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Gabriella
Gabriella is a proud, beautiful aristocrat. Jim is a shy, working-class rebel. Gabriella is eighteen. Jim is sixteen. They live their lives on opposite sides of the track. They meet one day by chance out on the sports field.
You’ll love this comic account of love during a cricket match, where red balls, long-handled bats and probing deliveries are ideal metaphors for the game of love. This is a game of cricket played in a way you’ve never seen before.
Watch open-mouthed the love contest between arrogant, gorgeous Gabriella, and awe-struck Jim. Read of the fearsome struggle between them as they fight for the honor and glory not just of themselves and their team, but of their social class.
Thrill to the ebb and flow of the battle of the sexes between our two young lovers, as hate turns to love, and to hate again, in the all-out contest between the pair, where sport seems more like war, and each one wants to destroy the other at the same time as falling madly, hopelessly in love.
Read spellbound as Gabriella comes close to losing Jim to a rival. Find out the truth about Gabriella’s parentage. What role will Fanny play in the game? And Algy? What about Lord and Lady Blenkinsop? Follow Jim and Gabriella with ball and bat as they play out cricket’s equivalent of the game of love. Laugh, cry and cheer as they fight each other over their love, their social class, their secrets, even their lies… And is it true what they say…that the winner takes all?
Will Jim and Gabriella live happily ever after, or will someone destroy Gabriella’s plans? Will Jim and Gabriella find a way of winning without destroying each other? Or will someone else pick up the pieces?
You’ll love this comic account of love during a cricket match, where red balls, long-handled bats and probing deliveries are ideal metaphors for the game of love. This is a game of cricket played in a way you’ve never seen before.
Watch open-mouthed the love contest between arrogant, gorgeous Gabriella, and awe-struck Jim. Read of the fearsome struggle between them as they fight for the honor and glory not just of themselves and their team, but of their social class.
Thrill to the ebb and flow of the battle of the sexes between our two young lovers, as hate turns to love, and to hate again, in the all-out contest between the pair, where sport seems more like war, and each one wants to destroy the other at the same time as falling madly, hopelessly in love.
Read spellbound as Gabriella comes close to losing Jim to a rival. Find out the truth about Gabriella’s parentage. What role will Fanny play in the game? And Algy? What about Lord and Lady Blenkinsop? Follow Jim and Gabriella with ball and bat as they play out cricket’s equivalent of the game of love. Laugh, cry and cheer as they fight each other over their love, their social class, their secrets, even their lies… And is it true what they say…that the winner takes all?
Will Jim and Gabriella live happily ever after, or will someone destroy Gabriella’s plans? Will Jim and Gabriella find a way of winning without destroying each other? Or will someone else pick up the pieces?
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2012
13 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Alan Hardy
39 books128 followersI'm a director of an English language school for foreign students. Married, with one daughter. Poetry pamphlets: Wasted Leaves, 1996; I Went With Her, 2007. I've had poems published in such magazines as Orbis, Iota, The Interpreter's House, Poetry Nottingham, Poetry Salzburg Review, Poetry Cornwall, and others. I have now written ten novels. I would describe them as surreal novels with plenty of comedy, satire, humor, romance, sex and adventure. They're shocking, original and respectful of nothing and nobody. You have been warned.
The nine published so far are THE CASE OF THE TATTOOED BUTTOCKS, THE CASE OF THE PINIONED BOSOMS, THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING CORPSES, THROUGH THE GATES, VAMPIRE HUNT, JULIA, GOOD QUEEN BETH, BRITT, and GABRIELLA.
THE CASE OF THE TATTOOED BUTTOCKS, subtitled AN INSPECTOR CULLOT MYSTERY, is a cheeky, exciting murder mystery, with plenty of thrills, surprises, witty repartee, suspense and sexy ladies, let alone a couple of gory murders. The story takes place in a country mansion, with an assembled array of suspects (a mixture of the rich, decadent, sophisticated and louche) who are all perhaps not quite what they seem and hiding God knows what secrets... Even the renowned Inspector Cullot, with his occasional fits of dark despair, and now working in a department store's lingerie section, is tormented by ghosts from his past... And does the bumbling, simple-minded PC Blunt, recording another Inspector Cullot case for posterity in an array of note-books, also have skeletons in his cupboard..? And do the unsolved Night-Club Hostess Murders committed two years earlier have a bearing on the case? And what about the strange tattoos on the buttocks of the gorgeous ladies assembled at the mansion? What does it all mean? You'll die laughing trying to find out.
Check out the two follow-up novels in the series, THE CASE OF THE PINIONED BOSOMS and THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING CORPSES.... let alone THE CASE OF THE TORN YELLOW SOCKS, soon to appear as the fourth book in this hilarious series...
THROUGH THE GATES is a time-travel novel, with the hero (or anti-hero) Mark travelling back to the days of World War Two. He lives in an old house with a big, mysterious garden where he keeps unearthing and discovering objects which draw him back into the past. He's also obsessed with a beautiful young woman he saw when very young, and his attraction towards the past, and journeys into it, are also an attempt to find her and discover who she was... Not to mention the gold bullion buried somewhere in Mark's garden...
VAMPIRE HUNT tells the story of Dr Joseph Aymon's return to Transylvania in search of Bella, his long-lost first love, and in search of vampires...to kill...
JULIA is a novel dealing with a young man's obsession with his first love, and his pursuit of her over seven years. Is he just a young man hopelessly and helplessly in love, or is it something more delusional...or even dangerous?
GABRIELLA is a cheeky, sexy portrayal of young love played out on the sports field. It's romantic, provocative, unabashed, and unapologetic.
BRITT is set in France during World War One, and is a comic, exciting tale of derring-do, spies, aerial dog-fights...and sexual shenanigans... In contrast to this world of sexual abandon and experience, we have Wriggles of the Royal Flying Corps and Britt, his childhood sweetheart. Both are innocents in a world they don't understand, and can't relate to. With a devilishly cunning German spy ring about to escape with top-secret information that might well bring about England's defeat, they are England's only hope. Will they be able to save England, and find true love...?
GOOD QUEEN BETH is a savage, no-holds-barred critique of the monarchy and present-day society, in a novel which is brutal and provocative, yet exhilarating and wide-ranging in events and relationships.
The nine published so far are THE CASE OF THE TATTOOED BUTTOCKS, THE CASE OF THE PINIONED BOSOMS, THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING CORPSES, THROUGH THE GATES, VAMPIRE HUNT, JULIA, GOOD QUEEN BETH, BRITT, and GABRIELLA.
THE CASE OF THE TATTOOED BUTTOCKS, subtitled AN INSPECTOR CULLOT MYSTERY, is a cheeky, exciting murder mystery, with plenty of thrills, surprises, witty repartee, suspense and sexy ladies, let alone a couple of gory murders. The story takes place in a country mansion, with an assembled array of suspects (a mixture of the rich, decadent, sophisticated and louche) who are all perhaps not quite what they seem and hiding God knows what secrets... Even the renowned Inspector Cullot, with his occasional fits of dark despair, and now working in a department store's lingerie section, is tormented by ghosts from his past... And does the bumbling, simple-minded PC Blunt, recording another Inspector Cullot case for posterity in an array of note-books, also have skeletons in his cupboard..? And do the unsolved Night-Club Hostess Murders committed two years earlier have a bearing on the case? And what about the strange tattoos on the buttocks of the gorgeous ladies assembled at the mansion? What does it all mean? You'll die laughing trying to find out.
Check out the two follow-up novels in the series, THE CASE OF THE PINIONED BOSOMS and THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING CORPSES.... let alone THE CASE OF THE TORN YELLOW SOCKS, soon to appear as the fourth book in this hilarious series...
THROUGH THE GATES is a time-travel novel, with the hero (or anti-hero) Mark travelling back to the days of World War Two. He lives in an old house with a big, mysterious garden where he keeps unearthing and discovering objects which draw him back into the past. He's also obsessed with a beautiful young woman he saw when very young, and his attraction towards the past, and journeys into it, are also an attempt to find her and discover who she was... Not to mention the gold bullion buried somewhere in Mark's garden...
VAMPIRE HUNT tells the story of Dr Joseph Aymon's return to Transylvania in search of Bella, his long-lost first love, and in search of vampires...to kill...
JULIA is a novel dealing with a young man's obsession with his first love, and his pursuit of her over seven years. Is he just a young man hopelessly and helplessly in love, or is it something more delusional...or even dangerous?
GABRIELLA is a cheeky, sexy portrayal of young love played out on the sports field. It's romantic, provocative, unabashed, and unapologetic.
BRITT is set in France during World War One, and is a comic, exciting tale of derring-do, spies, aerial dog-fights...and sexual shenanigans... In contrast to this world of sexual abandon and experience, we have Wriggles of the Royal Flying Corps and Britt, his childhood sweetheart. Both are innocents in a world they don't understand, and can't relate to. With a devilishly cunning German spy ring about to escape with top-secret information that might well bring about England's defeat, they are England's only hope. Will they be able to save England, and find true love...?
GOOD QUEEN BETH is a savage, no-holds-barred critique of the monarchy and present-day society, in a novel which is brutal and provocative, yet exhilarating and wide-ranging in events and relationships.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 12, 2013
'Gabriella'is the story of a spoiled and gorgeous rich girl who meets her match on the cricket field in the form of a younger working class guy called Jim. Gabriella is very sexually experienced and Jim is a virgin. Sparks fly from the second their eyes meet and so begins the game.
In the first few pages I was sort of reminded of the movie 'Caddyshack', but only because of the obvious class divide & the sporting back drop. 'Gabriella' is something totally different and, dare I say, in a 'class' of it's own. The characters were enjoyable to read about. I liked Jim right away, and I think it was because he irritated Gabriella. I wasn't so keen on her, but by about half way through whether I liked them stopped mattering and I just wanted to see what was going to happen next.
The whole thing from beginning to end was over-the-top outrageous and extreme. The amount of crotch grabbing alone was shocking! But this was why it was so brilliant. Hardy has created a novel that reads like a something lifted out of a nymphomaniac compulsive liar's school diary. It's unique, it's funny and it's completely scandalous!
I picked this up and had to finish it in the same day. It's that good. I was very impressed by the originality & I look forward to more from this author.
In the first few pages I was sort of reminded of the movie 'Caddyshack', but only because of the obvious class divide & the sporting back drop. 'Gabriella' is something totally different and, dare I say, in a 'class' of it's own. The characters were enjoyable to read about. I liked Jim right away, and I think it was because he irritated Gabriella. I wasn't so keen on her, but by about half way through whether I liked them stopped mattering and I just wanted to see what was going to happen next.
The whole thing from beginning to end was over-the-top outrageous and extreme. The amount of crotch grabbing alone was shocking! But this was why it was so brilliant. Hardy has created a novel that reads like a something lifted out of a nymphomaniac compulsive liar's school diary. It's unique, it's funny and it's completely scandalous!
I picked this up and had to finish it in the same day. It's that good. I was very impressed by the originality & I look forward to more from this author.
December 6, 2012
Gabriella is one of those novels that won’t fit any classification. It is absolutely original. I’ve never read anything like it. Despite plenty of naked bodies on display (mostly Gabriella’s), I don’t think you could call it erotica. It’s not a thriller, and not a mystery. Fiction, yes. A slice of life, if that could ever be a genre.
