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The Manhattanites #3
Unsaid
Chelsea’s hottie Blake Morgan III has reemerged from a nasty breakup. His marriage was a frigid disaster beyond repair, and he vows to be single—forever. Bruised, but still hot in Prada, he creates his Seven Desires wish list, his sexiest imaginings. Blake soon realizes there’s only one man he may trust to make these uninhibited intentions come to fruition: his best friend Miguel Santana.
Lower East Side multimedia artist extraordinaire Miguel Santana may be known as the cocky Latin stud in the city, but all he’s wanted since college was Blake’s hand in marriage. He was livid when Blake walked down the aisle with the wrong guy. Miguel has his own list titled the Seven Needs, which are quite contrary to Blake’s dirty-boy deeds. They involve serious commitments, which may leave his new-to-the-singles-scene buddy sprinting for the door, destroying any hopes Miguel has for happiness.
Can these two hunks conquer their intimate fears and love one another as only best friends can? Join the star-studded cast in The Manhattanites series and see for yourself!
Reading the previous books in this series is suggested. Reader might have difficulty following the story if approached as a standalone.
Lower East Side multimedia artist extraordinaire Miguel Santana may be known as the cocky Latin stud in the city, but all he’s wanted since college was Blake’s hand in marriage. He was livid when Blake walked down the aisle with the wrong guy. Miguel has his own list titled the Seven Needs, which are quite contrary to Blake’s dirty-boy deeds. They involve serious commitments, which may leave his new-to-the-singles-scene buddy sprinting for the door, destroying any hopes Miguel has for happiness.
Can these two hunks conquer their intimate fears and love one another as only best friends can? Join the star-studded cast in The Manhattanites series and see for yourself!
Reading the previous books in this series is suggested. Reader might have difficulty following the story if approached as a standalone.
528 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
72 people are currently reading
2648 people want to read
About the author
Avery Aster
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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
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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 184 reviews
August 1, 2015
Nearly two years ago I added a book to my shelf of WANT TO READ RIGHT NOW. This book was Unsaid by Avery Aster. This was the story of Blake Morgan. The lovable gay bestie of Vive, Taddy and Lex. We had gotten bits and pieces of Blake in the first two books and delve a little deeper during the Undergrad years, but now that we’ve all fallen in love with him, we finally get his story!
Newly divorced, Blake is given a list of desires he must carry out. New exciting sexual acts that had evaded him during his marriage to Diego, intimacies that he has never known... all risks to his heart after five years of being neglected.
Miguel has been in love with his best friend for ten years. He had to stand by and watch as he married a man he knew was all wrong for him, stand by as he watched him go through an unhappy marriage and now with the man who owns his heart, newly single, Miguel has his own list of needs he wants only one man to fulfill.
What I loved about Blake and Miguel is that although they both had opposite sexual experiences, they both were craving the same thing. An intimate, loving relationship. For Blake, he wanted it so bad that he ran down the aisle with the wrong man in the hopes to have it and for Miguel, he kept his heart closed off and experienced nothing but meaningless sex for a decade. But now, everything is about to change. Miguel is ready to make his claim and get the boy he’s always wanted.
When it comes to opening up an Avery Aster book you have to be prepared for a few things. First, shit is going to get crazy. Out of control is an understatement. The characters are hilarious and their antics are over the top, but it all just works. Unsaid was slightly varied from this typical experience. I found that there was a lot more emotional depth lurking in these two characters than what I had originally expected. So yes there was still humor and the gang did not let me down, but I loved that the story of these two existed beyond the punchlines and shenanigans that I anticipated.
If you want your romance doused in humor, I recommend picking up Avery’s books. I think of all the books in this series, Unsaid is my favorite just because of the extra feeling it gave me as I read.
For some reason this just screams Blake to me... Can't wait to get my naughty little fingers on this boy!
I think he might fit the perfect look for Miguel... Latin & hot as fuck...
Newly divorced, Blake is given a list of desires he must carry out. New exciting sexual acts that had evaded him during his marriage to Diego, intimacies that he has never known... all risks to his heart after five years of being neglected.
Miguel has been in love with his best friend for ten years. He had to stand by and watch as he married a man he knew was all wrong for him, stand by as he watched him go through an unhappy marriage and now with the man who owns his heart, newly single, Miguel has his own list of needs he wants only one man to fulfill.
What I loved about Blake and Miguel is that although they both had opposite sexual experiences, they both were craving the same thing. An intimate, loving relationship. For Blake, he wanted it so bad that he ran down the aisle with the wrong man in the hopes to have it and for Miguel, he kept his heart closed off and experienced nothing but meaningless sex for a decade. But now, everything is about to change. Miguel is ready to make his claim and get the boy he’s always wanted.
When it comes to opening up an Avery Aster book you have to be prepared for a few things. First, shit is going to get crazy. Out of control is an understatement. The characters are hilarious and their antics are over the top, but it all just works. Unsaid was slightly varied from this typical experience. I found that there was a lot more emotional depth lurking in these two characters than what I had originally expected. So yes there was still humor and the gang did not let me down, but I loved that the story of these two existed beyond the punchlines and shenanigans that I anticipated.
If you want your romance doused in humor, I recommend picking up Avery’s books. I think of all the books in this series, Unsaid is my favorite just because of the extra feeling it gave me as I read.
For some reason this just screams Blake to me... Can't wait to get my naughty little fingers on this boy!
I think he might fit the perfect look for Miguel... Latin & hot as fuck...
September 8, 2015
I'm sorry. I'm going to straight out apologize. I never would have picked this up if it weren't for the fact that I thought Avery was super nice and funny when she asked for a review. And...this is not going to be very nice. So, I'm sorry Avery.
I do not like soap operas. I don't watch reality T.V. either. This was a combination of a bad soap opera with a reality twist. If you happen to like a good dose of daily drama you might fare differently than I did.
I am not a fan of vulgar. I don't like vag monologues. I have no problems with girly bits in my books, but I don't like pussy talk. There was icky twat, cunt and pussy talk. I didn't like it.
To put it mildly, I didn't like the sex. Considering close to 500 out of this 528 page novel was sex-ridden, this was a problem. I am very cautious with the BDSM I read. It's not my most comfortable theme and I tread carefully. I hated the BDSM elements here. Just because Blake wishes to be tied up and 'submit' does not make him Mig's Bitch or house slave. This straddled the line of abusive and I had issues with it. Lots of issues.
A few scenes bothered me...a lot. Like when Blake goes to the spa to get his 'cookie sugared'. Ummmm, yeah. So his cookie is his ass and sugared is a form of waxing. He is prepping for his 'Seven Sexual Desires' list and allow his friends to get him ready. After his ass-crack is waxed he receives a bonus of ass play. Yep, fingering and rimming follow his stick and rip. I have never had the agonizing pleasure of having my ass waxed but I have had my front waxed. If anyone came near me with anything immediately following I am certain I would stab any protruding parts with a sharp pair of Tweezermans.
I definitely have limits when it comes to kinks. I never thought I would have read a golden shower scene and frankly, I wish I could take it back. Mouth? In his mouth? *gags* I can't go there. Other BDSM elements made me very uncomfortable as well. It came across as non-consensual and it never felt 'safe'.
This is book 3 in the Manhattanites series and I believe I missed important details of the relationship dynamics. That being said, I have absolutely no desire to go back and fill in the missing pieces. I can't think of any of the secondary cast that I liked. Serious topics were brushed off lightly (a HIV pos friend encouraging Raw Topping?) and I felt a heavy Jerry Springer vibe (who's your daddy?).
I was so distracted with all of these 'things' that I could hardly focus on the plot. Besides pushing my limits I just didn't care for the main story-line. The mystery with Blake's ex-husband was upsetting and I didn't like the final showdown scene at all. The blurb sounded very promising to me. I was sorely disappointed.
I wish I had something nice to say, truly I do. But as hard as I try, I can't pass on anything positive that I found here. I see some other strong and positive reviews so it seems some people have more love for the "Manhattanties" than I did. If you dare, I wish you all the luck.
*2 pissy-icky stars*
I do not like soap operas. I don't watch reality T.V. either. This was a combination of a bad soap opera with a reality twist. If you happen to like a good dose of daily drama you might fare differently than I did.
I am not a fan of vulgar. I don't like vag monologues. I have no problems with girly bits in my books, but I don't like pussy talk. There was icky twat, cunt and pussy talk. I didn't like it.
To put it mildly, I didn't like the sex. Considering close to 500 out of this 528 page novel was sex-ridden, this was a problem. I am very cautious with the BDSM I read. It's not my most comfortable theme and I tread carefully. I hated the BDSM elements here. Just because Blake wishes to be tied up and 'submit' does not make him Mig's Bitch or house slave. This straddled the line of abusive and I had issues with it. Lots of issues.
A few scenes bothered me...a lot. Like when Blake goes to the spa to get his 'cookie sugared'. Ummmm, yeah. So his cookie is his ass and sugared is a form of waxing. He is prepping for his 'Seven Sexual Desires' list and allow his friends to get him ready. After his ass-crack is waxed he receives a bonus of ass play. Yep, fingering and rimming follow his stick and rip. I have never had the agonizing pleasure of having my ass waxed but I have had my front waxed. If anyone came near me with anything immediately following I am certain I would stab any protruding parts with a sharp pair of Tweezermans.
I definitely have limits when it comes to kinks. I never thought I would have read a golden shower scene and frankly, I wish I could take it back. Mouth? In his mouth? *gags* I can't go there. Other BDSM elements made me very uncomfortable as well. It came across as non-consensual and it never felt 'safe'.
This is book 3 in the Manhattanites series and I believe I missed important details of the relationship dynamics. That being said, I have absolutely no desire to go back and fill in the missing pieces. I can't think of any of the secondary cast that I liked. Serious topics were brushed off lightly (a HIV pos friend encouraging Raw Topping?) and I felt a heavy Jerry Springer vibe (who's your daddy?).
I was so distracted with all of these 'things' that I could hardly focus on the plot. Besides pushing my limits I just didn't care for the main story-line. The mystery with Blake's ex-husband was upsetting and I didn't like the final showdown scene at all. The blurb sounded very promising to me. I was sorely disappointed.
I wish I had something nice to say, truly I do. But as hard as I try, I can't pass on anything positive that I found here. I see some other strong and positive reviews so it seems some people have more love for the "Manhattanties" than I did. If you dare, I wish you all the luck.
*2 pissy-icky stars*
August 20, 2015
5 'pushing my kinky limit' stars
Love, Friendship, Scandal and Drama to the Hilt
I thought I have seen it all, apparently I didn't. Unsaid definitely pushing all my hard limits and stretching my boundaries. I believe those who plan to read this need to go in with a fare warning.
Fresh out of divorce with his ex-husband, Blake Morgan III is ready to let loose his inner manwhore by the probing of his friends. He was coerced/manipulated to list out his Seven Desire to carry out stat!
Blake's Seven Desires
#1 Face Fucked & Load Swallowed No problem
#2 Pissed On Really?
#3 Rimmed I'm aroused
#4 Fisted No way!
#5 Tied up, Whipped, Dominated Panting for it
#6 Menage a Trois Contemplating...
#7 Topped Raw Yes, please!
Miguel Santana has been in love with Blake since they met in college. When Blake ended up marrying Diego instead of him, Miguel was heartbroken. Now that Blake is single again, Miguel is going to win back his man no matter what it takes, including fulfilling his Seven Desires.
I was totally overwhelmed by the thoughts of Blake going through his Seven Desires because let's be frank, fisting? OMG! I'm terrified by the idea and I'm getting ready to cringe when the scene comes. Add in some BDSM element with Mig going all Dom on Blake, it was an intense read. There is a time that I'm feeling a little freaked out and uncomfortable. But once it was all said and done I was feeling rather good about it. As long as is consensual and both parties get off on it, I'm okay with whatever the hell they want to do to each other.
You... treat me as a gift. Make me feel special. - Blake, anal virgin
There are some great supporting casts, especially Thor and Vive. These two love sex talk, it reminds me of watching Sex and the City except it actually makes me even hornier.
"Topping is like Zumba, only worse, all that thrusting. I'd rather rest on my back, not on my laurels, and take it like a good bottom should." - Thor, self-proclaimed power bottom.
"Two guy in one bed is too much work for me. You have to ride one while sucking the other. I don't have the rhythm, especially with all those cocks flying around at me." - Vive, professional gossiper and alcoholic
I feel as if I'm being introduce to Gay Scene in Manhattan 101. Avery Aster had me googling for what the hell is Madonna-whore complex, enema, and electro-conductive-water-based lube. She also cue me on the dark side such as bug chaser and breeding parties. Is that for real?
As an individual working in the healthcare industry myself, I appreciate the fact that Avery stressed on safe sex and the touch on the HIV issue. From the 20+ M/M books I read, this is definitely a first. Keeping myself updated with HIV and its medical development is a big part of my job, so I'm very sensitive towards this issue. I'm even tempted to point out to Mig and Blake that mouth swab is not an accurate test, please go for blood test using real-time PCR.
Fact is you can be positive and lead a healthy life, and also have a family.
Okay, aside from all the arousing kinky stuff that's been going on, this story is more than just erotic romance. It actually do have a very strong and emotional engaging plot beneath it all. Both Blake and Miguel have their own inner demons and secrets that they rather keep to themselves. Blake's ex-husband is one deranged asshole that stir up some suspense and danger. Blake had been dealing with it alone for so long, I'm glad Miguel is there to pick up the pieces and put him back together again. Together, their story really touch my heart.
Whether or not this can actually works as a standalone is debatable. I shall confessed that I skimmed Lex's chapters because I didn't read her book, Undressed. I just couldn't find myself to be absorb in her wedding drama and her family issue. I feel as if her chapters serve as a distraction from Miguel and Blake's story. Especially when Mig and Blake is getting it on, suddenly pop in Lex's chapter. I felt as if I'm interrupted by a commercial. Anyway, when I decided to skim Lex's part of the story, I'm able to fully enjoy Mig and Blake. I'm sure those who follow this series will enjoy Lex more than I did.
Love, Friendship, Scandal and Drama to the Hilt
I thought I have seen it all, apparently I didn't. Unsaid definitely pushing all my hard limits and stretching my boundaries. I believe those who plan to read this need to go in with a fare warning.
Fresh out of divorce with his ex-husband, Blake Morgan III is ready to let loose his inner manwhore by the probing of his friends. He was coerced/manipulated to list out his Seven Desire to carry out stat!
Blake's Seven Desires
#1 Face Fucked & Load Swallowed No problem
#2 Pissed On Really?
#3 Rimmed I'm aroused
#4 Fisted No way!
#5 Tied up, Whipped, Dominated Panting for it
#6 Menage a Trois Contemplating...
#7 Topped Raw Yes, please!
Miguel Santana has been in love with Blake since they met in college. When Blake ended up marrying Diego instead of him, Miguel was heartbroken. Now that Blake is single again, Miguel is going to win back his man no matter what it takes, including fulfilling his Seven Desires.
I was totally overwhelmed by the thoughts of Blake going through his Seven Desires because let's be frank, fisting? OMG! I'm terrified by the idea and I'm getting ready to cringe when the scene comes. Add in some BDSM element with Mig going all Dom on Blake, it was an intense read. There is a time that I'm feeling a little freaked out and uncomfortable. But once it was all said and done I was feeling rather good about it. As long as is consensual and both parties get off on it, I'm okay with whatever the hell they want to do to each other.
You... treat me as a gift. Make me feel special. - Blake, anal virgin
There are some great supporting casts, especially Thor and Vive. These two love sex talk, it reminds me of watching Sex and the City except it actually makes me even hornier.
"Topping is like Zumba, only worse, all that thrusting. I'd rather rest on my back, not on my laurels, and take it like a good bottom should." - Thor, self-proclaimed power bottom.
"Two guy in one bed is too much work for me. You have to ride one while sucking the other. I don't have the rhythm, especially with all those cocks flying around at me." - Vive, professional gossiper and alcoholic
I feel as if I'm being introduce to Gay Scene in Manhattan 101. Avery Aster had me googling for what the hell is Madonna-whore complex, enema, and electro-conductive-water-based lube. She also cue me on the dark side such as bug chaser and breeding parties. Is that for real?
As an individual working in the healthcare industry myself, I appreciate the fact that Avery stressed on safe sex and the touch on the HIV issue. From the 20+ M/M books I read, this is definitely a first. Keeping myself updated with HIV and its medical development is a big part of my job, so I'm very sensitive towards this issue. I'm even tempted to point out to Mig and Blake that mouth swab is not an accurate test, please go for blood test using real-time PCR.
Fact is you can be positive and lead a healthy life, and also have a family.
Okay, aside from all the arousing kinky stuff that's been going on, this story is more than just erotic romance. It actually do have a very strong and emotional engaging plot beneath it all. Both Blake and Miguel have their own inner demons and secrets that they rather keep to themselves. Blake's ex-husband is one deranged asshole that stir up some suspense and danger. Blake had been dealing with it alone for so long, I'm glad Miguel is there to pick up the pieces and put him back together again. Together, their story really touch my heart.
Whether or not this can actually works as a standalone is debatable. I shall confessed that I skimmed Lex's chapters because I didn't read her book, Undressed. I just couldn't find myself to be absorb in her wedding drama and her family issue. I feel as if her chapters serve as a distraction from Miguel and Blake's story. Especially when Mig and Blake is getting it on, suddenly pop in Lex's chapter. I felt as if I'm interrupted by a commercial. Anyway, when I decided to skim Lex's part of the story, I'm able to fully enjoy Mig and Blake. I'm sure those who follow this series will enjoy Lex more than I did.
dnf-not-4-me
July 10, 2015THIS IS NOT A STAND ALONE
I'm sorry to say that I will not be able to review this book. This is the third book in a series and the blurb says, "Avery Aster's new full-length, standalone contemporary M/M romance novel." I have not read the first two books. While Ms. Avery does include a character glossary at the beginning of the book, it did not help me in understanding the extensive cast of characters in this book. I stopped at 30% when I realized I was absolutely lost. I don't believe anyone will be able to read this as a stand-alone and not be very confused.
I will not rate since I did not finish.
I'm sorry to say that I will not be able to review this book. This is the third book in a series and the blurb says, "Avery Aster's new full-length, standalone contemporary M/M romance novel." I have not read the first two books. While Ms. Avery does include a character glossary at the beginning of the book, it did not help me in understanding the extensive cast of characters in this book. I stopped at 30% when I realized I was absolutely lost. I don't believe anyone will be able to read this as a stand-alone and not be very confused.
I will not rate since I did not finish.
Want to read
August 18, 2015
August 11, 2015
Full (long, NSFW, slightly spoilerish) review can be found at -
When I was asked to read this book it was stressed that it could be read as a standalone, even though it's #3 in a series. Maybe so to some, but I had a difficult time keeping up with all the characters from previous books that were all over this one. This was not just Blake and Miguel's story. This was pretty much everyone's story.
With that being said, Blake has just gotten divorced from his husband of five years, Diego. The marriage went sour quick and Blake was forced to endure things that come out as the story plays out. Then there's Miguel. Miguel has been Blake's best friend for a decade. Mutual friends decide that because Blake is still relatively inexperienced sexually (you'd have to read the book to see why) that he must live out his sexual fantasies now that he's free to do so. This is where Miguel, who has secretly been in love with Blake for years, comes in.
The book was good, though I got frustrated often by the drama of secondary characters. I also didn't particularly like Miguel that much, which also took away from my reading experience. If I don't like a main character, it's usually a good bet the story won't work for me.
I wavered for awhile on my rating. I finally decided to go with 4 stars because I'm a sucker for friends-to-lovers books and I did enjoy most of it. Had I not been so confused about the other characters, it might have gotten a higher rating.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 25, 2016
I have mixed feelings about this one. But it is a bad idea to jump into this book without reading the prior books. I'm normally OCD about reading in order but I was advised said it could be read as a standalone (no it cannot!) Big mistake if you want to really get the whole picture.
I found the book entertaining and I chuckled at times. It's a bit sex in the city-ish. It was written like a soap opera so there were other minor story lines continued from prior books. The main focus in third installment was Miguel and Blake.
Miguel has had a crush on his best friend Blake for over 9 years. When Blake gets a divorce, Miguel sees an opportunity. Blake's last years of marriage wasn't sexually fulfilling, so Newly single Blake makes a list of Seven Sexual Desires (fantasies) he would like to see fulfilled so their meddling friends set it up so that Miguel can help Blake experience his fantasies. Will this week of getting their freak on finally open Blake's eyes and heart?
I didn't like Blake much because he was just shallow at first. I refuse to believe he didn't know how Miguel felt. Everyone else knew and their little crew couldn't keep a secret if their lives depended on it. Blake was just about the outward apperance, that's why he ended up with a bad marriage. Miguel, well, he didn't fight for what he wanted so he didn't get it. But I like the fact that Miguel used the 7 desires to address his seven needs.
There was a bit too much of sex in this book, but there was enough of a plot for me to like it.
*Special thanks to the Book Enthusiast Promotions via netgalley for the e-book given in exchange for an honest review.
I found the book entertaining and I chuckled at times. It's a bit sex in the city-ish. It was written like a soap opera so there were other minor story lines continued from prior books. The main focus in third installment was Miguel and Blake.
Miguel has had a crush on his best friend Blake for over 9 years. When Blake gets a divorce, Miguel sees an opportunity. Blake's last years of marriage wasn't sexually fulfilling, so Newly single Blake makes a list of Seven Sexual Desires (fantasies) he would like to see fulfilled so their meddling friends set it up so that Miguel can help Blake experience his fantasies. Will this week of getting their freak on finally open Blake's eyes and heart?
I didn't like Blake much because he was just shallow at first. I refuse to believe he didn't know how Miguel felt. Everyone else knew and their little crew couldn't keep a secret if their lives depended on it. Blake was just about the outward apperance, that's why he ended up with a bad marriage. Miguel, well, he didn't fight for what he wanted so he didn't get it. But I like the fact that Miguel used the 7 desires to address his seven needs.
There was a bit too much of sex in this book, but there was enough of a plot for me to like it.
*Special thanks to the Book Enthusiast Promotions via netgalley for the e-book given in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2015
I can say, without a doubt, that I truly enjoyed this book. This is only my second book by Avery Aster and I was pleasantly surprised. Unsaid is the third book in the Manhattanites Series, but can also be read as a standalone. I didn't read the first two and was able to jump right in because of the character descriptions at the beginning of the book. I knew exactly who the characters were and how they related to one another - it was perfect! The two MC's, Blake and Miguel, were fantastic both together and individually. I loved the back story of their friendship and how they have both been pining over one another for years, but never did anything about it. Well, now that Blake's divorce is finalized, he agrees to let his friends come up with a "bucket list" of sexual experiences he needs to achieve. This list gave the book humor and a whole lot of sexiness! Miguel is an animal and quite the alpha male while Blake is the kinder and gentler man. Together, they form an amazingly realistic couple with hopes, fears and, ultimately, love. This M/M book is being added to my favorites list immediately. I can only hope that we get more Blake and Miguel...and soon!
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 5, 2015
Blake Morgan III has just gotten out of a really bad marriage. He has no interest in finding another lover or god forbid husband anytime soon. His marriage was a disaster of epic proportions. It's the single life for him. He creates a Seven Desires wish list as a joke while out with his besties one night. Blake never expected the hotter than hot best friend Miguel Santana to get his hands on it. Now this Latin hottie who has loved Blake from afar since college seizes the opportunity to get Blake in his life and his bed once and for all.
Miguel knows Blake is hurting from his failed marriage. But he also knows that Blake married the wrong guy. He should have been his years ago, but Miguel stepped aside and put himself in the friend zone. Now, finally Miguel decides it's time Blake knows what it's like to be loved, cherished and desired by the right guy.
Can Miguel convince Blake that a serious lifetime commitment with him won't break his heart?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have read the other books in this series and was unsure if I would get into Blake's story. In the other books, Blake was kinda blah for me as a character so I didn't think his story would be all that exciting.
I liked Blake in Undressed and Unscrupulous but I had never read a story where the main characters were two men. I have no problem with that kind of a relationship, but wondered if I would be interested since I can't relate to the attraction.
