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Carnage #5

A Different Kind of December

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December 1st...
A time to reflect and remember for Georgia, and also, she's decided, this year will be a time for change.

Starting with high emotion on the anniversary of the day that changed her life and ending on a loud, raucous and raunchy Christmas night, we get a little dip into the lives of some of the Carnage Series' favourite characters.
Good times.
Sad times.
A lifetime of memories.
But now... Now is the right time to finally let go of the regrets and the guilt.

This is book 5 in a series.
Carnage Book One. The Story Of Us.
Carnage Book Two. The Story Of Me.
Marley.
The Letters, should all be read first to best enjoy this short story.

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2017

182 people are currently reading
1215 people want to read

About the author

Lesley Jones

23 books2,377 followers
Lesley Jones is a NYT's best selling, and internationally acclaimed author known for her emotionally charged novels featuring gritty, down-to-earth characters navigating angsty, raw and emotional plot lines.

Born and raised in Essex, England, Lesley and her family relocated to Australia in 2006.

Her writing career launched in 2013 with her debut novel, Saviour - Since rewritten and republished as Saving Ren - And quickly gained a loyal following for her unique ability to pivot from hot and steamy romance to emotionally charged, ugly cry scenes, often followed by laugh-out-loud moments, all within the span of a few sentences.

Her third novel The Story of Us, book 1 in her New York Times best selling Carnage Series, became her breakout success, hitting multiple bestseller lists and winning several awards, including the distinctive title of Best Ugly Cry.

For Lesley, the most rewarding part of her job is connecting with her readers, whether that be sharing personal stories about her hectic family life in her reader group, or in person at signing events around the world.

When not writing, Lesley is a self-confessed lover of reality TV, long walks, travelling and dining out.

When doing none of these, she enjoys a full bodied red, or a large G&T, preferably while wearing pyjamas and no bra unless absolutely necessary.

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5 stars
999 (56%)
4 stars
495 (27%)
3 stars
241 (13%)
2 stars
34 (1%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
Profile Image for Wil Loves Books!.
1,566 reviews490 followers
October 29, 2017
Nice Christmas Story!

I’m always up for more of the Carnage gang, wondering what they’re up to and such. This was a little bittersweet though. So this is a must for the Carnage fan and a quick read. Oh, and I loved the preview of Paige’s story, definitely intrigued!
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,953 reviews990 followers
November 7, 2017
Yes indeed, it took 17 years for Dec 1st to change, but change it did....for the better!!
I can't even begin to imagine being in Gerorgia's shoes. Or wish it on anybody for that matter. But what doesn't break us, makes us stronger Ain't it 😜. If Sean hadn't died, Georgia might never have married Cam and we wouldn't have had the gorgeous, TDH Tiger to ogle over, would we !!
The story is very carnage , very tears unleashing, but bitter sweet and Happy-sad. Georgia finally realises , nudged by Maca , to let go of the past , she's been clinging on to, to honor Cam's dedication and her kids' love.
She's matured , relatively, is dealing with teen and their moods in the house , like a typical mother.

But I’m only their mum, no one ever bloody listens to me. The whole world thinks I’m some kind of superwoman who’s battled on through tragedy to build an empire and become a world-renowned philanthropist. My kids and my dogs, though, couldn’t give a monkey’s about any of that and have very selective hearing when it comes to listening to anything I say. I sometimes wonder if they would listen if I stamped my feet and shouted, “Do you know who I am?” Probably not. They’d all be wearing their noise-reducing headphones and not hear a word.

I smother my snigger ,(karma baby!) Cause she is self confessed, selfish, whiny , stubborn bitch aint she ( I can see Lesley fuming 😂)
I loved revisiting the story and spending December leading to Christmas with my fave family, but my heart can't take no more crying. And I did cry. Mention of Maca is like a hook in my heart still. When pulled my heart travels up the thread , all the way up and back to 17 years ago (or 3.7 in literary years) to the beginning when i got slayed by lesley. No amount of tears I've shed will wash away the pain. I've shed enough to trigger global warming, trust me
It's strange NO book has ever effected me like this, EVER!
That's the mighty pen of Lesley that worked like a tattoo gun , etching this story permanently on our hearts.
Phew **deep breath** .
I would've loved the story more about Georgia and ghost of Maca interaction , but then i'd be setting myself up for more slaughter , wouldnt i ?
I love you les, for writing this epic story and I love all the Looney Toons characters you created.
You say , five stages of grief -

Denial.
Anger.
Bargaining.
Depression.
Acceptance.


