See that? That GORGEOUS cover to the left? This is the cover of Cally Jackson‘s debut novel, “The Big Smoke” — and don’t worry, the story more than lives up to the pretty, pretty artwork.
I had the pleasure of beta reading Cally’s book last year, and I couldn’t put it down. It’s a contemporary New Adult novel set in Brisbane, Australia, and it’s one of those beautiful stories where the characters’ paths keep almost crossing and you’re begging them to just see each other already.
But then you also worry about what will happen if they do. They’re both going through so many changes and adjusting to life in a new city, so what if they meet and there aren’t the sparks you envision? What if it all goes up in (big) smoke? 
Cally does a wonderful job of weaving two characters’ lives together and getting you emotionally invested in both of them so that you can’t help but turn the page. And I just read the beta version, you guys, so I can’t wait to get my hands on a freshly polished, soon-to-be-released ARC!
Have I whet your appetite for this book yet? Want to know more? Here’s the blurb:
Ceara’s desperate for love; Seb’s desperate to get laid. Ceara adores reading novels; Seb hasn’t finished a book in years. Two strangers, both moving from small country towns to Brisbane – the big smoke. As they prepare to attend the same university, their paths seem set to collide, but they keep missing each other. Maybe fate is keeping them apart, or maybe it’s just chance.
When the semester starts, things get complicated. Ceara’s best friend withdraws from her, Seb’s closest mate turns into a sleazebag, and the relentless demands of university make their stress levels soar. Before their first semester is over, both Seb and Ceara will be forced to question who they are and what they want from their lives. Will they have the courage to find the answers, or will they crumble under the pressure? And when they finally meet, will it be love at first sight or a collision of headstrong personalities?
To learn more about “The Big Smoke,” check out Cally’s blog. You can also find Cally tweeting away here.
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Awww, thanks so much for your comments about the book, Laura! Warm fuzzies! And thank you also for helping me reveal my cover with a big splash!
Sounds intriguing! Adding it to my Goodreads to read list!
Glad I could help out, Cally! Can’t wait to read the finished book!!