I have to say that Avery made me love this story. Blake and Miguel are just adorable. Their love for each other is terrifically portrayed. The drama that unfolds, keeping them apart is riveting. I really like this story and as only Avery Aster can do she made me love these guys and their journey to happily ever after.
The sex scenes have some light BDSM to them and they also were pretty dirty, but so well written that they flowed perfectly with the storyline.
The friendship of Taddy, Lex, Vive and Blake is fun and I love reading about it.
This group should be a cable series I would definitely watch it.
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Miguel knows Blake is hurting from his failed marriage. But he also knows that Blake married the wrong guy. He should have been his years ago, but Miguel stepped aside and put himself in the friend zone. Now, finally Miguel decides it's time Blake knows what it's like to be loved, cherished and desired by the right guy.
Can Miguel convince Blake that a serious lifetime commitment with him won't break his heart?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have read the other books in this series and was unsure if I would get into Blake's story. In the other books, Blake was kinda blah for me as a character so I didn't think his story would be all that exciting.
I liked Blake in Undressed and Unscrupulous but I had never read a story where the main characters were two men. I have no problem with that kind of a relationship, but wondered if I would be interested since I can't relate to the attraction.
I have to say that Avery made me love this story. Blake and Miguel are just adorable. Their love for each other is terrifically portrayed. The drama that unfolds, keeping them apart is riveting. I really like this story and as only Avery Aster can do she made me love these guys and their journey to happily ever after.
The sex scenes have some light BDSM to them and they also were pretty dirty, but so well written that they flowed perfectly with the storyline.
The friendship of Taddy, Lex, Vive and Blake is fun and I love reading about it.
This group should be a cable series I would definitely watch it.
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
February 22, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
Before cocktails, the three of them had shot off their steam at the Lipstick & Lead Rifle Range. Some people did Yoga or smoked pot to relax, but the Manhattanites preferred to shoot guns.
Thor had lied. Sugaring hurt as if a colony of fire ants were attacking a wounded grasshopper.
If you’re paving the road for traffic, does your spa service signify happy trails ahead?
It’s been too long since happiness decorated your gorgeous face.
He felt as if he’d sucked on a habanero pepper marinated in Tabasco.
He closed his eyes for a second, allowing himself to experience something new – love.
My Review:
I have been on an Avery Aster binge recently, and I must say, it has been quite enjoyable, although it has caused an uptick in my wine bill and laundry. Holy hawtness. I am rather inexperienced at M/M romances, but love is love; and comes in all shapes, colors, sizes, and flavors as far as I am concerned. But there is so much more going on in this story than an M/M romance, the plot was intriguing, active, heart-felt, and full of secrets, as well as personal and family issues for all the Manhattanites to deal with and work through. As always, Mr. Aster’s writing was engaging, absorbing, sensual, and insightful. I adore his clever and snarky humor that not only bites, but brings an emotional impact along with it. And I am happy to report a new vocabulary word has also been gleaned from this volume, “trouple.”
Before cocktails, the three of them had shot off their steam at the Lipstick & Lead Rifle Range. Some people did Yoga or smoked pot to relax, but the Manhattanites preferred to shoot guns.
Thor had lied. Sugaring hurt as if a colony of fire ants were attacking a wounded grasshopper.
If you’re paving the road for traffic, does your spa service signify happy trails ahead?
It’s been too long since happiness decorated your gorgeous face.
He felt as if he’d sucked on a habanero pepper marinated in Tabasco.
He closed his eyes for a second, allowing himself to experience something new – love.
My Review:
I have been on an Avery Aster binge recently, and I must say, it has been quite enjoyable, although it has caused an uptick in my wine bill and laundry. Holy hawtness. I am rather inexperienced at M/M romances, but love is love; and comes in all shapes, colors, sizes, and flavors as far as I am concerned. But there is so much more going on in this story than an M/M romance, the plot was intriguing, active, heart-felt, and full of secrets, as well as personal and family issues for all the Manhattanites to deal with and work through. As always, Mr. Aster’s writing was engaging, absorbing, sensual, and insightful. I adore his clever and snarky humor that not only bites, but brings an emotional impact along with it. And I am happy to report a new vocabulary word has also been gleaned from this volume, “trouple.”
March 23, 2016
An M/M romance set in the glitzy world of the New York super rich with passion and friendship thrown into the mix.
What is not to like, at least for a light read?
Everything, apparently.
First of all, the M/M storyline is important but shares the book with a second main one and several collateral ones under the pretext of all the characters being friends. A blurb revision could be in order, then, but this is just a minor concern.
The real point is that this novel is a low-quality copycat of the worst output of Jackie Collins:
- the story is not light-hearted, it is absurd;
- characters are not only paper-thin but also annoying in their being barely adjusted individuals that no one in his right mind would ever believe capable of holding a proper job, let alone guiding billion-dollar corporations;
- there are heaps of drama and conflict and all of them are solved in a childish way. The way the group of "supposed" friends forces the weakest of them to go to rehab chilled me to the core. It is exactly this sense of all the characters being long-time friends that I missed as they look much more like random individuals thrown together by chance on a bus than people who love each other;
- all the story is immersed in a superficiality and in a horrid sexism that one cannot avoid but thinking must belong to the author herself.
I wish to expand on this last point: the author's approach to gay relationships, gay sex and finally AIDS is mind-numbing in its ignorance and sexism.
We are still on with the standard trope of AIDS being a "gay" disease, as condoms are only mentioned as relevant for gay men while all the others go gallivating with not a thought in their perfectly coiffed heads. One might also argue that, from the AIDS point-of-view, the novel appears to be set in the 1980s as the syndrome is still regarded as an untreatable death sentence.
Furthermore so many pages of the novel are dedicated to incredibly stupid stereotypes about gay men and their being "top", "bottom", "dominant", "submissive", "sl*tty", "unrealiable". Blake and Miguel are only destined to happiness because they despise the "gay lifestyle" and look for the comfort of a traditional (heterosexual) relationship.
I am not implying that these things do not exist at all and that many gay men do not live a more uninhibited lifestyle than most of their straight counterparts, but implying that this makes them immature, unreliable and unable to achieve a "real" relationship is plainly wrong and racist.
Writing is also dissatisfying: rhythm is often slow and stilted, unduly aggravated by the constant and mostly erroneous use of Spanish and Italian loanwords which is so typical of someone knowing neither language but trying to pepper her writing with captivating exoticisms.
Sex scenes are immensely boring and plot twists are predictable. Finishing the book was quite the chore.
This was an extremely disappointing read.
I deem it sexist, discriminating and offensive for every gay person.
I know it offended me on a personal level.
What is not to like, at least for a light read?
Everything, apparently.
First of all, the M/M storyline is important but shares the book with a second main one and several collateral ones under the pretext of all the characters being friends. A blurb revision could be in order, then, but this is just a minor concern.
The real point is that this novel is a low-quality copycat of the worst output of Jackie Collins:
- the story is not light-hearted, it is absurd;
- characters are not only paper-thin but also annoying in their being barely adjusted individuals that no one in his right mind would ever believe capable of holding a proper job, let alone guiding billion-dollar corporations;
- there are heaps of drama and conflict and all of them are solved in a childish way. The way the group of "supposed" friends forces the weakest of them to go to rehab chilled me to the core. It is exactly this sense of all the characters being long-time friends that I missed as they look much more like random individuals thrown together by chance on a bus than people who love each other;
- all the story is immersed in a superficiality and in a horrid sexism that one cannot avoid but thinking must belong to the author herself.
I wish to expand on this last point: the author's approach to gay relationships, gay sex and finally AIDS is mind-numbing in its ignorance and sexism.
We are still on with the standard trope of AIDS being a "gay" disease, as condoms are only mentioned as relevant for gay men while all the others go gallivating with not a thought in their perfectly coiffed heads. One might also argue that, from the AIDS point-of-view, the novel appears to be set in the 1980s as the syndrome is still regarded as an untreatable death sentence.
Furthermore so many pages of the novel are dedicated to incredibly stupid stereotypes about gay men and their being "top", "bottom", "dominant", "submissive", "sl*tty", "unrealiable". Blake and Miguel are only destined to happiness because they despise the "gay lifestyle" and look for the comfort of a traditional (heterosexual) relationship.
