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The Manhattanites #4
Unconventional
From the NYT Bestselling author of The Manhattanites series and for fans of such films as Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Wild Things comes a ménage romance posing the question; can two men share the same woman forever?
They are the best of friends and the greatest of lovers. Two men and one woman, searching for fortune and fame, bound together by an eroticism their money and power can’t buy them. Luigi, the romantic alpha hunk. Rocco, the exotic bisexual. Jemma, the insatiable beauty who possesses them both.
From their first rendezvous in Milan, the three set out on a wicked course, jet-setting from the kinky underground sex clubs of Berlin, to the lavish palaces of Moscow, to New York’s high society in pursuit of pleasure. They have only each other to care for. That is…until a baby comes along and changes their destiny. But which of them is the father? And will they continue their poly relationship or give in to convention?
They are the best of friends and the greatest of lovers. Two men and one woman, searching for fortune and fame, bound together by an eroticism their money and power can’t buy them. Luigi, the romantic alpha hunk. Rocco, the exotic bisexual. Jemma, the insatiable beauty who possesses them both.
From their first rendezvous in Milan, the three set out on a wicked course, jet-setting from the kinky underground sex clubs of Berlin, to the lavish palaces of Moscow, to New York’s high society in pursuit of pleasure. They have only each other to care for. That is…until a baby comes along and changes their destiny. But which of them is the father? And will they continue their poly relationship or give in to convention?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2016
62 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Avery Aster
39 books2,509 followersGet a FREE ebook when you join Avery Aster's newsletter http://eepurl.com/CQ665
A graduate of New York University and a resident of the Big Apple for twenty years, New York Times bestselling author Avery Aster writes popular fiction in several genres. Erotic Romance fans enjoy Avery’s The Manhattanites books, while New Adult readers can’t get enough of the Undergrad Years. For those who like a good thrill that’ll mess with their mind, check out Avery’s Psychological Suspense series, Piper Adler and other books at www.AveryAster.com
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A graduate of New York University and a resident of the Big Apple for twenty years, New York Times bestselling author Avery Aster writes popular fiction in several genres. Erotic Romance fans enjoy Avery’s The Manhattanites books, while New Adult readers can’t get enough of the Undergrad Years. For those who like a good thrill that’ll mess with their mind, check out Avery’s Psychological Suspense series, Piper Adler and other books at www.AveryAster.com
Connect with Avery Aster:
Goodreads http://www.Goodreads.com/AveryAster
Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/AveryAster
Instagram http://Instagram.com/AveryAster
Tumblr http://AveryAster.tumblr.com
Pinterest http://www.Pinterest.com/AveryAster
Twitter https://Twitter.com/AveryAster
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
December 31, 2015
Another wonderful read from Avery Aster, and as she often prefaces her books , if your a prude this " Unconventional" read may not be for you!
Why , well Avery gives us a wonderful story revolving around a poly amorous relationship!
If you have been following the Manhattannites you have already met Jemma and her two lovers Luigi and Rocco, but even though they are wonderful together in this book we discover the boys want more.
They have just spent the last year caring for Jemma while she recovered from breast cancer and they could not love her more, so much so they want to marry! Luigi , looking foward to being able to claim both Jemma and Rocco as his and Rocco wanting very badly to have the permanence of family and starting a family. However for Jemma, permanency is something she fears; what of the cancer comes back, how could she tie them to her, never mind after the chemo it is unlikely she could have a baby.
The cancer has affected Jemma not only in her relationship but her career, so much so, that after her latest fashion line flops ,Lex, Tandy , Blake and Prince Massimo are forced to step in, they want her to take time off, travel with her men and reconnect; unfortunately Jemma chooses not to, leaving the Manhattannites and the boys to trick her into the trip!
A six week world wide tour, followed purposely by paparazzi and media, staring in Berlin with visits to underground Bdsm clubs, in hopes that Jemma will get her fun Loving , creative and bright , groove back. If that happens, just maybe her creative and successful fashion design will return..
The boys hope she does, but this time around they have rules for her all with the goal of getting her to say yes to their next proposal!
Will Jemma embrace the idea? Will she forgive the buys for tricking her into it? Will she find her fashion design groove again ? Will Jemma say yes?
Will you the reader enjoy the trip? I think so, I did!
Arc graciously provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
Why , well Avery gives us a wonderful story revolving around a poly amorous relationship!
If you have been following the Manhattannites you have already met Jemma and her two lovers Luigi and Rocco, but even though they are wonderful together in this book we discover the boys want more.
They have just spent the last year caring for Jemma while she recovered from breast cancer and they could not love her more, so much so they want to marry! Luigi , looking foward to being able to claim both Jemma and Rocco as his and Rocco wanting very badly to have the permanence of family and starting a family. However for Jemma, permanency is something she fears; what of the cancer comes back, how could she tie them to her, never mind after the chemo it is unlikely she could have a baby.
The cancer has affected Jemma not only in her relationship but her career, so much so, that after her latest fashion line flops ,Lex, Tandy , Blake and Prince Massimo are forced to step in, they want her to take time off, travel with her men and reconnect; unfortunately Jemma chooses not to, leaving the Manhattannites and the boys to trick her into the trip!
A six week world wide tour, followed purposely by paparazzi and media, staring in Berlin with visits to underground Bdsm clubs, in hopes that Jemma will get her fun Loving , creative and bright , groove back. If that happens, just maybe her creative and successful fashion design will return..
The boys hope she does, but this time around they have rules for her all with the goal of getting her to say yes to their next proposal!
Will Jemma embrace the idea? Will she forgive the buys for tricking her into it? Will she find her fashion design groove again ? Will Jemma say yes?
Will you the reader enjoy the trip? I think so, I did!
Arc graciously provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
January 26, 2016
I can honestly say that I truly loved everything about this book. It had happiness, sadness, love, a crazy amount of lust, and so much uncertainty that even I didn't know what was going to happen! Without a lack of a better word, it was absolutely fantastic!!! This is a menage like I haven't read before simply because it wasn't just about sex - it was also about three people in love and how they navigated their way through life. Did I mention it was crazy hot too?!? "Your body will be ours to take as we please. Make love as we like, and f**k however we feel like it. Those are our rules for this trip. Can you handle them?"
Ah, yes please and then some more! Unconventional is a story about three people who find love in the strangest of places and build upon it while also undergoing some of life's biggest challenges. It was a fabulous read, a great follow on to the Manhattanite's series, and one that I will absolutely keep coming back to! Bravo to you, Ms. Aster - another tremendous book that will keep me reading on and on...and on!
*I was given an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ah, yes please and then some more! Unconventional is a story about three people who find love in the strangest of places and build upon it while also undergoing some of life's biggest challenges. It was a fabulous read, a great follow on to the Manhattanite's series, and one that I will absolutely keep coming back to! Bravo to you, Ms. Aster - another tremendous book that will keep me reading on and on...and on!
*I was given an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2015
***I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley.com, in exchange for honest feedback.***
This is the second book, or in this case novella, that I've read in 'The Manhattanites' series. Like the other book, this novella was sweet, sex-filled and entertaining. Although the characters are quite crass at times, I have to admit that the things that fly out of their mouths make me laugh. Blake, especially, keeps me in stitches.
A very quick read, this novella focuses on Jemma and her relationship with Luigi and Rocco. In the beginning, Jemma isn't the vivacious woman that I had met in 'Undressed'. She seemed more subdued and depressed, definitely not the confident sexy woman that we knew before.
After surviving breast cancer, Jemma is plagued with fears and uncertainty. What if it comes back? Will she ever feel beautiful again? What if she can't have children? All of her insecurities are wrecking her relationship with Luigi and Rocco, as well as wreaking havoc on her career as a fashion designer. She seems to have lost her love of life.
