this is an immensely readable novel and a commendable piece of work. I’d have no hesitation to recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading novels about life and relationships. And suspense.
Favorite Quote: He never remained in once city long enough to establish roots or permanent friendships and he lamented the lack of any foundation in his life. Here he was pushing forty and still flying solo. Jake had expected to be married by now with a family of his own, a partner to love, children to raise. Wasn’t that every orphan’s dream?
“I discovered something very important”, Adam said. “No matter what your wife says, no matter how mad she is or how much she insults you or goads you on – don’t touch her. Don’t raise a hand,” Adam said. “I have to apologize for that”.
Published by Maria on Romancing the Book. ARC provided by the publisher.
When Celeste and Jacob start tentatively ‘almost dating’, they both have enough baggage between them to fill an SUV. She’s just come out of her marriage to Adam, a former college sports star whose addiction to gambling wrecked their marriage, which had been happy for the first ten years. Jacob has just come out of an affair with Sara, a tough lady who works in law enforcement. She showed Jacob the door when she realized that their affair was just as much about him getting a lucrative contract for his company as it was about attraction, love and affection. This was the man she’d risked her marriage for as well as her career. She opened her eyes and realized that the risks just weren’t worth it.
Both ladies are trying here for a clean break to two destructive relationships. However, in the course of the story, it becomes obvious that we carry within us lasting memories of the relationships we experience and however much we may yearn for them, clean breaks are not always possible.
A sensitive and skilful writer, Klein writes objectively, without cloying sentimentality. It is easy to feel for the lost soul that Adam Vanek has become, returning from the rehabilitation clinic to find that his wife and son just won’t be there for him to support him as he tries to make it through. But at the same time, it’s not difficult to sympathize with Celeste, his wife, who has had her fill of heartbreak, broken promises, simmering tension and the threat of violence. All she wants now is a peaceful divorce and a reasonably amicable relationship with her former husband, as they continue to parent their child. Although Celeste has had enough of her marriage, the need for love and companionship doesn’t go away and she finds herself attracted to Jacob. And Jacob, who rather cynically used Sara, is not a bad man really. He’s just a man who never found the right woman to settle down with.
Although the subject matter of this novel is rather grim, it’s far from a grim read. The writer’s easy style draws us in and we find ourselves caring for the characters as the story unfolds. The climax which comes about four fifths through the story brings an unexpected twist which makes the ending far from predictable.
Overall, I’d say that this is an immensely readable novel and a commendable piece of work. I’d have no hesitation to recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading novels about life and relationships. And suspense.
Favorite Quote: He never remained in once city long enough to establish roots or permanent friendships and he lamented the lack of any foundation in his life. Here he was pushing forty and still flying solo. Jake had expected to be married by now with a family of his own, a partner to love, children to raise. Wasn’t that every orphan’s dream?
“I discovered something very important”, Adam said. “No matter what your wife says, no matter how mad she is or how much she insults you or goads you on – don’t touch her. Don’t raise a hand,” Adam said. “I have to apologize for that”.
Published by Maria on Romancing the Book. ARC provided by the publisher.
April 3, 2013
By David Klein
Broadway Books, 376 pgs
978-0-307-71683-5
Rating: 3
The only people who stay in character in Clean Break are a gambling addict (Adam) and a 10-year-old child (Spencer). Now I don't know about you but I would tend to believe that the man with no character left, and the young one just developing character, would be the ones most likely to violate. Instead it's the adults, who have up until now been solid, responsible and dependable citizens. Now they are, variously: murderers, adulterers, liars, accomplices, ethically-challenged (to say the least) and one of them is so underdeveloped, in terms of character, that I cannot understand why she inspires so much passion in the others (Celeste).
Adam and Celeste are divorcing after more than a decade of marriage because Adam is a gambling addict who has become dangerously unpredictable and even physically violent. He has managed to bet and lose his way through the savings, 401(k)s, IRAs, retirement funds, college funds and pretty much everything they owned. Celeste and Spencer have to vacate the family home for a rental in a shabby part of Brookfield, a suburb of New York. They move while Adam is in a treatment facility for 3 months. When he is released and begs Celeste to come back to him, she refuses. It's not long after that he's gambling again. Celeste discovers his relapse and confronts him, for which he assaults her and is choking her when a man happens upon the scene and intervenes (Jake).
Long story short, Celeste and Jake begin a tentative relationship. Adam (who is stalking her by now) sees a kiss, the only kiss up to this point, and goes bananas, threatening everyone in sight. What happens now is either predictable or unpredictable depending on your point of view and understanding of character. The events that take place are predictable in terms of the formula for a suspense novel, but unpredictable in terms of the potentialities of these particular characters. I found the motivations of quite a few of these people to be unbelievable given the arcs of their lives to this point.
You have been a fine upstanding citizen for 42 years but all of a sudden (a matter of weeks) you're offering inside information to a vendor during a confidential contract bid and running around on your husband (Sara)? Or you have been a strictly career-oriented bachelor for 40 years, you move cross-country every few years for a new job, no ties, fancy free and now you are in love and devoted to a woman with all of these problems, so delusional that you are willing to commit the ultimate sin?
In addition, the style of storytelling got on my nerves. You can read a chapter, for instance, and instead of trusting his reader, the author adds a paragraph summing up what happened in the chapter and pointing out the significance of a clue, in case you weren't paying attention. Left me thinking the author felt the need to spoon-feed his audience. Clean Break is an OK book but if I were you I'd choose something else. David Klein has promise and has written a previous book titled Stash which got good reviews, so I'm going to try that one and I'll be back to let you know whether the author is better than Clean Break and deserves a second look.
For more on the author: http://bydavidklein.com/
For more on the publisher: http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/broa...
Broadway Books, 376 pgs
978-0-307-71683-5
Rating: 3
The only people who stay in character in Clean Break are a gambling addict (Adam) and a 10-year-old child (Spencer). Now I don't know about you but I would tend to believe that the man with no character left, and the young one just developing character, would be the ones most likely to violate. Instead it's the adults, who have up until now been solid, responsible and dependable citizens. Now they are, variously: murderers, adulterers, liars, accomplices, ethically-challenged (to say the least) and one of them is so underdeveloped, in terms of character, that I cannot understand why she inspires so much passion in the others (Celeste).
Adam and Celeste are divorcing after more than a decade of marriage because Adam is a gambling addict who has become dangerously unpredictable and even physically violent. He has managed to bet and lose his way through the savings, 401(k)s, IRAs, retirement funds, college funds and pretty much everything they owned. Celeste and Spencer have to vacate the family home for a rental in a shabby part of Brookfield, a suburb of New York. They move while Adam is in a treatment facility for 3 months. When he is released and begs Celeste to come back to him, she refuses. It's not long after that he's gambling again. Celeste discovers his relapse and confronts him, for which he assaults her and is choking her when a man happens upon the scene and intervenes (Jake).
Long story short, Celeste and Jake begin a tentative relationship. Adam (who is stalking her by now) sees a kiss, the only kiss up to this point, and goes bananas, threatening everyone in sight. What happens now is either predictable or unpredictable depending on your point of view and understanding of character. The events that take place are predictable in terms of the formula for a suspense novel, but unpredictable in terms of the potentialities of these particular characters. I found the motivations of quite a few of these people to be unbelievable given the arcs of their lives to this point.
You have been a fine upstanding citizen for 42 years but all of a sudden (a matter of weeks) you're offering inside information to a vendor during a confidential contract bid and running around on your husband (Sara)? Or you have been a strictly career-oriented bachelor for 40 years, you move cross-country every few years for a new job, no ties, fancy free and now you are in love and devoted to a woman with all of these problems, so delusional that you are willing to commit the ultimate sin?
In addition, the style of storytelling got on my nerves. You can read a chapter, for instance, and instead of trusting his reader, the author adds a paragraph summing up what happened in the chapter and pointing out the significance of a clue, in case you weren't paying attention. Left me thinking the author felt the need to spoon-feed his audience. Clean Break is an OK book but if I were you I'd choose something else. David Klein has promise and has written a previous book titled Stash which got good reviews, so I'm going to try that one and I'll be back to let you know whether the author is better than Clean Break and deserves a second look.
For more on the author: http://bydavidklein.com/
For more on the publisher: http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/broa...
June 3, 2012
Book won on Goodreads.com on 5-25-12.
The author has done his homework in describing the emotions when there are problems in a marriage, what happens after a separation with children and with mutual friends, how the justice system is not always fair (unless you have the money for a good attorney), and the overall struggle it is when faced with this situation. The author does an outstanding job developing the characters and supporting them throughout the storyline. The interwoven plots are tied up well in the end.
This is not a book that leaves you feeling good when reading it. It is like looking into the backstory of a domestic violence headline. This book will make you think. It will also make you appreciate your good marriage or relationship. Very well done!
The author has done his homework in describing the emotions when there are problems in a marriage, what happens after a separation with children and with mutual friends, how the justice system is not always fair (unless you have the money for a good attorney), and the overall struggle it is when faced with this situation. The author does an outstanding job developing the characters and supporting them throughout the storyline. The interwoven plots are tied up well in the end.
This is not a book that leaves you feeling good when reading it. It is like looking into the backstory of a domestic violence headline. This book will make you think. It will also make you appreciate your good marriage or relationship. Very well done!
June 3, 2012
I received this book in a goodreads giveaway. It only took me four days to read! The story was easy to connect to from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed the way the characters ended up intersecting with each other. I'm going to read this author's other book.
July 20, 2012
Another page-turner by a local author. I like the fact that his protagonists are flawed - good people who make some bad choices. Although it is set in a town in Westchester Co., Delmartians will enjoy the references to several local sites.
July 3, 2020
Thought it was going to be just another marriage/divorce drama but the ending truly surprised me. And imo, no way will this couple make it...for reasons I can't reveal as it would ruin the book.
April 1, 2024
Reminded me of a Lifetime movie. Far fetched plot, and not a lot of character development so didn't hold my attention.
September 13, 2012
Clean Break
by David Klein
Genre: suspense
rating 4.5 out of 5
Cast of Characters:
Celeste Vanek - a loving wife and stay at home mom
Adam Vanek - college sports star with failed NBA dreams
Spencer Vanek- their son
Jake Atwood - An innocent by-stander who is drawn into the destruction
Sara Montez- Detective, NYPD
A once happy marriage, battered by a secret gambling addiction, is ultimately destroyed. A good man has been changed beyond recognition. Everything is gone.
Celeste has given all the second chances that she can. While Adam is away at a rehabilitation center, she has made the painful decision she needs to take their son and make some changes.
Dramatic mood shifts began to appear: one day the outgoing, confident, optimistic man she'd promised her life to, the attentive dad, the loving husband, the hardworking provider building a lucrative career; and the next day a dark, sullen, oppressive mope who wouldn't make eye contact and treated her and Spencer like two grifters out to cheat him.
When Adam is released, he comes to find them. He is insistent that he is cured, that he knows that he has to take things ten minutes at a time. There was something about him, veiled behind his eyes. He wanted to be better, but he wasn't. She wanted to welcome him home, but she couldn't.
Adam knows that Celeste is telling the truth, but he wants her to believe that he is better, that things will be better.
It doesn't take Adam long to find trouble and to ignore all the things that he learned in treatment. He is able to hide his return to gambling until the night before Spencer's 10th birthday. Now she (Celeste) was fighting tears. Do not. Do not cry in front of Adam. Not over this. Not again.
"I did it for you", he said. "To give you a better life, to get us out of this mess."
"Oh, please! What-you thought you'd win a bet and come back to me with money? Is that how you got the money you gave me last time? You were lying then, too. Don't you get it? I don't care about the money. What was the point of the rehab center? Didn't you learn anything?"
"Celeste, please believe me. This was---"
"It's your son's birthday, for God's sake! He's out there in the car wondering why his father didn't come to pick him up. Destroy your life if you want to, but not his, not ours. Not anymore. I won't let you hurt us more than you already have."
Her breaths were short and shallow in time with her chattering pulse.
Do not. Do not cry in front of Adam.
Told in alternating points of view, each voice combines to tell of a story of a destructive procession of consequences.
From the back of the book:
I found the characters eerily believable in this tight & fast plot. I did not see this ending coming!
When I started this book, I had about thirty minutes to read. Two hours later, I'm still reading, and essentially finished it in one sitting. I highly recommend this book!
*occasional profanity
*a couple of non-descriptive (so to speak) bedroom scenes
*violence
PS :) In the interview with the author that I read, he answered, What is your dream cast for your book?
I vote for Laura Linney for Celeste!
I was not monetarily compensated for this review in any way. I won a free copy of this book by being randomly selected. All opinions are 100% my own.
by David Klein
Genre: suspense
rating 4.5 out of 5
Cast of Characters:
Celeste Vanek - a loving wife and stay at home mom
Adam Vanek - college sports star with failed NBA dreams
Spencer Vanek- their son
Jake Atwood - An innocent by-stander who is drawn into the destruction
Sara Montez- Detective, NYPD
A once happy marriage, battered by a secret gambling addiction, is ultimately destroyed. A good man has been changed beyond recognition. Everything is gone.
Celeste has given all the second chances that she can. While Adam is away at a rehabilitation center, she has made the painful decision she needs to take their son and make some changes.
Dramatic mood shifts began to appear: one day the outgoing, confident, optimistic man she'd promised her life to, the attentive dad, the loving husband, the hardworking provider building a lucrative career; and the next day a dark, sullen, oppressive mope who wouldn't make eye contact and treated her and Spencer like two grifters out to cheat him.
When Adam is released, he comes to find them. He is insistent that he is cured, that he knows that he has to take things ten minutes at a time. There was something about him, veiled behind his eyes. He wanted to be better, but he wasn't. She wanted to welcome him home, but she couldn't.
Adam knows that Celeste is telling the truth, but he wants her to believe that he is better, that things will be better.
It doesn't take Adam long to find trouble and to ignore all the things that he learned in treatment. He is able to hide his return to gambling until the night before Spencer's 10th birthday. Now she (Celeste) was fighting tears. Do not. Do not cry in front of Adam. Not over this. Not again.
"I did it for you", he said. "To give you a better life, to get us out of this mess."
"Oh, please! What-you thought you'd win a bet and come back to me with money? Is that how you got the money you gave me last time? You were lying then, too. Don't you get it? I don't care about the money. What was the point of the rehab center? Didn't you learn anything?"
"Celeste, please believe me. This was---"
"It's your son's birthday, for God's sake! He's out there in the car wondering why his father didn't come to pick him up. Destroy your life if you want to, but not his, not ours. Not anymore. I won't let you hurt us more than you already have."
Her breaths were short and shallow in time with her chattering pulse.
Do not. Do not cry in front of Adam.
Told in alternating points of view, each voice combines to tell of a story of a destructive procession of consequences.
From the back of the book:
Clean Break
A riveting tale of psychological suspense about a woman who finds herself in an impossible situation Lured by the hope of a better life for herself and her son, Celeste Vanek must deal with the emotional and physical resistance of her compulsive gambler husband when she asks for a divorce. Though she hopes she is on the verge of making a clean break, her husband demands his family back, and things get violent. Jake Atwood, who witnesses the shocking scene between Celeste and her husband, struggles with his own emotional and ethical issues while attempting to help Celeste escape her marriage. At the same time, Jake is involved with Sara, a married and childless police detective who has a private agenda to pursue when a crime is committed that links all of these characters together and changes their lives forever. With heart-pounding suspense and brilliant psychological insight, CLEAN BREAK will leave readers breathless.
I found the characters eerily believable in this tight & fast plot. I did not see this ending coming!
When I started this book, I had about thirty minutes to read. Two hours later, I'm still reading, and essentially finished it in one sitting. I highly recommend this book!
*occasional profanity
*a couple of non-descriptive (so to speak) bedroom scenes
*violence
PS :) In the interview with the author that I read, he answered, What is your dream cast for your book?
"I don’t know about the entire cast, but I’d love Laura Linney to play one of my protagonists."
I vote for Laura Linney for Celeste!
I was not monetarily compensated for this review in any way. I won a free copy of this book by being randomly selected. All opinions are 100% my own.
August 3, 2012
Review originally posted at: Book Cover Justice
I'm going to jump right into my thoughts on this one because I know that if I say too much about the plot I will give it away. Just about all I can tell you is already said in the synopsis. So I'm just going to go ahead and tell you what I liked or didn't like.
I'll admit that the story started out a little slow for me. I like a lot of dialogue and there was little at the beginning. I wasn't sure how this was to affect me in the long run but it did pick up after a short time and I really got sucked into this book. The relationship between Celeste and Adam is very difficult. He is an abusive gambler trying to go straight and Celeste is trying to keep her and her son, Spencer, safe by moving out. Adam, however, insists that she take him back and grows even more frightening by the day. At first, I felt a little sorry for Adam. I thought maybe Celeste could have helped him some more but as the story progressed and Adam's true colors began to show, I was increasingly worried for her. She is a strong woman and loves her son deeply. I admired her for the fact that as soon as things got bad, she left. She isn't one of those women who stays and lets her spouse beat her and her children. She took action immediately, something that I think more women should do. I really liked her and I was completely on her side throughout the rest of the book.