I am not implying that these things do not exist at all and that many gay men do not live a more uninhibited lifestyle than most of their straight counterparts, but implying that this makes them immature, unreliable and unable to achieve a "real" relationship is plainly wrong and racist.
Writing is also dissatisfying: rhythm is often slow and stilted, unduly aggravated by the constant and mostly erroneous use of Spanish and Italian loanwords which is so typical of someone knowing neither language but trying to pepper her writing with captivating exoticisms.
Sex scenes are immensely boring and plot twists are predictable. Finishing the book was quite the chore.
This was an extremely disappointing read.
I deem it sexist, discriminating and offensive for every gay person.
I know it offended me on a personal level.
July 15, 2015
Received from NetGalley for review.
Five out of five stars.
Unsaid was such a beautiful story, there was everything from tears to laughter and very hot sex. Not just of the male on male persuasion but a scene of Lex and Massimo.
Blake, a thirty year old homosexual divorcee, trying to heal a shattered, emotionally abused heart. The marriage this man had was one from hell. I'm so glad that we got to actually see what kind of "man" Diego was from a scene with Blake.
Miguel was one of Blake's best friends from school, he was also a best friend of Diego. Miguel was considered a playboy who always topped his conquests and they were lined up. He lived by himself, along with his dog Brutus, in a sparsely decorated apartment. Their was a reason for this and it took a while for Miguel to crack his exterior walls and those fears of Blake's.
Their relationship comes about from to list of seven's. Blake and Miguel each have one and it was such a funny bar scene with Vive and Thor how this came about. Miguel has always wanted Blake and now he had his chance with a little help from Thor. Vive and Thor were two of the best secondary characters, along with Lex and Taddy. We also get to see how the relationship with Lex and Taddy become stronger.
I enjoyed this book and started with Taddy and Warner but I didn't get to read Lex and Massimo's story just yet. This is considered a stand alone but you will have a better understanding for the characters if you read each book. Although there is a brief snippet at the beginning of the book about each major player.
Five out of five stars.
Unsaid was such a beautiful story, there was everything from tears to laughter and very hot sex. Not just of the male on male persuasion but a scene of Lex and Massimo.
Blake, a thirty year old homosexual divorcee, trying to heal a shattered, emotionally abused heart. The marriage this man had was one from hell. I'm so glad that we got to actually see what kind of "man" Diego was from a scene with Blake.
Miguel was one of Blake's best friends from school, he was also a best friend of Diego. Miguel was considered a playboy who always topped his conquests and they were lined up. He lived by himself, along with his dog Brutus, in a sparsely decorated apartment. Their was a reason for this and it took a while for Miguel to crack his exterior walls and those fears of Blake's.
Their relationship comes about from to list of seven's. Blake and Miguel each have one and it was such a funny bar scene with Vive and Thor how this came about. Miguel has always wanted Blake and now he had his chance with a little help from Thor. Vive and Thor were two of the best secondary characters, along with Lex and Taddy. We also get to see how the relationship with Lex and Taddy become stronger.
I enjoyed this book and started with Taddy and Warner but I didn't get to read Lex and Massimo's story just yet. This is considered a stand alone but you will have a better understanding for the characters if you read each book. Although there is a brief snippet at the beginning of the book about each major player.
July 13, 2015
Blake Morgan III and Miguel Santana have been best friends for a decade. They met in college, where Miguel was rejected by Blake. Now, many years later Blake is divorced from their mutual friend Diego, and learning how it is to be single in Manhattan.
Miguel has decided he has loved Blake long enough. Now he wants his love in return. He responds to a list of seven desires that Blake has made with mutual friends. He tells him he will help Blake with his list if he will help fulfill his list of seven needs. Blake agrees and moves in with him to begin the week of fulfillment.
Blake learns he feels more than he has thought about in years for Miguel. He is afraid to share what happened during his marriage to Diego. Miguel asks him to be honest with him. How can he share what makes him feel most vulnerable? Can he learn to trust so soon after being so hurt?
This is a book full of several stories going on at one. The other characters are here from the previous books about The Manhattanites series. I am not going to give spoilers, This can be a stand a lone book, but would be better if you have read the previous books in the series. I read it on its own and enjoyed the banter, fun, honesty, loyalty and all the rest that made it so good to enjoy.
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com and its publishers for review purposes only.
Miguel has decided he has loved Blake long enough. Now he wants his love in return. He responds to a list of seven desires that Blake has made with mutual friends. He tells him he will help Blake with his list if he will help fulfill his list of seven needs. Blake agrees and moves in with him to begin the week of fulfillment.
Blake learns he feels more than he has thought about in years for Miguel. He is afraid to share what happened during his marriage to Diego. Miguel asks him to be honest with him. How can he share what makes him feel most vulnerable? Can he learn to trust so soon after being so hurt?
This is a book full of several stories going on at one. The other characters are here from the previous books about The Manhattanites series. I am not going to give spoilers, This can be a stand a lone book, but would be better if you have read the previous books in the series. I read it on its own and enjoyed the banter, fun, honesty, loyalty and all the rest that made it so good to enjoy.
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com and its publishers for review purposes only.
July 16, 2015
Having never read any of the previous Undergrad Years or The Manhattanites books, I wasn’t sure how well I would relate to this book, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I instantly connected with these characters, especially the main protagonists of the book, Blake and Miguel. I absolutely love this couple! These rich socialite characters Avery Aster has created shouldn’t be relatable, but they so completely are, and I have to say, after reading this book, I can’t wait to go back and read the previous books. This book had me completely enthralled right from the beginning. I found it to be wonderfully honest and real and passionate and powerful. This is a book that once started is impossible to put down. You become totally invested in this story and these characters almost from word one and you can’t help but root for that HEA for everyone. Thanks to Avery Aster’s superb writing and character development, this book takes on a life of its own, and it’s one you definitely don’t want to miss.
* I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
* I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 14, 2015
In every group of friends, each person has their own story to tell. This is Blake and Miguel’s story and it is a powerful tale full of raw emotions; insecurities, fear, friendship, love and passion. Yes, it’s a M/M and yes, the explicit content is not for the prudish and again yes, some of the characters are over the top and extreme. But, I think that’s why I loved it so much. Despite the above, there is also an incredible story line and lots of real moments between friends and tender moments amongst a couple that waited way too long to hook up.
July 13, 2015
WOW! Avery Aster is an absolute ROCK STAR! Once again she has upped the bar with her amazing stories. The Manhattanites have to be one of the outrageous and coolest groups to hang out with! Can you imagine if they truly existed! Blake and Mig.....WOW! This book will rock your world. Thank you Avery Aster for creating these amazing characters and bringing them to life!
July 14, 2015
This was an AWESOME BOOK! Holy cow! I loved it! I couldn't put it down and read through it in one setting! Every one of her books I have read have been like this!
August 30, 2015
Ringrazio immensamente Avery Aster e Netgalley per avermi permesso di leggere in anteprima questo libro in cambio della mia onesta opinione. L’ho apprezzato immensamente.
Trovare il nome del mio blog nei ringraziamenti è sempre un colpo al cuore e sono grata a Avery Aster di tenermi in così tanta considerazione.
Blog Tour on my blog August 30th Review + Giveaway (fino al 5/09)
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
“Unsaid” è il terzo volume della serie The Manhattanites della statunitense Avery Aster, una serie ad alto tasso erotico che vede protagonista un gruppo di amici per la pelle, uniti fin dall’adolescenza, che si aiutano vicendevolmente in ogni situazione e che stanno lentamente trovando la strada per la felicità. In questo libro il protagonista è Blake, il socio di Taddy (la protagonista del secondo) alla Brill Inc. Devo dire che un po’ del fascino della storia è andato perso perché non ho apprezzato alcune scelte della scrittrice in materia BDSM nella relazione di Blake e insomma un po’ troppo. Ma lo stile della Aster è inconfondibile…
Il belloccio di Chelsea Blake Morgan III è riemerso da una brutta rottura. Il suo matrimonio è stato un disastro frigido che non poteva essere riparato e giura che sarà single, per sempre. Ferito, ma sempre affascinante nei suoi completi Prada, ha creato una lista di Sette Desideri, con le sue fantasie sessuali. Blake presto si rende conto che c’è solo un uomo di cui fidarsi per realizzare questi desideri: il suo migliore amico Miguel Santana. Miguel Santana, straordinario artista del Lower East Side potrebbe essere conosciuto come un presuntuoso uomo latino in giro per la città, ma tutto quello che ha sempre voluto fin dai tempi del college è stata la mano di Blake in matrimonio. Era livido quando Blake ha camminato verso l’altare con il ragazzo sbagliato. Miguel ha la propria lista intitolata i Sette Bisogni, che sono quasi agli antipodi con i desideri sconci di Blake. Prendono in considerazione un serio impegno, che potrebbe lasciare il suo amico appena entrato nella scena dei single con il desiderio di scappare, distruggendo tutte le speranze di felicità di Miguel. Possono questi due conquistare le loro paure e amarsi come solo due migliori amici possono fare?
