Reviewed by Geraldine Floyd (Reader)	8/29/2007
Gripping Suspense, Sensuous Romance, and the Presence of Danger Reviewed by Geraldine Floyd (Reader) Young, beautiful, impressionable and brought up in a solid family setting, Rochelle Rathbone is unaware of the evils lying beyond the borders of her parents’ protective nurturing. When she becomes involved with Tobias Chandler, Miami drug affiliate to the Columbian Cartel, a man old enough to be her father, she becomes blinded by big spending, posh nightspots and an entertaining party life that Tobias presents to her. Not until Rochelle becomes Mrs. Tobias Chandler does she realize her husband is a hardened and calloused monster intent on controlling her and everyone around him. With a criminal mind, and always alert to possible legal sanctions, he will stop at nothing—not even murder—to protect him from prosecution. Rochelle becomes his pawn—subjected to mental, physical and sexual abuse, held as a virtual prisoner, and guarded around the clock in a Miami mansion with six-foot walls surrounding it. The author’s insightful treatment of the subject of spousal abuse is a wake up call for mothers whose young daughters are unwittingly putting themselves in harm’s way because of enticements that make them feel grown-up and glamorous. “Desperate Choices” will sicken you with its violence, but it will give you an awareness of the need to guard your young daughters against predators like Tobias Chandler who is ready to compromise their childish innocence. In Cooper’s suspenseful tale is a story of a young woman’s heroic strength during her escape from a violent man and a dangerous situation, despite his abusive death threats if she attempts to leave him. Central to the storyline is the development of a beautiful love story between Rochelle and Michael Matheson, whom Rochelle meets after escaping from Tobias. Contrasted against the spousal abuse, a budding romance permits Rochelle the opportunity to experience real love instead of the superficial relationship that scars and distorts her concept of normal love. Michael Matheson, a desirably handsome man of many talents, lives through his own personal trials, which cause him to give up his flourishing architectural firm in San Francisco to take over the management of his father’s bank in Montana. Carved from his father’s strong teachings, Michael’s personality is built upon a steadfast, responsible nature; yet, even when things seem far less than perfect in his life, he is able to display a lightness of manner and easy-going persona, which endears most of his friends and associates to him. The first few pages of “Desperate Choices” grabbed my interest and drew me into the suspenseful plot immediately. With continual action in a series of dramatic events with dynamic characters, I was hooked on this thrilling story and eagerly kept reading to discover the resolution. “Desperate Choices” is a wonderful read that will put you in the seat of its main character, Rochelle Rathbone, and leave you vicariously experiencing her pain, fear, and romantic passions when she falls in love with Michael. The inequities she suffers from a vicious and vengeful man drew strong sympathy. Then I rejoiced when she fell in love with a decent man who had her best interest at heart. Her constant fear of death by Tobias tensed me for the unexpected and dramatic resolution. I didn’t want the book to end. I’d love to read a sequel that follows the wonderful love story of Rochelle and Michael. A thrilling plot filled with mystery and suspense and a breathtaking love story makes “Desperate Choices” a great novel. Reviewed by Geraldine Floyd