This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
Former fashion designer of couture evening wear and accessories, Jody LaGreca is now an award-winning poet and the author of eight novels. Her novels appeal to both men and women and are "intense and satisfying" with unexpected twists and turns. Jody LaGreca has a BA in Writing/English from Queens College University of New York. She also graduated Phi Theta Kappa Magna Cum Laude in Fashion Apparel Design from NCC, State University of New York. Her poetry is internationally published in magazines and anthologies, including "Midstream." Her fashion designs have been on the covers of the "National Fashion & Boutique Show" trade magazine in New York City, as well as in "Mademoiselle", "Women's Wear Daily," and "New York Post." She has been a featured author at the International Women's Writing Guild, Big Apple Conference in New York City. She has been writing since the age of seven. Jody LaGreca was born in Sea Gate, Brooklyn, New York's first gated community.
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
In author Jody R. LaGreca’s new work, Fleshpot, we get a peek into the sad and disturbing world in a brothel, and in particular, the world of one prostitute, Maria Cezaro. Maria, a beautiful 18-year-old, works for her mother, the Madame Colette, at her bordello in Spanish Harlem. Sought after by client Ray Brent, who has fallen deeply in love with the young woman, Maria is offered a position as the companion of the wealthy man’s dying wife. What Maria doesn’t know is that his true intent is to train her as his future wife, and to keep her all for himself, away from the other clients of the brothel. Maria’s life, while seemingly improved by her change in circumstances, is never truly her own to control.
The story of Maria Cezaro, forced into a life no child should have to endure by her selfish and exploitative mother, was one that I could simply not stop reading once I started it. Fleshpot is the perfect title for this book, as that is what Maria Cezaro is, first offered to any man who would have her, then kept specifically for one, the rich and influential Ray Brent, who, while he wants to keep Maria safe for himself, also continues to visit the bordello and utilize the services of other prostitutes just as victimized as she had been.
Jody R. LaGreca’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow. Her character development is amazing and you will find yourself truly caring for Maria and hoping that all works out for the best for this young woman. Fleshpot will appeal to any reader who loves twisted romances, stories of trust and abuse of that trust, or just good stories in general. I will certainly look for more work from author Jody R. LaGreca, and hope to see more soon from this very promising author.
