Emerging Local Author Lucy McMullan Ignites Literary Scene with Debut Novel “Belles of Belfast”
A Daring Tale of Love, Lust, and Self-Discovery
Get ready to dive into the pulsating heart of modern-day Belfast with Lucy McMullan’s long-anticipated debut novel, “Belles of Belfast,” hit the shelves this week.
This empowering and steamy tale promises to captivate readers with its blend of humour, romance, and raw authenticity, as it introduces Anna, a freshly single woman navigating the tumultuous post-breakup landscape, armed with nothing but her wit and an unyielding desire to reclaim her self-worth.
Lucy infuses her vibrant hometown into her narratives, painting the city in a modern, dynamic light. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the City, Anna takes centre stage as the creator of the audacious podcast, ‘Belles of Belfast.’ Turning her dating woes into a public spectacle, she fearlessly shares her romantic escapades, creating a captivating mix of humour, vulnerability, and unabashed sexuality. Think “Sex in the City” meets “Bridget Jones” with a dash of the irreverent spirit of “Derry Girls.”
Unlike typical Northern Irish narratives, religion takes a backseat in this metropolitan tale. “Belles of Belfast” breaks free from the shackles of sectarianism, presenting a refreshing, empowering narrative that transcends traditional divides. This contemporary story aims to inspire young women to embrace their lives with confidence, devoid of shame and full of self-love.
As Anna encounters an array of captivating men, the story takes a scintillating turn, delving into the realms of passion and desire. From the older, wealthier Mr. Millionaire to the enigmatic Mr. Mysterious, each character challenges Anna, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Buckle up for a ride filled with steamy encounters that will make your heart race. “Belles of Belfast” is not just a novel; it’s a celebration of femininity, resilience, and the unapologetic pursuit of pleasure. Lucy McMullan’s storytelling prowess brings to life a tale that is as hot as it is heart-warming, as audacious as it is empowering – a must-read for those seeking a bold, modern take on love, lust, and self-discovery.
Described by test readers as ‘Sex in the City meets Bridget Jones’ the book has already received many impressive reviews:
‘If you’re looking for your next read – you’ve found it! Lucy McMullan’s debut novel is a beautifully crafted story of female friendship and the excitement of new romance, with a sweltering heat to rival the hottest summer’s day spent in Cathedral Quarter, but it is also so much more. Belles of Belfast is a love letter to the greatest city in the world. Devoid of any focus on conflict or division, Lucy doesn’t drag the reader into Belfast’s past, but instead welcomes them with open arms to the present – to a city that feels like home. Belles of Belfast should be on everyone’s radar. Lucy is truly one to watch and I can’t wait to see what she does next.’
‘OMG, I’m speechless! I knew it was going to be good but I was blown away. This is such an amazing and empowering novel. Belles of Belfast walks us through many aspects of being a woman – navigating the dating scene and how you should remember your self-worth always. I cried at the last chapter – it just hit home how amazing females really are and how much we can push and inspire each other to grow and flourish in this world.’
Lucy, a 25-year-old native of Belfast, has always harboured a deep passion for storytelling. Her love affair with storytelling began at the tender age of 12 when she became a content creator. Influenced by the rich worlds of film, books and TV, Lucy’s ability to weave compelling and relatable stories garnered her connections and excited readers, eagerly awaiting the release of Belles of Belfast. Every word Lucy writes is imbued with the fervour of someone who lives and breathes her craft. She doesn’t just write stories; she creates worlds where readers can find empowerment and inspiration, reflecting her own journey of self-love and discovery.
Lucy comments: “When I set out to write “Belles of Belfast”,’ I wanted to create a story that reflects the modern, vibrant spirit of Belfast, not one overshadowed by the Troubles. While our history is important, there’s so much more to Northern Ireland than its past conflicts. Through Anna’s adventures and misadventures, I wanted to focus on the contemporary experiences of women here – their relationships, ambitions, and everyday lives. This novel is about breaking free from old narratives, owning your desires, and celebrating the resilience and joy of a new generation.
“The book is my love letter to the vibrant city of Belfast and to every woman who’s ever felt lost and found herself again. I can’t wait for readers to meet Anna and join her on this exhilarating ride, and I hope they find as much joy and empowerment in reading it as I did in creating it!!”
Lucy McMullan’s “Belles of Belfast” is available for pre-order now on Amazon – Belles of Belfast : McMullan, Lucy: Amazon.co.uk: Books – and will be available in bookstores and online retailers from 22nd June 2024.
Locations Mentioned in the Book:
- Established Coffee
- Duke of York
- Harp Bar
- Maggie Mays
- Muriel’s
- The Merchant Hotel
- Ollie’s
- Dirty Onion
- Titanic Belfast
- Juice Jar
- Bootleggers
- Grand Central Hotel – The Observatory
- Basalt – Portrush
- Portrush / Portstewart Golf Club
- Daisie’s chocolate shop
- Cuban Sandwich Factory and more!
Extractions from the Book:
HARP BAR
You could just about hear the thumping music over the voices of customers and clinking of glasses. Merry people, drinks in hand, spilled out onto the tables lining the cobblestone streets of the Cathedral Quarter. It felt a bit European, street drinking in the sunshine. For once, not a rain cloud was to be seen. I spotted a couple that were leaving, and suggested we ask for their table. Mia agreed and I quicky snatched the seats and began to people watch as she fetched us a drink. A few familiar faces from the offices nearby filled my tummy with a comforting Irish feeling of never being alone and always knowing someone, no-matter where you go.
