Syd Kelly

Amy, the proud owner of a geriatric womb but a sensational libido is absolutely terrified of turning forty and appears to be on a collision course of self-destruction via her addiction of cocaine, booze, masturbating, and having sex with utter arseholes (sometimes literally). 

On the verge of losing her reputable job, shrouded in her mother’s disapproval and constantly being rescued by her unimpressed brother, after drinking enough in cubic meters to fill a lake, Amy decides to run away to her beloved Rio de Janeiro, in search of her happily ever after. 

Reuniting with her gorgeous, ex-pat, lady friends who are as equally promiscuous and tragic as she and needing to get knee-deep in Latino lovers before settling down, she accidently falls in love with a twenty-three-year-old. Not entirely what she’d planned. Amy starts to realise that perhaps happily ever after isn’t quite what she is searching for after all. 

Samba, sex and self-loathing delves into contemporary social pressures for women in their late thirties, with wit and realism. Set in the exotic but dangerous city of Rio de Janeiro, this book touches on the highs and lows of Brazilian culture, from colourful carnival to life-threatening shoot-outs. It’s a tale of friendship between four independent women and one philandering closeted bi-sexual man. Enjoying the perks of living in Brazil- that being hot, passionate lovers everywhere. All searching for love and happiness in their own misguided way. 

Amy’s multinational besties include:
Anka- the straight-talking Russian, a successful business tycoon, opposed to monogamy and partial to a swingers’ club.
Scottish Hannah- disillusioned by men but deafened by her Big Ben biological clock.
Irish Roisin- a serial dater, desperate for love and then finding it with an ex-sex worker.
Finally, rampant local Leandro- who is trapped in his metaphorical closet, forced shut by his evangelical parents.