When her latest fashion line tanks, her friends intervene. In collusion with Luigi and Rocco, Lex and the other Manhattanites arrange a sexual safari tour for Jemma and her guys. The trio will tour various cities across the globe, known for their sex appeal.
Early on in their trip, Jemma comes to realize what a fool she's been. The trio of lovers work through their insecurities and come out stronger for all that they've survived together. What's not to like about a HEA?
Overall, I liked this super quick read. It was a nice little extra to this series. It was sweet, sexy and heartwarming. Since it was so short, it could easily be read in one sitting. In fact, this novella ended at right around 56% through the ebook. The remaining half of the pages were just previews for other books, etc.
This is the second book, or in this case novella, that I've read in 'The Manhattanites' series. Like the other book, this novella was sweet, sex-filled and entertaining. Although the characters are quite crass at times, I have to admit that the things that fly out of their mouths make me laugh. Blake, especially, keeps me in stitches.
A very quick read, this novella focuses on Jemma and her relationship with Luigi and Rocco. In the beginning, Jemma isn't the vivacious woman that I had met in 'Undressed'. She seemed more subdued and depressed, definitely not the confident sexy woman that we knew before.
After surviving breast cancer, Jemma is plagued with fears and uncertainty. What if it comes back? Will she ever feel beautiful again? What if she can't have children? All of her insecurities are wrecking her relationship with Luigi and Rocco, as well as wreaking havoc on her career as a fashion designer. She seems to have lost her love of life.
When her latest fashion line tanks, her friends intervene. In collusion with Luigi and Rocco, Lex and the other Manhattanites arrange a sexual safari tour for Jemma and her guys. The trio will tour various cities across the globe, known for their sex appeal.
Early on in their trip, Jemma comes to realize what a fool she's been. The trio of lovers work through their insecurities and come out stronger for all that they've survived together. What's not to like about a HEA?
Overall, I liked this super quick read. It was a nice little extra to this series. It was sweet, sexy and heartwarming. Since it was so short, it could easily be read in one sitting. In fact, this novella ended at right around 56% through the ebook. The remaining half of the pages were just previews for other books, etc.
January 13, 2016
ARC kindly provited by the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for a honest review. Thank you for the honor Avery Aster.
Before I start, I would like to say that is the first time I read a book of Ms Avery Aster. I saw, after I received the ARC, that I already had one of her books in my kindle collection as well, but never had the chance to read it. For me, one of the worst parts in the world of books, is that I don't have the privilege of time, so I can read and read and read...without stop. But...jee! There are so many great authors out there!
However, I think there aren't many like Avery Aster! I love her! I totally love her!! Her fluent writing style, witty, sexy, sensational, riveted me in my spot and didn't let me take a break not even once. For me, it was a bolt from the blue. I never had the chance to read something like this before and I was fascinated by the fact that whole time, I never felt once annoyed or disappointed by the storytell. Contrary, I was hypnotized to read that kind of story, rare for myself, and I was surprised by a positivity that highlighted throughout it, even if the case of the story is a big taboo for years.
I said above I haven't read the other books of "Manhattanites" yet, so I don't know if Jemma, Luigi and Rocco have their parts in them also.
"...Life is a challenge -meet it head on.
Life is a dream - own your desires.
Life is a gift - keep giving to others.
Life is love - open your heart." ~ Taddy Brill
Reading the description of the book, anyone can understand what the theme of the story talks about. Two men and one woman! Rich, famous and insatiable sexy, both of them are connected in a relationship, as a thruple, having the life they always wanted to have. Erotism was their second name but even this word is underestimating them and the life they living. They have it all, except one thing is now missing.
Jemma Fereti is a walking sex! She is hot, gorgeous, former supermodel and now works as a desinger for her "Jemma Cultoure" collection at Girasoli Garments. She had it all!! But after her argue with her father about her relationship with two men and a breast cancer diagnosis, she turned her life, Rocco's and Luigi's, into a roller coaster. Trying to survive from cancer, her emotions changed to auto pilot and everything that mattered frozed. So when a marriage proposal came from her mates, few she was cancer free, Jemma made the wrong decision. The days after, she tried to focus on her work, letting both men to live their lives as they pleased but she lost her spirit somewhere and when her collection was presented, it turned to be a disaster. When her boss gave them both a sabbatical, so Jemma come to her senses, well...then it was all I enjoyed reading about.
"Peddle that sex bike, Miss Thing. Peddle fast. Peddle hard. Peddle as if there's no tomorrow..." ~Blake Morgan
Both men are breathtaking! Each for his unique character, charming and grace. I liked more Luigi tho! He is older, more versed and vehement than Rocco. Rich, successful and a powerful lover, is every woman's dream. He always dominates the place and their bed also, which is hot to read. He deeply loves and cares Jemma and he wants to take their relationship to an other level, with Rocco by his side. After Jemma's breast cancer diagnosis and the proposal refusal months ago, he and Rocco never left her alone, waiting for the right moment to try again. As for Rocco! The man is a charismatic gay, always linked with Jemma's feelings and deeply in love with both of them. A totally sweetheart!!He's younger, a hung with capital H and the one that is desperate to make a family with Jemma and Luigi. Children and all! Rocco is the stanchion of this relationship, he is the keeper, so even if he afraid that one day everything he built with Jemma and Luigi will be vanished, he fights againts it. His passion to complite his mission is captivated and moving, in ways that make you think about your own relationship and how you have to think and act so you can keep it strong and untouched.
"His request, his words, his very presence mended a hole in my heart. Right there. Right then, I hadn't realized it was even there. But it was, all along." ~Jemma Fereti
and then...Holy moly!!!
I hope not to spoil the book. The quotes are few of what I lined out thoughout the book, as always do, and I wanted to share them with you. If you like to read erotic stories, Avery's Aster erotic stories, then you should read this book and all the others in the serie. They will realy blow your mind...and propably aroused you, spine-tingling kind of way. It definitely did that to me and...I promise to read all of them soon!
So, as an author one time said, "I suggest you grab a cup of tea or liquor - whatever floats your boat - and start reading."
P.S. I prefer liquor for this occasion!
Enjoy
Vivi
Before I start, I would like to say that is the first time I read a book of Ms Avery Aster. I saw, after I received the ARC, that I already had one of her books in my kindle collection as well, but never had the chance to read it. For me, one of the worst parts in the world of books, is that I don't have the privilege of time, so I can read and read and read...without stop. But...jee! There are so many great authors out there!
However, I think there aren't many like Avery Aster! I love her! I totally love her!! Her fluent writing style, witty, sexy, sensational, riveted me in my spot and didn't let me take a break not even once. For me, it was a bolt from the blue. I never had the chance to read something like this before and I was fascinated by the fact that whole time, I never felt once annoyed or disappointed by the storytell. Contrary, I was hypnotized to read that kind of story, rare for myself, and I was surprised by a positivity that highlighted throughout it, even if the case of the story is a big taboo for years.
I said above I haven't read the other books of "Manhattanites" yet, so I don't know if Jemma, Luigi and Rocco have their parts in them also.
"...Life is a challenge -meet it head on.
Life is a dream - own your desires.
Life is a gift - keep giving to others.
Life is love - open your heart." ~ Taddy Brill
Reading the description of the book, anyone can understand what the theme of the story talks about. Two men and one woman! Rich, famous and insatiable sexy, both of them are connected in a relationship, as a thruple, having the life they always wanted to have. Erotism was their second name but even this word is underestimating them and the life they living. They have it all, except one thing is now missing.
