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Untouchable
‘If you start feeling anything for a client – and it does happen – count the money. That always brings you back down to earth.’
Stella is an escort, immersed in a world of desire, betrayal and secrets. It’s exactly where she wants to be. Stella used to be someone else: respectable, loved, safe. But one mistake changed all that.
When a fellow call girl is murdered, Stella has a choice: forget what she’s seen, or risk everything to get justice for her friend. In her line of work, she’s never far from the edge, but pursuing the truth could take her past the point of no return.
Nothing is off limits. Not for her – and not for them.
But no one is truly untouchable.
Stella is an escort, immersed in a world of desire, betrayal and secrets. It’s exactly where she wants to be. Stella used to be someone else: respectable, loved, safe. But one mistake changed all that.
When a fellow call girl is murdered, Stella has a choice: forget what she’s seen, or risk everything to get justice for her friend. In her line of work, she’s never far from the edge, but pursuing the truth could take her past the point of no return.
Nothing is off limits. Not for her – and not for them.
But no one is truly untouchable.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2015
12 people are currently reading
983 people want to read
About the author
Ava Marsh
2 books60 followersAva Marsh grew up in Margate, Kent. A former broadsheet journalist, she now works as a freelancer in the charity sector and writes novels.
Ava lives in Battersea, London. Her hobbies include running, kayaking and photography.
Ava lives in Battersea, London. Her hobbies include running, kayaking and photography.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
October 29, 2015
4.5 A little Dark and A little Taboo Stars
Untouchable is Ava Marsh’s debut novel. Untouchable kind of reminds of Aleatha Romig books, like Insidious and K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water series, in the sense Untouchable is not full of romance, but more suspenseful and a little taboo.
Stella is an escort. She is good at her job and she doesn’t have any intentions of giving up the profession. What I found so fascinating about this read was that this book touched the not so glamorous side of prostitution. Not every client is an attractive billionaire and this really got me interested.
The beginning starts with a mini prologue, if you are like me and you don’t like to read any foreshadowing, I suggest you skip this part. It won’t take away anything from the story. I was instantly hit in the face with story from chapter one.
I wouldn’t say Untouchable is graphic, but there’s detail where you get the full picture. It’s a very descriptive book. For example, Stella also works at parties with other escorts and there is a scene with multiple partners and drugs. It was really really really fascinating to read. The guys were kind of rough and the girls went into it as a “job”.
A girl is murdered and Stella is all of sudden in the middle of it. She doesn’t understand why her friend is killed and Stella can’t help, but pursue the mystery. Throughout the book Stella takes on clients and starts different kind of relationships with them. Like I said, the book isn’t overly romantic, but there is a tiny part of it and that kept me in the story.
What I really enjoyed was how different this book was. I liked how it was a little dark, taboo and suspenseful. With every client Stella meets, I was always wondering how this guy would be different and how he would interact with Stella.
If you are into darkish reads with suspenseful plot, then this one is for you.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON
Untouchable is Ava Marsh’s debut novel. Untouchable kind of reminds of Aleatha Romig books, like Insidious and K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water series, in the sense Untouchable is not full of romance, but more suspenseful and a little taboo.
Stella is an escort. She is good at her job and she doesn’t have any intentions of giving up the profession. What I found so fascinating about this read was that this book touched the not so glamorous side of prostitution. Not every client is an attractive billionaire and this really got me interested.
The beginning starts with a mini prologue, if you are like me and you don’t like to read any foreshadowing, I suggest you skip this part. It won’t take away anything from the story. I was instantly hit in the face with story from chapter one.
I wouldn’t say Untouchable is graphic, but there’s detail where you get the full picture. It’s a very descriptive book. For example, Stella also works at parties with other escorts and there is a scene with multiple partners and drugs. It was really really really fascinating to read. The guys were kind of rough and the girls went into it as a “job”.
A girl is murdered and Stella is all of sudden in the middle of it. She doesn’t understand why her friend is killed and Stella can’t help, but pursue the mystery. Throughout the book Stella takes on clients and starts different kind of relationships with them. Like I said, the book isn’t overly romantic, but there is a tiny part of it and that kept me in the story.
What I really enjoyed was how different this book was. I liked how it was a little dark, taboo and suspenseful. With every client Stella meets, I was always wondering how this guy would be different and how he would interact with Stella.
If you are into darkish reads with suspenseful plot, then this one is for you.
An ARC was provided
AMAZON
January 3, 2016
Stella is a high priced call girl, not in the business just for the money, but in it for the escape it brings her. Right away you realize that Stella is trying to forget her previous life, one where she had a “respectable” life and job, and getting down to the bottom of what happened is just one of the mysteries. It was fascinating being the “the fly on the wall” as Stella takes on clients and gets through this type of life; the way she stayed detached and approached her job almost in a clinical manner. Still, there is a client or two that get under her skin, and I had romantic hopes for one of them. Things become dangerous and a lot more interesting after one of her professional girlfriends is murdered. Stella is shaken and jolted awake by the murder, and she’s no longer able to drift along in numb avoidance of her past.
Stella really did get herself into the middle of a frightening situation, and I wondering how she’d find a way out, but I was pleased with her clever thinking. I found Stella to be a sympathetic character, but I did want to shake her a few times when it was clear her lifestyle was part escape/part penance over her past, especially when her choices hurt the people that cared for her.
“You convict yourself without a trial. Now you’re living out the life sentence you gave yourself.”
It seems most of us are our harshest critic or judge, but at some point it’s time to move on and realize there’s nothing you can do about the past. While I wasn’t happy her friend was murdered, I’m glad Stella didn’t just go about her life like normal after.
Untouchable was a different sort of read for me. Yes, I’ve read countless mysteries/thrillers, but never one with a call girl at its center. To be honest, I was a little hesitant to pick up the story for that very reason. The thought of reading about a working girl didn’t appeal to me, but the story was captivating and not off-putting like I thought it might be. I will say some scenes were graphic and gritty, fair warning.
Even though it wasn’t the central focus of the story, there is a romance. Ben was delicious and their time together was very sensual. Their chemistry was palpable, heated, and it felt like something that had long term potential. You know when a couple just clicks? I felt that with Ben and Stella, so I of course was hoping for a happy ending with them.
“Jesus, Stella. I’ve been thinking about you…about this, for weeks. It got so I thought I must be imagining how good it was.”
Ava Marsh’s debut was engrossing, suspenseful, and beautifully written! I thought the setting of London with its moody weather was perfect and atmospheric for this thriller. I’ll definitely be on the watch whatever Ms. Marsh writes next.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Stella really did get herself into the middle of a frightening situation, and I wondering how she’d find a way out, but I was pleased with her clever thinking. I found Stella to be a sympathetic character, but I did want to shake her a few times when it was clear her lifestyle was part escape/part penance over her past, especially when her choices hurt the people that cared for her.
“You convict yourself without a trial. Now you’re living out the life sentence you gave yourself.”
It seems most of us are our harshest critic or judge, but at some point it’s time to move on and realize there’s nothing you can do about the past. While I wasn’t happy her friend was murdered, I’m glad Stella didn’t just go about her life like normal after.
Untouchable was a different sort of read for me. Yes, I’ve read countless mysteries/thrillers, but never one with a call girl at its center. To be honest, I was a little hesitant to pick up the story for that very reason. The thought of reading about a working girl didn’t appeal to me, but the story was captivating and not off-putting like I thought it might be. I will say some scenes were graphic and gritty, fair warning.
Even though it wasn’t the central focus of the story, there is a romance. Ben was delicious and their time together was very sensual. Their chemistry was palpable, heated, and it felt like something that had long term potential. You know when a couple just clicks? I felt that with Ben and Stella, so I of course was hoping for a happy ending with them.
“Jesus, Stella. I’ve been thinking about you…about this, for weeks. It got so I thought I must be imagining how good it was.”
Ava Marsh’s debut was engrossing, suspenseful, and beautifully written! I thought the setting of London with its moody weather was perfect and atmospheric for this thriller. I’ll definitely be on the watch whatever Ms. Marsh writes next.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2018
A must buy must read
Ava Marsh and I share the same surname, and Ava grew up in Margate not far from where I live.
Imagine if Belle du Jour and Martina Cole teamed up to write a thriller together the result would be Untouchable, a dark and sexy thriller with flawed but likable heroine.
The book Untouchable is fast-paced, compelling and deserves to be a huge hit. With out question Untouchable is a gritty commercial thriller with an addictive blend of sex.
The story is based on considerable research into the oft ignored world of high-class escorting.
