Review: Covet by Tracey Garvis Graves

Covet by Tracey Garvis Graves
Expected publication: September 17, 2013
Format: E-ARC via NetGalley
Publisher: Penguin
Rating: 4/5
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Synopsis

What if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to someone else?
Chris and Claire Canton’s marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he’s offered a position that will keep him away from home four nights a week, he dismisses Claire’s concern that time apart could be the one thing their fragile union can’t weather. Their suburban life may look idyllic on the outside, but Claire has never felt so disconnected from Chris, or so lonely.

Local police officer Daniel Rush used to have it all, but now he goes home to an empty house every night. He pulls Claire over during a routine traffic stop, and they run into each other again at the 4th of July parade. When Claire is hired to do some graphic design work for the police department, her friendship with Daniel grows, and soon they’re spending hours together.

Claire loves the way Daniel makes her feel, and the way his face lights up when she walks into the room. Daniel knows that Claire’s marital status means their relationship will never be anything other than platonic. But it doesn’t take long before Claire and Daniel are in way over their heads, and skating close to the line that Claire has sworn she’ll never cross.

My Thoughts

I read this right after I had just finished Garvis-Graves previous novel On the Island. I was a little apprehensive to do so since I was so in awe of her last work. I went into this with a clear mind and trying not to compare the two.

I was pleasantly surprised that I had no need to worry. This book is just as great! I enjoyed the story of Claire and all that is happening in her life. I really liked how the story was told in alternating prospects, those of the three main characters, Claire, her husband Chris and Daniel. While I personally don’t just see this as a story of an “almost” affair it does bring up the question. What is actually considered an affair? Is it just physical or is emotionally allowing yourself to open up to someone else just as bad? I saw this as more of failure to communicate with your loved one as the real culprit. The lack of communication is what drove Claire and Chris apart. In other stories I’ve only seen one side, that’s why I liked how the author let us to see what the other person was feeling and thinking.

Although I liked all the characters ,I kind of saw Daniel was just a pawn in helping Claire and Chris deal with their problems. Don’t get me wrong I liked his backstory and I would kind of like to see it explored more….maybe into its own book…HINT HINT! But I just didn’t see him as a real threat to Claire. Maybe it wasn’t so much him but Claire’s devotion to her family.

Overall I enjoyed this novel. It’s a fast paced book with a great cast of supporting characters. The neighbors and the drama that ensues throughout the block reads very true to life. It just shows you that everything just isn’t what it seems. Life isn’t all white picket fences it has its ups and downs but we have to fight for what we love no matter what. Like they say the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.