Here is my contribution to Australia Day 2014 and the Australia Day Book Giveaway Blog Hop being hosted Shelleyrae at Book’d Out. Please check out the other participants on the Book’d Out site.
Please comment if you would like to be considered for a giveaway – by an Australian author – Chick Lit, Memoir, Crime Fiction or Recipe Book.
My reveiw:
Monkey Business
Kathryn Ledson
Michael Joseph
The Penguin Group
ISBN: 9781921901164
Description:
Erica Jewell reckons being a part-time vigilante is stressful enough, without the added pressures of a demanding day job, annoying family and bossy cat. Now her mysterious lover has vanished on some clandestine mission, without leaving a forwarding address. Erica thinks that’s pretty typical of hired gun Jack Jones – he’d rather risk his life than his heart.
Then Erica discovers with a shock that Jack is M.I.A. on the jungle-infested island of Saint Sebastian. When no one seems willing to help find Jack or even acknowledge his existence, Erica knows she’s his only chance. But negotiating her way around lawless and sweltering Sebastian, where monkey business abounds, proves far more dangerous than she expected.
Fast-paced, funny and totally engaging, Monkey Business blends adventure and romance in an irresistible summer read.
My View:
A delicious snack of fun and laughter.
I really enjoyed this easy reading, fast paced piece of escapist writing; for several hours I laughed to myself and got lost and involved in the madcap world of Erica Jewell. This is perfect read for on the train, plane or beach or when you need cheering up – light, engaging, funny and all action completed with an authentic Australian voice.
There is something about this novel that is so engaging – maybe it is its Australianness – the characters and the narrative do not take themselves seriously, there is a glorious sense of fun and madness that the author does not try to justify – it just is what it is – fun, light, entertaining. The characters and settings are familiar and memorable – who doesn’t know of Tupperware parties, of standing in queues at night clubs, of exotic overseas holiday destinations (not), handsome heroes , demanding mothers, true good friends and mysteries galore – what isn’t there to love about this book? Ledson strikes the right balance of fun and adventure, danger and romance. A great entertaining read.
Reading, Writing and Riesling 
Oh, Carol, that really does sounds like a fun read. And the setting has me interested too. There’s just something about the madcap, ‘screwball’ sort of story that can be absolutely delightful. Thanks for sharing.
Margot – this was such a fun read, I flew through the pages. 🙂
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This looks like heaps of fun (you had me at bossy cat).
Happy Australia Day!
Hi Cate
It is a very bossy cat indeed – such fun!
Just had a peek at your blog – we are fellow produce growers! Last night made a batch of pasta sauce- with homegrown tomatoes, onions, capsicum. Husband picked a bowl full of carrots- to freeze, picked more tomatoes, more zucchini…will be making Kasundi during the week. YUM
Thanks, Carol! Sounds like your produce is well ahead of mine… our tomatoes are just beginning to ripen now…
We have had a week or two of hot weather – that has moved things along..
Crime fiction by an Aussie author would be my pick – thanks for the opportunity to win 🙂
Thanks for dropping by Brenda.
Sounds like a fun read. I’m sure I’d have to read it at home to stop everyone staring at me smiling to myself on the train.
🙂
I’ve been meaning to read this one. Great review!
Emily – I usually read crime fiction – so to read this was so different – so light, so easy, fun…imagine walking in a jungle in a cat suit???
Strangely, I cannot imagine that… perhaps I need this book to help me?
🙂
Sounds lots of fun! I’m always up for a book that has me anywhere from smiling to rolling around on the floor laughing!
Hi Sam
Thanks for dropping by. I think I need to read more books that make me smile. 🙂
I’m a fan of crime fiction – so I would probably go for that… but I have to say what brought me here was the word ‘riesling’… Writing, reading and wine go hand in hand with me!
At it is just about wine o’clock here. Cheers.
Love the cover and the title! Sounds like a funny-laugh-out-loud type of book, great choice!
Australian crime fiction is really starting to take off. Great review here!
Until you actually start to take note you don’t even think about where the words are written, I am surprised at just how much Australian crime fiction I read without even trying to source Australian authors. 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win. I would pick an Aussie cookbook, probably something by Merle from the CWA. THanks
I’m loving the sound of this book so far! 🙂 If I win can I have it?
Sure…
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I would love some new inspiration, so I would choose a Cookbook please.
Monkey Business sounds interesting, I love real honest “Aussie” books that haven’t been “Americanised”.
This book has a real authentic voice…and attitude…I can hear myself in some of the conversations….made me smile…There is one part – I won’t give too much away – where Erica has promised to bring her mum back an exotic present (from her trip), the self talk is soo funny. 🙂
Sounds fun; please enter me
Entered!
I most often read crime fiction but love a good belly laugh too so Monkey Business sounds great.
Wendy, I think you will be surprised with this one – I was 🙂
Oooh, this sounds perfect, thank you for the opportunity to win. I have recently (and regretfully) had a clean out of some of my books, and I’d love to fill up my bookshelf again!
A really great post, thanks. Thanks to Book’d Out for organising this blog hop to bring Aussie authors and readers together.
Shelleyrae is a gem isn’t she? And boy can she read and read and read….
Great giveaway Carol. Looks like fun
A change from my “normal” reads Jen – it was light and fun. How has your weekend been?
Had a great time hanging out with my stepbrother and family. What about you?
Been a hot weekend here. Read a bit, cooked a bit 🙂
Crime fiction or memoir, here. Thanks for the great giveaway.
It has been great to be involved in this blog hop.
I’ve got Kathryn’s first book on my TBR pile. I was sitting next to her at the ARRA book signing in August. She’s a lovely lady.
Happy Australia Day holiday!
Lucky you!
Hi Eleni
Would you like to add Monkey Business to your TBR pile? You are the winner of the blog hop, thanks for dropping in! Drop me an email with your details please readingwritingandriesling@gmail.com
Oh, thank you, Carol! That’s exciting. I’ll send you an email now. 🙂
always a time for just such a reading break!
thanks for participating in the HapPy AU Day hop !
i’d choose chick lit or memoir -ty for generosity 😉
It has been interesting doing the “hop” discovered so many good reading websites. 🙂
I’ve heard alot of great things about this book. And it’s cover its so eye-catching, I’d love to read it.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway.
Your welcome Jess, thanks for stopping by.
Sounds like a great, fun read. Another added to the TBR list.
Thanks for the chance to join your giveaway. I’m really enjoying this blog hop.
Thanks for dropping by Karen – there are some great sites on this tour aren’t there?
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