Untouchable offers authentic and insight into a dangerous world intriguing world we are not often privy to. It challenges traditional cliches of the thriller genre, and highlights controversy surrounding feminism and the sex industry.
Attraction can be fatal when a call girl is murdered.
I really enjoyed reading Untouchable and I look forward to Ava Marsh next new pulse-pounding thriller novel.
Ava Marsh and I share the same surname, and Ava grew up in Margate not far from where I live.
Imagine if Belle du Jour and Martina Cole teamed up to write a thriller together the result would be Untouchable, a dark and sexy thriller with flawed but likable heroine.
The book Untouchable is fast-paced, compelling and deserves to be a huge hit. With out question Untouchable is a gritty commercial thriller with an addictive blend of sex.
The story is based on considerable research into the oft ignored world of high-class escorting.
Untouchable offers authentic and insight into a dangerous world intriguing world we are not often privy to. It challenges traditional cliches of the thriller genre, and highlights controversy surrounding feminism and the sex industry.
Attraction can be fatal when a call girl is murdered.
I really enjoyed reading Untouchable and I look forward to Ava Marsh next new pulse-pounding thriller novel.
February 19, 2020
"The get-out clause on every independent escort's website-being paid purely for "time and companionship"- won't wash with the Inland revenue".
Untouchable by Ava Marsh
Lost me along the way.
Stella is a call girl. After many years, she has learned how to survive using her wits. But when a friend and fellow call girl is murdered, Stella's world is turned upside down.
I enjoyed this gritty novel at first. T he characters are interesting and the flow of the book was good. But then it started to lose me..for several reasons.
This novel has some VERY graphic sex scenes. Yet that is not why I could not get into it. I just did not find the story that interesting as it went on. It is both a mystery and a romance (sort of). Stella develops feelings for a few of the men in her world, one in particular named Ben.
But I did get tired of hearing about Ben's "filthy" smile as it is described. The focus is just on romance as well as mystery and I did not find Ben or any of the men very interesting. This is not a bad book at all. But I am not the target audience.
I did not think it was going to read with a bit more mystery and less raunchiness honestly.So while it is not poorly written, it is not a book I can say was for me.
Untouchable by Ava Marsh
Lost me along the way.
Stella is a call girl. After many years, she has learned how to survive using her wits. But when a friend and fellow call girl is murdered, Stella's world is turned upside down.
I enjoyed this gritty novel at first. T he characters are interesting and the flow of the book was good. But then it started to lose me..for several reasons.
This novel has some VERY graphic sex scenes. Yet that is not why I could not get into it. I just did not find the story that interesting as it went on. It is both a mystery and a romance (sort of). Stella develops feelings for a few of the men in her world, one in particular named Ben.
But I did get tired of hearing about Ben's "filthy" smile as it is described. The focus is just on romance as well as mystery and I did not find Ben or any of the men very interesting. This is not a bad book at all. But I am not the target audience.
I did not think it was going to read with a bit more mystery and less raunchiness honestly.So while it is not poorly written, it is not a book I can say was for me.
October 12, 2015
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
In this richly, dark, and sexually provocative engrossing thriller, Ava Marsh delivers an intense, sexy, vivid fast-paced account of London's high-class escorts in her debut book, UNTOUCHABLE. Ms. Marsh takes her readers down a journey where lust, money, lies, and betrayals make up this toxic world where power and men assume control.
In the world of escorts and call-girls, the rules are simple. Don't get involved with your client, never reveal your real name, and always leave your client satisfied. Grace also known as Stella by her clients is a high-end escort that services the elite, wealthy and men of London. She is a woman who detaches herself from her clients. She is there to do her job.. fake a few moans but always leaves them satisfied. But what happens when a fellow call girl is found murdered? Can Grace/Stella be able to walk away from the escort business? Or will Grace find herself embroiled in the mystery surrounding her death? As Grace gets deeper in finding the truth, what dangers awaits for her? In a world where survival is key, can Grace survive as she delves deeper in this toxic and dangerous world where attraction can be deadly?
In this multi-faceted story built on layers of intrigue, sex, mystery, lies, and suspense, Ms. Marsh takes her readers on a dark, sexy, raw, and nail-biting ride that will have you on the edge of your seats where sometimes justice and the truth can be fatal. In this sexual graphic thriller suspense, the author spellbinds her reader as she intoxicates us with a realistic and authentic portrayal of high-class escorts. Though this book may not be everyone's cup of tea, Ms. Marsh did an amazing job writing this addictive provocative thriller. I loved that the book was set in London, where the weather is unpredictable and just like this story it sets up the backdrop of where nothing is really as it seems. So if you are looking for a book that is a sexy thriller where flawed characters has the ability to steal your hearts and have you intrigued and engulfed with crime and mystery, then I highly recommend you to read UNTOUCHABLE.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Ava Marsh
In this richly, dark, and sexually provocative engrossing thriller, Ava Marsh delivers an intense, sexy, vivid fast-paced account of London's high-class escorts in her debut book, UNTOUCHABLE. Ms. Marsh takes her readers down a journey where lust, money, lies, and betrayals make up this toxic world where power and men assume control.
In the world of escorts and call-girls, the rules are simple. Don't get involved with your client, never reveal your real name, and always leave your client satisfied. Grace also known as Stella by her clients is a high-end escort that services the elite, wealthy and men of London. She is a woman who detaches herself from her clients. She is there to do her job.. fake a few moans but always leaves them satisfied. But what happens when a fellow call girl is found murdered? Can Grace/Stella be able to walk away from the escort business? Or will Grace find herself embroiled in the mystery surrounding her death? As Grace gets deeper in finding the truth, what dangers awaits for her? In a world where survival is key, can Grace survive as she delves deeper in this toxic and dangerous world where attraction can be deadly?
In this multi-faceted story built on layers of intrigue, sex, mystery, lies, and suspense, Ms. Marsh takes her readers on a dark, sexy, raw, and nail-biting ride that will have you on the edge of your seats where sometimes justice and the truth can be fatal. In this sexual graphic thriller suspense, the author spellbinds her reader as she intoxicates us with a realistic and authentic portrayal of high-class escorts. Though this book may not be everyone's cup of tea, Ms. Marsh did an amazing job writing this addictive provocative thriller. I loved that the book was set in London, where the weather is unpredictable and just like this story it sets up the backdrop of where nothing is really as it seems. So if you are looking for a book that is a sexy thriller where flawed characters has the ability to steal your hearts and have you intrigued and engulfed with crime and mystery, then I highly recommend you to read UNTOUCHABLE.
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Ava Marsh
August 8, 2015
Oh Wow!! This book is fabulous. It has been sitting idly in my kindle for months, but only because I didn't realise how good it is. 'Untouchable' is a tension-packed, sexy, fast-paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Stella is a beautiful, professional escort, charging hefty sums of money for her services in London. Her business attracts the most powerful and filthy rich men in the country.
But being an escort is dangerous. You can never be sure of your client's intentions. When Elisa, another escort, is found murdered in a hotel room, Stella is not convinced this is the random act of a client. She has reason to believe that someone specifically wanted Elisa silenced for good. But why? With no one giving credit to her story, Stella decides to dig on her own initiative, but she soon finds herself messing with some pretty nasty individuals. What can one woman do against remorseless men who are ready to go at great lengths to safeguard their reputation? Will she live long enough to uncover the truth?
We also know that Stella is running from her past. Something terrible has happened forcing her to change her life completely... someone has died. What happened? Who died? And who is Michael? Why is she terrified at just the mention of his name? The author skilfully uncovers the mystery piece by piece keeping our curiosity spiked till the end.
Well, I really had a great time reading this book. It is very well-written, keeping the reader engaged throughout. All characters are all well-described and very realistic. We have many bad guys in this book. In fact, with the exception of two or three, the good guys are practically non-existent. Though the main character, Stella is not exactly Mother Theresa, the author makes you empathise with her. It is as though Stella has no other option but to lead this life in order to forget her previous one.
A word of warning: this book has A LOT of sex. So, if you don't like explicitly described sex scenes, do not read this book. Other than that this debut thriller is just fantastic and I'll make sure to keep an open eye for other books by this author.
With thanks to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and Netgalley for approving my request to read and review this book.
Stella is a beautiful, professional escort, charging hefty sums of money for her services in London. Her business attracts the most powerful and filthy rich men in the country.
But being an escort is dangerous. You can never be sure of your client's intentions. When Elisa, another escort, is found murdered in a hotel room, Stella is not convinced this is the random act of a client. She has reason to believe that someone specifically wanted Elisa silenced for good. But why? With no one giving credit to her story, Stella decides to dig on her own initiative, but she soon finds herself messing with some pretty nasty individuals. What can one woman do against remorseless men who are ready to go at great lengths to safeguard their reputation? Will she live long enough to uncover the truth?
