Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: London, Can You Wait?
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.jacquelynmiddleton.com/
CITY: Toronto
STATE:
COUNTRY: Canada
NATIONALITY: Canadian
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married.
EDUCATION:Attended Ryerson University.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Previously worked in the broadcasting industry.
AVOCATIONS:Music.
MEMBER:Professional Writers Association of Canada, Canadian Authors Association, and Romance Writers of America.
WRITINGS
Has written articles on health, fitness, travel, pop culture, and pets in Best Health, Canadian Living, Reader’s Digest, USA Today, Toronto Star, National Geographic, and others. Author of a blog.
SIDELIGHTS
Jacquelyn Middleton is a freelance writer who has penned articles on health, fitness, travel, pop culture, and pets that have appeared in Best Health, Canadian Living, Reader’s Digest, USA Today, Toronto Star, National Geographic, and other magazines and online. Previously she worked in the broadcasting industry in Toronto. She has written two novels: London Belongs to Me and London, Can You Wait?
London Belongs to Me
Her debut novel, London Belongs to Me, is, as the title suggests, about London—her favorite place and one she has visited often with her British husband. This YA novel follows Alex Sinclair, a young American woman who has moved to London, where she writes for the theater. While remaining independent, she also wants to reconnect with her British father, who divorced her mother and returned to his homeland many years earlier. Her boyfriend, Mark Keegan, is an Irish actor who earns a role in a hit British TV show. The show’s success drives a wedge between the two, in light of his long absences and the attention of the press and fans. She begins to struggle with anxiety and panic disorder.
In conversation with Brandi Megan Granett at Huffington Post, Middleton explained: “I chose to make Alex an American, and not a Canadian for a specific reason—it would be easier for a Canadian to adjust and fit in to British life than an American.” Making matters more difficult for a sad girl in rainy London, Alex comes from Florida. Online at Talk Nerdy with Us, A.J. Mullican commented, however, that while Alex speaks like an American, the book is “littered with British spellings and slang.” Mullican found it “more than a little distracting.” The critic also noted that Alex’s character is something of a “doormat” as well as mopey and complaining. Even so, Mullikan pronounced the other characters “rich and well-rounded” and thought the “messages about finding out who your true friends are and finding your place in the world are powerful and well thought out.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor called the novel a “love letter to London,” which is a bit too “effusive” but also “sweet and contagious.” The critic concluded, “Prepare to be seduced by engaging characters, irresistible in their own quirky way, and transported by keen descriptions of the sights, sounds, and tastes of London.”
London, Can You Wait?
Middleton told Joyce Lamb online at Happily Ever After that her second novel, London, Can You Wait?, can be read on its own but added that reading her first novel will impart a “better sense of the characters, their backstories and relationships.” Both novels, she said, “celebrate theater, … creating family from friendships and figuring out your place in the world.” In London, Can You Wait?, Alex is still in a difficult relationship with boyfriend Mark, who travels the world for film shoots. Then, too, there is the curious presence of a ring in his baggage—but no marriage proposal. His costar, Fallon Delaney, reveals information about Mark’s life, causing Alex to seek refuge with her father in Manchester. Online at All about Romance, Mary Dubé pointed out that “secrets meant to protect someone often end up causing more harm than good and that is exactly what happens to Mark and Alex, which sets off a chain of events that will test their love.”
A Kirkus Reviews writer observed that Middleton “has mastered chick lit,” going on to say that the “settings are vibrant and detailed” and the “narration is well-crafted.” Dubé called the relationship between Mark and Alex “believable” and applauded the “marvelous cast of secondary characters.” A correspondent at Ramblings of a Daydreamer asserted that London, Can You Wait? is “full of heart and humour,” going on to add: “It’s a must-read for all the nerdy Anglophiles out there, as well as lovers of romance and women’s fiction.” Danielle Zimmerman, critqueing the book at Hypable, observed that it is full of “heartwarming adult growing pains moments and the most beautiful friendships you’ll ever read.” The book, she warned readers, “will both break your heart and make it swell. Sometimes in rapid succession, sometimes at the same time.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Kirkus Reviews, November 1, 2016, review of London Belongs to Me; November 15, 2017, review of London, Can You Wait?
ONLINE
All about Romance, https://allaboutromance.com/ (February 17, 2018), Mary Dubé, review of London, Can You Wait?
Happy Ever After, http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/ (November 30, 2017), Joyce Lamb, author interview.
Huffington Post, https://www.huffingtonpost.com/ (October 20, 2016), Brandi Megan Granett, author interview.
Hypable, https://www.hypable.com/ (October 30, 2017), Danielle Zimmerman, review of London, Can You Wait?
Jacquelyn Middleton Website, http://www.jacquelynmiddleton.com (March 12, 2018).
Ramblings of a Daydreamer, http://sweetmarie-83.blogspot.sg/ (October 25, 2017), review of London, Can You Wait?
Romance Rehab, http://www.romancerehab.com/ (February 1, 2018), review of London, Can You Wait?
Talk Nerdy with Us, http://talknerdywithus.com/ (November 6, 2016), A.J. Mullican, review of London Belongs to Me.
bout jacquelyn
Jacquelyn Middleton Award Winning Author of Long Belongs To Me
Hey guys! My name is Jacquelyn but feel free to call me Jackie. Everyone does! As a little kid who was just learning how to write, Jacquelyn felt so long and complicated. Add in my surname and it’s even longer. My mum didn’t want my name shortened, but it ended up that way. It was just easier and the shortened name stuck. I did make a promise to myself though that if I wrote a novel, I would use my ‘proper’ name. My mum always believed in me, always said I would write a book, so I feel like I’m honouring her by using the name she so lovingly bestowed on me. I’ve dedicated London Belongs to Me to her. She passed away a few years ago, and I miss her every day. I hope that she’s proud of me. I did it, Mum!
Yasmin Rahman, the wonderfully talented writer and artist who has created book collages for Rainbow Rowell, Colleen Hoover, Stephanie Perkins, and many other authors, made a London Belongs to Me collage. Isn’t it gorgeous?
