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Revelry
One summer can change everything…
What happens when a friend breaks the one rule that should never be broken?
Best friends Bella and Poppy are living the dream – Notting Hill glamour, Shoreditch lofts, exclusive parties and drop-dead gorgeous men. But sometimes living life to the max catches up with you, and even the strongest friendships can be pushed to the limit.
Poppy, Bella and their friends spend the summer having as much fun as they possibly can – from the hedonistic escapades of Ibiza to doing Glastonbury in style. But amongst the laughter come tears, betrayal and backstabbing and one devastating decision threatens to bring it all crashing down. And, once the sunglasses have come off, Bella is forced to question if her lifelong friendship has been broken beyond repair.
The perfect escapist read, Revelry will have you laughing, crying and gasping with shock.
What happens when a friend breaks the one rule that should never be broken?
Best friends Bella and Poppy are living the dream – Notting Hill glamour, Shoreditch lofts, exclusive parties and drop-dead gorgeous men. But sometimes living life to the max catches up with you, and even the strongest friendships can be pushed to the limit.
Poppy, Bella and their friends spend the summer having as much fun as they possibly can – from the hedonistic escapades of Ibiza to doing Glastonbury in style. But amongst the laughter come tears, betrayal and backstabbing and one devastating decision threatens to bring it all crashing down. And, once the sunglasses have come off, Bella is forced to question if her lifelong friendship has been broken beyond repair.
The perfect escapist read, Revelry will have you laughing, crying and gasping with shock.
- GenresChick Lit
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2012
6 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 7, 2012
I was lucky enough to score (being the operative word) a pre-publication copy of the teaser prequel/short story thingie that Harper Collins are releasing later this month in advance of Lucy Lord's debut, so while I can't categorically review Revelry, I can give you my humble opinion on the teaser I've been privileged enough to read.
A word of warning. There's going to be plenty to frighten the horses here: copious class A drug references, lots of athletic sex, a glamorous hedonistic milieu and the odd C word just for added offence. This is a book to hide from your mother. It's not going to be a suitable read for your maiden aunt, as evidenced by the mean-spirited one star review, by a moralising lady from Bangor, NI on amazon.
Beneath the glitz though, there's some strong writing and real human emotion in Lucy Lord's debut. And god, she's funny. Laugh out loud funny. You may well be appalled at what her characters get up to, but I promise you will roar with laughter at Bella's escapades.
Imagine Bridget Jones with tourettes, or Jilly Cooper at a wife-swapping party: I predict a riot: and a bright future (after several misadventures) for Bella.
UPDATE: HC have kindly published an extract here:
http://issuu.com/harperfiction/docs/r...
A word of warning. There's going to be plenty to frighten the horses here: copious class A drug references, lots of athletic sex, a glamorous hedonistic milieu and the odd C word just for added offence. This is a book to hide from your mother. It's not going to be a suitable read for your maiden aunt, as evidenced by the mean-spirited one star review, by a moralising lady from Bangor, NI on amazon.
Beneath the glitz though, there's some strong writing and real human emotion in Lucy Lord's debut. And god, she's funny. Laugh out loud funny. You may well be appalled at what her characters get up to, but I promise you will roar with laughter at Bella's escapades.
Imagine Bridget Jones with tourettes, or Jilly Cooper at a wife-swapping party: I predict a riot: and a bright future (after several misadventures) for Bella.
UPDATE: HC have kindly published an extract here:
http://issuu.com/harperfiction/docs/r...
November 12, 2012
If you’re looking for something easy to read that’s packed with a whole lot of fun, then take a look at Revelry by Lucy Lord.
Set over the length of one hot, eventful summer, the novel focuses on the hedonistic shenanigans of best friends, Bella and Poppy. Artist Bella has always felt like she’s played second fiddle to gorgeous, Oxford graduate Poppy but hopes some of her best friends glittering lifestyle will reflect on her. A summer packed with nights out in London’s coolest bars, trips to Ibiza and Glastonbury is made more exciting with the addition of plenty of drugs, alcohol and beautiful men. The girls are set to have a wild time. But life isn’t always so easy, and when things get tough, the girls’ friendship looks set to be broken forever, along with Bella’s heart. Lord’s wild novel is pure escapism. Fast-paced and sexy, she explores the lives of Britain’s beautiful people, from the middle-class appeal of Notting Hill, to the seedy, dirty corners of Soho. Bella is a touchingly insecure heroine that any girl who’s ever felt like ‘the frumpy friend’ will relate too. But through all her ups and downs, she knows how to party with a touch of style and glamour and a huge blob of flirtatiousness.
