A former Infantry officer turned author writes about his adventures around the world in a new book.
Jerry Hartley – who goes by the pen name Jonny Cox – tells the story of his exploits in Cyprus, Northern Ireland and other destinations in The Trouble With Girls.
Henlow author Jerry describes his new book as being akin to Fifty Shades of Khaki and says it offers a male perspective on romance and relationships.
Jerry held a book signing event at Waterstones in Bedford where he met customers and answered questions about the novel.
He said: “As well as getting into trouble with girls around the world, the book is also about getting lost in the jungle, being blown up in Northern Ireland and petrol-bombed in Cyprus.
“It’s about a lad who learns to cope with being inside the officers’ mess and describes the irony and chaos of being in the Army, in contrast to many of the more gung-ho stories that you hear.”
Jerry admits to having been something of a ladies’ man in his younger days and much of the book focuses on the turbulent love life of central character Billy Hanson.
Jerry added: “The main player is a male Bridget Jones-type character and the book explores his personal dilemma of whether to save his nascent marriage or accept deployment in Iraq.
“It is a memoir and is essentially a true story.”
Billy Hanson is a reluctant lothario, in that he is compellingly attractive to women but is unable to hold down a steady relationship due to the temptations around him.
He joins the Army to escape his troubles but instead finds a whole new set of challenges ahead of him.
Billy’s Army life takes him to a variety of places including tropical islands, the Rocky Mountains and bars around the world.
The Trouble with Girls has been a hit with reviewers, who have variously likened it to Flashman and even Sex and the City.
It is published by New Generation Publishing and is available to buy now, priced £8.99.