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Jacky Donovan
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Smart as a Whip: A Madcap Journey of Laughter, Love, Disasters and Triumphs Kindle Edition

by Jacky Donovan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 193 ratings
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Amazon no. 1 Bestseller in Memoir and Humour What happens when you swap business suits for thigh length boots? When Jacky meets Max she finds out, with hilarious consequences, but can she fulfil the bizarre and risqué fantasies her new career demands or will it destroy her…. A quirky love story full of surprises and sparkling humour that will leave you begging for more. EDITORIAL REVIEWS “Extremely funny in places, equally sad in others, a penetrating eye-opener, really well written with witty puns and double-entendres. Jacky Donovan’s very honest memoir makes an intriguing and amusing read that may leave you wondering what if... “—Susie Kelly, author of "Swallows and Robins" and numerous other bestsellers “Made me laugh out loud…full of wit and brutal honesty. This is a lady who has faced all her fears, dusted them with glitter and showcased them like Oscars” —Lorna McCann, author of “How Not to be a Soldier” "Such a fun read! Loaded with puns, the book takes us on a bumpy ride along the path that Jacky chose, experiencing all the glorious highs and unhappy lows that lay along the way. A formidable story!"—Susan Navas, author of "Agnil's Worlds" book series "I loved this book! Just could not put it down. It was well written and I also loved the little puns - very clever! It does make "50 Shades" read like Enid Blyton, and it has really opened my eyes!"—S. A. Ledlie, author of "Naked in the Wind" "Jacky will take you along a journey that rollercoasters you through laughter, shock, fun, disbelief, wonder, sadness, and grief. Her frank honesty, transparency, and a strong twist of humor and play-on words are a delight."—Cinda Adams Brooks, author of "Heartprints of Africa" "Risque, witty, and well written"—Susan Joyce DuBosque, author of "The Lullaby Illusion: A Journey of Awakening" "Compelling, intriguing, shocking and often hilarious! Puts "50 Shades" in the shade. What puts this book above the rest is that its an autobiographical account on one woman's career change, wow! Loved it!"—Gemma Quinn, reporter for Spanish TV and newspapers "'9 to 5' meets '9 ½ Weeks'"—Miss T Coe, "Canary News" columnist
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  1. Print length
    311 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    7 July 2015
  4. File size
    903 KB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  8. See all details
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Product description

About the Author

Jacky Donovan might not have nine lives, but she does have a few. Bored with being a 'Stepford' housewife in Southampton, Jacky packed her bags and headed to London just over a decade ago. She's now an established author and, more importantly, curious about cats, whether of the feline or cat o' nine tails variety. Both her memoir and her latest book "Simon Ships Out: How one brave, stray cat became a worldwide hero" - the memoir of the world's first celebrity cat - have been published to great acclaim in the UK. She is a regular contributor to Huffington Post and Sabotage Times. In between her writing she has recently trekked to see Mount Everest; tandem jumped from a tiny plane; been on Canarian TV due to her crazy long fingernails; run a lesbian dining club; escaped from a yoga holiday in a dinghy; and regularly does charity work for Breast Cancer and Gay Pride. She currently spends her time between London and Gran Canaria.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0118HD7TO
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ KIM Publishing (7 July 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 903 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 311 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1537144685
  • Customer reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 193 ratings

About the author

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Jacky Donovan

Jacky Donovan

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Jacky Donovan might not have nine lives, but she does have a few. Bored with being a high-powered businesswoman and Stepford housewife, Jacky turned her back on her sensible life to become a professional dominatrix before moving abroad to Gran Canaria then Egypt. She's now the author of several bestselling memoirs and has helped over 30 authors to publish their books.

In between her writing and publishing work, she has trekked to see Mount Everest, tandem jumped from a tiny plane, been on Spanish TV due to her crazy long fingernails, run a lesbian dining club, escaped from a yoga holiday in a dinghy, done charity work for Breast Cancer and Gay Pride, travelled to the North Pole on a nuclear-powered icebreaker. She currently spends her time (when COVID permits) backpacking the world.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS:

"Action packed read, rich in detail, harrowing in places, heart-warming in others, and with a beautiful ending." -- Sheila Jeffries, author of bestseller 'Solomon's Tale'.

"An extraordinary reimagining." - Cat World Magazine.

"A real pleasure for a cat lover." -- Celia Haddon, author of bestseller 'Tilly, the ugliest cat' and numerous animal books.

"The sweet captivating bond between a cat, a dog, and men meets adventure, suspense, and history--all told from the perspective of a cat. Brilliant. Jacky Donovan brings WWII history alive for animal lovers and history buffs. Jacky Donovan tells a tale like no other." -- Cinda Adams Brooks, author of "Heartprints of Africa"

"Well-paced, filled with information, humour and lots of drama. A definite page turner that will appeal to a wide age range of readers interested in animal adventure books, with a bit of a twist. One thing's for sure though, if you read this book - you'll need some tissues handy." -- Beth Haslam, author of "Fat Dogs and French Estates" series

"A truly wonderful book for all ages and another feather in the colorful hat of Jacky Donovan. Highly recommended." -- Grady Harp, Amazon Vine Voice / Top 100 reviewer.

"A true celebrity cat - a stray who helped save the crew of a warship and whose story captured the hearts of a nation." -- Sunday People.

"Delightful new novel." -- Sunday Express.

"His quirky narrative should entertain and delight anyone who loves cats." -- Portsmouth Local.

"Such a sweet tale." -- Newcastle Chronicle.

"Wonderful to see Jacky's book bringing the story to life." -- Local London.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
193 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an engaging and humorous read with wit and puns. They appreciate the honest account of a real woman's life. The story is described as compelling and thought-provoking, offering an intimate look into her private life. Readers also mention that the book has a good pace and interesting references to sexual behavior.

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ReadabilityHumorEmotional contentStory qualityEye-openingPacingAuthenticityTaste
51 customers mention ‘Readability’51 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it interesting, fun, and lighthearted with a few laughs. The writing is well-crafted, with great sentences that make for an engaging experience. The cover design and intriguing excerpts also draw readers in.

"...Quite the opposite I found it intriguing and so full of humour and cynicism. Her play with words and phrases very clever...." Read more

"...I will explain later. For me this book is incredible, so well written with explicpt descriptions, and during every chapter at some point i'm..." Read more

"...they might after this book ! A great read , a true and honest account of a real woman who enters the life of a Dominatrix !..." Read more

"...Despite my prudishness, it's been fun reading racier segments to my boyfriend and he's learnt a thing or two about female desires – so this could..." Read more

39 customers mention ‘Humor’39 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it humorous with puns and laugh-out-loud moments. The author's wit and wordplay are praised. Readers describe the book as honest and well-written, sharing her life experiences.

"...a prude and a total innocent I certainly couldn't put down this very funny and interestingly written real life experience...." Read more

"...I will explain later. For me this book is incredible, so well written with explicpt descriptions, and during every chapter at some point i'm..." Read more

"...Well written , it completely held me and I felt compelled to pick it up every minute that I had free ...." Read more

"...Just as well there are also laugh-out-loud moments...." Read more

32 customers mention ‘Emotional content’32 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's emotional content. They find the frank and heartfelt experiences relatable, empathizing with Jacky's struggles and woes. The autobiographical account provides an emotional overview of her life. Readers enjoy the author's journey of self-discovery and reinvention, finding passion and love in the writing.

"...I certainly couldn't put down this very funny and interestingly written real life experience...." Read more

"...Woke Up' from that Nightmare and changed her whole life around, believing in herself, her true self and her basic instincts far away from the..." Read more

"...they might after this book ! A great read , a true and honest account of a real woman who enters the life of a Dominatrix !..." Read more

"...The story is extremely funny in places, equally sad in others, a penetrating and quite explicit eye-opener into the world of ‘alternative’ sexuality..." Read more

22 customers mention ‘Story quality’22 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging story. They find the true events fascinating and the author brings the story to life. The book is described as a colorful, interesting adult story that takes readers on a graphic journey as Jacky discovers herself.

"...Main thing that shines through about this book is that it has a 'True life Story' within it itself, something that everyone can learn from, no..." Read more

"...I felt like I was there with her , this lady brings her story to life , also an insight into London with its many faces ...." Read more

"...However, like a fascinating Channel 4 documentary, the curious nature of human sexuality is revealed in a matter-of-fact fashion and you can't help..." Read more

"...It is also a story of empowerment and of discovery...." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Eye-opening’13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and thought-provoking. They say it's educational, fun, and liberating.

"...to find that the Author Jacky Donovan was giving us readers a very intimate insight into her very private life with Sex being the main theme!..." Read more

"...funny in places, equally sad in others, a penetrating and quite explicit eye-opener into the world of ‘alternative’ sexuality in all its forms, and..." Read more

"...and lives I know little about and thought it was a fantastic eye opener into human 'quirks' and what goes on behind (some) closed doors...." Read more

"...Thought provoking and to me, inspirational." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Pacing’13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging with its erotic and realistic portrayal of dominatrix life. They appreciate the well-written, sexy characters and the honest account from a woman who has experienced it firsthand. The book is described as entertaining, funny, and graphic.

"...Another plus for me is that each chapter is not long and tiresome but Short and almost a story / event in it's self...Perfect for readers who don't..." Read more

"...the musical references , to busy reading the delicious , raunchy , sexy , titalating tales of Jacky . I will have to go back and look again !..." Read more

"...often tear-inducing love story with some wonderful references to all kinds of beautiful kinky behaviour is set against a backdrop of 'Cool Brittannia..." Read more

"I loved the eye catching cover, and intriguing excerpts, and just had to order this book...." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Authenticity’9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity. They find it a genuine and honest account of real life. The writing style is straightforward and realistic.