Reviewed by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChickLit.com
Set over the length of one hot, eventful summer, the novel focuses on the hedonistic shenanigans of best friends, Bella and Poppy. Artist Bella has always felt like she’s played second fiddle to gorgeous, Oxford graduate Poppy but hopes some of her best friends glittering lifestyle will reflect on her. A summer packed with nights out in London’s coolest bars, trips to Ibiza and Glastonbury is made more exciting with the addition of plenty of drugs, alcohol and beautiful men. The girls are set to have a wild time. But life isn’t always so easy, and when things get tough, the girls’ friendship looks set to be broken forever, along with Bella’s heart. Lord’s wild novel is pure escapism. Fast-paced and sexy, she explores the lives of Britain’s beautiful people, from the middle-class appeal of Notting Hill, to the seedy, dirty corners of Soho. Bella is a touchingly insecure heroine that any girl who’s ever felt like ‘the frumpy friend’ will relate too. But through all her ups and downs, she knows how to party with a touch of style and glamour and a huge blob of flirtatiousness.
Reviewed by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChickLit.com
June 25, 2012
Love it, love it, love it - what a hoot!
I am a 40 year old housewife with a 5 year old to look after (so leading a rather pedestrian existence) and yet I took great pleasure in reading about the exciting escapades of Bella and her friends! It's stylish, witty, fun, and intelligently written. I literally couldn't put it down. Yes, it contains graphic sex and oodles of swearing but hey, isn't that real life? Each fast-paced chapter either makes you laugh, gasp or cry as you agonise over Bella's predicaments. It's a definite purchase as you zip off to the airport this summer! I believe it will become the feel-good read of the year!
I am a 40 year old housewife with a 5 year old to look after (so leading a rather pedestrian existence) and yet I took great pleasure in reading about the exciting escapades of Bella and her friends! It's stylish, witty, fun, and intelligently written. I literally couldn't put it down. Yes, it contains graphic sex and oodles of swearing but hey, isn't that real life? Each fast-paced chapter either makes you laugh, gasp or cry as you agonise over Bella's predicaments. It's a definite purchase as you zip off to the airport this summer! I believe it will become the feel-good read of the year!
January 16, 2013
Revelry is a superficial and aimless novel that focuses heavily on partying and recreational drug use as a normal part of nearly all characters' lives and forgets about developing a proper storyline in the process. Characters and plot get slightly more interesting towards to the end, but by then it's too little too late.
June 25, 2012
Absolutely loved this book :)
Will definately be looking out for the next one
Will definately be looking out for the next one
July 9, 2018
Another totally brilliant book. It would appear I really do love chick lit. Such an easy read and at times totally unable to put down. A proper beside the pool read. It's a story of friends and fun, betrayal and hatred, liars and winners. Belle lives in London and has the perfect circle of friends and the book starts with them all living it up in Ibiza. Back home the next stop is Glastonbury. Just when you think Belle has hooked up with Mr Perfect it all goes typically wrong and downhill fast. WARNING : This book has heavy swearing in it and pockets of adult filth but it is still a totally brilliant book.
March 13, 2019
Great Escapism!
I enjoyed every well-written word. Having characters you hate as much as those you love is so satisfying. I will definitely read the rest of the series.
I enjoyed every well-written word. Having characters you hate as much as those you love is so satisfying. I will definitely read the rest of the series.
July 25, 2022
A very light, easy read. Great for summer reading.
Following a group of friends and their complicated lives and relationships. Set against a backdrop of Ibiza and summer festivals.
Following a group of friends and their complicated lives and relationships. Set against a backdrop of Ibiza and summer festivals.
January 28, 2025
Much better than I expected ♥️
July 1, 2012
Revelry seems to be the most anticipated book by a debut author this summer. The cover of this book reminds me of my old school days when I was buying Club Ibiza and Hedkandi albums as the cover looks similar to their covers with the bold bright letters set on a dark back ground, in my opinion it is an appealing cover and very fitting for the storyline.
One summer can change everything… What happens when a friend breaks the one rule that should never be broken? Best friends Bella and Poppy are living the dream – Notting Hill glamour, Shoreditch lofts, exclusive parties and drop-dead gorgeous men. But sometimes living life to the max catches up with you, and even the strongest friendships can be pushed to the limit. Poppy, Bella and their friends spend the summer having as much fun as they possibly can – from the hedonistic escapades of Ibiza to doing Glastonbury in style. But amongst the laughter come tears, betrayal and backstabbing and one devastating decision threatens to bring it all crashing down. And, once the sunglasses have come off, Bella is forced to question if her lifelong friendship has been broken beyond repair.
