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The Valentine Present
On arriving home after a friend’s posh wedding, launderette worker Harriet finds her life irrevocably changed as she discovers her flat ransacked and her boyfriend missing. In a matter of hours she is harassed by East End gangsters and upper crust aristocrats. Accepting an offer she can’t refuse, Harriet, against her better judgment becomes the fiancée of the wealthy Hamilton Lancaster, with dire consequences. What she had not bargained on was meeting Doctor Brice Edmunds.
The Valentine Present and Other Diabolical Liberties is Lynda Renham’s funniest novel so far. A cocktail of misunderstandings, three unlikely gangsters, a monkey and a demented cat make this novel a hysterical read. Follow Harriet’s adventure where every attempt to get out of trouble puts her deeper in it.
The Valentine Present and Other Diabolical Liberties is Lynda Renham’s funniest novel so far. A cocktail of misunderstandings, three unlikely gangsters, a monkey and a demented cat make this novel a hysterical read. Follow Harriet’s adventure where every attempt to get out of trouble puts her deeper in it.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2013
50 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Lynda Renham
41 books249 followersLynda Renham has been writing for as long as she can remember and had her first work published in a magazine at age nine and has continued writing in various forms since. She has had several poems published as well as articles in numerous magazines and newspapers. Recently she has taken part in radio discussions on the BBC.
She has studied literature and creative writing and has a blog on her web page: www.renham.co.uk
Lynda lives with her second husband and cat in Oxfordshire, England. She is Associate Editor for the online magazine The Scavenger and contributor to many others. When not writing Lynda can usually be found wasting her time on Facebook.
She has studied literature and creative writing and has a blog on her web page: www.renham.co.uk
Lynda lives with her second husband and cat in Oxfordshire, England. She is Associate Editor for the online magazine The Scavenger and contributor to many others. When not writing Lynda can usually be found wasting her time on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 31, 2019
Omg i thought i wouldn't like this book because of the name but it's actually a good book.
November 9, 2015
The Dog's Bollocks is a fantastically light hearted and witty rom com.
Harriet is a great character. She has let Julian pretty much run her life as well as running her into a big debt. Even though it is obvious to readers straight away that Julian is a bit of a scum bag as far as boyfriends go, but for Harriet she just wants her boyfriend back home and things to go back to normal.Harriet takes it upon herself to try and pay the debts of and get the loan sharks of hers and the running scared Julians back and that's where the fun begins.
There are so many great characters in this book, from Harriet herself, Brice the love interest, Fiona, Harriets wacky best friend and Alistair, Fionas partner who did not really appeal to me to start with but I really warmed to him through out the story and really enjoyed the guessing game that Harriet and other characters do when they are trying to guess what word he is stuttering.
The Dogs Bollocks is so unlike any chic lit books I have previously read. Even though romance is very much present in the storyline it didn't over power the story itself. It is a wonderfully wacky and fun read that is highly entertaining and will certainly brighten up your day.
Harriet is a great character. She has let Julian pretty much run her life as well as running her into a big debt. Even though it is obvious to readers straight away that Julian is a bit of a scum bag as far as boyfriends go, but for Harriet she just wants her boyfriend back home and things to go back to normal.Harriet takes it upon herself to try and pay the debts of and get the loan sharks of hers and the running scared Julians back and that's where the fun begins.
There are so many great characters in this book, from Harriet herself, Brice the love interest, Fiona, Harriets wacky best friend and Alistair, Fionas partner who did not really appeal to me to start with but I really warmed to him through out the story and really enjoyed the guessing game that Harriet and other characters do when they are trying to guess what word he is stuttering.
The Dogs Bollocks is so unlike any chic lit books I have previously read. Even though romance is very much present in the storyline it didn't over power the story itself. It is a wonderfully wacky and fun read that is highly entertaining and will certainly brighten up your day.
August 30, 2013
Lesley for www.bigbooklittlebook.com
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Harriet Lawson is my kind of gal. Feisty and with a great sense of humour, she has some fabulous one liners and is a great main character for this book. Unfortunately she is partnered with a bit of a smarmy loser, Julian, who has done the dirty on her big time - but not in the way you might think.
Having given up on her dream to nurse in underprivileged areas abroad in order to support Julian in his new venture, and having to work in a launderette whilst trying to keep up with her studies, Harriet is frustrated and just trying to make the best of a bad situation - a situation that is going to get a whole lot worse.
In the mean time the very rich and pompous Hamilton Lancaster is in a fix as he is desperate to inherit his grandmothers shares - but has to show himself to be responsibly settling down as soon as possible in order to do so. After all, his grandmother only has six months to live....
A chance meeting at a mutual friends wedding leads to Harriet receiving a very interesting proposition and while she feels uncomfortable with it - it could solve her increasingly mounting problems. What could go wrong? And who is the very gorgeous guy she also met at the wedding who caused her to tingle in all sorts of places?!
This was an hilarious read. Harriet's character is brilliant and she had me in stitches. She is very much your normal average girl thrust into a ridiculous situation and trying to muddle her way through it. Just when you think things can't get any worse - they do. Initially I felt sorry for her as she is seemingly blinded by her love for Julian - but thankfully as events transpire she comes to realise that what she thought was love, really isn't at all. More a relationship of convenience - and mostly convenient for Julian.
There is a delightful selection of characters from the faithful and 'all over the place' best friend Fi and her stuttering boyfriend Alistair who is the butt of many a joke, to the bumbling wannabe East End gangsters and the very upper class family to which Hamilton belongs - and who are all hiding secrets of their own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A carefully written story with many intricacies woven in and yet told in such a witty and relaxed style that as the reader I was pulled in and kept there - wanting to keep turning the page to find out hat was going to happen next.
