Trashionista

BOOK NEWS: Gigolo

Having reported recently on the return of the bonkbuster, I'm pleased to announce that some of the new glitz-n-glamour books are pushing the traditional bonkbuster boundaries. A bit.

In Gigolo, the gigolo in question is a man (gasp!). Greg, aka Golden, has rich, glamorous women as clients and enjoys his champagne lifestyle. However, he can't help wondering if he will ever meet Miss Right...

Related posts: Is Kerry Katona the new Jordan? | Two takes on call-girl lit

The return of the Bonkbuster?

While I'm not certain they ever went far away, The Times has an article on their triumphant return, citing Kerry Katona, Katie Price and Olivia Darling (Vintage - pictured).

They claim that women are moving back towards utterly escapist, glamorous, sex-filled romps a la Jackie Collins and away from "angst-ridden chick lit."

Interesting note - Olivia Darling is the pen name of Chick Lit staple, Chris Manby!

Related posts: Bonkbusters archives

BOOK NEWS: Bollywood Nights by Shobhaa De

Bollywood Nights - or "The original Bollywood novel" as the cover would have us believe - is a difficult book to review. On the one hand, I'd like to say it's absolute tripe, but on the other, I read the whole thing and usually if a book's bad I can't finish it.

Written in 1992, Bollywood Nights is basically Jackie Collins does Bollywood. But Jackie Collins is a better writer than Shobhaa De. I can't see any reference to a translator anywhere, so I assume it was written in English and that might explain some, but not all, of the problems I had with this book.

Anyway, it's basically the story of Indian film star Aasha Rani (for some reason, her name is spelled "Asha" on the back cover). Aasha Rani's mother decided that turning her daughter into a film star was the best way out of the hovel they'd found themselves in following the breakdown of her relationship with a wealthy (and married) studio owner. Prostituting her young daughter out to all and sundry, she was quickly successful and Aasha Rani became "Sweetheart of Millions".

Aasha Rani's morals aren't much better than her mother's and the book features a series of sexual adventures, which are treated pretty much the same whether they're with Aasha Rani's husband, a stranger on a plane or another woman. If in doubt, Aasha Rani's motto seems to be, find someone to have sex with. When she's not having sex she's running away - to New Zealand, to Madras, to London - and being betrayed by everyone in her life.

The thing is, while it's true that Aasha Rani was exploited by her mother at a young age, she then refuses to take responsibility for her life and behaves appallingly throughout the novel. But not in a powerful anti-heroine way, just in an irritating way that makes you want her to cop on to herself and get a grip.

The action becomes more and more far-fetched and ridiculous and I cared less and less about Aasha Rani and her family (and I didn't care much to begin with). At the end I didn't feel like she'd learned or achieved anything.

It's all rather vague and unformed and I never really believed or accepted anyone's - least of all Aasha Rani's - motivations for anything.

I can only assume this book has been reissued purely to take advantage of the young British Asian population and not because it's actually worth reading. Very disappointing.

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try  The Washingtonienne by Jessica Cutler

BOOK NEWS: Julian Clary's Murder Most Fab

Following the success of his double entendre-stuffed memoir, A Young Man's Passage, Julian Clary is the latest celeb to bring out a novel - Murder Most Fab has a Janet Evanovich-esque cover and according to Janet Street Porter in Marie Claire is, "A very funny novel that charts the progress of a gorgeous boy from drama school, through to working as a rent boy and telly stardom. En route there are several murders, loads of drugs and masses of sex..."

It's out today.

[Via Woman magazine and Amazon.co.uk]

Related: BOOK REVIEW - How I Paid For College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship and Musical Theatre by Marc Acito.

BOOK REVIEW: The Washingtonienne by Jessica Cutler

Jessica Cutler is probably the most notorious of all the people to have been fired for blogging at work. Not only did she work for a senator in Washington, D.C but she wrote about the six different men she was having sex with and all of their sexual peccadilloes... and her own. She blogged anonymously, but was found out through word-of-mouth (and eventually, hard disk evidence) and unceremoniously 'let go' from her job. Instead of hiding in a dark corner, she decided to capitalise on the subsequent media attention she received, and used it to get a book deal (with a 6-figure advance). The Washingtonienne isn't her blog in book form, however; it's novel based on her experiences.

Jackie Turner is a New York transplant in America's capital, working for a senator, having her apartment paid for by two wealthy men she sleeps with, one of whom pays her for the privilege. Then she starts a blog, which causes a huge scandal.

