Author Interview: Bree Darcy!

I'm honoured to welcome Bree Darcy to the blog today to tell us a bit more about her latest release 'Don't Mention the Rock Star' (click here to read my review of the book)!

How would you describe 'Don’t Mention the Rock Star' in five words? Reuniting with a first love. 
What did you have most fun with while writing this story? I loved writing about Andy and Kellie’s past. They seemed so perfect together – despite being complete opposites – so it was intriguing to unravel why they went their separate ways. And it was great fun reuniting them two decades later, to see the spark was still there. I also liked dropping in some hints of what was to come. I do like a good twist when I’m reading – someone once said that this works best when a clue isn’t obvious when it first appears but the reader remembers it later.
Have you based any of your characters on real friends/family? Absolutely not! I definitely thought it was safer to make sure none of the characters mirrored anyone from my real life, although I guess it is inevitable that some traits creep in. My husband is definitely not a Curtis – or an Andy, for that matter. And I don’t have a friend like Nikki, who has had more toyboys than Madonna.
How have you found the switch from book blogger to author? It does feel a bit weird straddling the two worlds and it is definitely more scary on the author side of the fence. Having a book to promote has probably made me reach out to more bloggers and see what they are up to. I have been surprised by how many are on hiatus and not accepting review copies - I guess it shows that book blogging is a tough gig and can wear you out. I don't think I'll feel like a legitimate member of the author fraternity until much further on in my writing career.
What novel are you most looking forward to reading this year? Probably the one that jumps out at me the most from the list of upcoming releases is Killing Monica by Candace Bushnell. Its journey to publication has been rather fraught, after a hacker leaked the first 50 pages in mid-2013. It’s about a famous writer who resorts to faking her own death in order to get her life back from her most infamous creation - Monica.
Can you perhaps tell us something about your future plans? Are you working on another novel? There are about three storylines I am raring to explore but my next project is about a woman called Yvette, who’s having a terrible time of it. When her pushy boss pushes her to the brink, she snaps and ditches work for the day to have some adventures. It’s like a Ferris Bueller’s Day Off for grown-ups. It will be more of a comedy than a romance.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Time travel. So I could go back to 1989 and tell the writers of Back to the Future II that they had no clue what 2015 would really look like. I mean, where were all the people walking around the streets tapping their phones? I don’t remember Marty McFly having a sleeve of tattoos or taking selfies with the Doc. And hello, I am still waiting for my hoverboard and flying car! 
What are the three things you couldn't live without? Music, books and chocolate.
About the book: They fell in love in an instant … so why have they spent a lifetime apart? 
As a teenager Kellie dated an American boy but circumstances meant they went their separate ways. Now he’s back and she’s so tempted to see him again. But two decades have passed and they are both married with children.
And the last thing a celebrity reporter like her needs is the world finding out about her past relationship with a rock star. Especially as Kellie’s husband doesn’t even know she once dated AJ Dangerfield, lead singer of legendary band Danger Game. And she has no intention of him finding out. EVER.
As Kellie deals with a demanding boss, a bullied son, an infuriating mother-in-law and a best friend who won’t act her age, she finds herself playing a dangerous game. What will happen if her two worlds collide? And is it possible that first love never fades?
About the author:  Bree Darcy is the pseudonym of Australian journalist Stephanie Pegler. She is the publisher of several popular websites for readers and authors, including Chicklit Club, Connect and We Heart Writing, and also runs the annual International Chick Lit Month event. She worked as a newspaper sub-editor in Perth for about twenty years, and is married with three children. Don’t Mention the Rock Star is her debut novel. See breedarcy.com for more details.

Blog Tour: 'Don't Mention the Rock Star' by Bree Darcy

They fell in love in an instant … so why have they spent a lifetime apart? 
As a teenager Kellie dated an American boy but circumstances meant they went their separate ways. Now he’s back and she’s so tempted to see him again. But two decades have passed and they are both married with children. 
And the last thing a celebrity reporter like her needs is the world finding out about her past relationship with a rock star. Especially as Kellie’s husband doesn’t even know she once dated AJ Dangerfield, lead singer of legendary band Danger Game. And she has no intention of him finding out. EVER. 
As Kellie deals with a demanding boss, a bullied son, an infuriating mother-in-law and a best friend who won’t act her age, she finds herself playing a dangerous game. What will happen if her two worlds collide? And is it possible that first love never fades?
I'm really honoured and excited to be part of the blog tour for Bree Darcy's debut novel 'Don't Mention the Rock Star' today! Bree Darcy is the author pseudonym of Stephanie Pegler, the founder of the wonderful website Chick Lit Club (click here to visit it), for which I'm also a reviewer. When Steph contacted me about possibly reviewing her debut novel, which was released this January, I couldn't say 'yes' quick enough. I had a good feeling someone who knows this much about chick lit would be able to write a pretty amazing novel herself, and the blurb sounded really promising as well, so I was really excited when I was able to pick up the book a few weeks ago and start reading!
When she was just a teenager, Kellie fell head over heels in love with American bad boy Andy who was in Australia visiting his family. The two of them were inseparable, but things suddenly changed and they both went their seperate ways. These days, Kellie is married to Curtis and tries to juggle both taking care of their children and her job as a celebrity gossip journalist. Andy is now A.J. Dangerfield, lead singer of world famous rock band Danger Games, and happily married with kids. Due to certain events at work, Kellie unexpectedly gets back into touch with Andy and while she knows she's taking a big risk by letting Andy back into her life (especially since her family doesn't even know about her connections with the famous rock star) she can't seem to stop herself. Did Kellie really get over Andy and vice versa, or is there still a trace of a spark between them?
The basic storyline of 'Don't Mention the Rock Star' is quite a classic one within the world of chick lit, but the author has definitely managed to make it her own and turn it into a thoroughly enjoyable read. The novel has some well-drawn and easily loveable characters at its core. I immediately warmed to Kellie and Andy was unlike any other male hero I've come across before; I loved how unique and funny he was. The reader is also introduced to Kellie's husband Curtis, their children, her mother-in-law, her colleagues, and her best friend. Since the novel is quite long, there was more than enough time to get to know all these characters and their background stories, and I really fell in love with all of them as the story progressed (except for Curtis, whom I couldn't help but intensely dislike!). 
As I already mentioned, the book is quite long. I have to admit it was a bit daunting to me at first, but when I got into the story I really couldn't get enough of it. I loved all the flashbacks to the past, seeing how a young Andy and Kellie got together, how they grew up, and how everything eventually turned into the present situation. I also enjoyed all the different locations of the story: Australia, the UK, the USA. But most of all, I just really enjoyed the author's writing style. This was such an entertaining and comfortable read; I honestly loved it. 'Don't Mention the Rock Star' is an amazingly entertaining and simply wonderful  debut novel; I loved everything about it and I already have high hopes for Bree Darcy's next work, hopefully we won't have to wait too long!  Rating:

9,5/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

January 2015 releases! (Part 1)

Happy 2015 everyone! It's the 1st of January which means the start of a new and exciting year, and one hopefully filled with tons of wonderful books to read! The first month of the year already starts with quite a few exciting releases, so be sure to check out the list below (and part 2 of the list which will be posted tomorrow) and start planning your 2015 reading; there's enough for all of us! ;-) 

Lucy Diamond - 'The Year of Taking Chances' (1st January)

Because love is always worth the risk...

It's New Year's Eve, and Gemma and Spencer Bailey are throwing a house party. There's music, dancing, champagne and all their best friends under one roof. It's going to be a night to remember.

Also at the party is Caitlin, who has returned to the village to pack up her much-missed mum's house and to figure out what to do with her life; and Saffron, a PR executive who's keeping a secret which no amount of spin can change. The three women bond over Gemma's dodgy cocktails and fortune cookies, and vow to make this year their best one yet.

But as the months unfold, Gemma, Saffron and Caitlin find themselves tested to their limits by shocking new developments. Family, love, work, home - all the things they've taken for granted are thrown into disarray. Under pressure, they are each forced to rethink their lives and start over. But dare they take a chance on something new?