But now there's 6th. RECOVERY , and I hope every grieving widow has Tiger in her life. Rock Solid, Loving, Patient.
I love ya Lesley Jones, show us yo tits !⊙⊙
4 G&S TWIMTB Stars
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Profile Image for  ✰  Charlie  ✰ Chisholm.
1,984 reviews22 followers
October 24, 2017
Great to be back with Georgia and gang again.
Short and sweet read but just loved being back with them. and yes I did cry I not sure I will ever get over this story.

Loved hearing from them all again.. can't wait to see what Lesley brings us next.

Profile Image for Bloggers From Down Under .
795 reviews37 followers
October 25, 2017
** Review by Gayle from Bloggers From Down Under **

Again Lesley Jones has given us a beautifully heartbreaking read that left me in complete tears.
Georgia is facing yet another December first which we all know is that day that she lost the loves of her life. For sixteen years Georgia has spent the day either a sobbing mess or a complete manic state.
But on the seventeenth anniversary of the most traumatic day of her life, Georgia makes a stand to change her ways. It's time for Georgia to change the way the day is spent. It's time for Georgia to face the hurt and pain and remember the ones that she loved without the guilt that has consumed her for years. And why?

Because Sean needs and wants her too?
But how can that be when he's been gone for so long?
How can Georgia know Sean's wants and needs?
And where does this leave Cam?

A beautifully written heart-felt and all consuming read that again brings us all that much closer to the Carnage family, and reunited with the family that has changed us all. Simply perfect.

5 stars
Profile Image for Jenn __Garden Of REden.
1,172 reviews64 followers
October 27, 2017
Jacque's Review

If you are a true Carnage fan, you will love this book! You will immediately be thrown back into the world of Carnage and as with every one of these books, you will be reminded why you fell in love these characters! This crew has so much love for each other! It could be seen all over the place in this story. I don’t know how Lesley scrunched so much into this short story. It had such an easy flow to it that I never put it down. I was immediately pulled me in and had that infamous Carnage squeeze put on my heart within the first couple pages!

I am such a huge fan of the Carnage story that they will never get old for me. I love any additional Carnage books that Lesley puts out for us readers! If you have followed the Carnage saga, this is a must read. If you haven’t started yet, you really must! These are some of the best books I’ve ever read!!!
Profile Image for Ria Alexander.
2,674 reviews51 followers
October 23, 2017
Christmas Perfection

Yep this was it, the ending we needed to see for Georgia.

This series has been one that has had me either laughing out loud hysterically or crumpled up in a ball sobbing my eyes out with my heart completely shattered.

This short has finally given Georgia the closure she has needed. It has also given us the insight into her family that was always just out of reach, a small look at how her past has affected the lives of her children. As usual, Cam remains the strong loving man he always has been.

Just what I needed to heal a broken heart. Bravo Lesley.

FIVE STARS
Profile Image for Nicole.
37 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2017
Loved!! This Christmas novella with the Carnage family felt like coming home. I will never tire of these characters and it made me so happy getting to glimpse into their lives now. My only complaint was that it wasn't a little longer. Lesley Jones is an exquisite storyteller and as always her words are easy, flowing and well written so I can focus on the story. And the prologue OMG I'm going to bust waiting for Definition of Insanity.
A word of caution to folks new to Lesley's world you MUST read the Carnage series (including Marley and the Letters) before reading A Different Kind of December.

PS As much as I love Sean, I will always be Team Cam. As always, he is G's rock; loving, supportive, understanding and her Tiger. <3
Profile Image for Effie.
57 reviews12 followers
October 24, 2017
I don’t know what other people have felt but this series really got under my skin. Took me a long time to recover but Lesley Jones just made my heart cry with joy.

Yes this is the Carnage closure I was waiting for and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect glimpse into Georgia’s and Cam’s beautiful family than what Lesley delivered. I was definitely a lover of our beautiful Sean but seeing Georgia move on is the icing on the Christmas cake I have eagerly been waiting for.

This series is raw, perfect and real. Nothing can compare to this style of writing. It hits you where it counts the most.... the torn heart.
Profile Image for Melissa.
632 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2017
I am such a fan of this series . This was such a heartwarming look into how Georgia is doing , how eveyone is doing. You HAVE to have read the series to understand don’t ruin it for yourself . We get everyone and I’ve missed them. We get closure , it’s hard it’s emotional and it’s beautiful. Oh the fun they still have! I’m not surprised! I’m looking forward to what’s coming we get a little sneak peak. Thank you for this I’m like an addict I’m already wanting more.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,397 reviews24 followers
July 12, 2019
glad g found her balance and was able to have a great life
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
October 24, 2017
So wonderful to meet up with such loved friends; yes I know it’s fiction, but to me the Carnage guys are friends and loved ones.

This is a short novella, with a Christmas theme and boy does it pack a punch for such a short story. As always Lesley Jones writes from the heart and blows you away with her characters and writing style.

A treat and must read for all Carnage fans; thank you Mrs. Jones.
Profile Image for bookdragon_hoarder.
165 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2017
A little taste of heaven for the holidays

Absolutely love Carnage. The lot of them feel like family now. Every peek into their lives leaves you wanting more. Reading a book you love over and over is like going home. Carnage is just that. This little taste of Christmas feels like home.
68 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2017
Love the Carnage family

Great little read from lesley even though it was short she made me cry, laugh and swoon i just love everyone in the carnage series, the excerpt at the end has got me all excited cant wait to read it i know its gonna be another hearbreaking read i can just feel, #TeamSean forever
Profile Image for Tammi.
2,181 reviews30 followers
October 24, 2017
Has to be the most emotional short story I have ever read! But not sure my tears will ever stop for Sean and Georgia. I loved seeing the gang and seeing G dealing and taking herself to a better place in her life and handling her memories.
Oh my the glimpses we got of the next book!! I am not so patiently waiting.....
Profile Image for Teresa.
614 reviews15 followers
February 11, 2018
Another short story in the Carnage universe. It reads like an extended epilogue featuring the whole gang in 2014 and with a teaser for Paige's story at the end. Since I've been in such a Carnage high all week, I immediately went looking for this book (The Definition of Insanity) to continue my overdose, but while it was planned as a release in April 2017, I found that it is not available yet. Oh, well. Now I will have to find the author's newsletter to register for release news.

I have loved this series. It will be difficult to forget.
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,282 reviews58 followers
October 25, 2017
I love that Lesley Jones wrote this surprise short story. Her Carnage series is one of my favorites and for her to give us a peek into the present lives of this crazy crew could not have been more wonderful.

I just adored the fact that none of them have changed one bit with Georgia being at the crux of this insanely loving family once again. They are all there for her on the 17th anniversary of the biggest loss of her life. But with her Tiger in Cam being by her side and her siblings, best friends and offspring taking turns making her smile and angry all at the same time, this is one raucous reunion. And yet it is Cam who steals the show more than once, showing their family and the world just how much he adores his wife. The man is one sexy beast, no matter his age and Georgia is one lucky woman and thankfully she knows it.

As a springboard for what is to come next with Georgia's niece Paige in the next book in the series called The Definition of Insanity, the wild times will continue since this spawn is way too much like her dear Aunt. Let the madness commence!

5 sighworthy stars!
Profile Image for ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn.
1,966 reviews106 followers
September 20, 2022
I had previously only read the first 2 books in the Carnage series, but when a friend started reading them for the first time, I reread the first 2 and then continued on with Marley, The Letters and now A Different Kind of December. These books are not standalones and you must read them in order.

This one in particular felt like a treat from Lesley Jones to her Carnage fans. A little novella to show you the growth of Georgia and what was going on with Tiger, her kids and the rest of the gang. It was short, but heartfelt and we got to see how Georgia still deals with the death of her first husband and how much Cam adores her and always supports her in life. Plus, this gang is still sexy, raunchy and so close. You can't help but love them all. Although this was short, it was a perfect little addition to the series.
Profile Image for Michelle Graham | meshellreads .
722 reviews26 followers
September 11, 2025
This series. I’m not sure I have the words to explain the feelings it left me feeling. I devoured the 5 books in a matter of a few days. I cried so many tears for these characters.
Georgia Rae, Sean, Beau, Marley, Jimmie, Ash, Lennon, Bailey, Cam, and anybody else that was a part of this group.

I felt so many emotions but mostly gut wrenching sadness. But also happiness at the end. It’s hard to explain feeling so very sad but then also so very happy that they found a way to make it through and be happy.

If you haven’t read this series, you definitely should. It is a roller coaster but you will want to continue until the end. It’s beautiful, painful, and I will never forget this story. Ever.
Profile Image for Terri (N.J.).
923 reviews47 followers
August 13, 2019
I’m a big fan of the Carnage series it totally has my heart. Can’t get enough of Georgia and Cam and the whole crazy flipping crew. The bond with this family is incredible and their banter is off the charts. No shame No filters! Where F**k Off is a high term of endearment. Love it. This was an amazing story that has you laughing, crying and swooning from beginning to end. I can’t and will never get enough of this series and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Laura..devouring books like crumpets.
1,945 reviews110 followers
February 5, 2019
Was great to see different POV'S and where all characters are at.... It did reiterate alot of stuff from the previous book but was still brilliant!

Not to mention we get more pages of Cam, that's never bad!!!!!!!

A nice Novella to tie everything up, i wonder though if the new generation will get a story especially Paige they seem well written and interesting.
Profile Image for Gina Paulus.
156 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2017
these people still make me cry, laugh and always make me want another story. once again i was left in tears, laughing my ass off, yelling at my kindle, cursing lesley and craving the next book to be here. georgia has been a favorite since i picked up carnage, i love maca but i am a tiger fan. never has a series gotten to me like the carnage series
Profile Image for Ana Oh.
655 reviews13 followers
October 24, 2017
Super Sweet

This novella is a holiday get together for Georgia, Cam, Marley, and the rest of the fam. What is waaay more interesting is the teaser for Lesley Jones' new book. Read the novella, then read the teaser. So exciting!!
Profile Image for Erin Pasquella.
7 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2017
The gang is back

Lesley Jones has done it again. Even in a short story she transports you back to were it all started and it gives you all the feels. She is brilliant and I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Michelle.
875 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2017
Can you imagine a world where Cameron King and Connor "Fucking" Reed sitting on the same couch? I wanna be in that world. Still sexy as hell. Fun Read. Brings back so many memories. Now I wanna read the series again.
Profile Image for Jo Phillips.
99 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2017
As soon as I started this book , I was right back in the carnage world. Wow. I love how it was wrote, seeing all the characters we love back together. The chemistry between them as always stayed with me. So well written.
Profile Image for Victoria.
475 reviews8 followers
October 24, 2017
I can't quite explain how good it feels t be back in the Carnage world and back with everyone we know and love. I didn't realise how much I missed Georgia and everyone until I opened this short story. It felt like coming home and being surrounded by family. I missed their conversations and banter, I missed the way everyone interacts. It was like a breath of fresh air to blow away the cobwebs! We had a little bit from everyone and I do mean everyone.

From the stunning cover to the emotion filled words, I am so grateful that Lesley have us this Christmassy delight! The only problem is now I want more!
Profile Image for Gina *loves sunshine*.
2,235 reviews92 followers
September 24, 2018
Small novella that is added to the Carnage series(even though GR does not include it in the numbering). It is the last update to the series as of 2018. I read this immediately following the novella - The Letters. I basically binged this whole series front to back.
Having done this I really suggest waiting to read these last 2 novellas and space it apart more from the first set. The Author probably wrote these in response to readers wanting more story, more updates from the carnage boys - so they would have been loved and enjoyed so much more by me...had I waited to catch up with them like intended. But I still loved this series, so much!!! My suggestion > read 1 and 2 together...wait a bit to read Marley. Then add the novellas sometime later.
Profile Image for Jennifer Gauthier.
441 reviews27 followers
October 24, 2017
One of my favourite series EVER!!! Georgia Cam and Sean EPIC!!!!

It's like coming home when we read more into thier lives. These characters will forever hold a special place in my heart and bookshelf.

Lesley!!!! 17 years after Sean's death you still make me cry over him!!!

LOVED this novella
Profile Image for Phyl.
1,607 reviews19 followers
August 23, 2025
A great Christmas read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews

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