Jack and Jill went downhill

by R.J. Gould

Jack and Jill meet on Freshers Big Party Night at university and for both of them it’s love at first sight. Despite their backgrounds, personalities and interests being poles apart, the relationship flourishes during their university years. It’s not quite as comfortable when their studies are over and they start work, Jack in the City and Jill as a teacher.

Way back when they first met, they’d shared the joke that their names were those of the nursery rhyme. Down the line, they fail to recognise that their lives are matching the plot – Jack falls down and Jill comes tumbling after.

Their relationship is on the rocks. Can it survive?

What reviewers say about R J Gould’s writing:

‘R J Gould is a sharp, perceptive observer of human relationships, demonstrating both their fragility and their absurdity.’

‘I loved this book! Tender, witty, funny, with characters you can totally relate to.'

‘I laughed from the beginning and didn't stop until the end and I couldn't put it down in between.’

‘A story about trust, resilience, forgiveness and fresh starts, narrated with humour and insight. It kept my interest hooked and made me smile all the way through. A great read!’

Genres: Romance, Amazon

268 pages, ebook

Published May 1, 2016

About the author

Thank you for wanting to find out about my fiction.

I write contemporary novels about relationships, using a mix of wry humour and pathos to describe the life journeys of my characters. Second chances and fresh starts are recurring themes. I am published by Vinci Books and also self-publish.

Before becoming a full-time author, I worked in the education and charity sectors and am currently trustee of Feeding Britain, a food poverty charity.

In addition to an addiction to telling stories, I have milder addictions to playing tennis, watching film noir, completing Wordle and eating dried mango slices.

I live in Cambridge, England.

Visit www.rjgould.info to find out more.

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jack and Jill Went Downhill
By R.J. Gould


The book is divided into 3 parts, I barely made it through part one, before I almost gave up on it… Part one introduces you to Jack and Jill & takes you through the beginning of their relationship. It started off somewhat good. Jack & Jill meeting at the Big Party at the university. From their first meeting, they were inseparable. Jack was nice laid back rich boy… I believe Jack only went to his 1st day of classes.. Close to the Holiday break Jack is told he going be kick out if he doesn’t change .Jill seems very focus on her school work… Part two & three move Lil more quickly for while
So many things happen in parts two & three, I found interesting for while there. We see Jack & Jill through 3 years of College & when they start work, Jack in the City & Jill as a teacher. . At times I didn’t know for sure if this book was ever going ever end

***I received a free copy of this book from “Read for Review” in exchange for an honest review***

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jack and Jill went down hill…..and so did this story.

I felt like, for a relatively short book, this went on forever. I try never to DNF a book… but I came close with this one.

I’m sorry, I really wanted to like it. The cute premise. The whole found love, lost love, rediscovered love thing. But I just found it mundane, long and not for me.

However, that all said….id like to read another by this author and see if I like her other books more. Sometimes it’s not the author but the subject…

[L A King · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first R.J. Gould novel that I have read and I am so delighted that I have read it. I adored everything about it. The characters were so believable and I wanted to shout at them. The title of the book is extremely clever yet very apt. It was an easy read and one you wanted to keep reading and not out down. Two young people embark on their university life. As soon as their eyes meet, they become oblivious to everyone and everything around them. Jack and Jill have a wonderful three years. Then comes the grind of finding work and once they have joined the constant battle of work and home life, they realise, it’s not quite as easy. It is so true to life The relationship that develops between Jill and Jack’s mum is warming. It did make me think a lot of the first-year students of 2020 and what they have truly missed out on. This story wouldn’t have happened, so I found it quite sad in parts. An absolutely brilliant true to life romance novel. To find out the connection between the title and the novel, buy it and find out. You will not be disappointed.

[Bec · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jack and Jill went Downhill had an interesting premise and I was curious to see how it played out. Unfortunately the book felt like it was lacking in something. I felt it was quite jumpy, from character to character and from time point to time point and it just didn’t work for me. The storyline was fine, Jack and Jill have an instant chemistry from the day they meet, they fall in love, finish university, get married, get busy/stressful jobs and then things go downhill. We follow them as things go from bad to worse as they both make some big mistakes and then as they attempt to reconnect. It’s a quick read and would be best for when you want something light and fluffy.

I received a complimentary copy from Read for Review in exchange for my honest review.

[Pam Devine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a tough book to read and a tough one to review. Some parts have some real promise and are pretty good - the meeting at university, the musical touches etc. Some bits are hard-going though. The reference to penis as "thing", the underage encounter. There are a lot of references to sex with everyone seemingly going at it in random places - including two professional teachers engaging in a sexual act in a school. Story-wise the book could have been decent chick lit except for the weird and uncomfortable scenes that I found more than a little sordid and wrong. It is a shame because I had hoped that I would enjoy the book. Sadly it definitely isn't for me.

[Jonty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dear god, how did this ever get published? It is banal, boring and bathetic in the extreme (Someone might go bankrupt... they don't. Someone might be caught in a terrorist attack... he isn't. Yawn.)

All the characters are dreary and dull with no spark or quirks. Any attempt at humour falls flat. The plot is nonexistent. People meet and get on OK without any major events. They go on holiday; they come home. Nothing has a consequence, there is never any jeopardy.
There is no emotional connection whatsoever, nobody to care about. It is all chilly and unwelcoming.
The central 'relationship' is unbelievable. Do they stay together because nobody else will have them? (There could be humour in that - but it's never explored.)
A woman becomes a teacher - there is no description of the training or the job itself; no world building.
The cost of sending a vase from Venice to the U.K. is 'several hundred euro' - WTF?
This is full of leaden prose and dialogue that never sounds like a real person talking.
There are clichés (a whale of a time) and grammatical howlers:
'comprised of' (instead of consisted of or comprised)
'different to' (should be from)
'Lady in a Lake' (1947 film noir - Lady in THE Lake)
'summonsed' (should be summoned, it's not a legal requirement to attend)
'staring out the window' (out of)
'dangeresux' (for dangereux)
'Masters' and 'masters' are both used for the degree, as if he couldn't decide which was correct. One is; one isn't, obviously.

A woman doesn't know which line her local tube station is on. WTF?
The locations are vague.
The time is vague. ('She was the perfect housewife, cooking for her husband.' Is this the 1950s? No, they have mobile phones. None of this is believable.)

I paid 99p for this and I feel I've been ripped off.

I've managed to get to 50% but I can't read any more. I would rather shove a rusty screwdriver down my urethra than waste another hour with this drivel.

I can only conclude this was compiled by AI as a list of words in an approximation of a narrative.

Do yourself a favour: steer clear of this and read Amis, Dickens, Iris Murdoch, Barnes, McEwan, Hemingway, Woolf, Orwell, Updike, Ballard, Stephen King - anyone.

You'll have worked out by now that I'm only giving one star because I can't give zero.

I hope you found this useful.

[Sherri Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining story by new to me author R.J. Gould about love found, love lost and love rediscovered. Jack and Jill meet at university and immediately fall head over heels for each other in what appears to be a solid relationship, despite their different backgrounds and personalities. As they finish university and begin their lives together, the reality of adult life of bills and responsibilities sets in and begins to fracture the relationship as they both make decisions that further damage the relationship beyond repair.

I enjoyed this story and liked both Jack and Jill immensely, flaws and all. Surprisingly, I never felt myself taking one side over the other. I thought these characters were written very realistically and easy to relate to. The plot kept me engaged throughout the entire story; my curiosity was quite high about what would happen and whether or not this couple could make their way back to one another. The road getting there was quite bumpy for them both and not without a few tumbles and falls.

My Final Verdict: Readers who enjoy the chick-lit genre overall will enjoy this offering by Mr. Gould. Witty and funny with several twists that keeps the story engaging and interesting.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Jack and Jill Went Downhill from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review of Jack and Jill went down hill by R J Gould Richard Gould

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read such a brilliant and well written book. This was a definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read and was perfect escapism this week from finding out I had to resume shielding again and a perfect pick me up. This book was so much more than a love story. I loved its take on the jack and Jill nursery rhyme in terms of the character names and the title and how the story title interweaves with what happens in the book. Jack and Jill meet during freshers week at university and begin a relationship and then the story unfolds watching the grow up and get jobs and find they way in the real world and how this affects their relationship. It also explores other themes such as ocd and alcohol dependence and what it feels like to not fit in.

This is the first of this authors books I have read and it certainly won’t be the last. This book would be recommend if you
Like Michael Gayle and David Nicholls books in my

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Jill Went Downhill is an exploration of the relationship between two people from their initial meeting as university students, tracking their lives over the ensuing years and giving great insight into the development of their individual personalities and characters along the way.

Jack and Jill have a lot of highs counterbalanced by a lot of lows, and R J Gould delves, skilfully and sensitively, into the question of the effects of heredity and environment by introducing both sets of parents and their family homes. Once the rose coloured glasses come off and they see each other as ordinary, flawed human beings, Jack and Jill are faced with the challenges of day to day living and whether they can see their future together. A lot happens to them, individually and as a couple, and they each have to find their own ways to live their best possible lives.

