Jacqueline Lambert's Blog - Posts Tagged "memoir"

Smart as a Whip: A Madcap Journey of Laughter, Love, Disasters and Triumphs by Jacky Donovan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Frank, Funny & Fearless

I thought I was quite broad minded for a Catholic girl. An enlightening conversation at a wedding didn’t shock me too much, “I’m trisexual,” said the chap seated next to me. When I looked confused, he grinned and explained, “I’ll try anything…”

My fault for asking what was under his kilt. He told me it was a ball weight, then talked me through alternative uses for everyday items like a TENS machine, cling film and chillies. The revelation fascinated me, although I think even he might find a few things he hasn’t tried in Jacky’s book!

Tired of life as a business executive, stuck in a colourless marriage filled with ferry sex (roll-on-roll-off), a chance meeting opens Jacky’s mind to all kinds of alternative possibilities in life and love.

The book is X-rated from the outset, yet far from being just another raunchy romp, it is a wonderful story of a woman learning to love and value herself, gaining in confidence, and undergoing a transformation from chintz to chutzpah as she discovers her sensuality.

Jacky’s subsequent career move to become an S&M Manager has nothing to do with Sales and Marketing.

As you might expect from a dominatrix, Jacky doesn’t pull her punches. The book works so well because it told with total, sometimes uncomfortable honesty, lashings of humour – and plenty of puns!

It was an extraordinary journey. I’d say come on into the dungeon, explore, and keep an open mind!

I received a copy of this book as a prize in a competition. I am leaving an honest review voluntarily because I enjoyed this book.




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Smart as a Whip: A Madcap Journey of Laughter, Love, Disasters and Triumphs

Wish You Were Here - Holiday Memories: An anthology of travel stories by Alyson Sheldrake




A great collection of travel stories that brightened up a grey British November!

I thoroughly enjoyed Alyson's latest anthology, which took me on a whistlestop tour from childhood holidays in Wales (to which I can wholeheartedly relate!) to exotic destinations around the world.

The book combines humour, romance and adventure, and touches on alternative lifestyles, such as a sojourn in the hippy caves of Crete. It also offers a bit of time travel, such as the fascinating insight into what life was like for a family left behind in communist Ukraine, or a glimpse into the activities of the French resistance in the beautiful mountains of the Jura.

As with the other books in the Travel Stories series, the variety of writing styles and different voices really add to the enjoyment.

As a contributing author, I have not left a star rating, however this review reflects my honest opinion. Prior to publication, I had not seen or read any of the stories.



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I blubbed my way through the first part of this book, which is a very powerful account of the awful treatment some poor pooches endure in Spain. However, the wonderful and committed people who step in to change their lot definitely brings the sun out again - and it is no spoiler to say that in spite of everything, there is a happy ending for everyone! It is a very hopeful and lovely story of how chance can conspire to change a life.

The book is written from the Kat the dog's point of view, but is beautifully observed by someone with empathy and understanding of our canine companions. You will fall in love with Kat. She is clearly a very brave, proud, and remarkable dog. I loved the way the author pieced together her history by how Kat reacted to certain situations and stimuli. It brought back memories of a Transylvanian street dog we brought back with us from Romania!

If you love dogs, you could not fail to enjoy this book. It brings to life the bond between humans and our canine companions, and if you have ever had a special dog in your life, I am sure you will adore this book as much as I did. I also think it is a wonderful gesture that 15% of earnings from this book will be donated to dog rescue charities.

I was fortunate to receive an Advance Review Copy of this book, but am voluntarily leaving an honest
Kat the Dog: The remarkable tale of a rescued Spanish water dog

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Year On Land and Sea

Thank you to @autumnal_reading on Instagram for this lovely review of To Hel In A Hound Cart: Journey To The Centre Of Europe

The latest review of my award-winning Dogs 'n' Dracula: A road Trip Through Romania, here on Goodreads:

"I want to go to Romania now!

Jacqueline Lambert brings the country, the people and the dogs of Romania to life. It sounds an enchanting place. What a great adventure.

Their caravan had lots of great adventures too, including being driven along a footpath and being propped up by an apricot tin. As can be expected from Lambert, a very entertaining book."

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...