Quello che più mi ha colpito di questo libro è stata la capacità della Aster di creare una storia in cui i due protagonisti devono effettivamente superare delle difficoltà emotive, mettersi in gioco, capire cosa vogliono l’uno dall’altro. Blake, da sempre messo da parte dal marito, non ha mai ricevuto la conferma e l’affermazione della sua sessualità, della sua bellezza, della sua fisicità e rincorre la prova del fatto che il suo amore è andato perso nelle mani di un uomo che non ha saputo apprezzarlo. D’altra parte Miguel invece è uno che ha fatto delle notti di sesso occasionale uno stile di vita, che non ha mai conosciuto l’intimità di vivere e dormire con qualcun altro, che si è sempre protetto dai sentimenti che il suo migliore amico gli faceva provare, privandosi di quella libertà di espressione che lo ha chiuso a tutto anche alla sua famiglia. Ogni passo in avanti è una lotta contro se stessi e l’abitudine, ma non mancheranno gli scossoni per avvicinarli.
Tra l’altro protagonisti sono tutti i loro amici a partire da Lex e Massimo Tittoni alle prese con alcune difficoltà della loro vita di coppia, Taddy e soprattutto Vive.
New York fa da sfondo alla vicenda con il suo clamore, la sua vita, la sua follia, che accompagna i protagonisti alla ricerca di un amore e di una felicità che non è facile da trovare ma che deve essere sempre preservata al meglio.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Un cane…
Un libro che di certo non lascia indifferenti, per chi ha bisogno di emozioni forti, che non si lascia spaventare da niente. Due uomini che hanno bisogno di mettersi alla prova e di una spinta forte per capire che sono perfetti per stare insieme. Un guilty pleasure meraviglioso.
Buona lettura guys!
Trovare il nome del mio blog nei ringraziamenti è sempre un colpo al cuore e sono grata a Avery Aster di tenermi in così tanta considerazione.
Blog Tour on my blog August 30th Review + Giveaway (fino al 5/09)
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...
“Unsaid” è il terzo volume della serie The Manhattanites della statunitense Avery Aster, una serie ad alto tasso erotico che vede protagonista un gruppo di amici per la pelle, uniti fin dall’adolescenza, che si aiutano vicendevolmente in ogni situazione e che stanno lentamente trovando la strada per la felicità. In questo libro il protagonista è Blake, il socio di Taddy (la protagonista del secondo) alla Brill Inc. Devo dire che un po’ del fascino della storia è andato perso perché non ho apprezzato alcune scelte della scrittrice in materia BDSM nella relazione di Blake e insomma un po’ troppo. Ma lo stile della Aster è inconfondibile…
Il belloccio di Chelsea Blake Morgan III è riemerso da una brutta rottura. Il suo matrimonio è stato un disastro frigido che non poteva essere riparato e giura che sarà single, per sempre. Ferito, ma sempre affascinante nei suoi completi Prada, ha creato una lista di Sette Desideri, con le sue fantasie sessuali. Blake presto si rende conto che c’è solo un uomo di cui fidarsi per realizzare questi desideri: il suo migliore amico Miguel Santana. Miguel Santana, straordinario artista del Lower East Side potrebbe essere conosciuto come un presuntuoso uomo latino in giro per la città, ma tutto quello che ha sempre voluto fin dai tempi del college è stata la mano di Blake in matrimonio. Era livido quando Blake ha camminato verso l’altare con il ragazzo sbagliato. Miguel ha la propria lista intitolata i Sette Bisogni, che sono quasi agli antipodi con i desideri sconci di Blake. Prendono in considerazione un serio impegno, che potrebbe lasciare il suo amico appena entrato nella scena dei single con il desiderio di scappare, distruggendo tutte le speranze di felicità di Miguel. Possono questi due conquistare le loro paure e amarsi come solo due migliori amici possono fare?
Quello che più mi ha colpito di questo libro è stata la capacità della Aster di creare una storia in cui i due protagonisti devono effettivamente superare delle difficoltà emotive, mettersi in gioco, capire cosa vogliono l’uno dall’altro. Blake, da sempre messo da parte dal marito, non ha mai ricevuto la conferma e l’affermazione della sua sessualità, della sua bellezza, della sua fisicità e rincorre la prova del fatto che il suo amore è andato perso nelle mani di un uomo che non ha saputo apprezzarlo. D’altra parte Miguel invece è uno che ha fatto delle notti di sesso occasionale uno stile di vita, che non ha mai conosciuto l’intimità di vivere e dormire con qualcun altro, che si è sempre protetto dai sentimenti che il suo migliore amico gli faceva provare, privandosi di quella libertà di espressione che lo ha chiuso a tutto anche alla sua famiglia. Ogni passo in avanti è una lotta contro se stessi e l’abitudine, ma non mancheranno gli scossoni per avvicinarli.
Tra l’altro protagonisti sono tutti i loro amici a partire da Lex e Massimo Tittoni alle prese con alcune difficoltà della loro vita di coppia, Taddy e soprattutto Vive.
New York fa da sfondo alla vicenda con il suo clamore, la sua vita, la sua follia, che accompagna i protagonisti alla ricerca di un amore e di una felicità che non è facile da trovare ma che deve essere sempre preservata al meglio.
Il particolare da non dimenticare? Un cane…
Un libro che di certo non lascia indifferenti, per chi ha bisogno di emozioni forti, che non si lascia spaventare da niente. Due uomini che hanno bisogno di mettersi alla prova e di una spinta forte per capire che sono perfetti per stare insieme. Un guilty pleasure meraviglioso.
Buona lettura guys!
August 30, 2015
What I love most about Avery Aster's writing is that she lets it all hang out; she's not afraid to step so far out of the box that some readers might find it too quirky or obscene, but it doesn’t matter because she’s true to her characters and her writing, and a writer who writes what she wants, how she wants it is the best kind of writer to read because it's authentic and highly entertaining.
I love Aster's Manhattanites characters! Lex, Vive, Taddy, and Blake as well as their friends and significant others are all dysfunctionally functional - they make the crazy and outrageous work for them, and they look fabulous doing so.
Love, friendship, scandal, and drama abound in Unsaid, and Avery Aster does a great job of making it all seamlessly fit together even if, at face value, all the characters and their varying personalities seem to be their own walking disasters!
Love ~ feelings of affection towards friends, family members, and lovers are extremely evident throughout the story because they aren’t afraid to be completely and sometimes painfully honest with each other - all out of concern and love.
Friendship ~ some bonds have been formed since a young age and even the others that were established later still illustrate how tied together the Manhattanites are and how strong they are when they have each other’s backs.
Scandal ~ Blake and his crew have been known to stir up trouble every now and again and be the focus of tabloids a time or two.
Drama ~ this is definitely the Manhattanites forte, and it abounds in Unsaid - there’s turmoil between mother/daughter, friends, lovers, and even exes, but what it all boils down to is that Aster’s characters are extremely passionate people who, most of the time, act before thinking, forcing other action to be taken that may or may not be what’s best to resolve the issue.
Whether it’s desires or needs that drive the Manhattanites, readers are privy to each and every encounter - ones where some are dominated and some maintain control. Regardless of the situation, though, Aster allows us to understand Blake and Miguel’s motives and worries as well as the rest of their group in doing what needs to be done to get what they want and deserve.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
I love Aster's Manhattanites characters! Lex, Vive, Taddy, and Blake as well as their friends and significant others are all dysfunctionally functional - they make the crazy and outrageous work for them, and they look fabulous doing so.
Love, friendship, scandal, and drama abound in Unsaid, and Avery Aster does a great job of making it all seamlessly fit together even if, at face value, all the characters and their varying personalities seem to be their own walking disasters!
Love ~ feelings of affection towards friends, family members, and lovers are extremely evident throughout the story because they aren’t afraid to be completely and sometimes painfully honest with each other - all out of concern and love.
Friendship ~ some bonds have been formed since a young age and even the others that were established later still illustrate how tied together the Manhattanites are and how strong they are when they have each other’s backs.
Scandal ~ Blake and his crew have been known to stir up trouble every now and again and be the focus of tabloids a time or two.
Drama ~ this is definitely the Manhattanites forte, and it abounds in Unsaid - there’s turmoil between mother/daughter, friends, lovers, and even exes, but what it all boils down to is that Aster’s characters are extremely passionate people who, most of the time, act before thinking, forcing other action to be taken that may or may not be what’s best to resolve the issue.
Whether it’s desires or needs that drive the Manhattanites, readers are privy to each and every encounter - ones where some are dominated and some maintain control. Regardless of the situation, though, Aster allows us to understand Blake and Miguel’s motives and worries as well as the rest of their group in doing what needs to be done to get what they want and deserve.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
September 1, 2015
Avery Aster - you have done it again!!! Phenomenal story!!
Avery's writing is unique in the sense that her character are loud, quirky and so fun to read! She holds nothing back and yet it all works out beautifully. And with Unsaid, Avery definitely throws it all out there.
I won't go over the blurb and explain who Blake or Miguel are - you already gathered that. However, it's those Seven Desires/Needs that drives these two together. Even though they are looking for completely opposite things, it all comes down to wanting the same thing - a loving and committed relationship - unconditional love.
I truly enjoyed how Avery was able to give more of an emotional pull on this book and yet still add all the humor that we can expect from these characters. We get to read about the others and their added input on things. This group of friends is definitely a crazy yet fun group.
This is probably my favorite story out of the whole series. Avery wrote is beautifully. And even though Avery is known for her witty writing, she also knows how to delicately write about the more serious issues. Avery gives you the perfect blend in her writing.
If you are looking for a funny yet emotional M/M romance, look no further than Unsaid. It is the third book in the Manhattanites series but it can most definitely be read as a standalone.
Another hit for Avery!!!
Avery's writing is unique in the sense that her character are loud, quirky and so fun to read! She holds nothing back and yet it all works out beautifully. And with Unsaid, Avery definitely throws it all out there.
I won't go over the blurb and explain who Blake or Miguel are - you already gathered that. However, it's those Seven Desires/Needs that drives these two together. Even though they are looking for completely opposite things, it all comes down to wanting the same thing - a loving and committed relationship - unconditional love.
I truly enjoyed how Avery was able to give more of an emotional pull on this book and yet still add all the humor that we can expect from these characters. We get to read about the others and their added input on things. This group of friends is definitely a crazy yet fun group.
This is probably my favorite story out of the whole series. Avery wrote is beautifully. And even though Avery is known for her witty writing, she also knows how to delicately write about the more serious issues. Avery gives you the perfect blend in her writing.
If you are looking for a funny yet emotional M/M romance, look no further than Unsaid. It is the third book in the Manhattanites series but it can most definitely be read as a standalone.
Another hit for Avery!!!
July 13, 2017
This book says it can be read as a standalone...sure, if you want to be confused about the large cast of characters. I didn't know who any of these people were and quite frankly, other than Mig and Blake, I didn't really care. There was a lot of sex in this book and most of it was pretty hot but there were some things that just didn't seem very realistic. Fisting before ever having had anal sex? Wow, ouch!! And it felt off somehow. Not like any other BDSM book I've ever read, that's for sure. All in all, it was okay if you've read the rest of the series maybe better than okay.
August 17, 2016
Painful....very painful. This is like a gay OTT soap opera....with a Jerry Springer and Jackie Collins vibe. Very hard to keep up with what was going on because I skipped books 1 and 2 (not the authors fault) but I still couldn't warm up to anyone at all in this book. Not my thing. Even the sex was kinda horrifically weird.
Rating because I gave it a shot and almost got half way before giving up.
Rating because I gave it a shot and almost got half way before giving up.
August 27, 2015
"UNSAID is a romp of a good time."
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction
September 1, 2015
4.25 Stars
Blake and Miguel... Finally! LOVE them!!
Blake Morgan III has just come out of a five year loveless, sexless marriage to Diego Oalo. He was cheated on, he was not made to feel wanted, needed, or desired in any way, and he was made to feel that it was his fault. Blake has major secrets, and no one really knows how horrible his marriage really was, with the exception of a few people. For these reasons Blake has no desire to be in a relationship again, he does not think he will ever have the happily ever after, but that is what Miguel has always secretly wanted with him. Blake wants to be topped, he wants a guy who can take control.
Miguel Santana has loved Blake Morgan from a far since they were in college, for over a decade he has not said anything because Blake was in a relationship with Diego. Miguel is a true Dominant in every since of the word, that is all he has ever known is to be the one in control.
Now that Blake is newly divorced he wants to have a casual, fun, relationship with no strings attached. With the help of his friends Thor and Vive they come up with his list of Seven Desires. Miguel finds out about this list and decides that if anyone is going to fulfill Blake's desires it will be him. Plus he also has his own list of Seven Needs that he wants to fulfill with Blake.
Are you ready for some Naughty, Kinkiness, that will push the boundaries of anything that you ever thought you would read. I know I was a little squeamish when it comes to fisting, water sports, and electricity too, but leave it to Avery to even make that Hawt!! That is why this is my favorite book of hers so far, when you can go from a taboo BDSM scene to lines like "You treat me like a gift". "You make me feel special". That is what I am looking for in a book, the right combination of dominance and sweetness. A man that knows when to be a gentleman and when to be a dominant. I think Avery handled that perfectly. If you are looking for strictly m/m this book is not for you. If you are looking for vanilla sex this is not for you.
As their story progresses things go from Hawt, Naughty, Kinky Domination to something more, then the fear of being hurt again creeps in for Blake. Miguel has not been open to his family or to the public about his sexuality, but because of his feelings for Blake he now wants them to know who he really is. Will his family accept him? Will they get their happily ever after?
I like how in each book Avery also keeps you updated on characters from previous books. There are major developments in Lex and Taddy's relationship. We get insight into Lex trying to juggle a career, motherhood, a wedding, secrets from the past, her Hawt Dominant Prince Fiancee, and an unexpected surprise. We also see Vive's struggle with alcohol and the demons of her past reach a turning point.
As usual Thank you Avery Aster. It was once again a pleasure to read your book. I look forward to seeing what is next. I hope it includes more Blake and Miguel. Copy from Netgally received in exchange for an honest review.
Blake and Miguel... Finally! LOVE them!!
Blake Morgan III has just come out of a five year loveless, sexless marriage to Diego Oalo. He was cheated on, he was not made to feel wanted, needed, or desired in any way, and he was made to feel that it was his fault. Blake has major secrets, and no one really knows how horrible his marriage really was, with the exception of a few people. For these reasons Blake has no desire to be in a relationship again, he does not think he will ever have the happily ever after, but that is what Miguel has always secretly wanted with him. Blake wants to be topped, he wants a guy who can take control.
Miguel Santana has loved Blake Morgan from a far since they were in college, for over a decade he has not said anything because Blake was in a relationship with Diego. Miguel is a true Dominant in every since of the word, that is all he has ever known is to be the one in control.
Now that Blake is newly divorced he wants to have a casual, fun, relationship with no strings attached. With the help of his friends Thor and Vive they come up with his list of Seven Desires. Miguel finds out about this list and decides that if anyone is going to fulfill Blake's desires it will be him. Plus he also has his own list of Seven Needs that he wants to fulfill with Blake.
