Review: The Perfect Marriage by Kimberla Lawson Roby

Title: The Perfect Marriage Author: Kimberla Lawson Roby Publisher/Publication Date:  Grand Central Publishing, January 8, 2013 Format/Source:  Hardcover, Library Genre:  Adult Fiction Amazon      Barnes & Noble   Book Summary from Goodreads   ADDICTION. DECEPTION. PRETTY PICTURES HIDE UGLY SECRETS. Denise and Derrek Shaw are the perfect American couple. Happily married for fifteen years, they have a wonderful daughter, Mackenzie, successful careers, and a beautiful home in a posh Chicago suburb. They are attractive, respected . . . and hiding a shocking secret: a dangerous addiction to drugs. It started innocently enough. Denise occasionally used prescription drugs to help her deal with the long hours and demanding nature of her job. Derrek, also under pressure at work, began using cocaine socially with some of his colleagues. They can quit whenever they want to. At least, that's what Denise would like to believe . . . Read More   My Thoughts   After reading Secret Obsession by Kimberla Lawson Roby, I was eager to read The Perfect Marriage.  I was intrigued by Roby’s skillful depiction of real life problems, consequences, and solutions. Yeah some of the events were a little unrealistic, but I like the fact that the outcome of drug use wasn’t glamorized.   The story is centered on Denise and Derrick Shaw who appear to have it all. They both admitted that they used drugs, but struggled with believing that they were drug fiends. The story begins as Denise and Derrick are at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. It wasn’t Denise’s choice to be there, because she only took “Vicodin nightly for relaxation purposes” (1).Well, using Vicodin, a pain pill, for relaxation is a bit unconventional, so early on I could foresee that the story would entail their struggles with addiction.   As is true with Secret Obsession, The Perfect Marriage is a real page turner as Denise and Derrick Shaw deal with their drug addiction and risk losing everything. If you like engaging stories that present real life issues filled with drama and twists along the way, then this is one story you won’t want to miss!   Rating 5/5

Review: Secret Obsession by Kimberla Lawson Roby

Title: Secret Obsession Author:  Kimberla Lawson Roby Publisher/Publication Date: Grand Central Publishing, September 6, 2011 Format/Source:  Hardcover, Library Genre: Adult Fiction Amazon     Barnes & Noble Book Summary from Goodreads Paige Donahue has always lived in her sister Camille's shadow. As children, Camille had the grades, the friends, and their parents' love, while Paige was left with hand-me-downs and criticism. Now as adults, Camille lives an idyllic life with her husband, Pierce, and her two perfect children in a beautiful home, while Paige is stuck in a small condo with bills she can't afford to pay. Read More   My Thoughts   Many people have secret obsessions such as chocolate, but Paige is obsessed with her sister’s husband. And nothing can stop her from going after what she desires. Secret Obsession is the first book that I’ve read by Kimberla Lawson Roby. Roby has crafted a great story that depicts what can happen when a person lets envy get the best of them. For a quick read, it was a real page turner. The characters were believable and Paige caught my attention from the beginning as I sought to understand why she was so intent on being with her sister’s husband. We have all heard of sibling rivalry, but Paige takes this concept to a whole new level. Paige is a conniving snake and her actions are as scandalous as they come. Her past had a profound effect on her twisted mind-set, which was clearly evident by her schemes that were over-the-top.   I really enjoyed Secret Obsession and its focus on family/relationship issues.  I am looking forward to reading The Perfect Marriage and other work by Kimberla Lawson Roby.   Rating 4/5