'Semi-autobiographical' doesn't quite seem to cover it!....

I must admit there were times I forgot I wasn't reading a memoir. I always find it hard to get a handle on novels based heavily on the author's experiences - I always want to know exactly which bits are true. If the lawsuit against her is anything to go by, however, Cutler's debut is very close to the truth.

It's witty and readable but the narrator has a very dark world view and it's full of drug-taking and sordid sex (which on one occasion seemed uncomfortably close to rape to me) and the narrator's presumption that most people live like her (those that don't are stupid/boring) and that these things are what constitute 'fun'. Yet puking purple bile into bushes on the way to work and snorting drugs off - well, you'll have to read the book - doesn't sound much fun to me. Although I did feel a bit jealous that she could watch Law & Order all day...

This is definitely a novel in the anti-heroine trend, saved from being appalling by the snappy writing and (finally!) the narrator's insight into her behaviour towards the end of the book. Not everyone will enjoy reading this, some people will find it shameless, I just found it left me with a bit of a nasty taste in my mouth at times. And yet I kind of enjoyed it (she said, in horrified disbelief) and it was certainly entertaining. If anyone else has read it (perhaps for Mamapop's book club) I'd love to know what you thought.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler.

BOOK REVIEW: An Absolute Scandal by Penny Vincenzi

Reviewed by freelance writer and Trashionista fan Hannah Davies...

Coming in at 768 pages in the hardback edition, and set amidst the complex financial dealings of the City in the Eighties, Penny Vincenzi's latest novel An Absolute Scandal seems a daunting prospect. Potential readers should bear in mind, however, that this is less than half the size of War and Peace. More importantly, An Absolute Scandal is a very good read overall.

All the classic Vincenzi ingredients are here: a glittering backdrop of wealth and privilege, a large and diverse cast, some energetic sex and, well, plenty of scandal. An Absolute Scandal introduces the characters as they enjoy the kind of material success that, for some, typifies the early Eighties. As disaster strikes in the form of increasing debt to Lloyds Bank, the families are drawn together by their mutual monetary woes. This device is extremely well-handled: the explanations of the financial complexities are clear and accessible, and never take precedence over the gripping human drama. The plot skips lightly from Alice bands and Ferraris in London to well-heeled Americans in Boston, the savage beauty of the Welsh coastline and the glitzy world of the celebrity hairdresser, yet never loses its hold on the reader.

The main weakness is the sudden promotion of 'feisty' housewife Debbie to prominence during the second third of the novel. Although she is clearly intended to be an 'everywoman' counterbalance to the assorted wealthy Sloanes, her character fails to convince, and her struggle to balance the duties of family with the demands of career flirts at times with tedium.

In addition, after a long and intense build-up, the ending feels rushed and somehow not entirely satisfying. Nevertheless, with its addictive plot and stylish narrative, I'd recommend this as a great holiday read. Even if you feel that it is not quite up to the standard of Penny Vincenzi's previous books, you can always use this hefty tome for impromptu arm-toning exercises by the pool. However, be prepared to take less sarongs and sandals than usual, or you might end up paying excess baggage charges!

Rating: 3 out of 5

Like this? Try Adored by Tilly Bagshawe.

BOOK REVIEW: The Tuesday Erotica Club by Lisa Beth Kovetz

Four women from very different backgrounds form an unlikely writers' alliance in Lisa Beth Kovetz's debut novel, The Tuesday Erotica Club.

All have different jobs at a New York law firm when newly-pregnant Aimee decides to start a weekly writing group, which quickly becomes a weekly erotic writing group. Her friend Brooke is quick to join, as is older associate Margot, who has a reputation for being a bit scary. Secretary Lux is a latecomer to the group and with her distinct lack of writing skills, wildly coloured clothing and hair and tough attitude, isn't a welcome addition.  But she doesn't care. As the group becomes a regular fixture for all four women, all of their lives begin to change in dramatic ways and Aimee, Brooke, Margot and Lux realise they need each other's support more than they ever could have guessed...

As you might suspect from the title, there's a certain amount of erotic writing in the book, as we are treated to the women's creative efforts. It just stops short of being too much, but probably isn't for the squeamish about sex. However, the real plot of the book is about the importance of female friendship and it's a very good, well-crafted read. Unlike some other books I've read recently (e.g. this one), when the chapters alternated viewpoints, I didn't find it hard to keep them separate at all. And all the women became sympathetic characters by the end of the book, even the ones who didn't start out that way!

I just have two slight reservations: I felt that the character of Lux was maybe a little too naive at times, and I felt that maybe we didn't need to read quite so much erotica (I know, the clue was in the title!) - sex may sell, but this book doesn't need any gimmicks to keep readers hooked.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble.

Jen Lancaster launches Mamapop's book club

I know, I can't seem to shut up about Jen Lancaster or Mamapop lately (maybe next week...?) but this I had to share: Jen Lancaster, Mamapop.com's resident author/avid reader, has just launched their book club with the inaugural (little political pun intended!) read: The Washingtonienne, Jessica Cutler's infamous blook.

If I wasn't on a book buying ban (I've got too many!), I'd be tempted to join in myself... Perhaps it's a choice for you if Richard and Judy's picks for this summer don't appeal?

BOOK NEWS: Crystal by Katie Price

Yep, Jordan's at it again - or rather Katie Price is (doesn't she get confused?!)

Described as "a glittering and sexy story of passion and betrayal and one woman’s search for true love" Crystal is the dual-named glamour model's second attempt at fiction after the success of Angel last year. (Which we quite liked, by the way). Clearly designed to be another beach read, Crystal will be released on 7th June.

[Via randomhouse.co.uk ]

The bad sex in fiction award

OK, so it isn't anything to do with women's fiction but I think Trashionista readers will still find this interesting/amusing/snigger-worthy... The Literary Review's Bad Sex in Fiction Award 2006 has just been awarded to author Iain Hollingshead for his debut novel Twenty Something which includes the phrase "bulging trousers".

The judges said the point of the award is "to draw attention to the crude, tasteless, often perfunctory use of redundant passages of sexual description in the modern novel, and to discourage it".

Iain Hollingshead said: "I hope to win it every year."

[Via the BBC]

Related: Yay or Nay: Sex in books? / Bonkbuster archives!

BOOK REVIEW: Girl with a One Track Mind by Abby Lee

What kind of girl keeps a sachet of lubricant in her handbag in case she needs to give a hand job? A girl with a one track mind.

Abby Lee is the no longer anonymous (she was recently unmasked as London-based Zoe Margolis) author of the award winning blog Girl with a One Track Mind which records her search for satisfying, adventurous sex. The book charts one year in her life in which she tries everything from one night stands to swingers evenings  via domination and lesbian encounters...

Abby Lee is a woman of contradictions. She wants a loving relationship but picks up men in bars and on the internet and then seems surprised when all they want is a one night stand. She thinks her ex-boyfriend is emotionally immature because he’s found a woman he wants to spend time with and be faithful to, rather than taking Abby to a swingers evening.

Despite thinking of herself as adventurous Abby Lee has a very blinkered view of sex. She describes sex as being either vanilla (plain) or BDSM (bondage domination sado-masochism) and can’t see anything in between. She thinks her friends are stuck in sexually boring monogamous relationships yet as her sexual searching doesn’t even produce sex once a month at times, I’d guess that her friends are having far more sex than she is!

Unfortunately this book doesn’t work as a story or a memoir. The main character is not likeable enough and the supporting cast are easily forgotten as most only appear for one night. The details of her sexual encounters are wholly un-erotic. We are given cold hard facts - what she did, who she did it with and how many times she orgasmed - but there is no passion behind her words, no real enjoyment. And I was glad when she finally had sex for the first time that year as I was very bored reading about her tedious masturbation sessions.

I can see why this works as a blog (let’s face it most things are better than working and that’s when people would read it, as a work substitute) but it just doesn’t cut it as a sexual memoir. If you want erotic memoirs go for Anais Nin. If you want deeply disturbing then read The Story of O. If you want annoying and dull then read this. [Nicola Pedley]

Rating: 2 out of 5

Like this? Try Diary of a Manhattan Call Girl by Tracy Quan.

BOOK REVIEW : Angel by Katie Price ('Jordan')

I have to admit that when I saw Katie Price was writing her first novel I was a bit dubious. Okay, incredibly dubious. When I saw the promotions for it, and realised it was a story about a young girl who turns to glamour modelling to try to earn the money she desperately needs if she is to follow her dreams my fears for the book deepened. Was this going to be yet another version of Katie's life, or would she surprise me? I have to admit I was curious as I began to read.

'Angel' tells the story of Angel, a girl who is just on the brink of finishing college with dreams of a career in fashion design. The only problem is that she doesn't have enough money to fund the art course she desperately wants to take, and her parents won't fund such an uncertain future. On top of that its been less than a year since her parents revealed that she was adopted - she's still not really sure of who she is or whether she really belongs.