Aside from Adam and Celeste's relationship, we also see Jake and Sara. Jake is a bachelor who bounces around and seems to have a fear of commitment. He meets Sara, who is married, and they begin an affair. Although I didn't particularly care for Sara, I really loved Jake. Although he was struggling with some of his own issues, he knew they were there and I think he really tried his best to conquer them.
What I liked most about this book was the author's writing style. Since there are a few main characters, the story is not told in first person and we get to hear from everyone. We can watch their interactions with one another and hear each of their thoughts at the same time. This really made a difference when it came to Adam. He may have been saying one thing, but he was definitely thinking another. The author does an exceptional job at keeping you glued to the pages and wanting to drink in every last detail.
Overall, this was an excellent book. A lot of times I find it hard to connect with a female character that has been written by a male author, but this was far from the case here. The story was fascinating and the relationship between Celeste and Adam was like a train wreck: you know where it's going and that nothing good is going to come of it but you can't help but stay the course and watch it implode. The characters in this story were so believable. They could be you or me or our neighbors next door. Things like this happen every day and this gave the story a human quality to it.
If you are looking for a deeper read with some edge to it, this is the book for you!
I'm going to jump right into my thoughts on this one because I know that if I say too much about the plot I will give it away. Just about all I can tell you is already said in the synopsis. So I'm just going to go ahead and tell you what I liked or didn't like.
I'll admit that the story started out a little slow for me. I like a lot of dialogue and there was little at the beginning. I wasn't sure how this was to affect me in the long run but it did pick up after a short time and I really got sucked into this book. The relationship between Celeste and Adam is very difficult. He is an abusive gambler trying to go straight and Celeste is trying to keep her and her son, Spencer, safe by moving out. Adam, however, insists that she take him back and grows even more frightening by the day. At first, I felt a little sorry for Adam. I thought maybe Celeste could have helped him some more but as the story progressed and Adam's true colors began to show, I was increasingly worried for her. She is a strong woman and loves her son deeply. I admired her for the fact that as soon as things got bad, she left. She isn't one of those women who stays and lets her spouse beat her and her children. She took action immediately, something that I think more women should do. I really liked her and I was completely on her side throughout the rest of the book.
Aside from Adam and Celeste's relationship, we also see Jake and Sara. Jake is a bachelor who bounces around and seems to have a fear of commitment. He meets Sara, who is married, and they begin an affair. Although I didn't particularly care for Sara, I really loved Jake. Although he was struggling with some of his own issues, he knew they were there and I think he really tried his best to conquer them.
What I liked most about this book was the author's writing style. Since there are a few main characters, the story is not told in first person and we get to hear from everyone. We can watch their interactions with one another and hear each of their thoughts at the same time. This really made a difference when it came to Adam. He may have been saying one thing, but he was definitely thinking another. The author does an exceptional job at keeping you glued to the pages and wanting to drink in every last detail.
Overall, this was an excellent book. A lot of times I find it hard to connect with a female character that has been written by a male author, but this was far from the case here. The story was fascinating and the relationship between Celeste and Adam was like a train wreck: you know where it's going and that nothing good is going to come of it but you can't help but stay the course and watch it implode. The characters in this story were so believable. They could be you or me or our neighbors next door. Things like this happen every day and this gave the story a human quality to it.
If you are looking for a deeper read with some edge to it, this is the book for you!
September 22, 2012
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway drawing.
