Totally drawn in by the sub title "Ally's relationship is over and she's taking the cat"! Loved this book, it's a fun read, about a woman who gets dumped by her girlfriend and decides to leave taking the cat with her, she returns home to Sheffield to live with her dad and his jack russell. The story then focusses on her heartbreak, her connection with a childhood friend her first 'beard' Jeremy and her wondering what she might do next having given up teaching. There are many comedy moments in amongst the relatable heartache, especially in her minuscule attempts to train for a half marathon. I liked the way opportunities opened up for her as did a whole new network of friends even though in my experience that can take a while. There's lot to enjoy in this book, interesting characters, authentic relationship dynamics between partners, friends, parents and siblings. I really enjoyed reading a book featuring lesbian and bi-women that is British, its a welcome change and especially because there is much British humour in here, (in fact it gets an extra star for that!). Wonderful light entertainment which I read in a day.

I really enjoyed this book and will defiantly be reading more from the author. This book tells the Story of Ally who has split up with her girlfriend and takes the cat and moves back to Sheffield to live with her dad. What follows without giving any spoilers away is amazing story of adventure, friendship and more. I loved this book and all the different characters esp the cat as I am a cat lover. With thanks to Netgalley & Quercus for the arc of this book in exchange for this honest review.

Oh what a heart-warming read. I just didn't want to put this book down, a laugh out loud, light hearted read that you will not want to part with!  Allys relationship is over, her girlfriend Emily has just split up with her and now thinks she should leave their boat. As Ally gathers her things together she decides that she will take Malcolm...their beloved cat (which was Emily's Birthday present!!!) With her back to Sheffield to her dads house. If she wants him back she will have to come and get him back!!! Heartbroken and in denial that their relationship is over Ally starts sending Emily emails updating her on her life and checking of she is still seeing Sara (with no h)!! Jeremy, Allys childhood bestfriend has also returned home after a bad break up with his boyfriend....the only thing he can think of to get his boyfriend back is by signing him and Ally up for a half marathon!! The voice messages sent between Jeremey and Ally are just comical! I absolutely adored this book! I really hope this is the start of a series! I think it would make a brilliant series!!

Totally drawn in by the sub title "Ally's relationship is over and she's taking the cat"! Loved this book, it's a fun read, about a woman who gets dumped by her girlfriend and decides to leave taking the cat with her, she returns home to Sheffield to live with her dad and his jack russell. The story then focusses on her heartbreak, her connection with a childhood friend her first 'beard' Jeremy and her wondering what she might do next having given up teaching. There are many comedy moments in amongst the relatable heartache, especially in her minuscule attempts to train for a half marathon. I liked the way opportunities opened up for her as did a whole new network of friends even though in my experience that can take a while. There's lot to enjoy in this book, interesting characters, authentic relationship dynamics between partners, friends, parents and siblings. I really enjoyed reading a book featuring lesbian and bi-women that is British, its a welcome change and especially because there is much British humour in here, (in fact it gets an extra star for that!). Wonderful light entertainment which I read in a day.

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!!! AD – Gifted: Last night I had the pleasure to take part in a bakealong with Laura and The Quercus team, and some of my fave bookstagrammers too! We all made peanut butter brownies (apart from me – I hate peanut butter, so I made triple choc)! I would love to thank Quercus for my beautiful finished copy, and I am also on for today’s blog blast too! So I hope that you enjoy my review! The Split is an LGBTQ+ romance, including heartbreak, queer friendships, family, and of course – little furry friends! ‘Ally’s relationship is over, and she’s taking the cat…’ – I mean, this would so be me! But wow… This book! Did I expect to enjoy it as much as I did? No. Did I expect to just fall in love with almost every character? Absolutely not. But did I enjoy it and fall in love with the characters? Why, yes, yes I did. The Split starts with Ally being heartbroken by her now ex-girlfriend Emily – in quite a cruel way if you ask me. So Ally takes the one thing Emily loves most, her cat Malcolm in the hopes that Emily will come and get him and they can (hopefully) sort it out… Ally moves back to Sheffield with her dad and reunites with a long lost best friend, Jeremy – who ironically has also been dealing with a broken heart after being dumped by his ex-boyfriend. After reconnecting, Ally and Jeremy come up to go on a ‘revenge-run-half-marathon’ to get both ex’s attention. Considering neither of them actually run, they end up joining a weekly park run, where there meet the beautiful Jo. Will they do it or will their crazy plan fall through? Honestly, Laura’s writing style is absolutely wonderful, and it was an absolute pleasure to read! All of the characters were so well thought out and loveable, in particular, I had such a soft spot for Ally’s dad, he was just the cutest! It was interesting to see Ally’s view of herself, as by the sounds of it, she never really found herself when she was with Emily. She kind of just got engulfed in Emily’s world, with Emily’s friends and none of her own. And whilst Emily was supportive of Ally’s life decisions in quitting her job, I feel as though she wasn’t the best influence on Ally’s life, and this really shows in the aftermath of their breakup. As she comes out of it with practically nothing… bar Malcolm of course! I also love how natural the LGBTQ+ relationships are in the story. I have found that in today’s society it is incredibly important to be as inclusive as possible, but I haven’t found a book where the relationships don’t feel forced, unnatural or just unrealistic, up until I read The Split. It was such a refreshing read, and I highly recommend it to absolutely anyone! Is this a book you will be buying this year?