Angel is tempted by a model scout to have some photos taken. When the photographer suggests doing some glamour shots she feels a little reluctant. Once she agrees though she quickly realises that this could be the shortcut to the money she wants. Angel's rise to fame as a glamour model is rapid, and all of a sudden everybody wants a piece of her. Surely something's got to bring her down again, but will she survive?

This is a reasonably written debut novel, particularly when you consider that the author has no experience of writing beyond her own memoirs. The subject matter is so familiar when you think about Katie Price that you wonder whether some of it may actually be autobiographical. Then again they say write what you know, and this is certainly what Price knows. This does make me think that we will only truly see whether Price has promise as a novelist

The characters and plot were believable, you could easily see some of them gracing the pages of the tabloid gossip pages. The ending was relatively accomplished, whereas this is an area some first time novelists appear to struggle with Price tied up all the ends neatly but without it feeling forced.

This would be perfect as an easy read for the beach this summer.

Rating : 3 out of 5

Like this? Try 'Adored' by Tilly Bagshawe.

BOOK REVIEW - How I Paid For College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship and Musical Theatre by Marc Acito

How I paid for College… is a fabulous, over-the-top, brilliantly written, laugh-a-minute American lad-lit (is that enough adjectives yet?!) novel that I can’t recommend enough to anyone with a sense of humour and a pulse. It tells the story of Edward, a high-school senior in 1980s New Jersey, who is desperate to study acting at the prestigious Julliard in New York City but his overbearing father has refused to pay and his flaky mother is incommunicado on her latest hippy retreat. Perhaps most people wouldn’t hatch the outrageous schemes that Edward comes up with to fund his college education, but then most people couldn’t write a book this original and funny either. Not that paying for college is Edward’s only problem: he has a permanently stoned sister, wicked stepmother and his own confused sexuality to contend with.

This is not a book for the prudish - there's a lot of sex (or more accurately, a lot of thinking and talking about sex, in all its forms - and some action) but although the characters are sometimes in fairly seedy situations, the book is always funny and compulsive, never sordid. Acito’s tongue is firmly in his cheek as he creates a narrator who at times contradicts himself and makes bad decisions but is always lovable and sweet.  In fact, all the main characters are so engaging you always want them to do well, even in their most ill-advised attempts to make money.

The nicest thing about the book is the open-minded and supportive friendships Edward forms - not quite like my experience of being a teenager, I must admit, but an essential part of making this book so enjoyable. Even the minor characters, although sometimes very broad stereotypes, are funny and well-drawn.

It’s been compared to The Catcher in the Rye, that classic story of teen alienation, but I’d say it more closely resembles all those great eighties teen flicks, from the Breakfast Club to Ferris Bueller, where teenagers make the most of being young and foolish, and bring you along for the ride. (The film rights have been optioned, so it will be fascinating to see the film that results).

So, to sum up: a brilliant read that you should run, not walk to the bookshop and buy. I really can’t think of a single criticism about it, apart from the fact that it ended. My only worry is how much of it might really be true…[Diane Shipley]

Rating : 5 out of 5

Like this? Try "Adored" by Tilly Bagshawe

Southern Comfort

I was drawn to the bright pink book in the romance section of my local library. The blurb on the back sounded pretty good and so I decided to give it a try. Well all I can say having now ploughed to the end of it (all in the Trashionista name) that it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I do fear for the hearts of any little old ladies who decide to give it a go!

The storyline itself is pretty well thought out, one of the modern setpieces. Fallon Hargis is an undercover agent for the DEA. When the drug baron she is collecting intelligence about rumbles her cover he orders her killing. As she flees for her life, Fallon comes across Wade Tanner who instantly falls for this mysterious woman and decides to become her chief protector. Wade used to serve as a detetctive in the city, but decided enough was enough. He now presides as Sheriff of a sleepy little town, and has grown to love the quiet life.

The quiet life is the last thing on Wade's mind only seconds after meeting Fallon. He takes her back to Two Creeks - there's no way she can be found there. He quickly realises though that taking care of someone who doesn't want to be taken care of can be a thankless and dangerous task.

So the storyline has definite promise. What is somewhat unfortunate then is that for the first two-thirds of the book Fallon and Wade are either having explicit sex, or thinking about having explicit sex. And the last third of the book is generally made up of violence, which at times borders on the gratuitous. Now I'm for a little gratuity, but to me this book felt overdone. The author seemed to be relying on her ability to write soft-core porn instead of devoting the time to the plot and characters - both of which where actually pretty good, as far as they went.

So unfortunately this book gets the thumbs down from me. I'm sure some people will love it, but for me there was just not enough book.

Like this? Try 'The Movie' by Louise Bagshawe

Adored

The bonkbuster is back with Tilly Bagshawe's debut novel. Adored is a glamorous take on the chick lit style. Hollywood, super-starlets, supermodels, super-everythings are in abundance with a book that take us from Paris to New York, Las Vegas and LA.

In seventies Hollywood, legendary actor Duke McMahon is a tyrant; hated, loathed and loved in equal measures. We first meet him when he is bringing his mistress, Caroline, to live with his family, which include his cowed wife Minnie and two children who hate him. Quite why they are such a wet bunch of people is a bit of a mystery and it’s hard to feel sympathetic for them when they don’t put their foot down to Duke’s antics!

Into this seething snake pit is born our heroine Siena McMahon, Duke’s grand-daughter and seemingly the only person who actually likes him. Packed off to a boarding school in England to protect her from the fallout after Duke's death, we find Siena, in the present day, to be quite a feisty little madam. Determined, beautiful (of course) and abandoned, she’s on her way back to Hollywood to make her name.

Siena is a fantastic character. There aren’t any of the usual crises of confidence that we normally see in chick-lit. Instead Siena sees what she wants and goes all out to get it, learning love and a little humility on the way. It can, however, be hard to find Siena endearing especially with the way she treats the other characters, but ultimately, she is quite loveable. Despite some improbabilities in the plot (a 5 foot 4 inch supermodel, really?) Adored is a good read. Woven into Sienas rise and fall are a number of subplots and characters, ranging from her delightful uncle Hunter to evil mogul Randall and the loveable Max.

Adored may not be the most intelligent of reads but it does what it says on the tin. It's got plenty of plot twists, a sublime cast of characters and is the kind of juicy, escapist read that you will get lost in. This is the kind of book to read if you want pure, escapist fiction that bears no resemblance to real life whatsoever! [Camilla Chafer]

Did you know?
Tilly Bagshawe is the younger sister of chick lit luminary Louise Bagshawe?

Buy Adored by Tilly Bagshawe for £5.59

The Movie

Fans of the bonkbuster genre will probably have read one or two Louise Bagshawe novels. Those who've read more than two will probably be twiddling their thumbs while wondering when she'll come up with a new plot. The truth is, all her escapist romps do stick to a tried-and-tested sexy women / power struggle formula - but they continue to sell! This early novel is arguably one of her best, and if you've not read any of her books before, it's a great place to start...

The main thing that sets 'The Movie' apart from later Bagshawe novels is that it doesn't concentrate on her over-used formula of two women who hate each other - the blonde ice queen and the curvy Latina. Instead 'The Movie' concentrates on three lead females and all the men in their lives. To some extent this works, pushing the plot on very quickly, though with so much going on it can be hard to keep track of all the characters.

Naive, overweight Megan Silver is a failed writer with one last chance. When she happens to pen a script that would be the perfect vehicle for her favourite musician Zach Mason's burgeoning film career, she's plucked from obscurity by pushy Hollywood agent David Tauber to work on the hottest movie of the year. This is how she meets studio exec Eleanor Marshall (her mentor), superbitch supermodel Roxana Felix (her rival), and a supporting cast of Hollywood players who slowly drag her into their tangled web.

Concentrating on three characters definitely gives the book a fast pace, and there's barely a chance to pause for breathe throughout. The three women are incredible stereotypes (the plain and mousy put-upon writer, the successful career woman who just wants a family and the successful supermodel with a secret hidden past) but it's not the clever plot that keeps this book going. It is, essentially, a 480-page vehicle for unbelievable sex scenes and over the top cat fights - it's escapism at it's best. The story won't blow you away and the ending (especially where Roxana is concerned) seems a bit rushed and highly improbable, but it's a fun, quick and easy read that's perfect for the beach (or train).

If you like your books believable and honest, then give this one a miss. If you've read Bagshawe before and are getting tired of her formulaic approach, then there's not really anything new here to tempt you, but if you like a good romp and you've yet to read any of her stuff (or if you love her despite the lack of imagination character-wise) then it's definitely better than most attempts to push Jackie Collins off her pedastal. Give it a go if you like your novels sexy and steamy!

The Movie - Louise Bagshawe