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Where do I start? This is not the sort of book I would typically grab off the shelf. Before you read, know this book contains a lot of intimate scenes.

Diana Wood lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Oliver, and their Daughter, Emmy. We see Diana struggle with her intimate life, knowing she loves her husband and knowing too that she should love being with him. However, the same old routine becomes predictable and boring. She reflects on her life and the goals she’s forgotten about as memories of past art projects and an ex-boyfriend flood her mind.

What I love about this book is how we are introduced to the inner thoughts of a woman who feels a disconnect in her marriage. When did this all start and why can’t she find that passion again? From my experience, in the media, these sorts of marriage issues are often shown from the husband’s perspective of being told no or hearing excuses from their wives to get out of having sex. It is a relief to see the wife’s perspective and be able to delve into her most private thoughts. I have heard of many women who go through this where their husbands want more than what they can give and often the woman is made out to be the bad guy in that situation. Diana goes on to say that she doesn’t know why things have changed and how she should like having sex with her husband. She puts on a show for him anyway because that’s how she should act, right? Things only get worse for them as Diana stops trying in hopes Oliver will notice and ask about it. Together they push each other further and further away.
Diana and Oliver join marriage counseling where we get some insight into Oliver’s view of the situation. There, we learn he has noticed Diana physically pulling away from him which he revealed makes him feel unattractive.
Using what she’s learned in counseling, Diana tries to fix her marriage hoping to avoid going back in the future. Maybe a night out of the house alone will do them good? Their night at the hotel turns into a disaster. After finding out Oliver has been going to the strip club in secret and another fight ensues, Diana suggests a break, immediately regretting her words, wanting to get her husband’s attention. Now that she has it, she is unable to talk him out of agreeing. So then it is settled. Oliver finds an apartment refusing to speak to Diana unless it concerns Emmy. Diana learns his address from a friend who tells her if she wants him back she should be the one to initiate the apology dropping her off at his new place. An awkward moment later in his apartment, she finds another woman in his shower.

Why I do not typically go for any romance or smut novel is because I find most of them to be cliches with the same plot building. This isn’t your average romance novel, this is the reality of many women across the world. People fall out of love and that is okay to admit to yourself. Love is hard and it’s messy. It comes with many challenges and you’re not going to always get it right the first time. It is important to know when to let something go instead of hurting both you and your partner.
I believe this is a book all women should read. It reteaches the thinking that has been ingrained into many women that we must hold it together for the family and that it is our fault if the marriage doesn’t last. It’s never solely your responsibility to keep the spark.