I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy of ‘Fifty Shades of Roxie Brown’ by Lynda Renham from Andrew Cook at Raucous Publishing in exchange for an honest review. It is out in e-book today, 28th July 2015, and paperback in August.

Roxie Brown works as a cleaner for the gorgeous Ark Morgan about whom she has several ’50 Shades’ style fantasies. Unfortunately for Roxie, her boyfriend is not Ark Morgan, but Arsenal obsessed Darren. When she is given predictions about her future by The Great Zehilda, on a girls’ night out, Roxie doesn’t believe a word of what she says. Maybe she should. When Roxie casually looks though Darren’s telescope she becomes embroiled in a crime adventure that isn’t going to make life any easier. Roxie needs to get her murderer and her man. The trouble is, she’s not sure which is which.

‘Fifty Shades of Roxie Brown’ is entertaining from beginning to end. I found myself laughing aloud at several points as there are misunderstandings, double entendres, quips and farcical situations throughout. I made me think of a ‘Fawlty Towers’ in book form.

The use of the first person continuous present tense gives a vibrant immediacy to the writing so that it is as if Roxie is recounting the story to you as a reader directly with a kind of breathless urgency that matches the pace of the plot. Events pile up with real speed and lead to a highly satisfying conclusion.

I did think that some of the characters were a little stereotypical, especially Felix, but then they are exactly what readers of this romantic comedy genre would expect and want. The interplay between Felix, Sylvie and Roxie leads to some of the funniest moments. Speech is natural and engaging so that you feel as if you’re eavesdropping a set of slightly insane friends as you read.

I think those who’ve read and enjoyed books like Amy Lynch’s ‘Bride Without A Groom’ and want their romance laced with drama and humour would really enjoy ‘Fifty Shades of Roxie Brown’.

You can buy ‘Fifty Shades of Roxie Brown here:

Amazon UK:    http://amzn.to/1VFVcwA

Amazon USA: http://amzn.to/1JFa5pK

Waterstones UK:  http://bit.ly/1MqR8w8