We also know that Stella is running from her past. Something terrible has happened forcing her to change her life completely... someone has died. What happened? Who died? And who is Michael? Why is she terrified at just the mention of his name? The author skilfully uncovers the mystery piece by piece keeping our curiosity spiked till the end.
Well, I really had a great time reading this book. It is very well-written, keeping the reader engaged throughout. All characters are all well-described and very realistic. We have many bad guys in this book. In fact, with the exception of two or three, the good guys are practically non-existent. Though the main character, Stella is not exactly Mother Theresa, the author makes you empathise with her. It is as though Stella has no other option but to lead this life in order to forget her previous one.
A word of warning: this book has A LOT of sex. So, if you don't like explicitly described sex scenes, do not read this book. Other than that this debut thriller is just fantastic and I'll make sure to keep an open eye for other books by this author.
With thanks to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and Netgalley for approving my request to read and review this book.
September 15, 2015
Later update:
So, as I was watching Rihanna's B*** Better Have My Money video today, I had a moment of OMG THIS VIDEO IS PERFECT FOR THAT BOOK I JUST READ! :))
(^^^ the party that started it all)
Seriously. It fits perfectly the last part of the book, it should be its theme. :D
(^^^Until they pissed off the wrong girl).
(^^^It's pay time for MrPig Harry)
__________
Hmm... I wouldn't say it was a disappointment per se, but it didn't really live up to what I expected when I read the blurb either. It was one of those middle ground books for me.
I was expecting something more exciting, more intriguing, more twisted, more... well, thrilling, but it turned out an underwhelming read.:( While the idea was interesting and very original, the story itself didn't quite hold me invested. I kept zoning out; sometimes it really dragged and felt like it was going nowhere. To be brutally honest here, it felt quite dull. Part of my brain was anticipating getting all the answers and seeing where all those 'twists' could go, if the heroine will find redemption and end up with one of those men, but other part of my brain was, simply put, bored. Does that make any sense? It was frustrating because I really wanted to like it, I loved the idea of it, but not so much the little facts or the execution. I needed more to really pull me in...
The heroine and her story were definitely unique (how often do we read a book from an escort's POV? A working one at that, who was dealing with her fair share of drama and weird clients too, beside the little mystery crime thing she dragged herself in). But...I didn't really feel it. All the sex scenes felt so clinical (probably because of her profession?), even with the 'love interest', and the plot twists were unimpressive and the end anticlimactic... Where's the emotion, the passion, the feeling, the depth, the anticipation that should come with this type of books?
I didn't really want to straight up DNF it, but I wasn't all that into it either. Just meh. It had its ups and downs, but overall, it wasn't very impressive for me. It's the same feeling I got when I read The Paper Swan.
The writing was good and there was potential here, so maybe I will check this author's future works. :)
3 stars
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review
So, as I was watching Rihanna's B*** Better Have My Money video today, I had a moment of OMG THIS VIDEO IS PERFECT FOR THAT BOOK I JUST READ! :))
(^^^ the party that started it all)
Seriously. It fits perfectly the last part of the book, it should be its theme. :D
(^^^Until they pissed off the wrong girl).
(^^^It's pay time for Mr
__________
Hmm... I wouldn't say it was a disappointment per se, but it didn't really live up to what I expected when I read the blurb either. It was one of those middle ground books for me.
I was expecting something more exciting, more intriguing, more twisted, more... well, thrilling, but it turned out an underwhelming read.:( While the idea was interesting and very original, the story itself didn't quite hold me invested. I kept zoning out; sometimes it really dragged and felt like it was going nowhere. To be brutally honest here, it felt quite dull. Part of my brain was anticipating getting all the answers and seeing where all those 'twists' could go, if the heroine will find redemption and end up with one of those men, but other part of my brain was, simply put, bored. Does that make any sense? It was frustrating because I really wanted to like it, I loved the idea of it, but not so much the little facts or the execution. I needed more to really pull me in...
The heroine and her story were definitely unique (how often do we read a book from an escort's POV? A working one at that, who was dealing with her fair share of drama and weird clients too, beside the little mystery crime thing she dragged herself in). But...I didn't really feel it. All the sex scenes felt so clinical (probably because of her profession?), even with the 'love interest', and the plot twists were unimpressive and the end anticlimactic... Where's the emotion, the passion, the feeling, the depth, the anticipation that should come with this type of books?
I didn't really want to straight up DNF it, but I wasn't all that into it either. Just meh. It had its ups and downs, but overall, it wasn't very impressive for me. It's the same feeling I got when I read The Paper Swan.
The writing was good and there was potential here, so maybe I will check this author's future works. :)
3 stars
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review
May 18, 2015
This is a terribly addictive character driven thriller with a hard sexy edge and a really intriguing and clever storyline.
Grace is a prostitute - known in the business as Stella, she caters to the whims and desires of her clients daily. When another girl is found murdered Stella becomes embroiled in the mystery of her death and as she moves ever closer to the truth, things are about to get very dangerous.
What I loved most about this is the beautiful mash up of mystery, thriller and real life drama and the sheer depth of character Ava Marsh brings to the people you will meet within the pages. It is dark for sure, unrelenting in its descriptive prose, with an authentic look at life for a call girl, touching on realistic issues and yet also managing to tell a stonking good story at the same time.
Multi-layered, it is endlessly fascinating as we peel away the surface to what lies beneath especially with relation to the motivations and personality traits of the characters. Grace is such an alluring and provocative character to follow as she tells her story and you begin to understand her more.
If you are not a fan of graphic sexual content this one will definitely NOT be for you. The author has not pulled any punches when it comes to the realism of the world she is showing you, whilst it is never gratuitous and always speaks to the story, it IS gritty and honestly described which some may find disturbing. For me it was extremely necessary to the plot and indeed gave the whole tale a definitive and credible edge which would have been lost should the author have tried to mollycoddle.
Overall a really really terrific debut - almost impossible to put down once you start I sincerely hope that we will meet Grace again. She has, I think, a lot more to say.
Highly Recommended
Happy Reading Folks!
Grace is a prostitute - known in the business as Stella, she caters to the whims and desires of her clients daily. When another girl is found murdered Stella becomes embroiled in the mystery of her death and as she moves ever closer to the truth, things are about to get very dangerous.
What I loved most about this is the beautiful mash up of mystery, thriller and real life drama and the sheer depth of character Ava Marsh brings to the people you will meet within the pages. It is dark for sure, unrelenting in its descriptive prose, with an authentic look at life for a call girl, touching on realistic issues and yet also managing to tell a stonking good story at the same time.
Multi-layered, it is endlessly fascinating as we peel away the surface to what lies beneath especially with relation to the motivations and personality traits of the characters. Grace is such an alluring and provocative character to follow as she tells her story and you begin to understand her more.
If you are not a fan of graphic sexual content this one will definitely NOT be for you. The author has not pulled any punches when it comes to the realism of the world she is showing you, whilst it is never gratuitous and always speaks to the story, it IS gritty and honestly described which some may find disturbing. For me it was extremely necessary to the plot and indeed gave the whole tale a definitive and credible edge which would have been lost should the author have tried to mollycoddle.
Overall a really really terrific debut - almost impossible to put down once you start I sincerely hope that we will meet Grace again. She has, I think, a lot more to say.
Highly Recommended
Happy Reading Folks!
January 2, 2016
Review: Untouchable by Ava Marsh
Published by: Random House UK, Transworld (13th August 2015)
ISBN: 978-0552171205
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4.5*
Synopsis:
‘If you start feeling anything for a client – and it does happen – count the money. That always brings you back down to earth.’Stella is an escort, immersed in a world of desire, betrayal and secrets. It’s exactly where she wants to be. Stella used to be someone else: respectable, loved, safe. But one mistake changed all that. When a fellow call girl is murdered, Stella has a choice: forget what she’s seen, or risk everything to get justice for her friend. In her line of work, she’s never far from the edge, but pursuing the truth could take her past the point of no return.Nothing is off limits. Not for her – and not for them.But no one is truly untouchable.
Review:
I started reading this last night, with the intention of just making a start by reading a few chapters. It's now almost 4a.m. and I've just read the final page, realising with a start that I've been reading solidly for the past several hours with no recollection of anything apart from this fantastic novel.
Stella is a great character, feisty and likeable. She's very matter of fact about how she makes her living, hiding her true identity from her clients and keeping her real life very much separate. The interaction with her clients is professional and the description of these is intricate without being sensational - a refreshing change to have a book with all of the detail but none of the cringe-worthy wording or scenarios!
