[Book Review] Zen and Sex

Zen and Sex
Author: Dermot Davis
Date Published: February 9, 2013
Publisher: Expression Unleashed Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Humor, Comedy

Links:
Goodreads // Amazon

Book Info:

Martin is a content twenty-four year old single guy whose peace is disturbed when he receives a wedding invitation from his ex-girlfriend with whom he still pines for. 

Does he go? 

He considers that if he doesn't go to the wedding, he will be perceived as a sadsack loser. If he goes alone he'll be perceived as an even worse loser.

However, if he attends the wedding with a drop-dead gorgeous bombshell who looks like she's crazy about him, then it's his ex-girlfriend that's going to look like the loser. 

Problem is he's not dating a drop-dead gorgeous bombshell. 

He's got three weeks. 

After many disastrous online initiated dates, he finally does get to meet a gorgeous bombshell who agrees to attend the wedding with him. 

Problem is, not only is she fourteen years his senior, but she's all about putting Zen into relationship, which involves every guy's worst nightmare: talking about your feelings, being conscious of your thoughts and above all, unabashed, honest communication at all times. 

Martin has no idea what he is getting himself into and the sharp learning curve that's required of him when all he wants is sex and she wants Zen.

 Rating:

★★★★★

Review:
A stereotypical case of trying to look good for an ex.

This story reminded me of that ever-common plot point in romantic movies where a person tries to act like he/she has moved on from a previous relationship by appearing with a new love interest. After all, nothing says "I've moved on" better than a new love, right?

Anyways, personally, I did not really like the story all that much. Although it's labeled at a romantic-comedy, I just wasn't all that convinced with the comedy aspect. Sure, there were scenes that were good, but those weren't really common in the book. Oh, and despite the "sex" in the title, there really wasn't much going on, but I appreciate that the author didn't include too much graphic details about the sex scenes.

Now, for the characters. There were times when Martin, from whose perspective the story was told, sounded a little trying hard. What's more, Martin reminded me of Ted Mosby from the TV show How I Met Your Mother -- someone desperate to find a woman to love that he goes the extra mile to meet someone, which is just sad, but of course, I know that this is a reality for some people.

Then there's the new woman in his life, Frances -- older, more experienced, more mature and into zen. I don't really get what her thing is. I can't even relate to where she was coming from half the time. And it's a little pathetic that she has Martin in the palm of her hands.

The only good thing about this book is that it has a happy ending. That's it. I have to admit that it was a bit of a struggle for me to finish reading it. Nonetheless, it was a good way to pass some time.