Manwhore

Manwhore by Katy Evans
Audiobook Narrated by Grace Grant

This is a book I would normally avoid. I did avoid it. It kept coming up over and over again, however, as an audible recommendation. So, I finally took the plunge. I read the negative reviews and thought I'd find the same wooden characters, it was all about some woman so addicted to rather boring and one sided sex with some self centered, insecure, egotistical man...
Wow, was I wrong. I could totally see how some of the things in the negative reviews could drive them crazy. They were things that would drive me crazy normally too. But, I actually liked this book for having Rachel's thoughts, some of her strange ways, etc. They came off like real people with all of the quirks and hang ups, good and bad. Rachel having real reservations about sleeping with this man who is obviously a womanizer makes total sense to me. I didn't see it as slut shaming, but I can totally understand why she didn't want to be one of them. I can't relate to desperate women myself. I don't judge them, I just don't understand them. But, he actually showed real interest in her, his actions showed he cared, he wasn't just abusing and using her. Too me, that is such a more realistic struggle. Being attracted to a guy who's totally hot, treats you nicely, does caring things for you, pleases you both in and out of bed, but not wanting to get involved because he has a major player and womanizing reputation? Yes!! I can see that!! Seems more realistic and healthy to me.
Being in love with some guy who treats you like crap, gets off on hurting you, then you say how nice he was to sooth your bruises and hurts after he inflicted them, let's not forget that you really aren't into his abusive sex, but he likes it so you'll suffer through is so...not interesting. If you want a guy to spank you, tie you up, etc and he does, then yea I get it. But, if you don't and you're just being some guys small tortured animal he can abuse at will and somehow you can't get away from the creep and think that's love, but somehow it's hot and the character doesn't see there's an abuse situation here? I don't think so. not my kind of read. Those stories that show the character understands the problem and is helpless against this persons pull? I can even do that. But, mistaking abuse for love, I just can't get into. It takes all kinds though, and I know some readers love it. So, I'm not judging. But, I digress.
This is the first book I have listened to by Katy Evans and I was MAJORLY, PLEASANTLY SURPRISED. I lost sleep trying to finish this book I was so stuck. I was so glad I read the reviews about it being a cliffhanger, because boy was it. Again, another thing I know some readers don't like. But I don't mind. I thought the inner struggles of the characters and the thoughts were done brilliantly, and that is testament to the author. Because normally, having that much inner dialogue would drive me nuts. But, I was going through the emotional changes and challenges with the characters.
I'm not sure, but I don't believe I've ever listened to anything by Grace Grant and ended up with 2 books narrated by her back to back. She did an awesome job. She really captured the characters and put you into the story. I could see and feel everything. It was like watching a movie in my head. I love her interpretation of the characters and her flow. She has no little nuances that take you out of the story. Great book with a great narrator is win win! I'll be diving in for more of both. 

Reviewed by Marla Josephs
http://www.marlajosephs.com/
Marla's GoodReads Reviews