The action takes place over one day, during a school cricket match, in the UK. Tongue-in-cheek and irreverent, the author takes the premise of social class and shapes it into the dominant element around which feelings, thoughts, battles and friendships are forged. Taken to extremes, the defining characteristics of upper classes versus the hoi-poloi are aired in public, in all their glory.
A word of warning: if you are easily offended, don’t read it. I was on the cusp. I almost didn’t want to, put it down, but then picked it up again. In the end I just gave up – or gave in – and went with it. For the uninitiated (or non-Brits), it would be hard to tell where reality stopped and fantasy began. In fact, both are everywhere, but the root of truth is there in every paragraph, on every page, well observed and funnily demonstrated.
So now comes the time I have to rate this novel. An honest, experienced reviewer is not supposed to allow their personal feelings influence ratings, but merely show the attributes that make up the whole in every book. I’ll try to be objective.
Descriptions? Perfect. I could see exactly where the oak tree and the chestnut tree and the pavilion were, and I formed a clear picture of Jim’s parents in their sun loungers as they sunned themselves alongside the pitch. The game itself I understood, though twice I had to ask my husband about specific cricket references. Even without knowing cricket intimately, you would still enjoy the story. It’s not about cricket. It’s about people. On a cricket match background.
Plot? Flawless. Dialogues. Perfect again. Characterization? Extreme, but a ten out of ten. If it weren’t for that grain of truth, you could almost accuse the author of using stock characters – as it is, it’s this extreme picture of class that makes the book so funny. Well done, Alan Hardy.
Did I enjoy the read? It made me laugh, it made me cringe, but it hooked me and kept me reading till the end, so I guess I would say I was entertained. In a very non-politically-correct way. This is not a book any self-respecting publisher would rush to put their name to. Pity, but political correctness is Britain’s middle name, and we all know how that shapes our lives. But it doesn’t matter, e-publishing is doing us a favour once again – we can choose our own heroes. For this novel’s quirkiness, its originality, and especially for his outrageous cheek in writing something so un-PC, Alan Hardy deserves five stars. Well worth the money.
The action takes place over one day, during a school cricket match, in the UK. Tongue-in-cheek and irreverent, the author takes the premise of social class and shapes it into the dominant element around which feelings, thoughts, battles and friendships are forged. Taken to extremes, the defining characteristics of upper classes versus the hoi-poloi are aired in public, in all their glory.
A word of warning: if you are easily offended, don’t read it. I was on the cusp. I almost didn’t want to, put it down, but then picked it up again. In the end I just gave up – or gave in – and went with it. For the uninitiated (or non-Brits), it would be hard to tell where reality stopped and fantasy began. In fact, both are everywhere, but the root of truth is there in every paragraph, on every page, well observed and funnily demonstrated.
So now comes the time I have to rate this novel. An honest, experienced reviewer is not supposed to allow their personal feelings influence ratings, but merely show the attributes that make up the whole in every book. I’ll try to be objective.
Descriptions? Perfect. I could see exactly where the oak tree and the chestnut tree and the pavilion were, and I formed a clear picture of Jim’s parents in their sun loungers as they sunned themselves alongside the pitch. The game itself I understood, though twice I had to ask my husband about specific cricket references. Even without knowing cricket intimately, you would still enjoy the story. It’s not about cricket. It’s about people. On a cricket match background.
Plot? Flawless. Dialogues. Perfect again. Characterization? Extreme, but a ten out of ten. If it weren’t for that grain of truth, you could almost accuse the author of using stock characters – as it is, it’s this extreme picture of class that makes the book so funny. Well done, Alan Hardy.
Did I enjoy the read? It made me laugh, it made me cringe, but it hooked me and kept me reading till the end, so I guess I would say I was entertained. In a very non-politically-correct way. This is not a book any self-respecting publisher would rush to put their name to. Pity, but political correctness is Britain’s middle name, and we all know how that shapes our lives. But it doesn’t matter, e-publishing is doing us a favour once again – we can choose our own heroes. For this novel’s quirkiness, its originality, and especially for his outrageous cheek in writing something so un-PC, Alan Hardy deserves five stars. Well worth the money.
March 12, 2013
Well, I knew enough about cricket to follow what was happening from that aspect, but cricket was simply the back drop. Only an opinion... an adult read about young adults, not really erotica. Was initially a bit sceptical, then when I began to read it I couldn't put it down. This story all takes place in a single day. It is an exaggerated story about class differences. Gabriella is your upper class girl, who falls for Jim, the working class boy. There's sex, love and scandal to keep a reader hooked. The description of backdrop is realistic and the other characters in the book perfectly fit into the story. Many times I laughed out loud and was glad there was no one else around to ask me why. Enjoy!
May 24, 2013
There is nothing more difficult to write than comedy; probably why all our comedians become so staggeringly wealthy: John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson, Ben Elton; need I go on?
Alan Hardy, in taking on a comedy theme, adding a goodly dose of pure naked sex - all in the best of taste, of course, and setting the action during the meandering slow motions of a cricket match was, to say the least, setting himself a challenge of moon shot proportions. He clearly enjoyed reeling off the sporty double-entendres and the descriptions of his characters provides a photo-fit of the entire English class system, where most English comedy takes place.
We meet Jim, aptly named, the working-class would-be revolutionary and covert virgin, a man with secrets, who comes up against the Made in Chelsea Gabriella. As upper class girls are won't to do, Gabriella just can't wait to take her clothes off and reveal her fully-extended assets - even in front of the children.
The author has taken his characters from central casting, but that fits with the overall theme in what is an extremely funny, laugh out loud novel - even if I, a mere female, did not understand all the cricketing references- no balls, slips, silly mid on, deep backward, fine leg...just the phrases are comical, and what with some very fine, often witty dialogue, I found a smile on my lips as I raced through the pages to see what was going to happen next, the secret of all good fiction.
Does Gabriella get her man? Not if the sudden appearance of a rival has anything to do with it. As for Jim, well, he's ready to strike out and score - one way or another. Funny, intelligent, really quite brilliant.
Alan Hardy, in taking on a comedy theme, adding a goodly dose of pure naked sex - all in the best of taste, of course, and setting the action during the meandering slow motions of a cricket match was, to say the least, setting himself a challenge of moon shot proportions. He clearly enjoyed reeling off the sporty double-entendres and the descriptions of his characters provides a photo-fit of the entire English class system, where most English comedy takes place.
We meet Jim, aptly named, the working-class would-be revolutionary and covert virgin, a man with secrets, who comes up against the Made in Chelsea Gabriella. As upper class girls are won't to do, Gabriella just can't wait to take her clothes off and reveal her fully-extended assets - even in front of the children.
The author has taken his characters from central casting, but that fits with the overall theme in what is an extremely funny, laugh out loud novel - even if I, a mere female, did not understand all the cricketing references- no balls, slips, silly mid on, deep backward, fine leg...just the phrases are comical, and what with some very fine, often witty dialogue, I found a smile on my lips as I raced through the pages to see what was going to happen next, the secret of all good fiction.
Does Gabriella get her man? Not if the sudden appearance of a rival has anything to do with it. As for Jim, well, he's ready to strike out and score - one way or another. Funny, intelligent, really quite brilliant.
December 31, 2012
When I began reading Gabriella, I immediately decided to take out a piece of scrap paper and write out the multitude of thoughts that came to mind - quirky, shocking, awe, satire, politically incorrect, daring, extreme, intriguing and many more. Over the course of the novel, I came to appreciate the witty, skillful writing and cunning play on this class-war love story.
Falling in love, during a cricket match - who would've thought it? And in the manner that Alan Hardy describes. I must say that I am impressed with his writing styles and the layout of this short novel. It takes a very special kind of storyteller to present a potentially offensive piece in such an artistic manner. Granted, there were times I felt myself blush; however, the symbolism was apparent throughout the novel. In fact, I looked forward to the layering of characters and events during the match. Wonderful piece, Mr. Hardy!
Falling in love, during a cricket match - who would've thought it? And in the manner that Alan Hardy describes. I must say that I am impressed with his writing styles and the layout of this short novel. It takes a very special kind of storyteller to present a potentially offensive piece in such an artistic manner. Granted, there were times I felt myself blush; however, the symbolism was apparent throughout the novel. In fact, I looked forward to the layering of characters and events during the match. Wonderful piece, Mr. Hardy!
May 25, 2013
Unique and provocative, Gabriella is a highly entertaining read! If you are in the mood for a novel that is different from what you may normally read, Gabriella is a great choice! Be prepared though. This is for “Adults Only” as there is a lot of (very clever) sexual content and the author is clearly not afraid of being “Politically Incorrect!” These two main factors are what I believe makes Gabriella such a lively read. I admit, I was a bit “shocked” after reading the first few chapters, however, as I read on, it is that “shock factor” that makes Gabriella refreshingly unique.
I myself, do not like reading reviews revealing too much of the plot, characters or specific scenes, etc., (I love and prefer to read without so much as a hint as what is to happen on the next page, but I am weird that way!) so I in turn do not like to reveal specifics about a book I am reviewing. I will mention though, if you think that a knowledge of cricket is required to read Gabriella, it is not. I am Canadian, so for me, the word “cricket” brings to mind an annoying insect that makes aggravating noises. Yes, the story takes place at a cricket match, and a lot of sexual innuendo is related to cricket, yet if this “cricket-ignorant” Canadian was able to figure it out, anyone can. After reading Gabriella I instantly thought of several of my friends who I know would love this book. It will be amusing to discuss this book with them, so I shall start emailing them today. I predict that other readers will end up doing the same.
I myself, do not like reading reviews revealing too much of the plot, characters or specific scenes, etc., (I love and prefer to read without so much as a hint as what is to happen on the next page, but I am weird that way!) so I in turn do not like to reveal specifics about a book I am reviewing. I will mention though, if you think that a knowledge of cricket is required to read Gabriella, it is not. I am Canadian, so for me, the word “cricket” brings to mind an annoying insect that makes aggravating noises. Yes, the story takes place at a cricket match, and a lot of sexual innuendo is related to cricket, yet if this “cricket-ignorant” Canadian was able to figure it out, anyone can. After reading Gabriella I instantly thought of several of my friends who I know would love this book. It will be amusing to discuss this book with them, so I shall start emailing them today. I predict that other readers will end up doing the same.
May 26, 2014
Alan Hardy’s bawdy take on the upper class versus the working class is gloriously, unashamedly and rudely exposed or in this case overexposed. The story is centred around a cricket match for boys and one girl. The focus of attention is Gabriella a real ball-breaker and every boy’s wet dream as she creates havoc on and off the pitch. She is an ice-cold blond and proud of it, using her beauty like a sword to slice boys’ hearts in two. But then she meets Jim, a lowly working class good-for-nothing bowler. We get to meet Gabriella’s parents as they lay waste to the lower classes, Jim’s mindless parents as they waste their lives away on nothing, Chivers a real treat as the chauffeur come all-rounder who dispenses all that is needed to keep Gabriella looking her best. But it’s the clever use of cricket which sets this great book above its rivals. And as the match progresses so lowly trollops are defrocked, gardeners drained, balls beaten senseless, rude awakenings exposed, in fact everything that life has to offer is wickedly lampooned. But most of all it’s a poor boy meets rich girl and let the battle of the sexes commence. How’s that!
May 28, 2013
Gabriella by Alan Hardy is fast-paced, contemporary and fully modern - yet still totally classic - Vaudeville burlesque, replete with Benny Hill type brazen, in-your-face, no-holds-barred raunchy humor (or should I say humour). It does, however, still have its fair share of unexpected twists and turns -- a couple of which caught me completely off-guard.
The setting at a cricket match is fantastic. The characters are so gauche and depraved in their actions, it's only logical that they would carry these actions out in front of a full compliment of spectators, many of whom are equally crude. There, and of course around a poor old chestnut tree that must sit in a mudhole from all the bodily fluids that surely seep into the ground at its base.
The insulting mockery of royals -- and the equally insulting ridicule of commoners -- gives the impression that it must be one very fine line indeed that Mr. Hardy straddles.
Even for Americans who may not understand the game of cricket, the raunchy humor -- much of which is done by metaphor during the cricket match -- is still crystal clear.
The setting at a cricket match is fantastic. The characters are so gauche and depraved in their actions, it's only logical that they would carry these actions out in front of a full compliment of spectators, many of whom are equally crude. There, and of course around a poor old chestnut tree that must sit in a mudhole from all the bodily fluids that surely seep into the ground at its base.
The insulting mockery of royals -- and the equally insulting ridicule of commoners -- gives the impression that it must be one very fine line indeed that Mr. Hardy straddles.
Even for Americans who may not understand the game of cricket, the raunchy humor -- much of which is done by metaphor during the cricket match -- is still crystal clear.
February 2, 2013
Gabriella is not for the faint hearted, but then neither is the book. Overtly sexual from the beginning, it is bold and bawdy and revels in its rampant sexuality. It overwhelms the reader with wild hyperbole. It revolves around the love-hate relationship between the spoilt and wealthy Gabriella with an ego much larger than her intellect and for whom the term prima-donna is wholly inadequate; and Jim, the innocent working class boy who becomes her adversary in both class war and cricket match, only cricket like this has never been seen! The magical Chivers who can out-Jeeves Jeeves himself turns out to have a crucial role.
It’s a rip roaring read where the only boundary is the rope one round the cricket pitch.
It’s a rip roaring read where the only boundary is the rope one round the cricket pitch.
March 23, 2013
A bawdy, satirical tale of class warfare and cricket. I don't know the first thing about cricket, but I do know that I have never encountered a character quite like Gabriella and probably never will again. I both loved and hated her and will never forget her. The story is filled with shameless characters you will swear you'd never want to meet but secretly want to. That fact along with the author's biting wit make this book well worth a read. You will laugh, gasp, wrinkle your nose in disgust and cheer for the upper and lower classes by turn. Buy this book, sit back in your favorite chair with your favorite drink and learn a thing or two about Cricket. Who knew it could be such erotic fun?
June 4, 2013
'Gabriella' by Alan Hardy is the first book I have read by this author. What was apparent straight away was the author's skill in keeping his audience captivated.
Now, I am not a huge fan of the genre (although I am a fan of cricket) however I would definitely buy more of this author's work due to the fact that I really enjoyed reading Gabriella.
I especially enjoyed the humor in this read, you could definitely tell the author was British with his sharp wit, Jim's parents were extremely hilarious.
All in all a great solid effort and a book that I would recommend to anyone who would like a funny, naughty and entertaining read.
Now, I am not a huge fan of the genre (although I am a fan of cricket) however I would definitely buy more of this author's work due to the fact that I really enjoyed reading Gabriella.
I especially enjoyed the humor in this read, you could definitely tell the author was British with his sharp wit, Jim's parents were extremely hilarious.
All in all a great solid effort and a book that I would recommend to anyone who would like a funny, naughty and entertaining read.
August 16, 2013
This is an amusing account of English summers filled with cricket and frolicking.
Gabriella, the heroine, is an out and out snob as well as being fully aware of the effect her beauty and body has on those around her. She enjoys being the centre of attention as well as the focus for school boys and their sexual curiosity.
The novel reads like a bawdy account of a school cricket match punctuated by naughty exploitations using innuendo and metaphor in a highly amusing fashion to create a P.G. Wodehouse-style of book.
Very funny!
Gabriella, the heroine, is an out and out snob as well as being fully aware of the effect her beauty and body has on those around her. She enjoys being the centre of attention as well as the focus for school boys and their sexual curiosity.
The novel reads like a bawdy account of a school cricket match punctuated by naughty exploitations using innuendo and metaphor in a highly amusing fashion to create a P.G. Wodehouse-style of book.
Very funny!
December 29, 2012
I gave 'Gabriella' by Alan Hardy 4 stars out of 5, if you're looking for a short read intended to excite you.
It is a brisk read about a young man and woman from different sides of the tracks, and how they in stages loathe, envy, respect and perhaps even think they could love each other. That’s quite a lot, considering it is all confined within the scope of a single game of cricket, albeit ones that blooms with working-class / upper-class repercussions. And, of course, hijinks. You will see almost every twist coming at you, but 'almost' is the key word in this sentence.
From a Canadian point-of-view, for we readers across the pond, I would put the atmosphere somewhere between Doctor Who (especially the original version) and Monty Python. The story is not sold as high concept but it is most definitely a heightened reality. These are stark - and often comic - extreme opposite poles that Hardy deals us. As a side note, for an independent author, Hardy's grammar is easily above average. This is not only essential for the usual reasons, but the bite and feel of the aristocracy would hardly feel so legitimately proper if replete with errors.
If I would have a request, it would be to see Hardy attempt something either shorter or (preferably) longer. Containing the story within a cricket match was an interesting concept, but it has two limitations: one, he had to make his characters very extreme and their arcs equally extreme, which while perfect for lesser characters made it a tougher sell at times for Gabriella and Jim; two, for a titillating book, not a whole lot could go on besides innuendos, hints and possibilities. They take away nothing from this story, but I would like to see Hardy really branch out and sink his literary teeth into something, and see what happens. It's too long for a couple to share as a prelude to something more, and it does not contain enough for anyone looking for a book full of more than 'wink and nudge', but it is nevertheless a worthwhile read.
It is a brisk read about a young man and woman from different sides of the tracks, and how they in stages loathe, envy, respect and perhaps even think they could love each other. That’s quite a lot, considering it is all confined within the scope of a single game of cricket, albeit ones that blooms with working-class / upper-class repercussions. And, of course, hijinks. You will see almost every twist coming at you, but 'almost' is the key word in this sentence.
From a Canadian point-of-view, for we readers across the pond, I would put the atmosphere somewhere between Doctor Who (especially the original version) and Monty Python. The story is not sold as high concept but it is most definitely a heightened reality. These are stark - and often comic - extreme opposite poles that Hardy deals us. As a side note, for an independent author, Hardy's grammar is easily above average. This is not only essential for the usual reasons, but the bite and feel of the aristocracy would hardly feel so legitimately proper if replete with errors.
If I would have a request, it would be to see Hardy attempt something either shorter or (preferably) longer. Containing the story within a cricket match was an interesting concept, but it has two limitations: one, he had to make his characters very extreme and their arcs equally extreme, which while perfect for lesser characters made it a tougher sell at times for Gabriella and Jim; two, for a titillating book, not a whole lot could go on besides innuendos, hints and possibilities. They take away nothing from this story, but I would like to see Hardy really branch out and sink his literary teeth into something, and see what happens. It's too long for a couple to share as a prelude to something more, and it does not contain enough for anyone looking for a book full of more than 'wink and nudge', but it is nevertheless a worthwhile read.
August 30, 2013
"Gabriella" by Alan Hardy is an erotic although not overly explicit novel about aristocratic Gabriella, a promiscuous and at first rather unlikable little princess of a girl, who plays sexual power games with one of the players, Algy, during a cricket match. As the game progresses her interest however shifts slightly towards a different boy, working class and not at all her usual object of desire.
This short piece is cleverly written with great plays on words, inventive and enjoyable descriptions of the sexual games and with an intriguing, surprising yet very believable character development in such a short space of time.
The book is provocative in parts, shocking but in a very good sense and highly entertaining with its humorous but not untrue portrayal of the class system still in place in the UK.
The book is playful and manages to keep your attention throughout, smoothly written, well paced and a surprise find for me.
A set of interesting side characters, such as Chivers, the chauffeur, or Mary Collier, a 'runt' of a girl and sister of the newly desired boy, make this a well rounded affair with a lot going for it. If you don't mind erotic scenes this is definitely recommended.
This short piece is cleverly written with great plays on words, inventive and enjoyable descriptions of the sexual games and with an intriguing, surprising yet very believable character development in such a short space of time.
The book is provocative in parts, shocking but in a very good sense and highly entertaining with its humorous but not untrue portrayal of the class system still in place in the UK.
The book is playful and manages to keep your attention throughout, smoothly written, well paced and a surprise find for me.
A set of interesting side characters, such as Chivers, the chauffeur, or Mary Collier, a 'runt' of a girl and sister of the newly desired boy, make this a well rounded affair with a lot going for it. If you don't mind erotic scenes this is definitely recommended.
May 9, 2013
Not read a book like this before. Now I ask myself, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Hard to say. May need an umpire review. As others have said, Gabriella is a mixture of reality and fantasy. Possibly. If we go with that, I’d say it starts within the realms of reality and rushes headlong into fantasy ... possibly within the first few overs, although the point at which the switch is made may determine how much you enjoy the book. I suspect adolescent teenage boys could suspend reality from cover to cover, but come on Alan, some of it is beyond belief ... you have a pace bowler opening the bowling and he stays in the attack for the duration of the book. Not only that, by the time we reach our crescendo, in every sense, we’ve lost the second bowler and Jim turns his arm over without even a break for drinks. What Gabriella gets up to in her heroic time at the crease (plus in and around the pavilion) is the stuff of wet dreams. Not my cup of tea, but in the right hand ... a cracking read.
May 1, 2013
Obscenely, ridiculously, erotically funny piece of adult literature!
October 29, 2013
This was a fabulous book and uniquely entertaining. It’s refreshingly original, funny, extremely sexy (but not overly vulgar) and kept me turning pages from the start. Alan Hardy is a very talented and accomplished writer who knows what he is doing, effortlessly drawing in the reader to his story and maintaining their attention to the end. It is a clever book also and packed with lust, sexy scenes, devious frolics and the perfect blend of satirical humour which was right up my street. This book will appeal to lots of people and is one of my favourite books of the year! More please. Five stars.
April 11, 2013
Hilariously funny from beginning to the end!
October 14, 2013
Author Alan Hardy is a master at teasing and titillating you so you will be as helpless as one of Gabriella's admirers. Just as Gabriella's admirers are unable to turn away from her, you will be unable to stop turning pages in this wonderful erotic comedy. The main character Gabriella is beyond gorgeous and sexy. Everything about her exudes seductiveness; so much so that men and sometimes women who are even near Gabriella are reduced to weak and obsequious servants.
Gabriella knows she has this power over men and women. She gets whatever she wants, whenever she wants it. All she has to do is wiggle her bottom or lick her lips and she can get anyone to do anything. Big tough men are like jello and at her beck and call. She is also rich and part of the upper class and sees no reason to be nice to anyone. She is self-absorbed and mean to everyone. She simply says, "do this," or "do that," and it happens. Even when she is mean and insulting to people, they still worship her and grovel at her feet.
