Every time someone asks me to plug his or her book on
my blog I always cringe at the thought of it.
Firstly because it means that I have to read the darn thing which rarely
suits me. I always prefer marching to
the beat of my own drum, meaning I get
to choose what to read and when to
read it. Secondly, how do I go at it if I end up disliking the book? The last thing I want is to hurt the writer,
even though we all know it comes with the territory. That is probably the reason why I ended up
debating reading UNDRESSED by Avery Aster. The novel has been in my possession since its publication day back in
2013 by Ellora’s Cave Pub. Two years
later Aster goes indie and republishes it with an added 200 pages. This is the novel I’m going to review.
Indeed, in concordance with his latest Manhattanites novel
UNCONVENTIONAL, now available on Amazon, I finally took the plunge and dwelled
into the first book in the series, UNDRESSED. Well, what I thought to be the first book. According to many websites, it is actually
the second one. But as it is a standalone
novel, in the end who gives a flying whoop—just as long as it delivers that hot
and bothered stance expected. And if
judged solely by that cover shot (I would grate more than cheese on that washboard
stomach), we sure are in for a wild ride.
UNDRESSED follows established designer Lex Easten on
her way to Milan to meet ladies’ man and paparazzi fave Prince Tittoni whose
garment company failed to deliver her needed fabrics for New-York Fashion Week.
What ensues is a battle of the horniest
as both parties fail miserably in keeping it in their pants. As much civility Lex tries to show during her
sojourn in Massimo’s villa, the sight of this man candy brings out just about
every wanton behavior known to a woman. And Massimo’s one night fling motto might still be oh-so on, but watching
Lex going at it with or without clothes may indeed change his mind—if he just
can let go some of his troubled past, that is.
Overall, I had a relatively good time with UNDRESSED,
most specifically with its strong narrative and glam prerequisite which never veer
off court. Moreover, Aster knows the
ins and outs of the fashion industry and weaves a subplot worthy of any Krantz
novels. As it is called UNDRESSED you’d
expect a lot of raunchy sex to go along with it and again the author
delivers. The ménage à trois bit (man on
man on girl) as the heroine becomes our voyeur really got me going to the point
of needing a complementary cigarette afterwards. Just wish the novel had more scenes like
that. But being targeted mainly for
women, I completely understand. As a
whole the story kept me interested despite the two main characters falling flat
mostly. A little more heart there would
have been so much nicer. But as it is the author’s first novel—or second?—I’m
prepared to give him another go since pluses win over minuses. Besides, I’d really like to know more about those
colorful secondary characters of his who are all featured in the subsequent
books. So there you have it, my two
cents.
Until next post—Martin
 |
| Ellora’s Cave Pub edition |
