Intimate Chaos

Item #: B129

Almost everyone has experienced an unhappy or bad relationship at one point or another in their lives; it just happens. But in how many cases does the unsatisfied person continue to fight for the relationship, hoping that one day their love will be reciprocated? This is what happens in INTIMATE CHAOS by Cheril N. Clarke. One spends all her time giving and showing love, the other spends her time taking and running from love. Knowing it's best to move on, but failing to take action, Sadira Cooper continues the up again, down again romance with Jessie, ignoring the obvious signs Jessie gives her and feedback from those around her.

Eventually Jessie commits to the relationship and the lesbian couple move to another city and buy a condo together, making their relationship official. Unfortunately, being a couple is not much better than the times they spent dating. Jessie is incapable of showing her love to Sadira and Sadira is unwilling to just let it go, for good. When her eyes begin wandering towards a new woman in the neighborhood, Sadira scolds herself and tries to stay the course with her relationship. Jessie doesn't really know how to show her love. Though she has strong feelings, she holds them back, afraid Sadira will eventually hurt her. When she opens up a bit more and shares her feelings, will it be what the two need or will it be too little, too late?

INTIMATE CHAOS was a slowly paced exploration of love and the journey taken through the various pit stops on its course. Sadira's emotions made this novel speak to me in many ways, but specifically her hunger for Jessie. I felt her pain, her happiness, her desires, and her love. Clarke has done a remarkable job of sharing the story of love, that deep down feeling which causes its host to do anything, say anything, and put up with anything for the possibility of having that loved returned to them. It shows the emotional and physical levels of intimacy in which relationships are built upon, and the hurt, heartaches, and chaos that can come about, especially when one hasn't let go of past hurts. As an extra bonus, though this is the story of a lesbian relationship, the message transcends gender. Anyone who has ever loved someone, lost them, or been the recipient of unconditional love will be able to relate to this story.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal