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The Upside of Over
What happens when one of the country's most popular identities goes from reading the news to being the news?
Olivia Law had always been the good girl. Great grades, perfect career, husband, house and hairdo. She'd learnt image was everything so she refused to look below the surface of her life. When not at work her minutes were filled with causes, chairing boards and dining at fabulous restaurants with her equally fabulous husband, David. She kept up the Botox, blow-dries and worked hard. It wasn't enough, but whenever doubt crept in she'd head to a pilates class or plan a renovation on her trophy house.
Then she turned 45. Olivia wasn't prepared for David to leave. The fact that they hadn't had sex for two years should have triggered warning bells ... it didn't.
In an attempt to fix her broken marriage Olivia exposed herself like never before. But when her confession goes viral, the husband, house and job disappear. The woman who once offered glamorous reassurance and a steady gaze is labelled a princess of perversion. Humiliated, defeated, facing fifty shades of failure, she's left wondering who the hell she really is? Stripped bare, she abandons perfection ... and something remarkable happens.
Olivia Law just might get her sass back (and this time, it's the real thing).
The brilliant new novel from J.D. Barrett about breakups, breakdowns and breakthroughs. Batteries not included.
Olivia Law had always been the good girl. Great grades, perfect career, husband, house and hairdo. She'd learnt image was everything so she refused to look below the surface of her life. When not at work her minutes were filled with causes, chairing boards and dining at fabulous restaurants with her equally fabulous husband, David. She kept up the Botox, blow-dries and worked hard. It wasn't enough, but whenever doubt crept in she'd head to a pilates class or plan a renovation on her trophy house.
Then she turned 45. Olivia wasn't prepared for David to leave. The fact that they hadn't had sex for two years should have triggered warning bells ... it didn't.
In an attempt to fix her broken marriage Olivia exposed herself like never before. But when her confession goes viral, the husband, house and job disappear. The woman who once offered glamorous reassurance and a steady gaze is labelled a princess of perversion. Humiliated, defeated, facing fifty shades of failure, she's left wondering who the hell she really is? Stripped bare, she abandons perfection ... and something remarkable happens.
Olivia Law just might get her sass back (and this time, it's the real thing).
The brilliant new novel from J.D. Barrett about breakups, breakdowns and breakthroughs. Batteries not included.
- GenresChick LitContemporary
Paperback
Published May 29, 2018
2 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Barrett
5 books27 followersJ.D. Barrett is an Australian television writer and script editor with a passion for good food and creating great meals. She has worked on the writing teams for Love My Way, East Of Everything, Bed Of Roses, Wonderland and Love Child.
J.D. lives between Sydney, Byron Bay and Los Angeles. The Secret Recipe For Second Chances was her debut novel and The Song Of Us is her second book.
J.D. lives between Sydney, Byron Bay and Los Angeles. The Secret Recipe For Second Chances was her debut novel and The Song Of Us is her second book.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 11, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up
I was very eager to read the latest novel from JD Barrett as I loved her Song of Us so much.
I started reading it and immediately was taken aback and had to check if I was reading the right book. I was.
Olivia Law is 45 and the quintessential blonde TV news reader. She lives in Sydney, in a modern, sterile house with her businessman husband, David. They live parallel lives and haven’t been intimate for over two years. In an attempt to win him back, Olivia makes a drunk video, in the nude, and talks about their sex life and her sexual fantasies. The video becomes public and immediately Olivia loses her job and gets sued by the Network. While she’s down, her husband announces he’s divorcing her.
Olivia escapes to Byron Bay, to her best friend’s place. There she meets some interesting characters, the owner of a sex shop chain, who’s worldly and very charming; a good looking vet etc. She’s trying to figure out who she truly is.
There were many things that I liked about this novel. It addresses the discrimination and double standards that women face in the media and not only. It also talks a lot about sex and women’s sexual fantasies, regardless of age. I know, who knew that middle-aged and older women had sexual fantasies?
The novel is very light and breezy. Besides women’s sexual fantasies, The Upside of Over has lots of mouth-watering food porn. Realistically, while Olivia had her life turned upside down, being in her privileged position is enviable: still looking good, no kids, moving to Byron Bay, staying in some fancy properties, having a tough lawyer to look after your interests, good friends and a rich man who’s very keen on you. To top it all off, she even has the two gay best friends, who are amazing cooks and very supportive. Where can I find me one or two of those?
While I enjoyed this novel, I felt that some parts were rushed and under-developed.
Nevertheless, The Upside of Over was a fun, cheeky beach read.
I received this novel from the publishers via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Hachette Australia for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
This novel also goes towards my Aussie Author Challenge on www.bookloverbookreviews.com
I was very eager to read the latest novel from JD Barrett as I loved her Song of Us so much.
I started reading it and immediately was taken aback and had to check if I was reading the right book. I was.
Olivia Law is 45 and the quintessential blonde TV news reader. She lives in Sydney, in a modern, sterile house with her businessman husband, David. They live parallel lives and haven’t been intimate for over two years. In an attempt to win him back, Olivia makes a drunk video, in the nude, and talks about their sex life and her sexual fantasies. The video becomes public and immediately Olivia loses her job and gets sued by the Network. While she’s down, her husband announces he’s divorcing her.
Olivia escapes to Byron Bay, to her best friend’s place. There she meets some interesting characters, the owner of a sex shop chain, who’s worldly and very charming; a good looking vet etc. She’s trying to figure out who she truly is.
There were many things that I liked about this novel. It addresses the discrimination and double standards that women face in the media and not only. It also talks a lot about sex and women’s sexual fantasies, regardless of age. I know, who knew that middle-aged and older women had sexual fantasies?
The novel is very light and breezy. Besides women’s sexual fantasies, The Upside of Over has lots of mouth-watering food porn. Realistically, while Olivia had her life turned upside down, being in her privileged position is enviable: still looking good, no kids, moving to Byron Bay, staying in some fancy properties, having a tough lawyer to look after your interests, good friends and a rich man who’s very keen on you. To top it all off, she even has the two gay best friends, who are amazing cooks and very supportive. Where can I find me one or two of those?
While I enjoyed this novel, I felt that some parts were rushed and under-developed.
Nevertheless, The Upside of Over was a fun, cheeky beach read.
I received this novel from the publishers via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Hachette Australia for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
This novel also goes towards my Aussie Author Challenge on www.bookloverbookreviews.com
June 20, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
POPSUGAR READING CHALLENGE 2020 #22: a book with an upside-down image on the cover
‘I HAD THE PERFECT LIFE. PERFECT BLOW-DRIES, WELL-CONDITIONED hair, wrinkle-free face, gorgeous, devoted husband, designer everything. But the truth is, nothing is as it seems.’
The Upside of Over is a story of unexpected situations, changed life plans, sexuality, desire and empowerment. Told in a light, witty and realistic manner, J.D. Barrett’s third novel is an entertaining set piece.
The Upside of Over is the story of Olivia Law, a celebrity newsreader and personality, who finds her life irrevocably changed when the divorce bombshell her husband issues her with spurns a dramatic act of revenge. In dealing with her marriage break up, Olivia films a shocking and revealing video message to her husband. However, the video causes a great deal of trouble for Olivia. She finds her image instantly damaged by the broadcast of the video to the public and as a result she loses her job. Olivia’s fall from grace serves a significant wake up call. Olivia must decide what she wants in life. This form of emancipation is liberating and the new Olivia Law emerges from the ashes of her former self.
The Upside of Over is the third novel written by J.D .Barrett, an Australian television writer, who has written a number of scripts for some prominent Australian screen productions. The Upside of Over is my first taste of Barrett’s writing, which I found to be escapist and unpretentious.
The Upside of Over is a character driven novel that focuses directly on the life of lead Olivia Law. I enjoyed the insight into Olivia’s place of employment and her work in the media. It is quite a cutthroat industry, defined by issues of sexism, favouritism and ageism. Barrett does a very good job of highlighting these hard issues, within the context of Olivia’s life story.
