Forbidden Desires

T.S. Eliot once said there are two great tragedies in life: the first of which is not getting what you want and the second of which is getting what you want. And, of the two, the latter is far worse. Or, put another way, we always seem to want what we cannot have, until we get it and then we no longer want it ? most of the time. So, goes the story of Robert and Vivian. He a powerful, rich, and handsome man; and her, a stunning waitress caught in an endless cycle of poverty and abuse. As Amy tells us, Robert can have any woman that he wants and often does. But, wait ? there is catch. The one woman he wants is the only woman that does not want him - Vivian. She continually turns down his gentle advances. This only fuels the fire of his desire and her fear.So, what can Robert do? Well, did I mention that he is rich? Well, of course - however, I failed to mention just how he got his money. He is the son of a late mob boss and as he comes to learn Vivian's ne'er-do-well of a father who has an outstanding debt to Robert's father. Oh, what to do with this kind of information? Will he try to collect on the debt? Maybe strike some sort of bargain? Or are his feelings genuine and he only wants to use this information - not for malice per se, but as the only way to get into Vivian's life. As Vivian makes her deal with the devil to be Robert's "live in assistant," the drama of confused love unfolds, but how will it work out?The answers to these questions and so much more are thoughtfully portrayed throughout this well-written novel of tortured love and desire. Only Amy could have conceived of such a riveting plot that has depth and a connection to life.Brian Boggs, PhD.