Conoulty, Renee ; Don't Mean a Thing; Informal Buddy Read ; Start Date 7 December 2016

[Ashley M]

(view spoiler)[I'm really enjoying watching the relationship develop between Macie and Matt. I'm on chapter 13 now. I loved that there was some traditional Aussie music in the book when Macie and Matt were eating. The didgeridoo sounds so beautiful. I've also liked seeing the Aussie culture, in modern days, play out. I've heard countless stories from my Grandma, but she lived there and left in the War when she met my Grandpa. Big romantic story there worthy of a romance novel, but not relevant here. I was so excited when Matt took Macie out of Darwin. I could see the passing scenery by the descriptions. The writing is wonderful. I'm finding it's not really a laughing, ha ha, book, but it does have some funny moments like where Macie was teasing the Americans about the blood thirsty bear that jumps out of the trees. So far, it's a great read, and I'm really enjoying it. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

I felt really similarly Ashley, there is a nice amount of humour without going into that "humour" genre of book

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎]

Hahaha ok I'm see we're asking questions about the Aussie lingo and I'm currently going through each posting so sorry for the multiple postings. :(

The braces comment made laugh but seeing a man in those we be too funny.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎ wrote: "Hahaha ok I'm see we're asking questions about the Aussie lingo and I'm currently going through each posting so sorry for the multiple postings. :(

The braces comment made laugh but seeing a man ..."

Lol! ;)

[Ashley M]

If you haven't finished the book yet, grag a box of tissues for the ending!
(view spoiler)[My heart just melted when Matt proposed on the dance floor to Macie. I balled like a baby. I just told my mom again that she'd love it. I'm done now. Everytime I give her a teensie update, I tell her she NEEDS to read this book. Unfortunately, her book became available online. The book is only a dollar though, so I'll gift it to her in her stocking. I must! I have to talk to her about this book too. My Godmother needs it too. Everyone does! I loved this book. I was practically swooning along with Macie at Matt. I'm so glad that Jeremy and Nadiene didn't foil their relationship. I think that's how you say it. I liked the balance of characters too. It wasn't too sappy, slapstick, annoying, creepy, or anything else that usually gets on my nerves. I hope to see a wedding and maybe a baby in book two. I hope it's soon. I looked up the soap because it would make a perfect birthday gag gift for my sister along with a real gift, and the cock and ass soaps would make awesome white elephant gifts, but I don't live in Australia. I'm very bummed out that I won't be able to get those soaps. I can't believe they all really exist. Maybe we can do a buddy read when book 2 comes out? (hide spoiler)] I hope everyone else enjoyed or enjoys it as much as I did.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Ashley M wrote: "If you haven't finished the book yet, grag a box of tissues for the ending!
[spoilers removed] I hope everyone else enjoyed or enjoys it as much as I did."

Oh it makes me so happy that you loved it. I have a bit of a soft spot for this book having watched from the distant sidelines as Renee wrote it ;)
I totally got a tear in my eye too! And I agree there was nothing sappy, slapstick etc. about the book. It was really just a lovely read.
I went to Melbourne about a month ago and saw those soaps in a shop. So I was so surprised to see them mentioned here! Crack up! :D

We can put some questions to Renee. Should we ask when book 2 will be out?
I'd also like to ask her how much of Macie she based on herself, why she decided on the main character as being in the military and how she made sure her research on that role was genuine (I know her husband is in the military, but I don't know his role), how many books she thinks may be in this series... hmm... I think that is all I have right now ;)

[Ashley M]

Karen, I really like your ideas for questions. I think it's a good idea. I was kinda thinking along the same lines. Especially about book #2. When I read her bio, I also wondered if her swing dancing, military, and family role played a part in any inspiration for the book and possibly the series. I think we should try and see if we could ask her those questions we have, and if anyone else has any questions for her after they are done with the book. What do you think?

[Lisette]

I finished the book. I thought it was a lovely story! I liked the mix of dancing and romance. I love dancing movies and it was fun to read how Macie learned to dance and how she fell in love. Loved the ending!

[Trinia]

Super cute romance with a splash of comedy. I enjoyed the overall flow of this book, it moved along quickly without losing detail. Macie is completely likable... which fellow reader doesn't love another introvert ;) And yes, great ending!

I'll look over Ms Conoulty's info page again to see if I have any further questions. She did post the website to those soaps if anyone is interested! HA!
Fun buddy read, great pick!

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Questions for Renee
- I'll send these to her to reply back with responses, or she may pop in here to answer :)

1. This is listed as book 1, so do you have an estimated publication date for book 2? Do you have in mind how many books in the series?

2. How much of Macie did you base on yourself?

3. Why did you decide to have her as being in the military and how did you go about your research for what she would experience?

4. Have you purchased "those" soaps for anyone for Christmas? ;)

[Renee]

Hey Everyone!

I thought I'd pop in here myself to answer your questions.

1. This is listed as book 1, so do you have an estimated publication date for book 2? Do you have in mind how many books in the series?
I have three books planned in the series. The first book is Macie's story - focussing on a girl in the Air Force. I'm planning book two to focus on a woman in the Navy and book three on a woman in the Army - but both books will still be set in the same world as book one - more swing dancing in Darwin and catching up with Macie and Matt. I have rough outlines done and hope to have the second book done in 2017.

2. How much of Macie did you base on yourself?
Macie has lots on me in her. Her name for a start - my middle name is Macie which actually is a blend of my grandmothers names - Mavis and Dulcie. Dulcie is still alive and I just posted her a copy of my book with a bookmark on that page.
I'm also a bookloving introvert who loves to swing dance and didn't cope well in the humidity. I'm not a runner though.
There's a little of me in Sarah too - I have a couple of kids like her and my hubby looks after them when I go swing dancing too.
And I have to admit that I have red frilly knickers like Nadiene and have been known to flash them occasionally when I'm dancing :)

3. Why did you decide to have her as being in the military and how did you go about your research for what she would experience?
I've been on the lookout for books involving the Australian military since my husband joined. They are few and far between. Most military romance books I find are very alpha male and the few female military stories I've seen, are alpha female. There is so much more to the military than frontline soldiers and spies. I gave Macie the job my husband had - there are plenty of women in that role and it was the easiest for me to research for my first book. Most of my research involved filing away the stories that hubby came home with each night. Some poor bloke actually did crash the forklift :) I also chatted with a couple of girls who had lived on base and explored the base myself several times.

4. Have you purchased "those" soaps for anyone for Christmas? ;)

Not sure who's going to get it yet... I might save it up for another giveaway.


And in case anyone was wondering (in regards to the dedication) yes, he has read it all now, even the kissing bits :)

If you want to stay up to date with my writing life - friend me on Goodreads, follow me on social media or sign up to my monthly newsletter - links are in the back of the book.

Thanks for reading :)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Thanks Renee! Love the ideas for book 2 and 3 :)

[Ashley M]

I am so happy right now. I spotted Tim Tams at the local grocery store the other day when I was with my mom. I came back today with my dad, and got both the original and caramel kinds for my mom when she reads the book. It's kind of a sexy little scene in the book, but I'm thrilled about it! It's already wrapped too. :)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Oh that's awesome Ashley! What a great addition for the gift :)

[Renee]

I love it Ashley! You'll have to come back and let us all know whst you thought of yhe Tim Tams.

[Erin]

Hopping into the discussion late- the last month has been pretty crazy and I lost track of when the buddy read was starting. I really liked how this showed a different side of military life- not what we normally see. And I really liked that Macie stood up for her career. It was nice to see a true compromise

[Ashley M]

I love Tim Tams! My favorite is caramel flavored.

[Ashley M]

Just had them.

[Renee]

Ashley - I like the original best (there are more in the packet) The double coat are good - extra chocolate coating. caramel are yummy too.