What is it about turning thirty that sends rational women into a tailspin?
Suddenly going from having all the time in the world, to cringing at the ticking of her biological clock, Poppy is drowning under the strain of trying to get pregnant.
With a dad in the throes of a mid-life crisis, a crazy mother-in-law and time racing towards Lilly's wedding, will she be able to cope with it all...and give Ryan the baby they so desperately want?
Finally able to inherit her dad's porn money, Jazz can't wait to be rich! She can buy a house in Chelsea, go out partying with her old mates and start living how she deserves.
But with Ollie, Jemima and Meryl each clawing at their own little piece of her happiness, will she have to leave behind those closest to her in exchange for it?
The real question is, can Poppy and Jazz rescue their own lives before everything gets ruined, or will their own stubbornness destroy the lives they've created.
Amazon Bestselling Author Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes British, quirky laugh out loud romantic comedy.
In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, cuddling dogs, matchmaking her friends, binging True Crime, dancing in Popworld, indulging in the power nap and reading past her bedtime.
I could see this playing in my head like a tv drama while listening to the audiobook. It’s about two completely different women with different life goals. Porn money & wannabe mummy is a comedy about lives curveballs.
Poppy wants to be a mum. She’s been trying for a while and the stresses of not getting pregnant weigh her down. She’s in her thirties and her life isn’t going the way she planned. Her dad needs her support while her sister-in-law seems to be steeling the show. Can she find her own happiness?
Jazz has been waiting to get access to her inheritance. She thinks it’s the key to her happiness but when she finally gets everything she wants life isn’t going the way she wants. Can she find the money/life balance she needs to make her family happy?
I listened to this audiobook as part of a blog tour. My opinion is honest and my own. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy life’s drama comedies. It has a serious undertone but is about two women trying to grown up. This is the third book in a series but can be read as a standalone.
“Mum snaps. ‘I brought up all those moody, smelly boys. Constantly trying to clean jizz out of every blanket they ever touched. I’m finally getting my own back with my own pack of girls.’”
“He sneezes, so bloody loudly that everyone in the room stops to stare at him. That must be a joke sneeze. Surely no one really sneezes that loud. ‘Bless me and save me!’ he shrieks, pulling out a hanky and blowing his nose like a trumpet.”
“She’s so ridiculous. One class of Jiu Jitsu and she thinks she’s a ninja.”
“Now it’s all black and white and over the top. A bit like how I imagine Dracula’s house would be. If he was gay and married a drag queen.”
My Review:
I lost track of how many times I barked and laughed aloud while reading this delightful story. I adored these characters and their fun and loving friendships, embarrassing moments, and face palming shenanigans and adventures. I adored Poppy and her awkward tendencies and loved every moment of being in her head. I tried to recount for my husband the hilarious yet ill-conceived strip-tease scene in which she fell down while trying to shuck her jeggings, but I was laughing too hard and couldn’t do it justice. I just have to love a main character who frequently falls down when sober and ends up wearing wedding cakes, cartons of eggs, urine… well; I don’t want to ruin it for you. The writing was endearing as well as entertaining, and superbly detailed in a colorful and humorous fashion, even during those touching and insightful scenes that squeezed my heart. I did not realize when I started that this book was actually the third in a series, but it had legs of its own. However, I enjoyed this author’s word craft so much; I greedily want to read everything she ever cares to jot down.
Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy is the third book in The Debt & the Doormat series by Laura Barnard. Jazz and Poppy are back and dealing with more new bumps in the road of life. They have come so far, grown so much but learning never stops and they still have alot to learn. That's why they feel relatable and likeable... even if we all don't come into s bunch of money, we all have come to crossroads that test the growth we have accomplished...and that's where we find our friends... at crossroads in life. The story is hilarious and fun and I truly enjoyed every second of it. Emma Riches does a fantastic job as Narrator and really delivers an entertaining experience.
Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy is the third book following Poppy and Jazz, and it’s my favourite of the series. There was plenty of laughter packed into this one, ensuring you’re happy to power through the pages to see how everything comes together.
Although this can be read as a standalone, it’ll hit harder if you’ve read the two prior books and know the characters. There is plenty of development in this one, and it’s great to see how far the characters have come from when we were first introduced to them. With two contrasting storylines, this conclusion to the series brings things together in a wonderful way. It deals with heavy issues whilst offering humour, sucking you in with every detail.
Without a doubt, if you’ve read the prior books you need to see how things end for the characters.
Laura is a sensational writer she can make you laugh when your feeling blue. She never writes anything less than 5 stars
We rejoin Poppy and Jazz at another mega stage of their life. Poppy so desperately wants to be a mum but all the sex in the world isn't helping
Jazz finally has her money but doesn't realise the effects cash can have.
I have never read a book that remind me so much of me and my best friend. The laughter and the sorrow, the tears and the giggles. Laura writes about what it's like to have a true friendship one that's there through all the shit.
Another amazing book and by the end I was crying in tears. Laura's writing gets stronger in each book she writes and her characters always work so well together. With all the erotica and dark novels out there Laura's laugh out loud books are a breath of fresh air.
This review is based on an ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest opinion.
This series needs to be read together. There were a few parts that I gathered were explained in other books of the series. This was a very funny look at the realities of trying to have children. The other parts just detracted from that.
Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy by Laura Barnard is a romantic comedy that I listened to on audio narrated by Emma Riches. This is the third book in The Debt & The Doormat Series.
I absolutely love Laura’s books! They always leave me with a smile on my face. I absolutely loved all the quirky characters in this series.
Emma did a great job on the narration. I look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.
I would highly recommend this series if you love Chick Lits or Romantic Comedies.
I am absolutely and utterly blown away by Author Laura Barnard. This series (although all three books can be read as standalones) is just out of this world, amazingly written and has you in absolute stitches.
I just love the dilemmas,drama and out right insane antics of Poppy and Jazz. I have loved every minute of Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy and was absolutely gutted when I finished it. In this book Poppy is happily married to Ryan and trying for a baby. Poppy is still Poppy the drama around her is hilarious but heartfelt as well. Jazz is just mad she has finally come into her inheritance of her dad's porn business money and she is in her element. Jazz and Ollie are still together and have Jemima. The dramas for Jazz is making her realise money doesn't buy you happiness. The are laugh out loud moments for Jazz too.
This book has been brilliant I can honestly say that all three books have been amazing I really couldn't pick one out as my favourite. I have never laughed so much I would definitely recommend this book in fact all of them to any one who wants a laugh but with romance and some heartfelt moments.
Laura you have surpassed yourself and I'm really looking forward to what you have next in store.
OMG! This amazing book by Laura Barnard had me crying with laughter. The wittiness from the characters is pure genus and works very well with the story. I absolutely loved the entire story and fell in love with the characters from the start.
This book is told in alternate POV's from Poppy and her best friend Jazz. Both girls have their own issues to deal with, Poppy's biological is ticking and making a baby just isn't happening for her and her husband Ryan. Jazz has just received her long awaited inheritance and wants to move away and live the highlife she think she wants.
Along with crazy family members and even crazier friends, the story just went from strength to strength and I couldn't put it down.
I've read a couple of Laura Barnards's books and I love her work. She is one author I would recommend to anyone who needs a fabulous "chic lit" to read.
This Book is The First Book I Have Read From This Author And I Believe It To Be The 3rd Book In the Series, I Am Definitely Going To Be Reading The Others From This Amazing Series
This Book Is Focused On Poppy And Her Husband Trying For A Baby And Their Group Of Friends, The Circumstances Of Them Trying For A Baby Very Upsetting And Makes You See Even With All The Money In the World You Don't Always Get Everything Easily.
I Loved The Light Hearted Way She Dealt With A Lot Of Other Stuff. I Laughed Out Loud At The STD Testing, Tampons And Her "Paracetamol" Use.
I Enjoyed This Great Light Hearted Read And Will Definitely Be Reading More From This Fantastic Author
A lovely ending to a brilliant book series. It was nice to see everyone work through their issues and get the closure they needs. After struggling with infertility issues for more than a year and having various tests done, Poppy and Ryan managed to have the baby they’d dreamed of when they least expected it. Lilly and Alex finally tied the knot and surprisingly so did Grace and Richard in what Poppy referred to as a shotgun wedding, before welcoming a little girl.
Poppy was able to gain closure with Ryan’s ex-girlfriend Nicole who she bumps into and discovers is heavily pregnant without anyone to support her and despite having some minor lingering insecurities about her history with Ryan, she does her best to support her in her time of need.
After going a bit crazy once she receives her inheritance money, Jazz creates a wedge between her and Ollie and she wants to try to rekindle her rich, care-free party girl ways by uprooting their family from the comfort and nurturing environment of Ollie’s family home, to a soulless impersonal terraced house in Chelsea, without consulting Ollie. However, after spending most of the book at odds, it’s not long before she realises that money doesn’t bring you happiness and a life with Ollie, Jemima and their new baby (later confirmed as Beatrice) is all she really wants.
It was nice to see that there was hope of Ryan at least being open to allowing some form of reconciliation between he and his now clean (ex drug addicted) mother Linda.
It feels like I’m saying goodbye to my close friends. I wish them all well and look forward to having a read of some more of Laura Barnard’s work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
My first words are, Oh my goodness , that was 100 % the best.
I have never laughed so much for a long time , my neighbors could hear me !
I know first hand what its like trying to fall pregnant finding that all your friends are pregnant those who were trying after you, I could relate with Poppy so much...
Poppy has a huge wonderful heart and her throwing skills are the best , flinging the poop was so funny and the consequences were hilarious I am surprised you didn’t hear me laughing my head off!
Jazz and her fortunes , going back to her roots , its all so true absolutely that is what happens …
Sometimes it takes us a long time to understand what we need and what we want...
Every character has such an important role by the end of the audio book I felt as if I knew them all .
I was exhausted with giggles by the end and have recommended to a few friends who have the same humour as I have , also I was born in London so the humor is mine ….
Thank you so much ,,,, I absolutely loved every word spoken .
Such a feel good book a perfect read and a perfect audio book ...
So much more than 5 stars ..... This was a privilege to read and listen to .
I was provided a copy of the book by the author in exchange of an honest review. Thank you Laura!
Porn Money & Wannabe Mummy is the third book in The Debt & the Doormat series by Laura Barnard. Jazz and Poppy are now back and as usual, they are dealing with hilarious situations and some clearly debatable ones!
They feel relatable and likable because of their quirks and personalities but their lives are far from being ordinary. The laughter, the giggles and the sorrow, Poppy and Jazz always make me think of my best friend and how things can escalate quickly when we are together 😂 Laura's characters work so well together, you can feel it happening right in front of your eyes (or ears in my case). This was a look at the realities of trying to have children, I thought that the author recalled it splendidly and made it humorously good.
It's rare that I listen to an audiobook and I've been quite surprised by how I like it. 🎧 Emma Riches does a fantastic job as narrator, can't wait to listen to her again!
I feel like you should read the first two installments of the series to be up to date with the characters and not feel confused.
@laurabarnardauthor does it again with a 5⭐️ hilarious chick lit! I had the pleasure of listening to Porn Money Wannabe Mummy on audio and I was howling laughing at times. Thank you so much! Jazzy was a spit fire and Poppy was dramatic in the best ways. Their friendship was the definition of true best friends. I loved the fun they had, following their amazing friendship, the embarrassing moments, and the hard times. They never let each other down. Jazzy at that up-petty get together to make friends with new moms, I died. I applauded her for basically telling them to shove it. Laura can write anything and I’m 100% positive I’ll love it and I’ll laugh out loud during the process. Also, let’s not forget my love for the British banter. She always slays it. 🔥 #bookstagram #books #bookcommunity #chicklit #pornmoneywannabemoney
I honestly can't get enough of this series! I just love Poppy and Jazz, and these books just get more and more hilarious as they go on. In fact i now have a huge book hangover from this books and I'm gutted that there is no forth book as I'm dying to see what the future has in store now for them! In fact I'm pretty sure this series could continue following them into middle age and old age as I'm certain the stories they would have to tell would be knicker wettingly funny!
This instalment sees Jazz finally inheriting her fortune from her Dad and Poppy and Ryan trying for a baby. This book has lots of up and downs of life, with funny moments and heartbreaking issues. This series really does have a bit of everything and I really cannot recommend it enough.
I would just like to say a very big thank you to the author for forwarding me a copy of this book, in return for an honest review. This book is the third instalment from ‘The Debt and The Doormat’ series but can also be read as a stand alone with no problems. I read this book in a couple of sittings and absolutely loved it!! It is full of hilarious moments (just like all of Laura’s books!) that had me giggling along uncontrollably!! The description of things made me feel as though I was there and the pace of the story swept me up and it was not long before I had read and enjoyed the whole book. Another amazing 5 star read from this wonderful author...
This was a nice continuation of the adventures of Jazz and Poppy. I like that the story follows both of them and includes events beyond the typical "happily ever after". I liked it even more than the second book, so if you've listened to the first two you should definitely listen to this one too.
Emma Riches was an amazing narrator. I'm always impressed when narrators include actual singing in their performance. It was my first time listening to her, but I'd listen to more by her in the future.
Following poppy and jazz through all 3 books. Reading their stories as they grow up, settle down have babies, just like other 2 books there is lots of laughter and tears. Laura barnard is definitely on top now as one of my favourite chick lit author.....the first book started as a freebie that I accidentally came across..I gave it ago and hooked, can't wait to start on Laura's other novels now.
What a fantastic end to a wonderful book series, I have absolutely loved reading each of the books! I should have known not to read this in a quiet public setting because I just couldn't help but laugh out loud throughout the book but I have to say there were also moments of angst too. An absolute must read. I loved the crazy that is Poppy and the other characters in the books are perfect too. I'd totally recommend this book that I just couldn't put down!!
Amazing follow up to the previous books, equally as funny as the others, loved the ending and how everything came together. I have read these books before and just as good second time round. Will definitely be reading more off Laura's books
This last book in the series did not disappoint. With the crazy words from Laura and the excellent narration from Emma it’s yet again a winning combination. There’s more crazy shenanigans going on in Poppy and Jazz life’s. I highly recommend this series if you need cheering up.
I hope to read more books in this series. I enjoyed all three of them and would love to see what other trouble Poppy can get herself into. All of the characters are pretty awesome.
Thank you to Laura Barnard for providing a copy of Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy in return for an honest review.
Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy is the new release from author, Laura Barnard, and the third instalment in The Debt & The Doormat series. I have read a few of Barnard’s earlier books and always find them very entertaining, as such I was very keen to give this new one a try.
The plot is told from a dual point-of-view and can really be split into two main storylines - Poppy's wish to start a family and Jazz's big inheritance. Poppy is married to the gorgeous Ryan and they are keen to start a family but are struggling to conceive. This is made worse by the fact that everybody around them seems to be falling pregnant, including Ryan's ex-girlfriend, Nicole. Poppy confides in Jazz, but she has her own problems to worry about. After inheriting a fortune from her deceased father, Jazz's attempts to recapture her former lifestyle results in serious problems in her relationship with Poppy's brother, Ollie.
Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy is essentially an (almost slapstick) comedy interspersed with some real-life problems and heartfelt emotions. The laughable moments take precedence from the starting scene and I found myself giggling away from the very first chapter. The book really is a laugh-a-minute type read with a lot of physical comedy which would probably translate very well onto the big screen.
Barnard’s writing in Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy is detailed, realistic and very readable. The dialogue and situations can become slightly crude at times, but they remain in keeping with the story. Barnard manages to strike a perfect balance between comedy and more touching scenes. I particularly enjoyed the interactions between Poppy and her father.
The characters are always one of the big strengths in Barnard's stories and this book proves to be no exception. Each character has their own purpose within the tale and comes with their own sub-plot which pushes the story forwards. Poppy is a great protagonist – loyal, dependable, vulnerable and a total klutz, always putting other people before her own wants and needs. She is such a likeable character and my heart went out to her when faced with her troubles falling pregnant. Her best friend Jazz is an equally great character – selfish, spoilt, a total mess but loads of fun. The supporting characters to some extent steal the show with their laughable antics - including Ryan, Ollie, Grace, Izzy, Michael Sworsky, Nicole and, last but not least, Poppy’s crazy and cringe-worthy parents. I can honestly say that if I had a mother-in-law like Meryl, I would very likely not be married now!!
Porn Money and Wannabe Mummy is, in the most part, a fast paced story with a slightly chaotic feeling! It is somewhat bawdy, smutty, laugh-out-loud funny, fabulously witty, emotional and very entertaining – a great big bundle of fun and a perfect example of chick-lit at its best! The book is a hugely enjoyable mix of friendships, family, romance, laughable shenanigans and some hilariously embarrassing moments. Overall, another fantastic book from Barnard!
Whilst this is the third book in the series, I think it can be read as a standalone. Be warned though, you will want to go back and read the earlier two books!