An offer you can't refuse

The irresistible new novel from the author of THINKING OF YOU and MAKING YOUR MIND UP. A sweet, funny and romantic novel from the Sunday Times No. 1 bestseller.

Lola has no intention of accepting when her boyfriend Dougie’s snobbish mother offers her £10,000 to break up with him. Then she discovers a secret that makes her think again. Dougie would probably have broken up with her in the long run, and this way she can help one of the people she loves most in the world.

Ten years later, though, when Lola meets Dougie again, her feelings for him are as strong as ever. But she broke Dougie’s heart - and he’s about to discover that she was paid to do it. She can never tell him the truth, so can she get him back? Well, Lola’s very attractive and very persuasive. But even she’s got her work cut out this time....

About the author
Jill Mansell worked for many years at the Burden Neurological Hospital, Bristol, as a neurological nurse and now writes full time. She lives with her partner and their children in Bristol. Jill is the author of many bestselling novels with Headline. Visit Jill’s website at www.jillmansell.co.uk

Praise for Jill Mansell

‘Pick this up at your peril: you won’t get a thing done till it’s finished’ - Heat
‘a sure-fire hit from one of our best chick-lit writers’ - Closer magazine
‘Slick, sexy, funny stories’ - Daily Telegraph
‘Expect to run the gamut of emotions, as this book is both laugh-out-loud funny and tear-jerkingly sad. Basically, you won’t put it down’ - New Woman

Hachette Livre Australia
Author: Jill Mansell
ISBN 9780755328154
RRP $32.99

Jill Mansell Interview

1. What was your inspiration behind this book?

I was watching an old film on TV in which a wealthy family disapproved of the man their daughter was involved with, so they offered him money to disappear from her life. And because he was a no-good rat, he took it! So I turned that around and had a heroine who wasn't no-good at all and was outraged when she was offered the money, but then found herself forced to take it. One little idea like that is enough to spark off a novel. After that, you just ask yourself lots and lots of 'What ifs...?'


2. Have you always wanted to be a writer? What was the turning point that cemented your decision?

I always thought how fab it would be to be a writer, but never really expected it to happen! Reading an article in a magazine was what inspired me to first give it a go; it told of normal women who had transformed their lives by becoming bestselling authors. All of a sudden they could afford huge houses, designer clothes and exotic holidays, and I thought that sounded quite nice, so I sat down and attempted to emulate them. And guess what? It transformed my life too!


3. What type or books (or authors) do you like to read when you are not writing yourself?

I like thrillers when I'm on holiday and all kinds of 'female' fiction while I'm at home. I like to see what else is being published in my genre of comedy romance. Sophie Kinsella and Marian Keyes are particular favourites. And Katie Fforde is great.


4. How lengthy is the process behind writing a novel?

I write a book a year, by hand, with a beautiful Harley Davidson fountain pen. Then I take it to my typist who deciphers my messy handwriting. I only write while my kids are at school and I always have the TV on while I'm working. If I didn't waste so much time on the internet I'd probably be able to finish a novel more quickly, but I wouldn't enjoy it so much!


5. What is your favourite part of being a writer?

I love all of it! Travelling to NZ and Australia and meeting so many brilliant and friendly people has been a joy. If anyone else reads this and is tempted to become a writer, I thoroughly recommend it!


Full Name: Jill Euphemia Mansell (OK, maybe one of those isn't true...)
Nickname(s): None now, but Matchsticks when I was at school, because my legs were so skinny. Isn't that sad?
Star Sign: Gemini
Book Category: Romantic comedy
Favorite Food: Potatoes Dauphinoise combines my three favourite foods - potatoes, cream and cheese. That would definitely be my last supper!
Favourite Film: Four Weddings and a Funeral. Or The Great Escape. Can't choose between those two. Oh, or Rain Man.
Favourite Actor: George Clooney
Pet: None now. Used to have a Greyhound called Margot, who had been dumped in a dog's home by her previous owners because she'd never won a race.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Beautiful, natural-blonde liar
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: George, obviously, preferably whilst he was asking me if he could star in the movie of my latest book...
Hobbies/Interests: Would it be incredibly shallow to say shopping?
First Job: Clinical neurophysiological technologist (testing people' brains). Also known as electroencephalography. I took the job because I thought it made me sound intelligent.
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Lipsalve - I'm addicted. And clothes, preferably.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: What have I missed? What's been happening in the world since I've been asleep? The first thing I do is switch on the TV.