The book gets off to a quick start introducing us to all of the main characters of this book who are holidaying in Ibiza, all of them seem to be at that point in their lives where they are care free and enjoying their lives to the max. Although we see a lot of each character the main story revolves around friends Bella and Poppy. I wouldn’t say I warmed to either of their characters which I think is because I have nothing in common with either of them and yet I still found them great characters to read.
The group of friends hang out at various locations including Glastonbury and when the characters are at these places the descriptive writing is great you really feel as though you are there with the characters it is quite clear that the author must have had some personal experiences in these places. Relationships are put to the test in this book and the author creates a shocking storyline which was unpredictable and it was this that kept me turning the pages.
This book really isn’t one for the faint hearted! The book contains a lot of swearing ( especially the C word) which I have to say although I swear like a trooper at times I was still shocked each time it came up and my partner wondered what I was reading when he looked over a couple of times and see the same word over again! There is also a constant use of recreational drugs which is probably my grudge with the book I have read many books where some of the characters take drugs but it seems to play a big part in this book. There are also many crude sex scenes so this really is a book like marmite, you will either love it or hate it!
Revelry is the first book in a Trilogy and I will pick the next book up as I think Revelry has created a good foundation for a follow on I am just hoping that the characters will develop more in the next book and that the use of continual drugs starts to fade.
Looking for a book full of Glitz and Glamour, Sex and drugs then this is the one for you!
One summer can change everything… What happens when a friend breaks the one rule that should never be broken? Best friends Bella and Poppy are living the dream – Notting Hill glamour, Shoreditch lofts, exclusive parties and drop-dead gorgeous men. But sometimes living life to the max catches up with you, and even the strongest friendships can be pushed to the limit. Poppy, Bella and their friends spend the summer having as much fun as they possibly can – from the hedonistic escapades of Ibiza to doing Glastonbury in style. But amongst the laughter come tears, betrayal and backstabbing and one devastating decision threatens to bring it all crashing down. And, once the sunglasses have come off, Bella is forced to question if her lifelong friendship has been broken beyond repair.
The book gets off to a quick start introducing us to all of the main characters of this book who are holidaying in Ibiza, all of them seem to be at that point in their lives where they are care free and enjoying their lives to the max. Although we see a lot of each character the main story revolves around friends Bella and Poppy. I wouldn’t say I warmed to either of their characters which I think is because I have nothing in common with either of them and yet I still found them great characters to read.
The group of friends hang out at various locations including Glastonbury and when the characters are at these places the descriptive writing is great you really feel as though you are there with the characters it is quite clear that the author must have had some personal experiences in these places. Relationships are put to the test in this book and the author creates a shocking storyline which was unpredictable and it was this that kept me turning the pages.
This book really isn’t one for the faint hearted! The book contains a lot of swearing ( especially the C word) which I have to say although I swear like a trooper at times I was still shocked each time it came up and my partner wondered what I was reading when he looked over a couple of times and see the same word over again! There is also a constant use of recreational drugs which is probably my grudge with the book I have read many books where some of the characters take drugs but it seems to play a big part in this book. There are also many crude sex scenes so this really is a book like marmite, you will either love it or hate it!
Revelry is the first book in a Trilogy and I will pick the next book up as I think Revelry has created a good foundation for a follow on I am just hoping that the characters will develop more in the next book and that the use of continual drugs starts to fade.
Looking for a book full of Glitz and Glamour, Sex and drugs then this is the one for you!
September 3, 2012
Lucy Lord’s debut novel is meant to be THE novel of 2012. At least for me it was. As soon as I read about the novel on the Bookseller I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. So when a copy of the novel arrived I was ecstatic. I read the little short story prequel, Party Night, which whetted my appetite even more and I dived into the book, expecting an epic, debauched read. Yep, it was full of debauchery and it certainly lived up to THAT promise, however it wasn’t anywhere near as epic as I expected it to be.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very readable novel as we read all about Bella and Poppy and their various friends and families exploits. However, it was all a bit seedy and it’s also startingly predictable. We basically read about a group of 30-somethings acting like 20-somethings – getting drunk, sleeping with anyone, taking drugs as if there’s no tomorrow and just to make it worse, they’re all ridiculously beautiful and it’s meant to be cool rather than sad and stupid. The way Bella and Poppy act, it makes the novel just feel distasteful, especially Poppy’s actions. It also seemed that despite the series being a trilogy, everything happened in this one book. It makes me wonder just what will happen in the following two books that means each book won’t just be another repeat.
I just didn’t get it like I probably should have. It sort of left a bitter taste and I just couldn’t care less what happened to any of the characters, although I will say Bella did have a glimpse of a decent person in her and I probably will read Vanity, because it’s the kind of series you do need to keep reading. Because there IS something there. It’s strange, but it’s true. Don’t get me wrong, I read it fairly quickly, and I enjoyed bits of it, but there were bits that were just plain wrong and a bit too much, if that makes sense. I do think it will be a massive summer read but I also think it only real appeals to a certain reader, rather than having mass appeal.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very readable novel as we read all about Bella and Poppy and their various friends and families exploits. However, it was all a bit seedy and it’s also startingly predictable. We basically read about a group of 30-somethings acting like 20-somethings – getting drunk, sleeping with anyone, taking drugs as if there’s no tomorrow and just to make it worse, they’re all ridiculously beautiful and it’s meant to be cool rather than sad and stupid. The way Bella and Poppy act, it makes the novel just feel distasteful, especially Poppy’s actions. It also seemed that despite the series being a trilogy, everything happened in this one book. It makes me wonder just what will happen in the following two books that means each book won’t just be another repeat.
I just didn’t get it like I probably should have. It sort of left a bitter taste and I just couldn’t care less what happened to any of the characters, although I will say Bella did have a glimpse of a decent person in her and I probably will read Vanity, because it’s the kind of series you do need to keep reading. Because there IS something there. It’s strange, but it’s true. Don’t get me wrong, I read it fairly quickly, and I enjoyed bits of it, but there were bits that were just plain wrong and a bit too much, if that makes sense. I do think it will be a massive summer read but I also think it only real appeals to a certain reader, rather than having mass appeal.
November 3, 2015
Lucy Lord’s debut novel Revelry looked like a good read. A nice bright front cover and a book full of hedonistic tales of Poppy, Bella and their friends. It didn’t take me long to get into the story as we meet the girls and their friends whilst they are holidaying in Ibiza. Poppy is an easy character to like as is Bella, although after a few chapters she started to grate on me a little. There are quite a few other characters both male and female and the story heats up pretty quickly. One thing that I need to point out to readers is that this book is certainly not for everybody. As a thirty-something woman I am certainly not shy or prudish. Swearing, drug taking all the things you see in books doesn’t tend to faze me at all, however…this book has quite a bit of that and then some!!!
If you are not a big fan of swearing (especially the C word) then maybe give this book a miss. Other than that I must be honest and say that this book kept me entertained and amused. Sometimes the chocking behaviour and swearing just made me laugh all the more. I knew from around the halfway mark that things weren’t going well for Poppy but must be honest and say that I didn’t see what was going to happen until it did which is always a nice surprise.
I have certainly read my fair share of ‘Bonkbusters’ and this is certainly a book that falls into that genre. I wouldn’t say this is book stands out any more than others I have read but for a debut novel it was good. The story had a lot going on and there were lots of times that I was laughing out loud at some of the things they all got up to. I will certainly be looking out for future books written by Lucy Lord that’s for sure. I would certainly recommend this but only to people that don’t mind the shock factor on the wearing, sex and drugs front. If it doesn’t bother you in the slightest and you want a pure escapism read with a healthy does of humour then certainly give this a go, I think you will enjoy it!
If you are not a big fan of swearing (especially the C word) then maybe give this book a miss. Other than that I must be honest and say that this book kept me entertained and amused. Sometimes the chocking behaviour and swearing just made me laugh all the more. I knew from around the halfway mark that things weren’t going well for Poppy but must be honest and say that I didn’t see what was going to happen until it did which is always a nice surprise.
I have certainly read my fair share of ‘Bonkbusters’ and this is certainly a book that falls into that genre. I wouldn’t say this is book stands out any more than others I have read but for a debut novel it was good. The story had a lot going on and there were lots of times that I was laughing out loud at some of the things they all got up to. I will certainly be looking out for future books written by Lucy Lord that’s for sure. I would certainly recommend this but only to people that don’t mind the shock factor on the wearing, sex and drugs front. If it doesn’t bother you in the slightest and you want a pure escapism read with a healthy does of humour then certainly give this a go, I think you will enjoy it!
