Book Review: This is What You’ll Get by Bobbie Collings

 “Let’s face it, even when it’s an accident, someone must take the blame.” – from This is What You’ll Get by Bobbie Collings.

I really enjoyed this book! It appears to be a cheerful romance novel, something not too heavy that will take you away from the stresses of daily life for a while. Featuring older characters (30-something), some with children, some without, and the protagonists being wealthy and carefree, there are elements of this story that I can relate to and some that I aspire to. I did identify with a few of the characters, although some of the younger ones did come across perhaps more self-aware than I think young people generally are. However, I speak from the experience of a woman who grew up before social media became the norm, so maybe I’m out of touch myself.
 
This book is definitely one for 21^st century attitudes but featuring older characters that I could relate to. It is a hefty tome at 533 pages, and it could benefit from another proofread and editing session to tighten it up and correct some grammatical errors, but I don’t think that detracts from the overall story. I was a little irritated that the female characters were described as “girls” throughout the novel, even though for the most part they were mature women. That might just be my attitude, however, or maybe it was intentional by the author, I don’t know.
 
There is a lot of sex in this book so be warned if that is not your thing. I enjoyed it, but there were a few scenes that left me feeling squeamish. I suppose it depends on what your kink is. The characters did seem overly mature and understanding with each other and I would have expected more animosity or conflict in some of the scenarios. That said, I also find it refreshing to read a book where people are not immediately judging each other for their lifestyle choices, and it is made clear throughout the story that all characters are consenting adults. There are no nasty games here, only adult fun.
 
The ending is not what I expected and does provide an interesting twist that will leave you pondering about social norms, morals and our attitudes towards love and relationships. I am open-minded myself and do not conform to traditional marriage norms, so I enjoyed reading this book for that reason. It is nice to know that there are people who can integrate a healthy sex life into their world without it being taboo or hidden. We all do it, we just don’t like to talk about it! Well, in this book, they do talk about it a lot and while it was a bit much sometimes, generally I enjoyed the subject and the way it was described.
 
Find Bobbie Collings on Instagram and order the book here: This is What You’ll Get.

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A Redcliffe Short Story: It’s Complicated

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“Sally, would you take bloods from Mr Kelner in bed 3 please?” asked Sister Bond, my supervisor,  “and then assist Doctor Wayne with the patient in bed 1.” she added in her clipped, efficient tone.   

 I nodded and hurried away to fulfill my tasks, several in an everlasting list at this busy city hospital in the English Riviera.  Well, that’s what people call Devon and Cornwall isn’t it?  No matter, I love this place, even if it is work.  I love my job, I love my home, and I love my friends.  Life is good.

But life isn’t perfect, not by a long shot.  I’m still single, despite my best attempts to seduce my boss.  And I don’t mean my boss at the hospital.  Nope, I have two jobs.  By day I’m a mild-mannered, efficient, NHS nurse at my local hospital.  But in my personal life, I am third in command to the Redcliffe werewolf pack.  Yes, that’s right, we do exist!  And that is where my life becomes complicated.  Not because I’m a werewolf, although that can be confusing at times.  Especially around the full moon when I have to work with sick and wounded patients, and their blood smells so good, and all I can see is food when I’m supposed to care for them. 

No, being a werewolf is easy.  I’m powerful and strong, which is why I am a deputy pack leader.  The complicated part is my alpha male, Danny Mason, and his lieutenant, Simon Bunce.  You see, I am in love with Danny, and so is Simon.  I am certain that Danny loves me too, but he won’t commit to a relationship because he cares deeply for Simon.  Danny isn’t gay, but he and Simon share a special relationship, and for that he makes exceptions.  And this is where the complications arise. 

Danny has only recently returned to Redcliffe after a long mission working undercover for the police in Scotland.  That is a whole different story.  While he was gone, Simon and I commanded the pack.  Simon took over as alpha male, and I was alpha female.  I still am in some ways, since Danny won’t choose a mate, but I still fall in line behind Simon because he is stronger than me, and Danny defers everything to him. 

“Nurse Frost, did you hear me?” asked Doctor Wayne, rousing me from my thoughts.  I shook my head, cleared my throat, and ducked my head in an embarrassed gesture. 

“Sorry, Doctor Wayne, what did you say?” I asked politely.  But it was too late. 

Doctor Marianne Wayne couldn’t stand dreamers, and she especially couldn’t stand me.  Here in the hospital she was a successful cardio surgeon, with a track record of success and a skill with new medical techniques.  At five feet and ten inches tall she dwarfed my petite frame.  I knew she was jealous of my naturally blond hair, but what really upset her was my superiority outside of work.  Doctor Wayne is a member of our pack, and she wants the job of alpha female.  But in wolf form, I overpower her in every way.  She could never challenge me because I would win, and she knows that.  So at work, in the hospital, she makes my life a living hell.