The Velvet Sledgehammer

Sort of a Novel

By: Edward Savio

Narrated by: Edward Savio

Sex. Commitment. The Fate of the World Economy.

It’s December, 1993—a pivotal moment in human history—and these are the things hijacking Billy Gerrick’s brain.

The Wall Street Journal calls him “The best thing to happen to international trade since the boat.” The President praises him as: “A great American.” His brilliant, beautiful, well-connected girlfriend thinks he’s the kindest, most generous man alive.

Only Billy Gerrick knows the truth…he’s a ticking time bomb. An overachieving bundle of fear, denial, and desire who has held it together for three-plus decades by sheer will.

Now, on the eve of finalizing the most comprehensive, far-reaching global agreement ever proposed, Billy Gerrick is forced to confront a past he’d rather forget—the painful childhood, the embarrassing failures, the impressive string of romantic flameouts—when his perfect fiancée chooses this historic moment to pressure him about settling down, getting married, and having kids. But if Billy Gerrick knows anything, it’s that he’s the last person on earth that should be in charge of raising a child.

Edward Savio’s return to mainstream adult fiction takes us on a hilarious, unbridled, unapologetic journey to find love, understanding, and redemption through the eyes of a flawed hero who is part Holden Caulfield, part Alexander Portnoy, part Sun Tzu all rolled into one.

A relentless, raw, surprisingly poignant exploration of the turning point we all must face: finally coming to terms with growing up.

©2023 Edward Savio (P)2023 Babelfish Press

Critic reviews

"It’s vulgar in the best way, It’s irreverent. It’s honest even when that’s ugly. I was laughing out loud within minutes. I haven’t been this moved by a novel in a long while. The characters are not perfect—they make dumb decisions, they (screw) up, they hurt each other—and I just might like them more for that. They are all achingly real." (Weaver Review)

Billy the Kid!

I first found out about Edward Savio through the Battle for Forever series. I really enjoyed those books so I was interested when I had a chance to read (listen to) his new book, The Velvet Sledgehammer. While the story is very different and you have to be ready for some of the NSFW content, the writing was still as good. I

I thought Billy - the main character as well as the other characters were strong and the interactions between them were both funny and believable. The interactions between Billy and his family were somewhat painful at times and while touching at others! The Princess was both funny and frustrating - for Billy! Billy had to work through his relationships with women both past and present. At times the reader is rooting for him while at others, not so much. Ultimately, it was a book that I wanted to keep listening to so that I could learn what would happen to Billy at the end of his journey.

Family, relationships, and lots of humor with a side of international intrigue!

Definitely not for everyone as it includes quite a bit of adult content and language but Savio’s tale made 12 hours of driving fly by. I originally listened to his Alexander X series with my kids and follow him on social media so I already knew I liked his humor. I jumped at the opportunity to listen to his latest book and it didn’t disappoint. He certainly knows how to tell a story! He weaves his character’s adolescent experiences into the story in a way that had me thinking about the things I experienced with family growing up. The author does a great job narrating as well, adding his own flair to the performance. I had no idea I could be interested by international trade agreements! I’m looking forward to more from Savio!

Definitely not PG13 rated

I thought it was a great book. The main character is flawed like many of us are. He blames people for his problems but ultimately comes to grips with them. I kept hoping things would go one way and swerved another but always interesting. Shows somewhat of what goes on behind the scenes of negotiations if it is to be believed but is never boring. Oh and from someone who used to work on French cars they do suck.

The most honest story I’ve read

The author manages to encompass my entire teenage and young adult life !!! This is truth telling and should be shared at schools.
I’m telling my 18 year old son to read it.
Well done

Some of Edward Savio’s best work

This book is definitely different than his other work, but capture the perfectly imperfect moments of our lives. He also encapsulate how one decision can impact the trajectory of rest of our lives.

I rooted for Billy. I swore at Billy. I cried with Billy. I definitely identified with Billy. Check out this book, you will not be disappointed.

Storytelling was rich and powerful

I have read the three ancient among us books and have enjoyed Savio’s storytelling style. This book takes it to another level with moving and funny anecdotes spread along the narrative. He took what could have been another standard romantic comedy and added a complexity and humanity to the story.

Good, bad, indifferent

I tried to like this book. I tried to return this book after starting it over time and again. I was unsuccessful in both. I realize now, after finally finishing it after listening to it 3 or 4 times in parts and piece, is that at times it was soft core porn, romance, arrogance and ego blended into a soup of coming-of-age who am I treacle. There were pieces I laughed at out loud but pieces that seemed unnecessary. I like Savio’s other work and I’m annoyed with myself that I just couldn’t, no matter how I tried, enjoy this as anything more than a pulpy read. If you want to fill time, it passes but to me his other works are far better.