Jemma Fereti is a walking sex! She is hot, gorgeous, former supermodel and now works as a desinger for her "Jemma Cultoure" collection at Girasoli Garments. She had it all!! But after her argue with her father about her relationship with two men and a breast cancer diagnosis, she turned her life, Rocco's and Luigi's, into a roller coaster. Trying to survive from cancer, her emotions changed to auto pilot and everything that mattered frozed. So when a marriage proposal came from her mates, few she was cancer free, Jemma made the wrong decision. The days after, she tried to focus on her work, letting both men to live their lives as they pleased but she lost her spirit somewhere and when her collection was presented, it turned to be a disaster. When her boss gave them both a sabbatical, so Jemma come to her senses, well...then it was all I enjoyed reading about.
"Peddle that sex bike, Miss Thing. Peddle fast. Peddle hard. Peddle as if there's no tomorrow..." ~Blake Morgan
Both men are breathtaking! Each for his unique character, charming and grace. I liked more Luigi tho! He is older, more versed and vehement than Rocco. Rich, successful and a powerful lover, is every woman's dream. He always dominates the place and their bed also, which is hot to read. He deeply loves and cares Jemma and he wants to take their relationship to an other level, with Rocco by his side. After Jemma's breast cancer diagnosis and the proposal refusal months ago, he and Rocco never left her alone, waiting for the right moment to try again. As for Rocco! The man is a charismatic gay, always linked with Jemma's feelings and deeply in love with both of them. A totally sweetheart!!He's younger, a hung with capital H and the one that is desperate to make a family with Jemma and Luigi. Children and all! Rocco is the stanchion of this relationship, he is the keeper, so even if he afraid that one day everything he built with Jemma and Luigi will be vanished, he fights againts it. His passion to complite his mission is captivated and moving, in ways that make you think about your own relationship and how you have to think and act so you can keep it strong and untouched.
"His request, his words, his very presence mended a hole in my heart. Right there. Right then, I hadn't realized it was even there. But it was, all along." ~Jemma Fereti
and then...Holy moly!!!
I hope not to spoil the book. The quotes are few of what I lined out thoughout the book, as always do, and I wanted to share them with you. If you like to read erotic stories, Avery's Aster erotic stories, then you should read this book and all the others in the serie. They will realy blow your mind...and propably aroused you, spine-tingling kind of way. It definitely did that to me and...I promise to read all of them soon!
So, as an author one time said, "I suggest you grab a cup of tea or liquor - whatever floats your boat - and start reading."
P.S. I prefer liquor for this occasion!
Enjoy
Vivi
January 27, 2016
Love
After having survived breast cancer Jemma hasn’t felt like her old supermodel self, walking sex, that beautiful she once knew she was. She loves the two men she shares her life with Luigi and Rocco, being a fashion designer of the Jemma Couture line, but she’s worried the cancer may come back. She needs a little reminder of who she was before the cancer, all she has in her life, and to look at life differently. After her latest fashion line hits rock bottom Jemma needs to get back on track. When the first offer to travel the world to get her inspiration back is declined sometimes matters are left to the people who love you most.
“Let me drink from you. I. Must. Taste.”
I will be honest the M/M thing doesn’t work for me at all when they cross over together. If they are just sharing a woman I do enjoy those reads, very much. After reading Unconventional feeling the love, the chemistry between these characters my eyes have been opened to something new. Love on a different level.
Love
This is my first Avery Aster book and all I can say is W O W!! I couldn’t put it down finished it in one day which I rarely am able to ever do. This was not what I accepted at all. I’ve heard how wonderful, funny, steamy the books are, I even have a few on my TBR list that are moving to the top of my list after reading Unconventional. Hope you enjoy this Love story as much as I did. Happy reading.
After having survived breast cancer Jemma hasn’t felt like her old supermodel self, walking sex, that beautiful she once knew she was. She loves the two men she shares her life with Luigi and Rocco, being a fashion designer of the Jemma Couture line, but she’s worried the cancer may come back. She needs a little reminder of who she was before the cancer, all she has in her life, and to look at life differently. After her latest fashion line hits rock bottom Jemma needs to get back on track. When the first offer to travel the world to get her inspiration back is declined sometimes matters are left to the people who love you most.
“Let me drink from you. I. Must. Taste.”
I will be honest the M/M thing doesn’t work for me at all when they cross over together. If they are just sharing a woman I do enjoy those reads, very much. After reading Unconventional feeling the love, the chemistry between these characters my eyes have been opened to something new. Love on a different level.
Love
This is my first Avery Aster book and all I can say is W O W!! I couldn’t put it down finished it in one day which I rarely am able to ever do. This was not what I accepted at all. I’ve heard how wonderful, funny, steamy the books are, I even have a few on my TBR list that are moving to the top of my list after reading Unconventional. Hope you enjoy this Love story as much as I did. Happy reading.
December 24, 2015
*** ARC kindly provided by the author, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. ***
When I saw this one on NetGalley I immediately loved the cover… So gorgeous! I also love ménage books and the story sounded good.
After finishing my first thought was … ‘Is this it?’ ! At 54% in the book I made a note for myself that this book rather feels like one big epilogue and then at 56% it says “The End”. What? The End? How is that possible… It feels like I only just started reading! The remaining 44% is filled with an excerpt for “Unique”. On GoodReads it said 250 pages so I guess those include the excerpt.
This is the story of the polyamorous relationship between Jemma, Luigi and Rocco. They have been together for some time already and her men are ready to take it to the next step… Marriage and children. Now they have to convince their woman! This is all I’ll be telling about the story because I don’t want to reveal to much about their sexy journey …
As I said at 54% it felt like one big epilogue to me. This is a stand-alone book but I missed reading about their past. How they met? The struggles they had? You know … the fun part to read!
After rereading the description on NetGalley, maybe I should have recognized that this wasn’t their story from the start… Maybe a prologue would have helped!
Even though this one was too short for me I did enjoy it! I loved the idea, the characters, the chemistry. There were a few hot scenes and the story is well-written. Will I be reading more from this author? Probably.
When I saw this one on NetGalley I immediately loved the cover… So gorgeous! I also love ménage books and the story sounded good.
After finishing my first thought was … ‘Is this it?’ ! At 54% in the book I made a note for myself that this book rather feels like one big epilogue and then at 56% it says “The End”. What? The End? How is that possible… It feels like I only just started reading! The remaining 44% is filled with an excerpt for “Unique”. On GoodReads it said 250 pages so I guess those include the excerpt.
This is the story of the polyamorous relationship between Jemma, Luigi and Rocco. They have been together for some time already and her men are ready to take it to the next step… Marriage and children. Now they have to convince their woman! This is all I’ll be telling about the story because I don’t want to reveal to much about their sexy journey …
As I said at 54% it felt like one big epilogue to me. This is a stand-alone book but I missed reading about their past. How they met? The struggles they had? You know … the fun part to read!
After rereading the description on NetGalley, maybe I should have recognized that this wasn’t their story from the start… Maybe a prologue would have helped!
Even though this one was too short for me I did enjoy it! I loved the idea, the characters, the chemistry. There were a few hot scenes and the story is well-written. Will I be reading more from this author? Probably.
December 27, 2015
2 stars
I saw this book on NetGalley, and being a bit of a pervert and a fan of the menage-relationship dynamic, I figured I’d give it a go. This is book 4 in The Manhattanites series, and though I haven’t read any of the earlier books, it’s advertised as a series of standalones so I assumed I’d be safe to dive in. The main and side characters are all introduced and the relationships are all explained so you see how everybody is tied together and how the little trio came to be, but I do think this would be a much more enjoyable read if you knew everybody and their unique dynamics going in.
Jenna is a fashion designer who is in a relationship with two men – strong and domineering Luigi, and sweetly romantic yet super sexy Rocco. They have been happily living together for years but things between them have recently started to stagnate. The boys want more from Jenna than what she is willing to offer, but she has no interest in marriage and family that they are offering. She has battled breast cancer with them at her side, but it has left her emotionally scarred. Though she is currently cancer free, her illness and her fear for the future has her doubting everything, including her relationship with the men in her life.
Her lack of passion and enthusiasm translates into a disastrous launch of her latest fashion line and in order to save her career, her colleagues and friends suggest she take leave and indulge in a “sexual safari” with her lovers to reclaim her lost mojo. They arrange (and pay) for her to travel to some of the world’s most exotic destinations – Berlin, Moscow, Paris, Beirut and Ibiza – for some “pussy-eating, clit-shaking, butt-fucking, fantastical fun” and reclaim her lust for life.
Ummmm, where do people find jobs like that?
There’s quite a bit of detail in the build up to the trip, with the boys laying everything on the line and declaring that the heartbreaking deterioration of their relationship has them both ready to walk away if they are unable to get what they need from each other. It’s a promising set up, and with the sexual tension hitting high levels from the moment they all step on the plane together, I was excited for what was to come, but sadly it fizzled for me.
After all of the build-up of the status of their relationship and the explanation of the difficulties that they are each experiencing, the actual resolution of the story seemed incredibly fast. One hot sex-fest on the first night of their trip, and suddenly our heroine is cured of all of her doubts and insecurities, and everything is magically fantastic. We are then whisked through all of the remaining significant events of the story , and then it’s all abruptly over, with the ebook finishing at 56%, leaving me wondering what the hell just happened.
I think my main issue with this story though is that I never really felt connected to the characters. From the prologue of the book I actually didn’t like Jenna at all, and I didn’t really warm to her that much throughout the story. I accept that my feelings are probably because I dove into the series halfway through, and that’s something that I never usually do, but again - it was advertised as a standalone. It’s possible that had I followed these characters through the previous books, I would have enjoyed it more. But as it is, my lack of engagement and the snippet-like ending to the book left me feeling really ‘meh’ about the whole thing.
2 stars – it was just ok.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I saw this book on NetGalley, and being a bit of a pervert and a fan of the menage-relationship dynamic, I figured I’d give it a go. This is book 4 in The Manhattanites series, and though I haven’t read any of the earlier books, it’s advertised as a series of standalones so I assumed I’d be safe to dive in. The main and side characters are all introduced and the relationships are all explained so you see how everybody is tied together and how the little trio came to be, but I do think this would be a much more enjoyable read if you knew everybody and their unique dynamics going in.
Jenna is a fashion designer who is in a relationship with two men – strong and domineering Luigi, and sweetly romantic yet super sexy Rocco. They have been happily living together for years but things between them have recently started to stagnate. The boys want more from Jenna than what she is willing to offer, but she has no interest in marriage and family that they are offering. She has battled breast cancer with them at her side, but it has left her emotionally scarred. Though she is currently cancer free, her illness and her fear for the future has her doubting everything, including her relationship with the men in her life.
Her lack of passion and enthusiasm translates into a disastrous launch of her latest fashion line and in order to save her career, her colleagues and friends suggest she take leave and indulge in a “sexual safari” with her lovers to reclaim her lost mojo. They arrange (and pay) for her to travel to some of the world’s most exotic destinations – Berlin, Moscow, Paris, Beirut and Ibiza – for some “pussy-eating, clit-shaking, butt-fucking, fantastical fun” and reclaim her lust for life.
Ummmm, where do people find jobs like that?
There’s quite a bit of detail in the build up to the trip, with the boys laying everything on the line and declaring that the heartbreaking deterioration of their relationship has them both ready to walk away if they are unable to get what they need from each other. It’s a promising set up, and with the sexual tension hitting high levels from the moment they all step on the plane together, I was excited for what was to come, but sadly it fizzled for me.
After all of the build-up of the status of their relationship and the explanation of the difficulties that they are each experiencing, the actual resolution of the story seemed incredibly fast. One hot sex-fest on the first night of their trip, and suddenly our heroine is cured of all of her doubts and insecurities, and everything is magically fantastic. We are then whisked through all of the remaining significant events of the story , and then it’s all abruptly over, with the ebook finishing at 56%, leaving me wondering what the hell just happened.
I think my main issue with this story though is that I never really felt connected to the characters. From the prologue of the book I actually didn’t like Jenna at all, and I didn’t really warm to her that much throughout the story. I accept that my feelings are probably because I dove into the series halfway through, and that’s something that I never usually do, but again - it was advertised as a standalone. It’s possible that had I followed these characters through the previous books, I would have enjoyed it more. But as it is, my lack of engagement and the snippet-like ending to the book left me feeling really ‘meh’ about the whole thing.
2 stars – it was just ok.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2016
**My thanks to NetGalley and Avery Aster for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This seems more like a novella as its not as long as some of the former novels and is told from all three view points of Luigi, Rocco and Jemma.
We get a small part where the manhattanites are part of the book, but it mostly focuses just on our three characters and their thruple relationship.
We hear about what has happened in the last year to get them to the point they are currently in and we get to see as they bond even closer and get their well deserved HEA.
Luigi is the alpha male of the relationship, Rocco is the emotional once and Jemma is their balance.
Looking forward to getting Viveca's story and seeing how she gets out of the dark place that she is in.
This seems more like a novella as its not as long as some of the former novels and is told from all three view points of Luigi, Rocco and Jemma.
We get a small part where the manhattanites are part of the book, but it mostly focuses just on our three characters and their thruple relationship.
We hear about what has happened in the last year to get them to the point they are currently in and we get to see as they bond even closer and get their well deserved HEA.
Luigi is the alpha male of the relationship, Rocco is the emotional once and Jemma is their balance.
Looking forward to getting Viveca's story and seeing how she gets out of the dark place that she is in.
January 26, 2016
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Unconventional is a hot, fun and yes, very unconventional read.
Fans of Avery's Manhattanites will love Unconventional, both because of the humour that is familiar to them and because characters they already know are a part of the story. Rocco and Luigi have been feeling that Jemma has withdrawn from the both in recent months, and while they understand that she has been under a lot of pressure, they want to add a little on their own - they want to marry her and be a family, the three of them together. The story is a little over the top, but it's hot, and it's filled with quite a bit of humour, so I quite enjoyed myself!
Because I'm not really familiar with the characters, it was a little difficult for me to form an attachment to them, and I thought Jemma was acting like a spoiled child at times, and the two men were not really taking everything into consideration when they kidnapped her for a sex safari to help her loosen up. Unconventional is meant to be a light-hearted, steamy story, though, and it did bring that, and one thing I really enjoyed was that there was no jealousy between the three of them. They all loved each other, and they were also friends and showed respect towards each other.
I'm sure fans of the series will really love Unconventional, though, because it was obvious to me that there are inside jokes, both between the characters and between the author and the readers. Jemma, Rocco and Luigi each got their own chapters, and their voices were distinct. Written in first person point of view and past tense, the story was evenly paced and with an easy flow.
In a way, Rocco and I were similar to those flowers reaching for something - nourishment and love.
As we watched Jemma head back to our private oasis on the beach, I slipped the diamond into my front pocket. The ring would never adorn dolce's finger.
"Exactly." Taddy turned to face me, her green eyes finally locked with mine. "No sex in your life equals bad fashion designs. This is easy to see how this happened."
Unconventional is a hot, fun and yes, very unconventional read.
Fans of Avery's Manhattanites will love Unconventional, both because of the humour that is familiar to them and because characters they already know are a part of the story. Rocco and Luigi have been feeling that Jemma has withdrawn from the both in recent months, and while they understand that she has been under a lot of pressure, they want to add a little on their own - they want to marry her and be a family, the three of them together. The story is a little over the top, but it's hot, and it's filled with quite a bit of humour, so I quite enjoyed myself!
Because I'm not really familiar with the characters, it was a little difficult for me to form an attachment to them, and I thought Jemma was acting like a spoiled child at times, and the two men were not really taking everything into consideration when they kidnapped her for a sex safari to help her loosen up. Unconventional is meant to be a light-hearted, steamy story, though, and it did bring that, and one thing I really enjoyed was that there was no jealousy between the three of them. They all loved each other, and they were also friends and showed respect towards each other.
I'm sure fans of the series will really love Unconventional, though, because it was obvious to me that there are inside jokes, both between the characters and between the author and the readers. Jemma, Rocco and Luigi each got their own chapters, and their voices were distinct. Written in first person point of view and past tense, the story was evenly paced and with an easy flow.
In a way, Rocco and I were similar to those flowers reaching for something - nourishment and love.
As we watched Jemma head back to our private oasis on the beach, I slipped the diamond into my front pocket. The ring would never adorn dolce's finger.
"Exactly." Taddy turned to face me, her green eyes finally locked with mine. "No sex in your life equals bad fashion designs. This is easy to see how this happened."
March 13, 2016
Favorite Quotes:
“Genius. A sexual safari. I love this idea.”
“Peddle that sex bike, Miss Thing. Peddle fast. Peddle hard. Peddle as if there's no tomorrow.”
“Rocco, never deny your partner in bed. Making love is like giving medicine. If they go without, they'll get sick in the head.”
My Review:
Being a bit doubtful about the truple/poly-amorous aspect of the story - as I don't share and would assume I would be a jealous old cougar - I was surprised by the emotional depth and poignancy of Avery Aster's latest offering. Although,when I stop to think about his other books, I really should not have been, as those deep painful layers were also there in every one of the books. And yes, the truple did partake in naughtiness and menages, jetted around to sample sex clubs around the world, and had volcanically hot sex all across Europe... but gasp - the primary focus of the story was not actually about sex. Gasp again for dramatic emphasis! The premise of the story was about a spoiled and selfish yet beautiful cancer survivor rediscovering her personal and vocational mojo and feeling beautiful and lovable again. Jemma's career was in a sharp nosedive after her recovery when she made a huge misstep with a fashion design collection of “Death Star Galactica,” ew – I just love Avery's humor! And while I remain dubious about truples and menages, the sensual scenes were highly erotic and rather breathtaking – took mine anyway. Unconventional was a quick and entertaining indulgence that paired well with a nice glass of wine.
“Genius. A sexual safari. I love this idea.”
“Peddle that sex bike, Miss Thing. Peddle fast. Peddle hard. Peddle as if there's no tomorrow.”
“Rocco, never deny your partner in bed. Making love is like giving medicine. If they go without, they'll get sick in the head.”
My Review:
Being a bit doubtful about the truple/poly-amorous aspect of the story - as I don't share and would assume I would be a jealous old cougar - I was surprised by the emotional depth and poignancy of Avery Aster's latest offering. Although,when I stop to think about his other books, I really should not have been, as those deep painful layers were also there in every one of the books. And yes, the truple did partake in naughtiness and menages, jetted around to sample sex clubs around the world, and had volcanically hot sex all across Europe... but gasp - the primary focus of the story was not actually about sex. Gasp again for dramatic emphasis! The premise of the story was about a spoiled and selfish yet beautiful cancer survivor rediscovering her personal and vocational mojo and feeling beautiful and lovable again. Jemma's career was in a sharp nosedive after her recovery when she made a huge misstep with a fashion design collection of “Death Star Galactica,” ew – I just love Avery's humor! And while I remain dubious about truples and menages, the sensual scenes were highly erotic and rather breathtaking – took mine anyway. Unconventional was a quick and entertaining indulgence that paired well with a nice glass of wine.
January 26, 2016
This is one of the loveliest, and sexiest menage stories I have ever read. Jemma is a former super-model turned fashion designer who has survived breast cancer. By her side are two sexy men, and they all love each other equally and enjoy a polyamorous relationship. But, things get rocky when Luigi and Rocco want to take their relationship to the next level and get married. Jemma doesn't want to change their relationship. But, when Jemma's new fashion line tanks her men know just what to do, they have to whisk her away on a sexcation and help her get her mojo back and win her hand in marriage!
This story is funny, sexy, witty, and poignant at the same time. Jemma's struggle with cancer has left her unsure of the future, and she is struggling with the fear that the cancer will come back. Luigi and Rocco are there to support and love her through it. This is just a great story and I really enjoyed it.
This story is funny, sexy, witty, and poignant at the same time. Jemma's struggle with cancer has left her unsure of the future, and she is struggling with the fear that the cancer will come back. Luigi and Rocco are there to support and love her through it. This is just a great story and I really enjoyed it.
January 9, 2016
I'm a big fan of The Manhattanites series and I was very excited to get my hands on Rocco, Jemma, and Luigi's story. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations for me. It was way too short and way too impersonal. I needed to feel a stronger connection with the characters, especially when there are THREE in the game. Each one needed to stand out and all three fell a little flat for me.
There was heat, but it was a very low simmer, not what I usually expect from Avery Aster. I expect my Kindle to be set on fire just like in the previous installments, but it didn't get there. I feel like I barely know these characters. I needed to know so much more and I believe there was opportunity there, but no follow through. Jemma's personal story was absolutely heartbreaking, but that was about how deep the emotions went. I needed more on Rocco, and I needed more on Luigi. It was cut too short and left me wanting.
I adore the other characters, and hopefully in future books we will get more on this trio, so even though this installment didn't work for me, I do plan on picking up the next book in the series.
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
There was heat, but it was a very low simmer, not what I usually expect from Avery Aster. I expect my Kindle to be set on fire just like in the previous installments, but it didn't get there. I feel like I barely know these characters. I needed to know so much more and I believe there was opportunity there, but no follow through. Jemma's personal story was absolutely heartbreaking, but that was about how deep the emotions went. I needed more on Rocco, and I needed more on Luigi. It was cut too short and left me wanting.
I adore the other characters, and hopefully in future books we will get more on this trio, so even though this installment didn't work for me, I do plan on picking up the next book in the series.
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
April 27, 2015
Can two men share the same woman forever?
Unconventional is skillfully written and captivated me from the prologue to the very last page. To see the relationship between Luigi, the romantic alpha hunk, Rocco, the exotic bisexual and Jemma, the insatiable beauty was sensual and... so HOT! Avery Aster gives you romance, humor, steamy sex, some drama, and then she wraps it all up with an amazing HEA.
Unconventional is skillfully written and captivated me from the prologue to the very last page. To see the relationship between Luigi, the romantic alpha hunk, Rocco, the exotic bisexual and Jemma, the insatiable beauty was sensual and... so HOT! Avery Aster gives you romance, humor, steamy sex, some drama, and then she wraps it all up with an amazing HEA.
March 22, 2016
Usually I can count on s M/F/M to be super steamy! Unfortunately this was not steamy enough for me which is a shame cause these are beautiful people! If you read the blurb then you read the book. Seriously nothing else happens, it's all in the blurb!!
3 disappointing stars!!
3 disappointing stars!!
December 22, 2015
This book has a lot of potential! It's a great book and has a great story behind it but I feel like it was rushed.
February 8, 2017
Can I just say "BUY IT NOW!"
No? Argh! Okay, I will try making sense.
You hear "ménage" and automatically think "hot ass, balls-to-the-wall, non stop three-way sex", right? Well don't get too excited there because Unconventional is Not that type of story. Well, not completely.
Jemma has been threw hell and back recently and that has left her a little deflated and feeling less then her normal confident and sexy self and left an enormous strain on her relationship. After the flop of her newest fashion line, her two boyfriends and her Manhattanites have decided enough is enough, Luigi and Rocco have kidnapped her and taken her on a much needed (and public) vacation.
The hot and steamy "sexual safari." 6 weeks, 4 destinations and a lot of sex to help Jemma's clothing line and more importantly, help her get back to her confidence and to try and salvage her relationship with the loves of her life.
Who can make a poly relationship work so perfectly? Duh, Avery mother-fudging Aster!
This is a mind-blowing, hilarious, hot and emotional story that has it all including the walking sex goddess, the hot alpha and the sensitive soul that make up the most wonderful partnership.
To say I've been hanging to hear more from Jemma and her two panty melting hotties, Luigi and Rocco, is an understatement. And as always, Avery delivers.
Seriously, I Flove Avery! I am yet to read something that hasn't made me fall even more I love with The Manhattanites. And if by chance you are reading this Avery, I Flove you to the moon and back for your unique, crazy, loving, hot emotional and down right hilarious escapes you provide for us! One day I will get my butt over there just so I can squeeze you!
*ARC provided by the Author via NetGalley for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
Instagram
No? Argh! Okay, I will try making sense.
You hear "ménage" and automatically think "hot ass, balls-to-the-wall, non stop three-way sex", right? Well don't get too excited there because Unconventional is Not that type of story. Well, not completely.
Jemma has been threw hell and back recently and that has left her a little deflated and feeling less then her normal confident and sexy self and left an enormous strain on her relationship. After the flop of her newest fashion line, her two boyfriends and her Manhattanites have decided enough is enough, Luigi and Rocco have kidnapped her and taken her on a much needed (and public) vacation.
The hot and steamy "sexual safari." 6 weeks, 4 destinations and a lot of sex to help Jemma's clothing line and more importantly, help her get back to her confidence and to try and salvage her relationship with the loves of her life.
Who can make a poly relationship work so perfectly? Duh, Avery mother-fudging Aster!
This is a mind-blowing, hilarious, hot and emotional story that has it all including the walking sex goddess, the hot alpha and the sensitive soul that make up the most wonderful partnership.
To say I've been hanging to hear more from Jemma and her two panty melting hotties, Luigi and Rocco, is an understatement. And as always, Avery delivers.
Seriously, I Flove Avery! I am yet to read something that hasn't made me fall even more I love with The Manhattanites. And if by chance you are reading this Avery, I Flove you to the moon and back for your unique, crazy, loving, hot emotional and down right hilarious escapes you provide for us! One day I will get my butt over there just so I can squeeze you!
*ARC provided by the Author via NetGalley for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
January 27, 2016
I have to say that Avery Aster did a wonderful job of portraying Jemma, a 37 year old woman that is a breast cancer survivor, showing her vulnerable at first and then realizing that although she has survived she hasn't been living and she starts to reclaim her life.
Rocco and Luigi are Jemma's boyfriends, they have been in a poly relationship for five years and have they helped her through her battle with Cancer. The men are ready to take their relationship to the next level (marriage and children) but Jemma is against it, in this book we begin to understand the dynamics of their relationship and why Jemma feels the way she feels.
We do get to see a bit of the Manhattanites from Unscrupulous, Undressed, and Unsaid as always its great to see the gang together but this story can defiantly be read as a standalone. I would suggest reading the entire series from the beginning so you get the entire story of each of the couples and you will follow the growth of each relationship. I am really looking forward to KiKi's story which is next in Unique and I hope we get to see more of Rocco, Jemma and Luigi and see how their lives are developing after everything that has happened in this book.
I don't normally quote parts of the book but this one needs to be mentioned. "Breast Cancer isn't a pink ribbon. It's a disease which takes lives. If you survive...if you're able to go on with the days ahead of you, then you'll be a supernatural creature living and walking among us." - Rocco Cazzo in Unconventional by Avery Aster
***I have received this book from the author Avery Aster and Book Enthusiast Promotions through net galley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
Also purchased from Amazon
Rocco and Luigi are Jemma's boyfriends, they have been in a poly relationship for five years and have they helped her through her battle with Cancer. The men are ready to take their relationship to the next level (marriage and children) but Jemma is against it, in this book we begin to understand the dynamics of their relationship and why Jemma feels the way she feels.
We do get to see a bit of the Manhattanites from Unscrupulous, Undressed, and Unsaid as always its great to see the gang together but this story can defiantly be read as a standalone. I would suggest reading the entire series from the beginning so you get the entire story of each of the couples and you will follow the growth of each relationship. I am really looking forward to KiKi's story which is next in Unique and I hope we get to see more of Rocco, Jemma and Luigi and see how their lives are developing after everything that has happened in this book.
I don't normally quote parts of the book but this one needs to be mentioned. "Breast Cancer isn't a pink ribbon. It's a disease which takes lives. If you survive...if you're able to go on with the days ahead of you, then you'll be a supernatural creature living and walking among us." - Rocco Cazzo in Unconventional by Avery Aster
***I have received this book from the author Avery Aster and Book Enthusiast Promotions through net galley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
Also purchased from Amazon
February 5, 2016
I have to say I'm two for two now with discovering new authors in the new year. First Ellie Keys and now Avery Aster. Why am I only finding out about you now Mr. Aster? I swear I catch the book train very late, but better late than never. Especially with his latest release, "Unconventional". This sexy, sassy and utterly sweet ménage a trois romp.
The tale is set around Luigi, Jemma and Rocco. All of them are in a poly relationship. They are lovers and love hard. Jemma has basically lost some luster after her cancer battle. Rocco and Luigi want nothing more than for her to be their wives. Jemma, eh not so much. She is not about to be tied down. She loves to live in the present and is afraid of what the future could bring. When disaster strikes at her fashion show, her friends know she needs to hit the reset button. With the help of Rocco and Luigi they are going to stop at nothing to get their "live life to the fullest" Jemma back. Or.. if this doesn't work..they would have to do something they never thought they could possibly do..walk away and leave their Jemma behind.
Oh this was such a fun book! I felt like I was transplanted in an episode of Dynasty. My favorite night time soap back in the day. This was most definitely something more risqué and mesmerizing. Luigi, Rocco and Jemma are such a strong force individually and separately. Their lives are freaking fabulous and I felt jealousy just reading it lol! With the fact that this was a short story, novella type, it was executed to the point and concisely. From what I understand they appear in the previous book in the series, do you have to read the previous books to understand or get into this book? Not at all and I love that. This was strong and detailed enough to stand on its own two feet. Will I go back regardless because Avery Aster is one of my new favorite authors? Uh heck yeah! One other positive, the SEX! Vibrators, your favorite porn vids and/or your partner need to be on standby when you are forced to put this book down or done reading. These character love without any inhibitions. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all lived and loved like that?
Out of 5 stars, I'm giving this a solid 4. My only gripe: I would have loved for it to have been a little longer. It kind of ended and I would have love to have seen Rocco and Luigi reaction to what happened with Jemma. Avery, please, please revisit these three. I just adored them!
Mama's Dirty Little Reads received a complimentary copy of Unconventional from the author in exchange for a honest review.
The tale is set around Luigi, Jemma and Rocco. All of them are in a poly relationship. They are lovers and love hard. Jemma has basically lost some luster after her cancer battle. Rocco and Luigi want nothing more than for her to be their wives. Jemma, eh not so much. She is not about to be tied down. She loves to live in the present and is afraid of what the future could bring. When disaster strikes at her fashion show, her friends know she needs to hit the reset button. With the help of Rocco and Luigi they are going to stop at nothing to get their "live life to the fullest" Jemma back. Or.. if this doesn't work..they would have to do something they never thought they could possibly do..walk away and leave their Jemma behind.
Oh this was such a fun book! I felt like I was transplanted in an episode of Dynasty. My favorite night time soap back in the day. This was most definitely something more risqué and mesmerizing. Luigi, Rocco and Jemma are such a strong force individually and separately. Their lives are freaking fabulous and I felt jealousy just reading it lol! With the fact that this was a short story, novella type, it was executed to the point and concisely. From what I understand they appear in the previous book in the series, do you have to read the previous books to understand or get into this book? Not at all and I love that. This was strong and detailed enough to stand on its own two feet. Will I go back regardless because Avery Aster is one of my new favorite authors? Uh heck yeah! One other positive, the SEX! Vibrators, your favorite porn vids and/or your partner need to be on standby when you are forced to put this book down or done reading. These character love without any inhibitions. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all lived and loved like that?
Out of 5 stars, I'm giving this a solid 4. My only gripe: I would have loved for it to have been a little longer. It kind of ended and I would have love to have seen Rocco and Luigi reaction to what happened with Jemma. Avery, please, please revisit these three. I just adored them!
Mama's Dirty Little Reads received a complimentary copy of Unconventional from the author in exchange for a honest review.
January 26, 2016
In true Avery Aster fashion we get sexy, fun and erotic. But also we get a story with meaning. We see a young vivacious woman who lost her edge. Not because she wanted to but because life came in and scared her. She has these two gorgeous sweet and alpha men who love her and adore her but she feels like she isn’t sexy. She doesn’t feel herself. After a health scare she retreats. This is where we Jemma. At this crossroads. She is scared and not feeling herself. Luigi and Rocco are there through it all but she doesn’t hear or see them. She only retreats into herself and her fears. It is only through the love of her two boyfriends that she is able to come back and be herself again. They show her patience and love. Adoration and respect. They show her the best of what it means to be loved and adored. This is Jemma’s journey to getting her groove back and it is a fun ride.
Now suddenly everything for her is on the line. Her career, love life everything and she must learn to let go and see what is in front of her. Of course we get a great smexy time to have this occur. That club in Germany wowza. Luigi truly is a alpha male all the way. Rocco such a adorable man. The adventures these three go on are fun and erotic. We see Jemma find her groove again and find her way back to the men who love her.
We still get the fun cast of side characters throw in their thoughts as well but mainly it is the three in the Poly relationship. We watch Luigi feel scared and vulnerable and show such love to Rocco as he tries to comfort him and come to terms with everything. Than we see him go all alpha and in charge giving us one heck of a sexcapade scene. We see Rocco make a tough decision and try one last time to get his dream. That is one sensitive sweet guy who deserves love and devotion. We see Jemma grow up and find out that love isn’t something to fear and neither is commitment. She sees that these two men were faithful and found her sexy even when she didn’t think they did and were. She sees love at its finest and realizes what she was doing.
We have fun and debauchery but also sweet romantic moments that have your heart go awww.. The ending is perfect for this trio and I can’t wait to see what is next for this fun sexy band of characters next.
Now suddenly everything for her is on the line. Her career, love life everything and she must learn to let go and see what is in front of her. Of course we get a great smexy time to have this occur. That club in Germany wowza. Luigi truly is a alpha male all the way. Rocco such a adorable man. The adventures these three go on are fun and erotic. We see Jemma find her groove again and find her way back to the men who love her.
We still get the fun cast of side characters throw in their thoughts as well but mainly it is the three in the Poly relationship. We watch Luigi feel scared and vulnerable and show such love to Rocco as he tries to comfort him and come to terms with everything. Than we see him go all alpha and in charge giving us one heck of a sexcapade scene. We see Rocco make a tough decision and try one last time to get his dream. That is one sensitive sweet guy who deserves love and devotion. We see Jemma grow up and find out that love isn’t something to fear and neither is commitment. She sees that these two men were faithful and found her sexy even when she didn’t think they did and were. She sees love at its finest and realizes what she was doing.
We have fun and debauchery but also sweet romantic moments that have your heart go awww.. The ending is perfect for this trio and I can’t wait to see what is next for this fun sexy band of characters next.
December 22, 2015
Unconventional by Avery Aster
***** 5 STARS *****
Another triumph by Avery Aster!!! Bravo!!!
This story takes the reader beyond the hot sexy, polyamorous relationship of Jemma, Luigi and Rocco and explores the deeper story of a woman who has battled breast cancer, beaten it, but now lives with the fear that it may return. Jemma has lost her edge at work and in her relationship with her lovers and it's all turning into a nightmare. She's lost the spark to her designs, that's so important and her relationship with her two lovers seems to have taken a backseat to everything else, putting it at risk. Jemma must re-evaluate her personal life and redefine who she is and what she wants in her professional and personal life.
Jemma's two lovers, Luigi and Rocco, give Jemma an ultimatum meant to rekindle their flagging relationship and spark Jemma's creative flow. Jemma must submit and play by their rules or their relationship will end. Jemma needs to overcome her fears but can she see past her personal insecurities to give Luigi and Rocco the love they deserve?
I loved this story by Avery Aster. It adds another dimension to her Manahattanites series. Jemma and her lovers struggle with all that life throws at them. Their relationship, Jemma's career highs and lows, the court of public opinion about their polyamorous relationship but through it all they are amazing. They live their lives to the full and love with abandon. Avery Aster delivers some funny, humorous and hot scenes to go along with the touching and beautiful story of a loving trio learning to live.
***** 5 STARS *****
Another triumph by Avery Aster!!! Bravo!!!
This story takes the reader beyond the hot sexy, polyamorous relationship of Jemma, Luigi and Rocco and explores the deeper story of a woman who has battled breast cancer, beaten it, but now lives with the fear that it may return. Jemma has lost her edge at work and in her relationship with her lovers and it's all turning into a nightmare. She's lost the spark to her designs, that's so important and her relationship with her two lovers seems to have taken a backseat to everything else, putting it at risk. Jemma must re-evaluate her personal life and redefine who she is and what she wants in her professional and personal life.
Jemma's two lovers, Luigi and Rocco, give Jemma an ultimatum meant to rekindle their flagging relationship and spark Jemma's creative flow. Jemma must submit and play by their rules or their relationship will end. Jemma needs to overcome her fears but can she see past her personal insecurities to give Luigi and Rocco the love they deserve?
I loved this story by Avery Aster. It adds another dimension to her Manahattanites series. Jemma and her lovers struggle with all that life throws at them. Their relationship, Jemma's career highs and lows, the court of public opinion about their polyamorous relationship but through it all they are amazing. They live their lives to the full and love with abandon. Avery Aster delivers some funny, humorous and hot scenes to go along with the touching and beautiful story of a loving trio learning to live.
December 21, 2015
I loved the wonderfully flamboyant, decadent and salacious world of The Manhattanites but sadly, for me, the series pinnacle occurred a couple of books ago and this was nothing more than a shorter than short story.
I don't know what’s happened with this series. From amazingly detailed and well thought out storylines, things have just died off. I felt that this was an “almost there” story. Every time the story built momentum the scenes just ended. The sexual safari was sounding intriguing but after barely one scene, it ended. Then another magical scene I hoped for was glossed over, and then when we were ready for the next big momentous occasion in Rocco, Luigi and Jemma’s lives, the book ended at 56%.