"...they might after this book ! A great read , a true and honest account of a real woman who enters the life of a Dominatrix !..." Read more

"...Written in a no-nonsense, matter-of-fact way, it gives an honest account of her life that has had more than its fair share of highs but also a few..." Read more

"...This isnt the stuff dreamt up by a bored housewife. This is real life, well one anyway, and an extra-ordinary one at that...." Read more

"This revealingly honest account takes the reader on a journey through Jacky’s somewhat unusual life...." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Taste’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book has a variety of stories that keep them engaged. They say it offers an entertaining read with a mix of topics like romance, adventure, and lifestyle changes.

"I missed the musical references , to busy reading the delicious , raunchy , sexy , titalating tales of Jacky ...." Read more

"...is a remarkable book, a real tour de force, with enough of almost everything to tickle one's palate...." Read more

"Incredible story of an amazing change in lifestyle by a remarkable lady...." Read more

"...lovable characters,this book has it all.you may find it spices up your life too!!" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Glynis Perfect
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Eye opener into another world
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 November 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Looking at the front cover and title I knew I was in for a saucey romp. But I was quite surprised and pleased to find that the Author Jacky Donovan was giving us readers a very intimate insight into her very private life with Sex being the main theme!

    Not being a prude and a total innocent I certainly couldn't put down this very funny and interestingly written real life experience.
    Jacky has such a wicked sense of humour and her play on words and history of the time come in to use very cleverly.

    We are introduced into a life that starts with two failed marriages where sex and love didn't enter the equation to a discovery of great sex and love with a married man with no strings attached on his part. This relationship brought her lots of joy and endless pain and sorrow. She did however made new discoveries in her spare time and found great fun, friendships and a new saucy lifestyle indulging in enjoying the same sex, S&M and other deviations which lay hidden deep in her psyche that were manifested unbridled with like minded people while living mostly in London.
    She opened her own Dungeon leaving her boring Corporate life behind. Forever the business woman she had an instinct for investing in and reaping the rewards of all her ventures. When her life and love for Max eventually proved futile she took the chance to move to Gran Canaria where she changed some of her lifestyle from over indulging in food and alcohol and her excess weight to a healthier lifestyle in sunnier climes. With her business acumen and experience in the Sex Entertainment Industry she found new outlets to fill the demand. I must admit some of it was pretty shocking and new to me but Jacky's story never disgusted me. Quite the opposite I found it intriguing and so full of humour and cynicism. Her play with words and phrases very clever. You could almost see her winking at you, her eyes and smile full of mischief...Wish there was or going to be a follow up to this remarkable and courageous lady's life we can do with some more giggles and eye openers. Buy this book you won't be disappointed!
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  • David Cavey
    5.0 out of 5 stars THRILLER !
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 February 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I have named this Review 'THRILLER' for more than one reason and one of them is because thats the chapter i'm up to in the book, about halfway, and i'm compelled here to stop and write something.
    This is the first time I have ever read a book and I know the author & its absolutely Fun & Fascinating when your reading a book about someone you know (or thought you did, lol!) We both met here on Gran Canaria about 3 years ago through a mutual Spanish teacher & seemed to hit it off straight away, and now i think i understand why! No it's not that i've been on the receiving end of her Whip! I will explain later.
    For me this book is incredible, so well written with explicpt descriptions, and during every chapter at some point i'm liturally 'Laughing Out Loud' what you will discover is that although the books true names of characters have been changed, references to well published news events being aired publically help you reference certain times and places, very clever. Another plus for me is that each chapter is not long and tiresome but Short and almost a story / event in it's self...Perfect for readers who don't pick up a book and read from front cover to end within a couple of days.....(Like Me!)
    Above all else the Main thing that shines through about this book is that it has a 'True life Story' within it itself, something that everyone can learn from, no matter where you are or whatever you are doing in your life.

    Here is someone who decided and recognised that she was being pulled along by the madness of Conforming, the Craziness of mind identification of doing the 'Right thing' to please everyone else, this is a story of someone who 'Woke Up' from that Nightmare and changed her whole life around, believing in herself, her true self and her basic instincts far away from the Unhappy Frumpy housewife conforming to the norm.
    In the Book Jacky refers to this as Swapping her 'M & S' Shoe's for her 'S & M' boots, Fantastic..!
    But as i've mentioned above there's a much deeper message written here for all of us, one that we can all learn from, one that has nothing to do with, Whips, Chains, & S & M Boots, this is just Jacky's Fantastic true life story.

