When I picked this book on my Kindle (app) as my next book to read, I expected a nice and easy chick lit book where a girl will go through a hard time, meet a boy, fall in Love and it all turns out to be ok.

BOY was I wrong.

This book is so much more than that. It has made me evaluate myself and inspired me to reach my full potential. Very empowering stuff.

Plot:

The story follows Poppy Bloom. Her life is on track, she's about to get her PHD in psychology and aiming for a life she has always dreamed of with her similar minded boyfriend. Yet life has thrown her a curve ball and she ends up back home with her mum and stepdad trying to figure out what to do next.

My Review:

As mentioned previously, I loved how inspirational this book was. Its full of lots of powerful messages and is a book I truly believe can help with confidence, in particular with young women. I wish it had been around when I was younger as it would have given me even more hope back then, when I needed it the most. I still need it now, just as a kid you need to know even more that everything is ok.

You follow Poppy like she is your best friend, life seems to be unfair on Poppy but you are there holding her hand helping her through the tough times. Your with her through all of it and are there to watch her get back up after she's knocked down.

This book made me evaluate myself - why do I criticise myself and put myself down when I am doing good. Why do I believe that I am doing the wrong thing when I have heard no feedback of sorts. Yet I have taken it on myself to believe that I am not doing it right.

I love how this book has made me feel. It made me evaluate myself - why do I put myself down when I haven't done anything wrong? Why do I believe that I am doing the wrong thing when I have heard no feedback to suggest this. Yet I have taken it on myself to believe that I am not doing it right. I am not good enough. Poppy helps me re-evaluate my thoughts and helps me to believe in myself.

I honestly feel that this is an empowering read, one which can help pick you up when you are down and help you take a different approach to your own life. Its one of the main reasons I love this book so.

Colleens writing style is to be commended. She has created such a strong female character. Poppy is the main focus of the book. Yes, boys a, life and friends are all involved but Colleen doesn't focus on that, you only catch snippets - the stuff that lets you know they are still there but there not the focus. The focus is Poppy and her ability to get up once she's been knocked down. An ability we all have in us, just we don't all know how to rely on it. That and self belief - an important aspect to all.

As you can see, not what I expected. I am so happy to have come across this book, its just what I needed and I can't wait to read more from Colleen. Such a refreshing take on a book. A captivating read which just takes you in and won't let you put it down.

I was very impressed.

Massive shout out to Netgalley, Bookouture and Colleen Coleman for the opportunity to read this book. I can confirm this is my honest review and all views are my own.

Once I had finished the book, I discovered that a percentage of the book sales from this book, will be donated to help support to mental heath charities for young people. If that doesn't urge you to go out and buy a copy of this book I don't know what will. That discovery brought tears to my eyes as I think that mental health is truly underrated and to support it is well incredible. So thank you Colleen. I will be purchasing your book once it comes out. Mainly because I enjoyed it but also partly as I know I will be helping to some good in the world - as small as it might be its something.

If you are in need of a positive look on life, this book is for you. Its uplifting in all the right places and even threw in some curve balls I didn't expect which I love about a good book. I devoured this book and was a pleasure to read.

George x

I will willingly admit to being quite unsure of this at first. Despite the fact Poppy aces her PhD, and scores the highest mark ever recorded at the university, despite this it is her boyfriend, and best friend that are offered the fellowship she was desperate for, then her boyfriend dumps her and sleeps with her best friend. Seemingly there's no reason why she was passed over for the fellowship, other than the Dean of Psychology at her university doesn't much like her. For me it felt a little contrived, I understand why it happened, for the plot Poppy needed to have her planned life ripped away from her but it just didn't feel very realistic to me.

That said once I got over that I ended up really enjoying the book, what followed the opening was a positive story that shows whatever life throws at you it is possible to pick yourself up and carry on to better things, don't get me wrong Poppy's journey through life post university isn't all a bed of roses, and there were points in the book I wanted to scream at her, but I think during the book you get to see her mature and grow from someone who, despite all her intelligence and understanding of people through her psychology studies, is incredibly immature and unable to fully function out in the real world, to someone who comes to accept that a fellowship and life at university isn't the be all and end all. I really liked the fact while Poppy does find love, and her relationship is part of the plot, the book also explores the importance of friendships, I absolutely loved the whole of the South London Assassins netball team, and the way that they all look out for each other, despite playing netball to get away from the madness of their own lives.

Would I recommend it?

Yes, it's a fun book, it truly is a feel good read and is just right for curling up on a Sunday afternoon to read.

To be published 21st March on the below blog. Will also be copied to Goodreads, Amazon and Waterstones

I so loved the ending of this book. Enjoyed every page, its funny and reading this book was a time well spent at the end of the day

I wasn't expecting to love this story as much as I did! A lovely feel good story that really made me feel like i was a part of it all. Plenty of laugh out loud moments and quite lovable characters!

Don't stop me now is a great feel good book. I absolutely loved it!. It gives out the message of never giving up
I laughed so much whilst reading this book, there was moments where I felt so sorry for Poppy but she always had a knack of recovering from tricky situations.

An enjoyable read that makes you think... what if life doesn't turn out the way you expected...? Do you get upset with the lemons or make lemonade? AT times I did feel very sorry for Poppy, but I did like the way that the author threw different challenges at Poppy. I loved the ending, it may be a little far-fetched but it took the story in a completely different direction than I was expecting. An enjoyable read, 4*.

I really enjoyed Don't Stop Me Now.

It takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions alongside Poppy as she finally graduated for her PhD course and tries to make her mark on the world.

After not getting the job she hoped for she returns home to her mum and Frank and realised she needs to get a job and her life back on track. This book will make you laugh, think about things, feel a whole wealth of emotions but it's such a lovely book to read.

I read this in a few days and enjoyed every page. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Colleen Coleman for the chance to review.

3.5*

A good chicklit book with humour - showing you can come back from anything! Loved Poppy and all the side characters. A very British book with British humour!

What a lovely, heartwarming tale this is, I really enjoyed reading it.
Poor Poppy has her life all mapped out but as we all know, things don't always go to plan.
She is a very genuine, nice person who isn't TOO nice, I really felt for her and wanted her to succeed.
The writing flowed and was humorous in parts, serious in others, but always kept me interested, the characters inspired sympathy and hate in good measure, this author really knows her stuff.

I just sat and read in this in one evening. It is such an enjoyable book. I think Poppy is a wonderful, endearing character and I would get on with her if she was real.

Another Bookouture success in my opinion. ( I may have to start a fan club or something) :)

Don't stop me now is a great feel good book. I absolutely loved it!

Colleen's writing style was very empowering. She sent a strong message through her main character Poppy, to never give up, even when life throws you a curveball dust yourself off and try again!

I laughed so much whilst reading this book, there was moments where I felt so sorry for Poppy but she always had a knack of recovering from tricky situations.

The book starts when Poppy is elected as doctoral valedictorian of the psychology faculty of Banbridge University 
She has been marked the highest ever pass mark of 96% for her final doctoral thesis, beating Dr Winters (The Dean) record.

She is 99% certain to bag her dream job a professor at the university.
However this isn't to be the case when things get twisted and her best friend and boyfriend get the job.

She is so hurt she rushes home to mend her broken heart.
Unbeknown to her, that her so called boyfriend and best friend have slept together and he dumps her by text that night.

Poppy bumps into Leanne her best friend from school and they arrange to celebrate Poppy's graduation with Tom, Leanne's twin brother.
However Leanne cancels at the very last minute sending Poppy on a crazy evening with Tom, who she's been infatuated with for years!
Could love be on on the cards?

Things start to get interesting for Poppy when she falls asleep after promising her step dad that she will listen to the radio station for he's  daily puzzle clue to win a prize.
She feels terrible after missing the clue and is determined to catch it the next day.
This is where Poppys life changes for the better!

The next day Poppy settles down to listen in to 105FM for the clue.
But she's soon realising she is going to have a very long wait.
As the phone in with Agony Aunt Hilary is first up.
Hilary is cruel, cold and brutal.
At first Poppy just listens then something inside her snaps and she rings into the studio.
She gets through and is live on The air up against Hilary.
Poppy is a natural and gives Hilary a serious talking Down.
SHE'S A HIT!!
Jake goes to a song break and asks Poppy to come into the studio as she might just be what they are looking for!

You see Poppy is a qualified Physiologist and has the skills and evidence to back up her theories.

Poppy soon becomes everyone's favourite radio hero!
She's strong, courageous, honest, open, caring, and best of all she kicks butt!
Poppy shows people they can be whatever they want to be!
She also is on a journey of self discovery and figuring out life.

I loved all the characters in the book. They each added something special to the story. Even Benny the gardener who Poppy helped overcome he's insecurities was special.

I love how much time and research Colleen has been put into the book, when Poppy makes her suggestions and advises her listeners. It shows Colleen put a lot of thought into the radio lifestyle and how to respond to listeners.

There was something for everyone in this gem of a book. Humour, romance, Sass, friendship, courage, strength and passion.

I can't recommend this book enough!
I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to see if there will be more.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

I have decided that I am not going to request the books that claim to be laugh out loud funny because in all honesty they never seem to be that funny. The story is good. The moral for lack of a better word is good too. Sure we can all come back from the dreams we thought we had and have the reality be even better.

The problem was I really never connected with these characters. I didn’t find it all that funny. I actually felt like it was trying too hard to be funny. I also think I might just not get Brit-lit. That may be my issue with these books!?!?!?

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Inspiring and entertaining, Don't Stop Me Now shows that even if you life isn't really going according to your plan that has been set in stone for you, that fate really knows what its doing, in giving you a push in another direction.

Take Poppy Bloom for example, she has been working towards a fellowship at Banbridge for the last 10 years of the life. She now has her PHD when the university decides it will take a different tact this year. Not only throwing Poppy's life into turmoil, but also destroying her relationship with her boyfriend and best friend too.

In the weeks that follow, Poppy makes some big changes in her life and finds what is arguably her true calling, and I loved watching every step of the journey. She also embraces a childhood friend, plays Netball for the first time in years, and generally her life is slotting into place...but she is still convinced she wants her old dreams.

There is a scene involving a job centre that has to be mentioned, the careers facilitator seemed to far less qualified for any job than Poppy, and some of the suggestions and questions the computer came up with were hilarious. As was the discussion about her being a doctor!

There are very many other comic moments in this story, and others that generally just brought a smile to my face. I absolutely loved her old friend Leanne, and the Netball team, what a fab group of girls, and is it wrong to be jealous that they get to play at an Olympic venue, despite being fictional characters, when the best I ever did with Netball was the club for people that couldn't get into the main squad!

Don't Stop Me Now kept me enthralled while I was on a long train journey, and I found it to be a fairly quick and easy read. I am very eager to see what else this talented author will write.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.

You cannot read this title without hearing the song in your head! I dare you to try!

I laughed out loud so much that I cried reading this book, but not because I was laughing at the main character, Poppy, but rather laughing with her. I felt that I could have written this book, and I just have to thank Colleen for FINALLY writing an honest book about what really goes on with graduates and people who all their life have done the 'right thing', played by the rules, right from Nursery (or Reception class in Poppy's case) and still get sh%t on! Thank you!

The plot is unique - in regards to anything I've ever read before, describing it as the perfect book for Lindsey Kelk fans is perfect, and I'd go as far as saying any Sophie Kinsella fans - particularly the Shopaholic series would LOVE this book if it's the humour, comedy and relatable characters that float your boat.

We meet Poppy who is getting her PhD and finally becoming Doctor Poppy. She thinks the skies the limit for her now, that she'll even be given a fellowship. But life - the crafty cunning swine has other plans for Poppy. At first I wondered if anything was going to go right - it was like all her bad luck came at once. The fellowship, the boyfriend and the best friend! And I know what that feels like!

But despite Poppy's bad luck, we get to go on a journey with her that sees her playing netball (after basically getting dragged out of bed by her team mates), take a shine to a blast from her past, grieve for someone close to her, and become quite the talent when it comes to radio...

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and really can't wait to see what comes next from Colleen - she's an author to watch & anticipate what follows. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this book. I genuinely really enjoyed it.

Thanks to Bookouture for the advanced press copy in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this wonderful, warm, feel good tale. The writing is glorious and addictive and the characters rise off the page and become part of you. Beautiful story, great book. So thrilled to have discovered this author. Cannot wait for more from her. Highly recommended.

A great story about reevaluating self worth that will resonate with anyone who has struggled with their identity.

An uplifting story about getting knocked down and getting up again, Poppy faces disappointment when she does not get the fellowship after graduating with her PhD. Finding herself home again, she looks for a job that will use her skills. Meeting up with old friends, redefining priorities, Poppy comes out on the other side, stronger and successful. A fast enjoyable read.

Poppy bloom has studied for years to follow her dream career, she achieves the highest grades and comes top of her year thinking she will be handed her dream job things take a unexpected turn when she doesnt get it.

Poppy has to return home to live with her mum and step dad and has to start her search for a job which she doesnt realise is so difficult to get as she has really great qualifications.

Poppy bumps into an old best friend she hasnt seen in over 10 years and starts to hang out with her and introduced straight away to her twin brother Tom who instantly Poppy hits it off with.

After tuning into to the radio station one morning Poppy lands a job at a radio station unsure at the start she then takes it and her life really takes off.

The book is drama packed with lots of goings on for Poppy. This is definatly a feel good comedy book thatl be sure to make you laugh.