‘A MANHATTANITE’S CHRISTMAS’ BY AVERY ASTER

I would love to say that I’m up-to-date with Avery Aster’s impressive backlist but, alas, life has a way of throwing some unexpected curveballs, and before you know it, you find yourself way behind schedule. Nothing would please me more than to spend my free time getting into this author’s oeuvres but let’s face it: there are too many novels, films, miniseries that strike my fancy and so precious little time. A title I did manage to get into, however, is his latest in the Manhattanites series, A MANHATTANITE’S CHRISTMAS, offered by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So without further ado:

Reality star and songstress Neve Adele is on a downright spiral. The only thing that can save her failing career, not to mention her once-lucrative empire, is taking part in the much-publicised Celebrity Newlywed Boot Camp on TV. Problem is she’s husbandless—until sexy Sheldon Truman enters the picture. He’s a recovered alcoholic fighting for custody of an autistic child and he needs the cash.  When the two hook up, major fireworks—on and off screen, but will their union last? But more importantly, how do they go about winning this thing, especially when Neve’s longtime nemesis and expert schemer Tara Storm is part of the cast?

 

It goes without saying that I had a ball reading A MANHATTANITE’S CHRISTMAS. The author clearly knows how to entice and deliver. His duo-team protagonists are sympathetic ones and their involvement with one another makes for some torrid entertainment. Told in the first person with either character’s point of view in alternate chapters, the plot moves along real nicely to a satisfying if too abrupt of a conclusion. I would have taken another 100 pages of this work in a heartbeat instead of the two very ‘smexy’ excerpts offered at the end of this novel. That’s how good this fifth installment of the Manhattanites really is. Let’s just hope the author has plans later on to deliver a longer version, just like he did with his first two novels in the series.

 

 A MANHATTANITE’S CHRISTMAS is now available digitally on Amazon.

 

Until next post—Martin

 

 

 

'UNDRESSED' BY AVERY ASTER

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECENT E-BOOKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until next post—Martin

 

MIXED BAG: TV'S 'REVENGE', ASTER, MENSCH, COLERIDGE, VINCENZI

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make room for a French-Canadian, ABC’s REVENGE. Yes, Sleaze Factor has just learned that next season, TV’s PAN AM Karine Vanasse is set to play Margaux, a career woman who’s an old acquaintance of Daniel (John Bowman). She’ll be around for a couple of episodes, and, if everything works as planned, she’ll eventually become a permanent fixture. Let’s hope that she does, for she is a sensational actress.

　

There’s a new star in town. The name is Avery Aster (a pseudonym) and Avery writes steamy bonkbusters. The latest is called UNSCRUPULOUS (THE MANHATTANITES #2) and will be released digitally in a few days (August 14th) by Ellora Cave’s Publishing. From what we’ve read, expect big things from this author. Yes, kiddies, the excerpt I received is all slick and juicy and narratively impressive. And the best part is, you don’t really have to read the first book to get into the action. But if your mind is still set on doing it chronologically, UNDRESSED (THE MANHATTANITES #1) will be available at the low price of $2.99 (US) for a limited time.

　 

 

 

When she’s not too busy frolicking with the politicians, Louise Mensch (previously Louise Bagshawe) is a best-selling fiction author. And her latest is called BEAUTY (Headline). The publication date is set around mid-January 2014 in the UK and Canada. No words yet as to what the plot will be about, except that it’ll feature a ten year span between two unlikely characters. You can bet that it’ll be as compelling as her other novels. More on that one when the cover is finally revealed.

　

The paperback version of Nicholas Coleridge’s latest THE ADVENTURESS (Orion) will see the light of day in early October 2013 in the UK and mid-November in Canada. The titled character who’s chronicled life spans 20 years, debuting in the big hair days of the 1980s, is an engrossing fun read. I’m sure Sleaze Factor will focus more on this title in the near future.

　

 

 

Last but not least, A PERFECT HERITAGE (formely A KIND OF PROMISE) is the title of Penny Vincenzi’s latest from Headline. Set in the world of facial cosmetics, the novel centers around the struggle between the doyenne of the firm and the newcomer who is hired to shake things up. This lengthy novel is sort of a return to Vincenzi’s glitz and glamour-era which began with OLD SINS. Expect a lot of secrets to surface when it comes out in late October 2013 in the UK and Canada. Again, more on that one when the cover is finally revealed.

　

 

 

 

 

 

Until next post—Martin