Book review on Do This for Me by Eliza Kennedy

Picture from Google Image.

Before I start, I need to tell you that I've read some reviews online. Some said this book is good, some said it's bad and few said it's just okay. But then I stopped reading reviews from others because I thought it will influence my judgment in writing my own review. Let me be honest, I think this book is PHENOMENAL! I may be exaggerating. I may haven't read enough books to judge any writings. I don't care, I still believe this book is an eye-opener. (I may be influenced by my experience though).

Let's study the surface of the novel first. I gotta admit when first I see this book in my suggestion list, I wasn't convinced. I mean, look at the cover- bright purple background and pictures of lips in red orangy lipstick. It's not something I usually prefer to read. When I searched book suggestions online for contemporary romance, I didn't expect this to be in the list and the truth is I still wonder why I even read it when I wasn't convinced at first. However, needless to say, I do not regret spending my time on this book.

The story is about Raney Moore- a very successful lawyer with a stable marriage. She got money- a lot -, she got a loving husband Aaron and two beautiful twin daughters. Sounds perfect, huh? well, it was perfect until she received a phone call at her office from an unknown number, which turned out to be a man that claiming Raney's husband is cheating with his wife. The man also said that they had gone for holidays together (Raney's husband had been away for 3 weeks for 'work' and supposed to be back home on the day Raney answered the phone call). The man even offered Raney the evidence. She then called Aaron (the husband), asking if it's true. Guess what? He admitted (and there was woman voice behind too, shocking huh!) At least I don't have to waste my time reading how he's going to deny the fault. Oh My God, you guys seriously need to read this novel. I can't even tell you how 'real' the pain is. To be told that your husband is cheating when you have been expecting him to come home? when you are constantly told 'I love you' and stuff? When you are believing that your relationship is rock solid? My God, I cried so hard until my eyes hurt!!!! (and I rarely cry over novel stories).

BUT, as I was crying imagining the heartbreak Raney was feeling, she shocked me by her way of her dealing with it. She did everything within her power to crush Aaron to the ground. And her power is no joke. She did the meanest things to her husband- like cutting off his phone and credit card services, hacking Aaron's Twitter account (did I mention that Aaron is a celebrity entomologist, he wrote books and has his own TV show so he's famous) until it badly affected his career. She did many more evil things within hours, right after Aaron's infidelity was exposed (I told ya she has the power). I did feel bad for what she had done to her husband at certain point but thinking back of the pain from the betrayal, I think Aaron deserved it. I have to say, Raney is strong. 

As the story goes on, Raney was still hurting but she remained strong. She began to seek for answers- Why he did it? Why her husband cheated on her? What was she wrong? Where was she wrong? When did it all begin and how it all began?. She did all she could. She went to the best psychologist in New York and she talked to friends. She figured out she still loves Aaron. She believed the vow on their wedding day is not yet broken and their relationship is not at the end. 

Raney decided to stay in the marriage. They tried to work it out while Raney still searching for the answers. Until something happened that shatter Raney once again. And yet, she was still standing strong. This time, she was not only looking for the answers, but also looking for herself.

As I read, I began to understand that this story is not a typical love story. I'm glad that this book teaches a lot on self-love. It agrees with my philosophy. I always think that self-love is vital. We often begging for other people to love us but we always forget to love ourselves first. I believe that if I don't learn to love myself, I won't be feeling fulfilled to be loved by anyone.

In the beginning, I thought the story is about a very powerful woman that can overcome any problem no matter how devastating it may sound. You know, just like what people always say and advise you, like 'be patient' or 'be strong' or 'keep going'. Raney's story is not going to teach you all that (or at least that's how I interpreted the message from the book), instead, Raney's story teaches the reader that it is okay to be weak sometimes. The advice depicted are more like 'it's okay, you may cry' or 'nothing's wrong with giving yourself a break' or 'cmon, it's normal to feel out of control'. What I'm trying to say is that I think Eliza Kennedy had done a really great job in telling us that it's okay to be human (no pun intended, I'm serious!).

If you are looking for a book with romantic characters and a happy ending, this book is definitely not it (again, I don't know why this book is suggested haha). The story mainly focuses on Raney point of view meanwhile the other characters are there to build up the plot. Worry not, it still ends with a happy ending although I kinda wish for it to be a lil bit different. But then again, I probably was too influenced by fairytales. Realistically, the ending is what's expected in the normal world we live in.

Overall, the journey of Raney searching for the answers and herself proves that experience is indeed the best teacher. And who knows, by the end of your reading, you also will find yourself? :D