Funny Story of Husband Cheating With 18 Year Old

June 19, 2022 Post a Comment

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Jan 29, 2017 Paromjit rated it really liked it

I wanted to read this book after hearing an interview with the author on the radio. This is a fun, light and entertaining read about Paula who finds out that her actor husband, Robert has been having an affair with a fellow actress, Saskia, on a country soap opera. Instead of having it out with him, she hatches a plan to make him fall back in love with her and once he is ensnared she plans to leave him. At first, this is easier said than done. After a long marriage, Paula has let herself go and I wanted to read this book after hearing an interview with the author on the radio. This is a fun, light and entertaining read about Paula who finds out that her actor husband, Robert has been having an affair with a fellow actress, Saskia, on a country soap opera. Instead of having it out with him, she hatches a plan to make him fall back in love with her and once he is ensnared she plans to leave him. At first, this is easier said than done. After a long marriage, Paula has let herself go and is significantly overweight which is not helped by the fact that she works in a bakery and is tempted by all the goodies. She has lost confidence and it is not easy to get into taking regular exercise.

She and Robert have a daughter, and many years ago they had made a pact that Robert would further his career at the expense of Paula and further down the line, he would take greater responsibility in the family arena and Paula would pick up her career as an actress. Only somehow that never materialised. Paula slowly improves her body image as exercise pays off. There is much intrigue as she befriends Saskia secretly, who is married to Josh. She acquires a co-conspirator and the two of them plan and scheme. There are a few twists.

This is a well written escapist novel, that has charm and some great characters such as Paula's boss who cheerleads Paula's self improvements and her outlandish plans, even when they veer on the side of mean. I particularly liked the part where Saskia is referred to as Sadskia by the press. As with all the best laid plans, elements misfire and the story ends up in a different direction. There is plenty of comic touches, wit and humour to keep the reader engaged. Recommended for those times you need just pure entertainment. Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.

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It has been two weeks since I finished My Sweet Revenge, and I still don't know how to write my review without possibly offending some people.
Not reviewing it would easy and, in a way, right decision, but after a while I decided to do it anyway.
My opinions are my own, and I do apologise to everyone who might be offended by them.

My Sweet Revenge follows the story of Paula, who found out her husband was cheating on her for a while. Instead of confronting him, she decides to keep a secret that she

My Sweet Revenge follows the story of Paula, who found out her husband was cheating on her for a while. Instead of confronting him, she decides to keep a secret that she knows what he's doing, and to make him fall in love with her all over again. Once he'd realize he doesn't want to lose her, she'll leave him.

The reason why this story was on my most anticipated books in 2017 list is because I was so curious how Paula is going to make her husband fall in love again with her.
I also didn't know where the story is going to go, and I was eager to find out.

The one thing I should emphasise is the novel's unpredictability. No matter how hard I tried, I just could not imagine what was going to happened next, and I wanted to read as fast as I could to find out.

Paula was a character so much different from me, with many different opinions, making decisions I would never make.
Because of that, I wanted to follow her story, trying to understand her decisions with an open mind.
However, it was so hard for me to connect with her or like her in general.

Paula's husband was cheating on her, and it is a terrible thing to happen' to anyone.
She felt betrayed (as she should have), blaming her husband for everything, stating over and over how self centered he was, but not once did she ask herself what made him do it.
You see, Paula gained a lot of weight (which SHOULDN'T be a reason to be cheated on, but sometimes it is) while her husband was working out every single day, making sure he looks right.
She also can't remember when was the last time they slept together, and one time in the story when he wanted some action, she refused.
People have needs, and having sex is one of them. If a person does not get it from his/her spouse, it's natural that with time he/she will want to find someone else to get it from.
It's like being thirsty and not getting a glass of water from the one person you're sharing your life with.

So yeah, I don't justify cheating, but in this case, I understand why Robert did what he did.

Also one more thing I didn't like is how Paula (and one more character in the book) stated more then few times how young girls dating older men is gross.
I get why some women think that way, but young girls dated (or married) older men always, in the past and today, and it is not gross, it is natural. To each their own!

The book is written in first person, following Paula's and Robert's mistress POVs.
I really liked Part 2 because the story became more interesting from there.

There were some laugh out loud moments, some "OmG moments", and then, there were some dull moments.

The writing style is good. The book reads pretty easily.

I was happy with the end. It all concluded very well and I am glad how every character got an ending that was the best for him/her, even though not all of them were aware of that.

All in all, I am glad I read this book because it showed me perspectives different from my own.

Read this and more reviews on my blog: http://bookdustmagic.wordpress.com

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Sep 06, 2021 JanB rated it it was amazing

Recommended to JanB by: Jayne

I rate according to genre, and as a rom-com this one hit it out of the ballpark, as it was more comedy than romance! It's very difficult to write rom-com without it being silly or predictable, but Jane Fallon has done just that. I found myself laughing out loud more than once as I listened, and wishing I had the e-book so I could highlight the witty one-liners.

I loved this so much it sent me down a rabbit hole on the internet researching and stalking the author's IG to learn just who was this a

I loved this so much it sent me down a rabbit hole on the internet researching and stalking the author's IG to learn just who was this author I had never heard of. Turns out she had a career in TV as a producer in London and has written many books, which I'm now looking forward to. Oh, and she is the long-time partner of Ricky Gervais.

So, onto the book, which you MUST listen to! The narrator's comedic timing and, of course, her lovely British accent elevates this story.

Paula decides to enact a little revenge on her husband when she finds out he's been cheating. But not with anger or dastardly deeds, but by becoming a new, improved Paula who will entice her husband to fall in love with her all over again, so she can dump his sorry ass. It's said the best revenge is success, and Paula intends to make her revenge SWEET!

The humor kept me laughing throughout. My Goodreads friend Jayne said the style was similar to Sophie Kinsella, and I agree, but in my opinion she's even funnier than Sophie because I love snark. The running commentary in her head was hilarious and there were some unexpected twists that kept things interesting. I enjoyed this for being fresh and fun, and it lightened my mood every time I listened. Laughter is good for the soul.

Highly recommended for when you need to laugh. And who doesn't need more laughter in their life?

• Available on Hoopla, narrated by Jenny Funnell, and Antonia Beamish

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Oct 22, 2017 Malia rated it really liked it

This was a fun, sassy novel with a likable protagonist, who isn't as predictable as most women in chick-lit novels. I liked that she took matters into her own hands and I enjoyed the writing style of this author. It is really hard to find light, fun fiction that isn't silly or massively predictable, and Jane Fallon delivered. I will definitely keep an eye on this author!

Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com

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Aug 05, 2017 Amanda rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this book, it was fun and well written. The main character Paula has found out her husband is having an affair and wants to extract revenge on him big time. The twists and turns that follow made me laugh at times but ultimately I really wanted to kick her husband Robert up the backside. I look forward to reading more of Jane Fallon's books, it was a great story with excellent character descriptions.
I really enjoyed this book, it was fun and well written. The main character Paula has found out her husband is having an affair and wants to extract revenge on him big time. The twists and turns that follow made me laugh at times but ultimately I really wanted to kick her husband Robert up the backside. I look forward to reading more of Jane Fallon's books, it was a great story with excellent character descriptions.
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Feb 03, 2017 Bookread2day rated it it was amazing

My Sweet Revenge is an awesome read. I loved reading every page. A husband having an affair seems to want his cake and eat it. A cake is known as a sweet and the wife wants her sweet revenge. The thing is who her husband is having an affair with is also married. Someone could be labelled as a home wrecker. I don't want to say too much about the story as I can't possibly spoil your fun. Highly recommend!
My Sweet Revenge is an awesome read. I loved reading every page. A husband having an affair seems to want his cake and eat it. A cake is known as a sweet and the wife wants her sweet revenge. The thing is who her husband is having an affair with is also married. Someone could be labelled as a home wrecker. I don't want to say too much about the story as I can't possibly spoil your fun. Highly recommend! ...more

Nov 02, 2017 Zoe rated it it was ok

This has to be one of the most petulant and childish plotlines..

Pauline finds out her husband is having an affair with his very attractive (Read: Thin) colleague Saskia (Both are actors in a TV soap). Pauline, obese and miserable - finds out and decides NOT to confront her cheating spouse. Instead, she forms a plan to make her husband fall in love with her again and to break him and his mistress up without ever letting on she knows about said affair. The idea being that when husband, Robert rea

This has to be one of the most petulant and childish plotlines..

Pauline tried several things to break her husband and his mistress up - a main one being managing to team up with the producer of the soap opera (Also Saskia's husband) to incorporate severe weight gain into Saskia's scenes in the hope that she'll no longer be desirable. Yawn. Weight became a huge feature of this book - the idea being, the fatter you are, the less likely you are to be loved. And the author of this book STUCK BY that throughout. Not cool.

I found this entire thing so very petty - and not in an entertaining way. I felt like I was wasting my time on really 'Silly Literature'. Don't get me wrong, I think Jane Fallon has definite potential and I WILL be reading more from her because I think she's quite good at telling a story. I just didn't like the content of this. Not at all.

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Feb 23, 2017 Emily Field rated it really liked it

A really fun, easy "chick-lit" book which I would have enjoyed so much more if I hadn't already read Jane Fallon's previous book, Strictly Between Us. The story lines are COMPLETELY identical. Even the "big twist" (the classic "double bluff") in the middle of the story was revealed in identikit fashion. So while a lovely and accessible fiction, unless you have a preference for reading the same book over and over again, I would only recommend one of these two books. Either one. They are one and t A really fun, easy "chick-lit" book which I would have enjoyed so much more if I hadn't already read Jane Fallon's previous book, Strictly Between Us. The story lines are COMPLETELY identical. Even the "big twist" (the classic "double bluff") in the middle of the story was revealed in identikit fashion. So while a lovely and accessible fiction, unless you have a preference for reading the same book over and over again, I would only recommend one of these two books. Either one. They are one and the same and entirely interchangeable. ...more

"Revenge is a dish best served cold."

Witty, snarky, sassy, and well-plotted, this cleverly written rom-com is a fun read that boasts many unpredictable twists.

The protagonist Paula is an overweight woman who discovers that her husband is cheating on her. Paula quickly becomes determined to retaliate by breaking her husband's heart, just like he broke hers, AND to lose the extra 50 pounds she gained during her 18-year marriage.

I found the author's style/tone to be very similar to Sophie Kinsell

"Revenge is a dish best served cold."

Witty, snarky, sassy, and well-plotted, this cleverly written rom-com is a fun read that boasts many unpredictable twists.

I found the author's style/tone to be very similar to Sophie Kinsella's, with no shortage of LOL moments.

It is rare to find an author who writes "fun" fiction that isn't silly, frivolous, and/or predictable, and Kudos to Jane Fallon for delivering.

I listened to the audiobook and always love it when a book has multiple narrators. However, even though both of the book's narrators did an outstanding job, both narrators had very similar voices so, at times, it was difficult to identify who was speaking.

"My Sweet Revenge" is not a new book. It was written in 2017, yet somehow escaped my radar. This was my first Jane Fallon book and I look forward to listening to this talented author's future titles.

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I started off really enjoying My Sweet Revenge, but the longer everything was drawn out for the more my interest started to wain. I am not sure that I could do what Paula does in this book, which is find out my husband has been cheating on me, and not let on to him at all, for months until she is ready to try and enact her revenge.

There was a lot of porky pies being told by Paula, but also by Robert, Saskia and Joshua, the focal characters of this book. In some ways I do admire Paula, as her ini

There was a lot of porky pies being told by Paula, but also by Robert, Saskia and Joshua, the focal characters of this book. In some ways I do admire Paula, as her initial plan for revenge seemed solid, by making her husband fall back in love with her, before admitting she knows the truth and kicking him off.

However as the story progresses she realises that won't be enough, and that she really needs to try make sure he and his piece on the side have broken up, so that he can't have either of them. It is from those thoughts that she attempts to befriend Saskia, the other woman.

What I have neglected to mention is that Robert and Saskia work together on a drama series, as does Saskia's husband, and they are both trained actors. So when Saskia and Paula start meeting up, it is hard to know what information to trust.

My personal thoughts about the characters personalities aside, this is a likeable book, with a story that will certainly appeal to others. I enjoyed Jane Fallon's writing style, and there were moments where I was loving the book. I really enjoyed the few times Alice was mentioned, she is Robert's sister, and is self obsessed and reckons she is an actress too. I also really felt for Georgia, their daughter, at some points, especially since this was all happening during exam time.

Towards the end I think I was more confused and befuddled than anything else, as I couldn't work out who was supposed to know what, and I had lost track of what the truth for any character really was, which is unfortunate as I don't like feeling confused in the run up to the end of a book.

If you like books with complex revenge plots against a spouse, and involve manipulation of people's emotions then My Sweet Revenge will be your sort of story.

Thank you to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for this copy of the book that I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

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I have been a fan of Jane Fallon for a while now, since Getting Rid of Matthew, but I have to say that fan or no fan you are going to love this book. I actually think her writing just gets better with each new book that she releases! Once I picked this up for a few minutes peace and quiet with a cuppa, the minutes (and then the hours!) just flew past in a happy, blissful haze!

What I love about Jane's books is that she takes horrendous personal situations and makes her characters deal with them i

What I love about Jane's books is that she takes horrendous personal situations and makes her characters deal with them in a way that we would all love to but are too scared to try! Yes, Paula goes over the top in her quest to make her husband fall back in love with her so she can dump HIM but she's living out the fantasy for many women! We all know that revenge is a dish best served cold but here it's also served with a HUGE helping of calories too. And it was a joy to watch Paula lose not only pounds but the weight of the expectations on her from those around her. I was cheering her on every tough and sweaty step of the way! Here is a heroine I would have been quite happy to follow for much longer than the book went on for.

I would definitely recommend picking this book up to compliment your coffee and cake. Just be careful though as, if that quiet moment is in Costa, you're likely to have a few laugh out loud moments which may result in cake/coffee splutterings. Not cool!

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Sep 23, 2019 Susan rated it liked it

I think this is worth more like 3.5 stars really. This book was good. I liked the plot twists and the turns it took but Faking Friends by Jane Fallon was by far a better book. I did enjoy this one though.

(view spoiler)[
Paula found out her husband is cheating on her and rather then throw a fit and throw him out she decides to get back at him. She is going to lose weight and get him to re fall in love with her so she can tell him where to go. Sastia is the other woman and she is this high maintenance actress that works with Paula's husband Robert on the set of a TV show. Paula lets Sastia's husband know and together they plot out the perfect revenge for their 2 cheating spouses but somewhere along the way they started to have feelings for one another(although they never acted on those feelings. They did share a kiss) There was a plot twist in the middle that was good but I was so glad to find out it was still Sastia all along( In case anyone plans on reading this I don't want to spoil to badly)

Robert and Sastia get outed in the end but not the way Paula and Josh had planned. I did end up liking the story. It just wasn't as good as the other book of hers I read. I will continue to read more from this author.I think she spins a good story. (hide spoiler)]

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Jan 15, 2017 Kim rated it it was amazing

When Paula suspects her husband of having an affair with his costar- she plans to get revenge by making him fall back in love with her and wrecking any chance of his new love staying together.

She gave up the chance to have her own acting career to look after their daughter and the timing was never right for her to try and succeed as an actor. She is currently working part time in a cafe and feels as though she has let herself go a bit.

When she starts her campaign to win her husband back- she loo

When Paula suspects her husband of having an affair with his costar- she plans to get revenge by making him fall back in love with her and wrecking any chance of his new love staying together.

When she starts her campaign to win her husband back- she looks at keeping fit, with some very funny scenes.

She also attends some of the celebrity parties she has been avoiding and makes friends with her husband's girlfriend.

I loved the plotting, her friendships and the way she improves her own life in the process of trying to wreck his. It was a real page turner and I loved every page.

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Jan 01, 2017 Agi rated it it was amazing

Oh guys, "My Sweet Revenge" was one of my most anticipated releases in January... heck, this year! Since reading Jane Fallon's "Strictly Between Us" I've just fallen in love with this author, her writing and her sharp - observed, funny stories. This book is really a brilliant, sharp read, that keeps you asking what would you do in Paula's situation. I personally don't think I'd be able to plot such a plan and this is probably why I enjoyed this book so much. It was something new, something fresh
Oh guys, "My Sweet Revenge" was one of my most anticipated releases in January... heck, this year! Since reading Jane Fallon's "Strictly Between Us" I've just fallen in love with this author, her writing and her sharp - observed, funny stories. This book is really a brilliant, sharp read, that keeps you asking what would you do in Paula's situation. I personally don't think I'd be able to plot such a plan and this is probably why I enjoyed this book so much. It was something new, something fresh and different.

So yes, OK, we could discuss the main character's motivations and blaming her for wanting to lose weight to win back her husband back, or to blame her for wanting to lose weight at all, as she should be happy exactly as she was, bla, bla, bla, but I'm not going to blame Paula at all. Probably it's not politically correct to try to lose weight, succeed and feel better in the new body nowadays but I found myself cheering Paula on, clapping and being glad that she succeeded and to be honest, she was like inspiration for me. If she could do it, then I can do this as well! Her resolve was inspiring and genuine, her attempts to lose weight, especially at the beginning, not only comical but also so realistic, and her desperation and doubts soon turned out into a full commitment, and I totally admired it in her. I think some may say that Paula deserved what happened to her, with totally forgetting about herself and turning into an unhappy woman who needed to search the net to find something to speak to with her husband, but I am not the one who thinks so - I think that it is normal that people, even those who love each other incredibly and crazy, and it was not Paula and Robert's case - would eventually drift a little apart and live in their own worlds - but not taking it to such extremes as Paula and Robert, of course. Robert, on the other hand, oh boy, Robert, he was such a self - centred and narcissistic bore but it made me hollow laugh to see how happy he was with himself when, in fact, he was a ageing "star" of a soap - opera.
I absolutely appreciated the fact that Paula was honest with us, she didn't beat around the bush and I immediately felt at ease with her. Her narrative and the way she perceived the events made me grin, shake my head and roll my eyes at Robert's antics and lies. She tells us her and Robert's history and it is quickly clear how much she has sacrificed for her husband, and why did she change so much and is not the glamorous woman on his side as would probably be expected - instead she's working at the bakery. But this is the next thing that I loved in Paula - the whole glamour, the flashes, red carpets or the skinny minnies that were working with Robert didn't intimidate her, she was happy with her life and didn't need the false praises to feel better. No, she was realistic and down to earth. Intelligent and perceptive.

All the characters I loved or slowly started loving to hate. They were brilliantly drawn, they were entertaining and they all felt so realistic. Their interactions were funny and sharp and Jane Fallon has this wonderful talent to show their true faces while they themselves are trying to hide them. Even the background characters, such like Paula and Robert's daughter Georgia, or Robert's sister Alice, the self - obsessed one who reckoned she's an actress, even though she was anything but, brought so much life and were like a breath of fresh air. And how well the author portrayed Saskia! She was shallow, self - obsessed, focused on her looks only, hilariously serious about herself but also with some surprises up her sleeve which made her unpredictable and so much more interesting! Or let's take Josh, who, as the show producer, eventually took matters in his hands - the idea of re - writing the script and making Saskia and Robert screen characters unlikeable was brilliant!

I absolutely loved how the story, that already was quick - paced, has suddenly gained even more speed with the unexpected part 2! It was such a surprise for me to turn the page and see that it has a new narrator, and it added not only tons of new details but also complicated the story and we got twice as much mean manipulations, which was brilliant! By mean manipulations I don't mean anything life - endangering although Jane Fallon touches lightly upon the moral and ethics limits but in my opinion she also comes out on top. There was nothing so controversial that made me gasp, she only makes the characters' lives complicated but nothing very bad is happening and I wouldn't say that it turned into nastiness nor anything similar.

I was really hooked from the first page and didn't want this book to end. "My Sweet Revenge" is a bittersweet story with strong and solid characters, with laugh out loud moments and many twists and turns, and you really can't be sure what to expect and - and it was the best! - who to trust and which information is true, the author has really messed with her readers! Revenge is for a sure a dish best served cold - but this book is not only about revenge. It is about finding happiness, finding yourself, about changing and not being afraid to live life like you want it, about gaining self - confidence, and I thoroughly enjoyed this addictive, witty novel - it had all what I'm looking for in a great book. It was clever, witty and there were the so much appreciated by me last minute revelations. Highly, highly recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

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Very interesting!! Paula is such a powerful woman!!

Apr 13, 2022 Andrea rated it really liked it

4.5 Shiny Stars!
If all of Jane Fallon's books are as witty as this one, I will be so very pleased. Phenomenal audiobook narration, too. I'm off to discover her backlist!

4.5 stars

I've been hearing great things about Jane Fallon's books for years so when My Sweet Revenge dropped through my letterbox for review I was so excited to give it a go. I'm an absolute sucker for stories about revenge and this book, true to its title, is one of the sweetest, most satisfying revenge stories that I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

When Paula finds out that her husband is having an affair she has two options:

1.) Confront him, get a divorce, and watch him ride off into the

4.5 stars

When Paula finds out that her husband is having an affair she has two options:

1.) Confront him, get a divorce, and watch him ride off into the sunset with his mistress

2.) Make her husband fall back in love with her before telling him to sling his hook for good

Paula has already sacrificed so much for Robert and their marriage, hurt and angry she decides that she's going to show Robert exactly what he's missing so that when she leaves she'll hurt him like he's hurt her. It's time to give her darling husband a taste of his own medicine. After all, revenge is a dish best served cold.

My Sweet Revenge is the most entertaining book that I've read in a while. Paula is such an easy character to love and you root for her from start to finish. This book has so many twists and turns that it could give a thriller a run for its money! It's an incredibly moreish read that I found myself returning to at any spare moment because I just had to know what would happen next.

The only thing that stopped this book from getting a 5 star rating from me was the fact that Paula lost weight to make Robert fall in love with her again. It's a trope that I'm tired of seeing and made this book slightly less enjoyable for me personally. I'd much rather Paula have got her revenge staying exactly as she was, because even at her heaviest she deserved better than Robert.

That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed My Sweet Revenge, so much so that I immediately went out and bought Jane Fallon's Strictly Between Us after finishing this one.

My Sweet Revenge is smart and sassy women's fiction at its best. Jane Fallon has a new fan in me!

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Dnf 27% finding I do not care

Jan 18, 2017 Joanna Park rated it it was amazing

Paula and Robert have been married for 20 years since meeting as Drama students. Paula put her dreams of being an actress on hold to focus on being a mother while Robert has become one of the nations favourite actors in one of the countries best loved soaps. When Paula discovers Robert is having an affair she decides not to confront him but instead hatches a plan to make him fall back in love with her so when she ends it with him, he will notice and it will hurt. However things don't go accordin Paula and Robert have been married for 20 years since meeting as Drama students. Paula put her dreams of being an actress on hold to focus on being a mother while Robert has become one of the nations favourite actors in one of the countries best loved soaps. When Paula discovers Robert is having an affair she decides not to confront him but instead hatches a plan to make him fall back in love with her so when she ends it with him, he will notice and it will hurt. However things don't go according to plan...

Smart, sassy, honest and maybe a little bit bitchy? My sweet Revenge is a great and very entertaining story. It was fast paced and full of twists that kept me reading as I wanted to find out what would happen next. Just as I started to think I knew where the story was going and started to relax into it, something would happen that sent the story into a completely different direction.

I loved Paula! I thought she was such a realistic character and one I think that a lot of people, particularly women would relate to. Her bid to lose weight was very poignant particularly at the beginning when she is worried about how other people will react to her running. This is something I'm sure a lot women fear, me included. I also loved how confident and sure of herself she becomes throughout the book. She truly ends up a different person then she was at the beginning of the book. Saskia was another realistic character that I quite liked despite myself- I think all of us have known a Saskia type person. Her narration was quite funny and I did end up feeling a bit sorry for her at the end.

The ending was brilliant! Aa sneaky twist at the end just made the story for me. A great way to end a fantastic book.

Huge thanks to Sarah Harwood, Michael St Joesph and the author for giving me a copy to review. I strongly urge everyone to read it!

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Jane Fallon is brilliant! I loved this and will be recommending to EVERYONE!

Paula and her husband Robert made a pact, when Paula became pregnant, that Robert would focus on his acting career while Paula would take charge of their home and then return to acting later, when Robert would resume the responsibilities of the family. But somehow this never happened. Now Georgia, their daughter, is almost eighteen, Robert has a well-paying job on the soap Farmer Giles, and Paula, now overweight, works in a bakery. And then Paula discovers that Robert is having an affair with hi Paula and her husband Robert made a pact, when Paula became pregnant, that Robert would focus on his acting career while Paula would take charge of their home and then return to acting later, when Robert would resume the responsibilities of the family. But somehow this never happened. Now Georgia, their daughter, is almost eighteen, Robert has a well-paying job on the soap Farmer Giles, and Paula, now overweight, works in a bakery. And then Paula discovers that Robert is having an affair with his co-star, Saskia. Paula considers simply confronting Robert, and letting him run off into the sunset with Saskia, but then she decides that Robert doesn't deserve such a happy ending. So she hatches a plan to make Robert fall back in love with her and split up from Saskia...and then she will throw him out.

My Sweet Revenge is the perfect escapist novel. It's engaging and witty, and had me hooked, and laughing out loud, from the start.

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Reviews can also be found on my blog Escapades of a Bookworm

My Sweet Revenge was a fun, clever and witty read. That proves that there is great fun to be had even when you are hell bent on revenge. I loved all the twists and turns in the story. I had no idea how everything would turn out. But I was rooting for Paula all the way, to show Robert what for. Mainly because I found Robert to be a bit of a prat so I quite enjoyed him getting his comeuppance. To be honest he deserved nothing less. And t

Reviews can also be found on my blog Escapades of a Bookworm

Paula was someone who I could really relate to. And I'm sure that there are others out there who could take some inspiration from Paula. By the end of the book she is a completely different person, and to use a cliche, she has been on a journey. She may have changed physically, but is it also her attitude and perseverance that really makes you want to wave your pom poms in the air.

The only downside to this book was the middle. I felt that in the middle the story was a bit flat. And while I pushed through and was rewarded by a brilliant ending. The middle was a struggle, as there were some big reveals and a change in tact and how the story was told. However I fell, hook, line and sinker for the ending. I thought that this book could not get any more twisted. But it did. And while I feel like a fool for taking the bait. This is what makes this book so so good. And proves that sometimes you have to keep pushing to get to something so satisfying.

My Sweet Revenge was a book that I was eager to read from the very moment I held it in my hands and I was not disappointed. It was everything that I wanted, this is one sweet book perfect to curl up with with a slice of cake and a cup of tea.

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Let your mean side out to play!

This is a bit like Mean Girls for grown-ups. Paula is determined to split up her husband and his soap-opera actress lover through losing weight and becoming his ideal woman (though she kind of forgets this for large intervals) while also planting lies and manipulating them both. In typical Fallon fashion, we then get a midway twist which complicates the story and re-doubles the mean manipulations.

I like Fallon when I need something frothy and mindless to read (thi

Let your mean side out to play!

I like Fallon when I need something frothy and mindless to read (this kept me sane on a train journey from hell) but I have to admit that I had my reservations about the way this tips over from meanness to downright nastiness in places.

I had a hard time sympathising with Paula, a gone-to-seed wife (over 15 stone, no interests, nothing to talk about with her husband so has to search the web for conversation) and found her transformation fairly unbelievable. That said, her husband Robert is a self-absorbed bore so it's difficult to believe that any woman would want to fight over him, and his actress lover is supposed to be shallow, narcissistic and dumb but actually comes over as the nicest of the lot at times.

So this is fluff and fantasy with unstable characterisation but is enjoyable as a switch-off, downtime read with some lively humour and an energetic feel about it. Good as a pick-up-put-down commute read.

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley

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Loved this book and it had me guessing till the end.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration was brilliant.
Recommended.

Sep 02, 2019 Razvan Banciu rated it really liked it

Only a woman could write about such a subject.
Only a woman could think of such a revenge.
Only a woman could be patient enough to follow her plans.

But every man in the world wouldn't get punished so hard, as his (once) beloved wife weights over 210 pounds...

Only a woman could write about such a subject.
Only a woman could think of such a revenge.
Only a woman could be patient enough to follow her plans.

But every man in the world wouldn't get punished so hard, as his (once) beloved wife weights over 210 pounds...

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All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

Your wife/husband has been cheating on you; how do you feel? Of course, you're going to be fuming, devastated and so on. Would you confront them about it? Or would you be badass and seek revenge?! Well, Paula has found out that her world is about the crumble (pretty much rivalling the amount of crumble on a good ol' apple crumble to be honest); but instead of getting in his face and turning the air around them rather co

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

The thing is, millions of people have been cheated on and continue to do so for reasons that are only known to themselves. Jane Fallon knows that, that is probably why she took one of the most relatable, soul-destroying and realistic situations and severely owned it.
Have you been cheated on? I have, multiple times. It was the most confidence shattering experience ever; an unforgettable experience if you will. Never mind self-help books, I needed a book like this!!! Writing novels, you have the ability to make people do things that you probably wouldn't do yourself, yet some other books that contain situations similar to this one, have the characters doing what us readers would do ourselves.
OF COURSE WE ARE GOING TO SNIVVEL IN SUPER OLD PJS AND HUMONGOUS SLIPPERS, HOLDING THE TUB OF BEN AND JERRYS.

Instead, Jane Fallon has created a badass, sassy and phenomenal main character who does the complete opposite. She seeks revenge! Paula is officially my heroine, she totally needs to be made into a super hero character! Sorry, going off subject. Anyway. The steps that Paula takes to turn her heartbreaking situation around are very bold, very daring, very 'oh my god you're doing what?!', yet unbelievably brilliant. A couple of times throughout the book, I did wonder whether Paula was acting slightly childish with the tit for tat and wanting to 'get him back' so to speak. However, that swiftly became a thing of the past the more that Robert annoyed me.

There is A LOT to take in with 'My Sweet Revenge' and you do need to keep extra focused in case you do miss out on any vital information, but oh my goodness it is SO worth it! The storyline to's and fro's, changes direction multiple times but it really is one that will keep you on the edge of your seat in anticipation.

Jane Fallon has exceeded my expectations with her latest novel, especially as her sharp humour is on point from start to finish. I thought Paula was a clever heroine but Jane Fallon has taken that role over!

My Sweet Revenge is a book that will have you crying, laughing, forming a group of solidarity with a woman who is only alive on paper, and realising that it IS okay to put your foot down and own a situation.
Absolute brilliant read; I definitely recommend this as your not-so-guilty secret. Girlpower!

Thank you Penguin, Netgalley & Jane Fallon.

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Feb 11, 2017 Jill rated it it was amazing

It is a long time since I have read a book by Jane Fallon, but it won't be a long time until I read the next. I devoured My Sweet Revenge, and struggled to put it down. Having gone through a similar experience where I found my long-term partner cheating on me this appealed to me, and I couldn't wait to see how her revenge would pan out.

I started off both feeling sorry for, and rooting for Paula. It is clear that she had been a loving and devoted wife who had put her dreams to one side to dedica

I started off both feeling sorry for, and rooting for Paula. It is clear that she had been a loving and devoted wife who had put her dreams to one side to dedicate herself to her family. Years and security have taken their toll and she isn't the woman she used to be as she has become complacent. However, when she discovers her husband is having an affair rather than roll over and let it break her, Paula decides she is going to make Robert see her through fresh eyes, lure him back, and then chuck him to show him how it feels.

Add into the mix that she knows the woman she suspects he is having an affair with, she puts a plan into action – and so let the shenanigans commence!

The book is divided into two parts, and if I am honest, I enjoyed the first part and all that planning and positive change the best. We follow Paula as she sets the wheels into motion and it is great fun! Not only does she work on herself, but we get to see her start to set plans in motion to mess with her husband and his mistress.

I felt real empathy for Paula and I imagine many women reading will feel the same. I really enjoyed that she didn't roll over, but was empowered and began to make changes that would enhance her life and happiness. Whilst heartbreak hurts it doesn't mean that we always fall apart. Sometimes it can be the trigger that becomes the making of us, and I liked that this is Paula's approach also, even if revenge is her driver.

The second half of the book ramps up the actual act of revenge, and events transpire that lead Paula to doubt decisions, actions and others. The only negative I would have about this book is around some of the actions. But then, hell, it is fiction, and that is the point of escapism, right? It is not a blue print on how to enact revenge. But it is nice to dream

I had forgotten how much I enjoy the authors writing, and for me she has skilfully crafted a book that delivers a compelling plot, emotion, inspiration and a wry smirk. This book hit the spot for me and my circumstance, and for those of us who believe in concentrating on our own life and happiness, it was a nice chance to fantasise!

Loved this book and would certainly recommend it to others.

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Jan 14, 2017 Karen rated it really liked it

It was really hard to read about cheating spouses in a light hearted way. I nearly gave up but then Part 2 came along. There is a certain madness to Paula and she's almost too cool a customer in this novel. I like strong women main characters have control of themselves but how Paula pulls off emotionally is hard to believe. The author has much of this covered with Paula able to hash things over with Myra at work. Plotting and reason are leveled out with Myra and some with Josh.

I love how Paula"

I love how Paula"s spirits are lifted with physical work and in taking care of herself. I like how she's taking care of Georgia's needs throughout. I guess I would of preferred honesty once found out with out the elaborate revenge but maybe Paula had to go through it to get herself positioned.

Very clever wit and humor with Paula's voice. There are other POV but Paula's revenge and Paula's voice carry the story.

Good read.

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Jul 17, 2017 Minna rated it it was amazing

What makes this very entertaining is that the characters are all a bunch of actors deceiving each other (or thinking they're deceiving each other.) It also really satisfies my petty, vindictive streak. What makes this very entertaining is that the characters are all a bunch of actors deceiving each other (or thinking they're deceiving each other.) It also really satisfies my petty, vindictive streak. ...more

Jane Fallon is an English producer and novelist, most famous for her work on popular series Teachers, 20 Things To Do Before You're 30, Eastenders and This Life. She is author of ten novels on the Sunday Times Bestseller List — Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back, Foursome, The Ugly Sister, Skeletons, Strictly Between Us, My Sweet Revenge, Faking Friends, Tell Me A Secret, and Queen Bee. In 2011, Jane Fallon is an English producer and novelist, most famous for her work on popular series Teachers, 20 Things To Do Before You're 30, Eastenders and This Life. She is author of ten novels on the Sunday Times Bestseller List — Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back, Foursome, The Ugly Sister, Skeletons, Strictly Between Us, My Sweet Revenge, Faking Friends, Tell Me A Secret, and Queen Bee. In 2011, Foursome was nominated for the Melissa Nathan Award for Romantic Comedy Fiction, and in 2018, Faking Friends was nominated in the popular fiction category of the National Book Awards and in 2019 was long listed for the Comedy Women In Print prize.

Fallon has been in a relationship with popular comedian Ricky Gervais since 1982, after they met while studying together at the University College London. The couple has lived together since 1984 and are based in North London.

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