Taint

by S L Jennings

[Cocktails and Books]

I was drawn to this book because it was written in a male POV. The first question to answer is who is Justice Drake? Justice Drake doesn't have a typical career. He is in the business of teaching wealthy women how to seduce and pleasure their husbands so that those men will no longer engage in affairs with other women. His instructional methods and demeanor are very unconventional. For what these husband's are paying in fees, you would expect a much more spa like and pleasant atmosphere. The women get the spa like surrounds but Justice isn't there to rub oil on their backs and give off happy thoughts. He is crass, apathetic, and above all, brutally honest. Some of the things he says is down right harsh.

If I am being honest, he was not what I expected. I had a hard time connecting to him in anyway. There is not enough information given to explain his endlessly broodiness and why he is in a constant bad mood. He only reveals a line here or there about his past and you really need to know more to connect. He seemed monotone for a good part of the book. The only time we began to understand him is when he is with Ally and those moments happen later in the book. The book is better when Ally is around. She is absolutely infectious and just down right the real deal. She is married to a philander and miserable but she feels like that is her lot in life. I love her obession with Friends reruns and her love of ice cream and full fat food. She livens the book up with humor.

I think around the time I had 30 minutes left in the book, it really kicked into high gear and I enjoyed the turn in the story. However, it all happens rather quickly and then we are the end. I feel like the ending could have been fleshed out better with more details and maybe even the POV changing to Ally for some interesting reads. Overall, the cover and blurb of this book drew me in but the story left me wanting. I think other readers may enjoy this book therefore I give it 3.5 cocktails!


Reviewed by Candace for Cocktails and Books