Book Review: Watching Willow Watts by Talli Roland

Watching Willow Watts by Talli Roland

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Like Talli's other book, this was a refreshing, original read. I'll try to review this without giving away spoilers.

It's a story about Willow regaining her dreams, and taking her life back. The plot maybe a little far fetched - would thousands of people really believe Marilyn had chosen Willow? - but it works in fiction and make believe if you allow yourself to be carried away into Willow's world.

Compared to some romance that I've read, the hero is not featured heavily in the book (but this is what maybe makes it chicklit/women's fiction?). Personally, I do like more presence from the hero because for me romance is about the conflict, and the two of them working it out together. We see the hero more through flashbacks in Willow's thoughts. However, the concept of this story was just fun, making me want to carry on reading and find out what happens.

How will Willow get out of her contract with Jay?

Talli has a wonderful way of telling a story. It's sharp, witty, and different with a fast pace and style that makes you want to keep on reading. Oh and there is no sex (on the page), only behind closed doors - just so you know.



View all my reviews

And that was my 40th book! Will I find time before New Year to squeeze in another?

What with the icing of the Christmas cake, mince pie baking and other bits and pieces I need to do, I'm not sure. Watch this space.

Small World

Adam Levine fix anyone?

Does anyone else think the world is a small place? Or maybe it's just Weston ...

As you know my writing group was donated some books from Jean Saunders' family. When they came along to the group last month, I instantly recognised her husband, Geoff, as he comes into the shop regularly (where I work weekends).

I saw Geoff again last Friday, and commented on how I'd finished reading one of Jean's books (The Craft of Writing Romance) and enjoyed it. We got talking, as I do while bagging customers' shopping (because I can be a bit of a chatterbox), and found out he lives round the corner from me.

I've lived in this house nearly ten years. I've lived around the corner from a very successful writer for nearly ten years! We were practically neighbours! (Admittedly, I only started to take my writing more seriously, as in I wanted to write professionally, since 2009 - but hey).

I think I've been subscribing to Writing Magazine since 2009, and would read Jeans' columns. Probably a good job I didn't know she lived around the corner... for Jean's sake. 

Then, (it all happens at work) talking to another customer who comes in regular, I found out he comes from Thorpe (in Surrey) - he went to Thorpe School - that's where I went to school! He is twelve years older than me but he was saying how when he was there the swimming pool was being built. I learnt to swim in that swimming pool!

And then, later this week, chatting with my dear, newly acquainted friend, Talli Roland, who I sat next to at the RNA Conference and had a good natter with (because I'm a chatterbox), she tells me she worked at Magna Carta School in Egham. I went to Magna Carta School. Okay, so I left in 1990 and Talli worked there between 2004 and 2006 but even so - Mr Smith and Mr Wilson (two of my favourite teachers) were still there at that time.  

I'm just finding the world can be incredibly small at times, but in a good way. 

(And yes, and the picture of Adam Levine is to draw you all in, plus I needed my fix. Really should be writing, but at least I've done a blog post. That's writing related, right? Does anyone else find doing a blog post helps get you in the mood for writing? Or am I just procrastinating - again?)

If I Could Be Anyone, I'd Be ...

Sandra Bullock.

Because she's beautiful, funny, and a wonderful actress... and I'd be insisting on making more movies with Bradley Cooper. 

(And Rachel Brimble is Beyonce, who would have been my other choice, because she's a beautiful singer and dancer).

The reason for doing this?  Talli Roland's new book Watching Williow Watts is released today!

About Watching Willow Watts

For Willow Watts, life has settled into a predictably dull routine: days behind the counter at her father's antique shop and nights watching TV, as the pension-aged residents of Britain's Ugliest Village bed down for yet another early night. But everything changes when a YouTube video of Willow's epically embarrassing Marilyn Monroe impersonation gets millions of hits after a viewer spots Marilyn's ghostly image in a frame.

Instantly, Willow's town is overrun with fans flocking to see the 'new Marilyn'. Egged on by the villagers -- whose shops and businesses are cashing in -- Willow embraces her new identity, dying her hair platinum and ramming herself full of cakes to achieve Marilyn's legendary curves.

But when a former flame returns seeking the old Willow, Willow must decide: can she risk her stardom and her village's newfound fortune on love, or is being Marilyn her ticket to happiness?

I read The Hating Game and really enjoyed Talli's fresh voice. I look forward to reading this one too (just have a large pile to read, Talli, but promise to get to it soon).

Book Review: The Hating Game by Talli Roland

The Hating Game by Talli Roland

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a totally refreshing read! A different approach to romance, with the back drop of a reality TV show as the plot.

I really enjoyed this book. It had great pacing, sharp, witty writing and by the end I didn't want to put it down. The author has a great way with words. This story had me giggling, and cringing at the poor things Mattie had to endure.

Mattie is one tough cookie with a chip on her shoulder (if you ask me) but I still found myself empathising with her, realising her mum's brainwashing is the reason Mattie is the way she is.

My only tiny niggle would be I didn't get enough of Kyle. I would have liked more of him 'on stage' rather than Mattie reminiscing. But that could be because when he was on stage, I loved reading him. 


View all my reviews

Had to wait to post this review, as I didn't want it becoming my 100th blog post. It's 101 instead.