I'm glad I got the opportunity to read Untouchable and recommend it to my fellow readers, whatever their preferred genre. There's a bit of everything here - crime, thriller, suspense, mystery, psychological, erotica... Read it; you won't be disappointed.
Published by: Random House UK, Transworld (13th August 2015)
ISBN: 978-0552171205
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4.5*
Synopsis:
‘If you start feeling anything for a client – and it does happen – count the money. That always brings you back down to earth.’Stella is an escort, immersed in a world of desire, betrayal and secrets. It’s exactly where she wants to be. Stella used to be someone else: respectable, loved, safe. But one mistake changed all that. When a fellow call girl is murdered, Stella has a choice: forget what she’s seen, or risk everything to get justice for her friend. In her line of work, she’s never far from the edge, but pursuing the truth could take her past the point of no return.Nothing is off limits. Not for her – and not for them.But no one is truly untouchable.
Review:
I started reading this last night, with the intention of just making a start by reading a few chapters. It's now almost 4a.m. and I've just read the final page, realising with a start that I've been reading solidly for the past several hours with no recollection of anything apart from this fantastic novel.
Stella is a great character, feisty and likeable. She's very matter of fact about how she makes her living, hiding her true identity from her clients and keeping her real life very much separate. The interaction with her clients is professional and the description of these is intricate without being sensational - a refreshing change to have a book with all of the detail but none of the cringe-worthy wording or scenarios!
I'm glad I got the opportunity to read Untouchable and recommend it to my fellow readers, whatever their preferred genre. There's a bit of everything here - crime, thriller, suspense, mystery, psychological, erotica... Read it; you won't be disappointed.
May 6, 2015
Firstly, thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the ARC.
A debut from the pen of Ava Marsh turned out to be quite an enjoyable read indeed! Certainly once I got into it I didn't want to put it down.
This is a story about Stella, a lady with a profession that some might not like, who has been running from her past for some time and lands herself in trouble in her present. To say more would be to give spoilers away but what I will say is that due to the nature of what Stella does there are a lot of sex scenes within the book. I, for one, found them tastefully done and very much intrinsic to the storytelling (the party scene, say no more!!), but it may not be to everyone's taste, so if it's really not your thing, perhaps this one isn't for you.
The story itself is told well, it's pacy, well characterised and really draws you in as a reader. There were times when I questioned plausibility but these were minor quibbles because the character of Stella is really engaging and it's very much her story told from her point of view.
If you're looking for a pacy read with, um, a fair bit of the racy stuff but is equally thrilling as a story, then look no further!! I will definitely be reading more from Ms Marsh!!
Enjoy!
A debut from the pen of Ava Marsh turned out to be quite an enjoyable read indeed! Certainly once I got into it I didn't want to put it down.
This is a story about Stella, a lady with a profession that some might not like, who has been running from her past for some time and lands herself in trouble in her present. To say more would be to give spoilers away but what I will say is that due to the nature of what Stella does there are a lot of sex scenes within the book. I, for one, found them tastefully done and very much intrinsic to the storytelling (the party scene, say no more!!), but it may not be to everyone's taste, so if it's really not your thing, perhaps this one isn't for you.
The story itself is told well, it's pacy, well characterised and really draws you in as a reader. There were times when I questioned plausibility but these were minor quibbles because the character of Stella is really engaging and it's very much her story told from her point of view.
If you're looking for a pacy read with, um, a fair bit of the racy stuff but is equally thrilling as a story, then look no further!! I will definitely be reading more from Ms Marsh!!
Enjoy!
March 15, 2015
I've given this 4 stars because I'm trying to save 5 star reviews for books that completely blow my mind, but this was a hugely enjoyable book. Some of it is so sexually explicit that it made my Kindle steam up... I won't forget the 'party' scene in a hurry.
Stella/Grace is an engaging and likeable character. Perhaps inevitably I was reminded of Secret Diary of a Call Girl but with a thrilling plot. The writing is unfussy and the pace fast. It made a refreshing change from domestic noir and police procedurals and I highly recommend it to anyone who isn't prudish.
Stella/Grace is an engaging and likeable character. Perhaps inevitably I was reminded of Secret Diary of a Call Girl but with a thrilling plot. The writing is unfussy and the pace fast. It made a refreshing change from domestic noir and police procedurals and I highly recommend it to anyone who isn't prudish.
August 4, 2015
Sometimes I like to pick a random book from my TBR and start reading it. I purchased Untouchable a while ago when everyone was raving about how good it was. A short while after I had started reading, I had made a 30% dent in my Kindle and it felt like I'd been reading for no time at all. It would have been rude to stop reading and so I carried on, and finished the book in one sitting. Untouchable is an addictive read that had me glued to my Kindle. It's also a book very different to anything I've read before, and that's probably one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much.
It's hard to know where to start with a book like this, but I guess with our main character, Stella. Stella is a prostitute, albeit one that doesn't have to parade her wares on a freezing cold street corner. Instead she commands £250 an hour. Seemingly lucrative work if you can get it. I think what intrigued me the most in the beginning was Stella herself. From how she viewed her clients, and her 'job' overall and then comparing that with her previous life. Stella isn't your typical escort, and in fact had a previous 'life' where she had a family and a successful career. Ava Marsh portrays a brutal picture of life as an escort and it's an extremely explicit read in places. That said I think it's all relevant to the story, and helps you to understand the women more. Stella is a mysterious character that we learn more about as we discover her history and I'm always impressed when a writer has you experiencing real feeling and emotion towards a fictional character, especially one that you can't really relate to, and I really felt that with Stella. She felt like a 'real' person.
When a fellow escort is murdered, Stella is faced with a dilemma. She must decide whether to fight for justice for her friend, or to ignore what she's seen. It's hardly a spoiler to say that she doesn't just walk away as it'd be a pretty dull book if she did. Instead we get to witness Stella's quest for vengeance and she becomes a very easy character to like and root for, especially as she's up against some truly horrific human beings. And it just serves to show that you face danger just as much as a high-class escort as you do a low-renter on a street corner. A rather sedate build-up in the beginning leads nicely into an action-packed second half and this is a thriller in every sense of the word. My excitement and anticipation heightened by not knowing what was coming next, and I felt a strong emotional connection towards Stella and so I was right there next to her on her journey. Untouchable is a first-rate debut thriller and I'm very excited to read more from Ava Marsh.
It's hard to know where to start with a book like this, but I guess with our main character, Stella. Stella is a prostitute, albeit one that doesn't have to parade her wares on a freezing cold street corner. Instead she commands £250 an hour. Seemingly lucrative work if you can get it. I think what intrigued me the most in the beginning was Stella herself. From how she viewed her clients, and her 'job' overall and then comparing that with her previous life. Stella isn't your typical escort, and in fact had a previous 'life' where she had a family and a successful career. Ava Marsh portrays a brutal picture of life as an escort and it's an extremely explicit read in places. That said I think it's all relevant to the story, and helps you to understand the women more. Stella is a mysterious character that we learn more about as we discover her history and I'm always impressed when a writer has you experiencing real feeling and emotion towards a fictional character, especially one that you can't really relate to, and I really felt that with Stella. She felt like a 'real' person.
When a fellow escort is murdered, Stella is faced with a dilemma. She must decide whether to fight for justice for her friend, or to ignore what she's seen. It's hardly a spoiler to say that she doesn't just walk away as it'd be a pretty dull book if she did. Instead we get to witness Stella's quest for vengeance and she becomes a very easy character to like and root for, especially as she's up against some truly horrific human beings. And it just serves to show that you face danger just as much as a high-class escort as you do a low-renter on a street corner. A rather sedate build-up in the beginning leads nicely into an action-packed second half and this is a thriller in every sense of the word. My excitement and anticipation heightened by not knowing what was coming next, and I felt a strong emotional connection towards Stella and so I was right there next to her on her journey. Untouchable is a first-rate debut thriller and I'm very excited to read more from Ava Marsh.
September 18, 2015
First let me say this is an 'unputdownable' read.
Secondly let me say, you need to put time away because you won't be able to leave this book until you have read it from cover to cover.
Well, this was what it was like for me.
Stella [her real name is Grace, but in the escort business she likes to be called Stella] she pampers to the whims, needs and sexual appetites of her clients. For money.
It wasn't always like this for Stella, she was a respected member of society but something happened, and you will need to read this to find out.
One of the girls is found murdered and Stella finds herself enmeshed in this. And as Stella becomes near to the truth uncovering endless things, its starting to look very very dangerous for Stella.
Let me say, if you are adverse to sexual scenes and graphically written, then you may find this disturbing. I need to say though, they are vital to the writing of this book, the author doesn't keep back any punches and its realistic to the core. Not showing, not for tittilation its paramount for our understanding of the characters
This is a story with many layers, layers that are revealed in stages, its really really addictive reading.
I can't believe this is a debut novel. I really need to look out for her next one if this is anything to go by.
Fabulous.
Thank you to the author and to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for providing me with a fantastic read for me to review from Net Galley
January 5, 2016
I'd heard great things about this novel last year but I'd been struggling to get through my TBR pile and get to it. Eventually, I managed and I was so glad I did. This is a crime novel with a unique protagonist. Though, she's a protagonist not everyone will like.
Stella is a call girl. A high-class call girl, but a call girl all the same and she tells you about the jobs she's doing. You get the descriptions of her work. It's not erotica, its plain English factual dialogue about what is happening and that won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're ok with most crime novels then you should be ok with this and if you are, then you will love the book.
It's a book that is different in the crime genre. An escort who is the protagonist? Who you root for? Absolutely! It works and it works really well. Stella has her back story, her reasons, her past. She also has a sensible head on her shoulders and when things start to go wrong she knows it and she knows she can't stand back and do nothing. But what can an escort do? You'll just have to read this to find out and I recommend that you do. Marsh has created a brilliant and believable character in Stella, her fellow escorts and the men she services. She has created a dark world that you know exists so has you turning the pages and unable to put it down.
A great start to my reading year!
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my copy.
Stella is a call girl. A high-class call girl, but a call girl all the same and she tells you about the jobs she's doing. You get the descriptions of her work. It's not erotica, its plain English factual dialogue about what is happening and that won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're ok with most crime novels then you should be ok with this and if you are, then you will love the book.
It's a book that is different in the crime genre. An escort who is the protagonist? Who you root for? Absolutely! It works and it works really well. Stella has her back story, her reasons, her past. She also has a sensible head on her shoulders and when things start to go wrong she knows it and she knows she can't stand back and do nothing. But what can an escort do? You'll just have to read this to find out and I recommend that you do. Marsh has created a brilliant and believable character in Stella, her fellow escorts and the men she services. She has created a dark world that you know exists so has you turning the pages and unable to put it down.
A great start to my reading year!
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my copy.
June 12, 2016
Untouchable is the debut release by Ava Marsh and having seen numerous recommendations from other crime fiction authors that this novel was something special I had to take a look. So, was it worth the top billing? Absolutely!
Untouchable opens with an ominous threat, 'Michael says hello' being delivered to high class prostitute, Grace, but how on earth does the man know her real name? Opening three years earlier Grace Thomas aka Stella turns her first trick, sells her body for sex and with 'no more than a vague sensation of having lost my virginity all over again' she enters the world of high class prostitution. From then on a line had always been crossed in Stella's mind and there was no going back. Fast forwarding to the present day Stella is dealing with the altogether more mundane task of filing her tax return, describing in a perfectly matter-of-fact way what she can possibly claim for as expenses and how she can describe her business to the Inland Revenue.
There is something fragile is Stella's narrative from the off, a sense that she is barely keeping things in check under a flinty exterior. As she goes about her day to day 'work' it becomes clear than she is a woman of contrasts, from reading Murakami to volunteering at a rape crisis centre. Her self aware narration and wry sarcasm has a huge appeal and helps to convey the impression that there is a seriously determined personality bubbling under the surface, and the clinical detailing of the sex reduces her line of work to just another occupation. There is nothing gratuitous about the sex scenes in Untouchable, rather Stella's observations are reduced to a sterile description and the details I craved were of the real woman hiding underneath it all. Stella is a fascinating protagonist and has an unerring sense of being wonderfully grounded, all adding to the impression that she is a remarkably intelligent woman.
Stella is astute enough to recognise that she is running from her former life, trying to escape the misery of a past which has been lost to reproach and never being able to forgive herself for the one fatal misjudgement she made. Whilst Stella sees prostitution as her escape plan from her old life, you sense that she is an inner ball of tension, threatening to go off kilter and spiral out of control. There is an element of her actively alienating clients; not caring what they think or even worrying about the repeat business and 'user' reviews which means that the events which follow seem almost inevitable and that Stella was already leaning towards change. When a few days after a birthday party for a client, one of the two other girls who has entertained alongside Stella is found murdered in a shabby hotel room, Stella smells a rat. Despite only having worked with the murdered girl, Elisa, half a dozen times, Stella feels an obligation to not simply lie down and accept the whitewash verdict. Going to see Elisa's long term partner was a step too close to the heart of the trouble and after what she learns there is no turning back. Apparently Elisa hadn't recorded the appointment in her diary, hadn't told her partner and even paid for the hotel room where she was discovered herself. The police say that Elisa has sex in the hotel room, but why then, is there no DNA evidence of her murderer? That Stella had previously encountered the most enigmatic and self contained of the four men at the party and had seen the signs that he could spell danger certainly raised the stakes.
Why does Stella go all out for justice for Elisa? Maybe because she has let herself be reduced to a shell after her own mistake and she has finally accepted that she deserves more than the misery she has been inflicting on herself relentlessly for the last five years? As it becomes clear that Stella has now become 'fair game' thanks to her active pursuit of the investigation, she finds herself in a very vulnerable position. Untouchable is a thought provoking novel about corruption and revenge, yet the most striking point was that at the end of the day, prostitution is no worse and certainly nothing different to taking any old Tom, Dick or Harry home from the pub or club for a one night stand. Taking risks shouldn't be regarded as the territory of prostitution any more intrinsically than any other casual hook up, yet it often is. Stella's volunteering at the rape crisis centre also forced me to consider the instances of rape and domestic violence which go on behind the closed doors of many marriages,
Untouchable is a blood pumping, anxiety raising thriller and whilst pulling this off in real life might not be plausible, it is one hell of a ride! Whilst throughout Untouchable it is fairly clear to gain an idea as to what has sent Grace Thomas fleeing her old life and the corruption at the centre of Elisa's murder, it is altogether less clear cut how Stella will respond!! The gloves are off, Stella is fighting back from her own past and there is a wonderful sense that with this closure, Stella can return to some version of her former life. A well thought structured and all consuming read.. Now for Exposure.. A four star crime plot delivered with a five star gut wrenching thrill which had me hooked.
I would hope that Untouchable is not the last appearance that Stella will make in a novel as her character has endless potential and is a very strong leading lady. I am lobbying for Stella to feature in another story, perhaps a short story catching up with her life in five years time? Hands up those in agreement?!
Untouchable opens with an ominous threat, 'Michael says hello' being delivered to high class prostitute, Grace, but how on earth does the man know her real name? Opening three years earlier Grace Thomas aka Stella turns her first trick, sells her body for sex and with 'no more than a vague sensation of having lost my virginity all over again' she enters the world of high class prostitution. From then on a line had always been crossed in Stella's mind and there was no going back. Fast forwarding to the present day Stella is dealing with the altogether more mundane task of filing her tax return, describing in a perfectly matter-of-fact way what she can possibly claim for as expenses and how she can describe her business to the Inland Revenue.
There is something fragile is Stella's narrative from the off, a sense that she is barely keeping things in check under a flinty exterior. As she goes about her day to day 'work' it becomes clear than she is a woman of contrasts, from reading Murakami to volunteering at a rape crisis centre. Her self aware narration and wry sarcasm has a huge appeal and helps to convey the impression that there is a seriously determined personality bubbling under the surface, and the clinical detailing of the sex reduces her line of work to just another occupation. There is nothing gratuitous about the sex scenes in Untouchable, rather Stella's observations are reduced to a sterile description and the details I craved were of the real woman hiding underneath it all. Stella is a fascinating protagonist and has an unerring sense of being wonderfully grounded, all adding to the impression that she is a remarkably intelligent woman.
Stella is astute enough to recognise that she is running from her former life, trying to escape the misery of a past which has been lost to reproach and never being able to forgive herself for the one fatal misjudgement she made. Whilst Stella sees prostitution as her escape plan from her old life, you sense that she is an inner ball of tension, threatening to go off kilter and spiral out of control. There is an element of her actively alienating clients; not caring what they think or even worrying about the repeat business and 'user' reviews which means that the events which follow seem almost inevitable and that Stella was already leaning towards change. When a few days after a birthday party for a client, one of the two other girls who has entertained alongside Stella is found murdered in a shabby hotel room, Stella smells a rat. Despite only having worked with the murdered girl, Elisa, half a dozen times, Stella feels an obligation to not simply lie down and accept the whitewash verdict. Going to see Elisa's long term partner was a step too close to the heart of the trouble and after what she learns there is no turning back. Apparently Elisa hadn't recorded the appointment in her diary, hadn't told her partner and even paid for the hotel room where she was discovered herself. The police say that Elisa has sex in the hotel room, but why then, is there no DNA evidence of her murderer? That Stella had previously encountered the most enigmatic and self contained of the four men at the party and had seen the signs that he could spell danger certainly raised the stakes.