Supporting Olivia are a cast of colourful characters. The newsroom and media industry protagonists felt very authentic, which I think could be a direct result of the author’s background in the media industry. There is plenty of insight and realism that goes with these characters and their related experiences. I’m sure readers will appreciate the storyline and related issues.
Barrett’s approach to this novel was quite interesting, but I’m not entirely sure if this book worked for me. Whilst I appreciated the focus on the pressing issues Olivia is forced to confront in the wake of her divorce, big mistake and job loss, some areas of the novel were perhaps exaggerated too much. While one of the key themes of The Upside of Over is embracing female sexuality and desire, these segments of the text were a little too saucy for my liking. However, I did value the overall message that in light of a serious life overhaul, there is an upside. I appreciated the positive sentiment.
A modern comedy and life affirming tale of love, sex, relationships, careers and self-care defines The Upside of Over by J.D. Barrett. This novel will be of interest to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction novels.
The Upside of Over is book #69 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
POPSUGAR READING CHALLENGE 2020 #22: a book with an upside-down image on the cover
‘I HAD THE PERFECT LIFE. PERFECT BLOW-DRIES, WELL-CONDITIONED hair, wrinkle-free face, gorgeous, devoted husband, designer everything. But the truth is, nothing is as it seems.’
The Upside of Over is a story of unexpected situations, changed life plans, sexuality, desire and empowerment. Told in a light, witty and realistic manner, J.D. Barrett’s third novel is an entertaining set piece.
The Upside of Over is the story of Olivia Law, a celebrity newsreader and personality, who finds her life irrevocably changed when the divorce bombshell her husband issues her with spurns a dramatic act of revenge. In dealing with her marriage break up, Olivia films a shocking and revealing video message to her husband. However, the video causes a great deal of trouble for Olivia. She finds her image instantly damaged by the broadcast of the video to the public and as a result she loses her job. Olivia’s fall from grace serves a significant wake up call. Olivia must decide what she wants in life. This form of emancipation is liberating and the new Olivia Law emerges from the ashes of her former self.
The Upside of Over is the third novel written by J.D .Barrett, an Australian television writer, who has written a number of scripts for some prominent Australian screen productions. The Upside of Over is my first taste of Barrett’s writing, which I found to be escapist and unpretentious.
The Upside of Over is a character driven novel that focuses directly on the life of lead Olivia Law. I enjoyed the insight into Olivia’s place of employment and her work in the media. It is quite a cutthroat industry, defined by issues of sexism, favouritism and ageism. Barrett does a very good job of highlighting these hard issues, within the context of Olivia’s life story.
Supporting Olivia are a cast of colourful characters. The newsroom and media industry protagonists felt very authentic, which I think could be a direct result of the author’s background in the media industry. There is plenty of insight and realism that goes with these characters and their related experiences. I’m sure readers will appreciate the storyline and related issues.
Barrett’s approach to this novel was quite interesting, but I’m not entirely sure if this book worked for me. Whilst I appreciated the focus on the pressing issues Olivia is forced to confront in the wake of her divorce, big mistake and job loss, some areas of the novel were perhaps exaggerated too much. While one of the key themes of The Upside of Over is embracing female sexuality and desire, these segments of the text were a little too saucy for my liking. However, I did value the overall message that in light of a serious life overhaul, there is an upside. I appreciated the positive sentiment.
A modern comedy and life affirming tale of love, sex, relationships, careers and self-care defines The Upside of Over by J.D. Barrett. This novel will be of interest to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction novels.
The Upside of Over is book #69 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
June 13, 2018
This is a solid 4 star book, but I gave it a bonus star, because I loved a few unique and quite courageous things about this story.
1) the protaganist is a 40+ woman (GASP!)
2) the protaganist is a 40+ woman who opted not to have children of her own (she has a wonderful relationship with a teenage stepson), and she does not appear to regret this decision. Despite this, she is not portrayed as a ruthlessly-ambitious-but-secretly-miserable-shrew. (DOUBLE GASP!)
3) the protaganist is 40+ woman who is still a sexual being. In fact, it turns out she's only just beginning to embrace her own needs and desires. And...brace yourself...there is a character in this book who is "60ish", suffering from erectile disfunction, and who is STILL a sexual being. The last time I read a character who was 50+ and still expressing any interest in sex, it was a variation on that nasty 'Dirty Old Woman' trope. This book avoids that kind of cheap shot altogether, and I LOVED it for it.
I hadn't really thought about this much until I read this book, but it really says a lot about how homogenous the contemporary fiction titles I've read lately are that these things stood in such stark contrast.
This book certainly won't be for everyone. It's in an odd middle ground where it won't appeal to those looking for erotic fiction, but it's still (a somewhat unique kind of) raunchy. Also, I did take a star off for one thing I did not love about the ending, but gave it back because...see points 1-3 above!!!
I absolutely loved the way this book touched on the contemporary conversation around how women in media are treated, and I loved how it celebrated female sexuality.
This is a light and humourous book, but there's also some pretty serious themes nestled in there, and I highly recommend it.
1) the protaganist is a 40+ woman (GASP!)
2) the protaganist is a 40+ woman who opted not to have children of her own (she has a wonderful relationship with a teenage stepson), and she does not appear to regret this decision. Despite this, she is not portrayed as a ruthlessly-ambitious-but-secretly-miserable-shrew. (DOUBLE GASP!)
3) the protaganist is 40+ woman who is still a sexual being. In fact, it turns out she's only just beginning to embrace her own needs and desires. And...brace yourself...there is a character in this book who is "60ish", suffering from erectile disfunction, and who is STILL a sexual being. The last time I read a character who was 50+ and still expressing any interest in sex, it was a variation on that nasty 'Dirty Old Woman' trope. This book avoids that kind of cheap shot altogether, and I LOVED it for it.
I hadn't really thought about this much until I read this book, but it really says a lot about how homogenous the contemporary fiction titles I've read lately are that these things stood in such stark contrast.
This book certainly won't be for everyone. It's in an odd middle ground where it won't appeal to those looking for erotic fiction, but it's still (a somewhat unique kind of) raunchy. Also, I did take a star off for one thing I did not love about the ending, but gave it back because...see points 1-3 above!!!
I absolutely loved the way this book touched on the contemporary conversation around how women in media are treated, and I loved how it celebrated female sexuality.
This is a light and humourous book, but there's also some pretty serious themes nestled in there, and I highly recommend it.
July 20, 2018
So... there’s a lot of explicit sex, stereotypical characters, cliched opulence and repetitive predictability in this very lite lit for chics. Olivia Law talks about sex and it changes her life. She’s 45 and a poster child for every single aspect of, I don’t know, is this fourth wave feminism we’re currently experiencing? I’d like to say it was at least a clever idea, but it’s... well it’s just not. Mindless, blessedly short and very, very uncomplicated. I’m not saying don’t read it but I am saying don’t read it with expectations.
July 19, 2018
This book is so different, so quirky and a little risque but in complete context. Every character was endearing and the backdrop of Byron Bay, which is so close to my heart, was spectacular. Reminds me of my childhood. It's a fabulous, fun read. Not to mention, that Wonderland and Love Child are still two of my favourite Australian shows. Wish they were still airing. I miss those characters as much as I'm going to miss the characters in this book, now that I've finished! A fun read.
June 5, 2019
Lets face it, when you're picking up books from the library with little to go on, it's hit and miss. This seemed inoffensive enough and when I started reading, I honestly thought I'd picked up a 'Belinda Blinked' special. I didn't exactly anticipate it being so explicit, or so... cheesy.
So once I got over the 'wtf am I actually reading' I figured might as well laugh along with the stories in the book and it was quite a short read, so no harm done.
So once I got over the 'wtf am I actually reading' I figured might as well laugh along with the stories in the book and it was quite a short read, so no harm done.
September 29, 2018
I wasn't sure about this book when I started reading it. It actually made me blush but also laugh. Loved all the characters and cheered Olivia on.
May 12, 2018
Olivia Law has been presenting the morning news for years. When a raunchy video she sends to her recently separated husband winds up on YouTube and goes viral, she finds herself out of a job, out of a husband, and having to piece together what is left of her life.
The Upside of Over is funny, easy to read, and chock full of likeable characters. Finn was my personal favourite.
On a serious side though, The Upside of Over does look at the way women are treated in the media. The disparity in pays, the way they are treated as they age, and most of all the way they are treated in the event of a scandal.
For me, the downside of the book was the ending felt a bit rushed and not as developed as the rest of the novel.
A very worthwhile read.
The Upside of Over is funny, easy to read, and chock full of likeable characters. Finn was my personal favourite.
On a serious side though, The Upside of Over does look at the way women are treated in the media. The disparity in pays, the way they are treated as they age, and most of all the way they are treated in the event of a scandal.
For me, the downside of the book was the ending felt a bit rushed and not as developed as the rest of the novel.
A very worthwhile read.
September 15, 2022
This book was a really simple read but unfortunately for me lacked a big grab factor that I expect in books to keep me engaged. It is just under 300 pages but took me way longer to read than usual as I just had no motivation, but obviously had to finish it.
The characters were mainly predictable with very simple story lines. As soon as a new character was introduced it was easy to see how they would fit into the story.
Olivia Law is the female main character. She has been fired from her job for accidentally releasing a sexy video of herself. She feels her life is over, but the story focuses on her rebuilding her life and finding the silver lining. I found her a little bit annoying as all she talks about is sex and I get that's the point of this story but girl, there is more to life. I also found it weird how she was married to her husband for 10 years to realise they have no connection.
Dave is her ex-husband and honestly, he probably wasn't as bad as the book made him out to be. Who wouldn't want a normal, well-connected relationship? There were reasons he didn't want to make his marriage work and I could understand where he was coming from.
Leo was predictable and it was obvious from the moment he was introduced that he would be a new love interest for Olivia. I just absolutely hate the fact that he called Olivia 'kid' at every chance he got. I understand the term but mate, she's an over 45 year old woman!
I can see the book was drawing on important factors. Liking being able to make it on your own, not needing a partner to get by in life. It bought up factors that work places can be male dominant and unfortunately this still affects some woman in the workforce now. It had a good representation of diverse characters and that was definitely one of the points that really stood out for me.
Overall, it was a good book just not great for me unfortunately.
The characters were mainly predictable with very simple story lines. As soon as a new character was introduced it was easy to see how they would fit into the story.
Olivia Law is the female main character. She has been fired from her job for accidentally releasing a sexy video of herself. She feels her life is over, but the story focuses on her rebuilding her life and finding the silver lining. I found her a little bit annoying as all she talks about is sex and I get that's the point of this story but girl, there is more to life. I also found it weird how she was married to her husband for 10 years to realise they have no connection.
Dave is her ex-husband and honestly, he probably wasn't as bad as the book made him out to be. Who wouldn't want a normal, well-connected relationship? There were reasons he didn't want to make his marriage work and I could understand where he was coming from.
Leo was predictable and it was obvious from the moment he was introduced that he would be a new love interest for Olivia. I just absolutely hate the fact that he called Olivia 'kid' at every chance he got. I understand the term but mate, she's an over 45 year old woman!
I can see the book was drawing on important factors. Liking being able to make it on your own, not needing a partner to get by in life. It bought up factors that work places can be male dominant and unfortunately this still affects some woman in the workforce now. It had a good representation of diverse characters and that was definitely one of the points that really stood out for me.
Overall, it was a good book just not great for me unfortunately.
June 28, 2018
Olivia is the star of the morning news show, she is over 40 and one day comes home to find that her hubby Dave has moved all of his things from the house and she cannot contact him. In an act of drunken desperation she sends a sexy video to him, describing a fantasy she has, in an attempt to resurrect their relationship. However somehow the video goes viral. The studio sacks her and threatens to sue her for breach of contract.
Cue the shenanigans.
She heads to Byron Bay to spend time with her bestie. Women send her emails detailing their own fantasies. She eventually films her "reporting" one of the fantasies. One of the young women at the news station files for sexual harassment and the ball rolls on.
This is a story about the double standard of women v men of a certain age. It encourages women to stand and be yourself and not be what is expected by the double standards of society.
The story though covering valid topics is filled with wit and great characters. It has left me feeling empowered and ready to be me.
Cue the shenanigans.
She heads to Byron Bay to spend time with her bestie. Women send her emails detailing their own fantasies. She eventually films her "reporting" one of the fantasies. One of the young women at the news station files for sexual harassment and the ball rolls on.
This is a story about the double standard of women v men of a certain age. It encourages women to stand and be yourself and not be what is expected by the double standards of society.
The story though covering valid topics is filled with wit and great characters. It has left me feeling empowered and ready to be me.
January 10, 2023
I have really enjoyed the first two books written by JD Barrett but I can't say I enjoyed this one anywhere near as much. I enjoyed the premise of the story, A girl makes a mistake and loses, job, husband, credibility then finds herself, learns to love herself and ends up very happy in her new world!
But this one, although the story revolved around sexuality, I didn't enjoy the full on, in your face sexual content of this book. I also found it a bit unreal in places and a bit predictable. I am certainly glad it wasn't too long of a book otherwise I may not have finished it.
I would give it an overall 2 1/2 stars but hope to see a better book by this author in the future.
The Upside of Over
J.D. Barrett
But this one, although the story revolved around sexuality, I didn't enjoy the full on, in your face sexual content of this book. I also found it a bit unreal in places and a bit predictable. I am certainly glad it wasn't too long of a book otherwise I may not have finished it.
I would give it an overall 2 1/2 stars but hope to see a better book by this author in the future.
The Upside of Over
J.D. Barrett
July 8, 2018
I was not sure what to expect before choosing to read this book except it had pretty good reviews wherever I looked. I was surprisingly disappointed with this book though.
A 45 year old news reader is axed from her job after a love message to her separated husband goes viral, leaving her to pick up the pieces of her life after she loses everything when her husband requests a divorce, the final blow for Olivia. Her story moving forward is admirable overall however I found the storyline quite disjointed and boring at times despite it being an easy read and lighthearted story.
A solid 3 stars for me.
A 45 year old news reader is axed from her job after a love message to her separated husband goes viral, leaving her to pick up the pieces of her life after she loses everything when her husband requests a divorce, the final blow for Olivia. Her story moving forward is admirable overall however I found the storyline quite disjointed and boring at times despite it being an easy read and lighthearted story.
A solid 3 stars for me.
July 29, 2018
When TV newsreader Olivia makes a drunken mistake her whole life implodes. She loses her marriage, her career and her self-esteem. How did it all go so horribly wrong? And what can she do now?
Luckily, a couple of friends are still there for her as she picks up the pieces. Through her own efforts and with their help she learns that the network was eager to get rid of her due to her age(45) and this was the perfect excuse.
Olivia discovers that there is an upside to over, being your own person and authentically yourself. Funny, sexy and wise, but not necessarily for the prudish.
Disclaimer I won a copy in a contest but was under no obligation to review the book.
Luckily, a couple of friends are still there for her as she picks up the pieces. Through her own efforts and with their help she learns that the network was eager to get rid of her due to her age(45) and this was the perfect excuse.
Olivia discovers that there is an upside to over, being your own person and authentically yourself. Funny, sexy and wise, but not necessarily for the prudish.
Disclaimer I won a copy in a contest but was under no obligation to review the book.
August 7, 2018
A sassy, smart and fun read by J.D. Barrett "The Upside of Over" is a piece of escapism from our busy days.
It is about working through and seeing the upside of over (when your life is falling apart) of changing and reinventing yourself. Olivia is a 45 year old woman who appears to have it all, she is a popular television identity, married to David with a step son Finn but when her husband up and leaves she leave a video, a love letter to her husband which somehow is leaked and goes viral. Olivia goes from reading the news to being the news. She loses everything and to her it is all over.
Strangely I had not read J.D.Barrett before but when I saw the television shows she has written for as a television writer and script editor, I knew I would likely enjoy it as I loved watching "Love my Way, Bed of Roses, Wonderland, Love Child and The Secret Daughter on the tv.
Set in Sydney and Byron Bay it tackles current issues like gender pay issues, sexual harassment, women empowerment and being comfortable in our own skin.
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Hachette Publishing for the chance to read and then review this sassy tale.
It is about working through and seeing the upside of over (when your life is falling apart) of changing and reinventing yourself. Olivia is a 45 year old woman who appears to have it all, she is a popular television identity, married to David with a step son Finn but when her husband up and leaves she leave a video, a love letter to her husband which somehow is leaked and goes viral. Olivia goes from reading the news to being the news. She loses everything and to her it is all over.
Strangely I had not read J.D.Barrett before but when I saw the television shows she has written for as a television writer and script editor, I knew I would likely enjoy it as I loved watching "Love my Way, Bed of Roses, Wonderland, Love Child and The Secret Daughter on the tv.
Set in Sydney and Byron Bay it tackles current issues like gender pay issues, sexual harassment, women empowerment and being comfortable in our own skin.
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Hachette Publishing for the chance to read and then review this sassy tale.
October 17, 2018
Not often I read a book in a single sitting these days, but this one drew me in. Smart and funny and vulnerable and sex positive and sexy, a little bit of a fairy tale, but a very uplifting one, and one just right for the moment we as a culture find ourselves in. Very enjoyable indeed.
May 12, 2022
I picked this audio up purely because I needed something to fill a gap between what I'd finished and what was on hold. I never imagined I'd find it absolutely hilarious and find myself laughing out loud multiple times in public.
July 21, 2018
Loved it. Really enjoy JD’s writing.
Read
June 21, 2020DNF
I struggled with this one and I just couldn’t finish it ..
I struggled with this one and I just couldn’t finish it ..
July 20, 2022
2.5 *
November 12, 2022
Totally loved it. Laughed and cried.
January 25, 2023
A hilarious, optimistic, if slightly unrealistic, read.
June 28, 2018
'What happens when one of the country's most popular identities goes from reading the news to being the news?
Olivia Law had always been the good girl. Great grades, perfect career, husband, house and hairdo. She'd learnt image was everything so she refused to look below the surface of her life. When not at work, her minutes were filled with causes, chairing boards and dining at fabulous restaurants with her equally fabulous husband, David. She kept up the Botox, blow-dries and worked hard. It wasn't enough, but whenever doubt crept in she'd head to a Pilates class or plan a renovation on her trophy house.
Then she turned 45.
Olivia wasn't prepared for David to leave. The fact that they hadn't had sex for two years should have triggered warning bells ... it didn't.
In an attempt to fix her broken marriage Olivia exposes herself like never before. But when her confession goes viral, the husband, house and job disappear. The woman who once offered glamorous reassurance and a steady gaze is labelled a princess of perversion. Humiliated, defeated, facing fifty shades of failure, she's left wondering who the hell she really is? Stripped bare, she abandons perfection ... and something remarkable happens.
Olivia Law just might get her sass back (and this time, it's the real thing).'
I have mixed feelings about this book.
After reading J.D. Barrett's first two books; The Secret Recipe For Second Chances and The Song Of Us, I was so excited to get my hands on this book. I think my expectations may have been too high and this book didn't live up to them.
The story was interesting and really current. As usual it was set in Australia, NSW in particular. I loved the fact that I knew and had been to most of the areas that this book took place in. It really helped me get into the feel of the characters and why they had chosen to go to or live in these areas.
The characters in this book were interesting. There was a really diverse and wide array of characters which helped to give weight and life to the story. I loved seeing the various character interact with each other and how they handled their own challenges.
My mixed feelings really just come from the feel of this book. The Heart and Soul of it. The writing was great, the characters were great and the story was great but I just didn't feel it. It was an interesting and quick read but I couldn't find any hear in it. I was expecting to love this book' to laugh, to cry and to get angry when it finished and that just didn't happen.
I don't know if my expectations were too high or if the subject matter of the book just didn't connect with me. I can see this book being a great success and much-loved by many. Unfortunately for me, whilst I liked and enjoyed it, I just didn't Love it.
The Upside Of Over by J.D. Barrett is a quick and enjoyable book that is a must read in the current climate.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
Olivia Law had always been the good girl. Great grades, perfect career, husband, house and hairdo. She'd learnt image was everything so she refused to look below the surface of her life. When not at work, her minutes were filled with causes, chairing boards and dining at fabulous restaurants with her equally fabulous husband, David. She kept up the Botox, blow-dries and worked hard. It wasn't enough, but whenever doubt crept in she'd head to a Pilates class or plan a renovation on her trophy house.
Then she turned 45.
Olivia wasn't prepared for David to leave. The fact that they hadn't had sex for two years should have triggered warning bells ... it didn't.
In an attempt to fix her broken marriage Olivia exposes herself like never before. But when her confession goes viral, the husband, house and job disappear. The woman who once offered glamorous reassurance and a steady gaze is labelled a princess of perversion. Humiliated, defeated, facing fifty shades of failure, she's left wondering who the hell she really is? Stripped bare, she abandons perfection ... and something remarkable happens.
Olivia Law just might get her sass back (and this time, it's the real thing).'
I have mixed feelings about this book.
After reading J.D. Barrett's first two books; The Secret Recipe For Second Chances and The Song Of Us, I was so excited to get my hands on this book. I think my expectations may have been too high and this book didn't live up to them.
The story was interesting and really current. As usual it was set in Australia, NSW in particular. I loved the fact that I knew and had been to most of the areas that this book took place in. It really helped me get into the feel of the characters and why they had chosen to go to or live in these areas.
The characters in this book were interesting. There was a really diverse and wide array of characters which helped to give weight and life to the story. I loved seeing the various character interact with each other and how they handled their own challenges.
My mixed feelings really just come from the feel of this book. The Heart and Soul of it. The writing was great, the characters were great and the story was great but I just didn't feel it. It was an interesting and quick read but I couldn't find any hear in it. I was expecting to love this book' to laugh, to cry and to get angry when it finished and that just didn't happen.
I don't know if my expectations were too high or if the subject matter of the book just didn't connect with me. I can see this book being a great success and much-loved by many. Unfortunately for me, whilst I liked and enjoyed it, I just didn't Love it.
The Upside Of Over by J.D. Barrett is a quick and enjoyable book that is a must read in the current climate.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
June 28, 2018
My View:
J D Barrett launches an attack on misogyny, the media and ageism (45 is now over the hill – did you know?), in her new novel The Upside of Over. J.D takes no prisoners; she immediately projects the reader into a steamy fantasy/sex scene in the introductory chapters – initially shocking, certainly thought provoking, J.D. delivers misogyny straight to the table with the question “if this had a been male newsreader – how different would the response be.” More than a year before the Harvey Weinstein scandal J.D. already had her own version of this fictional offering written.
At times confronting and thought provoking, this novel also has a keen sense of fun, I love the observations/comments/sarcasm from the minor characters – Finn, Daisy and Karen. This book easily translates to television I think.
I look forward to hearing J.D. talk about her inspiration behind the book in my next post. Stay tuned.
J D Barrett launches an attack on misogyny, the media and ageism (45 is now over the hill – did you know?), in her new novel The Upside of Over. J.D takes no prisoners; she immediately projects the reader into a steamy fantasy/sex scene in the introductory chapters – initially shocking, certainly thought provoking, J.D. delivers misogyny straight to the table with the question “if this had a been male newsreader – how different would the response be.” More than a year before the Harvey Weinstein scandal J.D. already had her own version of this fictional offering written.
At times confronting and thought provoking, this novel also has a keen sense of fun, I love the observations/comments/sarcasm from the minor characters – Finn, Daisy and Karen. This book easily translates to television I think.
I look forward to hearing J.D. talk about her inspiration behind the book in my next post. Stay tuned.
July 17, 2018
Light with some deeper themes- really liked the over 40 woman protagonist tackling sexuality and sexism. Some interesting characters. Loved the Grand Designs fantasy, and the Byron Bay setting. A little hit/miss at times.
January 12, 2025
i love women
Read
June 25, 2018Olivia was insufferable and that opening scene did not translate well to a novel. This was a DNF for me.
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