Are you ready for some Naughty, Kinkiness, that will push the boundaries of anything that you ever thought you would read. I know I was a little squeamish when it comes to fisting, water sports, and electricity too, but leave it to Avery to even make that Hawt!! That is why this is my favorite book of hers so far, when you can go from a taboo BDSM scene to lines like "You treat me like a gift". "You make me feel special". That is what I am looking for in a book, the right combination of dominance and sweetness. A man that knows when to be a gentleman and when to be a dominant. I think Avery handled that perfectly. If you are looking for strictly m/m this book is not for you. If you are looking for vanilla sex this is not for you.
As their story progresses things go from Hawt, Naughty, Kinky Domination to something more, then the fear of being hurt again creeps in for Blake. Miguel has not been open to his family or to the public about his sexuality, but because of his feelings for Blake he now wants them to know who he really is. Will his family accept him? Will they get their happily ever after?
I like how in each book Avery also keeps you updated on characters from previous books. There are major developments in Lex and Taddy's relationship. We get insight into Lex trying to juggle a career, motherhood, a wedding, secrets from the past, her Hawt Dominant Prince Fiancee, and an unexpected surprise. We also see Vive's struggle with alcohol and the demons of her past reach a turning point.
As usual Thank you Avery Aster. It was once again a pleasure to read your book. I look forward to seeing what is next. I hope it includes more Blake and Miguel. Copy from Netgally received in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2015
"Unsaid ", the third book in the Manhttanites series did not disappoint. We finally get Blake Morgan's story and of course more of Lex, Taddy and Vive, because who would this group be without their BFF's.
The book is listed as a stand alone and Avery includes a great list of characters and descriptions in the beginning of the book; however with that said if you have the time to read the series in order you will appreciate the story line even more.
Blake Morgan III, has just finalized his divorce from his husband , after years of feeling unloved and untouched due to his husbands infidelities ; Blake is ready to get back out in the dying world and his freind Viv and Thor help him with his desire list,his seven top desires Which includes being topped to tied up and whipped, Of course Blake has no intention of really just jumping into his list with just anybody and he is not sure if he is ready for a relationship again if ever.
That is what friends are for though,Thor proceeds to copy Blakes BFF's of ten years Miguel Santana, famous and wealthy artist, known for being a n incredible top and known to Blakes freinds as the man who has lived Blake for over ten years and was heart broken when Blake married Diego aka MLD.
With some prodding from Thor and Viv,they convince Miguel that now is his chance to capture Blakes heart, so Miguel steps up and advises Blake that he has no other choice than to accept him as his Seven Desires partner and no one else, but they are going to have to complete Miguel's Seven needs list also and until they are done with the list Blake has to move in with him.
Miguel is determined to make Blake his permantley , the thought of not having Blake again is incomprehensible , it broke his heart loosing him to Deigo the first time . Now he just has to convince Blake.
Avery Aster proceeds to take you through emotional turmoil on both Blake and Miguel's part, some hot kinky scenes and some wonderfully romantic moments . Blake finds himself taking a submissives standpoint and loving it and surprisingly giving into things on his list that he was unsure of such as Fisting and putting all his trust into Miguel .
As I said you not only have Blakes story but we also get the continuation of Lex and Massimo's story from the previous book, all leading up to her wedding!
Manhattanite fans will not be disspapointed!
Arc copy provided Via Netgalley for an Honest review!
The book is listed as a stand alone and Avery includes a great list of characters and descriptions in the beginning of the book; however with that said if you have the time to read the series in order you will appreciate the story line even more.
Blake Morgan III, has just finalized his divorce from his husband , after years of feeling unloved and untouched due to his husbands infidelities ; Blake is ready to get back out in the dying world and his freind Viv and Thor help him with his desire list,his seven top desires Which includes being topped to tied up and whipped, Of course Blake has no intention of really just jumping into his list with just anybody and he is not sure if he is ready for a relationship again if ever.
That is what friends are for though,Thor proceeds to copy Blakes BFF's of ten years Miguel Santana, famous and wealthy artist, known for being a n incredible top and known to Blakes freinds as the man who has lived Blake for over ten years and was heart broken when Blake married Diego aka MLD.
With some prodding from Thor and Viv,they convince Miguel that now is his chance to capture Blakes heart, so Miguel steps up and advises Blake that he has no other choice than to accept him as his Seven Desires partner and no one else, but they are going to have to complete Miguel's Seven needs list also and until they are done with the list Blake has to move in with him.
Miguel is determined to make Blake his permantley , the thought of not having Blake again is incomprehensible , it broke his heart loosing him to Deigo the first time . Now he just has to convince Blake.
Avery Aster proceeds to take you through emotional turmoil on both Blake and Miguel's part, some hot kinky scenes and some wonderfully romantic moments . Blake finds himself taking a submissives standpoint and loving it and surprisingly giving into things on his list that he was unsure of such as Fisting and putting all his trust into Miguel .
As I said you not only have Blakes story but we also get the continuation of Lex and Massimo's story from the previous book, all leading up to her wedding!
Manhattanite fans will not be disspapointed!
Arc copy provided Via Netgalley for an Honest review!
October 12, 2015
I recently read xo,Blake and instantly fell in love with him. I was so excited that I would get to spend more time with him in Unsaid.
I haven't read the rest of the series but I was introduced to most of the characters in xo, Blake, so they were not completely new to me.
Unsaid is a strange mix of soap opera and porn. Yes, porn. The sex is edgy and graphic. Yes, soap opera, the drama in every character's life is at level 10/10.
If I'm honest, I have to admit this is not the kind of book I usually enjoy. But I was strangely captivated and held hostage to the extreme that I put my day on hold to read the entire book. I'm not sure how realistic the plot is. How realistic are soap operas? The characters held me captive nonetheless.
The m/m relationship was unique. A new and interesting spin on it. I hear some people complain about unrealistic m/m scenarios in books. When I read a fictional story, I never forget the story is not real life. I don't understand that complaint. Why read fiction if you are expecting real life? The characters are lovable.
Blake:
"Always comfortable with being gay, even effeminate at times, he didn’t hold back. He wasn’t affected, but expressive, and in touch with his emotions."
Miguel:
"Most guys who come out later in life, or those who don’t come out at all, don’t have real friends, ones they can be themselves with.”
I enjoyed reading their story.
The book touched on some trigger subjects. ... Ok, it touched a lot of trigger subjects. I think it was done with good intentions and an open mind.
There was one glaring missplot about Blake that bothered me because I so recently read xo, Blake. There were a few relationship scenes that could have used a little expansion. It needed a last good copy edit. None of that really stopped me from being glued to this book from start to finish.
Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy.
I haven't read the rest of the series but I was introduced to most of the characters in xo, Blake, so they were not completely new to me.
Unsaid is a strange mix of soap opera and porn. Yes, porn. The sex is edgy and graphic. Yes, soap opera, the drama in every character's life is at level 10/10.
If I'm honest, I have to admit this is not the kind of book I usually enjoy. But I was strangely captivated and held hostage to the extreme that I put my day on hold to read the entire book. I'm not sure how realistic the plot is. How realistic are soap operas? The characters held me captive nonetheless.
The m/m relationship was unique. A new and interesting spin on it. I hear some people complain about unrealistic m/m scenarios in books. When I read a fictional story, I never forget the story is not real life. I don't understand that complaint. Why read fiction if you are expecting real life? The characters are lovable.
Blake:
"Always comfortable with being gay, even effeminate at times, he didn’t hold back. He wasn’t affected, but expressive, and in touch with his emotions."
Miguel:
"Most guys who come out later in life, or those who don’t come out at all, don’t have real friends, ones they can be themselves with.”
I enjoyed reading their story.
The book touched on some trigger subjects. ... Ok, it touched a lot of trigger subjects. I think it was done with good intentions and an open mind.
There was one glaring missplot about Blake that bothered me because I so recently read xo, Blake. There were a few relationship scenes that could have used a little expansion. It needed a last good copy edit. None of that really stopped me from being glued to this book from start to finish.
Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy.
Want to read
November 23, 2013This is going to be my first M/M, and i cant wait ... i was lucky enough to be chosen to read the first two in exchange for an honest review, and they were so worth it
January 9, 2015
4.5 stars
February 22, 2015
Fire! I Loved It!
Read
August 31, 2015DNF @ 29%...really lost and skimmed quite a bit of what I did read. Can't give a honest review.
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