Book Review - I'll Be Home For Christmas by Abbey Clancy

Amazon UK

The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Title: I'll Be Home For Christmas

Author: Abbey Clancy

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Mills & Boon

Publication Date: 19th September 2019

Rating: 3 Stars

All she wants for Christmas…

Popstar Jessika Malone can’t believe her luck! Not only has she signed a major record deal and is topping the charts with her latest single, she’s just been offered the chance of a lifetime: a tour with gorgeous megastar Cooper Black…

It’s everything she’s ever dreamed of – except that it means travelling thousands of miles from her boyfriend, Daniel, just when he’s finally got down on one knee and popped the question!

Far from home and followed by the paparazzi, her relationship is tested more than Jessika ever imagined – will she make it home for Christmas before it’s too late?

I recall reading Abbey Clancy's first book around 3 years ago and really enjoying it, so when I spotted this one on Netgalley, and with Christmas in the title too, I knew I had to read it.   What I didn't realise, in part because I can't retain book details for 3 years when I read as many as I do in a year,  was that this is actually a sequel to Remember My Name, and in fact seems to be set not too long after the previous one finished. 

It was after the first 20% where odd bits sounded like something I'd read before where I finally re-checked the first books blurb and twigged, at which point I stopped feeling like I was going mad and was able to settle into the swing of the story.   That being said, still wondering why on earth Christmas is in the title, as it barely features at all.  This is not what I'd call a festive story at all which is ultimately disappointing given my love of them at this time of year. 

Once I got back into the swing of things I did enjoy the story,  although maybe its just because I'm a bit older now but at times Jessy really did get on my nerves.   

I enjoyed the writing style, there were moments that made me smile, the small amounts of sex were fabulous, but it was the storyline between JB and Neale that really made the book for me.  I loved both of these characters so so much, and seeing how great a friend Neale was to Jessy, and  omg that scene in the hot tub... that definitely was a standout! 

At times I was a bit unsure whether Jessy and Daniel would ever see a HEA or not, which at least kept me on my toes.  

Light hearted, entertaining novel and I suspect even though this didn't quite hit all the right spots for me I'd still be happy to read more from the author, just hope its not such a gap between releases! 

Thank you to Mills and Boon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily, 

Book Review - Remember My Name by Abbey Clancy

Amazon UK

Title:  Remember My Name

Author: Abbey Clancy

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: MIRA

Publication Date: 19th May 2016 

Rating: 5 Stars

Model and TV presenter Abbey Clancy’s debut novel is a romantic comedy about a girl from Liverpool who dreams of hitting the big time….

From the moment Liverpool teenager Jess stars in the school musical, she knows that she’s GOT to be a star. Fast forward a few years and the closest the now 22 year old Jessica has got to stardom is as a children’s entertainer – which is where she meets Jack, uncle to the spoiled 5 year old birthday princess, who spots Jessica’s talent and offers her a job with a record label. But that means that she’ll have to leave her family and her home and move to London – where she quickly finds that the streets aren’t quite paved with gold. And as she spends her days making tea for bitchy PR girls and her nights in a mouldy studio flat, Jessica wonders if leaving Liverpool for London has been a terrible mistake.

Attending an industry party – unfortunately only to serve canapes – Jessica’s fortunes suddenly change when Vogue, the singer due to perform at the event drops out. Before she knows it, Jessica volunteers to stand in and takes centre stage. After a dazzling performance, she is surrounded by people wondering who this amazing new talent is. What’s more, her star turn has been captured by the press and she has become an overnight sensation.

Plunged into the crazy world of glitz and glamour, Jessica’s life is transformed but as her star rises, she loses touch with her roots. Jessica’s teenage dreams of stardom may have come true, but at what cost?

Remember My Name deserves the five stars I'm giving it for no other reason that it successfully took my mind of various things that had been spinning around in my brain when I wasn't reading. It is the perfect mix of light hearted romantic comedy, a tale of unexpected celebrity, and just a lot of fun. 

I loved reading about the parties that Jess gets invited to, both as she is starting out, initially as a Disney princess, and that particular party where she was Elsa, will stick in my mind for a while, and then later after she has been discovered and moved to London, there are some other memorable parties. For example the one where she takes Vogue's place as the singer at a big launch party, and ends up launching her own fame sky high and turns into an overnight sensation. Then there are lots of other parties which are various degrees of fun. 

Of course its not all fun and games, Jess' personal journey as her profile rises, is a struggle, as she knows she shouldn't be letting it all go a bit to her head, and has great intentions, but can't quite find the energy to follow through. 

Due to Abby Clancy's career I really do believe a lot of what is written is based very closely on reality and that starting a fledgling singing career really is as exhausting as its portrayed. 

While it may not be the the most literary of books, it isn't trying to be either. If you are looking for a romantic comedy, set in the world of showbiz, with some sexy men, sassy women and some incredibly lovely characters, then Remember My Name is certainly worth a read. When you are in the mood for something light hearted, entertaining and all round fun, then you can do a lot worse than picking up this book and enjoying the ride. 

Thanks to Netgalley and MIRA for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.