This book started out very decently, I had many good things to say about it in the beginning. The writing is fluid and descriptive, the characters well developed and complex. It was near the ending that some of the events that occurred completely lost me. Not in that I didn't understand what was going on or even what the author was trying to convey (I think he did a good job, in fact), just in that I found it unbelievable and away from the feel of the rest of the book. Now, don't get me wrong, unbelievable is usually not a problem - I like Harry Potter just as well as the next fan - but here it disagreed with my gut and I found an aversion to it. Can't quite explain why, and I guess if you judge literature solely on the amount of reaction one gets from its readers, then this book was quite successful in my case. However, I cannot personally recommend it, but will also not discourage people from reading it. Perhaps those into psychology and the darker side of the mind and personal relationships will enjoy it. As I said, the writing is quite smooth, agreeable, and pleasant with complex and well written characters. You'd have to finish the book to find out what personally disagreed with me! ;-)
This book started out very decently, I had many good things to say about it in the beginning. The writing is fluid and descriptive, the characters well developed and complex. It was near the ending that some of the events that occurred completely lost me. Not in that I didn't understand what was going on or even what the author was trying to convey (I think he did a good job, in fact), just in that I found it unbelievable and away from the feel of the rest of the book. Now, don't get me wrong, unbelievable is usually not a problem - I like Harry Potter just as well as the next fan - but here it disagreed with my gut and I found an aversion to it. Can't quite explain why, and I guess if you judge literature solely on the amount of reaction one gets from its readers, then this book was quite successful in my case. However, I cannot personally recommend it, but will also not discourage people from reading it. Perhaps those into psychology and the darker side of the mind and personal relationships will enjoy it. As I said, the writing is quite smooth, agreeable, and pleasant with complex and well written characters. You'd have to finish the book to find out what personally disagreed with me! ;-)
March 7, 2013
Adam Vanek is a gambler with a very bad problem. For those readers unfamiliar with gambling addiction, the suicide rate for gamblers is higher than for any other addiction. The brain's response to gambling, especially the dopamine system, is similar to other addictions. Adam is married to Celeste and, as with other addictions, he tries to hide his problem and gets caught and is chastised over and over again. He is just finishing a three month stint in a rehab program when the book opens. He has a history of violence with Celeste and with their son Spencer. Spencer is so uptight that he has an invisible friend, not too usual for a nine year old boy. This has motivated Celeste to move out before Adam is released from his program.
Adam is not happy to find his family gone when he returns to town. His promises to stay clean don't last too long and the violence returns. At one point, when Adam is battering Celeste, Jake Atwood steps in and stops the situation from getting worse.
The book is filled with a lot of psychological intrigue, emotional turmoil and angst.
The author knows a lot about gambling and he shows his knowledge with accuracy and acumen. The novel is interesting and a page-turner.
Adam is not happy to find his family gone when he returns to town. His promises to stay clean don't last too long and the violence returns. At one point, when Adam is battering Celeste, Jake Atwood steps in and stops the situation from getting worse.
The book is filled with a lot of psychological intrigue, emotional turmoil and angst.
The author knows a lot about gambling and he shows his knowledge with accuracy and acumen. The novel is interesting and a page-turner.
June 26, 2012
When Celeste married Adam Vanek she truly felt she had found her soulmate and for a long time her life way playing out perfectly...the birth of a child, the lovely home in the good part of town, close friends, the great American dream. Adam, however, is not so content. What now...he loves their life too...but what's there to look forward to? Hence is born an overwhelming addiction to gambling...an addiction that's both untreatable and uncontrollable and which has now destroyed his marriage.
Celeste is done but Adam won't give up. His frustration and anger leads to violence against his wife and child. Enter Jake Atwood who innocently happens upon and stops a potentially lethal situation involving the warring couple. A connection is formed that night between the victim and her savior. Unfortunately, Jake is carrying baggage of his own.
As the story plays out many issues are examined. This was interesting and realistic. It could happen. The characters are sometimes admirable and sometimes fragile in their human imperfection.
I won this book as a Goodread's first reader giveaway and enjoyed the experience.
Celeste is done but Adam won't give up. His frustration and anger leads to violence against his wife and child. Enter Jake Atwood who innocently happens upon and stops a potentially lethal situation involving the warring couple. A connection is formed that night between the victim and her savior. Unfortunately, Jake is carrying baggage of his own.
As the story plays out many issues are examined. This was interesting and realistic. It could happen. The characters are sometimes admirable and sometimes fragile in their human imperfection.
I won this book as a Goodread's first reader giveaway and enjoyed the experience.
July 8, 2012
I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.
Klien tells a very interesting tale about a marriage falling apart and the baggage that comes with that when children are involved.
Celeste and Adam's marriage is crashing due to Adam's gambling addiction. Adam has lost all their money and he owes even more. Celeste wants to leave him and Adam gets physical. Jake witnesses what happens to Celeste and comes to her rescue. Adam is mad at everyone. His wife, Jake, the bookies, and even his parents. He also wants to see his son Spencer more so he takes him when he isn't suppose to have him.
Jake and Celeste start to date. Jake is just coming off a relationship with a married woman named Sara who works in the NYC police department. All the characters come together when Adam won't leave Celeste alone.
I really enjoyed Klien's writing style.
Klien tells a very interesting tale about a marriage falling apart and the baggage that comes with that when children are involved.
Celeste and Adam's marriage is crashing due to Adam's gambling addiction. Adam has lost all their money and he owes even more. Celeste wants to leave him and Adam gets physical. Jake witnesses what happens to Celeste and comes to her rescue. Adam is mad at everyone. His wife, Jake, the bookies, and even his parents. He also wants to see his son Spencer more so he takes him when he isn't suppose to have him.
Jake and Celeste start to date. Jake is just coming off a relationship with a married woman named Sara who works in the NYC police department. All the characters come together when Adam won't leave Celeste alone.
I really enjoyed Klien's writing style.
July 7, 2013
Clean Break hooks the reader from page one into the lives of Celeste, Adam, Jake and little Spencer. The bond between them is all different, but yet, there relationships all intersect. From an explosive and volatile relationship to a struggle of trying to find yourself and how to make a clean break, the characters in this story will keep you up late, turning the pages as their story unfolds. Nail-biting suspense, realistic situations set in a modern world, diverse characters, clever dialogue and superb writing mesh together into a tale that must be read! Don't miss this one on your list this year! Highly recommend!!
May 30, 2012
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
When pitched this book to read, I was immediately sucked in by the perfect blurp of the book, but I had no idea it would take such a dramatic turn until it was right in front of me. Let's back up first - we start the story with Celeste who is a mom and is moving out of her home while her husband is in rehab. The reader quickly finds out that he is abusive and still fighting some major demons. Then we meet Jake who is the non-committer and is accidentally swept into Celeste's drama.
When pitched this book to read, I was immediately sucked in by the perfect blurp of the book, but I had no idea it would take such a dramatic turn until it was right in front of me. Let's back up first - we start the story with Celeste who is a mom and is moving out of her home while her husband is in rehab. The reader quickly finds out that he is abusive and still fighting some major demons. Then we meet Jake who is the non-committer and is accidentally swept into Celeste's drama.
August 7, 2012
A good easy summer read. I was caught up in the tension between the characters from the beginning, sometimes getting mad at them for making the wrong decision. Yet you understand why they made it. Reading the thoughts of the gambling addicted, violent, Alex didn't make me hate him. His desperate state was sad. I figured that significant violence was going to happen, I just couldn't figure out who. Some of the extra characters were not as fleshed out as well as the two main characters, but I still could not put this book down and read it in two days.
May 21, 2012
Liked this book a lot, though the ending for me left something to be desired. I did enjoy the multi-character narration and intersecting plot lines (like a dark and twisted mini-love actually), except for Adam's voice, which I really hated. But I guess that was sort of the point? Either way, solid read.
*I received a copy of the book from Goodreads First Reads*
*I received a copy of the book from Goodreads First Reads*
July 23, 2012
I recieved this book from the Good Reads First Reads giveaway. I really enjoyed this book, I found the characters to be very interesting. I remember thinking a few times that I was seeing growth in the characters, but then they would slip back into their own ways again. It was a very entertaining book, but I did feel a little dissapointment at the ending, it left me hanging a little too much.
July 22, 2012
This was one that was reccommended by an internet list on facebook. Interweaving stories of two couples: a young couple troubled by compulsive gambling ends up connecting with a somewhat selfish business man who is having an affair with a police officer. Well written and just enough twists and turns to keep you guessin. I liked this one.
September 3, 2014
Domestic violence, gambling, custody issues, and affairs of the heart are all in this one. Adam is classic case of a bully husband that cant control his anger! The story builds with tension-knowing something will happen but what! A great psychological suspense story! And loved reading about Howe Caverns and Turning Stone Casino! Places familiar to this upstate new yorker!
February 5, 2013
I opened this book having no expectations. I had no idea what it was about and the cover did not draw me in. I am so grateful I gave it a read. This story was gripping. The main characters struggles pull you in. The family dynamics keep you interested. It was well-written and every chapter fit nicely with the story. Wonderful writing!
June 28, 2012
I really liked this book.....several unexpected turns made for a very thought-provoking story. I couldn't put it down!
August 28, 2012
Clean Break presents an interesting moral dilemma. What would you do to protect yourself and your child. My review is here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.c...
June 9, 2014
Quite a good thriller.
December 30, 2016
I think the ending could've been flushed out a little more, but overall good read. I didn't want to put it down!
October 16, 2012
Especially liked the "local" references.
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