I live in Toronto with my British husband and Schipperke dog. I’ve spent most of my adult life working in television (at CHUM Television: Citytv and MuchMusic; and at Alliance Atlantis Broadcasting: Discovery Health Channel, Slice, and National Geographic Channel), but I’ve been writing full-time now for about eight years. In that time I have won several national writing awards and have been published by several of the most popular magazines, newspapers, and websites in North America including USA Today, Canadian Living, Best Health, National Geographic Travel, The Toronto Star, Psychology Today, Reader’s Digest, Chatelaine, Today’s Parent, and Flare. I’m also the creator of AUTHORS CELEBRATING AUTHORS, a column in my blog featuring Q&As with my favourite authors. K.A. Tucker, Jill Santopolo, and Penelope Douglas have been among my esteemed guests.
Pop culture favourites—I have so many! Sherlock, Humans, Doctor Who, Outlander, Riverdale, Gossip Girl, and Gilmore Girls live on my iPad. I love hockey and soccer/football, comic cons, and have an unhealthy fascination with London, England. Music is also a huge part of my life. I even named both London Belongs to Me and London, Can You Wait? after favourite songs (by Saint Etienne and Gene, respectively and yep, they’re from London, of course!). Give me British milk chocolate, magazines, and tickets to a play, and I’m a happy girl.
I’m a proud member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada, the Canadian Authors Association, and the Romance Writers of America.
London Belongs to Me is my debut novel. If you want to read more about how it almost didn’t happen, check out my blog post about how the book came to be. My second book, London, Can You Wait? was published on October 26, 2017. It can be read as a stand-alone novel; however, if you’ve read London Belongs to Me, you will have a deeper understanding of the characters and their world in London, Can You Wait?. Because there are more sexy times in London, Can You Wait?, I would recommend it for readers 16+.
Anything else you would like to know? Drop me an email via the contact page on this website or reach out to me on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook (links are at the bottom of this page). I love hearing from readers and seeing your photos of London Belongs to Me and London, Can You Wait?—I often share your photos on my social media. It really is my favourite thing ever, seeing your photos of my books. 🙂
If you want to check out my other work, visit my freelance writing portfolio featuring articles on health, fitness, travel, pop culture, and pets.
Thanks for stopping by!
HOW DO YOU GET INSPIRED TO WRITE?
Inspiration, at least so far, hasn’t been a problem. I want to write all the time. When I have a story in mind, I have this tremendous need to get it all down, and then relive the scenes repeatedly during edits. I should probably take more time away from the laptop as I tend to write through the week and straight through my weekends, but I love it.
One tool I do use for inspiration is music. I create playlists for my stories and characters. I find that I can get into a character’s headspace pretty easily with the right song.
And if I ever get stuck, a walk with my dog Zoey, exercise, or even taking a shower let my mind wander and find new ways to tackle the roadblocks.
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH A 'LONDON BELONGS TO ME' SEQUEL?
Fans of the book have been asking me that question a lot!
I know what’s in store for Alex, Lucy and the gang, and I’m incredibly flattered that readers have fallen for these characters, and want to know what’s going to happen to them, too. Since London Belongs to Me has won over so many readers in such a short period of time, I can say that yes, a follow-up—London, Can You Wait?—is now available! If it wasn’t for readers like you, a sequel wouldn’t be possible. Thank you so much for your interest in LBTM and for spreading the word through social media about my debut novel. You guys rock! If you would like to order London, Can You Wait?, just click on the BOOKS tab at the top of this page and you’ll be whisked away to all your worldwide ordering possibilities!
WHY DID YOU INCLUDE ANXIETY & PANIC ATTACKS IN LBTM AND LCYW?
When I was plotting London Belongs to Me, I decided to make Alex Sinclair a panic attack sufferer in the hopes of informing others about anxiety and panic attacks. The reason? I have battled anxiety and panic attacks my entire life. My “research”…well, I came by it honestly from the wealth of my own experiences, but like many fellow sufferers, very few family members or friends knew about it. I hid it—very well.
Writing London Belongs to Me, I felt somewhat liberated. I also felt like a bit of a fraud. How could I expose Alex without exposing myself? So I crept out of the shadows and shared my life-long secret. I also wrote two articles about my own experiences with anxiety and panic attacks (including a cringeworthy fainting spell in Toronto’s largest department store) for Psychology Today and Women Writers, Women’s Books—links to both pieces can be found under “Extras—Freelance Writing.” Readers of London Belongs to Me might remember a reference in the book about Alex fainting—yep, all based on me! That’s the great thing about being a writer. The worst experiences can make for fantastic fodder for an author.
It felt good to be honest with friends and strangers, but most of all, it felt good to be honest with myself.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHORS?
I devour any books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Colleen Hoover, Karma Brown, Mhairi McFarlane, Renee Carlino, and Karen Swan. Novels that gave me major book hangovers lately include the excellent Girls Who Travel by Nicole Trilivas, The Legacy of Us by Kristin Contino, The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo, Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas, and Until It Fades by K.A. Tucker. I’d recommend all of them!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AREA OF LONDON?
I have been fortunate to visit London over thirty times, so as a result, I have many favourite parts! I’ve walked in the footsteps of my characters so many times, so the geographical settings are incredibly accurate. I love Covent Garden, Pimlico, Islington, the South Bank (where you’ll find the National Theatre, a major setting for London Belongs to Me), and the area around Tower Bridge (I love that bridge!).
One location that I have fallen in love with is London Fields, a place that’s at the heart of my novel. It’s in the borough of Hackney in London’s east end. It’s a vibrant neighbourhood, centred around a wonderful park called, you guessed it, London Fields. It boasts many cultures, young families, and plenty of dogs: seriously, visit London Fields on the weekends and you’ll see so many breeds frolicking in the grass. It’s brilliant. London Fields is also home to the fantastic Saturday street market, Broadway Market. Not to be too confusing, but this bustling market is held on a street that is actually called Broadway Market. They sell everything from antiques and artisan foods (Cupcakes! Scotch Eggs!) to crafts and jewellery. My favourite vendor: Crosstown Donuts—sugary delights from the heavens. Yum.
