‘BAD GIRLS’ BY REBECCA CHANCE

Picking up a Rebecca Chance novel is always a treat for me. Rain or shine she always delivers. So it comes as no surprise that her 2010 BAD GIRLS  (Simon & Schuster UK) is just what the doctor ordered. Set mostly in a rehab center dedicated to celebrities, the novel introduces three main sufferers who, different as night and day, all have one thing in common: they are the addictive kind. Whether it’s to pills, to blow or even to sex they all need help. Or so it seems. Because, you see, one of them is admitted under false pretenses. The reason? Simple: to catch a celebrated star under compromising positions (wink wink). Not as easy a task as it seems, however, especially when the heart interferes.  

Be forewarned: once you pick up this book you won’t be able to let it go. It is that addictive. Rebecca Chance delivers a one-sitting read worthy of any Jackie Collins offering. Yes, I keep referring outstanding novels to the work of the late author. How can I not when the bar’s aimed that high? BAD GIRLS reaches that plateau quite easily. The author keeps the ball rolling with effective plot and characterization, and a sense of style that can only be envious. Color me enchanted but I predict even better and bigger things from her, whether it’s under her own name or the one she uses to pen those fabulous reads. The world is her oyster.  

OK, OK, I’ll calm down. But promise me this: you’ll check out BAD GIRLS ASAP. If you ever wondered how to write a glam-fiction novel that has wit and heart and possesses a smooth narrative that still packs a punch then look no further. This is the one to get, folks. I promise, it’ll be just as fun studying it as witnessing just how bad this fictitious other half lives.

BAD GIRLS is still available wherever digital or conventional books are sold.

Until next post—Martin

‘THE SILENT FOUNTAIN’ BY VICTORIA FOX

I could sum up this blog entry with one phrase: grab this book now, and move on to the next topic but that would be unethical of me. Besides, I’m sure the publishers and NetGalley expected more than just four little words when they agreed to let me read this gem in exchange for an honest opinion. So without further ado: Victoria Fox’s latest THE SILENT FOUNTAIN (HQ) is all about secrets, secrets from the past mainly. We have Lucy who is running away from a London affair. Without giving away too much let’s just say that her reasons for doing so are more than valid. Then we have Vivien, the Hollywood actress who shies away from the spotlight for a chance at love, but with all the mystery surrounding her dashing beau, is it really worth it?  

Trust me on this, the less I say about the plot the more you’ll savour this novel. Fair warning though: the author’s usual glam fiction approach is a bit toned down, replaced mostly by a gothic-like approach that reminds those captivating but quickly made mass-market paperbacks from the late ‘60s and ‘70s. You know the kind, those that usually highlight on their covers a beautiful heroine on the run from an intimidating castle. Except that in this one everything is top notch, from the rich narrative switching from first to third person to the end of chapter hooks that make it impossible to put the novel down, not to mention the well-thought-of setting that goes back and forth in time. 

But first and foremost THE SILENT FOUNTAIN is a love story. A different kind of a love story, perhaps (again I don’t want to say too much but be ready to reach for some tissues), but one that still packs a wallop. If Miss Fox’s main aim is to give more sense of realness to her characters and plot by going full gloom, well, I’m happy to say that the mission has indeed been accomplished.  So much so that it may even elevates her already celebrated career to a whole new level: that of a dark fiction writer. 

 

 

 

Until next post—Martin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘ONE LAST WISH’ BY ELLA HARPER

 

When I saw that the latest novel from Ella Harper (formerly Sasha Wagstaff) was available in exchange for a review on NetGalley my spirit just soared. Here was the chance for me to finally do this author justice. Not that I have ever done her wrong. I mean how could I when all she had ever shown is a knack for grabbing readers by the balls with her sheer talent. She certainly does it again with ONE LAST WISH (Canelo Books), the story of a cancer-stricken ten year old who yearns to solidify her parent's love for one another before she passes on.

 

Having a sick child has taken a toll on Rosie and Nate. Their once-perfect marriage is now filled with bitterness, resentment, jealousy—all but unexpressed—but most importantly sorrow, sorrow over eventually losing their daughter to an incurable brain tumor. But Emmie has not said her last word. Her situation may be a ticking time bomb but with the help of her nerdy but devoted therapist, her cool family and friends, she will do her best to bring her parents back together. And in doing so, get rid of some personal issues regarding her terminal illness.   

I admit that the main theme of ONE LAST WISH is far from being considered light, but the way Harper goes at it makes it all feel like a breeze while never omitting the seriousness of the topic. This important lesson of never losing oneself no matter how cruel the world gets will make any reader of emotional novels reach out for a tissue. Yes, even I, a cold-hearted S.O.B., got my heartstrings pulled. In between funny bits, heartfelt moments and cringe-worthy situations (like the one involving one of the spouses going for a kiss by a third party) lies a novel that may own some predictable plot twists but has definitely managed to be quite endearing in its overall delivery. I can’t wait for the author’s next offering.

  

 

Until next post—Martin