Previous Finalists

A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
6th December 2022

TITLE: Camouflage
AUTHOR: T N Traynor

Star Rating: 4

CATCHY QUOTE
‘A convincingly plotted story exploring forbidden love and the power of desire.’ A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review

REVIEW
It didn´t take me very long to finish this skilfully plotted romance (of sorts) by T N Traynor. Written from the POV of Rose, a mother and wife of 63, it´s the story of an older woman having a fling with a younger man. The story is simply written, the emphasis very much on the characters, particularly Rose, and what she learns from her short-lived infidelity.
This is a very enjoyable story helped along by the relatable Rose, a character I think many women will understand. She enjoys sex, of being with a man who physically wants her. But her husband, who she suspects is gay, is not at all up for it. Not that he´s a bad man. He´s a good man, a provider, and a caring father. And that is where this story excels; in exploring the difference between what Rose needs and wants. Her need to feel desired, to feel young – to not surrender to old age without a fight! And wanting to be comfortable and safe with a man who she knows will always be there for her and her family.
Of particular interest to me was the ending and how things turned out for Rose. I would think when most partners have a fling, it turns out very, VERY badly – divorce springs to mind. But not so in this story. In a way, the message at the end of this book is: jump into bed with another man and, after it´s over, your husband will try much harder. I´m not criticising the author for going this way; it´s just interesting. And surprising too. Talking of ´surprise´, there´s a fab twist involving the husband at the end which totally threw me – in a good way I might add!
All in all, this is a short, well-plotted story which I think most romance readers will get a lot out of. Possibly a good, church-going woman would be appalled by Rose´s wobble – as she calls it. Although, possibly, a good, church-going woman will enjoy this book the most!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk