Humorous fiction
HarperCollins Publishers A Ladys Guide to FortuneHunting
Book SynopsisRead the most captivating historical debut of the year![A] scintillating, swash-buckling debut terrifically fun' SUNDAY TIMESSharp, modern and absolutely delicious' TAYLOR JENKINS REIDFans of Bridgerton will swoon' NITA PROSEKitty Talbot needs a fortune. Love is not requiredShe's got just twelve weeks to find a rich husband and save her sisters and she must use every ounce of cunning and ingenuity she possesses to climb London society if she is to succeed.The only person she can't fool is Lord Radcliffe, who sees straight through her plans, and is determined to stop her at any cost.There is not a day to lose and no one not even a lord will stand in her wayReaders LOVE A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting:Like Bridgerton, but better' ?????The best book I have read in a long time' ?????Sassy, outrageous and bingeable' ?????MUST READ' ?????LOVED it!' ?????Sophie Irwin is going to be an author to watch' ?????An utter delight of a book' ?????Great fun and hugely entertaining' ?????What a chTrade Review‘[A] scintillating, swash-buckling debut … terrifically fun’ Sunday Times ‘Sharp, modern, and absolutely delicious … one of the most fun, romantic books I've read in a long time’ Taylor Jenkins Reid ‘What a sassy, witty, delicious tale [with] a fabulous, fearless heroine’ Sophie Kinsella ‘A thoroughly modern heroine with wit, style and energy … a formidable Austentacious talent’ Janice Hallett ‘Delicious – frothy, gossipy and glamorous’ Daily Mail ‘Charming, witty and infectiously exuberant’ Santa Montefiore ‘Divine – an utter delight’ Nina Stibbe ‘Will fill the Bridgerton-shaped hole in your life’ Red ‘Plucky, witty and bright … Readers of Austen and fans of Bridgerton will swoon’ Nita Prose ‘A diamond of the first water! Shades of Heyer with a dash of modern roguishness … Full of heart and swooningly romantic’ Beth Morrey ‘An addictive read’ Sunday Express ‘Utterly delightful and impossible to put down’ Louise O’Neill ‘[A] whip-smart, beautifully observed, sparkling romance’ Lindsey Kelk ‘Full of spirit and gumption … enormous fun: just what we all need’ AJ Pearce ‘Funny, fresh and original – you’ll want to put it straight on your dance card’ Cesca Major ‘Very clever and hugely entertaining’ Sarah Hilary ‘This is SO much fun. The most pleasing homage to Georgette Heyer with a thoroughly modern sensibility. Tremendous stuff’ Harriet Tyce ‘A huge, warm treat of a book. Refreshing, funny and sparklingly smart … The debut of the season’ Cressida McLaughlin 'A sparkling debut that reads like a turbo-charged Jane Austen’ Joanna Toye ‘I cheered for Kitty as she confronts polite society in her outrageous pursuit of a rich husband….an impressive debut’ Mary Balogh ‘Move over, Mr Darcy! [A] hilarious, sparkling debut! Utterly irresistible’ Eloisa James
£8.54
Little, Brown & Company Arya Next Door Sometimes Lapses into Russian,
Book SynopsisMasachika Kuse sits next to Arya, a girl of Russian and Japanese descent. She’sbeautiful, haughty, and an exceptional student, while Masachika is nerdy and known forbeing a slacker. He’s an easy target for her comments in Russian, which she’s all toohappy to translate—except he can understand what she’s really saying!
£12.34
Sourcebooks, Inc Boyfriend Material
Book Synopsis"It's a fun, frothy quintessentially British romcom about a certified chaos demon and a stern brunch daddy with a heart of gold faking a relationship."-New York Times bestselling author Talia HibbertAMAZON BEST BOOK OF THE MONTHNamed a best book of the year by Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Goodreads, The Washington Post, and more!WANTED:One (fake) boyfriendPractically perfect in every wayLuc O'Donnell is tangentially-and reluctantly-famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship...and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he's never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately, apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that's when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don't ever want to let them go.Discover the LGBT romance about exact opposites falling in perfectly imperfect love that New York Times and USA Today bestselling author CHRISTINA LAUREN calls "hilarious, witty, tender, and stunning."Trade Review"Alexis Hall's Boyfriend Material perfectly balances laugh-out-loud-while-reading-alone-in-an-empty-room with those-aren't-tears-in-my-eyes-just-allergies." - Kris Ripper, author of the Scientific Method Universe"FAKE DATING, REAL FEELINGS, BEST JOKES." - Olivia Waite, author of The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics"Boyfriend Material is the joyfully queer British romcom escape book I didn't know I needed. It's absurdly funny and swoonily romantic, with a sharp edge of wit and observation that keeps the story bounding along. An unbridled 'one-more-chapter-oh-no-it's-3am' delight." - KJ Charles"How? How was this book written? My vote is witchcraft. What a study in character development. It's a how-to without even trying. I'm going to treat this novel like I do my favorite cardigan and buy 5 copies for when one wears out. Everyone needs to read this. Brilliance on every single page. Hilarious, witty, tender, and stunning. I LOVE THIS BOOK." - Christina Lauren, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author"Alexis Hall is the undisputed master of romantic comedy." - Jenny Holiday, USA Today bestselling author of Mermaid Inn"This is a triumph." - Publishers Weekly, STARRED Review"Downright hilarious...Hall achieves a true balance between romance and comedy, delightfully succeeding at both. " - Booklist, STARRED Review"I'm in awe of Alexis Hall's talent. I don't want the book to end." - Cathy Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author"Every once in a while you read a book that you want to SCREAM FROM ROOFTOPS about. I'm screaming, people!" - Sonali Dev, award-winning author of Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors
£10.79
Hodder & Stoughton Last One at the Party: An intriguing
Book SynopsisFleabag meets I Am Legend in this extraordinary novel of one woman's survival in the face of the end of the world . . . December 2023. The human race has fought a deadly virus and lost. The only things left from the world before are burning cities and rotting corpses.But in London, one woman is still alive.Although she may be completely unprepared for her new existence, as someone who has spent her life trying to fit in, being alone is surprisingly liberating.Determined to discover if she really is the last survivor on earth, she sets off on an extraordinary adventure, with only an abandoned golden retriever named Lucky for company.Maybe she'll find a better life or maybe she'll die along the way. But whatever happens, the end of everything will be her new beginning.***'A riotous, black-humoured tonic' Independent'A masterpiece of modern fiction' Sophie Cousens'Fresh, frank, funny' Elizabeth Kay'Brilliant. Creepy, witty, laugh-out-loud and shudder-inducing' Harriet Walker'Harrowing, unflinching and uplifting' Jennifer Saint'Original, brutal, funny and hugely addictive!' Emma Cooper***A 5 star read!'I LOVED this book. I scurried through it in one sitting, couldn't stop reading it for the life of me. Then at the end I cried because it was over' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'It reads like a dream . . . with every single word perfectly plotted to create a story like no other. Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I cried, but I always related and I never wanted it to end' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'From the very first page of this book I knew it was going to be a winner . . . This is a story of strength, determination and self discovery' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'If I could have made a list of all the things that I'd want an apocalypse novel to include, this book would check off every single box' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Terrifying, appalling, gory, explicit, laugh out loud funny and practically every other known emotion. This book has it all' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Trade ReviewI adored this book . . . It's about who you are with nobody to witness you, what it means to be human, and how to live (the answer is getting plastered in Harrod's, something we can all relate to) * Gillian McAllister *Brilliant. Creepy, witty, laugh-out-loud and shudder-inducing -- Harriet Walker, author of The New GirlA fresh, frank, funny and surprisingly uplifting book about the end of the world * Elizabeth Kay, author of Seven Lies *Finished this last night and haven't stopped thinking about it since! Possibly my fave read of 2020 - sharp, funny, emotional and a refreshingly different take on a post-apocalyptic world * Lisa Hall *Really fun . . . like a dystopian Bridget Jones' Diary with echoes of Shaun of the Dead * Kate Sawyer *Scary, emotional - and truly a novel for our times! * The Sun *I haven't been so consumed by a book for a long time. This is a masterpiece of modern fiction, which I have raced through it in a few days. It has consumed my thoughts and will stay with me for a long time * Sophie Cousens *This post-apocalyptic rollercoaster ride is full of belly-aching humour and the touching tale of a woman faced with the end of the world * Magic FM Book Club *This dystopian novel is very funny, super-gory but a testament to the human spirit, which is also oddly life-affirming * Red Magazine *I inhaled it in two sittings * Stylist *Fast-paced, tragic, wholesome and laugh-out-loud funny, Clift's debut has left me grateful for the little things, excited for what else she has to offer - and making plans for my apocalypse bunker * On Magazine *Thoroughly enjoyable and warmly recommended. Think of it as a literary version of 28 Days Later: terrifying, convincingly constructed, heart-pounding at times, often blackly funny * Irish Independent Review *Amazing. Unsettling and dark and SO clever. One of the most unnerving books I've ever read * Cressida McLaughlin *If you want something super original and mad and at times, both moving and VERY FUNNY, this is it * Cesca Major *Last One At The Party is brilliant and creepy, yet surprisingly funny and feminist * Press Association *A compelling, engaging, enthralling novel that keeps the reader turning the pages * Lancashire Times *Funny but harrowing, unflinching and uplifting and so cinematic. I really loved it * Jennifer Saint *You need to read this one. Darkly witty, but also deeply moving, this is a brilliant debut * Best Magazine *A phenomenal book!!!! I've just finished it and am blown away . . . original, brutal, funny and hugely addictive! I just know I'm not going to be able to stop thinking about it for a long time * Emma Cooper *Bethany Clift's Last One at the Party stands out as a bold and humorous take on the [pandemic-based fiction] genre. -- Bea Carvalho * Belfast Telegraph *Tense * Grazia *Funny and profanity-laden, you could call this "Bridget Jones Does the Apocalypse" * Financial Times *A true pandemic page-turner, with a satisfactorily chilling end . . . * The Irish Times *Plenty of style, originality and verve * Irish Sunday Independent *Clift's novel is a riotous, black-humoured tonic to get you through this latest national lockdown * Independent *There are no holds barred in this cracking, remorselessly funny debut * Daily Mail *Clift has written a story that feels uniquely personal to its female protagonist. For all her lows, there are genuine highs, and for all her fears, there are wonders to counterbalance the desolation of her situation. * Culture Fly *Very relatable - an incredibly up-to-date feel * SFX Magazine *I obsessively read Last One at the Party - a novel about a horrifying pandemic which ends up being about female resourcefulness and the power of love * Julie Cohen *Reading it will either help your mental health or provide extra nightmare fuel. Maybe both. * The New Zealand Listener *The novel expertly walks the line between profane and thoughtful, and is as much about the why of surviving as it is about the how * FT.com *A true pandemic page-turner, with a satisfactorily chilling end * TheGloss.ie *A joyful, gutwrenching car crash of remorse, pluck, gross indulgence and shopping * Daily Mail *So dark. So funny. So mad . . . A truly epic, apoca-f*cking-lyptic read * Beth Morrey *Unforgettable and original and so many other things. Touching and poignant, crude and strangely voyeuristic, timely and deeply relatable. It had the power to make me reflect about so many things. Loved it. Five stars for sheer originality * Allie Reynolds *Intense and fun and gruelling, I just couldn't put this novel down * Jenny Colgan *Clift's gripping dystopia is terrifying but edged with anarchic humour * Daily Mail *
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton General Division Garth Marenghi’s TerrorTome: Dreamweaver,
Book SynopsisDare you crack open the TerrorTome? (Mind the spine)When horror writer Nick Steen gets sucked into a cursed typewriter by the terrifying Type-Face, Dark Lord of the Prolix, the hellish visions inside his head are unleashed for real. Forced to fight his escaping imagination - now leaking out of his own brain - Nick must defend the town of Stalkford from his own fictional horrors, including avascular-necrosis-obsessed serial killer Nelson Strain and Nick's dreaded throppleganger, the Dark Third. Can he and Roz, his frequently incorrect female editor, hunt down these incarnate denizens of Nick's rampaging imaginata before they destroy Stalkford, outer Stalkford and possibly slightly further?From the twisted genius of horror master Garth Marenghi - Frighternerman, Darkscribe, Doomsage (plus Man-Shee) - come three dark tales from his long-lost multi-volume epic: TerrorTome.Can a brain leak? (Yes, it can)-------------------------------------------'Reads like Garth's classic oeuvre of paperback horrors crossed with the X-Files, Faustian myth and bits of Manimal. Plus the cover is embossed with genuine foil at his insistence and at your expense'Ken Hodder, Head of Hodder'These three tales of terror by Garth Marenghi are... quality'Queen Fang, NosFor(at)um.com'A strong beginning, deepening intrigue and a knockout ending'How to Write MagazineTrade ReviewBeautifully bonkers, with a razor-sharp understanding of the genre, Garth Marenghi's prose is schlocky, corny, cliché-ridden and over-written. Full of dread and deliberately dreadful - in other words, addictive and quite perfect * SciFi Bulletin *The mercurial horror maestro and star of Darkplace delivers a trio of blood curdling tales from his long-lost opus in this side-splittingly spot-on parody of grisly supernatural blockbusters * Waterstones *Read if you dare, but know that not one bone in your body will remain unchilled * Financial Times *Books like TerrorTome - so dense with brilliant jokes that it cannot safely be read while drinking hot liquid - are rare indeed. It is clear that Holness loves horror; like the recent Ladybird books and BBC Two's Philomena Cunk, this is a parody that knows and respects its source material. The result is something very bad - and very, very good * The i *A delight, whether you're a devotee of the shlocky 1980s horror genre or not. TerrorTome is a pitch-perfect parody of terrible genre writing, with overblown, clichéd prose and heavily signposted metaphor * Chortle *A new Garth Marenghi novel is like a new album by ZZ Top or Status Quo: you know what you're going to get, but by heck you'll love it * Buzz *Horrormeister Garth Marenghi makes a triumphant comeback with three linked tales of shuddersome, mind-bending fear . . . Top-notch spoofy spookiness * Financial Times, Best Books of 2022 *
£15.29
HarperCollins Publishers The Wishing Tree Beside the Shore
Book SynopsisMoving, romantic, and downright funny! A magical read, perfect for anyone who's ever made a wish.' Samantha Tonge, 5 starsWhat do you do when the one that got away' now won't go away? In fact, he's so determined not to go away that he's literally chained himself to a tree.Fifteen years ago, Felicity Kerr threw caution to the wind and kissed her colleague Ryan Sullivan under the ancient wishing tree along the coast.When Ryan failed to respond to her kiss, Felicity was mortified that she'd read his signals so horrendously wrong and left Lemmon Cove for good.But now Felicity's job brings her back to her hometown, and face to face with Ryan, who is leading a band of octogenarians rallying to save their beloved 300-year-old sycamore from being bulldozed by property developers.The spark with Ryan is still there, but Felicity is guarding a secret and as much as she wants to join the protest by his side, she can't help but hold back.Will Felicity be able to mend her broken heart and find happi
£8.54
Vintage Publishing Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm
Book SynopsisStella Gibbons was born in London in 1902. She went to the North London Collegiate School and studied journalism at University College, London. She then worked for ten years on various papers, including the Evening Standard. Stella Gibbons is the author of twenty-five novels, three volumes of short stories, and four volumes of poetry. Her first publication was a book of poems, The Mountain Beast (1930) and her first novel Cold Comfort Farm (1932) won the Femina Vie Heuruse Prize for 1933. Among her works are Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm (1940) Westwood (1946), Conference at Cold Comfort Farm (1959) and Starlight (1967). She was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1950. In 1933 she married the actor and singer Allan Webb. They had one daughter. Stella Gibbons died in 1989.Trade ReviewStella Gibbons is the Jane Austen of the 20th century -- Lynne TrussA biting, witty tale of inappropriate presents and family traditions that fans of the original Cold Comfort Farm will love * Good Housekeeping *Oddly comforting and amusing collection * Independent on Sunday *
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 34
Book Synopsis''A satire of our times. Very funny indeed'' Sunday Times ''My comfort read. The best diaries ever written - with apologies to Samuel Pepys, Bridget Jones and me'' ADAM KAYFEATURED IN ''THE 100 BOOKS THAT SHAPED OUR WORLD'' BBC ARTS The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 is the first book in Sue Townsend''s brilliantly funny Adrian Mole series. Friday January 2ndI felt rotten today. It''s my mother''s fault for singing ''My Way'' at two o''clock in the morning at the top of the stairs. Just my luck to have a mother like her. There is a chance my parents could be alcoholics. Next year I could be in a children''s home.Meet Adrian Mole, a hapless teenager providing an unabashed, pimples-and-all glimpse into adolescent life. Writing candidly about his parents'' marital troubles, the dog, his life as a tortured poet and ''misunderstood intellectual'', Adrian''s painfully honest diary is still hilarious and compelling reading thirty years after it first appeared._________NOW A MAJOR MUSICAL ''I not only wept, I howled and hooted and had to get up and walk around the room and wipe my eyes so that I could go on reading'' Tom Sharpe''We laugh both at Mole and with him. A wonderful comic read, that, like all the best comedy, says something rather meaningful'' HeatTrade ReviewImpeccable comic timing, evergreen comic writing. I had more pure reading pleasure than from any other book I read this year -- John Self * The Times *One of literature's most endearing figures. Mole is an excellent guide for all of us * Observer *Townsend has held a mirror up to the nation and made us happy to laugh at what we see in it * Sunday Telegraph *An exquisite social comedy * Daily Telegraph *A satire of our times. Very funny indeed * Sunday Times *Marvellous, touching and screamingly funny . . . set to become as much a cult book as The Catcher in the Rye
£8.54
Little, Brown Book Group Crewe Train Virago Modern Classics
Book SynopsisDenham Dobie has been brought up in Andorra by her father, a retired clergyman. On his death, she is snatched from this reclusive life and thrown into the social whirl of London by her sophisticated relatives. Denham, however, provides a candid response to the niceties of ''civilised'' behaviour. CREWE TRAIN is one of Macaulay''s wittiest satires. The reactions of Denham to the manners and modes of the highbrow circle in which she finds herself provide a devastating - and very funny - social commentary as well as a moving story.This bitingly funny, elegantly written comedy of manners is as absorbing and entertaining today as on the book''s first publication in 1967.Trade ReviewRose Macaulay is ripe for rediscovery * The Times *One of her very wittiest books * Observer *A pleasure and a triumph -- Eric LinklaterRose Macaulay, who is probably the cleverest of our novelists, has given us yet another of her glittering novels * Country Life *One of the few authors of whom it may be said she adorns our century -- Elizabeth Bowen
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Protecting Whats Mine
Book Synopsis From Sunday Times and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Things We Never Got Over Fire Chief Lincoln Reed is known for his heroics in the fire department and in the bedroom. Life is a never-ending good time. Until flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie O''Neil lands right in the middle of an accident scene he''s working, as well as in his back yard. Too bad she''s immune to flirty first responders . . .After experiencing severe burnout, Mackenzie''s temporary job as a small-town family physician is just what the doctor ordered. She''ll learn to meditate. Sleep more. Take up gardening. But Linc and his tattoos are very persuasive. It''s all naked fun and games until the shadows from Mack''s past find their way into her present. Can Linc be her hero when she needs him the most?One thing is certain: Someone is going to get burned.
£9.49
Vintage Publishing Trainspotting: A special edition of the cult
Book SynopsisA beautiful hardback edition of the hilarious, dark, ingenious novel that changed the face of British fiction.Choose us. Choose life. Choose mortgage payments; choose washing machines; choose cars; choose sitting oan a couch watching mind-numbing and spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing fuckin junk food intae yir mooth. Choose rotting away, pishing and shiteing yersel in a home, a total fuckin embarrassment tae the selfish, fucked-up brats ye've produced.Choose life.'The best book ever written by man or woman... Deserves to sell more copies than the Bible' Rebel Inc'Welsh writes with a skill, wit and compassion that amounts to genius' Sunday TimesVINTAGE QUARTERBOUND CLASSICS: Bound to be beautifulTrade ReviewAbhorrently dark and raw to the core, Trainspotting is an insight into one of life’s many ugly personalities — addiction and the accompanying domino effect of grim inevitabilities… Irvine Welsh’s novel will always be a cult classic.—Tori Chalmers, Culture TripWelsh’s skill as a storyteller is undeniable, bringing both wit and compassion to a grim subject matter. If you liked Danny Boyle’s film adaptation, you’ll love the original.—Maddy Searle, iThe voice of punk, grown up, grown wiser and grown eloquent—Sunday TimesThe best book ever written by man or woman... Deserves to sell more copies than the bible—Rebel IncWelsh writes with a skill, wit and compassion that amounts to genius. He is the best thing that has happened to British writing for decades—Sunday Times
£15.29
Duckworth Books Two People
Book SynopsisHow well can you ever know another person? Happily married, Reginald and Sylvia seem to lead a perfect, and perfectly quiet, life. They have more than enough money and their own country house. But when success overtakes them, and allure of London life pulls Reginald in, they find parts of themselves they never knew. Where does their happiness really lie? Reminiscent of Evelyn Waugh, this wry, intimate examination of a relationship is a gem of 1930s literature.
£8.99
Transworld Publishers Ltd Hogfather: (Discworld Novel 20)
Book Synopsis'Humans need fantasy to be human. To be the place where the falling angel meets the rising ape.''Twas the night before Hogswatch and all through the house . . . something was missing.Superstition makes things work in the Discworld and undermining it can have consequences. When Death realizes that belief in the Hogfather is dangerously low, he decides to take on the job. But it's just not right to find a seven-foot skeleton creeping down your chimney and trying to say 'ho, ho, ho'.It's the last night of the year, the time is turning, and if Susan, gothic governess and Death's granddaughter, doesn't sort everything out by morning, there won't be a morning. Ever again . . .'Has the energy of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and the inventiveness of Alice in Wonderland' Sunday TimesHogfather is the fourth book in the Death series, but you can read the Discworld novels in any order. Trade Review'Has the energy of The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy and the inventiveness of Alice in Wonderland...It has also an intelligent wit and a truly original grim and comic grasp of the nature of things' * The Sunday Times *'Our best comic novelist' * New Scientist *'I'm addicted to Terry Pratchett' * A.S. Byatt *
£9.49
Alma Books Ltd Don Quixote: Newly Translated and Annotated (Alma
Book SynopsisWhen an ageing, impoverished nobleman decides to style himself “Don Quixote” and embarks upon a series of daring endeavours, it is clear that his ability to distinguish between reality and the fantasy world of literary romance has broken down. His exploits turn into comic misadventures, in which everyday objects are transformed into the accoutrements of chivalry, peasant girls become princesses and windmills are mistaken for formidable giants, leading the hero and his squire Sancho Panza into the realms of absurdity and humiliation. Renowned for its comical set pieces, Don Quixote is a profound meditation on the relationship between truth and fiction and the morality of deception, as well as the foundation stone of the modern novel.Trade ReviewThe ultimate and most sublime example of human thought. -- Fyodor DostoevskyThis translation is a valuable addition to the many resources Tom Lathrop has already produced for understanding Cervantes. It should have a wide appeal. * TLS *
£9.25
Vintage Publishing Porno Irvine Welsh Mark Renton 3
Book SynopsisTen years on from Trainspotting Sick Boy is back in Edinburgh after a long spell in London. Having failed spectacularly as a hustler, pimp, husband, father and businessman, Sick Boy taps into an opportunity which to him represents one last throw of the dice. However, to realise his dream of directing and producing a pornographic movie, Sick Boy must team up with old pal and fellow exile Mark Renton. In the world of Porno, though, nothing is straightforward, as Sick Boy and Renton find out that they have unresolved issues to address concerning the increasingly unhinged Frank Begbie, the troubled, drug-addled Spud, but, most of all, with each other.Trade ReviewFunny, appalling, frightening * Mail on Sunday *A brilliant satirical study of the ugly dynamic which draws together predators and prey * Sunday Telegraph *Not for the fainthearted... Highly entertaining * Sunday Times *Funny and eloquently obscene * Daily Telegraph *A worthy sequel... A touching love song to the possibilities and limits of friendship. Charming, funny and sly, Porno is a good poke at all kinds of pretence and moral tidiness * Evening Standard *
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Inc Chase Me
Book SynopsisBut the sassy wit and sexy voice of the girl behind the mask intrigue him, and one look at her stunning face—followed by a mind-blowing kiss against his doorjamb—leaves Louis wanting more.Roxy doesn't need a spoiled rich guy who's had everything in life handed to him on a Tiffany platter.Trade Review“Louis and Roxy are a terrific match from the start. But Bailey is a master at portraying a heroine with a complex core, and Roxy’s proud character carries the novel— making readers wish she was their roommate, empty bank account be damned.” — Washington Post “Chase Me is funny, sexy and real. Tessa Bailey has fast become one of my favorite authors!” — Monica Murphy, New York Times bestselling author “Chase Me is the most fun read I’ve had in a long time! Hilarious, sexy, and absolutely addicting! I loved every character.” — Cora Carmack, New York Times bestselling author The tenderness, vulnerability and heat I am always guaranteed with a Tessa Bailey book are the reasons she is one of my all-time favorite authors.” — Sally Thorne “Tessa Bailey’s writing stands out in all the right sexy ways.” — Buzzfeed “Bailey launches the Broke and Beautiful contemporary series with the gripping story of an independent woman and a generous man. [...] Honest emotions and real passion lead to [...] sex scenes that never feel gratuitous. Readers will appreciate these highly sympathetic leads and their powerful story of mutual self-discovery.” — Publishers Weekly “a laugh-out-loud raunchy romantic comedy.” — Heroes & Heartbreakers “This first outing in the Broke and Beautiful series is simply wonderful. With super hot love scenes and a generous dose of humor, Chase Me is — like sexy hero Louis McNally the Second — utterly irresistible.” — RT Book Reviews 4 1/2 Stars (top pick and Winner of March Seal of Excellence Award) “I can’t remember the last time I read a romance as funny as this one. Roxy is one of the most hardworking heroine’s in contemporary romance and she’s so incredibly dedicated to making ends meet. The book, for me, truly embodies what modern romance is all about. ” — BookRiot (Best Books of March 2015)
£9.49
Faber & Faber Birds of America
Book SynopsisA collection of stories containing a range of emotional force and dark humour. It unfolds a series of portraits of the young, the hip, the lost, the unsettled and the unhinged of America.
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers A Holly Jolly Ever After
Book SynopsisOpposites attract in this spicy holiday rom-comWhen actress Winnie Baker agrees to star in a steamier-than-a-steaming-mug-of-mulled-wine Christmas movie, she has just one concern: how can she be sultry on-scnree, when she's never been sultry in real life?Kallum Lieberman is an ex-boyband member now known exclusively for his reputation in the bedroom, thanks to a rogue sex tape. And he's got just the experience she needs.But Winnie and Kallum need to keep this research purely professional. They say opposites attract, and that makes this co-stars-with-benefits set up extremely dangerous indeedEVERYBODY LOVES THE CHRISTMAS NOTCH BOOKS:'Funny and saucy, this certainly puts the X-rated into Xmas'HeatThe audacity of this magical author duo to sneak in and steal Christmas in the sexiest way possible the charming holiday romp you absolutely need in your life!' TESSA BAILEYThe holiday romcom of my dreams! Sexy, progressive, hilarious, and full of good cheer' HELEN HOANG'A merry little masterpiTrade ReviewMORE REVIEWS FOR A MERRY LITTLE MEET CUTE… ‘Looking for a little bit of spice from your Christmas romance? . . . A refreshingly entertaining and sexy read, which also features some great plus-size representation’ POPSUGAR ‘With plenty of cheeky charm and a cast of superbly nuanced characters, this brilliantly executed rom-com both cleverly skewers and unabashedly celebrates the appeal of squeaky-clean holiday romances, while also championing body positivity in life and love’ BOOKLIST ‘Witty and entertaining from first page to last, A Merry Little Meet Cute will delight readers looking for a fresh, funny, fat- and sex-positive romcom . . . This book is a joy to read’ OLIVIA DADE, bestselling author of Ship Wrecked ‘A diamond-tier rom-com filled with laugh-out-loud hilarity, and sizzling spice . . . This is what a holiday romance should be!’ NISHA SHARMA, author of Dating Dr. Dil ‘For something a little spicy this Christmas, try this holiday romcom’ Yours
£8.54
HarperCollins Publishers Inc Hang the Moon
Book SynopsisIn a delightful follow-up to Written in the Stars, Alexandria Bellefleur delivers another queer rom-com about a hopeless romantic who vows to show his childhood crush that romance isn’t dead by recreating iconic dates from his favorite films...Brendon Lowell loves love.Trade Review"Smart, sexy, and sweet. Readers will be over the moon for this rom-com." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Written in the Stars is everything I want from a romcom: fun, whimsical, sexy. This modern Pride & Prejudice glitters with romance.” — Talia Hibbert, USA Today bestselling author of Get a Life, Chloe Brown “With perfectly woven vulnerability and playfulness, Written in the Stars is a riotous and heartfelt read. I was hooked from the very first page!” — Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author "Bellefleur has a droll, distinct voice, and her one-liners zing off the page, striking both the heart and funny bone. She has a gift for comedy, possessing more style and panache than a debut writer has any right to... There's a sparkling quality here, one that mirrors the starry title. Bellefleur writes as if she's captured fairy lights in a mason jar, twinkly and lovely within something solid yet fragile." — Entertainment Weekly (Best Romances of November) “Hang the Moon reads like a classic rom-com, updated for the 21st century. Bellefleur peppers the book with Seattle landmarks and traditions and occasional nods to classic rom-com films. Snappy banter and modern dating humor brighten this grounded yet optimistic romance, and though the story feels complete, readers will ache for just a few more pages as they fall in love right along with Brendon and Annie.... Readers will laugh, swoon and be swept away, along with the characters, in Alexandria Bellefleur's sparkling romance.” — Shelf Awareness "A disastrous blind date kicks off Bellefleur’s excellent rom-com debut... Readers will be rapt by the sensuous love scenes once Darcy and Elle throw pretense aside... A moving subplot about Elle’s fight for her family’s acceptance rounds out the story, while astrology memes ('What brunch food are you based on your zodiac?') and nods to Pride and Prejudice scattered throughout add texture. This is a delight." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Written in the Stars "Alexandria Bellefleur is an author to watch. Her writing is joyful and heartfelt, and her voice sparkles with a delightful mix of wit, humor, and good-natured sarcasm. I can't wait to see how she wows us next!" — Mia Sosa, USA Today bestselling author of The Worst Best Man "[A]wkward first dates lead to passionate first kisses and time spent together reveals there is more to both women than meets the eye... Fans of pop culture–inspired astrology sites will love the effortless and entertaining way the author weaves zodiac memes throughout the text. The stars align in this charming queer rom-com." — Kirkus Reviews on Written in the Stars "If you love the fake-dating trope, you won't want to miss Written in the Stars." — Bustle "Written in the Stars abounds with optimism and empathy for its characters, its wit always undergirded by sweetness. This is a comfort read, at a time when many of us need one badly, and a sparkling debut for Bellefleur." — Olivia Dade, author of Spoiler Alert "Written in the Stars had me hooked from the first page. It's an adorable and heartfelt romance with everything I adore: a killer meet-cute, loads of cute banter, steamy love scenes, all the feels, and a happily ever after that left me in happy tears. I fell head over heels for Elle and Darcy's love story. Alexandria Bellefleur's debut will have readers seeing stars in the best way.” — Sarah Smith, author of Faker & Simmer Down, on Written in the Stars "A dazzling debut! The perfect combination of humor and heart really makes this book shine.” — Rachel Lacey, author of Don’t Cry for Me “Written in the Stars is what you might get if your favorite Instagram astrologer wrote you an adorable romance novel. Delightful, funny and sweet, with just the right touch of woo-woo.” — Scarlett Peckham, USA Today bestselling author "Bellefleur’s debut sprinkles amusing listicles throughout the text as Elle and Darcy cautiously move from uneasy allies to friends to something more. Well-developed leads, relatable conflicts, a strong supporting cast, and opposites-attract chemistry make for an engaging read. Fans of Alexis Hall's Boyfriend Material and Talia Hibbert's Take a Hint, Dani Brown will enjoy this Seattle-set love story that reads like a romantic holiday movie." — Booklist "Polar opposites come together in Bellefleur’s cheerful #ownvoices debut... A dash of Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones’s Diary, mixed with a fresh, millennial f/f twist of opposites attract." — Library Journal “There are many, many Pride and Prejudice retellings out there, but Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur might just be the best.” — Popsugar (Best New Romance Books in November) "Just what 2020 needs: a delightful rom com that once again gives us the beloved fake relationship trope — and the fuzzies you didn’t know you needed." — Shondaland (5 Best Books of November) "[A] distinctly modern frolic, charming and effervescent and entirely itself." — Washington Post “In this heart-thawing holiday romance, debut novelist Bellefleur remixes Austen's indelible clash of personalities into something fresh and totally queer.” — O, the Oprah Magazine (Best LGBTQ Books of 2020) “WRITTEN IN THE STARS is the gay contemporary Pride and Prejudice retelling I’ve been looking to read for forever, and I so hope everyone who needs to read this book finds it. Elle’s openness and positivity and Darcy’s guardedness and skepticism and how they come together is a joy to read. Please check this one out. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.” — Culturess "A delightful, heart-warming romance, Bellefleur's novel shows eloquently how two characters can fall in love more deeply than either dared to dream. So whether you follow astrology or not, Written in the Stars has the reading you won't want to miss." — NPR "Alexandria Bellefleur has crafted an impeccable debut romance in WRITTEN IN THE STARS: lighthearted and sexy, contemporary and timeless, perfect to enjoy during the holiday season or for celebrating queer love any time of the year.” — Shelf Awareness "This book is a delight." — New York Times Book Review
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd A Friend of the Family
Book SynopsisThe huge bestseller from the author of Then She Was Gone and The GirlsA stranger in the house can only mean troubleThe London family is in crisis.Newly-divorced Tony is fantasizing about someone he shouldn''t.Prize-winning writer Sean has a hot new girlfriend, and a dose of writer''s block.Their brother Ned has just come back from Australia, leaving his girlfriend behind. And now they have a new lodger - a mysterious stranger. But is he the friend this family needs, or a troublemaker they could do without?''Terrific stuff: touching, funny and sentient'' Sunday Times''Funny and emotionally satisfying'' The Times''A heart-warming page-turner from start to finish'' HeatTrade ReviewThis book shows Jewell coming into her prime - both funny and emotionally satisfying * The Times *Terrific stuff: touching, funny and sentient * Sunday Times *A heart-warming page-turner from start to finish . . . Quite possibly her best yet * Heat *Jewell's readability and emotional intelligence make her the cream of pop fiction * Glamour *The perfect summer read * Marie Claire *Jewell's light style can be deceptive; her anatomisation of twenty and thirty-something urban relationships is at times uncomfortably keen . . . It's a lot of fun * Daily Mail *This novel will make you feel warm inside * New Woman *Praise for Lisa Jewell * - *Addictively readable * The Times *A joy . . . a fun summer read * Guardian *The best romantic comedy we've read in ages * Company *Tackles serious issues with humour - proving that chick-lit can be intelligent, interesting and huge fun * Sunday Express *A triumph * Hello *Top marks. Fantastic * Heat *Lovely * Daily Telegraph *Moving and intelligent * Independent *Magnetic, unpretentious and bursting with one-liners * Cosmopolitan *Fans of chick-lit will understand when I say that this is a book you simply disappear into * Sunday Telegraph *
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd The Trials of Rumpole
Book Synopsis''I thank heaven for small mercies. The first of these is Rumpole'' Clive JamesHorace Rumpole, the irrepressible barrister fuelled by cigars, Tennyson, steak-and-kidney pud and the cooking claret from Pommeroy''s wine bar, is back for further misadventures. Amid an unfortunate and temporary downturn in London crime, the Old Bailey Hack sits in Chambers (he never writes at home for fear of She Who Must Be Obeyed) and picks up his pen to recount six classic tales of his recent trials. Here he deals with, among others, a clergyman on a shoplifting rampage, a backstage theatrical murder, a villain with unfortunate sartorial taste and, worst of all, the possibility that he may have to hang up his wig and retire. ''Rumpole, like Jeeves and Sherlock Holmes, is immortal'' P. D. James
£8.54
Penguin Books Ltd Nothing Serious
Book SynopsisA blisteringly sharp novel of self-acceptance, friendship and making connections in the most unexpected of places . . . **** ''Emotionally intelligent and thought-provoking. Raw and compelling'' DAILY MAIL ''A thought-provoking, quietly devastating novel about loneliness and what people will do to belong'' RED ''Best Books of January 2024''''Sharp, sublime and achingly hopeful. Nothing Serious takes an honest and heartfelt look at loneliness and longing, friendship and survival. I loved it'' CHRIS WHITAKER, New York Times bestselling author ''This book blew me away, I''m still reeling from it . . . This is a powerful novel that will bring out a world of emotions in you . . . Just brilliant'' ***** Reader Review****Nicki - 30ish, care worker, living in Brighton - is scrolling for her next hook-up. A difficult home life, a job that''s going nowhere, she seeks solace in random encounters. Amber - 17, college student, lost - desperately needs someone to notice her. She creates ''Kevin'', a fake dating profile for a man in his thirties.Neither Nicki nor ''Kevin'' has any idea what they''re about to get into. They quickly match, and an unlikely friendship develops, giving each other the validation they both sorely need. But can you ever truly connect when one of you is a liar?***''A searing exploration into the shape of loneliness and how far we''ll go to create connections'' HEATHER DARWENT, Sunday Times bestselling author ''Emotive . . . a powerful tale of a skewed but hopeful friendship through which two very different women find the courage to survive'' AMY BEASHEL''WHAT. A. BOOK. I was utterly gripped from the first page. One that people will be talking about long after they finish reading'' LISA HALLTrade ReviewAlways emotionally intelligent and thought-provoking. Raw and compelling * Daily Mail *A thought-provoking, quietly devastating novel about loneliness and what people will do to belong * Red, 'Best Books of January 2024' *Sharp, sublime, and achingly hopeful. Nothing Serious takes an honest and heartfelt look at loneliness and longing, friendship and survival. I loved it -- Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of We Begin at the EndA searing exploration into the shape of loneliness and how far we'll go to create connections -- Heather Darwent, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Things We Do To Our FriendsAn emotive insight into the consequences of bruising loneliness, Nothing Serious is a powerful tale of a skewed but hopeful friendship through which two very different women find the courage to survive -- Amy Beashel, author of Spilt MilkWHAT. A. BOOK. I don't think I've ever read anything quite like it before, I was utterly gripped from the first page. I loved Emma's characters, they felt real and balanced, flawed and relatable. Such a perfectly relevant read, and one that I think people will be talking about/thinking over for a long time after they finish reading -- Lisa Hall, bestselling author of Between You and MeMagnetic, raw and powerful, this is a compulsive novel about loneliness and connection that will stay with me a long time -- Katie Lumsden, author of The Secrets of Hartwood Hall
£15.29
Little, Brown Book Group Oblivion Stories
Book SynopsisA visionary, a craftsman, a comedian ... He can do anything with a piece of prose, and it is a humbling experience to see him go to work on what has passed up till now as ''modern fiction''. He''s so modern he''s in a different time-space continuum from the rest of us. Goddamn him'' ZADIE SMITHA recognised master of form and a brilliant recorder of human behaviour, David Foster Wallace has been hailed as ''the most significant writer of his generation'' (TLS). Each new book confirms and extends his genius, and this new short story collection is no exception. In the stories that make up OBLIVION, David Foster Wallace conjoins the rawest, most naked humanity with the infinite convolutions of self-consciousness - a combination that is dazzlingly, uniquely his.''Wallace''s talent is such that you can''t help wondering: how good can he get?'' TIME OUTTrade ReviewA visionary, a craftsman, a comedian ... He's so modern he's in a different time-space continuum from the rest of us. Goddamn him * Zadie Smith *The heir apparent to Thomas Pynchon * Douglas Kennedy, THE TIMES *David Foster Wallace comes with a high reputation to live up to, and in these superbly written stories, he does ... there is a strong element of jokiness in these tales, but it is a deadpan, cumulative humour, not satire of the stand aloof, easily mocking variety ... Here he has shown once again that his is a major and entirely distinct talent * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *With the exception of Don DeLillo, no writer better depicts the crushing effect of the information age on the soul. His strangely dignified characters fight desperately to maintain sovereignty over their inner lives against the onslaught of high technolo * Stephen Amidon, SUNDAY TIMES *
£10.44
Simon & Schuster Ltd My extraOrdinary Life
Book Synopsis‘I absolutely loved this book! Charming, funny – I laughed out loud several times' SARAH TURNER (The Unmumsy Mum), author of Stepping Up Have you ever wondered how normal you are? What if you were perfectly average? More than anyone else. For Emily – it's true. When she watches a documentary on the average human she sees her life. Her job, her hair, her favourite food. All of her – plainly, horrifically average. Even her blood group. Right there and then, she decides she wants more. She'll travel the world (i.e. venture out of her hometown)She'll become a vegan (it's interesting to hate cheese, right?) She'll do something daring (As long as it's safety tested) Nothing will stand in the waTrade Review‘Funny, heartfelt, and tackling the complexity of grief in an original way, this debut is far from average’ – Heat ‘Funny and heartwarming’ – Closer ‘Funny and emotional – this is a top read’ – Fabulous Magazine ‘A sparkling novel with a relatable protagonist’ – Woman’s Own ‘Bradford-based Ryan…goes to the top of the class with this debut about a fresh start that will take you from all-out laughter to tears’ – The Sunday Post'PURE JOY' 'This book just spoke to me' 'Had me chortling out loud while at some points shedding a tear' 'I couldn’t put it down' 'A story that can make you laugh out loud and well-up' 'Vivid, sparkling and entertaining - what a great debut' 'I LOVED everything about this book' 'Such a gorgeous story'
£8.54
Hodder & Stoughton By a Thread
Book Synopsis From Sunday Times and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Things We Never Got Over Dominic: I got her fired. Okay, so I''d had a bad day, but there''s nothing innocent about Ally Morales. Maybe her colourful, annoying, inexplicably alluring personality brightens up the magazine''s offices that have felt like a prison for the past year. Maybe I like that she argues with me in front of the editorial staff. And maybe my after-hours fantasies are haunted by her brown eyes and sharp tongue.She''s working herself to death at half a dozen dead-end jobs for some secret reason. And I''m going to fix it all. Don''t accuse me of caring. She''s nothing more than a puzzle to be solved. If I can get her to quit, I can finally peel away all those layers. Then I can go back to salvaging the family name and forget all about the dancing, beer-slinging brunette.Ally:Ha. Hold my beer, Grumpy Grump Face.
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Love And Other Human Errors: set in the near
Book Synopsis'An eerie yet witty tale of what the future might be like' Sun'Such is the wit and exuberance of her writing, so engaging are her characters, it's easy to miss the sheer ingenuity that's gone into the science fiction element' The Times'Smart, funny, scary and sweet. I LOVED it [...] Bethany Clift's wondrous imagination is matched by her pitch-perfect writing' Nikki May, author of WahalaAn unforgettable story about love in all its chaotic glory from the author of Last One At The PartyA book synopsis is fundamentally ridiculous. How can I possibly convey, in only 100 words, the events of the past year and their impact on my perfectly ordered existence?It is insufficient space to accurately detail how I was blackmailed into demonstrating my flawless algorithm to find a soulmate, despite having no desire for one. In my former life I avoided trivial human connections. I was alone, accomplished and brilliant.Unfortunately, that solitary and driven woman no longer exists.My name is Indiana Dylan and this is the extraordinary account of how I fell in love.There: 100 words exactly.'I was hooked! A palm-tingly romance set in a believable future with nuanced, funny and surprising characters. BookTok is going to love it!' Kate Sawyer'So fresh, so funny, so satisfying . . . Bethany Clift skilfully combines humour with heartfelt writing, a pacey plot and truly unforgettable characters. This smart and vibrant story explores big questions around love, friendship and ambition, and every page is a joy' Holly MillerTrade ReviewAn absolute riot, a joyous reboot of the rom-com that explores the power and unpredictability of human connection. In a gorgeous cast of characters, my absolute favourite was Peggy. WE ALL NEED A PEGGY. * Beth Morrey *Utterly fabulous! Bethany injects so much joy and humour into her books; creating characters you will love, and stories that will make you laugh and cry at literally the same time. * Sarah Bonner *Love and Other Human Errors is at once a beautiful, poignant and witty observation on what it is to be human and to try and figure out love in all its messy chaos. Bethany possesses such talent in combining sharp wit with original ideas. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. * L.V. Matthews *Even the most hardened cynic won't be able to resist this funny and touching story about all the wonderful messiness of love * Red *This original story is wonderful on love, loss, loneliness and the vital importance of human connection * Daily Mail *Such is the wit and exuberance of her writing, so engaging are her characters, it's easy to miss the sheer ingenuity that's gone into the science fiction element * The Times *A heartwarming story of love, trust and friendship - utterly unputdownable * Candis *An eerie yet witty tale of what the future might be like in the world of digital dating * The Sun *Quirky, cute and surprising * Fabulous magazine *
£15.29
Hodder & Stoughton Give a Little Love: The feel good novel as
Book Synopsis**FROM ONE OF THE STARS OF BBC'S HIT SERIES MOTHERLAND**'Jackie Clune's writing always make me roar with laughter' NIGELLA LAWSON'A proper twisty turny plot' GRAHAM NORTON'Joyful... Charts lockdown beautifully' LOOSE ENDS'Humorous and hopeful' WOMAN'S WEEKLYLondon, March 2020. Angela is reeling from the sudden death of her husband Robert. As the world hunkers down against the pandemic, she and her two children - home from university - lock down in their grief and remembrance. Except Angela has this gnawing sensation, a tightness in her chest every time she thinks of Robert. He could be harsh, critical, often belittling in front of others. But he did his best - didn't he? He looked after them, even if he did make the decisions and laugh at her small ambitions. Even if he controlled most things in Angela's so-called life.As lockdown drags on with its do-gooder neighbours and their cake-baking and competitive Clapping for Carers, Angela makes a disturbing discovery on Robert's old phone: messages from a woman who clearly had a close relationship with her late husband. Enraged but liberated by the betrayal, Angela starts to reclaim her life.Until she runs into Zana. Zana, who appears to be watching her house. Zana, with her small child in tow. Zana, and her inexplicable connection to Robert...When Angela decides to help Zana she is forced to reframe her outlook, check her privilege and confront how exactly she plans to live the rest of her life. Slowly they build a relationship based on their mutual recognition, and when Zana introduces Angela to her friends at the local homeless mother and child hostel, she discovers a different, more hopeful, kind of family bubble.Wickedly dark but full of heart, this is a story of pulling together and finding love and connection in the most surprising of places.
£8.54
HarperCollins Publishers Dial A For Aunties
Book SynopsisWinner of the Comedy Women In Print Prize 2021Whip-smart, original and so funny. I found it impossible to put down and lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud' Beth O'Leary, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Road TripYour family would kill to see you happyARE YOUDEAD?'OH MY GOD. I THINK HE IS.When Meddy Chan accidentally kills her blind date, she turns to her aunties for help. Their meddling set her up on the date so they kind of owe her.WELL, THAT DIDN'T QUITE GO TO PLAN.Although hiding this goddamn dead body is going to be harder than they thought especially when her family's wedding business has THE biggest wedding of the year happening right now.IT'S PRETTY BAD TIMING REALLY.It turns out the wedding venue just happens to be managed by Meddy's ex, aka the one who got away. It's the worst time to see him again, oris it? Can Meddy finally find love and make her overbearing family happy?Readers LOVE Dial A For Aunties!Its dark humour and hilarious family dynamics had Trade Review‘A deliciously frantic comedy caper, filled with absurd situations, hilarious dialogue, wonderful family dynamics and crackling with comic energy’ Joanne Harris, CWIP Prize ‘Had me laughing aloud within its first five pages. Charming, hilarious and heartfelt’ Emily Henry, Beach Read ‘A dazzling debut full of humour and love. A comedy caper, doused in black humour, comical references, mixed with romance – fans of Crazy Rich Asians will love it’ My Weekly ‘Brilliant, wicked and dead, dead funny’ Andi Osho, Asking For A Friend ‘A gloriously screwball crime caper (with a dusting of romance) which will have you snort-laughing’ Red ‘Dial A For Aunties is one of the funniest, smartest, most compelling books I’ve read in a long time and I couldn’t put it down’ Lucy Vine, Hot Mess ‘Rejoice over Dial A For Aunties’ Elle ‘This smart, funny charming novel has all the right ingredients to make you laugh out loud… A heartfelt rom-com’ Platinum ‘A tightly-plotted, highly comic romp, Dial A For Aunties keeps you guessing till the very last twist’ Lauren Ho, Last Tang Standing ‘Has redefined what “page-turner” means with laugh-out-loud humour and delightful twists and turns at every corner’ Buzzfeed ‘A rip-roaring treat! Dark comedy at its finest and a set of catastrophes that had me roaring’ Abigail Mann, The Lonely Fajita ‘This laugh-out-loud read is a real breath of fresh air’ Fabulous ‘Dark humour at its best. We had such a laugh reading through’ Magic Radio Bookclub ‘The comedy jackpot! Fresh, funny and fabulous’ Kirsty Eyre, Cow Girl ‘A laugh-out-loud read’ Bella ‘Genuine laugh-out-loud funny’ Frost ’A comedy of errors, by turns macabre and romantic, hilarious and affectionate’ Saga
£8.54
HarperCollins Publishers Offshore
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE BOOKER PRIZEFEATURED ON BBC'S BETWEEN THE COVERS BOOK CLUBPenelope Fitzgerald's Booker Prize-winning novel of loneliness and connecting is set among the houseboat community of the Thames, with an introduction from Alan Hollinghurst.On Battersea Reach, a mixed bag of the temporarily lost and the patently eccentric live on houseboats, rising and falling with the tide of the Thames.There is good-natured Maurice, by occupation a male prostitute, by chance a receiver of stolen goods. And Richard, an ex-navy man whose boat, much like its owner, dominates the Reach. Then there is Nenna, an abandoned wife and mother of two young girls running wild on the muddy foreshore, whose domestic predicament, as it deepens, will draw this disparate community together.Trade ReviewPraise for Penelope Fitzgerald and Offshore: ‘An astonishing book. Hardly more than 50,000 words, it is written with a manic economy that makes it seem even shorter, and with a tamped-down force that continually explodes in a series of exactly controlled detonations. Offshore is a marvellous achievement: strong, supple, humane, ripe, generous and graceful.’ Bernard Levin, Sunday Times ‘She writes the kind of fiction in which perfection is almost to be hoped for, unostentatious as true virtuosity can make it, its texture a pure pleasure.’ Frank Kermode, London Review of Books ‘Perfectly balanced…the novelistic equivalent of a Turner watercolour.’ Washington Post ‘Reading a Penelope Fitzgerald novel is like being taken for a ride in a peculiar kind of car. Everything is of top quality – the engine, the coachwork and the interior all fill you with confidence. Then, after a mile or so, someone throws the steering-wheel out of the window.’ Sebastian Faulks ‘This Booker prize winner is a slightly dark, witty novel … The brilliant Fitzgerald takes a subtle squint at thwarted love, loneliness and the human need to be necessary’ Val Hennessy, Daily Mail
£8.54
Cornerstone The Jeeves Omnibus Vol 1
Book SynopsisP. G. Wodehouse (1881-1975) is widely regarded as the greatest comic writer of the 20th century. Wodehouse wrote more than 70 novels and 200 short stories, creating numerous much-loved characters - the inimitable Jeeves and Wooster, Lord Emsworth and his beloved Empress of Blandings, Mr Mulliner, Ukridge, and Psmith. His humorous articles were published in more than 80 magazines, including Punch, over six decades. He was also a highly successful music lyricist, once with over five musicals running on Broadway simultaneously. P.G. Wodehouse was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for 'an outstanding and lasting contribution to the happiness of the world'.Trade ReviewThe gold standard of English wit … There is not, and never will be, anything to touch him -- Christopher HitchensIt's dangerous to use the word genius to describe a writer, but I'll risk it with him -- John HumphrysMr Wodehouse’s idyllic world can never stale. He will continue to release future generations from captivity that may be more irksome than our own. He has made a world for us to live in and delight in -- Evelyn Waugh
£17.00
Vintage Publishing The Old Devils
Book SynopsisMalcolm, Peter and Charlie and their Soave-sodden wives have one main ambition left in life: to drink Wales dry. But their routine is both shaken and stirred when they are joined by professional Welshman Alun Weaver (CBE) and his wife, Rhiannon.Trade ReviewA copy should be given out with every bus pass. -- John Sutherland * The Times *A brilliant novel. It is sadly comic and comically sad -- Anthony BurgessHe was a genuine comic writer, probably the best after P. G. Wodehouse ... He had a lasting influence and was a very good novelist -- John MortimerA bloody funny lovely bloody book... A genius at full throttle * Financial Times *In these explicit days, Mr Amis is the laureate of the unsayable, the literary it man * Sunday Telegraph *
£9.49
Vintage Publishing Vinegar Girl
Book Synopsis'A thoroughly modern love story' Guardian Kate Battista is stuck.How did she end up running house and home for her eccentric scientist father and infuriating younger sister Bunny?Trade ReviewA joy to experience. * Literary Review *A new Anne Tyler book is always a treat. The terrifically talented author is the latest to tackle Shakespeare…and our favourite so far. * Good Housekeeping *I loved Kate and Pyotr and the way they discover the oversized, tender, irreverent relationship that fits them... It is joyfulIt's knockabout comedy at its best, genuinely laugh-out-loud funny and, indeed, may be her funniest book to date * Daily Mail *The worst wedding in history ... vintage Anne Tyler * The Times *
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd A Fraction Of The Whole
Book SynopsisSteve Toltz''s A Fraction of the Whole is a riotously funny explosion of a novelSHORTLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2008From his prison cell, Jasper Dean tells the unlikely story of his scheming father Martin, his crazy Uncle Terry and how the three of them upset - mostly unintentionally - an entire continent. Incorporating death, parenting (good and bad kinds), one labyrinth, first love, a handbook for criminals, a scheme to make everyone rich and an explosive suggestion box, Steve Toltz''s A Fraction of the Whole is a hilarious, heartbreaking story of families and how to survive them.''A fat book but very light on its feet, skipping from anecdote, to rant, to reflection, like a stone skimming across a pond . . . it is brilliant'' Guardian''Sparkling comic writing . . .It gives off the unmistakeable whiff of a book that might just contain the secret of life'' Independent''With tinges of magicalTrade Review'A fat book but very light on its feet, skipping from anecdote, to rant, to reflection, like a stone skimming across a pond ... it is brilliant' Guardian 'If first novels were sandwiches, Steve Toltz's would be a juicy, swaggering doorstop of a sarnie, overflowing with eccentrically combined but delicious ingredients ... Toltz is a superb phrase-maker with an acute eye for humanity's shortfalls' Big Issue 'A grand achievement and the debut of a great comic talent ... go away and read it' Sunday Times 'Sparkling comic writing...It gives off the unmistakeable whiff of a book that might just contain the secret of life.' Independent 'With tinges of magical realism and buckets of misanthropic humour it's a clever and funny debut.' Observer
£12.34
Pan Macmillan A Dog's Purpose
Book SynopsisThe phenomenal New York Times Number One bestseller about the unbreakable bond between a dog and their human. Now a major film starring Dennis Quaid.This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog's Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey's search for his new life's meaning leads him into the loving arms of eight-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures, Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog.But this life as a family pet is not the end of Bailey's journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders – will he ever find his purpose?Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, W. Bruce Cameron's A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd A Long Way Down
Book Synopsis''Extremely funny . . . and wise'' Sunday TimesNOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE__________________________''Can I explain why I wanted to jump off the top of a tower block?''For disgraced TV presenter Martin Sharp the answer''s pretty simple: he has, in his own words, ''pissed his life away''. And on New Year''s Eve he''s going to end it all . . . but not, as it happens, alone. Because first single-mum Maureen, then eighteen-year-old Jess and lastly American rock-god JJ turn up and crash Martin''s private party. They''ve stolen his idea - but brought their own reasons.Yet it''s hard to jump when you''ve got an audience queuing impatiently behind you. A few heated words and some slices if cold pizza later and these four strangers are suddenly allies. But is their unlikely friendship a good enough reason to carry on living?Shortlisted for the 2005 Whitbread Award and the Commonwealth Writers Prize, A Long Way Down Trade ReviewImpossible to put down . . . enthralling * Guardian *
£9.49
Vintage Publishing Trainspotting
Book Synopsis'An unremitting powerhouse of a novel that marks the arrival of a major new talent. Trainspotting is a loosely knotted string of jagged, dislocated tales that lay bare the hearts of darkness of the junkies, wide-boys and psychos who ride in the down escalator of opportunity in the nation's capital.Trade ReviewAbhorrently dark and raw to the core, Trainspotting is an insight into one of life’s many ugly personalities — addiction and the accompanying domino effect of grim inevitabilities… Irvine Welsh’s novel will always be a cult classic. -- Tori Chalmers * Culture Trip *Welsh’s skill as a storyteller is undeniable, bringing both wit and compassion to a grim subject matter. If you liked Danny Boyle’s film adaptation, you’ll love the original. -- Maddy Searle * i *
£9.49
Pilot Productions Ltd Comrade Don Camillo: No. 4 in the Don Camillo
Book SynopsisIn No. 4 of the newly translated Don Camillo series, Peppone loses out on a matter of conscience and must accept the presence of Don Camillo among a group of communist activists on a trip he is organising to Mother Russia. Travelling incognito, the battling priest becomes the life and soul of the Party and picks off his totalitarian comrades one-by-one in a hilarious riot of shrewd manipulation.Trade Review'Those who read The Little World of Don Camillo will need no more than the news of this new volume to send them quickly to their bookshops - so lovely, so humorous, so wise.' Harper's & Queen
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Penguin Books Ltd Dont Tell Alfred
Book SynopsisFanny is married to absent-minded Oxford don Alfred and content with her role as a plain, tweedy housewife. But overnight her life changes when Alfred is appointed English Ambassador to Paris.
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Penguin Books Ltd Just Like You
Book Synopsis''A charming - and sharp - love story about what it means to fall for someone who is your polar opposite'' Sunday Telegraph_______________________________________________________Lucy married just the sort of man you might expect: a university graduate who runs his own business. Unfortunately he turned out to have serious dependency issues.Joseph is shaking off the memory of his last date, a girl who ticked all the right boxes and also drove him up the wall.On an average Saturday morning in a butcher''s shop in North London, Lucy and Joseph meet on opposite sides of the counter. She is a teacher and mother of two, with a past she is trying to forget; he is an aspiring DJ with a wide-open future that maybe needs to start becoming more focused. Lucy and Joseph are opposites in almost all ways. Can something life-changing grow from uncommon ground?Nick Hornby''s brilliantly observed, tender and brutally funny new novel gets to the heart of what it means to fall headlong in love with the best possible person - someone who may not be just like you at all.Sunday Times Bestseller March 2023 _____________________________________________''Truly funny . . . immensely readable, sharp-eyed and at times hilarious'' Guardian''Comedy for our times'' Sunday Times''Sparkles with tip-top dialogue and pin-sharp comic timing'' Daily MailTrade ReviewUnmistakably of-the-moment. Sharp, charming and upbeat * Mail on Sunday *Well-told, thoughtful, tender and occasionally devastatingly funny love story * Scotsman *A charming - and sharp - love story about what it means to fall for someone who is your polar opposite * Sunday Telegraph *Frequently funny, consistently engaging ... it has great warmth in its heart * Observer *Hornby's hilarious and heart-wrenching new novel explores what it means to be somebody's perfect match, and why this notion of perfect compatibility is an absolute disaster when it comes to love * Woman and Home, Best Books to Look Forward to this Summer *The capable crackle of his dialogue - honed by a string of successful screenwriting projects - propels the domestic drama forward at an easy pace, particularly effective in the voices of the children * Financial Times *The novel explores division and racism and has its share of sharp observations that help illuminate what it means to fall headlong in love with someone who is nothing like you at all * Independent *Nick Hornby writes so well about his characters . . . his most enjoyable book for some years * Sunday Express *Hornby has always been a first-rate storyteller and Just Like You - just perfectly put together - sparkles with tip-top dialogue and pin-sharp comic timing * Daily Mail *Truly funny . . . the novel gallops straight into something that is immensely readable, sharp-eyed and at times hilarious * Guardian *A brilliant read full of his trademark wit and ability to get to the heart of human nature * The Sun *Comedy for our times * Sunday Times *Excellent * Irish Times *Tender and timely * Good Housekeeping *Set in 2016 against the strident backdrop of the Brexit vote, Nick Hornby's warmhearted comedy chronicles the love story between a middle-aged white woman and a young black man, suggesting that difference needn't always be divisive: sometimes it can bring us together * Daily Mail *Hornby's prose is artful and effortless, his spiky wit as razored as a number-two cut * Independent *Hornby writes with a funny, fresh voice which skewers male and female foibles with hilarious accuracy * Guardian *A fine writer, swift and pointed, with a lighter, more mischievous heart than he lets on, and more sympathy for the devil than he admits to * New York Magazine *Dares to be witty, intelligent and emotionally generous at once * New York Times *
£9.49
Little, Brown Book Group Sunshine on Scotland Street
Book SynopsisScotland Street witnesses the wedding of the century of Angus Lordie to Domenica Macdonald, but as the newlyweds depart on honeymoon Edinburgh is in disarray. Recovering from the trauma of being best man, Matthew is taken up by a Dane called Bo, while Cyril eludes his dog-sitter and embarks on an odyssey involving fox-holes and the official residence of a cardinal. Narcissist Bruce meets his match in the form of a sinister doppelganger; Bertie, set up by his mother for fresh embarrassment at school, yearns for freedom; and Big Lou goes viral. But the residents of Scotland Street rally, and order - and Cyril - is restored by the combined effects of understanding, kindness, and, most of all, friendship.Trade ReviewA joyous, charming portrait of city life and human foibles * Sunday Express, Praise for the 44 Scotland Street series *
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Amazon Publishing The Wedding Confession
Book SynopsisShe sparkles. He growls. Baring their true feelings could be the start of a wild love story?or the end of it?in a sexy romantic comedy by a USA Today bestselling author.One spilled glass of wine and bridesmaid Ensley James is ejected from a country club wedding in the rain. Ensley looks on the bright side. That would be her longtime crush Drew Daniels. The moody, broody, skin-pricklingly sexy groomsman is tossed out with her. Waiting out a hot spring storm in a cozy shed for two, it?s time for Drew?s confession: he?s strictly a one-nighter. Ensley?s dare? Give her three date nights and see where it goes.A veterinarian like Drew is great when it comes to puppy love, but he has his reasons for his rules about women: no true feelings, just flings. So why agree to Ensley?s three-date challenge? Easy. Miss Ray of Freaking Sunshine is absolutely irresistible. Night after night, Ensley and Drew can?t ignore the heat, the growing intimacy?and the unexpected complications. Drew?s walls may be crumbling, but Ensley?s still at risk of being another tryst.Especially with Ensley?s final confession. This one could be their rockiest challenge yet.
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Duckworth Books Love and Miss Harris
Book SynopsisTitus Llewellyn-Gwlynne, actor/manager of the Red Lion Theatre, has lost a backer who was going to fund a theatrical tour – when unexpected salvation appears. Their home theatre in the East End of London having been bombed during the war, The Red Lion Touring Company embarks on a tour of Britain to take a play written by their new benefactress into the provinces. As they make their vagabond, singing way, they remain unaware that they leave behind in London a man consumed with thoughts of revenge. Revenge which follows them obsessively from town to town, ending in its final act before the last curtain. This charming series transports the reader to a lost post-war world of touring rep theatre and once-grand people who have fallen on harder times, smoggy streets, and shared bonhomie over a steaming kettle.
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HarperCollins Publishers If I Never Met You
Book SynopsisPreorder Mhairi''s new novel YOU BELONG WITH ME coming soon!If faking love is this easy how do you know when it's real?The brand new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Mhairi McFarlaneLaurie and Jamie have the perfect office romance(They set the rules via email)Everyone can see they're head over heels(They staged the photos)This must be true love(They're faking it)When Laurie is dumped by her partner of eighteen years, she's blindsided. Not only does she feel humiliated, they still have to work together.So when she gets stuck in the lift with handsome colleague Jamie, they hatch a plan to stage the perfect romance. Revenge will be sweetBut this fauxmance is about to get complicated. You can't break your heart in a fake relationship can you?Beautiful and touching I loved it so much!' Marian KeyesSuper funny, packs an emotional punch and deeply, deliciously romantic' Cressida McLaughlinFunny, crackling with sexual tension, and . a total joy to read' Louise O'NeillTrade Review‘Beautiful and touching – I loved it so much!’ Marian Keyes ‘Sharply relevant, super funny, packs an emotional punch and deeply, deliciously romantic – perfect on every level’ Cressida McLaughlin ‘Funny, crackling with sexual tension, and full of complex, nuanced characters – a total joy to read’ Louise O’Neill ‘Super-smart, super-funny and super-relatable’ The Sun ‘Mhairi works her magic … Poignant, witty and smart’ Woman & Home ‘A funny, smart and wonderfully romantic book about faking it… and making it. I loved every page’ Lucy Diamond ‘Smart, witty, funny and poignant … a delicious page-turner’ Woman ‘Fresh and smart romance’ Sunday Mirror Praise for Mhairi McFarlane: ‘I loved it! So funny and warm – a delicious read’ Marian Keyes ‘Wildly funny and wildly romantic… Another wonderful novel from an author at the top of her game’ Louise O’Neill ‘Beautiful, funny and heartbreaking’ Giovanna Fletcher ‘Funny and heartfelt, full of humour and wisdom, I absolutely loved it’ Katie Fforde ‘Intelligent, edgy and laugh out loud funny – a romantic comedy to love’ Sunday Mirror ‘The perfect mix of comedy, whip smart dialogue and all the feels’ Fabulous ‘Mhairi gets the mix of laughs, romance and serious emotional depth just right in this page-turner that stands out from the crowd’ S Magazine ‘Hilarious, clever and beautifully written’ Daily Mail ‘Fiery, feminist, fit, filthy and very timely … astonishingly good’ Harriet Reuter Hapgood ‘Totally hilarious and wincingly real’ Jenny Colgan ‘No-one writes such wry, emotionally complex romantic fiction’ Red ‘The perfect balance of romcom and drama… the ultimate holiday read!’ Grazia ‘Sparky, smart, sore-stomach-laughing kind of read’ Fabulous
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Cornerstone If Only You
Book Synopsis'A stunning mix of hilarious tropes, swoony romance and lovable, relatable characters. A must read for every romance lover!' Ali Hazelwood, author of The Love HypothesisBrace yourself for longing, laughter, and a swoony slow-burn in this brothers best friend sports romance about scoring the love of your life when you least expect to.ZiggyI'm the youngest player on the National Soccer team, the baby of my family, and thoroughly sick of being underestimated, so I've decided to take matters into my own hands . . .My brother's teammate and best friend Seb needs to save his reputation. I want to give mine an edge. So I propose a fake friendship with real benefits: spending time in the public eye, my good-girl image and his bad-boy notoriety rubbing off on each other. But will it be as easy as I think to keep him in the (fake) friend zone?SebastianMy hockey career and sponsorships are in jeopardy, so when Ziggy Bergman proposes a public "friendship" to rehab my image, it's an offer that even a self-respecting reprobate like myself can't refuse.It's simple: fake a friendship with Ziggy, fix my reputation, and get back to hockey - the one and only thing I love . . . until I find myself falling for the last person I should be: my best friend's sister.Praise for Chloe Liese:'I could curl up in Liese's writing for days, I love it so' Helen Hoang, author of The Kiss Quotient'Absolute romantic perfection' Christina Lauren, author of The Unhoneymooners
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton The Man I Think I Know
Book SynopsisAs seen on ITV in the Zoe Ball Book Club''Beautifully written, thought-provoking and completely charming.'' Ruth Hogan''Mike Gayle is the king of touching, human stories, and this big-hearted book is his best yet'' Heat, 5* This is the stunning novel from bestselling author Mike Gayle, for fans of The Keeper of Lost Things and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. A powerful and bittersweet story of an unexpected male friendship and an unlikely love story, a thought provoking storyline told with Mike''s distinctive wit and insight, touching on issues which affect us all. This uplifting tale reminds us of the simple courage at the heart of every human being.Ever since The Incident, James DeWitt has stayed on the safe side.He likes to know what happens next.Danny Allen is not on the safe side. He is more past the point ofTrade ReviewThe Man I Think I Know by Mike Gayle is amazing! Really uplifting and a jolly good read to boot -- Katie FfordeThat rarest of things; a moving, beautifully written novel about male friendship. The Man I Think I Know is a truthful, wise and wonderfully redemptive story about men stripped bare of the traditional ideals of masculinity - success, strength, power - learning to face up to the real world. I absolutely loved it. -- Lisa JewellThe Man I Think I Know by Mike Gayle is amazing! Really uplifting and a jolly good read to boot -- Katie FfordeBeautifully written, thought-provoking and completely charming. Mike does a wonderful job of tackling a tricky subject (ABI) with sensitivity, wit and humour. His story reminds us that the everyday things we take for granted without realising how precious they are, can be snatched away in an instant with catastrophic consequences. But I think the thing that struck me most about this book were the voices of Danny Allen and James DeWitt. They were pitch-perfect and helped to create a pair of characters I was rooting for from the start and cheering for by the end. -- Ruth HoganBeautifully written, thought-provoking and completely charming. Mike does a wonderful job of tackling a tricky subject (ABI) with sensitivity, wit and humour. His story reminds us that the everyday things we take for granted without realising how precious they are, can be snatched away in an instant with catastrophic consequences. But I think the thing that struck me most about this book were the voices of Danny Allen and James DeWitt. They were pitch-perfect and helped to create a pair of characters I was rooting for from the start and cheering for by the end. -- Ruth HoganLoved this novel - insightful, moving and funny. Read it -- Freya NorthLoved this novel - insightful, moving and funny. Read it -- Freya NorthMike is always wise and wonderful, but this is a whole new departure for him - read it! -- Jenny ColganA very special book. A moving, thought-provoking storyline told with humour and insight. I loved the distinctive voices of James and Danny and really missed them when I finished it! -- Tracy ReesMike is always wise and wonderful, but this is a whole new departure for him - read it! -- Jenny ColganA very special book. A moving, thought-provoking storyline told with humour and insight. I loved the distinctive voices of James and Danny and really missed them when I finished it! -- Tracy ReesThe Man I Think I Know is gloriously good. Touching, uplifting, brave and funny, it's a story of life, second chances and daring to believe in better things. James and Danny's friendship is beautifully portrayed: I was rooting for them from the start and cheering them to the finish. I defy anyone not to fall in love with this book. Downright wonderful! -- Miranda DickinsonMike Gayle is the king of touching, human stories, and this big-hearted book is his best yet. 5* * Heat *The Man I Think I Know is gloriously good. Touching, uplifting, brave and funny, it's a story of life, second chances and daring to believe in better things. James and Danny's friendship is beautifully portrayed: I was rooting for them from the start and cheering them to the finish. I defy anyone not to fall in love with this book. Downright wonderful! -- Miranda DickinsonMike Gayle is the king of touching, human stories, and this big-hearted book is his best yet. 5* * Heat *Powerful * Hello magazine *You'll be both laughing and on the edge of tears with this brilliant read * Fabulous magazine *Powerful * Hello magazine *You'll be both laughing and on the edge of tears with this brilliant read * Fabulous magazine *That rarest of things; a moving, beautifully written novel about male friendship. The Man I Think I Know is a truthful, wise and wonderfully redemptive story about men stripped bare of the traditional ideals of masculinity - success, strength, power - learning to face up to the real world. I absolutely loved it. * Lisa Jewell *
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Penguin Books Ltd The Rotters Club
Book SynopsisThe first in The Rotters'' Club series, bestselling author Jonathan Coe''s iconic tale of Benjamin Trotter is a hilarious, heartfelt celebration of the joys and agonies of growing up WINNER OF THE EVERYMAN WODEHOUSE PRIZE __________ Birmingham, England, c. 1973: industrial strikes, bad pop music, first love, corrosive class warfare, detention, IRA bombings. Four friends: a class clown who stoops very low for a laugh; a confused artist enthralled by rock; an earnest radical with socialist leanings; and a quiet dreamer obsessed with poetry, God, and the prettiest girl in school. Unforgettably funny and painfully honest, The Rotters'' Club is perfect for readers of Nick Hornby and William Boyd - or anyone who ever experience adolescence the hard way! THE STORY CONTINUES IN THE CLOSED CIRCLE AND MIDDLE ENGLAND. __________ ''One of those sweeping, ambitious yet hugely readable, mo
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Vintage Publishing The Complete Short Stories of Saki
Book SynopsisThe buttoned-up world of the British upper classes is exploded by the brilliance, wit and audacity of Saki's bomb-like stories. In 'The Open Window' an imaginative teenager gives a visitor the fright of his life. In 'The Unrest Cure' the ordered home of a respectable country gent is rocked to its core. And 'Laura' expresses the hope of revenge via reincarnation. For punchlines, twists, satire and pure mirth, Saki's stories are second-to-none.Trade ReviewOne of the funniest writers in the English language... Saki was incapable of writing a dull sentence, but the final lines of his short stories are works of art in themselves * Daily Telegraph *Read Saki, shiver, then smile. In his mixture of the exotic with the wholly English, of brazen charm with unapologetic spite, he stands alone * Independent *Saki writes like an enemy. Society has bored him to the point of murder. Our laughter is only a note or two short of a scream of fear -- V. S. PritchettSaki's stories are highly relevant to any society in which convention is confused with morality, and all societies confuse convention with morality, so he'll always be relevant -- Will SelfSaki remains, from a distance of a hundred years, just about the sharpest, cruellest, funniest and most elegant short story writer in our language... Saki is like a perfect martini but with absinthe stirred in...heady, delicious and dangerous. Enjoy -- Stephen Fry
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HarperCollins Publishers Big Date Energy
Book SynopsisFran's done with looking for long-term love.She's got Big Date EnergySerial monogamist Fran has waited years for her chance to be single, and now's her time to shine. She wants to date as much as she can. She's got Big Date Energy.But her Mum has other ideas. She's desperate for Fran to find real love and nominates her for a new TV dating show, The Meet-Cute, which promises to pair people with their perfect match.And when Fran walks onto the set, hoping for a bit of a laugh and a story to tell, she's confronted with Ivy. Her first love, her high school romance. And the one that got awayPRAISE FOR BETHANY RUTTERFun and life-affirming'STYLISTThis funny, uplifting rom-com is a total treat' FABULOUSHeart-warming, funny and, and inspiring . . . a joy' LOUISE O'NEILL'An uplifting tale about self-care and new beginnings'WOMAN'S OWNAuthentic characters and powerful messages' MY WEEKLYA meaningful (and funny) journey of self-love. We've waited a long time for this' GLAMOURAn inspiring romcom abTrade ReviewPraise for Bethany Rutter: ‘A book brimming with joy and laughter; inhale it with ease’ THE SKINNY ‘Uplifting and empowering novel about knowing your worth and never settling. A breath of fresh air!’ LIA LOUIS ‘A piece of perfection … 5 big fat stars from me!’ CATHERINE MILLER ‘Welcome To Your Life is a wonderfully fresh, funny and inspiring romcom about being bold and not compromising on the life you really want’ CRESSIDA MCLAUGHLIN ‘Bethany Rutter’s adult debut is a piece of perfection. I loved Welcome To Your Life, not least because I'm at least 90% Serena Mills. I think most women would relate to this character and will embrace her journey! 5 big fat stars from me!’ KATY LITTLE ‘The romance of my dreams! Sharp, exuberant, and gorgeously written, it is a must-read for 2022’ KATIE LOWE
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