Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses, you build up a whole suit of armor, so that nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life...You give them a piece of you. They didn't ask for it. They did something dumb one day, like kiss you or smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore. Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so simple a phrase like 'maybe we should be just friends' turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It's a soul-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain. I hate love.”

Niel Gaiman

REVIEW

Oh the angst! After her husband left her for another woman, Darla decided to try Internet dating. During her search for a new mate, Darla discovers Michael Sperandio. He is a song writer and musician. He was also not quite what she envisioned herself falling for. However, she did fall.

Darla and Michael's relationship is mainly told through their poetry to each other. Knowing that Michael is what she wants, but realizing through his writings that he doesn't quite feel the same way causes Darla much angst and confusion. By expressing herself through her poetry, I felt like she took us deeper into her soul and really revealed who she is to us. I really could feel her pain and uncertainty, and I truly related to it, especially since I am also a 40-something-year-old, divorced female. My heart went out to her.

Even though this process was not an easy one for Darla, it was incredible to see how her relationship with Michael taught her to evolve as a person and to learn to express herself. This is where his friendship was truly a gift to her. I think that many female readers will relate to this story. They will also relate to her relationship issues. They will enjoy reading the poetry and will find themselves inspired to get out there and to grow. I highly recommend "Rhythm's Fate."

Reviewed by: Paige Lovitt for Reader Views
www.readerviews.com

EXCERPT

This book is my interpretation of events. It is not my intention to show malice to anyone. It is not my intention to harm anyone's character or moral standards. It is my thoughts and how I perceive my life to this point. There are two sides to every story, this is mine. No more, no less....Darla Marx