The neon lights of Duke of York animated the street, adding to the warm glow of sunshine. Considering the circumstances, I felt at ease and comfortable. I don’t know what about the Harp Bar made me feel this way… maybe it was the chairs. They were as old as the bar. Antique. Velvet. Red. Like a hug from a relative who you love but don’t see that often; but every time you’re with them you feel warm and nostalgic. The sound of rustling crisp packets interrupted my reflective state. A packet of Tayto cheese and onion landed in front of me.
My mouth watered. Nostalgia, again. Mia sat with a humorous smile plastered across her face. “What?” I questioned. She shook her head. “Rory.” She nodded her head towards the barman. I smiled, knowingly. Rory was a flirt. Didn’t matter what they looked like, where they were from or who they were. He always had a compliment to give.
DUKE OF YORK
The tunes of Van Morrison whistled in the background. I tapped my foot along to the music. Duke of York at 10.42pm on a Thursday night – now that was a vibe. It happened to be one of the finest spots in Belfast for a pint of Guinness, provided that’s your libation of choice. Quality came at a cost, though. The popularity of the street and bars that littered the Cathedral Quarter only meant that the prices of pints kept going up.
I nestled a gin and sprite between my hands and sipped on it carefully, admiring the fairy lights that glittered above and the antique signs about Belfast that adorned the brick walls. Nomatter how many times I’d been to Duke of York, I always found something new and interesting to look at.
On this night, however, it was hard to see much of anything amidst the vibrant street crowd. Somehow, we’d managed to snag a red wooden bench at the side of the street, sitting knee to knee, immersed in people-watching, conversation, and the clinking of glasses. “How can you mix tequila and wine?” I giggled as ‘Liv took a hearty sip. She wiggled her eyebrows in response, “I’m trying to consume more fruit and – well – tequila comes with lime and wine is my favourite way to eat grapes.”
ESTABLISHED
Inside we were met by the usual crowd. Hipsters with their heads in either a hardcover book or a MacBook… also occasionally an iPad but only if they had an apple pencil to go with it. An elderly couple sat in the corner, a contrast from the younger crowd but not out of place. Established was a friendly spot. The inviting twelve-seater table at the heart of the space encouraged connections, coaxing smiles and conversations from customers. As the rich aroma of coffee enveloped us, a gentleman at the communal table winced slightly after sipping his robust brew.
A quick follow-up with a sip of water revealed the love-hate relationship he shared with the potent beverage. Established Coffee blends were loved by many overcaffeinated coffee connoisseurs, and personally, I was all about it, particularly when served iced with a touch of honey added for natural sweetness. At Established, there was no room for sugary syrups; they were too trendy and organic for such conventional additives. Nevertheless, it remained one of the best spots in Belfast.
MAGGIE MAYS
The next day, Saturday afternoon, I met the girls for brunch at Maggie May’s cafe. On the days when we felt too exhausted and anti-hipster for Established, we’d always end up here. It was our comfort spot, a haven of familiarity in the midst of trendy cafes. There was nothing particularly remarkable about the dated décor, which had remained unchanged for years.
But Maggie’s exuded warmth, a special feeling that can’t be described. Maggie’s was primarily a student spot, and it was obvious. Names and doodles adorned the wooden tables, with the occasional phallic drawing peeking through, despite the staff’s attempts to cover them up. Yet, the main selling point of Maggie’s however, lay in its magical milkshakes, the kind that people would queue down the street for on warm summer days. Unbeatable. A proper Belfast gem.
MURIELS
After wrapping up my inaugural podcast episode, I met the girls at Muriel’s Bar. A touch bougee compared to the usual hangout spots, it exuded an upscale charm that set it apart. The ambience, a delightful fusion of dim and moody, provided a cosy retreat that beckoned us to relax and enjoy. While the drinks may have stretched the budget a bit, the friendly staff elevated the entire experience.
The interior was adorned with an intriguing choice of decor — an assortment of lacy bras and underwear adorned every inch of the ceiling. The unconventional choice left me with a lingering curiosity, a silent pondering on the rationale behind it. Why underwear? What was the story? Despite my curiosity, I had always found myself too reserved to ask. I just hoped they were all freshly dry-cleaned or never worn.
OLLIES
“Where’d they go?” I asked. “Oh, they’re off to Ollie’s!” Olivia exclaimed, already on her feet and smoothing out her dress with a touch of anticipation. Ollie’s, nestled in the basement of the Merchant Hotel, was more than just a nightclub; it exuded a unique and effortlessly cool vibe, having once served as a bank vault. It gave Soho House energy, with loyal members who attended each week to socialise; especially on Monopollie Mondays – where drinks were on offer and the line was down the street.
The allure of Ollie’s extended beyond its ideal location; it was a convergence point for a diverse crowd. University students, trendsetting influencers, and footballers, who loved buying bottles just so they could flex on their Instagram stories.
The air also buzzed with the energy of rich older couples and their friends, appearing fashionably late at 1am after the Merchant Cocktail Bar closed, eager to extend the night’s festivities… because, why let the party end? Now, Ollie’s nightclub was Olivia’s turf, a top pick in her weekly playbook. I already had a hunch she’d be heading there, but I couldn’t help but tease her. “And where are you going?” “Hell most likely.” She downed the remainder of her drink. “See ya! Love ya!”
