This is brilliant, reminds me of the best of Nick Hornby. I dunno if you're a bloke or a lass, Jess, but it reads very 'blokeish' and would make a great 'Likely Lads' kind of a sit-com. I LOVE Angela, she reminds me of one of my ex-girlfriends (and more than a little of my wife, but please don't tell her!). Yes, your sentences can be a little long with repeating pronouns (eg 'reading...thinking...knocking' in para 1), and yes, you might profitably break your first chapter into two at 'Awake in his bed, Steve...' (few Autho readers will chug through 3000 words in a single sitting), but this is otherwise a very well-written and funny comedy with some astute observations on love, life and...yes, karoke. Niiiice! Six stars from me, looking forward to your next edit Joe Kovacs He ain't Heavy, He's my Buddha

The opening pitch is one of the best I've read on the site. I laughed out loud a number of times as I read along, especially at the “Is this yours? Does this belong to you?” line, and really got a kick out of the anecdote on chapter two involving the father rolling the car up the hill. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the characters, as well, and thought the shift in tone when we first meet Steve was well done. The story does take its time to get going, but I'm not sure if that's a drawback for a slice of life novel like this, since life itself isn't always fast-paced. This isn't really my usual genre, but it was definitely enjoyable to read. Mike Arrival of the Ageless

I revisited Love life and karaoke as it kept popping back into my head (always a good sign). I know I said this before but it begs saying again, the dialogue is first class. Your characters are so easy to empathise with, and the (really) brilliant banter and casual insults are worthy of a big budget, long running sitcom. (Have you done any screenwriting? If not, why not? You have a gift.) Bursting with gems. You remarked that you knew I wrote for a living, Have to say, I'd be amazed if the same wasn't true for you. Got no shortage of tabloid journo flair (big compliment: some of the best journos, in my not entirely objective opinion, work or have worked for the red tops). Would like to know more about you. Now, I'm very conscious that some folk 'swap' ratings and do the reciprocal bookshelf thing, but I don't see how that's fair. I'm all for anarchy but breaking this particular 'rule' defeats the whole object of the site. If it's supposed to represent what I believe is great (and there's a lot of great stuff on here), then I should genuinely love it before I back it... Just so you know I've backed Love life and karaoke not because you backed Thando first, but because I think so far it's hilarious and cleverly crafted. Hope you'll write more soon, and keep in touch. Joseph PS. Sorry I don't have the time right now to make any specific suggestions, but think it's too early in your tale to do so anyway. I'd like to keep following your progress so will keep on dropping by, you remain on my watchlist.

A very easy, recreational read that made me smile (a lot) and laugh out loud (frequently); the dialogue is crackling - the razor sharp wit of her characters and easy charm of her prose leaves the reader knowing a conversation with the author would be a perfectly splendid way to while away an evening at The Wheatsheaf.

Hi, This really is a very good piece from the slice of life... Beautifully written with a dash of the right spices that makes for that spark of reality. I loved the beginning, the almost expectant way that the aunt prepared herself before opening the door, the good-natured exchange...the shift of the talk from the welcome to the "son"... very very nice... Ill be reading a lot of this and hope to see the complete work soon... Congrats and thanks for reading and commenting on THIRD! :) Snakey/Archie

When I started reading, I wondered why Sarah smiled when her reading was interrupted by someone hammering at her front door - I was expecting annoyance - but it was a good introduction to Mark, his character and how his aunt feels about him. The scene between Mark and Steve worked well and showed how much of a rut Steve had slipped into. One minor thing, I'd have expected the room (and possibly also Steve) to be stale and smelly but there was no observation of that. The banter between the friends was easy going but it gripped me most when they started quizzing Steve and discussing why Mark would set him up with Mandy - that started to raise questions and bring in the idea that Mandy could be trouble. There's a lightness and fun to this but also the idea that trouble could be ahead of Steve.

Great plot, good characterisation and flows really well. Some minor editing is needed but that's easily fixed. The main thing is the story and you've got a great one. I've really enjoyed what you've posted and hope you will post some more soon. Melanie La Vie en Rosé

Good banter between Angie and Mark. Engaging plot that pulls you in. I would like a little more clarity on who is doing the speaking, ex. "I'm skint. I can't afford to go out," sighed Steve, wondering how he would ever get out of his mess. Of course, I just like to read and I am not the best editor. Overall it was intriguing and kept me reading all posted. Best wishes, Morgan H

engaging plot. grammar errors dot the text. good use a polish. the short pitch is excellent.... j

intriguing. you got me guessing the plot. At first, Sarah heard knocking on front door. And the delay answering it. I thought it was something terrible. But it was Mark who pretend to faint. I thought although Sarah used to the silliness, the pretend was real Then Sarah and Mark in the house, I though romance was going to develop Further, Mark heard the door, again I thought it was something terrible There were some punches which I like..... " Mark came from the less attractive branches of the family tree" "Angela could suck the confidence out of men" Overall, fantastic