Blog Tour: Love & Other Scams – PJ Ellis

Cat has a dangerously dwindling bank balance. She also has:

· a month before her landlord kicks her out
· a surprise wedding invitation from rich mean girl, Louisa
· a secret talent for con artistry

A priceless jewel the size of a cocktail olive is glinting on Louisa’s finger. And when Cat meets her ideal plus one, Jake – who’s gifted at hustling and posing as the perfect boyfriend – this wedding becomes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After all, how hard can a diamond heist be?

PJ Ellis is a journalist who writes for Men’s Health, GQ and Teen Vogue, covering relationships, pop culture and LGBTQ+ issues. He lives in Birmingham and tweets  @Philip_Ellis.  Love & Other Scams is his first novel.

My thoughts: this was a lot of fun. From the very first moment when Cat swipes a drunken lech’s wallet at a wedding, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. With two chancers out to swipe a very expensive diamond from the finger of Cat’s old uni pal Louisa (whose fiance calls her “Wee” – no, yuk, cringe) on her wedding day, this is a tremendously enjoyable, funny, clever book.

Cat’s 30 and going nowhere fast, no proper job, no home of her own, no partner. And she’s feeling like a failure – I felt for her and empathised big time. Teaming up with fellow thief Jay is the perfect way of distracting herself from her life and hopefully making enough money she never has to worry again. It helps that he’s gorgeous, charming and has a really great mum.

They pull some audacious stunts – the stealing of the 3D printer is inspired. And I just had a ball reading this. It could definitely be a series as these two heist and scam their way around the world, but it’s also great as it is. The story of two people with little to lose who aim to pull off an outrageous theft. And fall in love. As you do.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in the blog tour but all opinions remain my own.