Book Review: Jungle Rock, by Caroline James.

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

 

Author Caroline James:

Caroline’s debut novel, Coffee Tea The Gypsy & Me shot to #3 on Amazon and was E-book of the Week in The Sun newspaper. Her second novel, So, You Think You’re A Celebrity… Chef? has been described as wickedly funny: ‘AbFab meets MasterChef in a Soap…’ Coffee Tea The Caribbean & Me, an Amazon best-seller, was a Top Ten Finalist at The Write Stuff, London Book Fair 2015 and the judge’s comments included: Caroline is a natural story-teller with a gift for humour in her writing.” Her next novel, Boomerville will be published spring 2017.

Caroline has owned and run many catering related businesses and cookery is a passion alongside her writing, combining the two with her love of the hospitality industry and romantic fiction. As a media agent, Caroline represented many well-known celebrity chefs and her TV script, So, You Think You’re A Celebrity Chef? was runner up at the Winchester Writers Festival 2016.

She has published short stories and is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association. Caroline writes articles on food and celebrity based interviews and is Feature Editor for an online lifestyle magazine. She is a founder member of The Cheshirati and is available for inspiring and entertaining talks on anything related to the hospitality and publishing industry.