Total Eclipse of the Heart: A Novel

I usually stay away from Zane's books because of the raunchy sex scenes, but since this book was supposed to be totally opposite, I gave it a try. Total Elicipse of the Heart was well written, but the plot was predictable and borderline boring.

The book fell short of my expectations and unfortunatley, I can't recommend it. :(

Overall rating...2.5 stars. (**1/2)

I found this book pulled me in with the story and the characters. I may be a little biased because I was familiar with character's locations in the DMV (DC,MD,VA) area.
The author did not what to tell the reader the races or the main two and it worked for this book if you ask me. This story was vivid without giving away too much about the two main character's appearances. I have read this book twice... its awesome for the pedicure chair or under the hair dryer.

What happens when you find your soulmate, but you are already in a serious relationship, or even married? That very question is tackled in [[ASIN:0743499301 Total Eclipse of the Heart: A Novel]] with Damon and Brooke.

Brooke is an overweight and insecure waitress dating hot shot lawyer Patrick Sterling. Having put up with his verbal abuse for some time, her self esteem has suffered greatly, so greatly that she can't bring herself to leave him alone for good. His parents never approved of her, and his mother makes snide remarks about her appearance, job, and even her parents every chance she gets. Although unhappy, Brooke is determined to not break up over his pretentious parents and deals with Patrick's antics and his forceful attitude in and out of the bedroom because she loves him.

Damon and Carleigh seem to have the perfect marriage. Well besides the fact the Carleigh is completely shallow and views Damon as a "trophy husband". She constantly shows him off like a piece of meat, loves when other women lust after him, and actually enjoys when her friends disrespectfully speak brazenly about wanting to sleep with him. It is obvious that she looks at him as just a sexy piece of meat when she talks down to him about his having nine to five job, and actually laughs in his face about his entrepreneurial dreams, telling him they are stupid, and a waste of time. Damon adores Carleigh and takes his wedding vows more seriously than most. He refuses to cheat, even though women throw themselves at him, and he is determined to stay with his wife for richer or poorer, and in sickness and health. It becomes painfully apparent that Carleigh never believed in those same vows when Damon is disfigured while saving her life. Her lies soon become exposed and Damon starts to wonder himself if his marriage will make it.

The horrific accident that disfigures Damon causes him and Brooke to cross paths. He inadvertently saves her life while saving his wife, and Brooke is so genuinely grateful that she calls to thank him. They automatically have an unexplainable bond and value each other's friendships greatly. Over time Damon notices that Brooke is everything his wife is lacking and vise versa. She believes in him and builds him up rather than tearing him down, she listens to him, and is not fazed by him now being disabled. He encourages her to be more than an unhappy waitress, helps her begin school, and believes she is perfectly beautiful exactly the way she is. Their platonic friendship eventually turns into an accidental emotional affair which they both believe is wrong, and refuse to cross anymore lines but this story isn't over yet.

I'd say this novel is more on Zane's mild side, which was actually refreshing. This novel flowed easily for the first two thirds but eventually it felt dragged out and long winded. Although I could not put this book down, I will say, at times it became tiresome to read. I loved the cutting-edge plot and the characters but was definitely put off and a bit bothered that we readers we not able to visualize these characters at any point. I noticed this right away and kept looking forward to knowing what these great characters looked like. Unfortunately the closest thing we got is Damon's height and weight and words like words like "overweight", "beautiful", and "sexy" sprinkled about. The surprise ending left a lasting impression on me. The juicy twist that Zane leaves us with is totally unexpected, a bit unfair, and should be completely irrelevant. The fact that this information was cleverly kept from the readers seems to cause more of an issue then the secret itself. Personally I feel it wouldn't have taken anything from her work had the twist been clear the entire time, but with feelings of betrayal, maybe just maybe, shocking us with it on the last page does take something away. Go grab a copy of this book and find out for yourself exactly what I am referring to, it's worth it.

Since reading this book back in 2010. I make sure I read it once a year. It so good!! I absolutely love stories like this one by Zane more than I do her more erotic ones. Can't wait to read this one again!!

Happy Reading!! :)

Zane is my favorite author. I have never received a bad book from her. Great book through it in less that a week.