Gabriella is a rich aristocrat and looks down on working class people. So what happens when she develops an uncontrollable attraction to the working class opponent who is trying to defeat her in a friendly (or not so friendly) game of cricket? As the attraction turns to passion, and passion turns to love, will we see somewhere beneath Gabriella's cruel exterior, a tender, loving heart. You will need to read this wonderful adult story to see for yourself.
Gabriella knows she has this power over men and women. She gets whatever she wants, whenever she wants it. All she has to do is wiggle her bottom or lick her lips and she can get anyone to do anything. Big tough men are like jello and at her beck and call. She is also rich and part of the upper class and sees no reason to be nice to anyone. She is self-absorbed and mean to everyone. She simply says, "do this," or "do that," and it happens. Even when she is mean and insulting to people, they still worship her and grovel at her feet.
Gabriella is a rich aristocrat and looks down on working class people. So what happens when she develops an uncontrollable attraction to the working class opponent who is trying to defeat her in a friendly (or not so friendly) game of cricket? As the attraction turns to passion, and passion turns to love, will we see somewhere beneath Gabriella's cruel exterior, a tender, loving heart. You will need to read this wonderful adult story to see for yourself.
September 7, 2013
I thought Gabriella was very well written, especially the characters. Gabriella is the "Queen" of her school, and is admired and the subject of many boys' and girls' sexual fantasies. The cricket metaphors do make an interesting combination for the plot lines to develop. The main characters, Gabriella and Jim, are both opposite in terms of social status and feelings, and sexual experience. Gabriella is a richman's daughter, with the privileges of the upper class and the resentment towards the lower class. She, along with her family, is a highly sexualized person. Jim, on the other hand, is confused virgin the American school system would be proud of. He writes poetry, and it is that Gabriella sees which brings out her humane feelings against her usual cold and cynical, disinterested shell. She and Jim both share a hard, stubborn streak of pride which they use to manipulate each other throughout the cricket match where they meet. By the end of the games, they fall in love and find out new things about their lives and their possibilities for the future. Both were very well characterized, and the story proves to be an erotic love story at the end.
October 28, 2013
Gabriella by Alan Hardy is an excellent book and to use the authors words to me. It is bawdy and saucy. It is all of that and more.
I really enjoyed reading this humorous story about the gorgeous aristocratic Gabriella and how she handled the men in her life and the game of cricket. The characters are all very interesting and/or hilarious and with the story-line that keeps your attention and smooth words from the author the pages just turn themselves.
This book made me blush more than once and is totally scandalous and marvelous. A witty and clever read that I found very bawdy and saucy and I have quite a few people I will recommend "Gabriella" too.
5 stars Alan Hardy I'm glad I bought this book
I really enjoyed reading this humorous story about the gorgeous aristocratic Gabriella and how she handled the men in her life and the game of cricket. The characters are all very interesting and/or hilarious and with the story-line that keeps your attention and smooth words from the author the pages just turn themselves.
This book made me blush more than once and is totally scandalous and marvelous. A witty and clever read that I found very bawdy and saucy and I have quite a few people I will recommend "Gabriella" too.
5 stars Alan Hardy I'm glad I bought this book
September 6, 2013
Cricket has over the years gained a reputation of being a rather boring sport. If, however, the usual game of cricket panned out in much the same way as it does in Alan Hardy’s Gabriella then it would be a reputation easily shirked. A pleasant mixture of cricket, sex, humour and class war, all rolled into a single English summer afternoon. With Gabriella taking the act of flirting to a whole new level, a little injection of cocaine and a pavilion all set up for afternoon tea , the phrase ‘Sex, drugs and sausage rolls’ has never felt more fitting. A wicket story that bowled me over and after reading just the first page there was no way I was going to bail. Gabriella scored 5 out of 5 and not out.
October 2, 2013
Smart, funny and sexy!
But more than that, Gabriella by Alan Hardy is fun . . . really fun. It’s a great read; this is erotica with a brain. Witty, brash and playful, we get to watch as a game within a game is played out among the classes and the coy cat and mouse of Jim and Gabriella all with the backdrop of cricket. Written by a skilled storyteller, this book is fast and easy and not one you’ll be able to easily put down. My only disappointment was that there isn’t another book available from this author, but I would imagine we’ll be seeing lots more from Alan Hardy. 5-stars – highly recommended!
But more than that, Gabriella by Alan Hardy is fun . . . really fun. It’s a great read; this is erotica with a brain. Witty, brash and playful, we get to watch as a game within a game is played out among the classes and the coy cat and mouse of Jim and Gabriella all with the backdrop of cricket. Written by a skilled storyteller, this book is fast and easy and not one you’ll be able to easily put down. My only disappointment was that there isn’t another book available from this author, but I would imagine we’ll be seeing lots more from Alan Hardy. 5-stars – highly recommended!
August 28, 2013
Lust and naughtiness
Gabriella
A unique and wonderful piece of writing, saturated pleasure and sensual teasing from Hardy.
Twisting the game of cricket with erotica- certainly made me appreciate cricket on an entirely new level.
Written in a very clever manner, spiced with humour decorating the English countryside. A bit of posh totty and a splash of alcohol or two, sex-fuelled and a blast of cocaine. It is enough to make me want to go out and play cricket!
A good-paced book with love, sex, fun, lust and naughtiness.
You won't want to put this one down- a super read.
A strong 5*****
Highly recommended.
Gabriella
A unique and wonderful piece of writing, saturated pleasure and sensual teasing from Hardy.
Twisting the game of cricket with erotica- certainly made me appreciate cricket on an entirely new level.
Written in a very clever manner, spiced with humour decorating the English countryside. A bit of posh totty and a splash of alcohol or two, sex-fuelled and a blast of cocaine. It is enough to make me want to go out and play cricket!
A good-paced book with love, sex, fun, lust and naughtiness.
You won't want to put this one down- a super read.
A strong 5*****
Highly recommended.
October 26, 2013
Gabriella kept me turning page after page, waiting to see how far Gabriella would push the envelope. I don't know that much about cricket, but find myself dreaming about it after reading this book. The main character is a delightful tease and kept my desire to jump tight in the pages and join in. The novel is a clever lesson in the battle between social class and the constantly changing dynamics between the sexes.
February 13, 2018
NOTHING, and I mean, NOTHING, prepared me for the emotions I would experience reading this book. I laughed out loud, I got angry, I got upset, but like an addict, I could not stop reading the book. I just could not put it down. It could be the famous chestnut tree; the never-ending cricket match that went on from the beginning of the story until the end; or the many characters that interacted with, The Right Hon. Gabriella Blenkinsop, the heroine of the story.
The Right Hon. Gabriela Blenkinsop has a very powerful personality and all the other characters pale when they come up against her. That was, until she meet Jim Collier. The Right Hon. Gabriela Blenkinsop realizes soon enough that she had met her match in Jim. Maybe Jim is even more than her match, he betters her, and she crumbles. It’s like watching a powerful volcano loses its steam. She crumbles in a way that’s so unexpected and unique. That subplot puts the book in a class that can be described in one word—Powerful! Well done, Hardy. Highly recommend!
The Right Hon. Gabriela Blenkinsop has a very powerful personality and all the other characters pale when they come up against her. That was, until she meet Jim Collier. The Right Hon. Gabriela Blenkinsop realizes soon enough that she had met her match in Jim. Maybe Jim is even more than her match, he betters her, and she crumbles. It’s like watching a powerful volcano loses its steam. She crumbles in a way that’s so unexpected and unique. That subplot puts the book in a class that can be described in one word—Powerful! Well done, Hardy. Highly recommend!
December 10, 2013
Mr. Hardy has done an OUTSTANDING job with this book! The characters came to life, I couldn't put the book down wondering what they would (or wouldn't) do next. This story is not your typical, run-of-the-mill, romance- oh no, Mr. Hardy has combined cricket, class warfare and delightful escapades into a plot that is unforgettable. Kudos and a boisterous hurrah to Mr. Hardy for this entertaining work.
February 20, 2018
This is a super naughty story with plenty of Alan Hardy's usual slapstick quirky humour. I found it a refreshing tongue in cheek romantic story.
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May 28, 2014
A Surreal and Sensual Comedy Spanning the Course of a Cricket Match
Alan Hardy’s “Gabriella” is a hysterically funny, sexually-infused romp that pits a high-class 18-year-old siren against an athletic working-class teenage boy, all over the length of a cricket match. Gabriella and Jim are on opposite teams, each representing their respective schools and social classes, and a lot of pride is at stake. Both have conflicting feelings for each other as their opposing fiercely competitive and sexual drives tear at them, causing them to show tenderness toward each at one moment and cruelty the next. Isn’t love strange?
It’s not long before Gabriella begins to manipulate her teammates, the referee, and the opposing players, including Jim, by flaunting her oozing sexuality. And this is where the surrealism comes in: time seems to stop as Gabriella shows off her perfectly blossomed young womanhood to seduce the players, the officials and the spectators watching the match. Hilarious moments are provided from the sidelines by Jim’s parents: his narcoleptic father, and his mother who worships the upper class like royalty even though it has, in return, nothing but contempt for her and her kind. Meanwhile, Gabriella’s playboy father can’t get enough booze, blow and women, while her mother moves about seeking her own fun. Chivers the butler is a riot and the surprise ace up author Hardy’s sleeve, appearing out of nowhere to tend to his betters the very moment they call his name.
This novel was a quick and easy read, and a lot of fun, though as an American I don’t think I’ll ever understand the technical aspects or even the general idea of cricket, no matter how well an aficionado explains them. “Gabriella” is a simple story in the sense that it is limited to one setting and takes place over a period of a few hours, but if you’re an adult who has an open mind and good sense of humor, you’re going to enjoy this story immensely for its satirical humor and forbidden pleasures.
Alan Hardy’s “Gabriella” is a hysterically funny, sexually-infused romp that pits a high-class 18-year-old siren against an athletic working-class teenage boy, all over the length of a cricket match. Gabriella and Jim are on opposite teams, each representing their respective schools and social classes, and a lot of pride is at stake. Both have conflicting feelings for each other as their opposing fiercely competitive and sexual drives tear at them, causing them to show tenderness toward each at one moment and cruelty the next. Isn’t love strange?
It’s not long before Gabriella begins to manipulate her teammates, the referee, and the opposing players, including Jim, by flaunting her oozing sexuality. And this is where the surrealism comes in: time seems to stop as Gabriella shows off her perfectly blossomed young womanhood to seduce the players, the officials and the spectators watching the match. Hilarious moments are provided from the sidelines by Jim’s parents: his narcoleptic father, and his mother who worships the upper class like royalty even though it has, in return, nothing but contempt for her and her kind. Meanwhile, Gabriella’s playboy father can’t get enough booze, blow and women, while her mother moves about seeking her own fun. Chivers the butler is a riot and the surprise ace up author Hardy’s sleeve, appearing out of nowhere to tend to his betters the very moment they call his name.
This novel was a quick and easy read, and a lot of fun, though as an American I don’t think I’ll ever understand the technical aspects or even the general idea of cricket, no matter how well an aficionado explains them. “Gabriella” is a simple story in the sense that it is limited to one setting and takes place over a period of a few hours, but if you’re an adult who has an open mind and good sense of humor, you’re going to enjoy this story immensely for its satirical humor and forbidden pleasures.
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