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Covet

by Tracey Garvis-Graves (Goodreads Author)

4.23 of 5 stars 4.23 · rating details · 60 ratings · 37 reviews

From the author of the New York Times bestseller On the Island.

What if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to someone else?

Chris and Claire Canton’s marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he’s offered...more

Hardcover, 320 pages

Expected publication: September 17th 2013 by Dutton Adult

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Feb 12, 2012 Tracey Garvis-Graves added it · (Review from the author)

I'm the author of this book.

Women's Fiction. Please note that this book has not yet been released.

102 likes · like · see review

Jul 15, 2012 Tina marked it as wish-list

This is tentative for me. I'll have to see what the reviews look like because I just don't read books with adultery. It does nothing for me, it's a major hot button of rage and I find it nearly impossible to be sympathetic for people involved in adultry. So...I'll wait and see.

17 likes · like · see review

Mar 08, 2013 Aestas Book Blog marked it as to-read

Shelves: now, not-yet-released

What if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to someone else?

Chris and Claire Canton’s marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he’s offered a position that will keep him away from home four nights a week, he dismisses Claire’s concern that time apart could be the one thing their fragile union can’t weather. Their suburban lif...more

25 likes · like · see review

Jun 07, 2013 Hildy (The Book Boss) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was lucky enough to win an ARC of Covet and when it finally arrived in the mail I had a few other books lined up so I thought I’d wait. It was just so new and gorgeous that I decided to just sneak a peak at the first page but it sucked me in right away and I finished it by the next day. It was hard to put down.

Now, let me explain that I’m completely ‘anti-spoiler’ so I didn’t really know what the book was about, other than it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out a few things from the...more I was lucky enough to win an ARC of Covet and when it finally arrived in the mail I had a few other books lined up so I thought I’d wait. It was just so new and gorgeous that I decided to just sneak a peak at the first page but it sucked me in right away and I finished it by the next day. It was hard to put down.

Now, let me explain that I’m completely ‘anti-spoiler’ so I didn’t really know what the book was about, other than it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out a few things from the title. I didn’t read the description, even though it was calling to me with pretty little red flowers. Nope. I didn’t go there. I was a little worried, I’m not going to lie. I was worried for my heart but also worried because I’ve gotten to know the author during the last year and I thought, “What if this sucks? How the heck am I going to write an honest review?” Luckily it didn’t suck. Yay! In fact, it was a really great story that I’d highly recommend.

I don’t believe in rehashing the plot in reviews so I’ll just touch on a few things. First of all, I think Tracey Garvis Graves has a gift for writing about potentially controversial topics. She makes you think about things in a new way even though we think we already know how we’d feel about the situation. It was not a long book and yet it felt like the story was not rushed and completely believable. I never felt uncomfortable, I just really cared about everyone. That’s another thing, TGG writes about characters that seem like they could be living next door. She never takes character traits to the extreme. I’ve read enough books lately with the unbelievably ridiculous ex-girlfriend, the over-the top pompous rich guy, or extremely mean High School students. She doesn’t do that. Even if her characters are flawed, I never disliked them. She describes the setting and situation so well that I felt like I was there.

I will absolutely be telling my friends to read this. I guess I just have a little warning, and that is, if you expect non-stop action then you might be disappointed. That’s not to say that it won’t stir up a lot of emotion. I would recommend just sitting back and enjoying the story as it unfolds very realistically.

http://thebookbosses.blogspot.ca/
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7 likes · like · see review

Mar 15, 2013 ♠ Sharon is an emotional book junkie ♠ marked it as to-read

3/15 - u can download the first couple of chapters here on GRs. look at the right side of the link that says get a copy.

3/8 - The Cover is GORGEOUS!!

sounds like my kinda book....but hopefully, TGG doesn't get too crazy w/the cheating!

8 likes · like · see review

Apr 22, 2013 Jaime Arkin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, contemporary, 2013-september-release, 5-starers, can-t-frickin-wait, don-t-even-ask-just-read-it, favorites, have-this, read-in-2013, stand-alone-books, sarc-2013, on-my-real-shelves, wishlist-books, got-at-bea-13, galley-arc, edelweiss-arc

So when I found out that Tracey had another book coming out my reaction was probably a bit like this.

photo tumblr_lxfwegDM5z1r3ovdbo1_400_zps7653c937.gif

It's no secret how much I loved On The Island... but then I got the warning... "It's women's fiction, so keep that in mind." and I was all, well what the hell is women's fiction... I'm a woman, I like fiction... why wouldn't I like this book?

