Charlene Reviews: Guestlist by Jay Fingers

ISBN #: 978-0615575513

Page Count: 258

Copyright: March 27, 2012

Publisher: Be Cool Entertainment Holdings

Description:

(Taken from back cover)

Juliet Feliz moved to New York City, leaving an unfulfilling life and uncertain future behind her. However, despite her new surroundings and social circle, Juliet's life threatens to fall into the same rut as before - that is, until she meets successful party promoter Napoleon Fey.

Napoleon introduces Juliet to an exclusive world of VIP nightclubs, luxurious parties, celebrity friends, and sparkler-adorned bottles of champagne. But when Napoleon begins to show romantic interest in Juliet, that raises the ire of a beautiful, and intimidating, ex-model named Ava.

Add to the mix Marcel Swann, a down-on-his-luck young man smitten with Ava; Byron Lord, an NBA player with an affinity for nice suits, cognac, and video vixens: Sharane and Mare, Juliet's bickering roommates; and a host of other unforgettable characters, and you've got the story of a bunch of beautiful people doing some very ugly things.

Guestlist, the debut novel from Jay Fingers, is a spectacularly sexy, funny, and, at times, shocking tale of what goes on once you've made it past the velvet rope.

Charlene's Review:

Guestlist revolves around the story of Juliet, and her ambition to surround herself with the "pretty people" of New York. When she first meets Napoleon Fey, she dismisses him, but after learning of his connections, takes an interest. Running parallel is the story of Marcel Swann, a man instantly captivated by a high society lady named Ava. Both are in for the ride of their lives, as they try to tame their intendeds.

I would classify this as an urban fiction novel. Never shying away from sex and profanity, Mr. Fingers paints a realistic picture of the lives of his characters. We see clearly the ulterior motives behind each characters behavior, and never more so than in the last few chapters as things speed up and fall into place. The intensity of the drama plays out and catches you by surprise, as you realize things aren't always what they seem in the glamorous life. After an exhilarating culmination, Fingers leaves you with the hope of new beginnings for both Juliet and Marcel. A sequel, perhaps?

I initially was discouraged by the language used, but as the story went on, found myself turning pages with a new intensity. Not the most beautiful book, as far as imagery, but entertaining. I would definitely read a follow-up story.