Verdict: I was already a fan of Lynda Renham having read and enjoyed 'Pink Wellies and Flat Caps', 'Wedding Cake to Turin' and 'Coconuts and Wonderbras'. Her latest release therefore, 'The Valentines Present' has firmly established her as one of my favourite authors.
Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Harriet Lawson is my kind of gal. Feisty and with a great sense of humour, she has some fabulous one liners and is a great main character for this book. Unfortunately she is partnered with a bit of a smarmy loser, Julian, who has done the dirty on her big time - but not in the way you might think.
Having given up on her dream to nurse in underprivileged areas abroad in order to support Julian in his new venture, and having to work in a launderette whilst trying to keep up with her studies, Harriet is frustrated and just trying to make the best of a bad situation - a situation that is going to get a whole lot worse.
In the mean time the very rich and pompous Hamilton Lancaster is in a fix as he is desperate to inherit his grandmothers shares - but has to show himself to be responsibly settling down as soon as possible in order to do so. After all, his grandmother only has six months to live....
A chance meeting at a mutual friends wedding leads to Harriet receiving a very interesting proposition and while she feels uncomfortable with it - it could solve her increasingly mounting problems. What could go wrong? And who is the very gorgeous guy she also met at the wedding who caused her to tingle in all sorts of places?!
This was an hilarious read. Harriet's character is brilliant and she had me in stitches. She is very much your normal average girl thrust into a ridiculous situation and trying to muddle her way through it. Just when you think things can't get any worse - they do. Initially I felt sorry for her as she is seemingly blinded by her love for Julian - but thankfully as events transpire she comes to realise that what she thought was love, really isn't at all. More a relationship of convenience - and mostly convenient for Julian.
There is a delightful selection of characters from the faithful and 'all over the place' best friend Fi and her stuttering boyfriend Alistair who is the butt of many a joke, to the bumbling wannabe East End gangsters and the very upper class family to which Hamilton belongs - and who are all hiding secrets of their own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A carefully written story with many intricacies woven in and yet told in such a witty and relaxed style that as the reader I was pulled in and kept there - wanting to keep turning the page to find out hat was going to happen next.
Verdict: I was already a fan of Lynda Renham having read and enjoyed 'Pink Wellies and Flat Caps', 'Wedding Cake to Turin' and 'Coconuts and Wonderbras'. Her latest release therefore, 'The Valentines Present' has firmly established her as one of my favourite authors.
September 15, 2013
I started reading this just before I went on holiday and ended up taking it with me as I just had to finish it. It really is a very funny book, full of extremely likeable characters.
Harriet, the heroine, is a down-to-earth, ordinary girl, caught up in the most extraordinary set of circumstances that take her from life in a launderette, living in a flat in a rather dubious area with her boyfriend, Julian, to a country house in Scotland with a wardrobe full of designer clothes and an aristocratic fiance.
Unfortunately for Harriet, the fiance is as unreliable and unappealing as her boyfriend, and the only man who really floats her boat is Brice, cousin of the fiance, who is immediately suspicious of her motives and suspects that things are not what they seem.
Well, he got that right. Harriet desperately tries to cope with a trio of comical gangsters, a murdered goldfish, how to master clay pigeon shooting in one easy lesson and a boyfriend who may be missing one - or several - body parts, all the while fighting off her increasing attraction to Brice while trying to breathe in her designer corset. With the help of her best friend Fiona, she may just be able to pull this off. But with one of the gangsters missing, presumed dead, a jealous ex-girlfriend on the scene, a wily grandmother on the case and a fake engagement party to attend, things are not going to be resolved that easily.
This is a laugh-out-loud romp, with a lovely heroine, a very appealing hero and a supporting cast of interesting characters. It reads very easily and moves along at a cracking pace. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic comedy, with the emphasis on comedy!
Harriet, the heroine, is a down-to-earth, ordinary girl, caught up in the most extraordinary set of circumstances that take her from life in a launderette, living in a flat in a rather dubious area with her boyfriend, Julian, to a country house in Scotland with a wardrobe full of designer clothes and an aristocratic fiance.
Unfortunately for Harriet, the fiance is as unreliable and unappealing as her boyfriend, and the only man who really floats her boat is Brice, cousin of the fiance, who is immediately suspicious of her motives and suspects that things are not what they seem.
Well, he got that right. Harriet desperately tries to cope with a trio of comical gangsters, a murdered goldfish, how to master clay pigeon shooting in one easy lesson and a boyfriend who may be missing one - or several - body parts, all the while fighting off her increasing attraction to Brice while trying to breathe in her designer corset. With the help of her best friend Fiona, she may just be able to pull this off. But with one of the gangsters missing, presumed dead, a jealous ex-girlfriend on the scene, a wily grandmother on the case and a fake engagement party to attend, things are not going to be resolved that easily.
This is a laugh-out-loud romp, with a lovely heroine, a very appealing hero and a supporting cast of interesting characters. It reads very easily and moves along at a cracking pace. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic comedy, with the emphasis on comedy!
February 11, 2021
Eu ainda não tinha lido nada da autora, quando vi esse livro no site da Amazon. A sinopse me instigou a ler, prometendo muita diversão e um bom romance. Mas será que cumpre o que promete?
As Desventuras de Harriet é um chick lit, com uma boa dose daquelas comédias inglesas, que são bem diferentes das comédias que estamos acostumados e com uma pegada bem parecida a do filme Morte no Funeral que gosto muito.
O romance vem em segundo plano, mas mesmo assim gostei da quimica de Harriet e Brice, um escocês pra lá de tentador e ao qual adoraria ter a chance de conhecer pessoalmente.
Alguns personagens me irritaram profundamente como foi o caso de Julian, e os gangsters, que são muito atrapalhados chegando a ser caricatos. Confesso que a parte onde eles apareciam, eu ficava com muita vontade de pular as páginas. Algo que acho poderia ter sido mais enxuto deixando assim que a história ficasse mais fluida.