I'm afraid, after feeling slightly ashamed of my bullish review of Unsaid, and being keen to make amends through Unconventional, I am very sadly done with this series.
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January 9, 2016
Book 4 in the Manhattinites series focuses on Jemma and her relationship with Rocco and Luigi. Jemma has survived breast cancer but in doing so it also took something from her. She's now filled with uncertainty which is hurting her relationship with the boys as well as her work. When her latest design tanks in a big way she and the boys are sent on a sex filled trip across the globe. Jemma isn't sure about it but she knows that if she doesn't do something quick she won't just loose her job but quite possibly the men that she loves as well.
While I did like this book, the ending felt very rushed to me. One minute Jemma is against almost everything that boys offer and the next goes all in with more. Another thing that bothered me was the length. I knew it was a novella but it was over at 56%! I thought for sure that it would go on until least 80% or so. It was like she ran out of ideas and closed it up. I will continue reading the series because I've fallen in love with the characters but hopefully we will get more novels and less of the novellas.
While I did like this book, the ending felt very rushed to me. One minute Jemma is against almost everything that boys offer and the next goes all in with more. Another thing that bothered me was the length. I knew it was a novella but it was over at 56%! I thought for sure that it would go on until least 80% or so. It was like she ran out of ideas and closed it up. I will continue reading the series because I've fallen in love with the characters but hopefully we will get more novels and less of the novellas.
December 26, 2015
I got this book on Netgalley for an honest review and I was under the impression that it could be read as a standalone, but it just didn't work.
At first we get the introductions and we sort of get to know the characters a little bit and I thought they showed potential.
But after a couple of chapters I still don't get why they love her, she was sick and changed, and she was supposed to bee an amazing strong person but we never meet her. They are supposed to have an amazing connection and its just meh.
It seems as if this book is what happens after the " and they lived happily ever after... But then life happens" but we don't fully experience either.
The sex scenes are just preambles, nothing really happens.
It was just lacking the essential parts of a story that make you crave for it, and lure you into the book.
I don't usually give three stars reviews but I just got bored and finished out of courtesy.
At first we get the introductions and we sort of get to know the characters a little bit and I thought they showed potential.
But after a couple of chapters I still don't get why they love her, she was sick and changed, and she was supposed to bee an amazing strong person but we never meet her. They are supposed to have an amazing connection and its just meh.
It seems as if this book is what happens after the " and they lived happily ever after... But then life happens" but we don't fully experience either.
The sex scenes are just preambles, nothing really happens.
It was just lacking the essential parts of a story that make you crave for it, and lure you into the book.
I don't usually give three stars reviews but I just got bored and finished out of courtesy.
January 6, 2016
This is a really hard review to write as I'm a huge fan and very friendly with Avery. I love the Manhattanites series for its outrageousness and its occasional pathos at those moments when you least expect it.
Sadly, those things I love so much were absent from Unconventional. The characters of Jemma, Luigi and Rocco weren't as vivid as Lex, Massimo and Taddy, so it took me a while to warm up to them. Just when I was getting to know them, the book ended!
My main problems were: the smattering of Italian in an otherwise English sentence. It didn't work and it kept bringing me out of the story. (As an Italian speaker, I couldn't ignore the errors and it drove me crazy!) The story - not sure if it was supposed to be a novella or not, just seemed rushed and the ending was so abrupt. I was left bewildered.
So all in all a tough review to write. But only because the previous books have been so good and made me laugh and cry.
Sadly, those things I love so much were absent from Unconventional. The characters of Jemma, Luigi and Rocco weren't as vivid as Lex, Massimo and Taddy, so it took me a while to warm up to them. Just when I was getting to know them, the book ended!
My main problems were: the smattering of Italian in an otherwise English sentence. It didn't work and it kept bringing me out of the story. (As an Italian speaker, I couldn't ignore the errors and it drove me crazy!) The story - not sure if it was supposed to be a novella or not, just seemed rushed and the ending was so abrupt. I was left bewildered.
So all in all a tough review to write. But only because the previous books have been so good and made me laugh and cry.
May 1, 2015
I received an ARC of "Sweet Seduction" with this story being part of the bundle.
I enjoyed the story of Jemma, Luigi, and Rocco. It has sex, real life struggles, and emotions. Jemma beats breast cancer, but she has lost her sex appeal. Jemma goes through emotions and feelings that women go through when they lose a part of themselves due to breast cancer. She just has to find herself again and with the help of the Manhattanites, Luigi, and Rocco she is able to do that and continue on with her life. However, she also finds that the two men that she loves have done much more to support her than she was aware of and this helps her realize that she wants the same things that they want. Avery does a great job with this story. I enjoyed reading it.
I enjoyed the story of Jemma, Luigi, and Rocco. It has sex, real life struggles, and emotions. Jemma beats breast cancer, but she has lost her sex appeal. Jemma goes through emotions and feelings that women go through when they lose a part of themselves due to breast cancer. She just has to find herself again and with the help of the Manhattanites, Luigi, and Rocco she is able to do that and continue on with her life. However, she also finds that the two men that she loves have done much more to support her than she was aware of and this helps her realize that she wants the same things that they want. Avery does a great job with this story. I enjoyed reading it.
January 17, 2016
ARC given by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
Avery Aster did it again. Always read the note!
My 3 stars ... and a half meant I liked it but nothing beyond that.
It wasn't because of the menage, not at all, I loved their dynamic. But I only wished a bit more, not a bigger book. Only more substance, layer just a tad not so much.
How to explain why a 3 1/2 ☆? A little bit more adventure/drama because the wholesome was just sweet.
I was expecting some more fun.
Anyway it was pretty solidly good! can't wait for more of the trio and the other characters.
Thank you Avery Aster and NetGalley!
Avery Aster did it again. Always read the note!
My 3 stars ... and a half meant I liked it but nothing beyond that.
It wasn't because of the menage, not at all, I loved their dynamic. But I only wished a bit more, not a bigger book. Only more substance, layer just a tad not so much.
How to explain why a 3 1/2 ☆? A little bit more adventure/drama because the wholesome was just sweet.
I was expecting some more fun.
Anyway it was pretty solidly good! can't wait for more of the trio and the other characters.
Thank you Avery Aster and NetGalley!
March 21, 2016
This was a real quick and rather sweet read about the relationship between, Luigi, Rocco and Jemma. Luigi and Rocco ask Jemma to marry them and she refuses, watching her parents grow up fighting as made her despise a commitment like marriage, even though she truly loves them both. Jemma has the best of both world with these men, Rocco is sensitive, whereas Luigi, is more of a dominating man. How can she resist them? Will she come to her senses and finally realize that maybe refusing the two men she loves, may be a big mistake after all?
December 25, 2015
Received from NetGalley for review.
Three out of five stars.
When I saw Unconventional was up for review I jumped at the chance to read this. We get tidbits about Jemma, Luigi and Rocco in the other stories. At first it was a bit hard to get into but the story took off from there but sadly, it just ended. At about 50%, there are excerpts for another story or two. I thought this was going to be a full length novel, more of an extended epilogue.
Three out of five stars.
When I saw Unconventional was up for review I jumped at the chance to read this. We get tidbits about Jemma, Luigi and Rocco in the other stories. At first it was a bit hard to get into but the story took off from there but sadly, it just ended. At about 50%, there are excerpts for another story or two. I thought this was going to be a full length novel, more of an extended epilogue.
May 1, 2015
Holy what a hawt book. never thought a poly relationship would b sooo hawt. felt bad for jemma n her insecurities from her cancer but Rocco n Luigi stuck by her thru thick n thin. but their sexcapade was scandalous sexy hot and damn!!!!
Want to read
September 9, 2015
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