BOOK REVIEW: The Disengagement Ring by Clodagh Murphy

I need to say right up front that I know Clodagh, the author of this book. I've never met her, but we are in an online writing group together and so obviously I wanted to love this book... and fortunately I did. 

In fact, I loved it so much that I read it twice and that is very unusual for me, I promise you. (Other books I've read more than once: our January book club book, Stuffed. Our December book club book, Waiting for Birdy. My favourite chick lit book of all time, Lisa Jewell's Thirtynothing.)

The Disengagement Ring is the story of Kate O'Neill, who is ready to settle down and have a family, even if it's with her dreadful boyfriend Brian. Her mother and sister have other ideas though and arrange for her to spend the summer in Tuscany with Will - who Kate grew up with and has always had a crush on - and the band he manages. The hope being that Kate and Will will realise they're made for each other and Kate will forget all about Brian. 

Obviously it doesn't happen quite like that, but the journey is fantastically entertaining, primarily due to the wonderful characters who fill the book. I loved Kate instantly and Will is, of course, utterly gorgeous. Brian is awful, you'll love to hate him, and the same goes for both Will's girlfriend Tina and Tessa, band member Rory's girlfriend, on whom he exacts a hilarious revenge. 

I'm going to have to stop writing about it because it's making me want to read it again, which would be mad because I've got SO MANY BOOKS I need to read (and a few I have to write!). All you need to know is that it's funny, sexy, gripping and very satisfying. I can't wait for Clodagh's next book. 

Comments

[Debs]

I loved it too, Keris - it's fabulously escapist - and just as the raspberry-picking scene from 'The Undomestic Goddess' will remain with me forever, so will the BJ scene from 'The Disengagement Ring'. Ooh now everyone's intrigued aren't they?!

[Colleen (Books in the City)]

hmmm - when I checked Amazon in the US, they only list one book by Clodagh Murphy - Girl in a Spin to be released May, 2010. The description sounds different to this one. Maybe it's not being released in the US?

Guess I will have to wait for my next trip to the UK to pick this one up - sounds great!

[Keris]

Yes, Girl in a Spin is Clodagh's second book. Have you tried The Book Depository? They do free worldwide shipping. http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780340977347/The-Disengagement-Ring

[Luisa]

I loved this book too!

[Colleen (Books in the City)]

I have heard of it but never tried it - I will check it out. Thanks Keris!