Why so excited? --> I've been looking forward to this novel for what seems like ages and I can't believe the release day is finally here! I love Lucy Diamond's novels and I just know this one won't disappoint! 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Colleen Oakley - 'Before I Go' (6th January)

Daisy never asks you to feel sorry for her.

Daisy is 27-years-old and has only months to live. And, each day, she's finding her way through what needs to be done.

Her major worry is what her wonderful, charming husband, Jack, will do without her. She knows that he won't take care of himself so Daisy has to do it for him. As she searches for Jack's next wife, she begins to realise that her plan to ensure Jack's happiness is much more complicated than she expected.

Why so excited? --> This sounds like quite the emotional read, and one that will grip you from the first page until the last. The blurb reminds me a bit of Cecelia Ahern's 'P.S. I Love You', but with a different twist, and I honestly can't wait to check it out!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

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Carole Matthews - 'The Cake Shop in the Garden' (8th January)

Fay Merryweather runs her cake shop from her beautiful garden. She whips up airy sponges and scrumptious scones, while her customers enjoy the lovely blossoms and gorgeous blooms. Looking after the cake shop, the garden and her cantankerous mother means Fay is always busy but she accepts her responsibilities because if she doesn't do all this, who will? 

Then Danny Wilde walks into her life and makes Fay question every decision she's ever made. When a sudden tragedy strikes, Fay's entire world is thrown off balance even further and she doesn't know which way to turn. 

Can Fay find the strength to make a life-changing decision - even if it means giving up the thing she loves the most?

Why so excited? --> I love Carole Matthews and I'm so excited it's that time of year again when we have a new Carole Matthews novel to look forward to! 'The Cake Shop in the Garden' sounds like a lovely read that will make us long for those first sunny days of Spring that are still quite some time away! 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

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Fiona Walker - 'The Woman Who Fell in Love for a Week' (8th January)

Jenny loves to house-sit, looking after a stranger's enviably perfect home and pretending to be someone else - just for a bit. Her latest booking is a beautiful, disheveled old rectory in the Home Counties owned by the uber-successful Lewis family. Freed of teaching duties for the summer, and her own teenagers spending time with her objectionable ex, Jenny readies herself for a life of walk-in larders and sparkling water taps.

Battling to control the riotous family dog and stay cool in an unrelenting heat-wave, she discovers skeletons in the Lewis closet that further threaten to disrupt her idyll. But then a seductive new friendship offers her a surprise second chance: to open herself up to love again and to finally live life on her own terms.

Why so excited? --> I really like the sound of the blurb of 'The Woman Who Fell in Love for a Week', and it also has a pretty good and original title! Another title that's definitely on my 2015 TBR-list!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

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Teresa F. Morgan - 'One Fine Day' (8th January)

Just a boy standing in front of a girl…

Steve Mason returns from Hollywood after 15 years to catch up with his sister, Ruby. He’s miserable because the woman he was planning on marrying has dumped him.

He’s now worried that with his A-list celebrity status he won’t find a woman who genuinely loves him. Ruby devises a plan to disguise Steve, so that he is unrecognisable as the famous Hollywood actor, in a hope to help him find true love. It worked for Clark Kent, right?

As Steve searches for his not-so-perfect woman and has a taste of normality, his relationship develops with his sister. But will he find the right woman before he has to head back to his real life in Hollywood?

Why so excited? --> A pretty cover, a blurb that sounds great, what else is needed to get excited about? I really can't wait to read this because I have a feeling it's going to be a lovely read!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

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Chelsey Krause - 'Can't Always Get What You Want' (13th January)

Sophie Richards has been looking forward to a much-needed girls’ night out: a Rolling Stones concert, a few drinks, a distraction from her grueling nursing shifts in acute care. But when her best friend bails, Sophie gets stuck with a blind date.

Although Brett Nicholson may be the hottest carpenter alive, and Sophie may technically be single, she isn’t exactly on the market. Six years ago she found The One. He was everything Sophie dreamed a man could be—and then she lost him. In an instant, her whole life changed, and she forgot all about happily ever after.

But as she gets to know Brett, Sophie starts to wonder about the future for the first time. With a broken heart still clouding her mind, jumping into a new relationship feels impossible. When she’s in his arms, walking away feels even harder. Now Sophie faces an impossible choice: living in the past or choosing love in the here and now.

Why so excited? --> Chelsey is a book reviewer over at Chick Lit Club, just like me, and I'm incredibly excited she will be releasing her debut novel in January! The book sounds like a promising read and I look forward to picking it up!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

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Lucy Foley - 'The Book of Lost and Found' (15th January)

It's when life started in earnest 

HERTFORDSHIRE, 1928

The paths of Tom and Alice collide against a haze of youthful, carefree exuberance. There's champagne and excitement, but above all there's the beginning of a love story that finds its feet by a lake one silvery moonlit evening. 

It's when love stories didn't have happy endings 

PARIS, 1939

Alice is living in the city of light, but the pain of the last decade has already left its mark. Against the shadow that sweeps across Europe, she and Thomas Stafford - now a world famous artist - meet once more… 

It's when the story begins 

LONDON, 1986

Bestowed with an old charcoal portrait from her grandmother, Kate Darling can't possibly imagine the secrets that have been lost to time. Kate's journey takes her to Corsica, Paris and beyond, and as time melts away she is catapulted into the heart of a love story as epic as it is life changing… 

Why so excited? --> This looks like such a promising read! I love stories set in different times that are linked one way or another, and I have high hopes for Lucy Foley's release!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

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Bree Darcy - 'Don't Mention the Rock Star' (15th January)

They fell in love in an instant … so why have they spent a lifetime apart? 

As a teenager Kellie dated an American boy but circumstances meant they went their separate ways. Now he’s back and she’s so tempted to see him again. But two decades have passed and they are both married with children. 

And the last thing a celebrity reporter like her needs is the world finding out about her past relationship with a rock star. Especially as Kellie’s husband doesn’t even know she once dated AJ Dangerfield, lead singer of legendary band Danger Game. And she has no intention of him finding out. EVER.

As Kellie deals with a demanding boss, a bullied son, an infuriating mother-in-law and a best friend who won’t act her age, she finds herself playing a dangerous game. What will happen if her two worlds collide? And is it possible that first love never fades?

Why so excited? --> Another January release which I'm really looking forward to reading! I've been lucky enough to already have a review copy waiting for me and I can't wait to pick it up!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

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Harriet Evans - 'A Place for Us' (15th January)

The day Martha Winter decided to tear apart her family began like any other day.

When Martha, a wife and mother of three, sits down one late summer’s morning to write out the invitations to her eightieth birthday celebration, she knows that what she is planning to reveal at the party could ruin the idyllic life she and her husband David have spent over fifty years building…

But she has to let her family know what she and David have sacrificed. She can’t live a lie any more.

The invitation goes out far and wide, calling her three children and their families back home to Winterfold, their rambling house in the heart of the English countryside. They are Bill, the doctor; Florence, the eccentric academic; and Daisy, the child who never fit in. As the story unfolds, each character reveals the secrets, joys, and tragedies they are wrestling with through the confines of the family. What will happen when Martha finally tells the truth?

Why so excited? --> Harriet Evans' 'A Place for Us' was released last year as an e-book series, but I never got around to actually reading it. Now, the paperback version of the book will be released and I am definitely adding it to my TBR-list for this month. 

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

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Michele Gorman - 'The Curvy Girls Club' (15th January)

Pixie, Ellie, Katie and Jane have been best friends since meeting at Slimming Zone. Tired of being judged on the number of calories they consume, they decide to form a different kind of club. The fun evenings they spend together, not worrying about their size, make them happier than they’ve been for years!

But the club doesn’t stop real life from getting in the way and together the girls have to address some much bigger issues than just their weight…

Will Pixie ever be brave enough to leave her abusive husband Trevor? Can Jane ever regain her confidence and go back to work as a TV presenter? Will Katie always carry a torch for the office lothario? And what if Ellie lets her all-consuming jealousy destroy her relationship with ‘The One’?

Why so excited? --> I really enjoyed Michele Gorman's previous work and I actually already read 'The Curvy Girls Club' as well. It's another wonderful chick lit read and one you definitely can't miss!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Be sure to visit the blog tomorrow for more exciting January 2015 releases!