
I was very happy to hear that one of my favourite Authors has published a new book. I have read all Caroline James’ previous books in the Coffee, Tea range. I have been eagerly awaiting the next instalment with Jo and Hattie in Boomerville which is due to be published in spring 2017. So, when I heard that Jungle Rocks, a fantastic novella was out, it immediately went to the top of my ‘must read’ list.
This is a stand alone novella, but it has many of the same characters from the previous books. I have included links to all my reviews of Caroline’s previous books.
Coffee, Tea, The Gypsy and Me – MY REVIEW!
Coffee, Tea, The Caribbean and Me – MY REVIEW!
So, You Think You’re a Celebrity…..Chef – MY REVIEW!
But now for the star review in question today, we have romantic comedy novella
by Caroline James Jungle Rocks.
Description:
Handsome young chef Zach Docherty is feeling the heat. Following an exposé in a national newspaper, his fiancée Poppy Dunlop has broken their engagement. Heartbroken at the thought of life without Poppy, Zach drowns his sorrows and, when his agent suggests that Zach becomes a contestant in a reality TV show, Jungle Survival, he reluctantly agrees. Plunged deep in the jungle, into a bizarre mix of talent and trials, Zach meets glamour model Cleo Petra, and the cameras go crazy.
Will Zach survive and be crowned Jungle King? Or will his latest exploits push Poppy further away…
Published November 21st 2016 by Ramjam Publishing Company
My Thoughts:
Jungle Rock is a brilliant story with a varying range of characters. Zach has broken up with Fiancee Poppy, and about to enter Jungle Survival. Of course this makes us all think of ‘I’m A Celebrity’ in the Australian jungle, and whether or not you are a fan of this programme, it doesn’t matter. If you like easy flow reading with drama, excitement and great characters, I think you will love it.
We hear about the rest of Zach’s family based in the UK, which gives us more of a picture of the type of character that Zach is. Jo and Hattie feature in Caroline’s other books, so for me it was wonderful to catch up with them again. I think if you read this as a standalone book you too will want to hear more from Jo and Hattie. Hattie is such a lively, doesn’t give a hoot kind of character. She is certainly my favourite. I even have a picture in my mind of what she looks like. Now, that is a good Author for you, if she makes you picture the characters in your head!
The story doesn’t focus too much on the trials, but there’s just enough to get your imagination running and your stomach creaking!
“I’d eat an antelope’s anus, I’m so hungry”.
There is perfect descriptions of Australia, with great names – Mount Wumbah! I wonder if this is real or Author’s artistic licence. Also, the Christmassy feel of West Marland. This is a festive novella that doesn’t ram Christmas down your neck, but will make you laugh with its humour, drama and array of intriguing and engaging characters. I loved it.
Links:
Twitter/CarolineJames12
www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.com
Goodreads
irena_bookdustmagic
December 10, 2016 at 12:14 pm
Ohh, I rarely read book set in Australia. Not because I don’t want to, it’s just how it is, so it would be nice to read one, plus I have never ever read anything that’s happening during Christmas inAustralia, and I was always so curious about Christmas trees on the beach.
I am glad this is a standalone novell, it’s nice for change vc so many novellas these days are part of series and can not be read as a separate piece.
Great to hear you enjoyed it! Nice review! 😉
chocolatepages
December 10, 2016 at 1:29 pm
You don’t hear so much about Christmas in Australia, its more the family back in the UK that have the festive feel. But the Australian part was really good. Do you know what ‘I’m a Celebrity’ is? Its a reality programme on every year in the UK.
Thank you for your compliments.
irena_bookdustmagic
December 10, 2016 at 1:36 pm
I don’t know about that reality. Is it good? Do you watch it? Is it about real celebrities?
chocolatepages
December 10, 2016 at 2:12 pm
Its about z list celebrities that go into the ‘jungle’, and they have to do strange tasks to win food, like eat bugs or swim through water filled with eels and things to collect stars and then win food for their fellow celebs. Its very popular here, I’m not so keen on it as its quite repetitive. (Not like the book!). 😉
irena_bookdustmagic
December 10, 2016 at 5:58 pm
z celebrities, is that category of ex celebrities or like people who think they are celebrities. Like Aaron Carter or someone like that?
chocolatepages
December 10, 2016 at 6:07 pm
Yes exactly that. I didn’t know who Aaron Carter was, I googled him and you have it exactly right.
carolinejamesauthor
December 10, 2016 at 5:02 pm
Amanda – as ever, am indebted to you for your lovely review and thrilled that you enjoyed Jungle Rock. Happy reading and reviewing, Caroline xx
chocolatepages
December 10, 2016 at 6:05 pm
Thank you for writing these wonderful stories. I look forward to catching up with Hattie and Jo again next year. xx