Review: Faking It by Elisa Lorello

Faking It by Elisa Lorello: In Faking It we meet Andi Cutrone, a 30-something writing professor whose personal life is in flux after she breaks off her engagement. Deciding to yield New England to her ex, Andi moves home to Long Island and new teaching position at Brooklyn University, eager to get a fresh start on her career and herself. Things seem to be going according to plan, Andi’s classes are invigorating and she’s enjoying the company of her best friend and colleague, Maggie. Then, just when Andi seems to be finding her footing, she meets Devin, a male escort whose client list seems to include at least half of the accomplished women she knows. Devin, totally handsome and charming (and decidedly out of her league), has something else underneath his sexy exterior that piques Andi’s interest. So she proposes a “teaching” arrangement: each of them will educate the other in what they know best. Devin will teach Andi to be a better lover, and she’ll teach him to be a writer. What starts out as a clear-cut contract slowly develops into a deeper, unexpected relationship. In the midst of lessons in rhetorical theory and foreplay, Andi and Devin delve into profound questions about everything from art to love to politics, stripping away the emotional walls each has built up, and ultimately opening themselves up to each other and the rest of the world.


My Thoughts:
When I first heard about this book, I wondered if I could enjoy a story with what I considered a superficial premise.  It is often difficult for me to relate to a main character who does something (like engage the services of an escort) I could never imagine doing.  But Andi won me over - her insecurities and desire to overcome them was something I could certainly relate to.  Once I looked beyond Andi's decision  to contract Devin, I realized there Andi and I were not so different - and I was hooked!

This story is less about the "love lessons" offered by Devin and much more about the evolution of Andi from an insecure girl to a more confident woman ready to be successful not only in her university career but also in romance. In teaching Andi how to shed her body consciousness, Devin grants Andi the ability to truly grow up and grab onto life with both hands.

The pace of the  novel picked up noticeably in the last third and there were a few plot twists I did not expect.  The book left me wanting more from these characters so I am happy to see that a sequel coming out (Ordinary World out June 14th).  If you are looking for a fun read  - Andi is learning about sex from an escort, after all - with a main character who evolves over the course of the novel, Faking It is for you!

I am offering a special giveaway with this book, check here for details!