Why does Stella go all out for justice for Elisa? Maybe because she has let herself be reduced to a shell after her own mistake and she has finally accepted that she deserves more than the misery she has been inflicting on herself relentlessly for the last five years? As it becomes clear that Stella has now become 'fair game' thanks to her active pursuit of the investigation, she finds herself in a very vulnerable position. Untouchable is a thought provoking novel about corruption and revenge, yet the most striking point was that at the end of the day, prostitution is no worse and certainly nothing different to taking any old Tom, Dick or Harry home from the pub or club for a one night stand. Taking risks shouldn't be regarded as the territory of prostitution any more intrinsically than any other casual hook up, yet it often is. Stella's volunteering at the rape crisis centre also forced me to consider the instances of rape and domestic violence which go on behind the closed doors of many marriages,
Untouchable is a blood pumping, anxiety raising thriller and whilst pulling this off in real life might not be plausible, it is one hell of a ride! Whilst throughout Untouchable it is fairly clear to gain an idea as to what has sent Grace Thomas fleeing her old life and the corruption at the centre of Elisa's murder, it is altogether less clear cut how Stella will respond!! The gloves are off, Stella is fighting back from her own past and there is a wonderful sense that with this closure, Stella can return to some version of her former life. A well thought structured and all consuming read.. Now for Exposure.. A four star crime plot delivered with a five star gut wrenching thrill which had me hooked.
I would hope that Untouchable is not the last appearance that Stella will make in a novel as her character has endless potential and is a very strong leading lady. I am lobbying for Stella to feature in another story, perhaps a short story catching up with her life in five years time? Hands up those in agreement?!
July 28, 2019
"This is what I do. Provide a screen for men like you to project their fantasies on. It's not about the sex —if it were just about the sex you'd be happy with a quick wank. It's all about the fantasy, Ben, age you're paying me not to let the reality of myself intrude on that."
I really enjoyed Untouchable! I wasn't quite sure what I was getting in to when I began, but I did believe it had the potential to be a fascinating read. And it was, in my opinion. Untouchable provides a stark depiction of the life of high call escorts, who are paid hundreds of dollars/hour for their time and body. The book never tries to downplay the immorality or become judgmental, it's just...real and messy (ha?), and I liked that.
What Untouchable really is, though, is a thriller. When a fellow escort is murdered, with no trace of a killer, Stella/Grace reluctantly but resolutely decides to find justice for her friend. What ensues is a trail of corruption and shady dealings involving some of the most powerful players in government. And they don't take Grace's personal investigation too well. I thought the thriller aspect of the book was great.
I will point out that there were a few times I became really uncomfortable reading Untouchable. There were a few times the lines between paid sex and assault were crossed, but only in order to serve the story.
I did have some difficulty grasping the big mystery of Grace's past. The details are sparse throughout most of the book. I'm not sure the "equation" totally adds up, but it wasn't enough to completely lose me in the end.
Untouchable probably won't be the book for everyone, but for me, it was a very good read.
I really enjoyed Untouchable! I wasn't quite sure what I was getting in to when I began, but I did believe it had the potential to be a fascinating read. And it was, in my opinion. Untouchable provides a stark depiction of the life of high call escorts, who are paid hundreds of dollars/hour for their time and body. The book never tries to downplay the immorality or become judgmental, it's just...real and messy (ha?), and I liked that.
What Untouchable really is, though, is a thriller. When a fellow escort is murdered, with no trace of a killer, Stella/Grace reluctantly but resolutely decides to find justice for her friend. What ensues is a trail of corruption and shady dealings involving some of the most powerful players in government. And they don't take Grace's personal investigation too well. I thought the thriller aspect of the book was great.
I will point out that there were a few times I became really uncomfortable reading Untouchable. There were a few times the lines between paid sex and assault were crossed, but only in order to serve the story.
I did have some difficulty grasping the big mystery of Grace's past. The details are sparse throughout most of the book. I'm not sure the "equation" totally adds up, but it wasn't enough to completely lose me in the end.
Untouchable probably won't be the book for everyone, but for me, it was a very good read.
September 18, 2015
Fascinating premise and a quick read. I liked that Marsh kept the plot centered on the dangers of being a working girl: STDs, being with a stranger, obsessive clients, murder, and rape. There were sexual scenes, but Marsh didn't romanticize or glorify escorting. The sex was part and parcel of the job, it's not intended to titillate.
Untouchable wanted to be a thriller. It didn't quite cross that line for me. Stella was up against powerful men yet where are the threats? Where's the chase? She got off too easy with her scheme and with little consequence. I also wished that Stella's backstory was revealed earlier, maybe after she got intimate with Alex as clearly there's an attraction there, versus revealing it almost at the end. The result was I didn't get enough time to get invested in Stella. She just came across as a do-gooder and a loyal friend who wanted justice. Admirable but not convincing enough to put oneself in mortal danger. Lastly, WTH is up with the pseudo romantic HEA in the end? That came out of left field for me, not enough build up to convince me that it's going to work long term.
Untouchable wanted to be a thriller. It didn't quite cross that line for me. Stella was up against powerful men yet where are the threats? Where's the chase? She got off too easy with her scheme and with little consequence. I also wished that Stella's backstory was revealed earlier, maybe after she got intimate with Alex as clearly there's an attraction there, versus revealing it almost at the end. The result was I didn't get enough time to get invested in Stella. She just came across as a do-gooder and a loyal friend who wanted justice. Admirable but not convincing enough to put oneself in mortal danger. Lastly, WTH is up with the pseudo romantic HEA in the end? That came out of left field for me, not enough build up to convince me that it's going to work long term.
May 10, 2016
Untouchable was such an unexpected pleasure, I started reading this with no idea what to expect and really loved it from beginning to end.
Stella/Grace is a high class professional escort who caters to the whims of very rich and powerful men. When one of her fellow escort friends, Elisa, is found murdered, Stella becomes convinced that it is not what it seems and that it is something more sinister than a job gone wrong and decides to try uncover the truth herself.
I loved Stella/Grace’s character and found her strong, feisty and very likeable and found her past very interesting as well as sad.
Untouchable is a crime story with a difference and is naughty, very sexy and does not leave anything to the imagination, so if you do not like very descriptive sex scenes then this book is not for you. I was kept gripped throughout and highly recommend this suspenseful thriller.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Stella/Grace is a high class professional escort who caters to the whims of very rich and powerful men. When one of her fellow escort friends, Elisa, is found murdered, Stella becomes convinced that it is not what it seems and that it is something more sinister than a job gone wrong and decides to try uncover the truth herself.
I loved Stella/Grace’s character and found her strong, feisty and very likeable and found her past very interesting as well as sad.
Untouchable is a crime story with a difference and is naughty, very sexy and does not leave anything to the imagination, so if you do not like very descriptive sex scenes then this book is not for you. I was kept gripped throughout and highly recommend this suspenseful thriller.
Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
October 13, 2015
Seriously. There isn't a better genre than erotic thriller, and this book takes the cake! Murder, escorts, and mystery. Perfection. And it is Ms. Marsh's debut?! Give me more!!
Inside the mind of a call girl was a new place for me (LOL) and it was fascinating. Fast-paced and heart-thumping words on every page! This is one of those stories you can not put down. Stella's character is kicka$$. Her hunt for the fellow prostitute killer kept me clicking those pages quickly. I love a good mystery and this one was one indeed! ~ Krissy, 4 stars
Inside the mind of a call girl was a new place for me (LOL) and it was fascinating. Fast-paced and heart-thumping words on every page! This is one of those stories you can not put down. Stella's character is kicka$$. Her hunt for the fellow prostitute killer kept me clicking those pages quickly. I love a good mystery and this one was one indeed! ~ Krissy, 4 stars
January 5, 2016
Untouchable is an extremely addictive read.
It transports us to the world of high-end escort service. We become privy to the unspoken rules and to the dirty little secrets of powerful men and the women who are embroiled in the fatal game of sex, lies, and deceit.
Stella is an absolutely remarkable character thrown into a dangerous environment and the question is if she would get out of it alive.
It's sexually charged and provocative. It's brilliant in its execution. Author Ava Marsh has created a formula that makes an incredible reading experience.
It transports us to the world of high-end escort service. We become privy to the unspoken rules and to the dirty little secrets of powerful men and the women who are embroiled in the fatal game of sex, lies, and deceit.
Stella is an absolutely remarkable character thrown into a dangerous environment and the question is if she would get out of it alive.
It's sexually charged and provocative. It's brilliant in its execution. Author Ava Marsh has created a formula that makes an incredible reading experience.
June 1, 2015
A very impressive debut novel which literally kept me up all night and I couldn't put it down. Gritty, naughty and sexy the author left nothing to the imagination! A fantastic book and I look forward to reading more from Ava Marsh.
December 1, 2015
4 Stars|Amazon|Goodreads
For the giveaway information please scroll to bottom!
I really enjoyed this novel! I am typically not a fan of this genre, but this book was great and definitely opened my up to more of this variety. As an erotic thriller it was a great read. It kept me on my toes and forming theories from the very start. Sometimes you come across a book hat just sucks you into its world and it plays like a movie. This is one of those reads.
What do you get when you add together a high priced call girl and a past that she is trying to either escape from or make right? A great story. Throw in the romance and the thriller aspects and it was a plot line made to succeed.
Stella might be a call girl now, but she hasn't always been. I wanted That story from the start, then when we started to really get into the present and a friend's murder, all the questions began to emerge. From that point on things really pick up and it is a page turner to the end.
I am not typically a fan of this type of book as I have said, but it had a very original story line and it was quite intriguing from the very start. The romance does take a backseat to the thriller side of the story, but it was just enough to have me enjoy it. I would have liked a bit more, but I am happy with the story as a whole.
I will definitely be watching out for this author in the future!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis:
Spend a night of sexual adventure with this gritty, debut thriller.
In a toxic world of lust, lies, and elegant hotels, London’s high-class escorts cater to the carnal appetites of powerful men. It’s a game Stella knows how to play, one that allows her to escape the nightmares of her past. The rules are simple: always leave your client satisfied, don’t get involved, and never disclose your real name. But when a fellow call girl is murdered, the game changes completely. And there’s only one rule—survival.
Once a respected professional, Stella knows how easily men can get away with murder—especially when the victim is a prostitute. Determined to get to the truth, she finds herself sucked into a deadly conflict with some of the world’s most powerful men. But while they may consider themselves above the law, there’s one secret every escort knows: no man is truly untouchable.
Giveaway:
To enter the giveaway simply comment below telling me your favorite romanic suspense novel!
Giveaway Open until Tuesday 10/20
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September 2, 2015
Time taken to read - 2 days
Pages - 384
Publisher - Corgi
Blurb from Goodreads
They know who she is. She knows too much.
Stella is an escort, immersed in a world of desire, betrayal and secrets. It’s exactly where she wants to be. Stella used to be someone else: respectable, loved, safe.
When a fellow call girl is murdered, Stella has a choice: forget what she’s seen, or risk everything to get justice for her friend. In her line of work, she’s never far from the edge, but pursuing the truth could take Stella past the point of no return.
My Review
The first page opens with an intimidating scene, he has his hand around her throat and a message for her. We flip back to three years prior, Grace aka Stella is an escort, prostitute, working girl, a harlot, words Grace uses to describe herself. We slip into Stella's world, sex, drugs, debauchery & danger. This is what Stella does, this is what she is good at, this is her worth in the world. One of Stella's friends ends up dead, murdered and Stella can either let it go or put herself and those around her in grave danger, will she?
The story is dark, gritty and has some explicit sex scenes so it is definitely not for the easily offended or faint hearted. You are drawn into Stella's dark world, trying to work out how she ended up there, there are small clues to her former life, you know something bad happened that she is punishing herself for, but what? Your kept on the edge of your seat, there is danger from the opening page and your never sure what is coming next.
A strong debut novel, packs a punch and is lined with danger, action and keeps your interest. This is my first dance with this author, I will look out for her next. A strong 4/5 for me this time, will be recommending it to friends. Thanks so much to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pages - 384
Publisher - Corgi
Blurb from Goodreads
They know who she is. She knows too much.
Stella is an escort, immersed in a world of desire, betrayal and secrets. It’s exactly where she wants to be. Stella used to be someone else: respectable, loved, safe.
When a fellow call girl is murdered, Stella has a choice: forget what she’s seen, or risk everything to get justice for her friend. In her line of work, she’s never far from the edge, but pursuing the truth could take Stella past the point of no return.
My Review
The first page opens with an intimidating scene, he has his hand around her throat and a message for her. We flip back to three years prior, Grace aka Stella is an escort, prostitute, working girl, a harlot, words Grace uses to describe herself. We slip into Stella's world, sex, drugs, debauchery & danger. This is what Stella does, this is what she is good at, this is her worth in the world. One of Stella's friends ends up dead, murdered and Stella can either let it go or put herself and those around her in grave danger, will she?
The story is dark, gritty and has some explicit sex scenes so it is definitely not for the easily offended or faint hearted. You are drawn into Stella's dark world, trying to work out how she ended up there, there are small clues to her former life, you know something bad happened that she is punishing herself for, but what? Your kept on the edge of your seat, there is danger from the opening page and your never sure what is coming next.
A strong debut novel, packs a punch and is lined with danger, action and keeps your interest. This is my first dance with this author, I will look out for her next. A strong 4/5 for me this time, will be recommending it to friends. Thanks so much to the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2015
This has to be my favourite read of the month! I really loved this book. I was drawn to it as it sounded a bit different with a unique take on the prostitute/thriller theme-rather like a cross between a Martina Cole and Diary of a Call Girl.
Grace is a high class prostitute using the name of Stella, who is well educated and conscientious. She has a "party piece" that makes her rather popular but you get the sense from the start that this life is her way of hiding from her past. A fellow prostitute is found murdered and Grace realises that a party they attended together is the key to the murder. Can she work out why Amanda was killed without putting herself in more danger?
I really loved this-its strength lay in the main character of Grace/Stella who was a realistic, emotionally damaged woman that I really cared about. Her friend Rachel did exactly what I wanted to do, get her away from escorting into a normal life before it destroyed her.
The plot wasn't predictable, I wasn't sure which way Grace was going to go right up to the final pages. Some of the scenes were quite sexual in nature (not surprising really given the premise of Untouchable!!) but I didn't find them gratuitous or distasteful.
For a debut novel I found this to be of a very high standard and it keep me glued to my sofa for an entire afternoon totalling absorbed in Graces life and the moral choices she had to make. I finished it within a day-always a sign of an addictive read for me! I will be keeping an eye out for Ava Marsh in the future-more please!!
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Grace is a high class prostitute using the name of Stella, who is well educated and conscientious. She has a "party piece" that makes her rather popular but you get the sense from the start that this life is her way of hiding from her past. A fellow prostitute is found murdered and Grace realises that a party they attended together is the key to the murder. Can she work out why Amanda was killed without putting herself in more danger?
I really loved this-its strength lay in the main character of Grace/Stella who was a realistic, emotionally damaged woman that I really cared about. Her friend Rachel did exactly what I wanted to do, get her away from escorting into a normal life before it destroyed her.
The plot wasn't predictable, I wasn't sure which way Grace was going to go right up to the final pages. Some of the scenes were quite sexual in nature (not surprising really given the premise of Untouchable!!) but I didn't find them gratuitous or distasteful.
For a debut novel I found this to be of a very high standard and it keep me glued to my sofa for an entire afternoon totalling absorbed in Graces life and the moral choices she had to make. I finished it within a day-always a sign of an addictive read for me! I will be keeping an eye out for Ava Marsh in the future-more please!!
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
June 11, 2016
This is a really good read. The story revolves around Stella, a well paid escort. As the book progresses we find out about her life, past and present, her relationships, past and present and when a colleague dies soon after a "party" with some influential people things get messy.
I was gripped by this story from the beginning and finished it within 24 hours reading at every moment I could. I loved the writing style, felt engaged with the characters - especially Stella, and I really liked her relationship with her friend Rachel, which felt very realistic. I felt that the unlikeable people in the book were also well portrayed except perhaps Harry, although this might be because he had no redeeming features at all as far as I could tell and I really didn't like him.
My emotions were all over the place as I read this, feelings of empathy, disgust, anger, sadness, and fear are all so well written that you feel the effect physically, just as Stella herself does at times, gasping for air.
There are some well written sex scenes in the book but they are not intrusive and fit well in the narrative, and although at times explicit, and visual, they take the story forward too, and are not salacious.