Notei alguns erros de revisão e em algumas partes a tradução incomoda um pouco, mas nada que me fizesse desistir da leitura.
Harriet é aquela personagem cativante, interessante mas que acaba se deixando levar por várias situações malucas e fica cada vez com maior dificuldade de se desvencilhar delas, mas que ao mesmo tempo vai nos mostrando sua força e sua determinação em se livrar de tudo isso e encontrar o seu caminho para ser feliz.
Ao longo da narrativa, fui me acostumando com a maneira diferente que a autora tem de narrar sua história, e com as loucuras dos seus personagens e de um modo geral a história acaba cumprindo o que promete, que é ser engraçada e leve. Foi uma leitura divertida em alguns momentos, com um romance gostosinho de ler e um final muito fofo. Valeu a leitura.
As Desventuras de Harriet é um chick lit, com uma boa dose daquelas comédias inglesas, que são bem diferentes das comédias que estamos acostumados e com uma pegada bem parecida a do filme Morte no Funeral que gosto muito.
O romance vem em segundo plano, mas mesmo assim gostei da quimica de Harriet e Brice, um escocês pra lá de tentador e ao qual adoraria ter a chance de conhecer pessoalmente.
Alguns personagens me irritaram profundamente como foi o caso de Julian, e os gangsters, que são muito atrapalhados chegando a ser caricatos. Confesso que a parte onde eles apareciam, eu ficava com muita vontade de pular as páginas. Algo que acho poderia ter sido mais enxuto deixando assim que a história ficasse mais fluida.
Notei alguns erros de revisão e em algumas partes a tradução incomoda um pouco, mas nada que me fizesse desistir da leitura.
Harriet é aquela personagem cativante, interessante mas que acaba se deixando levar por várias situações malucas e fica cada vez com maior dificuldade de se desvencilhar delas, mas que ao mesmo tempo vai nos mostrando sua força e sua determinação em se livrar de tudo isso e encontrar o seu caminho para ser feliz.
Ao longo da narrativa, fui me acostumando com a maneira diferente que a autora tem de narrar sua história, e com as loucuras dos seus personagens e de um modo geral a história acaba cumprindo o que promete, que é ser engraçada e leve. Foi uma leitura divertida em alguns momentos, com um romance gostosinho de ler e um final muito fofo. Valeu a leitura.
March 6, 2019
Hariet fumbles through.
If you love Chick-Lit and you laugh out load at comedy novels, then this is the book (or audio) for your summer holiday.
Harriet is a lovable Battersea girl, all rough edges and self-deprecation. She works as a laundrette manager to make money for her medical studies and has a low-life of a boyfriend, Julian. When he lets her down big time, Harriet finds herself saddled with a huge debt and no way of paying it off.
She receives 'An offer she can't refuse' and her ensuing adventures feature gangsters, engagement to a wealthy creep, inviting her wacky family to a large country mansion and, of course, romance.
I have yet to find a book that actually makes me laugh out loud. I can cry buckets, but for some reason I never laugh. So, to say this book made me smile, is probably a good sign. Yes, it was a bit exasperating, but I was forewarned by the title. The ending was a bit predictable, but the way it came about was definitely original.
I wasn't really a fan of the narration, although Rosie Akerman has been praised by other reviewers, I found her male voices unconvincing - with the exception of her sexy Bryce voice. She did a good job with the accents though, so credit where credit's due.
All in all, a good romp, something to take your mind off your own troubles for a few hours.
If you love Chick-Lit and you laugh out load at comedy novels, then this is the book (or audio) for your summer holiday.
Harriet is a lovable Battersea girl, all rough edges and self-deprecation. She works as a laundrette manager to make money for her medical studies and has a low-life of a boyfriend, Julian. When he lets her down big time, Harriet finds herself saddled with a huge debt and no way of paying it off.
She receives 'An offer she can't refuse' and her ensuing adventures feature gangsters, engagement to a wealthy creep, inviting her wacky family to a large country mansion and, of course, romance.
I have yet to find a book that actually makes me laugh out loud. I can cry buckets, but for some reason I never laugh. So, to say this book made me smile, is probably a good sign. Yes, it was a bit exasperating, but I was forewarned by the title. The ending was a bit predictable, but the way it came about was definitely original.
I wasn't really a fan of the narration, although Rosie Akerman has been praised by other reviewers, I found her male voices unconvincing - with the exception of her sexy Bryce voice. She did a good job with the accents though, so credit where credit's due.
All in all, a good romp, something to take your mind off your own troubles for a few hours.
May 3, 2015
I really enjoyed this! The main character, Harriet (or Harry - made me think of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" - HA) is crude and unsophisticated, BUT, what she lacks in grace she makes up for in character. Of this she has bucket loads.
Harriet is naive and too trusting of her boyfriend, Justin, who gets her to sign her name to purchase agreements ending up in her owing thousands of pounds. The story gets interesting when an upper class "gentleman" learns of her predicament and makes her an offer she can't refuse... He will pay her £35,000 if she pretends to be his fiancé for a weekend! I mean, how hard can this be?
Add, an irresistible cousin to tempt Harriet away from her boyfriend and "fiancé", a crafty old woman pulling the purse strings, a Scottish highland resort, some dodgy crooks, and you have the making of a non-stop, hilarious, comedy romance.
I laughed out loud so many times, and it made me remember why I loved "Four Weddings and a Funeral" many years ago. Swearing can be so funny in the right context, and this author nailed it! Brilliant.
Harriet is naive and too trusting of her boyfriend, Justin, who gets her to sign her name to purchase agreements ending up in her owing thousands of pounds. The story gets interesting when an upper class "gentleman" learns of her predicament and makes her an offer she can't refuse... He will pay her £35,000 if she pretends to be his fiancé for a weekend! I mean, how hard can this be?
Add, an irresistible cousin to tempt Harriet away from her boyfriend and "fiancé", a crafty old woman pulling the purse strings, a Scottish highland resort, some dodgy crooks, and you have the making of a non-stop, hilarious, comedy romance.
I laughed out loud so many times, and it made me remember why I loved "Four Weddings and a Funeral" many years ago. Swearing can be so funny in the right context, and this author nailed it! Brilliant.
September 2, 2013
Harriett believes her life with boyfriend Julian is uneventful until a turn of events sees Julian on the run from gangsters and Harriet agreeing to marry for money.
Harriett is none too pleased when she finds out that Julian has not only failed to turn up at her friend's wedding but he is deeper in debt than she realises. Harriett has already given up her nursing training to support Julian's restaurant business, but he has not been honest with her about the state of his affairs.
So begins an adventure for Harriet that reminds me very much of Pygmalion as Hamilton Lancaster tries to pass her off as his fiancee to be sure of inheriting his Grandmother's money. Enter stage right, the dashing Dr Brice who is not quite as easily fooled and has other ideas for Harriett.
Lynda Renham's writing is very funny and this novel had me giggling away.
A very funny farce with romance that would transfer wonderfully to the stage.
I am off to check out more of Lynda Renham's titles.
Harriett is none too pleased when she finds out that Julian has not only failed to turn up at her friend's wedding but he is deeper in debt than she realises. Harriett has already given up her nursing training to support Julian's restaurant business, but he has not been honest with her about the state of his affairs.
So begins an adventure for Harriet that reminds me very much of Pygmalion as Hamilton Lancaster tries to pass her off as his fiancee to be sure of inheriting his Grandmother's money. Enter stage right, the dashing Dr Brice who is not quite as easily fooled and has other ideas for Harriett.
Lynda Renham's writing is very funny and this novel had me giggling away.
A very funny farce with romance that would transfer wonderfully to the stage.
I am off to check out more of Lynda Renham's titles.
January 22, 2019
This is a great book for those who love lightweight, romantic easy reads/listens and having not read any other Lynda’s other books I didn’t know too much of what to expect.
Harriet is just a gal going through some problems with her boyfriend. After all he is a bit of a d**k. (no, that is not duck). And he screws up like you have no idea, but Harriet has a plan to get out of all her problems. And this is where the fun begins. The story line was little far fetched but don’t let that put you off. it is a book for you to forget life for a bit.
This wasn’t as amusing book as thought it would be, I found I didn’t find it laugh out loud at all but I did have a couple of chuckles and smiles but not many. The narrator was superb and did the different characters in the story well. Hats off to her. But, I found there were too many characters and got confused once or twice.
I found the ending to be satisfying, Harriet got her life back on track even though it was a little obvious.
Harriet is just a gal going through some problems with her boyfriend. After all he is a bit of a d**k. (no, that is not duck). And he screws up like you have no idea, but Harriet has a plan to get out of all her problems. And this is where the fun begins. The story line was little far fetched but don’t let that put you off. it is a book for you to forget life for a bit.
This wasn’t as amusing book as thought it would be, I found I didn’t find it laugh out loud at all but I did have a couple of chuckles and smiles but not many. The narrator was superb and did the different characters in the story well. Hats off to her. But, I found there were too many characters and got confused once or twice.
I found the ending to be satisfying, Harriet got her life back on track even though it was a little obvious.
September 10, 2013
I thought Lynda's first book 'Wedding Cake to Turin' was funny, but my gosh, this book is fantastically hilarious. The characters are so loveable from the start and they are so different but so right. The ease of writing style has you believing every word. As for a lady who doesn't have a TV she certainly did her homework and every reference is scarily up-to-date and accurate.
Lynda never ceases to amaze me, I was eagerly waiting for this book, but never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be this funny or so good. This has really blown my socks off and is my favourite comedy since Wedding Cake.
Lynda never ceases to amaze me, I was eagerly waiting for this book, but never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be this funny or so good. This has really blown my socks off and is my favourite comedy since Wedding Cake.
February 5, 2019
Audiobook review
Enjoyed the change of this genre. Had a few under my breath giggles as I listen at work! Did get asked what I was smiling about a couple of times too.
A light listen, fun listen & the back chat between the friends amused me, very true to life.
The romance was light when it arrived. Not sickly & was entertaining too.
Enjoyed the change of this genre. Had a few under my breath giggles as I listen at work! Did get asked what I was smiling about a couple of times too.
A light listen, fun listen & the back chat between the friends amused me, very true to life.
The romance was light when it arrived. Not sickly & was entertaining too.
October 25, 2019
Oh my... Lynda Renham most certainly knows how to get the old chuckle muscles working. I laughed so much reading some of the exploits of Harriet. I have never been disappointed by any of this authors books and this one most certainly never disappointed me.
September 18, 2013
So so funny. Laughed from the beginning! A film should be made of this, exactly as the book! It would be better than Bridget Jones! Fabulous!
January 8, 2014
Hilarious. went straight onto Amazon and bought 3 more of Lynda Renham's books. Fun Britchick Lit for some nice escapism.
June 24, 2017
3 stars
April 28, 2015
This was my first book by Lynda Renham and I thought it was so funny. Looking forward to reading more by her.
September 2, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book just like I enjoy all the other Lynda Renham, she is a fantastic author only wished she had more.... Keep up the good books Lynda x
March 14, 2020
What a comedic mess of a disaster
Lol, this book was something else entirely. I love Lynda books because it's so out of this world and funny that you don't want to put the book down. This definitely did make me chuckle and I'm so glad to have read it
Lol, this book was something else entirely. I love Lynda books because it's so out of this world and funny that you don't want to put the book down. This definitely did make me chuckle and I'm so glad to have read it
August 28, 2017
Loved it
Couldn't put it down,
It's a good book that's funny and draws you in straight
Away, loved the ending.
