Sheer Pressure

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32 Reviews on “Sheer Pressure”

  1. (5/5)

    Get this book and read it. Even if you don’t usually read books with stocking footed Manolos on the cover. This is a fun read—the characters are interesting and story is better. If you are a producer, director, or screenwriter looking for good conversion possibilities, take a look at this one. Great movie possibilities here. (Though others may beat you to it). Rarely do books manage to capture the flavor of an insider community like this one does without relying on boring cliches. The characters are memorable and the conflict is real.

  2. (5/5)

    Sheer pleasure.

    It’s fast-paced, has a strong plot, pleasing twists, sharp wit and characters you care about. There’s a resonance to the world the author creates that makes me suspect the author (a) knows the world he’s writing about and (b) has pondered this book for a while. I read it once, turned back to page 1, and started again. Look out for a film version – it has a taut, cinematic feel that would suit the screen

  3. (5/5)

    NYC glam – warts and all.

    For someone who has walked the walk with New York’s upper-crust, upper-eastside society, Greg Abbott now talks the talk. His book captures the good, the bad and the ugly of everything that is right and wrong about the city’s moneyed class while weaving an engrossing and fast- moving tale of greed, sex and ultimate redemption. It evokes “A Catcher in the Rye” with a grown up Holden Caufield and a happier ending. A fun read.

  4. (5/5)

    The Best!

    In the entertainment business there are must see movies, must see television shows, and this one happens to be a must read. The author does a brilliant job seducing the reader into the love story that I found myself not being able to put it down and always wanting more. The author’s ability to show the life of the rich and pretentious is so entertaining that this book will appeal to everyone and everyone’s fantasy. Get ready for the unpredictable.

  5. (5/5)

    What a great book!! Enjoyed it thoroughly, couldn’t put it down. Extremely well written by someone who obviously has been there. Would be a great movie!

  6. In Greg Abbott’s high-stakes romance . . . [he] vividly describes his characters, writing of one: “At six foot six, with his leonine mass of platinum hair, Larkin would’ve cut a distinguishing figure had the pant cuff of his Havemeyer suit not betrayed him ending an inch above his enormous wing tips.”

    . . . Alex and Emily’s struggles, rooted in their personal and respective family histories, add a layer of complexity to the already engrossing storyline, and their journey to becoming fully realized adults is compelling.

    . . . the story’s excitement stems from the will-they, won’t-they between Alex and Emily, which engages readers from start to finish. Readers will be happy to find that the thrilling ending establishes the possibility of a follow-up.

  7. (5/5)

    An engaging read from the first page! Witty and unabashedly candid.

    Took me on delightful romp into the world of high society in NYC.

    A colorful mix of Mad Men and Sex in the City. Can’t wait to read the sequel.

  8. (5/5)

    Greg Abbott is the best! Sheer excellence in writing.
    Non-stop fun, laughs, wit, erudition, with compelling characters in scenes brought spectacularly to life.
    The only thing that could be better than being a Greg Abbott character would be to live in Mr. Abbott’s extraordinary mind!!
    Sheer Pressure is by far the best work of fiction that brightens this year — a masterpiece.

  9. (5/5)

    A fun love story in language so specific you ARE motoring thru tunnels on Alex’ Harley, invigorated by ocean air.
    You’re there in the white marble bath.
    You’ll swear you know characters like this cast…must have for a weekend, an airplane ride, or take-with on a cruise.

  10. (5/5)

    I loved this book! !
    It was very unique and held my attention throughout.
    Mr. Abbott is obviously a very professional writer with a special talent for telling a tale.
    The characters have stayed with me as alive, impactful people.
    Thank you to Greg for an utterly enjoyable and engaging read!

  11. (5/5)

    Get this book and read it, even if you don’t read novels.
    A Manhattan love story with all-or-nothing business entanglements (which I love), Sheer Pressure is crisply and brilliantly written with high humor and timeless insight.
    The characters are memorable, the conflicts real, the humor laced with truth.
    Loved the twists and turns, the romance and suspense that take you at breakneck speed to the surprise ending (which screams for a sequel!!).

  12. (5/5)

    Didn’t want it to end.
    Loved how explicit the author is describing settings, characters, and situations.
    Not only is the story compelling and full of surprises, but told with wit, cleverness, imagination, and intelligence.
    I highly recommend it. I enjoyed it so much that I bought many copies to give to friends and family.

  13. (5/5)

    Sheer Enjoyment!
    It was with limited expectations that I set aside my non-fiction title to read “Sheer Pressure”. To my delight and astonishment, however, this first novel by Greg Abbott induced more smiles and belly laughs than any book of this genre that I have read in a very long time.
    The setting is, at first, disconcerting for an over 60, non-hip, drug naïve New Yorker; but the sudden and poignant personal crisis of Alex Halaby that arrives like a clap of thunder in Chapter 6 – unpromisingly entitled “But Oh (!) That Risotto” – seduces the reader even more than the sexy cover.
    By the time I had finished the following chapter, one of the funniest pieces of humor I have ever read, I was hooked on this fast moving tale of two unconventional and irreverent lovebirds living in the fast lane of the Big Apple. I found myself caring deeply about their predicaments and and their futures – alone or together.

    Greg Abbott is not only amusing; he is also an acute observer of people and social settings. The twists in his plot provide tension, irony and the need to devour the remaining pages in order to satisfy one’s curiosity. “Sheer Pressure” should be packed into every vacation suitcase between now and the New Year. My wife has just left for JFK with my copy that I finished minutes before her taxi arrived.

  14. (5/5)

    Park Avenue Intrigue
    Greg Abbott brings to bear a sharp wit and erudite style in this modern day fairy tale. Abbott allows us a private view into the boardrooms and bedrooms of New York’s high society, where billionaires and aristocrats match wits and wallets for the prize du jour, be it a new company or a dangerous liaison.

    Born into money but mostly uncorrupted by it, our young protagonist seeks to slay his various dragons: domineering parents, desperate and manipulative so-called friends, low self-esteem and his love for a woman who cannot be his. How does our hero fare in the end? You will enjoy the twists and turns, replete with adventure, romance, pathos and humor, that carry you at break-neck speed to the surprise ending.

    I liked this book so much, I bought five copies to give to friends.

  15. (5/5)

    Slam Dunk!!

    God, is this book well written! Greg Abbott’s descriptives are absolutely brilliant … I found myself irritated by anything in between me and the consumption of this hilarious take on the lives of the rich and stuffy… and was delighted with the way the words flow.
    Sheer Pressure is thoroughly enjoyable… I would love to have more work by this obvious best selling author ~
    DO read this book!

  16. (5/5)

    This splendidly seductive book … captures the average man’s dreams of corporate play, fast bikes, woman of privilege and tops it off with a treacherous romance that has you wondering…what next…

    The story takes you through the dynamic shifts of an up-and-comer, Alex Halaby, in the business world and his struggle with self-discovery.

    “Sheer Pressure” is a brilliant portrayal of the “Alex” in all of us and will keep you turning pages.

  17. (5/5)

    I could not put this book down. What a great read!
    A very exciting love story that lets you peek into New York’s Upper East Side lives and big business.
    Written with great wit and humor. This book takes you on a ride with surprising twists and turns to an unpredictable ending.
    So fasten your seat belts!

    And by the way, what a beautifully written love scene!

  18. (5/5)

    No other book I’ve ever read so deftly captures the Upper East Side social and business scene like Sheer Pressure.
    It is an absolute gem, fast-paced yet full of profound observations, sharp dialogue, and fun characters. The reader is kept on the edge of hs/her seat throughout, until the very end. I hope someone sees what I see and makes it into a first-class movie.

  19. (5/5)

    Don’t let the trashy (though sexy) cover fool you. The insides are delectable, erudite, full of intelligent and humorous observations that make this fast-paced, suspenseful story a delight from cover to cover. I certainly hope that Greg Abbott has more books in him, because this one truly captivates and amuses. Would love to see a movie with a Talent Mr. Ripley-type of quality, ensemble cast, for Sheer Pressure merits it.

  20. (5/5)

    I just LOVE to get a book that totally captures me and won’t let me put it down until I get to the end.
    It’s not often that I put all my chores and life aside so I can spend every waking moment voraciously gobbling up a story as fast as I can.
    Greg’s ability to write illusions and keep me enthralled reading his story is true craftsmanship.
    This was a thoroughly exciting, adventuresome, thrilling, romantic read letting me in on how the wealthy spend their time.
    I can’t wait for his next story!

  21. (5/5)

    I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Greg Abbott has a way of bringing characters to life with candor and humor, and I cannot wait for the sequel. Never thought I would enjoy a book about the pantyhose industry!

  22. (5/5)

    A richly, addictive read from start to finish — light yet meaty and profound. Rarely does a book captivate me without a single lull as did Sheer Pressure; felt right in the middle of the action. Reading it was like watching a movie. Speaking of which, Sheer Pressure definitely should be brought to the silver screen with its rich characters, glam settings, spine-tingling drama, and constant surprises that keep you in suspense throughout. Abbott humanizes people whom most of us objectify and stereotype, whether protagonists or evil antagonists. I loved ALL the characters, actually, and the humorous, spot-on lens with which Abbott sees this world and its people. He gets right inside their heads and reveals them with priceless dialogue. Also loved the fact that this book is perfectly set up for a Part 2.

  23. (5/5)

    I found the book addictive and lots of fun!!!

    I intended to read it for a few minutes before going to sleep last night, and found myself staying up most of the night until it was finished.

    The characters are very well described and you feel that you know them after a while. Some of them are wonderfully relatable.

    It was great to see the main character grow during the book and really gain character (no pun intended).

    If there is a sequel, I’ll definitely read it!!

    Claire L.

  24. (5/5)

    Reading this book was one of the better guilty pleasures of late for me.
    It was a delightful romp through a culture of people I hadn’t rubbed elbows with in many years.
    I had a blast revisiting that world without being in it, and with such great descriptive verbiage to boot!
    The visuals and characterization and were so good I felt like I was on a rollercoaster ride the entire time.
    A wonderfully written page turner, I loved it.

  25. (5/5)

    Greg Abbott is a creative outrageous and humorous writer.

    He’s taken episodes of his life and through creative imagination, sleight of tongue, humanity, and endearing suffering, unfolded a story that compels you to keep turning the pages to see what happens next.

    His protagonist is brazenly daring, a rebel with Tuxedo charm, and unfettered romantic intentions.

    His various character’s emotions evoke empathy from the reader, while his wit evokes laughter and oral exclamations into a quiet room. One cannot help feeling personally involved with the characters in the story

  26. (5/5)

    As a fan of writers such as Wilbur Smith and Ken Follette, I am spoiled.
    But when a friend recommended a book she really liked by Greg Abbott, I couldn’t say no.
    Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was! When the main character played and sang Tom Lehrer’s “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park,” he had me! (I was a fan of Tom Lehrer back when…)
    Of course the reader knows the guy is going to get the girl in the end, but it was fascinating how he played it out.
    A great read! (Could be a movie???)

  27. (5/5)

    A book that is hard to put down. Captivating, keeps, you wanting more of the story until you are able to get back to it.
    The author has a way of taking you there with his words. A very delightful read.

  28. A young man must choose between love, authenticity, and manufacturing pantyhose in Abbott’s comic romance novel…

    … a glittering sendup of Manhattan high society in the early 2000s, an upper-crust in which the men are fatuous stuffed shirts and the woman frivolous fashionistas (“the banning of lapdogs from New York City restaurants is utterly deplorable, inhumane, and anal…”). But the novel takes its protagonists’ longings seriously, and as Alex matures, he begins to appreciate Harry’s business as a meaningful outlet for his talents. Abbott probes his characters in vigorous prose that’s two-fisted (“You’re nothing but a cocky little punk who’s been playing in daddy’s sandbox for, what, a month?”) and psychologically resonant (“The expertly rendered expressions were fractured, chaotic, and intense but oddly enigmatic: a savage glare full of amusement, a smile about to dissolve into weeping,” Alex observes of Emily’s clown paintings). Readers will root for Alex and Emily to figure themselves out amid the circus of preening wealth that surrounds them.

    A fizzily entertaining, emotionally sensitive take on the tug of war between success and fulfillment.

  29. Sheer Pressure is an engaging, hilarious, and emotional romantic comedy that weaves together stories from New York’s business elite with the universal themes of family, sex, and love. By presenting us with an entertaining and realistic story, as well as the choices and behaviors of the protagonists Alex and Emily, the author has created insightful commentary not only on the individuals in the book but also on society and the world writ large.

    This story is filled with intelligent and compelling characters, as well as a raw vulnerability and vivid — often uniquely humorous — action, creating experiences that might appeal to a wide array of audiences and linger with them long after they leave the theater. Similar films, such as WEDDING CRASHERS and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE have garnered success at both the critical and box office levels, and this story, if turned into a film, might also perform well. Worldwide audiences could find themselves drawn to the emotionally-charged character performances, the highly visual scenes, and the universally accessible narratives.

    Sheer Pressure is already written in a fairly filmic and linear manner .[that] could impress Hollywood producers, attract above-the-line talent, and turn the heads of audiences worldwide.

  30. (5/5)

    I’m reading “Sheer Pressure,” and I absolutely love it!! Greg is a GREAT writer!

    I know “page turner” is a cliche, but for me it truly is one – very hard to put down as I’m being drawn inexorably through the story. Even though there are quite a number of characters, each one is so well drawn – and often in only a couple of pages – that I feel I understand them well, and have empathy for the ones that I should have empathy for.

    Greg is also very funny/witty and I have even laughed out loud at the cleverness of some of the things he wrote. It’s a fascinating and very detailed visual look into a number of worlds and I can’t wait to see what’s coming up in the next sections.

    By the way, I disagree with whoever said that this is a women’s book – I’m not a woman and I’m enjoying the heck out of it! I’m enjoying it the way I have enjoyed Ian Fleming books.

  31. (5/5)

    Sheer Pressure by Greg Abbott was great fun, rapid-paced, and fascinating. The story begins a bit slowly, but once it picks up, it is at a full speed gallop.
    It provides a window into the insular universe of the super rich, and all the picadilloes of a society bloated with self interest and locked down by suffocating protocol.
    It is a fascinating study of character exposing the underbelly of great wealth, particularly the angst of the children, where each responds according to their own internal resources, which range from utter rebellion, unrelenting resentment and blame, to loyalty, acquiescence, and commitment to maintaining the status quo and thus perpetuate the money and power.
    The main character is buffeted by chance, passion and his own naivety, driven to strip himself to the core to find out how to be himself in the midst of oppressive expectations.
    He is being pressured by the inevitable and cringeworthy demands of a criminal friend, while relentlessly pursuing the highs and lows of a love out of reach, with the undercurrent of family always tugging.
    Sheer Pressure is a page-turner, a great yarn, with action that takes the protagonist to the brink, and the readers along with him.

  32. (5/5)

    SHEER PRESSURE is an engaging, hilarious and emotional romantic comedy that weaves together stories from New York’s business elite with the universal themes of family, sex, and love. By presenting us with an entertaining and realistic story, as well as the choices and behaviors of the protagonists Alex and Emily, the author has created insightful commentary not only on the individuals in the book but also on society and the world writ large.

    This story is filled with intelligent and compelling characters, as well as a raw vulnerability and vivid — often uniquely humorous — action, creating experiences that might appeal to a wide array of audiences and linger with them long after they leave the theater. Similar films, such as WEDDING CRASHERS and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE have garnered success at both the critical and box office levels, and this story, if turned into a film, might also perform well. Worldwide audiences could find themselves drawn to the emotionally-charged character performances, the highly visual scenes and the universally accessible narratives.