Gazumped!

Dreams on the Market

In the frantic world of London property, finding “the one” home can feel like chasing a mirage. In Gazumped!, Sarah O’Brien wields her insider knowledge of the real estate rollercoaster to tell the story of Joanna Blake, a spirited architect who spots her perfect Georgian terrace in Islington—and moves heaven and earth to place an offer. From competitive viewings in crumbling townhouses to last-minute mortgage frenzies, every page crackles with the tension of a bidding war where fortunes—and hearts—are on the line. O’Brien’s crisp, witty prose captures the heady thrill of clicking “submit offer” and the gut-wrenching dread of being gazumped at the eleventh hour.

Blueprints and Betrayals

As Joanna navigates the maze of conveyancing lawyers, mortgage brokers, and sly property agents, she finds herself drawn into a web of unexpected alliances—and rivalries. Enter Tom Kendrick, a charming surveyor whose penchant for dry humour lightens the darkest escrow nightmares, and Victoria “Vic” Patel, Joanna’s no-nonsense estate agent friend fighting to protect her client’s dreams. When a cunning speculator outbids Joanna at the final minute, she must decide whether to walk away or launch a daring plan to reclaim her future. Amid Saturday morning open houses and clandestine late-night calls, friendships are tested and true intentions revealed in a drama as layered as a refurbished period fireplace.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

With the clock ticking on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Joanna risks everything in a nail-biting finale that brings her face-to-face with her own fears—and desires. Will she find a way to outwit the property sharks, or will the dream terrace slip through her fingers forever? Heartwarming, uproariously funny, and richly observed, Gazumped! is a celebration of resilience, community, and the unshakeable belief that the perfect home is worth every gamble.

. Sarah O’Brien – acclaimed British novelist born in 1972, celebrated for her sharp insights into modern urban life and the joys and perils of home ownership, whose heartfelt stories capture the humour and humanity in everyday triumphs.