I would rate this book 9/10. There was just one thing in it that I found difficult to believe, and that slightly grated on me, but I won't say what it is as it will give some of the story away. Despite this I think this is a must read book.
I was gripped by this story from the beginning and finished it within 24 hours reading at every moment I could. I loved the writing style, felt engaged with the characters - especially Stella, and I really liked her relationship with her friend Rachel, which felt very realistic. I felt that the unlikeable people in the book were also well portrayed except perhaps Harry, although this might be because he had no redeeming features at all as far as I could tell and I really didn't like him.
My emotions were all over the place as I read this, feelings of empathy, disgust, anger, sadness, and fear are all so well written that you feel the effect physically, just as Stella herself does at times, gasping for air.
There are some well written sex scenes in the book but they are not intrusive and fit well in the narrative, and although at times explicit, and visual, they take the story forward too, and are not salacious.
I would rate this book 9/10. There was just one thing in it that I found difficult to believe, and that slightly grated on me, but I won't say what it is as it will give some of the story away. Despite this I think this is a must read book.
October 4, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
I love thrillers that have suspense, raw emotion, hero’s and victims, sex and drugs, bad boys and powerful men and this book had it all. I was glued to this book looking for the next clue as it was written with sparingly clever suspense throughout. It was like the author was holding a carrot by a string and slowly pulled it away once I got a little information only to be keep stringing me along. It was so worth the anticipation as this book was exciting and emotional.
Grace aka Stella has a past that haunts her everyday. She made some drastic changes within the past five years; she changed her name, volunteers at a rape crisis center and became an upscale call girl in London. She earns her living by providing powerful men their ultimate sexual fantasies for an hour or two. Stella is a hero with heart and a victim of her occupation; however, she’s also a woman trying to live life away from her demons and the evil men she comes across. As things progressed throughout the book, she struggled in making the right decisions, afraid that any wrong decision could be the end of her life.
Once again, this was a very exciting thriller. I could see this book turn into a great series. I’d like to see what happens to fellow call girl Janine next...
I love thrillers that have suspense, raw emotion, hero’s and victims, sex and drugs, bad boys and powerful men and this book had it all. I was glued to this book looking for the next clue as it was written with sparingly clever suspense throughout. It was like the author was holding a carrot by a string and slowly pulled it away once I got a little information only to be keep stringing me along. It was so worth the anticipation as this book was exciting and emotional.
Grace aka Stella has a past that haunts her everyday. She made some drastic changes within the past five years; she changed her name, volunteers at a rape crisis center and became an upscale call girl in London. She earns her living by providing powerful men their ultimate sexual fantasies for an hour or two. Stella is a hero with heart and a victim of her occupation; however, she’s also a woman trying to live life away from her demons and the evil men she comes across. As things progressed throughout the book, she struggled in making the right decisions, afraid that any wrong decision could be the end of her life.
Once again, this was a very exciting thriller. I could see this book turn into a great series. I’d like to see what happens to fellow call girl Janine next...
September 15, 2015
Untouchable is gripping and an excellent read from start to finish. Grace is attractive, works hard and has made mistakes in the past. She’s a successful escort and her working name is Stella. When one of her fellow prostitutes is found dead Grace finds herself drawn into the mystery of how and why she died. It soon becomes more dangerous and complicated than she could ever have imagined.
Despite her chosen profession Grace quickly becomes a likeable character for the reader. There is an element of voyeurism I suppose, but author Ava Marsh makes Grace very real and human which draws us sympathetically into her world. It is clear there is something lurking in her past that we need to know about and it’s revealed by the author in her own good time.
The story flows beautifully and this is a quick and easy read. An enjoyable way to spend a few hours as the tension builds and Grace finds herself in quite a predicament. We are left on the edge of our seats as the truth becomes clear and Grace’s past comes back to shock her. This is well worth a read and I can highly recommend it to you without hesitation. (Received ARC)
November 27, 2015
Untouchable
by Ava Marsh
They know who she is. She knows too much.
Stella is an escort, immersed in a world of desire, betrayal and secrets. It’s exactly where she wants to be. Stella used to be someone else: respectable, loved, safe.
When a fellow call girl is murdered, Stella has a choice: forget what she’s seen, or risk everything to get justice for her friend. In her line of work, she’s never far from the edge, but pursuing the truth could take Stella past the point of no return.
My Review:
Untouchable was absolutely fantastic I really loved this book. Ava Marsh has written a story with just enough thrill, sex, and mystery to keep you completely sucked into the book from beginning to end. I wasn't convinced at first that Stella could handle herself but I was proven wrong. She has the will, the mind, and the courage to follow her instincts and just enough brass to take the lead. Ava handles the build up and anticipation beautifully. Untouchable is a great read I really enjoyed from beginning to end.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review
by Ava Marsh
They know who she is. She knows too much.
Stella is an escort, immersed in a world of desire, betrayal and secrets. It’s exactly where she wants to be. Stella used to be someone else: respectable, loved, safe.
When a fellow call girl is murdered, Stella has a choice: forget what she’s seen, or risk everything to get justice for her friend. In her line of work, she’s never far from the edge, but pursuing the truth could take Stella past the point of no return.
My Review:
Untouchable was absolutely fantastic I really loved this book. Ava Marsh has written a story with just enough thrill, sex, and mystery to keep you completely sucked into the book from beginning to end. I wasn't convinced at first that Stella could handle herself but I was proven wrong. She has the will, the mind, and the courage to follow her instincts and just enough brass to take the lead. Ava handles the build up and anticipation beautifully. Untouchable is a great read I really enjoyed from beginning to end.
My Rating:
5 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review
May 19, 2015
Many thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book.
This debut novel by Ava Marsh throughly entertained me.
We meet Stella/Grace - a high class hooker, seemingly enjoying her chosen career but also with a tormented past. Just who is this mysterious Michael who haunts her dreams?
Everything is running smoothly for her until a fellow worker is found murdered. It would appear that Stella knows more than she thinks but as she delves into the mysterious death, convinced there is more to it than a simple client murder, is she putting herself and others at risk?
Stella is an interesting women, intelligent but unwilling to listen to those around her. Determined not to get too attached to her clients but finding herself drawn to one in particular. Alex. Who fascinates her and the feeling appears to be mutual. Just who is Alex and why is he checking her out?
With fun sex scenes and a rather explicit "party", this book is not only a thriller but has a tad hint of a secret diary of a call girl to it.
This debut novel by Ava Marsh throughly entertained me.
We meet Stella/Grace - a high class hooker, seemingly enjoying her chosen career but also with a tormented past. Just who is this mysterious Michael who haunts her dreams?
Everything is running smoothly for her until a fellow worker is found murdered. It would appear that Stella knows more than she thinks but as she delves into the mysterious death, convinced there is more to it than a simple client murder, is she putting herself and others at risk?
Stella is an interesting women, intelligent but unwilling to listen to those around her. Determined not to get too attached to her clients but finding herself drawn to one in particular. Alex. Who fascinates her and the feeling appears to be mutual. Just who is Alex and why is he checking her out?
With fun sex scenes and a rather explicit "party", this book is not only a thriller but has a tad hint of a secret diary of a call girl to it.
December 11, 2015
Stella, real name Grace, is a high-dollar London prostitute. Her clients are rich, powerful, and at times connected to the government. Men with secrets who will do anything to keep them secret. But she knows how to play the game: Make the customer happy and keep your real name and private life to yourself.
When Elisa, another prostitute who she has worked with in the past, is murdered, Stella/Grace is convinced the killing is no random act. She sets out to find the truth, an act that not only reveals her true identity but also puts her directly in the path of a brutal killer. But who is he? Someone Stella/Grace knows? Someone she has been with? Someone right in front of her? If she can’t identify him, how will she ever solve Elisa’s murder? And save herself.
This story is fantastic, populated by interesting and believable characters, and Grace/Stella—a wonderful protagonist. Hope we hear more from her in the future.
DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Samantha Cody and Dub Walker thriller series
When Elisa, another prostitute who she has worked with in the past, is murdered, Stella/Grace is convinced the killing is no random act. She sets out to find the truth, an act that not only reveals her true identity but also puts her directly in the path of a brutal killer. But who is he? Someone Stella/Grace knows? Someone she has been with? Someone right in front of her? If she can’t identify him, how will she ever solve Elisa’s murder? And save herself.
This story is fantastic, populated by interesting and believable characters, and Grace/Stella—a wonderful protagonist. Hope we hear more from her in the future.
DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Samantha Cody and Dub Walker thriller series
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