What do you think?
Rate this book
Marmalade Martini
‘You won’t believe what happened last night…'For Jamie Barker, London life is one long cocktail of wealthy clients, after-hours bars and one-night flings with all the wrong women.Who cares, as long as it keeps her best friend off her back about commitment, right? But one night, she drops her a simple slip that sets off a chain reaction of discoveries, misunderstandings, hope and heartache.As the dark secrets of Jamie’s past begin to catch up with her, she finds out that loyalty can be deceptive, and true love might be within her sights – if she can only work out where to look.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2017
About the author
Julie Forester
1 book12 followersI have enjoyed action-packed, thrill-seeking experiences in life, including jet skiing, water skiing, motorcycle trail riding, RYA advanced powerboat racing, foil fencing, karate, scuba diving and flying aeroplanes — and I even considered a career as a stunt woman!
I hold a first-class university degree with honours and utilise my qualifications, professional experience and artistic skills to provide freelance editing services to other authors.
I live with my wife (and rescue cat, Poppy) outside of north London, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Living just a stone’s throw from our quirky local English pub, it is not unusual, after a weekend walk, to find me enjoying a drink at the bar. I've also been known to strum a guitar (badly) and sing a bit!
https://julieforesterbooks.simdif.com
https://twitter.com/julieforester1
http://instagram.com/julie.forester/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/21621...
I hold a first-class university degree with honours and utilise my qualifications, professional experience and artistic skills to provide freelance editing services to other authors.
I live with my wife (and rescue cat, Poppy) outside of north London, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Living just a stone’s throw from our quirky local English pub, it is not unusual, after a weekend walk, to find me enjoying a drink at the bar. I've also been known to strum a guitar (badly) and sing a bit!
https://julieforesterbooks.simdif.com
https://twitter.com/julieforester1
http://instagram.com/julie.forester/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/21621...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 17, 2019
Uncomfortable dissonance.
One of the characters uses that description to describe the state of a friendship over time. I couldn't help but think that it actually fairly describes the entire book. Not in a negative way, by any means. This is going to be hard to explain, but I felt a little off kilter for the first half of the book. There were things happening that seemed disjointed. I constantly felt like I was missing something. Come to find out that it was all on purpose. Things start to come together and make sense in the second half of the book. It really takes off and becomes engaging.
Jamie Barker is a successful architect living by Hyde Park in London. She's got a great house and a snobby car. But she is one hot mess. Her long term relationship ended badly four years ago and she still hasn't moved on. She has a perfunctory friendship with Alex, a self centered and completely oblivious woman.
Jamie finds herself in a bar called 'Alechmy' one night and meets the owner, Kate, who wows her with a Marmalade Martini. Jamie is immediately interested in Kate but finds that her gaydar is broken as she overhears Kate's intimate conversation with a man who is leaving her.
This book is hard to review because so many things are going on where you don't entirely understand what is going on. Describing any of it would feel spoilery. There is a a creepy dude Jamie enters a contract with. Her ex comes back to town and the motive is unknown. Secrets. It is honestly so refreshing to have a romance that isn't the usual cookie cutter formula. I liked all of the mini mysteries within this.
It is also mega British. Scatty cow is an insult. Blokes and chaps are guys. Sleeping late is considered a 'lie-in.' Taking the piss doesn't mean going to the ladies room to relieve oneself. And I can't even begin to know what 'Chucking her rattle out of the pram' means. All of this certainly made me feel ensconced in the England of it all.
The romance was extremely slow burn. Perhaps the most slow burn I have ever read. But like the rest of the mysteries in this, it had to unfold slowly over time. I enjoyed how the two meet and the awkward interactions they have in the beginning.
And you know I always have to praise authors that write good books without explicit sex scenes. It is possible for things to be sexy and flirty and imply intimacy without being porn.
I recommend this book to those who like to read about mysterious scenarios, overcoming bad relationships, recognizing bad friendships, really awesome sisters, and pulling out tobacco pouches to roll lines to smoke outside.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
One of the characters uses that description to describe the state of a friendship over time. I couldn't help but think that it actually fairly describes the entire book. Not in a negative way, by any means. This is going to be hard to explain, but I felt a little off kilter for the first half of the book. There were things happening that seemed disjointed. I constantly felt like I was missing something. Come to find out that it was all on purpose. Things start to come together and make sense in the second half of the book. It really takes off and becomes engaging.
Jamie Barker is a successful architect living by Hyde Park in London. She's got a great house and a snobby car. But she is one hot mess. Her long term relationship ended badly four years ago and she still hasn't moved on. She has a perfunctory friendship with Alex, a self centered and completely oblivious woman.
Jamie finds herself in a bar called 'Alechmy' one night and meets the owner, Kate, who wows her with a Marmalade Martini. Jamie is immediately interested in Kate but finds that her gaydar is broken as she overhears Kate's intimate conversation with a man who is leaving her.
This book is hard to review because so many things are going on where you don't entirely understand what is going on. Describing any of it would feel spoilery. There is a a creepy dude Jamie enters a contract with. Her ex comes back to town and the motive is unknown. Secrets. It is honestly so refreshing to have a romance that isn't the usual cookie cutter formula. I liked all of the mini mysteries within this.
It is also mega British. Scatty cow is an insult. Blokes and chaps are guys. Sleeping late is considered a 'lie-in.' Taking the piss doesn't mean going to the ladies room to relieve oneself. And I can't even begin to know what 'Chucking her rattle out of the pram' means. All of this certainly made me feel ensconced in the England of it all.
The romance was extremely slow burn. Perhaps the most slow burn I have ever read. But like the rest of the mysteries in this, it had to unfold slowly over time. I enjoyed how the two meet and the awkward interactions they have in the beginning.
And you know I always have to praise authors that write good books without explicit sex scenes. It is possible for things to be sexy and flirty and imply intimacy without being porn.
I recommend this book to those who like to read about mysterious scenarios, overcoming bad relationships, recognizing bad friendships, really awesome sisters, and pulling out tobacco pouches to roll lines to smoke outside.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
February 24, 2018
This is a debut novel by British author Julie Forester. The plot follows successful architect Jamie Barker's life after she accidentally drops her keys setting off a chain reaction of life changing events. With London at the background, the story succeeds to describe the city with its beautiful scenery and some hidden gems. Having lived in London for seven years, I enjoyed the depictions of my former hometown but some non UK readers might get lost with the British vocabulary and some local cultural references.
The novel is written in third person from both main characters' point of view with the exception of a short excerpt written from Jamie's sister pov which could have been avoided altogether. There is a great amount of drama and angst which is not my cup of tea but some other readers surely will enjoy. It covers family issues, friendship conflicts, sexual harrasment and the ubiquitous crazy ex. With so much happening, the romance was not prominent and I couldn't feel the chemistry between the main characters. The fade to black sex scenes don't help to create intimacy either. Additionally, some secondary characters are a bit flat and stereotyped, specially Jamie's ex. The book ends with some unresolved issues and a cliffhanger so expect a second part coming sometime in the future.
Overall an ok read from a debut author, specially if you are interested in dramatic fiction. 3 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
The novel is written in third person from both main characters' point of view with the exception of a short excerpt written from Jamie's sister pov which could have been avoided altogether. There is a great amount of drama and angst which is not my cup of tea but some other readers surely will enjoy. It covers family issues, friendship conflicts, sexual harrasment and the ubiquitous crazy ex. With so much happening, the romance was not prominent and I couldn't feel the chemistry between the main characters. The fade to black sex scenes don't help to create intimacy either. Additionally, some secondary characters are a bit flat and stereotyped, specially Jamie's ex. The book ends with some unresolved issues and a cliffhanger so expect a second part coming sometime in the future.
Overall an ok read from a debut author, specially if you are interested in dramatic fiction. 3 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
September 11, 2019
An engaging, thrill to read.
One night changes everything for architect Jamie Barker. She learns about trust, friendships, and most importantly that no one, and nothing is ever as it seems. She embarks on quite the adventure as her past catches up with her and a new relationship begins to develop, but it isn’t without misunderstanding and a lot of heartache.
This was a thrilling story, with lots of action and had that typical quirk of two people completely misreading a situation that results in a slow burn romance. The story is very much Jamie’s which gives good insight into her thoughts and feelings as a character, but we also get to see parts of the story from Kate’s perspective and it adds extra depth to really understanding both these characters lives. For a debut novel, this book was strong and exciting. It was well written and very realistic of the type of mayhem that can ensue from toxic situations, and the past.
Being slow burn it takes a long time for these two characters to come to their senses, but it is definitely worth the wait, and again a realistic portrayal of how assumption can trip you up!
For me Jamie has two relationships going on in this novel, one with Kate, a love interest, and one with Alex, her best friend. Both are very different and she interacts uniquely with each of them. Jamie has a lot of likeable qualities for me. She was very human in her reactions, thoughts, and feelings, a bit pessimistic, but very realistic in that sense. Hurt before, and wary. Alex is quite controlling, and as you learn more about their friendship you can see how toxic it is becoming for Jamie. Blossoming romance with Kate is handled in a friends to lovers scenario, with a lot of assumption, and misunderstanding, something we often do as humans when our own thoughts are negative because of how we have been treated. I think Julie handled both of these depictions well and gave true to life, accurate representations of the important relationships in Jamie’s life.
An interesting story, with loveable characters. I look forward to reading more about Jamie and Kate in future.
One night changes everything for architect Jamie Barker. She learns about trust, friendships, and most importantly that no one, and nothing is ever as it seems. She embarks on quite the adventure as her past catches up with her and a new relationship begins to develop, but it isn’t without misunderstanding and a lot of heartache.
This was a thrilling story, with lots of action and had that typical quirk of two people completely misreading a situation that results in a slow burn romance. The story is very much Jamie’s which gives good insight into her thoughts and feelings as a character, but we also get to see parts of the story from Kate’s perspective and it adds extra depth to really understanding both these characters lives. For a debut novel, this book was strong and exciting. It was well written and very realistic of the type of mayhem that can ensue from toxic situations, and the past.
Being slow burn it takes a long time for these two characters to come to their senses, but it is definitely worth the wait, and again a realistic portrayal of how assumption can trip you up!
For me Jamie has two relationships going on in this novel, one with Kate, a love interest, and one with Alex, her best friend. Both are very different and she interacts uniquely with each of them. Jamie has a lot of likeable qualities for me. She was very human in her reactions, thoughts, and feelings, a bit pessimistic, but very realistic in that sense. Hurt before, and wary. Alex is quite controlling, and as you learn more about their friendship you can see how toxic it is becoming for Jamie. Blossoming romance with Kate is handled in a friends to lovers scenario, with a lot of assumption, and misunderstanding, something we often do as humans when our own thoughts are negative because of how we have been treated. I think Julie handled both of these depictions well and gave true to life, accurate representations of the important relationships in Jamie’s life.
An interesting story, with loveable characters. I look forward to reading more about Jamie and Kate in future.
June 24, 2018
When I want to read a book, I first of all have to like the title and cover. If those two don't attract me, I won't even pick it up to read the blurb. When that entices me and all three boxes are ticked, I can finally sit down, relax and enjoy. Well, this book had me won over in seconds. I really felt like reaching out, grabbing the glass and sip it while diving into the story.
The contents did not dissapoint. It's not only about a woman looking for love and finally also commitment as well but also about danger, family and secrets being revealed. What's life without that one friend who is always around and you can count on? Or can't you?
I liked the fluent writing style with descripions that make the story come alive. Often a debut has much lower standards than this one.
I have the feeling we can look forward to a second part ... I certainly wouldn't mind.
Thank you, Julie Forester for giving me the book to read and review.
bforbookreview.wordpress.com
The contents did not dissapoint. It's not only about a woman looking for love and finally also commitment as well but also about danger, family and secrets being revealed. What's life without that one friend who is always around and you can count on? Or can't you?
I liked the fluent writing style with descripions that make the story come alive. Often a debut has much lower standards than this one.
I have the feeling we can look forward to a second part ... I certainly wouldn't mind.
Thank you, Julie Forester for giving me the book to read and review.
bforbookreview.wordpress.com
December 4, 2017
Great Book
I just finished reading this book. Great story, I couldn't put it down. There has to be a part 2!!
I just finished reading this book. Great story, I couldn't put it down. There has to be a part 2!!
April 26, 2019
A great beginning for Julie! This book has so much to talk about. The main characters meet in a typical lesbian way, in a bar. But after that initial meeting nothing about their growing attraction is typical. Julie adds a few twists and turns, with something new after each, that keeps the story interesting. I liked the fact, it was a longer story and was very happy to find it didn’t drag or cause me to lose interest due to the length! I know you’ll enjoy Julie’s debut book and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
May 7, 2019
Jamie Barker is an architect who immediately caught my attention as I remembered my good days as a CAD drafter for various architectural firms. She has a caring heart and wants the best for others. I found her to be too nice to some people as if she is afraid to hurt their feelings. Jamie's career comes first and her social life second. She isn't close with her family and only talks to them rarely. However, she is tired of being single and wants someone in her life. She cherishes her father and frequently reminisces about the good times she had with him. She is tough and has made her own way in the architectural world where alpha males dominate.
Kate is the other protagonist who is trying to save a failed relationship. She is quick and doesn't put up with nonsense. She looks out for people even when she is hurting. One of her family members likes to meddle with her affairs.
Alex is Jamie's best friend but has questionable motives. I found her to be very daring and almost to the point of being obnoxious. Her character created some really good drama for the story. I felt she was a burden to Jamie.
A secondary character is a complete sleazeball. The description of this guy is chilling and his actions concern me. He may disturb sensitive people with some of the things he says.
There is plenty of drama including backstabbing in the book which makes an interesting story. When you learn the truth about Jamie, you'll be surprised. The reaction from the other party is priceless.
What I like about this story was that the lovers don't jump into bed in the first part of the book. There is a lot of caring and nurturing going on before the big event happens. I enjoyed watching the friendship develop.
I love how strong the characters are. They are not the type of women who squeal when they are in danger. These women fight back. I love how they take ownership of their lives instead of blaming any pitfalls on external stimuli. I learned some things as a result of reading this book and I thank the author for providing some words of wisdom.
The book has very good descriptions. In one scene I felt like I was in a gothic church bar. The pace is moderate and is pretty easy reading. It took me about 5 hours to read this and I would recommend one sitting. If you love London as much as I do, you're going to be in for a real treat. I am recommending this book for everyone who loves a good read.
Kate is the other protagonist who is trying to save a failed relationship. She is quick and doesn't put up with nonsense. She looks out for people even when she is hurting. One of her family members likes to meddle with her affairs.
Alex is Jamie's best friend but has questionable motives. I found her to be very daring and almost to the point of being obnoxious. Her character created some really good drama for the story. I felt she was a burden to Jamie.
A secondary character is a complete sleazeball. The description of this guy is chilling and his actions concern me. He may disturb sensitive people with some of the things he says.
There is plenty of drama including backstabbing in the book which makes an interesting story. When you learn the truth about Jamie, you'll be surprised. The reaction from the other party is priceless.
What I like about this story was that the lovers don't jump into bed in the first part of the book. There is a lot of caring and nurturing going on before the big event happens. I enjoyed watching the friendship develop.
I love how strong the characters are. They are not the type of women who squeal when they are in danger. These women fight back. I love how they take ownership of their lives instead of blaming any pitfalls on external stimuli. I learned some things as a result of reading this book and I thank the author for providing some words of wisdom.
The book has very good descriptions. In one scene I felt like I was in a gothic church bar. The pace is moderate and is pretty easy reading. It took me about 5 hours to read this and I would recommend one sitting. If you love London as much as I do, you're going to be in for a real treat. I am recommending this book for everyone who loves a good read.
February 20, 2018
An excellent debut novel. The story had a nice flow and the characters were very believable. I really enjoyed the way the story developed with some twists and turns just like in real life. Jamie is a little like all of us, or if you are one of those perfect people you have a friend like her. She deserves to have good things happen to her and you are overjoyed when it does. You also want to punch anyone who mistreats her. I hope to see a follow up novel soon.
January 27, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this ,you get drawn in by the characters and the twist and turns that their journeys lead you on ,I didn't want to put it down .Looking forward to Julie Forester next novel .
January 5, 2019
Superb Debut Novel
This gripping story had me captivated from the opening pages. I wanted to find out what had happened to Jamie. I read it in one sitting which shows how good the book was. It was set in London and it was great to be familiar with the places mentioned. I loved the characters and especially Jamie and Linda her sister.
Lots going on, it is more than a Lesbian love story, we follow Jamie and see what is going on in her life. Lots of subplots, twists and turns to keep you glued to the pages. Fabulous debut story well written by Julie Forester. Looking forward to reading the next book by this talented author.
This gripping story had me captivated from the opening pages. I wanted to find out what had happened to Jamie. I read it in one sitting which shows how good the book was. It was set in London and it was great to be familiar with the places mentioned. I loved the characters and especially Jamie and Linda her sister.
Lots going on, it is more than a Lesbian love story, we follow Jamie and see what is going on in her life. Lots of subplots, twists and turns to keep you glued to the pages. Fabulous debut story well written by Julie Forester. Looking forward to reading the next book by this talented author.
Read
August 27, 2021I love this book! It was brilliantly written. There were twist and turns between characters with each having their own sense of humor and seriousness. It was captivating and made you want to standup for the character being hurt or intimated. You held your own cheering section. Sort of showed you how to stand against a bully.
January 14, 2025
Now I don't like marmalade but I can't help but wonder what a marmalade martini tastes like. I might have to try one.
This book tells the story of Jamie, an architect. There are a lot of subplots in the story - which all involve Jamie to some degree, so at first it can feel a little confusing as you only get a snippet of something before something else comes in and takes you off in another direction. There is plenty of drama in the book - Jamie has a career, an ex girlfriend, a sister, a life long friend, a couple of potential dates, and a potential girlfriend. And they all come with drama. And some of it is quite dark.
I loved the simple beauty of the sibling relationship with her sister, unconditional love and there for each other always and when there's an issue it just gets worked out in time.
Although there is no titled epilogue, the last chapter is set 2 years from the rest of the story.
The 'friend' gets her comeuppance at long last, there's a party and a HEA!
By the end of the book most things had come together but there seems to be some aspects that are unresolved. Maybe left hanging for a book 2 that is yet to appear?
This book tells the story of Jamie, an architect. There are a lot of subplots in the story - which all involve Jamie to some degree, so at first it can feel a little confusing as you only get a snippet of something before something else comes in and takes you off in another direction. There is plenty of drama in the book - Jamie has a career, an ex girlfriend, a sister, a life long friend, a couple of potential dates, and a potential girlfriend. And they all come with drama. And some of it is quite dark.
I loved the simple beauty of the sibling relationship with her sister, unconditional love and there for each other always and when there's an issue it just gets worked out in time.
Although there is no titled epilogue, the last chapter is set 2 years from the rest of the story.
The 'friend' gets her comeuppance at long last, there's a party and a HEA!
By the end of the book most things had come together but there seems to be some aspects that are unresolved. Maybe left hanging for a book 2 that is yet to appear?
June 17, 2024
Enjoyable for being different
I’ve been meaning to read this for a while and having finally come to the end of a KU deal, I had the opportunity to get to this. I liked a lot about it. Set in the UK with a likeable heroine (even if she isn’t always wise in her judgements). I felt myself just wanting to shake some sense into Jamie vis-a-vis her choice of friends, her snap judgements of situations in which she doesn’t have all the information and her choice of client’s! The style was reminiscent for me of Kit Eyre, but that’s not a criticism as I love Ms Eyre. I think this ended OK with room for more if the author wanted, but that not being a necessity. Enjoyable for being different to the norm in this genre…
I’ve been meaning to read this for a while and having finally come to the end of a KU deal, I had the opportunity to get to this. I liked a lot about it. Set in the UK with a likeable heroine (even if she isn’t always wise in her judgements). I felt myself just wanting to shake some sense into Jamie vis-a-vis her choice of friends, her snap judgements of situations in which she doesn’t have all the information and her choice of client’s! The style was reminiscent for me of Kit Eyre, but that’s not a criticism as I love Ms Eyre. I think this ended OK with room for more if the author wanted, but that not being a necessity. Enjoyable for being different to the norm in this genre…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
I am so ready for a marmalade martini! what an entertaining, sensitive story!
Julie Forester has developed a group of wonderfully complex characters, placed the main characters into some pretty severe and scary situations and brought them safely through the emotional highs and lows with devastating courage! I enjoyed the sensitive dialogue between sisters and a new lover. The intensity of the anger and hurt between several characters and even the smarmy characters that one character was legally able to bring to justice, and maybe not so legally for another! All in all, a great read, so buy the book, enjoy it and talk about it with your friends, support your authors!
Julie Forester has developed a group of wonderfully complex characters, placed the main characters into some pretty severe and scary situations and brought them safely through the emotional highs and lows with devastating courage! I enjoyed the sensitive dialogue between sisters and a new lover. The intensity of the anger and hurt between several characters and even the smarmy characters that one character was legally able to bring to justice, and maybe not so legally for another! All in all, a great read, so buy the book, enjoy it and talk about it with your friends, support your authors!
January 12, 2025
Hard to describe but can’t wait to see what’s up next
I was having a little bit of a slow start getting into this book. I wasn’t sure where the story was going. Mid way through i was definitely becoming engaged but there just still felt like something was missing. There were so many little gems to explore toxic friendships, narcissistic ex’s, family secrets, and a new relationship but it was like just getting bits and pieces. There was a little slow burn build up for the new relationship but then it was gloss over. I am interested to check out future books from this author some books you just don’t connect with.
I was having a little bit of a slow start getting into this book. I wasn’t sure where the story was going. Mid way through i was definitely becoming engaged but there just still felt like something was missing. There were so many little gems to explore toxic friendships, narcissistic ex’s, family secrets, and a new relationship but it was like just getting bits and pieces. There was a little slow burn build up for the new relationship but then it was gloss over. I am interested to check out future books from this author some books you just don’t connect with.
September 5, 2019
Long story
I believe this is a first novel from the author and therefore there is room for growth. The story was convoluted and at times difficult to understand where the author was trying to take the reader. I found the main character Jamie very frustrating at times. The best friend Alex and the ex girlfriend positively evil.
I believe this is a first novel from the author and therefore there is room for growth. The story was convoluted and at times difficult to understand where the author was trying to take the reader. I found the main character Jamie very frustrating at times. The best friend Alex and the ex girlfriend positively evil.
June 4, 2026
Addictive
Not my normal go to genre but this was recommended and I'm always happy to read out of my comfort zone. For a first novel this was very impressive and it didn't take long for me to get hooked like a TV soap opera. Strong sassy quirky female lead making all the wrong decisions . Great fun and hope more of the same to come.
Not my normal go to genre but this was recommended and I'm always happy to read out of my comfort zone. For a first novel this was very impressive and it didn't take long for me to get hooked like a TV soap opera. Strong sassy quirky female lead making all the wrong decisions . Great fun and hope more of the same to come.
June 5, 2026
Not my normal go to genre but this was recommended and I'm always happy to read out of my comfort zone. For a first novel this was very impressive and it didn't take long for me to get hooked like a TV soap opera. Strong sassy quirky female lead making all the wrong decisions . Great fun and hope more of the same to come.
November 30, 2020
3.5. Started slow but I warmed up to the characters.
March 19, 2023
Sassy lead in this story. Showing strength to achieve in a prejudiced world. Lots of interesting characters, with a great twist at the end......
August 28, 2024
Slightly different to what I would usually read (sc-fi fan here) but enjoyed it very much. A real page turner, as the saying goes!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews