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What inspired me to write Chameleon is a combination of the MeToo movement and a couple of narcissistic boyfriends from my past. I had an idea for a story—and ran with it. Geoffrey, the villain, is a culmination of the worst character traits from every guy I ever dated, with a few borrowed traits from friends’ dating horror stories. Everyone knows someone like Geoffrey at some point. He’s that maniac who cut you off on the freeway last week. He’s the perfect dream guy, and worst nightmare, rolled into one.
Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
Tasche Laine brings Chameleon alive with realistic characters and an emotional plot. Tara Spencer begins a toxic relationship with Dr. Geoffrey Jensen. She does not see the direction it is taking as Geoffrey gradually controls her appearance, friends, and faith. Tara's guilt over one failed marriage and Geoffrey's explosive behavior causes her to strive for perfection and approval in this new relationship. He is a master at excusing every outburst he has on circumstances and plays on Tara's compassionate heart and forgiving spirit. He underestimates the bond a mother has for her child. Tara takes a lot of demands from him but steps up when she Geoffrey's deranged mind games concern Jalina.
I found it ironic that a psychotherapist would be a psychopath. Tasche Laine hides the dominant Dr. Geoffrey Jensen in plain sight among the sane. The author writes with an intensity that slowly builds to a powerful finale. The pace quickly goes from one emotional scene to another as Geoffrey unravels the bond he is building with Tara by his unbalanced personality. Though the story is tragic, the author skillfully presents steps other women should recognize and avoid before they are ensnared in a violent marriage. This psychological thriller will chill you with how well the author portrays her characters and the depth of insanity to which one man will go to control the woman he loves.
I listened to the audio version of Chameleon, narrated by Marnye Young. She articulates very well as she varies her tone and speech to fit the character. She adds much to the emotion, quality, and whole experience of this novel that I may have missed if I only read the story. I was impressed with how Tara always sounds sweet and innocent, but her friend Dorey came across brazen and bold; hiding that both characters came from the same voice.
