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Cleavage
A SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOK OF 2024
As Tory drawers are caught down yet again, the Opposition takes the chance to pull up its socks.
Prime Minister Eric Courtenay, fresh from another scandal, realises he has his work cut out when the Labour offensive kicks off with the charismatic Vicky Tennyson and handsome Christian Eccles at the helm, both dead set on an end to Conservative rule.
The desperate Tories resort to hiring maverick strategist Callum Gallagher to get them out of a fix. Gallagher's methods are unusual in the extreme and kept from his employers. As he and his data geeks sieve through the red-hot web searches of the unsuspecting electorate, it becomes clear that sex sells. Everyone's at it, but the question is whose fantasy will win the big role play?
To top it all, the Houses of Parliament are in desperate need of repair, but everyone's too busy thinking about ballot boxes and throbbing majorities to care. If WHIPS got you hot under the collar, Cleavage will have you begging for more.
As Tory drawers are caught down yet again, the Opposition takes the chance to pull up its socks.
Prime Minister Eric Courtenay, fresh from another scandal, realises he has his work cut out when the Labour offensive kicks off with the charismatic Vicky Tennyson and handsome Christian Eccles at the helm, both dead set on an end to Conservative rule.
The desperate Tories resort to hiring maverick strategist Callum Gallagher to get them out of a fix. Gallagher's methods are unusual in the extreme and kept from his employers. As he and his data geeks sieve through the red-hot web searches of the unsuspecting electorate, it becomes clear that sex sells. Everyone's at it, but the question is whose fantasy will win the big role play?
To top it all, the Houses of Parliament are in desperate need of repair, but everyone's too busy thinking about ballot boxes and throbbing majorities to care. If WHIPS got you hot under the collar, Cleavage will have you begging for more.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2024
19 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 2, 2024
Learnt a lot more about politics than I expected to, but utter filth in places!
June 28, 2024
Following on from Cleo Watson’s previous novel, Whips, this is another very funny (and extremely explicit) romp through the world of political intrigue. The previous novel followed the machinations within a Conservative government in Westminster that was starting to fall apart owing to internal wrangling and dissension, with scandals (political and sexual) emerging on all sides. Well, let’s be honest, such a scenario probably doesn’t tax the imagination too grievously! The story has moved on, and an election is now imminent.
Cleo Watson has a strong political pedigree after having worked on President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012 and then served as a senior aide to two British Prime Ministers (Theresa May and Boris Johnson). I am inclined to suggest that the highly scurrilous nature of the book may be rooted more in the latter than the former of those two spells in No. 10.
The various storylines are so sinuous and intertwined that it is difficult to provide a coherent synopsis without straying quite heavily into spoiler territory. As someone who visits parliament a few times each week, I recognised Ms Watson’s descriptions of the locations, if not necessarily the behaviour, very clearly, which added to my enjoyment of the story.
Despite the explicit and uproarious content, this is a well written book, and the characters are developed clearly and strongly.
Cleo Watson has a strong political pedigree after having worked on President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012 and then served as a senior aide to two British Prime Ministers (Theresa May and Boris Johnson). I am inclined to suggest that the highly scurrilous nature of the book may be rooted more in the latter than the former of those two spells in No. 10.
The various storylines are so sinuous and intertwined that it is difficult to provide a coherent synopsis without straying quite heavily into spoiler territory. As someone who visits parliament a few times each week, I recognised Ms Watson’s descriptions of the locations, if not necessarily the behaviour, very clearly, which added to my enjoyment of the story.
Despite the explicit and uproarious content, this is a well written book, and the characters are developed clearly and strongly.
June 25, 2024
A political sex comedy that does have its cake and eat it by being about something too.
Politicians as sex-crazed, self-promotion-obsessed, WIN at ALL costs and be less bothered about actually governing? Never!
It's very much set in 2024, with the Tories in for a pounding. But none of it is decided on actual issues, which is apt to the theme. Which means it's ideas are universal and I don't think would date. The election becomes competitive based on illegal politicking, an accident and collossal fuck-ups.
So, it is not contentious, nor a Tory love-in or anti-Tory screed. It's about a well-developed bunch of human beings.
Politicians as sex-crazed, self-promotion-obsessed, WIN at ALL costs and be less bothered about actually governing? Never!
It's very much set in 2024, with the Tories in for a pounding. But none of it is decided on actual issues, which is apt to the theme. Which means it's ideas are universal and I don't think would date. The election becomes competitive based on illegal politicking, an accident and collossal fuck-ups.
So, it is not contentious, nor a Tory love-in or anti-Tory screed. It's about a well-developed bunch of human beings.
June 28, 2024
Enjoyed the sequel just as much as the debut novel. Watson’s political knowledge shines through, but her tone is funny and light. Relatable for anyone professional woman living in London in their 20s. Massively recommend.
July 5, 2024
I was really looking forward to this book, it sounded brilliant. Unfortunately it fell flat for me, with too many characters (many of whom were caricatures) and too much bedroom action. It was touted as “if you like Jilly Cooper” but unfortunately it didn’t come anywhere close. A sad 3*.
October 18, 2024
Great sequel to one of my fave books of last year.
July 31, 2025
Poor person's Jilly Cooper, Mills and Boon plus very ludicrous sex scenes.
I do not recommend!
I do not recommend!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews