What do you think?
Rate this book
Just Went Out For Milk
After five passionate years together, lovers Dane Costello and Kayla Manning are torn apart when Dane leaves to buy milk. While Kayla is forced to fight for her life in hospital, Dane is thrown back into a world he fled from years before.
Kayla tells her story through a series of quirky, unsent letters to Dane and relives her rollercoaster past in her childhood diaries, a past she must face if she is to survive. At the same time, Dane must confront his own violent past and the person who hates him most – the one he was once closest to – if he is to make it back to the woman he loves.
Just Went Out For Milk is a physical and emotional journey, the raw love story of two scarred people, who long to find their place in the world.
Will Dane make it back to Kayla? Will she be alive if he does?
Kayla tells her story through a series of quirky, unsent letters to Dane and relives her rollercoaster past in her childhood diaries, a past she must face if she is to survive. At the same time, Dane must confront his own violent past and the person who hates him most – the one he was once closest to – if he is to make it back to the woman he loves.
Just Went Out For Milk is a physical and emotional journey, the raw love story of two scarred people, who long to find their place in the world.
Will Dane make it back to Kayla? Will she be alive if he does?
- GenresBook Club
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2014
17 people are currently reading
908 people want to read
About the author
Tommy Cotton
4 books52 followersTommy resides in Melbourne, Australia with his wife and two children.
He is the author of three novels:
Just Went Out For Milk (2014) These Pictures of Us (2017) and Promises (2019).
Tommy's stories often include themes of love, tragedy, growing up, grief, and relationships in modern settings.
Tommy can be reached via his social media
http://www.facebook.com/TommyCottonAu...
Instagram @tommycottonauthor
He is the author of three novels:
Just Went Out For Milk (2014) These Pictures of Us (2017) and Promises (2019).
Tommy's stories often include themes of love, tragedy, growing up, grief, and relationships in modern settings.
Tommy can be reached via his social media
http://www.facebook.com/TommyCottonAu...
Instagram @tommycottonauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 10, 2016
This book took me by surprise and I mean by surprise. An eclectic mix of genres, along with a quirky unconventional couple with painful raw pasts. Numerous themes fuse to make for a memorable reading journey of two people perfectly suited for each other with utter devotion.
The core of both narrative and characters is what hits the reader. Cotton did not construct perfection but his intention cannot go unnoticed. Far fetched at times, however, you find yourself reeled in with an affecting hook filling in the implausible.
Cotton possesses imagination, compelling characters with powerful backstory's. A debut novel leaving a mark, I cannot wait to read future works from this passionate author.
Thank you Goodreads First Reads
The core of both narrative and characters is what hits the reader. Cotton did not construct perfection but his intention cannot go unnoticed. Far fetched at times, however, you find yourself reeled in with an affecting hook filling in the implausible.
Cotton possesses imagination, compelling characters with powerful backstory's. A debut novel leaving a mark, I cannot wait to read future works from this passionate author.
Thank you Goodreads First Reads
January 30, 2015
When I finished Just Went Out For Milk I felt like I had just been on an epic adventure. This book draws you in and straight away you're buckled in tight on a rollercoaster alongside the main characters Kayla and Dane on their physical and emotional journey. Just Went Out For Milk has a bit of everything, romance, adventure and many parts just made me laugh out loud which I love. Up there with the most quotable books I've read, one of my favourites- " If I had followed every urge I've ever had, I would have had much more sex and killed a lot more people". Smart, funny and heartbreaking at times, Just Went Out For Milk was hard to put down and leaves you wishing it wasn't over and wanting more. An easy Five out of Five!
February 17, 2015
Wow. Just finished this book after starting it yesterday. It is an amazing book, delicately woven together. It is set up as a triple perspective novel... Which is my favorite type of book. This 250 page book never gets boring and honestly every chapter includes a new surprise. This keeps you reading even when you should be sleeping! This book honestly has a little bit of everything, romance, drama, and a little quirk on the side. I would recommend this book to anyone! Five out of five. I received this book through GoodReads First Reads.
March 24, 2015
What amazing read! Loved the writing style. Had me captivated from start to finish. Having grown up in Melbourne myself, I was able to relate to the background and setting of the book. Every now and then you come across a book that you can't put down. This one was it for me.
Read
September 3, 2016Right off the bat you learn how eccentric Kayla and Dane truly are. They have their special way of interacting with each other. As their heartbreaking pasts are revealed you understand why these two are the way they are. Their backstory’s are crushing, I found myself in tears on two occasions. This is NOT your average love story it is much much more. Cotton broaches heavy subject matter, I must say I was taken off guard, no idea this read would be this weighty. Their present story’s are equally affecting and compelling.
Plenty of characters you will despise, a few you will embrace. Oscar was my absolute favorite along with sweet Burty.
The narrative is a combination of action, romance, thriller even a smattering of mystery. Yes there are a few implausible scenarios but they balance the depth of the bones of the plot. You cannot deny the meat of the plot and the authors intent and vision is apparent. The narrative is rather powerful as varying themes weave their way through. Plenty of surprises both expected and unexpected – plausible and implausible. The ending agreeable.
A very memorable couple with gritty, raw pasts leaving you contemplating the role of fate or coincidence. There was a reason these particular souls joined, there is a reason why their history’s are similar and their capacity to love unconditionally.
A wonderful debut effort from a promising, impassioned author. A fabulous story addressing, love, acceptance, forgiveness and resilience, strength.
For this and other reviews visit http://ravenhairedgirl.com
Plenty of characters you will despise, a few you will embrace. Oscar was my absolute favorite along with sweet Burty.
The narrative is a combination of action, romance, thriller even a smattering of mystery. Yes there are a few implausible scenarios but they balance the depth of the bones of the plot. You cannot deny the meat of the plot and the authors intent and vision is apparent. The narrative is rather powerful as varying themes weave their way through. Plenty of surprises both expected and unexpected – plausible and implausible. The ending agreeable.
A very memorable couple with gritty, raw pasts leaving you contemplating the role of fate or coincidence. There was a reason these particular souls joined, there is a reason why their history’s are similar and their capacity to love unconditionally.
A wonderful debut effort from a promising, impassioned author. A fabulous story addressing, love, acceptance, forgiveness and resilience, strength.
For this and other reviews visit http://ravenhairedgirl.com
August 14, 2015
WOW... This book took me a little while to fall in love with, but once I did, I fell HARD!
I fell in love with the characters and really liked how the story was told. It was so different- back and forth, past and future... Agh, so good! It was disturbing and very sad at times, but once I got used to that, I thought it was great. This book had a little of everything, just the way I like it. I kept picturing this book as a movie and would race to the theater to see it.
A MUST read.
I fell in love with the characters and really liked how the story was told. It was so different- back and forth, past and future... Agh, so good! It was disturbing and very sad at times, but once I got used to that, I thought it was great. This book had a little of everything, just the way I like it. I kept picturing this book as a movie and would race to the theater to see it.
A MUST read.
January 19, 2015
...this book made me not only laugh but cry, scream in anger and frustration like a crazy person and cry again out of happiness.
I mean this whole heartedly. 'What an amazying story to have read!!!'
I have two more people hooked already and I dare say even more.
Congratulations again.
Thank you for the beautiful story.
Georgia.x
I mean this whole heartedly. 'What an amazying story to have read!!!'
I have two more people hooked already and I dare say even more.
Congratulations again.
Thank you for the beautiful story.
Georgia.x
December 15, 2014
It'll completely immerse you and take you on a physical and emotional journey - exactly what I want from a story. But, this is not just another love story, it is unique, endearing, passionate and extremely confronting. Highly recommend!
March 2, 2015
Tommy's book Just Went Out For Milk was one of my stand out reads for 2014. An absolute page turner that kept me wanting more right up until the very last moments. I couldn't recommend it more highly.
April 27, 2015
A truly refreshing story and style
Tommy Cotton's first novel Just Went Out For Milk is not hopefully all we hear from this author. The story is constructed using three distinct points of view and all with a different narrative - one in first person, one in letter form and one in diary form, the latter two being narratives from the one person in vastly different times in their life.
Where I find this story stands out is that the separate narratives all in some way link without being clearly linked. The male character Dane tells his story in first person about being taken from his lover, Kayla, and at the same time his lover writes him letters as she goes to fight for her health. While this is all happening Kayla ventures through her past, and when it all meets up - wow .... you are left gobsmacked.
I haven't read too many other books that pack so much in from so many different angles while not skimming on any depth. The characters are real and endearing in their own ways, and this helps make some of the more out there parts not seem so far-fetched.
I was never for a second bored and found as I went on more and more pleasantly surprised to the point of smiling at what I'd found in this book. Romance, violence, heartache, coming-of-age, facing your past - it's all in there. A one-weeker at maximum. Look forward to more from this new author.
Tommy Cotton's first novel Just Went Out For Milk is not hopefully all we hear from this author. The story is constructed using three distinct points of view and all with a different narrative - one in first person, one in letter form and one in diary form, the latter two being narratives from the one person in vastly different times in their life.
Where I find this story stands out is that the separate narratives all in some way link without being clearly linked. The male character Dane tells his story in first person about being taken from his lover, Kayla, and at the same time his lover writes him letters as she goes to fight for her health. While this is all happening Kayla ventures through her past, and when it all meets up - wow .... you are left gobsmacked.
I haven't read too many other books that pack so much in from so many different angles while not skimming on any depth. The characters are real and endearing in their own ways, and this helps make some of the more out there parts not seem so far-fetched.
I was never for a second bored and found as I went on more and more pleasantly surprised to the point of smiling at what I'd found in this book. Romance, violence, heartache, coming-of-age, facing your past - it's all in there. A one-weeker at maximum. Look forward to more from this new author.
July 15, 2015
Oh my goodness where do I start?!? Absolutely loved this love story! I fell in love with the characters as the story progressed and found myself becoming emotionally involved in their journey the more I read. How refreshing to read an authentic Australian novel with iconic references to our culture throughout. High-five for the "Hey Hey it Saturday reference" totally put a smile on my face :) I have to admit my favourite character was Oscar. The dude stole my heart form the start. I just want to run up to the big guy and give him a massive hug. What a legend <3 I love how it told a "real" story about "real" people. No cliches, just straight up honest writing. Never a dull moment in the book. Every chapter was filled with adventure and made me want to keep reading. Love your work Tommy! Three pinkie-claps for you ;) Look forward to your next novel!
February 25, 2015
5 STARS
How is so much crammed into less than 300 pages? How do you still get to know the characters so well? I don't know. I'll leave the writing to the author.
Didn't pick it up for a while after I purchased, as I had other things I had to read first, but when I did, I couldn't put it down.
Tommy Cotton shows himself to be one of the most promising young authors in this debut. If this is the start, I can't wait to see what is to come.
If you like a stroll in the park kind of romance, this might not be for you. But if you like something with a lot of guts, something with a lot of essence and character, then give this a go. Highly recommend!!!
How is so much crammed into less than 300 pages? How do you still get to know the characters so well? I don't know. I'll leave the writing to the author.
Didn't pick it up for a while after I purchased, as I had other things I had to read first, but when I did, I couldn't put it down.
Tommy Cotton shows himself to be one of the most promising young authors in this debut. If this is the start, I can't wait to see what is to come.
If you like a stroll in the park kind of romance, this might not be for you. But if you like something with a lot of guts, something with a lot of essence and character, then give this a go. Highly recommend!!!
November 21, 2015
I just read this book and loved every minute of it!!!
I did not know what to expect and was dramatically surprised by its content.
My daily commute to work on the train was filled with Kayla and Dane's twisted tales- I was so lost in this unique love story I wanted to ride the train all day and call in sick.
A must read. I can't wait for Tommy C to write a new adventure. Just Went Out for Milk
I did not know what to expect and was dramatically surprised by its content.
My daily commute to work on the train was filled with Kayla and Dane's twisted tales- I was so lost in this unique love story I wanted to ride the train all day and call in sick.
A must read. I can't wait for Tommy C to write a new adventure. Just Went Out for Milk
March 23, 2015
Blew me away
Loved the writing style. Having different perspectives (3 of them) kept me interested and engaged which meant I read it in less than a day. Can't get more entertaining than that. You have to be able to take some harder stuff - it's not all sunshine and rainbows - but if you can you're rewarded with a totally one off ride, and a book that satisfies every desire (for me anyway).
Loved the writing style. Having different perspectives (3 of them) kept me interested and engaged which meant I read it in less than a day. Can't get more entertaining than that. You have to be able to take some harder stuff - it's not all sunshine and rainbows - but if you can you're rewarded with a totally one off ride, and a book that satisfies every desire (for me anyway).
February 11, 2015
As the story develops you are given moments of insight to the past of the main characters; so that you simultaneously gain feelings of empathy and intrigue whilst coming to understand the quirky traits of Dane and Kayla.
The writing style is captivating and creative. You are drawn in and all the pieces fall together perfectly, coming to a well resolved end.
I would highly recommend.
The writing style is captivating and creative. You are drawn in and all the pieces fall together perfectly, coming to a well resolved end.
I would highly recommend.
July 7, 2015
Just thought I'd make mention that Just Went Out For Milk is highly recommended by Ruby Rose (Stella, OITNB) in an interview with Cosmopolitan...in case you were looking for another reason to read it other than it being so captivating, full of quirky and confronting themes with the ability to draw out every single emotion in your body. What are you waiting for? Go out and get it now!
March 23, 2015
This story is not like anything I have read before. Right from the beginning I was captivated by the intensity of the characters past and present. It's a love story like no other and I found myself not wanting to put it down, which is very rare for me to find in a book. I highly recommend this book!
February 6, 2015
A brilliantly written first novel that kept you guessing and you just wanted to keep reading!! Each chapter kept you intrigued through the cleverly written diaries, letters and flashbacks as it built and built taking you through a range of emotions and on a great adventure!! Can't wait to read the next novel!!
August 4, 2015
Was given this book by a friend as a 'must read'. I was so pulled into this story, especially by the main characters' painfully heart wrenching stories. It's a serious wild ride through many different back and side stories as well.. I also saw that it's the author's first book too - so that's pretty amazing! one of the best books I've read all year.
May 11, 2015
Very good...but also but disturbing.
Adventure filled both mentally and emotionally.
The thing i didnt like was how the story kept skipping around....from him to her, present to pasr...sometime bit hard to keep up.
Different....
Adventure filled both mentally and emotionally.
The thing i didnt like was how the story kept skipping around....from him to her, present to pasr...sometime bit hard to keep up.
Different....
April 28, 2015
I liked it. In the beginning I almost stopped because I was bummed out about the bad stuff, but I hung in there and it got better for me. Tommy Cotton pulled in many threads to bring this story to a very good ending.
July 7, 2015
Great first novel, I couldn't put it down! The anticipation of the journey ahead resulted in me reading whilst in the middle of cooking dinner.I finished reading it in two days. An easy read that ignited many emotions and I was extremely happy with the ending. Well done.
October 7, 2015
I cannot fault this novel at all. From the moment I started reading I couldn't stop. It encompasses everything you would want in a novel. It's funny, smart, heartbreaking and captivating. I have read this book 3 times now and will without a doubt read it many more times.
November 23, 2015
This book is a MUST read. The author, Tommy Cotton, takes you on an adventure through every emotion possible. The book pulls you in and makes you not want to put it down. I highly recommend it to any reader out there.
January 5, 2016
I really enjoyed this book -
I'm a fan of the author's poetry and the book read in such a poetic manner as well.
As he says in the end - the book shows how two flawed people can find a "perfect" world with each other.
I highly recommend this book -
I'm a fan of the author's poetry and the book read in such a poetic manner as well.
As he says in the end - the book shows how two flawed people can find a "perfect" world with each other.
I highly recommend this book -
April 11, 2016
an amazing enticing book, exciting from start to finish. Takes you on a challenging journey bringing emotions up with daunting life situations. a brilliant first novel
January 13, 2015
What an amazing read! Cleverly written and captivating in every sense of the word. This book will take you on a thrilling journey of love, life and passion. Could not put it down!
March 12, 2015
What an amazing read. This book is written magnificently! The characters seem real and the story line is gripping. I would recommend to anyone.
February 24, 2015
Deep, deep, deep!! lots of layers, lots of heartache and just enough humour. a great read for those who are into romance and adventure, and those who prefer hard fought love over soppy
June 21, 2016
I absolutely adored this book. I found it by accident and am so happy I did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews