“Tainted Touch” is a well-written book full of witty dialogue, which is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. It's also a book of contradictions. There are humorous lines almost every other page, but these are balanced by some serious angst. The first half of the book is appropriate for a Young Adult audience as there is tremendous drama over holding hands and the first kiss, while the second half of the book includes several, explicit sex scenes. Much of the book focuses on the romance between Cait and Art, but a literary subplot contemplating the meaning of life is also included. Sometimes the overly complex plots gets in it's own way, but overall “Tainted Touch” is a fun, rewarding read.
The
heroine, Cait, describes herself as “more conflicted than your
average bag of snakes” and that's a good description. She was
mentally abused by her ex-boyfriend whom she hilariously describes as
a “deluded scrotclown”. The scars linger and effect her ability
to not only form new relationships, but even to simply touch other
people. Cait is supported by a wonderful cast of friends who add lots
of life and laughs to the story. It's easy to sympathize with her
struggles, while simultaneously rooting for her to get her head out
of her ass.
The
plot doesn't fall victim to the usual cliches, and Cait's issues with
self worth seem all too real. However, the books is a bit slow, and
seems longer than the advertised 336 pages. At one point Cait says,
“We've spent so long on the cusp of kissing that sometimes, I
forget that we haven't.” I wanted to jump up and down and yell
“Yes, I know. Now get on with it already!” The author was making
a point about Cait having trouble being touched, but the build up
definitely drug on too long. The sex scenes were good once we finally
got to them, but the explicit language was like a slap upside the
head with a wet flounder because it was such an abrupt change from
the page after page of earlier turmoil over even touching lips.
The
hero, Fist Candy - also known as Art, is a mystery for much of the
book. He's the hot, new massage therapist whom Cait lusts after at
work. When he returns her interest, she's shocked. Art has his own
demons though, and his difficult history is revealed as their romance
progresses. He's a true blue kind of guy though, and definitely
qualifies as an upgrade in the boyfriend department.
This
review would not be complete without mentioning the cake. It's
practically a character in the book. Most of the characters are
students, and while their world should revolve around studying, it
mostly revolves around cake and Instagram. Vanilla, chocolate, and
everything in between are represented. If you make it through this
book without falling victim to a cupcake, you're a better woman than
I. Be prepared.
No comments:
Post a Comment