Review of Clawback

Clawback

Gemma Rice

Night Publishing

ISBN 9781458149916

Smashwords Edition

   Gary stops by a friend's house and is introduced to Stephanie. It is "lust" at first sight as far as she is concerned. They hit it off and start the dating scene, live together, and somewhere along the line get engaged. Stephanie is convinced that they will live happily ever after. I know this seems like an over simplified telling of the book; but in many ways this is the story. Let me explain.

   Stephanie is a very insecure woman and can't understand how someone as gorgeous as Gary could fall for her. By description, I gather Stephanie is a looker also. It turns out, Gary is a fantastic actor. Not literally an actor. Gary is a lion in sheep's clothing. He essentially enslaves Stephanie. He verbally abuses her and uses her for his sexual perversions. The worse he is, the more Stephanie seems to need him.

   Have you ever read a story where you can't stand the characters; but you have to keep reading to see what happens even when you know where this is headed? Such is the case with this story. Gary is a manipulator and a sadist who puts the devil to shame. Lets just say I could do a Lorena Baublitz on him and not think twice about it.

   Stephanie is a pathetic young woman who I just wanted to smack. She left Gary on several occasions; but would continually return to him. She believed his lies repeatedly. I know she was insecure; but she had the means and the availability to leave. She had proof that others found her attractive and she could survive; but chose not to take the out. I honestly think it was lust, not love. 

   All in all this was not a bad story. I don't think this story is for everyone. There is a lot of sexual scenes going on, verbal abuse and a pathetic attempt at suicide. It is a story of lust, regrets, failure and in the end love. The story of a woman unable to find herself worthy until it is almost too late.

   I wish to thank Tim Roux from Night Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any way except for being provided a copy of the book.

I give Clawback 3 out of 5 stars