The Intimacy Maelstrom

Book excerpt: This is a story about relationshipsbonds of passion between men and women. The drama revolves around six individuals, their amorous intimacies, and the unperceived wounds and psychological mutilation they sustain as they plummet into the Intimacy Maelstrom. Dmitri is a self-absorbed, young Russian intent on achieving the American dream, and thinks little of marriage and fatherhood. In contrast, unattractive Irina desperately fears becoming an old-maid. Her work colleague, Caroline, older, sophisticated, despite having a soul-mate, is bored and seeking breathtaking romance. In his twilight years, Dr. Ramirez is dispirited in his burned-out marriage, but believes he is too old to alter his life, until meeting sexy Claire, a patient. Unfortunately Nina, his wife, is an old-fashioned woman who believes only marriage, children, and family bring fulfillment. Into this mlange comes Ronny, her sonhandsome, sexy, a sensualistwho adores women, but in his own aberrant, warped manner. The author paints, in vivid colors, a picture of tormented lives entangled in passionate but toxic, perverted, unhealthy relationships. Although the lovers may strip themselves of their lacerating liaisons, do they walk away unscathed and unscarred? The novel illumines the imperceptible damage and mayhem sustained when our lives and happiness depend upon fickle, unreliable love from others. The bold, flaming, shattering scenes portrayed may have one gasping for fresh air and sunshine.