And I will freely admit that in between staring at the cover and fawning all over how pretty it is, I read the summary. And my heart skipped a beat and I t...more

8 likes · like · see review

Apr 27, 2013 Natalie marked it as awaiting-release

Shelves: 5-stars-or-i-will-be-pissed-as-hell

This book sounds amazing, and the cover is so beautuful!! I loved ON THE ISLAND and i really want this book now!!!

OMG, the cover was revealed today, and it is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!!

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 08, 2013 Cheryl McNeil rated it 4 of 5 stars

Covet by Tracey Garvis Graves (Sept., 2013)

At first, I was taken aback by Graves’ lack of verbal artifice, her plain narration of the alternating points of view of Claire, her husband Chris, and Claire’s friend and possible lover, Daniel. But it did not prevent me from getting propelled into their lives. I finished the novel in two days, and can feel the characters still lingering in my head, as though their lives continue outside the encapsulating book covers. I believe now the plain narration...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 30, 2013 Heidi R. rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was fortunate enough to win an advanced copy of Tracey Garvis Graves' new novel, "Covet". I just received it in the mail this morning and hadn't planned on reading it until tonight...but, as all books do, it was calling to me and I started reading it and couldn't put it down.

This is a story about a marriage on the brink of disaster. It's about the struggle of a husband (Chris) dealing with downsizing, unable to find a job for a year and then finally being hired by a company that has him trave...more

17 likes · like · see review

Mar 20, 2013 Rebecca marked it as to-read

I am in love with this cover. I can't wait to read it!!!

1 like · like · see review

May 29, 2013 Christine rated it 5 of 5 stars

will be posted at www.shhmomsreading.com on 5/30/13

I have loved Tracey since her debut novel On the Island. I was SOOO lucky to receive Covet as an ARC from the publisher and could not wait to dive right in. Isn’t the cover just gorgeous!!
Claire and Chris Canton have always had the perfect marriage until Chris was laid off from his job. For a year, Chris looked for work and though they tried to live within their means, life as they knew it and their marriage suffered considerably. Being the man...more will be posted at www.shhmomsreading.com on 5/30/13

I have loved Tracey since her debut novel On the Island. I was SOOO lucky to receive Covet as an ARC from the publisher and could not wait to dive right in. Isn’t the cover just gorgeous!!
Claire and Chris Canton have always had the perfect marriage until Chris was laid off from his job. For a year, Chris looked for work and though they tried to live within their means, life as they knew it and their marriage suffered considerably. Being the man in the house, I am sure that Chris struggled with not being able to provide for his family and feeling like a failure and because of this went into depression pulling further and further away from his wife and children.
I admired Claire as she took one-off jobs as a graphic designer to help pay bills around the house. Through it all, she did her best to be the strong one in the relationship; to maintain some normalcy for her children and to hide from them the fact that their parents were not happy or in a good place. Claire tried to communicate with Chris and I admired her persistence but it was heartbreaking to watch her become so lonely.
When Chris finally gets a new job, there is frequent travel involved taking him away for days at a time from his family. Not only that but to prove himself to his new boss, Chris works like a machine all day and all night pulling him even farther away from his loved ones.
As I read this book, my heart breaks for Claire because I know how hard it is to be a parent with someone there helping you, but to be the only one to do everything made me want to jump into the book to give her a hand. I wished with all my heart that Chris would get out of his funk and talk to her and to tell her how he felt. Because maybe with some communication, it would not have been so bad or hurtful to Claire.
Through all of this, Claire meets Police Officer Daniel Rush one day during a traffic stop. Claire and Daniel develop a friendship. Daniel listens, looks at her and she matters. Claire has suffered from loneliness for a while at this point and develops an emotional connection with Daniel. And vice versa.
Without giving anything away about this book, can Claire and Daniel ever just “be friends.” Or will Claire and Chris be able to rekindle the love that they once had? You will have to read this book to find out because I cannot tell you one thing!!
This was a 5+++ STAR book for me. I went through every emotion imaginable as I devoured this book in a day and a half – it was that good that I could not put it down. I have to admit that after reading it, I did develop a case of book hangover because I could not get over the story or the characters as it touched a part of me because it was so relatable, realistic and so well done. This is everyday life – it’s not your normal romance with your HEA and I was very ok with that.
I will say that I am not a fan of books that have adultery in it. But this wasn’t what I expected at all. This is a story of love, marriage, facing hardships and forgiveness. No one ever says that marriage or life in general is easy. There are always bumps in the road. Through this, we learn to be resilient and realize what’s truly important in life which is that love and family always come first. Those are life’s many blessings – not money or fame. This is a story of being someone who matters, who is cared for, listened to and love. And it goes both ways for both individuals in a marriage. All other things will come and go but you will always have love and family.
I think all of us understand the saying that the grass is greener on the other side or that you always wish for what you can’t have. This is THAT story and so much more. Not everything is what it seems and you see that very well in this book. This was told in 3 POV’s – from Claire, to Chris and Daniel. It was interesting for me to see all of their different perspectives. I LOVED how Chris and Claire first met – it was sweet, carefree and I had a smile on my face throughout. It was so easy for me to fall in love with them. I also loved learning about Daniel’s backstory and his life and some of the hardships that he also faced. He was a good man and I fell a little in love with him too.
Some things happen in this book that literally had me saying OMG and gasping out loud. But when Claire finally makes her choice, I felt that it was the right choice with all my heart. It’s important to remember to live life with no regrets and this book reminded me of that and so much more.
So I know that this was lengthy but I felt that I had so much to say. Thank you to Tracey for another AMAZING read – you know who I want more of and I hope that you will write that story one day. Another job WELL DONE – CONGRATS to you! <3
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5 likes · like · see review

Apr 24, 2013 Erin Arkin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cover-love, books-i-will-love-forever-and-ever

I loved this book – that is really the best way for me to put it. Yes, this is a story about a marriage but it is more than that. It is also about life, love, friendship, and how we deal with disappointments. Tracy Garvis Graves has written a story that is moving and tackles some heavy topics in a real way. While I was reading I had the butterflies…you know what I’m talking about here. How when you read a story and everything seems so real and you are invested in what happens with each and every...more I loved this book – that is really the best way for me to put it. Yes, this is a story about a marriage but it is more than that. It is also about life, love, friendship, and how we deal with disappointments. Tracy Garvis Graves has written a story that is moving and tackles some heavy topics in a real way. While I was reading I had the butterflies…you know what I’m talking about here. How when you read a story and everything seems so real and you are invested in what happens with each and every one…those butterflies. The highs and the lows had such an impact that I felt all them all right alongside the characters and I honestly couldn't put this one down.

We follow the three main characters Claire and Chris who are married and Daniel who is Claire’s friend. The big question here is whether men and women can be friends without the idea that the friendship would turn into more and I honestly don’t think there is a yes/no answer here. In this case, there was more to it than that but in the end, this is one of the major things that Claire is struggling with.

Garvis Graves moves the story mostly through Claire’s point of view and does a wonderful job of integrating flashbacks into the present time to show us how things have gotten to where they are today. There was just enough to show us how much Claire and Chris really do love each other but also how those little (and not so little) things started to change their relationship.

I loved reading Claire’s point of view and found her to be a likable character. She truly does love Chris and went into her friendship with Daniel with good intentions. It was clear she was lonely and she really just wanted someone to spend time with her. Daniel did that – he paid attention and made her feel important and not just like an afterthought. She really tried to help Chris through the challenge of losing his job and unfortunately there wasn't really anything she could do to make it better no matter what. The loss of Chris’ job was hard on her too and although he didn't see it, Claire struggled. It was hard for her to see him so angry and at times, defeated. One of the best lines that illustrated this (in my opinion) was:

In all the years we’d been together, I’d never experienced anything quite as heartbreaking as seeing the lights of my golden boy fade.

There were times where I was super frustrated with Chris because I really liked him too. He is hard working, loyal, and loves his family. It is clear he is willing to do whatever he has to in order to keep them afloat but it really hit him hard when he lost his job and wasn't able to find a new one as quickly as he expected. And when he does find something, he has to deal with someone he doesn't really respect but puts up with the issues because he doesn't want to fail. Another part of the problem is that he doesn't talk to Claire anymore – at least about anything of any consequence, and the disconnect just creates a larger and larger gap between the two.

I really don’t believe there is a “bad guy” in this story. Daniel has his own losses and issues he is trying to get past and when he meets Claire he gravitates to her because she reminds him of someone. From there, the friendship develops into more and I had mixed feelings. The evolution of moving from acquaintance, to friend, to more was well done and I loved watching it happen. With that said, I knew this wasn't going to end well and I also felt his pain when the day he knew was coming, came.

As usual, I am sure that my review doesn't even come close to doing this book justice. Because of that I recommend you just go out read this when you can. If you are looking for a real story that brings out all the feels, this is it.(less)

4 likes · like · see review

May 10, 2013 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I was one of the lucky few who got an advanced copy and all i can say is Tracey Garvis Graves has done it again! I loved this book! Covet was such a beautiful yet sad story all at the same time. Right from the first page this book pulled me in and I couldn't put it down not for one second. My heart went out to the characters in the story. We could feel their pain and the struggles they went through.

I didn't know what to expect when I first started the book, all I knew was that I loved On the Is...more

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 01, 2013 Nitish Grover rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am giving 5 stars in advance because On the island was so touching that I am sure TGG will despite the difficult and emotional subject involved write a story which grips the heart. I look forward to the slow and natural build-up of emotions and stirrings of the heart which is the.essence of TGG's style. Life is nothing but love and emotions and TGG has displayed her mastery of the descriptive narrative in this realm. I look forward to reading the book soon.

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 11, 2013 Annie rated it 3 of 5 stars

If you like romances you'll probably like this book. The writing is very good, timely scenario, and believable. Sometimes I got hung up in all the daily detail of her life but it was necessary in order to realistically capture her feelings and the reality of why people do what they do. I just don't like romances and this didn't change my opinion.

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Jan 22, 2013 Theresa marked it as to-read

From the description this book sounds interesting. The (possible?) adultery element makes me a little wary, but, after the way the author handled the age difference in On the Island, I'm sure she will do a great job with another uncomfortable story element.

5 likes · like · see review

Mar 01, 2013 Randy Briggs marked it as to-read

I can't wait to read this one--I read this author's first novel "On The Island" and was totally blown away by it. I've been anticipating the release of her next work for some time, and I'm glad that the release date is getting close!

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May 18, 2013 Tara marked it as to-read

I can't wait to get a copy of this book absolutely loved On the Island. Love the emotional roller coaster and not being able to put the book down.

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Mar 08, 2013 Fern (whirlwindbooks) marked it as to-read

Cannot wait to read and review this book, the cover is amazing and it sounds like a good Novel :)

- http://www.whirlwindbooksandreviews.com/

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Aug 30, 2012 Karima marked it as to-read

I just finished 'on the Island' and I loved it. So I really like to read more of Tracey Garvis-Graves.

6 likes · like · see review

Mar 13, 2013 TheBookVixen marked it as thinking-about-it

Shelves: c-b

I'm going to wait for reviews to come out to see if there is cheating and how it comes into play.

1 like · like · see review

Mar 03, 2013 Marjie marked it as to-read

Just finished reading On the Island. Really looking forward to reading her next book.

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Mar 01, 2013 Nicole marked it as to-read

Not a fan of adultery, but loved On The Island, so I'll give it a try! :-)

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Mar 02, 2013 Steph marked it as to-read

Looking forward to reading this... just hope there is a HEA ...

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Mar 02, 2013 Mandy marked it as to-read

Not sure how I feel about the plot but loved her last book

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Mar 01, 2013 Anne Geddes marked it as to-read

Loved on the island and hope she delivers again!

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Mar 01, 2013 Karen marked it as to-read

Hope it is as good as the last book!

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Mar 04, 2013 MissyDevoursDelishReads marked it as to-read

Cover reveal March 8th!

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Nov 15, 2012 Elizabeth Favreau marked it as to-read

Shelves: romance

I will SO be reading this!!!

1 like · like · see review

Mar 01, 2013 Cherl Gatdula-ador marked it as to-read

Added it...

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About Tracey Garvis-Graves

Tracey Garvis-Graves is the author of On the Island and Covet. She lives in a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa with her husband, two children, and hyper dog Chloe. She blogs at www.traceygarvisgraves.com using colorful language and a snarky sense of humor to write about pop culture, silly television shows, and her suburban neighborhood. You can e-mail her at traceygarvisgraves@yahoo.com. She’d love to h...more

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