Another market that’s a must-visit: Borough Market. I hope I’m not confusing matters…all these amazing markets in London that start with B! Borough Market is just south of London Bridge and it has EVERYTHING—baked goods, spices, hot food of every description and ethnicity, fresh fish, cheese, fudge—and the world’s best brownies in my opinion!
If you have plans to visit London, by all means pay your respects to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Oxford Street, but also stray off the usual path and check out places like London Fields, and see the real every day London. You won’t be disappointed.
LBTM HAS A FANDOM SUBPLOT. WHAT ARE YOUR FANDOMS?
Growing up, I was a huge Star Wars fan, and I wore my Luke and C3PO t-shirt until the transfer peeled off (a sad day). But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve drifted somewhat from the crazed Star Wars fan that I once was. That said, I did meet Mark Hamill at FanExpo in Toronto, and it was an incredible moment. He hugged me. I crumpled. I fell in love all over again.
I have been a fan of ‘something or other’ my entire life. I love music, and stay pretty loyal to the bands and performers that I adore. London Belongs to Me is named after a song by my favourite band, Saint Etienne. I’ve always been a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey fan (I ran their official booster club for four years and spent tons of time answering their fan mail), and Manchester United is my favourite football team.
Proper fandom-wise, I am a devout Sherlockian and Whovian … so the BBC’s Sherlock, and Doctor Who are my two favourites. In the last few years, we’ve done pretty well at meeting many of the cast members of both. On the home front, my apartment is being taken over by Sherlock and Doctor Who Titan figures (and 5″ DW figures). I can’t stop buying them, and an intervention might be required. I’m also a devoted member of the Outlander fandom. Jamie and Claire = OTP. And I LOVE the British series, Humans. The wait for season three is killing me! I need more people to watch so I can dish about that one. Niska and Leo are the best.
'FESS UP. DAVID TENNANT OR MATT SMITH?
I love you David, but I have to go with Matt! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting both (Matt several times) and they are wonderfully kind and lots of fun, not to mention super talented. If you get the chance to meet either one at a con, GO!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NEXT?
I’m currently working on my third novel, another contemporary romance tentatively scheduled for release in the fall of 2018. It’s not a continuation of the London Belongs books, BUT it takes place in the same world, so characters you know and love from my first two books may be mentioned or known by my new characters, and you never know, some may show up!
Interview: Jacquelyn Middleton, author of ‘London, Can You Wait?’
By: Joyce Lamb | November 30, 2017 12:00 am
Joyce: Welcome to HEA, Jacquelyn! Please tell us about your new release, London, Can You Wait?
Jacquelyn: London, Can You Wait? is my second novel (London Belongs to Me was my debut in October last year) and it continues the story of Alex Sinclair, an American twentysomething who has moved to London. I’ve written London, Can You Wait? as a stand-alone so readers who haven’t read London Belongs to Me can follow along without any issues. However, you will have a better sense of the characters, their backstories and relationships if you’ve read LBTM first. Both my books celebrate theater (Alex is a playwright, Mark’s an actor and several other characters are performers, too), creating family from friendships and figuring out your place in the world. London features heavily in my latest release, but the story also unfolds in Dublin and a few other cities as well. A major subject in both my books is anxiety and panic attacks. Alex is a life-long sufferer (as am I), so I’ve taken great care to give anxiety a platform where it can be shown realistically and with empathy. Too many people believe anxiety sufferers are weak, and that’s just not the case. It’s a topic very close to my heart.
Joyce: Do you write by the seat of your pants, or do you carefully plot your stories?
Jacquelyn: I am a dedicated plotter. Before I write anything, I work on detailed profiles for each character. I have to know their family life, romantic history, school experiences, hobbies, their flaws, likes, dislikes, what they like and dislike about the other characters — you name it, it’s in there! But the key is always the inner wound that makes the characters behave the way they do. Without that inner substance, they don’t feel like real people to me. I also make extensive notes for the plot. I need to know all the key moments and plot points from the very beginning. Obviously, things do change while I write and major rewrites happen, but the main focus always remains — at least so far it has.
Joyce: Has anything funny happened to you while doing research for a book?
Jacquelyn: On one 2015 research jaunt in London for my first book, my husband and I were walking around an area of east London that features heavily in my story. I made mention of Alex’s favorite actor (who is a real living person and one of my fave actors), and who do we run into? It was surreal! I ended up gifting that moment to Lucy, Alex’s best friend, in my books. Serendipity does happen!
Joyce: What distracts you the most when you’re trying to write?
Jacquelyn: My dog, Zoey! She’s the most gorgeous, loving furball on the planet, but she’s also the most destructive to my writing process. She’s a Schipperke and the breed is notorious for being high energy, inquisitive and intelligent. She knows what “work” is and when I say I’ve got to work now, she brings me toys. I’m twisted around her tiny paw and I always end up playing with her for another 10 minutes or so.
Joyce: What’s your favorite snack and/or beverage while you’re writing?
Jacquelyn: In the morning, I’m behaved and have fruit while writing, but my good intentions always crash and burn by the afternoon and then the Kit Kat Bites come out.
Joyce: Do you listen to music while you write? What are some tunes on your playlist?
Jacquelyn: Music is life! I’m a huge music fan, so it’s only natural that it plays a big role in my writing. Both my books were named after favorite songs of mine (the first a song by Saint Etienne and my latest, a tune by Gene). Music inspires me, helps lift writer’s block and sets a tone for what I’m working on. Every book has a playlist and some characters do, too. Let Go for Tonight by Foxes was a song that really summed up Alex’s heart in London, Can You Wait? — it’s angsty and passionate and a bit fearful of what could be lost. I listened to a lot of Foxes and Broods while writing London, Can You Wait? My books’ playlists are posted on my website if anyone wants to explore deeper.
Joyce: What would be your dream vacation?
Jacquelyn: London, always London, even though I’ve been there in the double digits (and I’m writing the answers to these questions from London now). It’s always where I want to go and feel most at home.
Joyce: What are you working on now?
Jacquelyn: I’m currently writing my third novel, another New Adult contemporary due for publication in fall 2018. It features new characters, a new romance and a new city, but the action unfolds in the same world as my London books, so familiar characters may be mentioned or appear.
Joyce: Thanks, Jacquelyn!
About London, Can You Wait?:
Alex loves Mark. Mark loves Alex. But is love enough?
Since moving to London from the US, twenty-four-year-old Alex Sinclair seems to have it all: a coveted job writing for the theatre, supportive friends, and the man of her dreams—gorgeous Irish actor, Mark Keegan. But in the year since the acclaimed debut of her play, Alex and Mark’s lives have been turned upside down.
Thanks to his role on a smash-hit British TV show, Mark is catapulted to stardom. Alex couldn’t be happier until her boyfriend’s popularity and insatiable drive to succeed means they’re apart more than they’re together. Forced to share Mark with showbiz heavy-hitters, intrusive press, and unrelenting fangirls, Alex’s hopes for a stable and committed life with him start to fade. Her struggles with panic attacks, career uncertainty, and Mark’s increasingly worrisome behaviour make her wonder: how much more can she bend before she breaks?
About Jacquelyn
Jacquelyn Middleton is an award-winning freelance writer with articles published by several of the most popular magazines, newspapers, and websites in North America including USA Today, Canadian Living, Best Health, National Geographic Travel, The Toronto Star, Psychology Today, Reader’s Digest, Chatelaine, Today’s Parent, and Flare. She previously worked in television broadcasting and lives in Toronto, Canada.
Find out more at jacquelynmiddleton.com.
Jacquelyn Middleton is an award-winning author and writer with articles published by several of the most popular magazines, newspapers, and websites in North America including USA Today, Canadian Living, Best Health, National Geographic Travel, Psychology Today, The Toronto Star, Reader's Digest, Chatelaine, Today's Parent, and Flare.
She previously worked in television broadcasting and lives in Toronto with her British husband, however, she loves London a little too much having visited over thirty times. She spends much of her time there, walking in the footsteps of her characters, hanging out with friends and family, going to plays every single evening (and sometimes twice a day when there's a matinee), and soaking up the atmosphere in her favourite neighbourhoods, which feature in LONDON BELONGS TO ME and LONDON, CAN YOU WAIT?, her contemporary romance novels.
Follow Jacquelyn on Twitter (@JaxMiddleton), Instagram (@JaxMiddleton_Author), or Facebook (JacquelynMiddletonAuthor), and visit her website at www.JacquelynMiddleton.com
London Belongs to Me: A Conversation with Jacquelyn Middleton
10/20/2016 09:35 pm ET
In London Belongs to Me, a novel by Jacquelyn Middleton, Alex Sinclair takes the time old route of running away from her problems. However, she soon finds herself questioning whether a new place with different weather is capable of changing her heart.
Where did Alex come from? How did you find her story?
I’ve always had a soft spot for people who are viewed as uncool or geeky. Outsiders. Growing up, I was a shy kid who achieved good grades, and suffered from anxiety. I was never one of the popular kids, but I didn’t follow that crowd either. Instead, I tried to stay true to my own goals, interests, and morals, regardless of what everyone else was doing in school, or at work. Through it all, I always hoped that I would find friends who ‘got’ me, and the place where I belonged. Alex Sinclair comes from that experience, and in many ways, she’s very similar to me. But unlike Alex, I had a wonderful, supportive mum who loved me unconditionally. And I never ran away to London either, although never say never! I’m also addicted to stories about women who go on great journeys of self-discovery far from home. With Alex, I basically combined the outsider theme with the desire to find oneself in a foreign land, and came up with London Belongs to Me.
Your novel shows a deep passion for place; what did it take for you, a Canadian, to build this London scenery for your American protagonist?
My family’s background is primarily English and Scottish, so I’ve always felt an affinity for British culture and way of life. I chose to make Alex an American, and not a Canadian for a specific reason—it would be easier for a Canadian to adjust and fit in to British life than an American: Canada is part of the British Commonwealth, the Queen is our Head of State, and she’s on our money and postage stamps. One of the most popular TV shows in Canada is Coronation Street (an import from Manchester, England), and many of the words we use (for example, colour, favourite, behaviour) have British spellings. Making Alex an American—and one from sunny Florida who moves to rainy London—adds to the ‘fish out of water’ drama and her challenges as a result.
My novel is my love letter to London. I adore this city like no other; it’s become part of me. When I need a holiday, a fix for my theatre obsession, or time to figure things out, it’s where I go. I’ve visited about thirty times. I know certain neighborhoods like the back of my hand, but London is never dull, or boring because there are many areas that I still want to explore. And yet, all those first-visit memories of spotting red phone boxes, Big Ben, or Tower Bridge from a cab window are still alive in my mind. I still become giddy when I see these things in person, causing much hilarity among my friends. I wanted to instill these emotions, that breathlessness in Alex. It’s a big deal when you finally arrive in a place you’ve loved from afar, but never visited. In my case, I’m a proud London geek who just can’t stay away. My own personal London story is never ending. When one trip ends, I always figure out when I can return.
Alex turns to her friend, Harry, when she needs a break from her life. I suspect that since the dawn of time people have wondered if men and women could truly be friends. Where do you come down in that debate?
It’s a great debate, and makes for some wonderful books, movies, and TV shows. So much drama, all that ‘will they, won’t they’ posturing. I believe men and women can be friends. I’ve had very close male friends who were like brothers to me. The only time I ever had problems with such relationships was when the partner (either mine, or theirs) became jealous. It’s a shame, really, when insecurities arise, and you have to make a choice between your friendship and relationship.
You mention your love of music in the acknowledgement. What is your favorite ‘Easter Egg’ in the novel? What do you hope that reveals about the character?
Thank you so much for asking this question. Music is a huge deal to me, and the book. I think if you listen (or read) the lyrics to the songs mentioned in the novel, you’ll get some extra insight into the particular scene. One major musical ‘Easter Egg’ which most readers probably won’t pick up on is the book’s title, London Belongs to Me. It’s a song by Saint Etienne, one of my favorite London-based bands. LBTM is a sunny, summery song with soft feminine vocals that depict a lazy, dreamy afternoon in a north London park (I’m guessing Primrose Hill because Camden Town, and a road called Parkway get name-checked). This tune very roughly influenced one of the scenes in the book. The song lyrics are gorgeous. They’re brimming with love and want, as well as the desire to let go of the past, while holding on for the future … all themes that are important in my London Belongs to Me.
In terms of pop culture, which fandoms do you belong to? What draws you to certain shows and movies?
The two fandoms that have captured my heart are Sherlock and Doctor Who. Yes, I am that geek who carries around Sherlock episodes on her phone. If you dig into my music app, you will also find soundtracks for both Sherlock, and Doctor Who lurking. I’m also a new recruit to the Outlander fandom. I love shows and movies that show the power of friendship. Sherlock, underneath its mystery-solving, clever dialogue, and intriguing visuals, is a story of a great friendship between Holmes and Watson. The storyline that drives the Doctor Who narrative is the friendship between the Doctor and his companion. They might be traveling through space and time, battling aliens, and saving Earth, but how they help, support, and care for each other is at the program’s core. And even Outlander has that trait—the relationships between the clan members, as well as Jamie and Claire. Okay, who am I kidding? The romance in Outlander is pretty epic, too.
What is next on your writing horizon?
I’m a freelance writer, so hopefully there will be more assignments for magazines and websites in my future. I’m also working on ideas for novels. Several London Belongs to Me readers have expressed their interest in a sequel, so watch this space!
Middleton, Jacquelyn: LONDON, CAN YOU WAIT?
Kirkus Reviews. (Nov. 15, 2017):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Middleton, Jacquelyn LONDON, CAN YOU WAIT? Kirkwall Books (Indie Fiction) $14.16 10, 26 ISBN: 978-0-9952117-5-9
An aspiring playwright copes with her boyfriend's newfound fame in this sequel.
Twenty-four-year-old Alex Sinclair is the envy of many an English teen. Her boyfriend of nearly two years is 25-year-old heartthrob Mark Keegan, star of the fictional BBC drama Lairds and Liars. Unfortunately, dating a celebrity is not all it's cracked up to be. As Mark runs himself ragged filming around the globe, their brief reunions are often measured in hours rather than days, and Alex misses the time they were both struggling artists working at the National Theatre. After finding a ring in Mark's backpack, Alex looks forward to marriage as a remedy to the growing distance between them, but curiously, he doesn't pop the question. Besides his reluctance to commit, Alex has to deal with trash-talking fans, unflattering tabloid stories, and Mark's obnoxious agent, Wink. Everything finally boils over after a fateful New Year's Eve party; Mark's latest co-star, Fallon Delaney, divulges some incriminating secrets. Alex retreats to her father's house in Manchester to reconnect with herself and later returns to London with a new lease on life. Here, Middleton (London Belongs to Me, 2016) has mastered chick lit. While the plot is driven by Alex's love life, her career and personal growth (particularly her mental health) feature just as prominently. Alex's friends--her fiery "bezzie mate," Lucy; the ever exuberant Freddie; and his stylish fiance, Simon--are fully fleshed out, with arcs of their own. The settings are vibrant and detailed, giving an accurate snapshot of life in cities like London, Dublin, and New York, complete with nods to the theater scene and fandom culture. The narration is well-crafted, full of seemingly innocuous tidbits that later become significant, raunchy banter between friends, and the kind of sweet nothings that hopeless romantics die for. In the end, it's ultimately quite rewarding to see Alex come into her own, with or without Mark by her side.
A winner for romance and chick-lit fans as well as Anglophiles and geeks.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Middleton, Jacquelyn: LONDON, CAN YOU WAIT?" Kirkus Reviews, 15 Nov. 2017. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A514267681/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=dc5107d4. Accessed 17 Feb. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A514267681
Middleton, Jacquelyn: London Belongs To Me
Kirkus Reviews. (Nov. 1, 2016):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Middleton, Jacquelyn LONDON BELONGS TO ME Kirkwall Books (Indie Fiction) $14.95 10, 14 ISBN: 978-0-9952117-1-1
An aspiring playwright, fresh out of college, moves to the city of her dreams in this debut novel. After an inauspicious arrival, including delayed baggage, a sudden downpour, and cramped living quarters, Alexandra "Alex" Sinclair settles into a routine of sorts in London. Still, the Emory University graduate battles with occasional panic attacks as she navigates the ups and downs of living abroad, including an economical housing arrangement that sparks many complications. She hopes to deepen her relationship with her father, who returned to his native England after divorcing her mother many years ago. But Alex also desperately wants to make it on her own, without financial assistance from him, so she seeks employment opportunities that will allow her the flexibility to work on her writing projects. Eventually, she will face a blatant case of plagiarism and other acts of sabotage, so she is fortunate to rely on the support of relatives and friends, principally Lucy, a former online acquaintance, and Lucy's sidekick, Freddie. They both share Alex's obsessions with Doctor Who, Sherlock, and the like. Will Alex ultimately make some real progress with a love interest? Will her chief antagonist finally receive a richly deserved comeuppance? Undoubtedly, Middleton's novel is a love letter to London. As such, it goes a bit overboard in its effusive style and passionate outbursts, but the underlying sentiment remains sweet and contagious. At times, the author is overly fond of clunky similes and unlikely coincidences. For instance, Alex's accidental reunion with Lucy (with whom she had lost contact) is one of the plot mechanisms that strains credibility, though most of them involve her encounters with a potential suitor. Middleton sometimes risks venturing into the realm of torrid, bodice-ripping romance novels, as in this overwrought passage: "Friday's kiss and the possibility of seeing him today kept her awake last night, teasing and tormenting her; the ache for him still constant, it warmed her like a fever that wouldn't break." Still, despite these minor drawbacks, chances are that even the most skeptical or cynical readers will surrender to the many delights of this compelling narrative. Prepare to be seduced by engaging characters, irresistible in their own quirky way, and transported by keen descriptions of the sights, sounds, and tastes of London (plus two side trips to Manchester). One need not be an Anglophile to enjoy the heroine's London adventures, but it definitely adds to the overall experience.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Middleton, Jacquelyn: London Belongs To Me." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Nov. 2016. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A468388925/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=3a998c33. Accessed 17 Feb. 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A468388925
London, Can You Wait?
Jacquelyn Middleton
Buy This Book
I rarely read new adult romances, because – to be honest – they make me feel old. I can rarely relate to the issues facing a twenty-year old any more, because it feels like I have been there and done that and I have no wish to go back and do it again! But I took a chance on Jacquelyn Middleton’s new adult romance London, Can you Wait?, and I am glad I did. It’s intelligently written, quite entertaining and sweetly romantic with a complex and layered plot and thoroughly developed characters, including a hoot of a secondary cast. I actually did relate to the story, because Ms. Middleton does an outstanding job of covering some issues that are ageless.
London, Can You Wait? is actually the second book in the series London Belongs to Me, and the protagonists, Mark and Alex, have already been in a relationship for almost two years when this story begins. I have not read the first book, also called London Belongs to Me, and I can say that I do not think it diminished my experience. Ms. Middleton does advise reading in order, but also says it is not a necessity. I would label the book as stand-alone…ish.
Mark Keegan is a famous, successful, twenty-five year old Irish actor, who is a heartthrob with a loyal female following and a favorite of the paparazzi. He and twenty-four year old American playwright Alex Sinclair met in London and have been in a committed relationship for twenty months. They love each other to distraction, but Mark is a hot commodity in the acting world and focused on his career. He believes he needs to strike while the iron is hot and is accepting quite a few acting jobs, which means he is away filming quite a lot. Alex and Mark are apart more than they are together nowadays, and the distance is really wearing on them both, especially Alex.
She’s stalled creatively and having a hard time writing, which is difficult after receiving acclaim for her previous project. She’s not as busy as Mark, and she worries he’s doing too much and not taking care of himself. She has suffered from panic attacks for most of her life and has been stable for some time, but the stresses in her relationship and worry over her career are proving to be too much and she’s started having attacks again. Both Mark and Alex desperately want to make things work and are committed to each other, but in an effort to keep the relationship going, they are both keeping secrets in order to prevent the other from worrying or getting upset. Alex isn’t forthright about her recent panic attacks and anxiety medication, and Mark doesn’t reveal everything about his acting jobs.
Of course, secrets meant to protect someone often end up causing more harm than good and that is exactly what happens to Mark and Alex, which sets off a chain of events that will test their love. Their journey is not predictable or guaranteed, which is one of the key factors that makes London, Can You Wait? as enjoyable as it is. The reader is pulled into the story and becomes invested in its outcome hoping for the best, and undergoing a bit of breathless anticipation as we wait to find out how things will play out.
Alex and Mark’s relationship is relatable and believable as both struggle to deal with their own issues while also struggling under the complications in their relationship. They, like most, have to do some soul searching and personal work in order to be able to be their best selves and a strong partner. They’re both mature and endearing as they make their way through the muddy waters of self-improvement and love, and the reader is right there alongside them.
London, Can You Wait? also has a marvelous cast of secondary characters who really add to the reading experience. They are fully developed and have their own stories, giving the book further depth and adding to the entertainment. I’d definitely love to read more stories featuring this group of friends.
I believe anyone should find much to love about this book, even if you are not normally a fan of new adult romances. The only reason I haven’t given the book an A grade is because the punctuation used in the dialogue is distracting, which sometimes made it hard to read. Some readers will not care, and many will not even notice; but it bugged me and I can’t not mention it. This small quibble aside, I can wholeheartedly recommend London, Can You Wait?
BOOK REVIEWSBOOKSFEATURES
‘London, Can You Wait?’ review: Prepare for your heart to soar and ache… repeatedly
11:30 AM EST, OCTOBER 30, 2017
Jacquelyn Middleton’s London, Can You Wait?, the sequel to London Belongs to Me, will both break your heart and make it swell.
Sometimes in rapid succession, sometimes at the same time. And you 1000% should pick it up and read it.
About ‘London, Can You Wait?’ by Jacquelyn Middleton
Alex loves Mark. Mark loves Alex. But is love enough?
Since moving to London from the US, twenty-four-year-old Alex Sinclair seems to have it all: a coveted job writing for the theatre, supportive friends, and the man of her dreams—gorgeous Irish actor, Mark Keegan. But in the year since the acclaimed debut of her play, Alex and Mark’s lives have been turned upside down.
Thanks to his role on a smash-hit British TV show, Mark is catapulted to stardom. Alex couldn’t be happier—until her boyfriend’s popularity and insatiable drive to succeed means they’re apart more than they’re together. Forced to share Mark with showbiz heavy-hitters, intrusive press, and unrelenting fangirls, Alex’s hopes for a stable and committed life with him start to fade. Her struggles with panic attacks, career uncertainty, and Mark’s increasingly worrisome behavior make her wonder: how much more can she bend before she breaks?
A passionate tale of secrets, loss, and ambition, London, Can You Wait? is the eagerly-awaited sequel to Middleton’s debut novel, London Belongs to Me.
London Can You Wait?
Related: Read an exclusive excerpt from London, Can You Wait? right now!
‘London, Can You Wait?’ book review
Before I start weeping and word-vomiting about all of the things that London, Can You Wait? did to me and my heart, I feel like I need to go back to the series’ beginning really quickly.
The best way I can describe London Belongs to Me, the first novel in this series, is that it’s like Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl for the modern adult. It’s chock-full of geeky goodness — like explanations on how internet friends can become the best IRL friends you ever have (which I have personal experience with) — and heartwarming adult growing pains moments and the most beautiful friendships you’ll ever read. (For more of my thoughts on London Belongs to Me, here’s my Goodreads review.)
But London Belongs to Me left me with soooo many questions. Luckily, that’s where London, Can You Wait? comes in.
Where the first novel was almost exclusively focused on Alex and her scriptwriting career and just trying to settle herself in London (with romance frustratingly hanging out on the periphery of the story), the sequel is very heavily focused on Alex’s relationships with her boyfriend and her closest friends. It’s almost like the sequel takes the most downplayed aspects of the first novel and amplifies them, while also downplaying the most central aspects of the first novel.
This switch is definitely welcome in terms of the romance — which I will get to in a minute — as well as Alex’s anxiety. In fact, while they were introduced and touched on in the first novel, anxiety and panic attacks played a really prevalent role in this sequel in terms of their occurrences as well as Alex’s attempts to get them under control. I love how this novel has honest conversations about mental health and issues and makes a point of discussing how to treat and take care of oneself.
But, I have to say, the thing I love most about this novel is Mark. And Alex’s relationship with him. Their romance is the beating heart of this novel and is the subject of about 75% of it (if not more). London, Can You Wait? isn’t afraid to dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly of adult relationships.
One of the biggest differences between how adult relationships were portrayed in the first and second novels is that, in London, Can You Wait?, Jacquelyn Middleton doesn’t hold back. While there aren’t any full-on sex scenes, this novel doesn’t feel chaste like its predecessor. It feels real. Plus, discussions of sex and sexuality are never judgmental or patronizing. From describing the body’s natural response to romantic touches to discussing the consequences of sexual relationships, this book doesn’t hold back and it’s all the better for it.
London, Can You Wait? also doesn’t hold back in terms of emotions. Oh my goodness. I felt like I was on the most intense rollercoaster while reading this novel. I can’t even begin to count how many times Alex and Mark (Mark mainly, let’s be honest) made my heart soar. And there were just as many times where I felt like the novel had reached into my chest and decimated my heart. The emotions in this novel are no joke.
That being said, I wish discussions of Alex’s career (or even lack thereof) didn’t take such a backseat to the intense relationship drama. I know that relationship drama can bleed into every aspect of someone’s life (trust me, I’ve been there), but, while Alex’s writing and theater passion was so prevalent in the first book, it was almost nonexistent in this sequel.
The odd time jumps didn’t help that. I like how this novel takes place over a couple of years of these characters’ lives, but the time jumps are really jarring sometimes. They can jump as much as 18 months in the future without really giving any indication of what happened in the time between. I think fewer or, perhaps, more time jumps with less time in between, could have helped alleviate the issue of not seeing a lot Alex in her career and outside of her relationship with Mark.
But honestly, those are really my only complaints about this novel. And they’re very small ones.
I don’t personally know if there’s going to be another installment in this series (from the way the novel ends, it doesn’t seem likely), but I just don’t feel done with Alex, Mark, and all of their friends. If anything, I have even more questions about their lives and their paths after finishing this latest installment and I’m afraid I’ll never get to spend time with the gang again.
I loved surprise relationships between group members as well as the central female relationship. While they have their disagreements and squabbles, you can tell that everything they do is out of love for one another. No pairing or interaction ever felt forced or disingenuous. In fact, I felt like these were all friends that I had here in the real world. (If only. *sigh*)
There are some novels that are just so good and so consuming that it feels like you’re watching them play out with your eyes rather than just reading about them. London, Can You Wait? is definitely one of them. You’ll find yourself thinking about it — and its array of vibrant and wonderful characters — long after you finish reading the last page.
London, Can You Wait? by Jacquelyn Middleton is available now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local independent bookstore. Also, don’t forget to add it to your Goodreads “to read” list!
London Can You Wait by Jacquelyn Middleton
2/1/2018
0 Comments
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
NEW ADULT ROMANCE
Publication date: 10/26/2017
Kindle Unlimited: No
Cliffhanger: No
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
This one had several good things going for it, and a few that really irked me. So, I’ll start with the positives:
It’s well-written. Dialogue has a nice, natural feel to it. (You’d be surprised how much crappy dialogue there is out there in romance land)
It’s the second book in a series, and even though I didn’t read the first book, I had no trouble following the storyline or relating to the characters. It’s really hard to create a series where each book can stand alone, and I give the author kudos for pulling that off with this one.
The side characters are just so darn delightful that I found myself a little sad when they weren’t in a scene.
It’s a character-driven story, which I enjoy. This book doesn’t rely on huge plot twists of fantastical events to keep the story moving. It’s all about the characters, which is just what a romance should be (in my humble opinion).
The heroine has an anxiety disorder, which is something you don’t read about too much in romance land. I always enjoy reading about characters who are flawed and all the more relatable because of those flaws.
Now for the stuff that had me side-eyeing my Kindle pretty hard at times while reading:
Alex is terribly insecure and can be whiny at times. I totally understand her insecurity (it can’t be easy to be torn apart on social media by fangirls who only hate you because of who you’re dating), but there were definitely times when I wanted to throat-punch her to snap her out of her whiny, self-pitying ways.
Alex and Mark have some pretty serious deficiencies in the communication department. Talk to each other, damn it! Quit keeping things from each other. Grow the hell up, in other words. If there’s one thing I can’t stand in a romance it’s a bunch of stupid misunderstandings that could’ve been cleared up by a few open, honest conversations. I cut Alex and Mark a little slack because they’re young and in a situation that would be super weird for even the most grown-up of, um, grown-up’s out there, but it still irritated me that they kept so much crap from each other.
I felt like the smarmy talent agent and skanky, unscrupulous, fame-grabbing whore of an ex-girlfriend were terribly cliche. For once, I’d like to read about an ex-girlfriend who wasn’t trying to ruin everything for everyone. The implication in romance that all ex-girlfriends are inherently evil really chaps my ass.
Every time Mark put his work ahead of Alex, even knowing how upset and on-the-edge she was, I wanted to knee him in the nuts on Alex’s behalf, because God knows she wasn’t going to do it. And it needed to be done, people. Seriously.
There’s a new love interest for Alex that’s introduced about halfway through, then dismissed so quickly that I found myself wondering why he was even there at all. And sadly, I kind of liked him better than Mark at that point in the story.
This book is long. Really, really long. I feel like it probably could’ve been about 50-100 pages shorter. (That might just be my preference, though, y’all. You know how much I love a quick read)
Long-story-short, this was a decent read from a new-to-me author with great potential. I’m a tough grader, so a 3.5 from me is probably like 4 or a 5 for a normal reader. So, I would say lovers of Bridget Jones’s Diary or Notting Hill should give this one a try.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Review: London, Can You Wait? by Jacquelyn Middleton
London, Can You Wait? by Jacquelyn Middleton
Series: London Belongs to Me #2
Published: October 26th, 2017
Publisher: Kirkwall Books
425 pages (paperback)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Acquired this book: From the publisher in exchange for honest consideration
Rating: 5 stars
Warning: May contain spoilers
GoodReads || Buy the book: Amazon US ~ Canada || Chapters
Alex loves Mark. Mark loves Alex. But is love enough?
Since moving to London from the US, twenty-four-year-old Alex Sinclair seems to have it all: a coveted job writing for the theatre, supportive friends, and the man of her dreams—gorgeous Irish actor, Mark Keegan. But in the year since the acclaimed debut of her play, Alex and Mark’s lives have been turned upside down.
Thanks to his role on a smash-hit British TV show, Mark is catapulted to stardom. Alex couldn’t be happier—until her boyfriend’s popularity and insatiable drive to succeed means they’re apart more than they’re together. Forced to share Mark with showbiz heavy-hitters, intrusive press, and unrelenting fangirls, Alex’s hopes for a stable and committed life with him start to fade. Her struggles with panic attacks, career uncertainty, and Mark’s increasingly worrisome behaviour make her wonder: how much more can she bend before she breaks?
It’s no secret I loved London Belongs to Me. All you have to do is look at my bookstagram account and the dozens of pictures I’ve posted featuring this beautiful book. I was excited when I learned there would be a sequel, and yet also nervous because while I was curious where Alex’s story would go, sequels can be so hit or miss. I shouldn’t have doubted Jacquelyn Middleton, though; I loved the continuation of Alex’s story.
London Can You Wait picks up a year after where London Belongs to Me left off. Alex is settled in her life in London and in a committed relationship with Mark. While she still loves the city and her hot Irish boyfriend, things aren’t perfect. Mark’s work schedule, paired with his people-pleasing personality, plus Alex’s own personal issues, create a lot of tension and anxiety for the young playwright, and just as much strain on Alex and Mark's relationship.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. There were so many twist and turns and unexpected events. It dealt a lot with secrets, half-truths, lies, and omissions, and the repercussions that come with all those things. Several really upsetting things happened that made parts of the book difficult to read. Certain things made me angry, but I also had to appreciate how those things were realistic. Middleton took a gutsy risk and it paid off. Life can be messy and complicated. Unexpected things happen all the time, and they’re not always good things. People sometimes make bad, stupid, destructive decisions, or even decisions that seem right in the moment. These things are all part of life, and especially part of growing up. Alex experienced a lot of growing pains, but her struggles made her a stronger person, and I loved seeing her find her way. I also appreciated that Alex’s anxiety, which was a big part of London Belongs to Me, was still a big part of London Can You Wait.
Many of the things I loved about London Belongs to Me were present in London Can You Wait, like the nerdy references and the strong friendships. I loved Lucy and Freddie just as much in this book, and I loved how they each had their own storylines, too. I also enjoyed getting to see more of London and Manchester, as well as a few new settings. It’s obvious Middleton did her research when it comes to locations because I always feel like I was right there with Alex and the others.
My favourite type of books are ones with a strong emphasis on character growth and development, which is part of why I love London Belongs to Me and London Can You Wait so much. They focus on Alex’s journey - as an artist, as a woman, as someone with anxiety, as someone falling in love and learning it’s not always sunshine and roses. I love the romance between Alex and Mark, but it’s Alex’s personal journey that resonates most with me.
London Can You Wait is full of heart and humour. It’s a must-read for all the nerdy Anglophiles out there, as well as lovers of romance and women’s fiction. I’d love to see these books made into a TV show featuring a diverse cast of twenty-somethings.
Read my review of London Belongs to Me
Buy: Amazon US ~ Canada || Chapters
Have you read London Belongs to Me or London Can You Wait? What did you think? What's your favourite place to read about? Do you like coming-of-age books?
{Bookstagram || Instagram || Facebook || Twitter || GoodReads || Pinterest}
Book Review: London Belongs to Me by Jacquelyn Middleton
by AJ Mullican November 6, 2016, 10:23 am 3
Jacquelyn Middleton’s book London Belongs to Me opens with a young American aspiring playwright, Alex Sinclair, arriving in London fresh from graduating college. Her luggage, however, does not arrive, and things just keep going downhill for poor Anglophile Alex. Though she loves London’s culture and history, her initial flatmates are not the best of friends, and she makes a rival her very first day.
London Belongs to Me is fairly well written, though there are some discrepancies. The novel is mainly from the point of view of Alex, who grew up in Florida, but it is littered with British spellings and slang–something that would have been believable had Alex herself used such language. However, the character stuck primarily with American terminology, a point that is even referenced later in the book. As someone who has worked closely with British writers and knows the differences, I found it more than a little distracting.
The point of view occasionally shifted as well, and while this does not bother me when the change is intentional and well-defined, there were several points in the book where Alex’s point of view suddenly became someone else’s without warning then slipped back again. Things would happen through another character’s eyes that Alex couldn’t possibly have seen, then the reader would be back with Alex. It was a tad jarring.
The character of Alex was something of a doormat for most of the book, letting herself get pushed around and clinging to old habits and hangups. It wasn’t until she finally hooked up with her main crush that she opened up and became a strong character, which was a bit sad–especially when one considers that Alex prefers and admires strong female characters. Until she finds that One True Love, she spent much of her time moaning and moping–not very appealing in a main character.
Overall the book was a decent read, the above-mentioned distractions notwithstanding. The characters were otherwise rich and well-rounded, and the story moved along at a fairly steady pace. The descriptions of London really took me there. Though I liked the references to pop and geek culture, the constant use of brand names was a bit of a distraction as well … Perhaps a little too much description at times? Nothing to soil the flow of the story, though.
I would recommend this book to anyone who feels left out or bossed around. The messages about finding out who your true friends are and finding your place in the world are powerful and well thought out. Besides, what nerdy girl wouldn’t want to read about another nerdy girl trying to make it on her own abroad in her favorite city?