‘REVENGE’ BY NIGEL MAY

 

Full disclosure: I know Nigel May—well, sort of. We’ve been cyber friends way before the man ever became a best-selling author. But—and there’s a big but here—that scarcely omits the fact that he’s one kick-ass writer. Of all the current authors on the market focusing on escapist fiction I’d say he’s probably the closest thing to a Jackie Collins-type of a read. His latest REVENGE (Bookouture) is no different. Set mostly in the haute-cuisine society of St Tropez the novel goes back and forth in time to highlight the many scruples of its lead characters. 

From the renowned hunky chef with a secret agenda behind the opening of his latest exclusive restaurant, to the rival ex-girl group stars who are still at each other’s throats despite fame and misfortune, not to mention the noted if highly severe food critic who has more than a chip on his shoulder… All have something to hide and will do anything to keep it that way. Add a dose of an in-the-closet lesbian publisher who has a crush on one of her celebrated client, and a bad boy who likes nothing better than sharing girlfriends with his chef sibling then you get a pretty good idea what’s in store. 

Even after five well-received novels May has not lost his touch. His narrative still crackles with dedication, and his plot twists are as fun if not better than before (like that shocking ending, for instance—totally unexpected). Moreover, the man is such a finely-tuned craftsman that many characters from his previous novels pop in to spice things up (that is, if you are attentive enough). This is addictive reading with a capital A. You’ll either come out of REVENGE satiated or completely flushed for having had such a wonderful time despite yourself. Either way it is a win-win situation.

 

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

 

Until next post—Martin

 

 

 

 

‘LOVERS AND LIARS’ BY NIGEL MAY

Here’s the lowdown on how to write a super sleazy novel. First, you need exotic locations. It scarcely matters where, just as long as it’s a beautiful spot with ancient ruins or white beaches or cobblestone-covered streets; anything that makes the reader go aww. Second, you need glamourous characters.  Men, women, they need to be incredibly fit and striking.  Otherwise, they are not as worthy. Third, you need to incorporate a lot of sex.  It could be straight sex, gay sex, ménage à trois sex; just as long as you fill many pages with it.  And last but not least: don’t show, tell; meaning the reader never needs to interpret anything.  All is spelled out for him/her in a strong narrative way.  Well, in most cases anyway.

 

That, dear readers, sums up mostly what it’s like reading Nigel May’s latest novel (out now from Bookouture), the story of a bunch of jet-setters too wealthy to care about anything but themselves.  When a hotel tycoon bites the dust, somebody cries out murder. Who’s the culprit?   Is it his Lolita of a daughter who uses her body and wit to get what she wants?  Is it his over the hill black wife who’s addicted to plastic surgery and has the hots for anything that moves?  Or is it his business partner who’s into female undergarments and sexual favors?  Those are just a smidge of the many people orbiting around this sexually-charged tale that reminds TV’s EMPIRE but with boxing gloves instead, since the setting this time is the prize ring.  The author clearly has fun moving his fast-paced plot along as he juggles his characters adroitly, but as much enjoyable as the end-result is I must admit I would have liked him to slow it down a little just so he could let his people breathe.  Get to know them a bit more before the bad shit happens, and believe me it does, many times over.  Reason enough to say that LOVERS AND LIARS is far from being boring. 

 

The novel starts out strong in the present day with the killing of Mr. Tycoon then stumbles somewhat when going back in time to focus, amongst other things, on Mr. Tycoon’s repetitive ruthless ways.  It ultimately returns back to the present to finally reveal the identity of his murderer which—gasp, double gasp—this reviewer didn’t see coming. In between you get a lot of sightseeing; a lot of hot sex; plenty of action sequences and even some surprisingly touchy-feely moments (like the heartfelt exchange between Lolita and a hot DJ after the accidental death of a loved one).  All in all, I say read LOVERS AND LIARS, especially if you’re into well-written sleaze.  It may not be my favorite of his (that would be SCANDALOUS LIES) but the man still delivers.  He’s not being hailed as the male Jackie Collins for nothing.   

 

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

 

Until next post—Martin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'SCANDALOUS LIES' AND NIGEL MAY

They say the first rule to writing good fiction is to write about what you know.  Well, if that’s the case, UK author Nigel May is one heck of a dirty old man.  His third offering SCANDALOUS LIES is nothing but sex, sex, sex; sex in toolsheds, sex in hotel suites, sex in RVs...  Not that there’s anything wrong with that, especially when it’s as well-balanced as is the main plot—all about the disappearance of a curvaceous TV dancer and her hottie boyfriend.  Around it swirl a bunch of Hollywood biggies and British wannabees whose own stories mirror the ones found in every supermarket and online tabloids.  Drug addiction, fame addiction, and yes, sex addiction, nothing is spared.   And it’s fast-paced.  So much so that, sometimes, you almost feel as if the author needs to keep the ball rolling for fear of losing his readers.  But despite of that, SCANDALOUS LIES delivers.  It is as much fun as binge-watching every episode of a frothy prime time TV series.

 

 

 

And just like many of his characters, Nigel May may very well be on his way to superstardom. His first two novels were self-published until Bookouture snagged his third and released all three as digital books and softcovers.  Last checked, the man was doing really fine sales-wise.  I am not surprised.  He certainly has the flair for it.  Besides, we need another male author in this female-domintated field.  And who better than an already established TV personality (he’s the host of a home shopping program, among other things) with a passion for fluff, glam and smut.

 

 

 

Until next post—Martin

 

Nigel May

 

 

BEACH READS: NIGEL MAY

 

Craft personality and TV presenter Nigel May is on his way to make a big splash in the glam-fiction world.  His two self-published  ebooks of the rich and rotten have gained enough momentum for him to sign a four-book deal with Bookouture which includes a re-release of TRINITY and ADDICTED.
 

 

His newest œuvre is called SCANDALOUS LIES and will be available this July (the 10th, to be precise).  A prologue is already featured in the repackaged version of his earlier titles (below) now available on Amazon Kindle.  If you have yet to read this fellow, whom many believe to be the "male Jackie Collins", now's the time to do so, especially since summer's just around the corner.  Having already given his first novel the thumbs up, I believe you're in good hands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until next post—Martin

 

 

 

RECENT E-BOOKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until next post—Martin

 

'TRINITY' BY NIGEL MAY

Slick trashy novels are fun when they give you exactly what you want, a good time. They do not have to be wordy; they do not have to be witty; they just need to be as gripping as they can possibly be. Nigel May’s TRINITY (Bookouture) fits that bill perfectly. It’s a story of friendship among the fast lane world of the entertainment industry. All three protagonists, old school chums, yearn to make it big, whether as a movie star, a gossip queen, or simply a more respected well-grounded individual. Of course, adversity comes back to bite them on their perfect little hineys, making the road to happiness a heck of a bumpy ride. But that’s the best part of TRINITY, the way the author manages to stir the pot big time: death threats, drug taking, bitch slapping, back stabbing, May December encounters, gay encounters… The list goes on and on to a slam bang climax that involves a different kind of coming out of the closet for one of the characters.

It goes without saying that reading TRINITY made me think of Collins and Robbins, but also of J.J. Salem. Especially of Salem, probably because I had just finished devouring his sexually-charged TAN LINES before embarking on the Nigel May’s reading train. Still, both use more or less the same theme, though May is way more out there (if you can believe that) with his in-your-face antics and narrative. TRINITY also has a heftier cast of characters, which overall is handled quite nicely despite a feeling of over-abundance. Moreover, the book is quite funny with it’s one liners and highly improbable but fun situations.

 

 

TRINITY may be hailed as just an over-the-top romp but is never boring. You’ll have a ball following the hectic lives of these super divas. Nigel May can really write up a storm for a first-time novelist. In a world of bonkbusters, TRINITY certainly does have its place in the best-selling dome. The question is, will it eventually get there? Only time will tell. But in the meantime check out the novel when it officially comes out as an e-book next month.




You can order TRINITY wherever digital and print books are sold.







 

Until next post—Martin