“Unconventional (The Manhattanites Book 4)”

by Avery Aster

Release Date: January 26, 2016

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4/5 Stars!

Truly, Madly, Deeply!

While I own the ‘Undergrad Years’ series by this author, I have not had a chance to read it, so “Unconventional” was my first venture into world of the Manhattanites, and I liked the time I spent there.

The question is whether two men can share the same woman forever…and when it’s Luigi and Rocco…and Jemma, I don’t see a problem – if they can get past their fears, drama and dump a load of unnecessary baggage. They have been together for quite some time, and have weathered the storms of public scrutiny and disapproval…and Jemma’s fight with breast cancer. The three lovers followed their hearts and prevailed in the eyes of the public, but it’s Jemma’s feelings of inadequacy, low-self esteem and fears of her illness returning that could be their undoing.

I cannot say Jemma’s fears are unfounded. Surviving breast cancer is the victory, but then there’s the challenge of LIVING again. Getting past the one year mark…the five year mark, always wondering if the cancer will return. She needed to trust in the love she shared with Luigi and Rocco more – to reach out, instead of withdrawing, because it affected not only their relationship. but her entire life. When Jemma’s latest fashion line falls flat, the Manhattanites plot with Luigi and Rocco and the “sexual safari” is planned so Jemma can get her groove back – OUTSIDE and INSIDE the bedroom.

This is where I had a bit of a disconnect. If these three have nothing else, it is over-the-top obvious they love each other desperately. You read it in their internal thoughts, you hear it in their words, you feel it in the author’s spot on descriptions of their expressions and body language. But the sex itself…not so much. Don’t get me wrong, there is much hot, steamy smexiness going on in this story, but, for the love I felt these three had for each other, the sex felt random and casual. I expected more sensuality, and definitely more passion. Luigi, Rocco and Jemma are all extremely intense people outside the bedroom – I expect to hear fire alarms once they get inside. LOL!

Jemma’s personal epiphanies arrive just in time…because the road has begun to get rocky. My heart went out to poor Rocco, the most sensitive of the three. He didn’t just want a home and family, he NEEDED them to survive. Luigi wanted a home with them…and Jemma just wanted them.

These are all very likeable people, and you’ll be in their corner, routing for them to get their HEA. The Manhattanites are a fun, snarky bunch who pull no punches, but look out for and support each other.

1-click this…while I go catch up with the rest of the series!