All round good book
Couldn't put it down,
It's a good book that's funny and draws you in straight
Away, loved the ending.
All round good book
March 30, 2019
Great read
Really easy, funny book. Would recommend as something to read on holiday, not to just pick up and start on/off.
Really easy, funny book. Would recommend as something to read on holiday, not to just pick up and start on/off.
April 23, 2024
Mediocre Read
This was a little disappointing compared to other books by this author. Just a pleasant read, not immersive until three quarters of the way through.
This was a little disappointing compared to other books by this author. Just a pleasant read, not immersive until three quarters of the way through.
August 28, 2014
This Review was originally posted on: Http://sassygalreads.blogspot.com
The Dog's Bollocks (Formerly Titled: The Valentine Present & Other Diabolical Liberties)
I have seen Lynda Renham's books before on Amazon in my quest for ALL things UK ! I have even purchased a book previously ( Pink Wellies and Flat Caps - A Romantic Comedy ), and am sad to say that I never had taken the time to read it. I had read the sample portion, but as anyone whom has read this blog previously knows, I have a really serious ADD issue that honestly hinders my ability to focus at times. I get so easily sidetracked, which has made being a consistent blogger a bit of a challenge for me. Honestly, consistency in anything is a tad bit of a problem for me. ANYWAY.......
The fact that I didn't read Pink Wellies and Flat Caps - A Romantic Comedy has nothing at all to do with my Lynda Renham's talent as a writer, just my own failure as a reader. OK, so onto the book I HAVE read to completion.
I won an original copy (The Valentine Present & Other Diabolical Liberties- hereinafter called The Dog's Bollocks.) through her launch of her newest book Rory's Proposal (A Romantic Comedy) event that she recently held on Facebook. I was so excited to win, and even more excited to read this book. I sometimes do better with physical books, versus Kindle editions for some reason.
In The Dog's Bollocks, we have a truly fun cast of characters. Even the villains (The "Jacks') are deliciously fun! Our heroine of the story is Harriet, currently employed at the local laundrette, but with ambitions of being a certified nurse. In the opening of the story we meet Julian and the "Valentine's (the Jacks'). Right away we see that Julian is in a spot of trouble with the notorious "Jacks". It seems that Julian took out a loan and was also paying for "protection" for his French restaurant.
Harriet, who is completely oblivious to Julian's troubles, is waiting for Julian at a wedding. Of course, he never appears, because he has fled as far as possible now fearing for his life. At this wedding Harriet encounters two tall dark and handsome men. Brice, whom Harriet feels an instant attraction to; as well as Hamilton whom Harriet feels an instant disliking. Harriet seems to have made an impression on both young men.
Harriet, and her best friend Fiona and Fiona's boyfriend (with a terrible stuttering problem), Alistair find Harriet's apartment ransacked and no sign of Harriet's boyfriend Julian. When Harriet, finally does reach Julian she finds that all of her money as well as her van she signed for have been taken by the Jacks' and finds that she's now in massive debt and must find a sum of nearly 50,000 pounds to get herself out of debt and to pay of Julian's debts to keep all of his limbs intact.
An Indecent Proposal of Sorts:
Meanwhile Hamilton, one of the tall dark and handsome men from the wedding, is having his own crisis. It seems his grandmother is dying and is about to cut he and his family out of her will. Margarita (Hamilton's grandmother) seems to not be so fond of Hamilton's current choice of future bride. Out of desperation to save his inheritance he tells an outrageous lie that he has met and is soon to be married to another woman. Desperate times and all that he finds himself remembering that girl from the wedding. He then goes to make her an offer she cannot refuse.
This offer begins a week full of hijinks, drama and fun. This literally was a non-stop comedic ride!
The Characters:
This book was told with such fun humor and in such a way that I honestly could envision the whole thing as a movie. It was one thing after another.
You have Harriet and Julian who are currently in "it" deep, Hamilton and his snobbery of a family, Fiona and Alistair (the bumbbbbling mess at times), and The Jacks'. Ms. Renham truly created a wonderful group of characters who were fun to get to know and to go on their crazy wild week with them.
Ms. Renham was so perfectly adept at creating such vivid imagery in the reader's minds it was easy to imagine it all in my head and seeing it come to life. It's not often in any book I read where I envision the whole plot as a movie, but I truly did with this book!
This was a definite winner! A big huge 5 STARS!! ***** I honestly can't wait to read my next Lynda Renham book!
The Dog's Bollocks (Formerly Titled: The Valentine Present & Other Diabolical Liberties)
I have seen Lynda Renham's books before on Amazon in my quest for ALL things UK ! I have even purchased a book previously ( Pink Wellies and Flat Caps - A Romantic Comedy ), and am sad to say that I never had taken the time to read it. I had read the sample portion, but as anyone whom has read this blog previously knows, I have a really serious ADD issue that honestly hinders my ability to focus at times. I get so easily sidetracked, which has made being a consistent blogger a bit of a challenge for me. Honestly, consistency in anything is a tad bit of a problem for me. ANYWAY.......
The fact that I didn't read Pink Wellies and Flat Caps - A Romantic Comedy has nothing at all to do with my Lynda Renham's talent as a writer, just my own failure as a reader. OK, so onto the book I HAVE read to completion.
I won an original copy (The Valentine Present & Other Diabolical Liberties- hereinafter called The Dog's Bollocks.) through her launch of her newest book Rory's Proposal (A Romantic Comedy) event that she recently held on Facebook. I was so excited to win, and even more excited to read this book. I sometimes do better with physical books, versus Kindle editions for some reason.
In The Dog's Bollocks, we have a truly fun cast of characters. Even the villains (The "Jacks') are deliciously fun! Our heroine of the story is Harriet, currently employed at the local laundrette, but with ambitions of being a certified nurse. In the opening of the story we meet Julian and the "Valentine's (the Jacks'). Right away we see that Julian is in a spot of trouble with the notorious "Jacks". It seems that Julian took out a loan and was also paying for "protection" for his French restaurant.
Harriet, who is completely oblivious to Julian's troubles, is waiting for Julian at a wedding. Of course, he never appears, because he has fled as far as possible now fearing for his life. At this wedding Harriet encounters two tall dark and handsome men. Brice, whom Harriet feels an instant attraction to; as well as Hamilton whom Harriet feels an instant disliking. Harriet seems to have made an impression on both young men.
Harriet, and her best friend Fiona and Fiona's boyfriend (with a terrible stuttering problem), Alistair find Harriet's apartment ransacked and no sign of Harriet's boyfriend Julian. When Harriet, finally does reach Julian she finds that all of her money as well as her van she signed for have been taken by the Jacks' and finds that she's now in massive debt and must find a sum of nearly 50,000 pounds to get herself out of debt and to pay of Julian's debts to keep all of his limbs intact.
An Indecent Proposal of Sorts:
Meanwhile Hamilton, one of the tall dark and handsome men from the wedding, is having his own crisis. It seems his grandmother is dying and is about to cut he and his family out of her will. Margarita (Hamilton's grandmother) seems to not be so fond of Hamilton's current choice of future bride. Out of desperation to save his inheritance he tells an outrageous lie that he has met and is soon to be married to another woman. Desperate times and all that he finds himself remembering that girl from the wedding. He then goes to make her an offer she cannot refuse.
This offer begins a week full of hijinks, drama and fun. This literally was a non-stop comedic ride!
The Characters:
This book was told with such fun humor and in such a way that I honestly could envision the whole thing as a movie. It was one thing after another.
You have Harriet and Julian who are currently in "it" deep, Hamilton and his snobbery of a family, Fiona and Alistair (the bumbbbbling mess at times), and The Jacks'. Ms. Renham truly created a wonderful group of characters who were fun to get to know and to go on their crazy wild week with them.
Ms. Renham was so perfectly adept at creating such vivid imagery in the reader's minds it was easy to imagine it all in my head and seeing it come to life. It's not often in any book I read where I envision the whole plot as a movie, but I truly did with this book!
This was a definite winner! A big huge 5 STARS!! ***** I honestly can't wait to read my next Lynda Renham book!
February 27, 2017
Disappointed
I didn't feel there was much of a storyline to this book and I certainly never got swept up in the romance. The characters were very one dimensional, the plot obvious and really not my cup of tea.
I didn't feel there was much of a storyline to this book and I certainly never got swept up in the romance. The characters were very one dimensional, the plot obvious and really not my cup of tea.
January 23, 2019
This book is an absolute HOOT !!
I am very choosy about the chick lit I read but I was given an offer I could not refuse just like our erstwhile heroine.
The opening chapters has Harriet, part time medical student and Launderette Manager arriving late at a friend’s posh wedding in a charity shop frock. whilst sat with her best friend, her stammering partner she finds herself sat with a couple of toffs. Whilst one is dreamy, the other is a bit too friendly for her liking particularly as her own Boyfriend who should have been on her arm has been spotted in her mini going in completely the wrong direction!
This is a rip roaring adventure of a book and the cast of characters including a trio of East End gangsters with a very unique tradition in family naming process. Their unwelcome and mercenary insertion into her affairs ( thanks to her foolhardy Boyfriend and his dubious attempts to raise finance for his restaurant) brings near ruin. When ever spiralling debts and the fear of the removal of her fella’s appendages forces Harriet into an ill-advised engagement of convenience she becomes embroiled in a family saga that brings Dreamy Doctor Brice Edmunds back into the ever swirling maelstrom of Harriet’s life.
Frothy and deeply funny Harriet’s Big Fat Wedding Blunder is my first foray into Lynda Renham’s novels. I know I will seek more, from the griminess of Battersea to the wide open spaces of a country seat in Scotland this is a fish out of water tale that tickles every funny bone. Often ludicrous but always great fun with a sweet central romance of equal parts antagonism and a mysterious allure worthy of Hepburn and Tracy, this is the perfect book to get you over that January hump after Christmas.
Fabulous narration by Rosie Akerman keeps the energy high throughout and had me guffawing on my commute and in my bed alike as I could not stop listening
I am very choosy about the chick lit I read but I was given an offer I could not refuse just like our erstwhile heroine.
The opening chapters has Harriet, part time medical student and Launderette Manager arriving late at a friend’s posh wedding in a charity shop frock. whilst sat with her best friend, her stammering partner she finds herself sat with a couple of toffs. Whilst one is dreamy, the other is a bit too friendly for her liking particularly as her own Boyfriend who should have been on her arm has been spotted in her mini going in completely the wrong direction!
This is a rip roaring adventure of a book and the cast of characters including a trio of East End gangsters with a very unique tradition in family naming process. Their unwelcome and mercenary insertion into her affairs ( thanks to her foolhardy Boyfriend and his dubious attempts to raise finance for his restaurant) brings near ruin. When ever spiralling debts and the fear of the removal of her fella’s appendages forces Harriet into an ill-advised engagement of convenience she becomes embroiled in a family saga that brings Dreamy Doctor Brice Edmunds back into the ever swirling maelstrom of Harriet’s life.
Frothy and deeply funny Harriet’s Big Fat Wedding Blunder is my first foray into Lynda Renham’s novels. I know I will seek more, from the griminess of Battersea to the wide open spaces of a country seat in Scotland this is a fish out of water tale that tickles every funny bone. Often ludicrous but always great fun with a sweet central romance of equal parts antagonism and a mysterious allure worthy of Hepburn and Tracy, this is the perfect book to get you over that January hump after Christmas.
Fabulous narration by Rosie Akerman keeps the energy high throughout and had me guffawing on my commute and in my bed alike as I could not stop listening
January 15, 2014
Harriet Lawson's day really doesn't turn out quite as she expected. Coming home to a wrecked flat and a missing boyfriend wasn't her idea of a good day! Harriet soon finds out that her boyfriend has one or two secrets that involve money owed to a gangster family and she has the responsibility to get the money owed before her boyfriend loses body parts! An offer from a wealthy man may just offer Harriet the opportunity to pay off her debts and get her life back on track! All she has to do is get engaged to him in order for him to inherit a large sum of money! What could possibly go wrong!? Famous last words! Harriet's life is soon spiraling out of control and suddenly her nice simple arrangement becomes the most cringe-worthy and difficult situation that takes Harriet well out of her comfort zone. As if things couldn't get any more complicated, cue one handsome doctor who gets Harriet's heart racing and Harriet's own nutty family!
Let me first start this review by saying that I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Its totally hilarious and the story is amazing! The characters are all likeable in their own way, even the 'baddies' and at times the book went in directions I was just not expecting! All this plus romance too! What more could you ask for?! There were lots of 'laugh out loud' moments throughout and I just love Harriet. She is brave, bolshy and her life is like a carry on movie! A fantastically written book. This is one of those books that you just know would make a fantastic movie! I couldn't put it down. There were incidents in the story that had me cringing with embarrassment for Harriet, and times when I wanted to punch a few of the smarmy characters. I'd highly recommend this book. I think I am now a Lynda Renham fan!!
Let me first start this review by saying that I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Its totally hilarious and the story is amazing! The characters are all likeable in their own way, even the 'baddies' and at times the book went in directions I was just not expecting! All this plus romance too! What more could you ask for?! There were lots of 'laugh out loud' moments throughout and I just love Harriet. She is brave, bolshy and her life is like a carry on movie! A fantastically written book. This is one of those books that you just know would make a fantastic movie! I couldn't put it down. There were incidents in the story that had me cringing with embarrassment for Harriet, and times when I wanted to punch a few of the smarmy characters. I'd highly recommend this book. I think I am now a Lynda Renham fan!!
January 15, 2014
Harriet Lawson's day really doesn't turn out quite as she expected. Coming home to a wrecked flat and a missing boyfriend wasn't her idea of a good day! Harriet soon finds out that her boyfriend has one or two secrets that involve money owed to a gangster family and she has the responsibility to get the money owed before her boyfriend loses body parts! An offer from a wealthy man may just offer Harriet the opportunity to pay off her debts and get her life back on track! All she has to do is get engaged to him in order for him to inherit a large sum of money! What could possibly go wrong!? Famous last words! Harriet's life is soon spiraling out of control and suddenly her nice simple arrangement becomes the most cringe-worthy and difficult situation that takes Harriet well out of her comfort zone. As if things couldn't get any more complicated, cue one handsome doctor who gets Harriet's heart racing and Harriet's own nutty family!
Let me first start this review by saying that I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Its totally hilarious and the story is amazing! The characters are all likeable in their own way, even the 'baddies' and at times the book went in directions I was just not expecting! All this plus romance too! What more could you ask for?! There were lots of 'laugh out loud' moments throughout and I just love Harriet. She is brave, bolshy and her life is like a carry on movie! A fantastically written book. This is one of those books that you just know would make a fantastic movie! I couldn't put it down. There were incidents in the story that had me cringing with embarrassment for Harriet, and times when I wanted to punch a few of the smarmy characters. I'd highly recommend this book. I think I am now a Lynda Renham fan!!
Let me first start this review by saying that I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Its totally hilarious and the story is amazing! The characters are all likeable in their own way, even the 'baddies' and at times the book went in directions I was just not expecting! All this plus romance too! What more could you ask for?! There were lots of 'laugh out loud' moments throughout and I just love Harriet. She is brave, bolshy and her life is like a carry on movie! A fantastically written book. This is one of those books that you just know would make a fantastic movie! I couldn't put it down. There were incidents in the story that had me cringing with embarrassment for Harriet, and times when I wanted to punch a few of the smarmy characters. I'd highly recommend this book. I think I am now a Lynda Renham fan!!
November 14, 2013
Not all the mad Jack's in the world could have stopped me reading this little gem!
It's no secret, I am a massive fan of Lynda! I find her inspirational, I love her sense of humour and her one liners really do make me laugh out loud. I find her plots interesting, all her characters likeable and I love her ability to bring a character to life. She writes in such an easy way, and her cockney writing accent was spot on making it easy for this cockney to read!
Morticia Addams nails, Eton Mess, no life jackets and a horses crop! This story had so many twists and turns. There was so much happening, it kept me on the edge of my seat (OK, laid back quite comfortably on the sofa) but my point is there was never a dull moment. 'arriet was so very likeable & I couldn't help but love Fiona. She had me in stitches. I wanted to throttle Julian myself and as for Hamilton, well I most definitely would have used the horses crop! I couldn't help but warm to the Jack's too.
I absolutely loved this book and award it 5 shiny gold stars. It was an enjoyable read I couldn't put down and I swear my family thought I was nuts (well slightly more nuts then usual) sitting in the corner laughing to myself. I must say it's not my favourite by Lynda, that goes to Croissants & Jam, my first ever read by Lynda but this comes a close a second.... I am a proper sucker for a love story and we all want that happy ending, don't we?
Keep them coming Lynda. Your books are the dogs bollocks and I can't wait for the next...
You can find this review on my blog http://kerryschitterchatter.blogspot....
It's no secret, I am a massive fan of Lynda! I find her inspirational, I love her sense of humour and her one liners really do make me laugh out loud. I find her plots interesting, all her characters likeable and I love her ability to bring a character to life. She writes in such an easy way, and her cockney writing accent was spot on making it easy for this cockney to read!
Morticia Addams nails, Eton Mess, no life jackets and a horses crop! This story had so many twists and turns. There was so much happening, it kept me on the edge of my seat (OK, laid back quite comfortably on the sofa) but my point is there was never a dull moment. 'arriet was so very likeable & I couldn't help but love Fiona. She had me in stitches. I wanted to throttle Julian myself and as for Hamilton, well I most definitely would have used the horses crop! I couldn't help but warm to the Jack's too.
I absolutely loved this book and award it 5 shiny gold stars. It was an enjoyable read I couldn't put down and I swear my family thought I was nuts (well slightly more nuts then usual) sitting in the corner laughing to myself. I must say it's not my favourite by Lynda, that goes to Croissants & Jam, my first ever read by Lynda but this comes a close a second.... I am a proper sucker for a love story and we all want that happy ending, don't we?
Keep them coming Lynda. Your books are the dogs bollocks and I can't wait for the next...
You can find this review on my blog http://kerryschitterchatter.blogspot....
October 17, 2013
Firstly I’d like to thank Raucous Publishing for sending me this eBook to read and give an honest review. I have enjoyed other books by Lynda Renham, I love her witty titles and hilarious writing style so I really couldn’t wait to start this one!
I’m pleased to say that I wasn’t disappointed, this was just as fun as the previous books I’ve read. The first chapter delightfully explained the title of the book, it also introduced me to three gangsters (who were all called Jack) and Harriet’s boyfriend Julian. As with the other books I’ve read by this author I was instantly hooked and laughing out loud pretty much straight away.
The dramatic events that led to Harriet accepting Hamilton’s offer were entertaining and captivating – I just couldn’t stop flipping the pages to find out what was going to happen next. The trip to Scotland was everything I hoped it would be and the storyline continued to hold my attention throughout with the hilarious ups and downs that Harriet faced (there were just too many funny moments to mention). The gorgeous Brice added an interesting side to the story, the chemistry between him and Harriet was perfectly written and an absolute pleasure to read.
This was a fabulously fun read, the comedy combined with the criminal undertone made it thoroughly entertaining!
I’m pleased to say that I wasn’t disappointed, this was just as fun as the previous books I’ve read. The first chapter delightfully explained the title of the book, it also introduced me to three gangsters (who were all called Jack) and Harriet’s boyfriend Julian. As with the other books I’ve read by this author I was instantly hooked and laughing out loud pretty much straight away.
The dramatic events that led to Harriet accepting Hamilton’s offer were entertaining and captivating – I just couldn’t stop flipping the pages to find out what was going to happen next. The trip to Scotland was everything I hoped it would be and the storyline continued to hold my attention throughout with the hilarious ups and downs that Harriet faced (there were just too many funny moments to mention). The gorgeous Brice added an interesting side to the story, the chemistry between him and Harriet was perfectly written and an absolute pleasure to read.
This was a fabulously fun read, the comedy combined with the criminal undertone made it thoroughly entertaining!
October 2, 2013
Arriving home after a posh wedding do, Harriet finds her flat ransacked and her boyfriend AWOL. Gangsters turn up on her doorstep demanding money and in a desperate attempt to raise much needed funds Harriet agrees to act as the fiancée of Hamilton Lancaster, a well-to-do gent set to inherit the family business. When she meets Doctor Brice Edmonds, Harriet finds herself in a complicated situation, well out of her depth.
I found The Valentine Present and Other Diabolical Liberties an easy read which didn't require much concentration. The characters were caricatures and the plot entertaining, which meant it was fast paced. This is very much a book which doesn't take itself too seriously, however, I felt it tried a bit too hard to be constantly funny and that was the main negative for me. I was amused by some sections of this book but found the constant jokes and one liners relentless, almost to a fault. Personally, I would also have preferred less swearing as I felt it unnecessarily littered with expletives. Saying that I know Lynda Renham has a large and loyal fan base and is held in high regard by readers, so maybe I am in a minority.
I would recommend this book to fans of the chicklit genre who like their romance with a large dose of comedy on the side.
I found The Valentine Present and Other Diabolical Liberties an easy read which didn't require much concentration. The characters were caricatures and the plot entertaining, which meant it was fast paced. This is very much a book which doesn't take itself too seriously, however, I felt it tried a bit too hard to be constantly funny and that was the main negative for me. I was amused by some sections of this book but found the constant jokes and one liners relentless, almost to a fault. Personally, I would also have preferred less swearing as I felt it unnecessarily littered with expletives. Saying that I know Lynda Renham has a large and loyal fan base and is held in high regard by readers, so maybe I am in a minority.
I would recommend this book to fans of the chicklit genre who like their romance with a large dose of comedy on the side.
January 16, 2019
Let's get my complaint out of the way first! My face hurts, (I know, I know, my face has been making people hurt for years), from smiling! This was like opening the window on a crisp, spring morning and letting the fresh air rush in. It was a warm embrace when you're feeling blue, an open-log fire on a snowy, winter's day. OK, enough with the metaphorical musings and onto some facts. Lynda Renham has cracked it with this book; it's funny, endearing, absorbing and a real British farce! All the characters are suitably bonkers, even the normal ones, and when they interact with each other, chaos, misunderstandings and madness ensues. Bravo to Rosie Akerman for her performance, there were a lot of characters, many voices and accents and this was a real challenge to narrate. Ms AKerman did a superb job, how she did it without losing her mind is beyond me, but you can only stand back and admire her work. Of course, a narrator can only be as good as the words allow, and Ms Renham gave Ms Akerman some of the choicest cuts to work with. Harriet's Big Fat Wedding Blunder is British humour at its best. Making fun of ourselves, our class system and the characters and caricatures within. A 5 star hit and over 9 hours of smiles, chuckles, laughs and joy. Tremendous!
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