    A true 'LIFE THRILLER'
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  • janpath
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dreams of the Everyday Housewife ......Watch out Mr Grey ! this is better ....
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 October 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I missed the musical references , to busy reading the delicious , raunchy , sexy , titalating tales of Jacky . I will have to go back and look again ! Do I need an excuse to explore the chapters of this wonderful book? , NO is that answer ....
    I felt like I was there with her , this lady brings her story to life , also an insight into London with its many faces .
    Its more than it suggests , and from a womans aspect , feel that many women from all walks of life , will equate with jacky on many levels .
    Well written , it completely held me and I felt compelled to pick it up every minute that I had free .
    Moving at times , sad , I hurt for her , but so witty and funny , you know that belly laugh funny !
    I loved its full of sex and fantasies , " the dreams of the every day housewife " (isnt there a song about that by Glen Cambell ? ) how many would admit to wanting to embrace their fantasies , throw caution to the wind and experiment ? , they might after this book !
    A great read , a true and honest account of a real woman who enters the life of a Dominatrix ! Im waiting for the follow up already ....
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • PalliNurse
    5.0 out of 5 stars Yikes! Quite the story.
    Reviewed in the United States on 21 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    “Satisfying squelch of the chocolate gateau as I smear it over the jowly face…” What a delicious opening line. The author pulls readers into the sticky romp, then keeps them peeking in her life windows as she looks back on her growing as a woman, a human, a capitalist and a humorous and fairly gentle dominatrix. As in many memoirs, the reader may struggle with sorting the difference between good writing by the author, judgmental responses by the reader and sheer enjoyability or entertainment factor.
    Raised by a rather mean mother who did nothing to celebrate the wit, intelligence and keen humor within her young daughter, the author identified herself as below average and un-appealing.
    Emerging as a person more certain of her self-worth by the end of the tale, the author allows the reader to see vulnerabilities, shaping factors, life lessons learned, and a peek into a career not experienced—or talked about—by most.
    Although this book may be too much information for highly conservative persons, I found myself wincing at only one part—when an eight-month’s pregnant client requested services. Although the author speaks of not wanting to bring on labor, she was unaware that nipple stimulation can indeed bring on labor due to the concomitant release of oxytocin and, in fact, nipple stimulation has been used in laboring women to move things along! So yikes, if any doms out there are going to work with clients with specific health conditions, as a nurse for a consult first.
    Five stars, for frankness as well as writing ability and humor.
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  • MikeC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Didn't know there was a 'Rom-Dom-Com' genre. Do now!
    Reviewed in Australia on 3 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Health warnings come in all sorts and sizes. Much like full cholesterol, full milk fats and full cream clotted cream this memoir should come with stickers all over it. Mainly to the effect that while it has lots of unadulterated naughty stuff, it is also 100% natural, so be warned and plough on regardless. A ‘romp’ in so many ways – through proclivities, perversities, personalities and life lived to its full. Yet, be also warned, dig beneath the frothy toppings and here is a tale told with bravery, honesty and barely a shred of self-preservation. The truth is naked, as much of the subject matter appears to be. In many ways, it’s a coming of age tale for adults. It’s also a heck of a fun read so the dollops of life medicines Jacky Donovan reveals are tasty, digestible and apt to leave a reader smiling. It’s a hell of a ride, so best gird the loins, buckle up well and go with merry abandon. Oh, and any pun you suspect might be in this review, yes it was intended. Which itself is a pun. The Rom-Dom-Com genre is well alive and kicking.
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  • A. Leslee
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fun, unique read
    Reviewed in the United States on 16 December 2022
    Verified Purchase
    It was refreshing to read a very different kind of memoir. I love to read stories of people making drastic changes in their lives. And I was not disappointed with this one. Two more different lifestyles could not be imagined. The author is an excellent writer, and the sexy bits tended to be more funny than titillating. If you're looking for 'something completely different', this is your book.
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  • Alex
    5.0 out of 5 stars Waiting for Part 2
    Reviewed in Spain on 11 May 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A great book. Well written, entertaining and sounds like its true. Can't wait to see what happens in Part Two.
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  • Kate 'griz' Pill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compellingly honest, funny and thought provoking.
    Reviewed in Australia on 17 October 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I particularly enjoyed this "real" but very human, exploration of the life journey of Jacky/Kim/Jacky Nails, an in-demand dominatrix. Jacky writes with honesty and a lot of humour about her life, not only as a dominatrix but also the journey of self discovery that her life takes. I must say I learnt a few new things, but also must say that the sexual element of the memoir, whilst compellingly honest, was in no way gratuitous. The memoir was well structured, following a clear path and the reflection at the end was particularly thought provoking. Mind you, I am waiting for installment two (hope there is one) to find out what Daniel wanted! Jacky has a terrific way with words - she will have you laughing (as well as sometimes thinking to yourself - "is that what that word means?!"
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