This is a highly entertaining, compulsively readable book written with RJ Gould’s usual warmth, wit and deep understanding of the human condition. I loved it!

[Amanda ChocolatePages · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I decided to download this book, I was expecting a bit of a ride back to my uni days and city life. Fun times for me and it was fun times for Jack and Jill who meet each other on the very first night at university.

I did enjoy reminiscing about those days while Jack and Jill did their time there. The Author got the right mix of other types of students, the atmosphere and the mind frame of two very different students. Jack’s Uni plans were not the same as Jill’s. But both were relatable.

It’s no spoiler to say the book follows Jack and Jill’s relationship and lives.

The Author has brilliant way of writing people. I really liked Jill. She would be the type of girl I would like to know. Jack not so much, he had his good sides and his quirky sides. As the pages turned the characters developed together and separately.

As I said the story follows Jack and Jill’s relationship and lives. But we also meet their parents, friends, other family and this allows us to get further insight into why Jack and Jill are the way they are.

The plot is not predictable. It’s easy reading and fun. When books are so centred on characters, it’s important for the reader to be invested in them, and I was. I wanted to see where they ended up. I was rooting for them.

As I said it’s not predictable so you will have to read it to see where they end up.

Light, easy reading, relatable and the characterisation is fantastic. I recommend Jack and Jill Went Down Hill.

[Jude Srivalsan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that I didn't want to put down. The title says it all! Jack and Jill are from totally different backgrounds and meet at University. Jack's family is old money dating back centuries and Jill is from a socialist middle class background. They meet on their first day and feel that they are meant to be together.
Needless to say life, as they grow up more, is not all champagne and roses and they need to work out whether they can make it or are better off apart.
The book was funny, poignant, hopeful and well written. I was shouting at the characters to succeed!
I loved it!

[eileen fothergill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I gave this book 4* and that's because it ended too fast .A story of first love, relationships , marriage and all the ups and downs that go with it .I enjoyed the characters and all their faults and insecurities , their demanding jobs and families couldn't be more different .It's a bit of a deep read which I enjoyed and will look for other titles from this author .

[Alan Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended

Not my normal reading material but have to admit having read it found it very good reading ,characters good story good and kept me involved wanting the obvious outcome. Recommended to those with a heart and feelings .Have looked on line for another and have it waiting to read. Read and enjoy.

[Sarah Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author but certainly won't be the last. I loved the realness of this story. It's not a fairytale, it's probably the closest to a real life experience I've read. Very well written, I liked the references (particularly musical ones!) that made the timeline realistic and brought up memories of my own. A great read that'll tug on all your emotions.

[Brenda Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out slow but once it picked up, it was a good and funny love story. I fell in love with both Jack and Jill. The plot of the story was good as well. Definitely would recommend this book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story. It kept me interested and I read it as often as I could get time to do so. The characters pulled me in, I thought the author did a good job of pacing the story. I was happy with the ending, as I thought the couple would always be in love with each other throughout the book.

[Deidra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Overall I was very pleased with this book. It was an entertaining, easy-to-read book with wonderful characterizations.

The book is split into three parts. The first part is where the main characters meet and their university years. The second is their married life and ending of their relationship. The third is where they meet and begin again. The first part is the longest of the book and perhaps drags on a bit; though it does provide a lot of background and character development. While this does give the reader the ability to see why the main characters are who they are, I think that this could have been done a bit faster. The second and third parts go more quickly. Almost too quickly. I felt a bit let down not hearing the inner struggles of the main characters.

The three parts of the book also reflect the changing characters. In the first part the characters are young, things are new, and you get to know the characters and why they react like they do. In the second part of the book, you begin to dislike who each of the characters have become. In the third part of the book you get to see that after the bottom has dropped out, the main characters pick themselves up and become better people. You’re thankful that they get a second chance to make things work.

The character interactions were honest and realistic. In real life, people are tough on each other. Acceptance, forgiveness, and understanding don’t happen overnight; sometimes never. The interactions between the characters in this book felt real. The beginning of a relationship is all getting to know each other, fun, and new. The middle is difficult and grinding. If work between two individuals doesn’t happen, then end of a relationship can be brutal. In the case of this story the characters are given a second chance with each other.

Overall it was a good read, with realistic characters, and a happy ending.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and Jill Went Downhill by R.J. Gould is a great read. The beginning moved too slow for my own interest. However, the middle was where it got super interesting. I mean there was action and all to enjoy. I felt that R.J. Gould could have left off the first part aka the beginning or shortened to bits and pieces throughout the book like a flashback from the characters' standpoint. The characters' emotional journey hit it off in the middle. The ending made me wish the book wasn't ending quite yet. The romance between the main characters is symbolic in many ways. I thought the portrayal of the romance between them was real. I can't see most humans forgiving so easily all the time like most novels would have us readers think is believable. The realistic side of relationships can come off harsh and difficult. But that's life. The story overall was entertaining once the action started to come into play. Then, from there the rest was highly entertaining. I enjoyed the title and how the story captured the title onto its pages. I would recommend this read to others.

[Emma B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light and Humorous Romance

A story of relationships and what makes them work, or not.

This is an enjoyable, at times humorous, story all about Jill who meets Jack at a British university. The narrative follows them through university and into the world of work in London and beyond. It is not only a lovely story of their relationship, but also of their relationships with those around them - their families, friends and colleagues.

Although a light hearted book, there are some really interesting themes about parental expectations, mixing a tough working life (City of London Trader) with home life and about what makes for a good relationship.

I worried that this would be a book for university age readers, or thereabouts. I was wrong. This is a great entertaining read for all ages. I never really got engaged with the characters themselves, but could relate their lives to the real world. This is what pushed this book up into a 4 star rating.

If you like a light read, with a bit of humour and some thought provoking material - this is for you.

[Jessica Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would actually give this book 3.5 stars but since that's not an option, I will round up. This book and I had a love and hate relationship. Divided into three parts, I barely made it through part one. I don't know if it was the writer's prose or if the first part was just that boring. Part one introduces you to Jack and Jill and takes you through the beginning of their relationship. If this was a serial novel, part one would barely qualify for two stars, but oh does this book get better. Part two and three move smoothly and quickly as Jack and Jill "fall down" and work towards building things back up. So many things happen in parts two and three, I found I didn't want to set the book down and I would gladly give those parts of the book 4-4.5 stars ( thats why I said 3.5 stars for the whole book). This book is a good read when you persevere to the end. I received a free copy of this book from Read for Review in exchange for an honest review.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free for my honest review.
This book tells the story of a couple as they travel through their 20s navigating university, 1st jobs, struggling with differences of opinion and all the ups and downs life bring.
I only gave this book 3 stars because I did not care for the unrealistic notion that two people so in love with each other could be so unforgiving and harsh towards each other. Even before problems arose the couple did not show love when faced with challenges and difficult situations. I had a hard time reading this one. I also felt the ending was rushed. I felt we finally got to where we wanted the story to end up and there were only a handful of pages left and the story was sure to cut off at a cliff hanger, but instead the author gives a few page conclusion and the story ends. I was happy with the ending of their story however and would say give this book a try, it might be for you.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack and Jill Fell Down was not my cup of tea.
Not every writer will please every reader. This book simply not for me. Part l went on forever; Part ll was better but still difficult for me to get through. I was so glad to reach Part lll that I could have jumped for joy.

The story itself is pretty straight forward: boy meets girl on first day at university; they spend all college years together. After graduation, real life sets in. Story shows shows the couple through their various ups and downs--sometimes really ugly. The couple tries to repair the damage to their relationship...game over. One HEA. The end.
(I received a free copy of this book from Read-for-Review in exchange for an honest review.)

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for an honest review.

This is an easy read. The writer develops his characters well and you can picture them in your mind's eye.
Jack and Jill meet at university on their first day. They have an instant connection. They come from different backgrounds - Jack from old money; Jill from the upper middle class. While their relationship develops they encounter daily obstacles. When they do marry they are both so involved in their work that they forget that a relationship requires work. Both forget to work at it and once Jack strays Jill does the same.
The story shows that when you meet your soulmate even if you completely destroy the relationship you had if given a second chance you may find your HEA.

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started off with Jack and Jill meeting at the Big Party at the university. From their first meeting, they were unseparable. We see them grow as adults together. Once they are established in their jobs, their relationship starts to fail and they turn to others for comfort and companionship. We see them grow apart and then come together once again. Parts of this book were predictable, parts took me by surprise. All in all, it was a light hearted, yet good read. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Laura Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story revolves around two people who meet at university (college for us in the USA). Their relationship has ups and downs. Story is well written. A good book for those who love a happy ending. Recommend for all romance readers. I loved how they each clean up their "act" so to speak.

[Jane Wilson-Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and Jill fall for each other in their first week at university and not just because of the nursery rhyme. The novel follows what happens over the following years to a relationship challenged by diverging interests an ambitions. It is an engaging straightforward read. Enjoyable too.

[Edward Boag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, enjoyable. Readily identified with the characters.