November 1, 2012
Revelry is a light, easy read, which I really enjoyed.
It took a while to get into (about 100 pages, actually), but after that - and particularly after Glastonbury - I really got into it. I was thoroughly engrossed in the main plot, centering around Bella's relationship with Ben, and fell in love with a few of the characters. The side plots bored me occasionally, but, overall, this was a good read.
The writing style is such that many parts of the plot are skipped over - honestly, I would've liked a little more detail. There is also a lot of swearing, drug-taking, smoking, and general vulgarity. I don't think it was as bad as some people make it out to be, however; it was nowhere near as crude as the last book I read, so Revelry was somewhat refreshing in that respect.
Some of Bella's decisions were annoying, and she was kind of slutty. The ending, although not as rushed as some other romance novels, did seem a tad unrealistic to me, but I'm a huge sceptic when things like that are concerned. It was still cute, though, and I want to read the sequel <3
What would have made it better was more Ben (I know, I know, but I loved him, despite my better judgement). From the Q&A in the back, it looks like he will feature more in the sequel. Yay!
It took a while to get into (about 100 pages, actually), but after that - and particularly after Glastonbury - I really got into it. I was thoroughly engrossed in the main plot, centering around Bella's relationship with Ben, and fell in love with a few of the characters. The side plots bored me occasionally, but, overall, this was a good read.
The writing style is such that many parts of the plot are skipped over - honestly, I would've liked a little more detail. There is also a lot of swearing, drug-taking, smoking, and general vulgarity. I don't think it was as bad as some people make it out to be, however; it was nowhere near as crude as the last book I read, so Revelry was somewhat refreshing in that respect.
Some of Bella's decisions were annoying, and she was kind of slutty. The ending, although not as rushed as some other romance novels, did seem a tad unrealistic to me, but I'm a huge sceptic when things like that are concerned. It was still cute, though, and I want to read the sequel <3
What would have made it better was more Ben (I know, I know, but I loved him, despite my better judgement). From the Q&A in the back, it looks like he will feature more in the sequel. Yay!
August 19, 2013
Loved this book. Started reading it and thought hmm this book doesn't seem to good. However, I kept on reading and really started getting into it once Bella was talking about her experience in Ibiza. So my advice is carry on reading if you think the first few pages seem rubbish. It gets better! I thought the bit where they all go to Glastonbury was brilliant, especially when she hooked up with Ben. And in London when Bella catches Poppy in the act! However I did think that was a bit expected before I even started reading the book, you just know it's going to happen. After that,it gets a bit boring for a bit because the story lines go a bit downhill. But then it gets better again after something exciting happens ( you'll have to read the book to find out)which makes the ending so sweet :) Ordered Lucy's second book 'vanity' today and can't wait to start reading it!
September 6, 2013
took quite a while to get into this book (but think this was due to lack of quality reading time) but once I got into it I found it an 'enjoyable romp' in fact I read the last 150 pages in one sitting. I wasn't exactly sure if I liked the characters, they all seemed quite superficial and only looking out for themselves. (which is highlighted by Poppy's actions) looking forward to the next book.
August 1, 2015
Got this chic-lit book as a kindle download just to see what it was like. In all honesty I thought it might be a bit cheesy and full of characters who love themselves. Instead I found a book that rivals my love for the Bridget Jones series: a funny and awkward main character, Bella, and a group of mismatched London based friends trying to be all grown up. Pure brilliance as an end to summer read.
September 24, 2015
I LOVED this book. I was happy Bella and Ben got together but then what he and Poppy did was really sad. It was great to see Poppa and Damian get back together. OMG Bella and Andy love it I was hoping they got together after the kiss. I so want to read more about Bella and Andy.
July 24, 2012
Really dissapointed with this book, although I did read a lot of bad reviews on the book.
July 17, 2013
A fabulous, fun-in-the-sun summer read!
July 16, 2013
Loved this! BRILLIANT.
August 1, 2013
Entertaining fluff, may have helped if I hadn't read vanity first.
May 26, 2014
A few edit issues/typos and Hugh Hefner is spelt with 1 "f"
Weak plot but escapist enough. Couldn't really like any of the characters and didn't really feel that any had developed.
Weak plot but escapist enough. Couldn't really like any of the characters and didn't really feel that any had developed.
June 9, 2014
really enjoyed this book how the young rich live mostly in london - ibiza.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews