An Autumn Crush

May 28, 2012 Siew Ee rated it 4 of 5 stars

A look at the cover and you can tell that “An Autumn Crush” : 1) is a romantic comedy; and 2) gives a happily-ever-after conclusion. I was in a mellow mood, and because I really enjoyed Sarah Mason’s books of this same genre, I decided to read my first Milly Johnson book.

At first, I did not warm up to the story. The conversations, and the humour, seemed a little contrived. I also found the characters 2-dimensional. However, as I read on, the seemingly cardboard cutout characters slowly morphed i...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Best Books To Read rated it 4 of 5 stars

I had never read a Milly Johnson but was looking forward to it after a combination of seeing the cover, reading the synopsis as well as the rave reviews on Amazon. It took me less than two chapters to absolutely fall in love with the brutally honest but loveable Juliet Miller. Her quest to find a flatmate works out well as we meet the second female character of the book Floz Cherrydale. Floz is the polar opposite to Juliet as she is quiet and a little bit withdrawn but a lovely girl.

We also mee...more

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Oct 10, 2011 Rebecca eley rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: All lovers of romcom in a book

Recommended to Rebecca by: Me

Shelves: trashy-romance

Still on my mission to read all my un-read books I fancied a bit of light relief from Requiem for a Dream. I do like a bit of trashy romance once in a while (the name of the bookshelf where all my Sophie Kinsella, Lauren Weisberger, Jill Mansell etc live not an indication that the book is in fact trashy). I managed to polish this off on a Sunday that I spent mostly on the sofa. Not really related to the book but I did notice that you get a lot of narrative on what people are eating. Then my daug...more

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Oct 02, 2011 Ellie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: girlie

After splitting with her husband, Juliet is in need of a flatmate and won't settle for anyone she can't be friends with. After a string of awful applicants, Floz walks through the door and the two women are soon firm friends. Juliet's brother, Guy, takes an instant fancy to Floz but a series of misunderstandings cause a rift between the two. Guy's best friend, Steve has had a crush on Juliet since primary school but hides behind a mask. Juliet thinks Steve is a knob.

It's not rocket science to gu...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Kim Nash rated it 5 of 5 stars

When you’ve read all the books that a writer has written so far, and they bring out a new one, you always wonder whether it will live up to the others. Well, she’s only gone and done it again! Milly Johnson has created another cracker of a book in the form of Autumn Crush.

When thirty-something divorcee Juliet interviews for a flatmate with best gay friend Coco, they have almost given up hope when into their life walks the lovely Floz who is the perfect candidate and they all get on like a house...more When you’ve read all the books that a writer has written so far, and they bring out a new one, you always wonder whether it will live up to the others. Well, she’s only gone and done it again! Milly Johnson has created another cracker of a book in the form of Autumn Crush.

When thirty-something divorcee Juliet interviews for a flatmate with best gay friend Coco, they have almost given up hope when into their life walks the lovely Floz who is the perfect candidate and they all get on like a house on fire. When Juliet’s twin brother Guy meets Floz, in his effort not to show her that he fancies the pants off her, he somehow becomes the clumsiest and grumpiest person in the world making her think he doesn’t like her at all.

Juliet has always thought that Guy’s best mate Steve is in her words “a bit of a knob!” and is madly in love with her boss, who hasn’t noticed that she even exists! Floz appears to be keeping secrets from everyone else and they become worried about her but don’t know how to help her as she is very private about her past and won’t tell them what’s wrong. And Coco just wants to be loved!

This is a tale of friendship and love and how things that seem to be one thing, could turn out to be another.

I can’t possibly tell you anymore without giving much more of the plot away and you don’t want me to do that now do you? You can find out for yourself when you read it. With lots of twists and turns along the way, this is such an enjoyable book to read and had me SO looking forward to being able to go to bed early and catch up with the gang and their shenanigans.

I absolutely love Milly’s writing. From the very first book of hers that I discovered, I knew that I had to go out and buy every other one she had written and I loved them all just as much as the first . You don’t want to put her books down from the moment you pick them up. She writes in a simple but hilarious way with loads of one liners which will have you laughing for days. Reading one of Milly's books transports you into another world, making you become part of the story. Her descriptions are so vivid and colourful, and the characters so real and likeable.

Thank you Milly for writing another brilliantly entertaining book which I’m sure will bring tons of pleasure to everyone who reads it.
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Sep 28, 2011 Amy Cockram rated it 2 of 5 stars

For a full review, check my blog http://cornishamy.blogspot.com/2011/0...

I am not normally a reader of "chick-lit," but I was sent a copy of this for review by the publisher Simon & Schuster. As I tend to prefer murder and mayhem to romance - in my reading, at least - I approached this book with some trepidation. However, it is against my religion to turn down a free book.

Divorcee Juliet Miller is looking for a flatmate and, after some disastrous interviews, finds and bonds with fellow divor...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Karen Gooderham rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This has you hooked right from the start. What I loved is the fact you have not got one main character but four: Juliet, Guy, Steve and Floz.

Juliet and her best friend Coco (who is a man and gay) are interviewing for a flat mate for Juliet. They are soon thinking about giving up when in walks Floz and the bond straight away and so she moves in.

Floz is also divorced like Juliet so this makes them get on a bit better too.

Guy is Juliet's twin brother and has not got a girlfriend and as soon as he...more

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Oct 20, 2011 Jessica (Jess Hearts Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

An Autumn Crush is a complete breath of fresh air in the chick-lit genre. My bookshelves are groaning with summer reads, and cosy Christmas stories yet An Autumn Crush is my first book that celebrates the beauty of the season. I think autumn is by far our most beautiful season with the warm, golden tones of the leaves, the dazzling fireworks and sparklers and there’s that woody, cinnamoney smell in the air. Some days are beautiful with the last sunshine of summer and some crisp and fresh with th...more An Autumn Crush is a complete breath of fresh air in the chick-lit genre. My bookshelves are groaning with summer reads, and cosy Christmas stories yet An Autumn Crush is my first book that celebrates the beauty of the season. I think autumn is by far our most beautiful season with the warm, golden tones of the leaves, the dazzling fireworks and sparklers and there’s that woody, cinnamoney smell in the air. Some days are beautiful with the last sunshine of summer and some crisp and fresh with the promise of winter. I absolutely love this time of year and enjoyed snuggling down as the early nights drew in with this book that really captures the beauty of the season.

An Autumn Crush is such a lovely read and completely heart-warming. The story centers around loveable divorcee Juliet, her gentle giant of a twin brother Guy, Steve- Guy’s best friend, and latest addition to the group Floz Juliet’s new flatmate. As you can imagine the foursome get thrown together quite a lot! But even though Juliet and Steve, and Guy and Floz are perfect for each other- something any reader can see from the start!- the boy’s huge crushes on the girls lead to many a mishap and clumsy misunderstandings making them less than desirable to Floz and Juliet! I really loved all four of our main characters but Steve and Guy really stood out to me which was a nice change for a chick-lit novel. They were both total sweethearts and I became so endeared towards them as they tried and failed to impress the girls. Each character in this book has had a really tough time of it each with a less than perfect past and so I really wanted the best for them and for them to find a bit of happiness- especially with each other!

As well as the fun and vibrant foursome there are some really fantastic secondary characters in particular Juliet and Guy’s parents and Juliet’s gay best friend Coco. The book also tackles some difficult themes such as alcoholism and mental illness but that is also counterbalanced with some very funny and heart-warming moments and doesn’t take away from this books ultimately uplifting feel.

An Autumn Crush is my favourite book that I’ve read by Milly Johnson so far. Although this book is ultimately a romance it also has strong themes of parenting, family and friendship too. The book is written like a dream with some gorgeous Autumnal imagery. An Autumn Crush was an absolute joy to read and the perfect book to celebrate the season with.(less)

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Oct 15, 2011 Fluffychick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2011, chick-lit, romance

Juliet has recently split from her husband after he had an affair with her best friend, rather than being down and depressed, she has a gorgeous new flat and a lovely new flat mate, Floz, to share the mortgage. With a lovely family, including handsome and brooding twin brother Guy, and best friend Coco to support her, life is pretty good and not even internet dates from hell seem to put her off her stride. Surprisingly, an antagonistic relationship with Guy's best friend Steve, the wrestler, dev...more

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Sep 27, 2011 Sharon Goodwin rated it 5 of 5 stars

From the opening of this story where Juliet and her friend Coco are interviewing for a flat mate, right up to the last punctuation mark, I have really enjoyed living in this world created by Milly Johnson.

The story takes us through the Autumnal months of August, September, October and November living alongside characters whose antics have provoked emotional outbursts from me and no doubt will from you!

Guys frustrated attempts at getting close to Floz actually had me in stitches of laughter. I s...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Leah rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, books-read-2011

Milly Johnson isn’t an author that’s very high up on my radar. I read her debut novel The Yorkshire Pudding Club a long while back (and really liked it!) and I have three of her books waiting to be read, but she doesn’t necessarily appeal. I know I shouldn’t read books on what I think of the author, but I just don’t seem to get a good vibe from her; a while back she posted about bad review and she has done that a couple of times now and I don’t personally like it. I find it insulting that just b...more Milly Johnson isn’t an author that’s very high up on my radar. I read her debut novel The Yorkshire Pudding Club a long while back (and really liked it!) and I have three of her books waiting to be read, but she doesn’t necessarily appeal. I know I shouldn’t read books on what I think of the author, but I just don’t seem to get a good vibe from her; a while back she posted about bad review and she has done that a couple of times now and I don’t personally like it. I find it insulting that just because someone didn’t like a certain book, they should be made to feel bad about that. I will happily admit that I really don’t like authors who complain about bad reviews, and it really puts me off them; I can’t help it, it just does. It immediately puts me on edge with the author in question and it makes me want to write a bad review (I know, I am ever so mature…). So I’ve always put Milly’s books to one side. Until her recent book. I figured I was being unfair, and since I enjoyed her first novel, what was stopping me putting aside personal feelings to read her new book?

An Autumn Crush, for me, was only OK. I mean, I almost gave up when I was about 80 pages in because it just wasn’t going anywhere I wanted it to. It was one big mash-ball of a) Juliet hating Steve for no discernible reason b) Floz liking Guy but thinking Guy doesn’t like her and c) Guy liking Floz but screwing up so that Floz thinks Guy doesn’t like her. It was all a bit comical, actually, and that continued way too far to be reasonably believable. There were credible plot lines to be had – Steve’s alcoholic mother, Floz’s old flame reappearing… but instead those were pushed to one side in favour of Guy making a prat of himself at every available opportunity and for me to believe Juliet was, frankly, a cow. The writing got better, no doubt about it, and I no longer wanted to slam it against a wall or throw it over the barranca, but the story just wasn’t there. There was nothing substantial to the book other than Steve, Juliet, Floz and Guy possibly acknowledging they like each other and possibly doing something about it. And it was the “possibly”s and the “not-going-to-happen-ever”s that was rather insipid because it just felt as if the book wasn’t going anywhere in a hurry as the characters were all rather stuck.

I’m sorry, but I find it hard to believe that after 30 years of solid, solid dislike Juliet would suddenly hop into bed with Steve and find him to be the most attractive man ever. It didn’t wash with me, and the speed with which it happened was somewhat surprising. I mean, she goes on and on and on and on and on about how Steve is flash and a man with a million girlfriends and he’s not someone she’d ever like… and then she’s in bed with him. Juliet spent the entire novel trying to find a boyfriend, that was her reason d’entre. That was her entire plot. Floz’s storyline however, bore more fruit. Despite its predictability and despite knowing exactly how Floz’s new-old flame was going to work out (it’s blindingly obvious to all but Floz, apparently) I liked it. It was one of the better parts of the book. I also found Coco to be a breath of fresh air (despite his hideous name). I’d have liked him to have been more prominent than he was – as the story is told in third person, Johnson could have easily segued off to Coco’s home/work life at certain parts.

A strange thing about the book was the way Floz was so reticent about her life. The synopsis of the novel (the one on the back of the book, not the one above which makes no mention of it) says Juliet and Floz “deepen their friendship” which, to me, I figured would mean Floz would be more honest about her past life before she met Juliet, but there was none of that. Sure, they shared the odd bottle of wine and takeaway and did as flatmates do, but there was a large lack of sharing on Floz’s part which I feel was a bit unrealistic; if you make a new friend sure you’ll be wary a while, but after a while, you talk to the person, get to know them better, tell them about yourself and it made me kind of sad Floz didn’t do that with Juliet and, instead, Juliet was left in the dark. Juliet might have been a bit of a cow to men but she was always lovely to Floz but a friendship can only go so far when it’s so one-sided, and that was a shame. That friendship should have been built on more in the book because it was something I’d like to have seen more of, rather than Floz just brushing everything off and continually saying she was “fine”.

So, no, it seems An Autumn Crush didn’t necessarily work for me. The lack of plot somewhat killed it; I like a love story as much as the next person – two is even better, but when both are as damp as squibs then I’m not so interested. Johnson has writing talent (though no one should use the word “alas” outside of Harry Potter and never should you be allowed to say “two pops” in a sentence when it should be “two glasses of pop” because “two pops” does not make sense in any kind of language, not even Yorkshire-language). I’m kind of sad (and also worried, because this isn’t exactly a glowing review…) I didn’t enjoy the book, but it didn’t really work for me. It needed a bit more “oomph”, a bit more to it than four people who spend an Autumn falling in love and making stupid fools of themselves in the process. A plot like that can work, of course, no doubt about it, but this one just didn’t. I never felt connected, never felt part of the novel and I still cannot believe Juliet seemed to flick a switch and suddenly find Steve attractive. You don’t hate someone for that long and then love them. It’ll be a hit with Milly’s long-time fans, of that I have no doubt, but I dunno, it just didn’t push any of my right buttons and there’s nothing I can do about that.(less)

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Nov 13, 2012 Abbey Liddle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourite-chick-lit-reads

In the heart of the windy season, four friends are about to get swept off their feet...

Newly single after a bruising divorce, Juliet Miller moves into a place of her own and advertises for a flatmate, little believing that, in her mid- thirties, she'll find anyone suitable. Then, just as she's about to give up hope, along comes self-employed copywriter Floz, and the two women hit it off straight away.

When Juliet's gentle giant of a twin brother, Guy , meets Floz, he falls head over heels. But, a...more In the heart of the windy season, four friends are about to get swept off their feet...

Newly single after a bruising divorce, Juliet Miller moves into a place of her own and advertises for a flatmate, little believing that, in her mid- thirties, she'll find anyone suitable. Then, just as she's about to give up hope, along comes self-employed copywriter Floz, and the two women hit it off straight away.

When Juliet's gentle giant of a twin brother, Guy , meets Floz, he falls head over heels. But, as hard as he tries to charm her, his foot seems to be permanently in his mouth. Meanwhile, Guy's best friend Steve has always had a secret crush on Juliet - one which could not be more unrequited if it tried...

As Floz and Juliet's friendship deepens, and Floz becomes a part of the Miller family, can Guy turn her affection for them into something more-into love for him? And what will happen to Steve's heart when Juliet eventually catches the eye of Piers - the man of her dreams?

First ever book I read by Milly Johnson was White Wedding and I just knew reading this book I wasn't going to be disappointed. Milly Johnson is a fabulous writer and in her books she always has you hooked from the first chapter. This book had me giggling alot, We meet the lovely twin brother and sister Juliet and Guy Miller who have their own fare share of problems, Guy's best friend Steve, The mad and rather lovely gay best friend of Juliet's, we meet the rest of the wonderful Miller family and Also the love mad Floz too.

Juliet being a newly single after a bruising divorce and has her new place but needs a new roommate? So her and her gay best friend Coco are interviewing at the start of the chapter a possible new roommate and Juliet is about to give up when the lovely Floz arrives and wants to move in!
Guy has his problem with wanting to buy his restaurant and trying to save the money for it seems to tire him out at all but also when he meets Floz, he tries everything to charm her..will it work in his favour? he also has his lovely best friend Steve who has an alcoholic mother is always asking him to help out at the wrestling matches and he has his own little crush on Juliet..what chemistry will happen between those two?

From the start I just loved all these four characters, I just knew it would be a happy ending either way, The chapters flow so easily with each character as you get to know them more and more,Even at times I felt I already knew them in person. With this book you will have plenty of laughs and giggles but you will also will experience some sadness and heartbreak of real things that happen in life like internet dating, Dysfunctional families,addiction and lots more.

I just couldn't put this book down at all, I was even kept up till silly o'clock in the morning hooked with every chapter and eager for more!
I certainly would recommend any body to read a book by Milly, She is a wonderful author and Im definitely purchasing more of her books soon! tehe!
You can also see this review on my blog http://missbookworm23.blogspot.co.uk/...
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Sep 21, 2012 Carol rated it 2 of 5 stars

I found I was really enjoying this book until half way into the read when it became annoying as characters who had previously disliked each other suddenly became affectionate towards one another. Yep just like that. I also found one of the male leads equally irksome as he mooned over his sisters friend and dithered how to express his feelings for her throughout most of this novel. Not till the final chapter do we know the expected outcome which was brief in the telling actually. The epilogue whi...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Camy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This one also I really enjoyed reading...again...Canadian references to Victoria, Osooyoos - story was easy to read and although you know what the outcome will eventually be - such a pleasure to get there. Trials and Tribulations always resolve themselves and true love is always under your nose. The best part - the characters are ordinary people living their best life. Everyone comes with baggage from their pasts - it is how you set those aside and move forward that gives a person a chance to fi...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Marion Tuckwell rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: did-not-fiinsh

I had High hopes for this book as it was recommended to be by a friend who like similar books to me! I was however disapointed! It started well with lots of detail which painted a good picture in ones mind! The story started well but soon slowed up had my mind wondering! I will try reading Milly Johnson again and hope that I enjoy it abit more than I did with this one!
I read almost 150 pages of this book and never really got into the story! If a book hasn't got my attension within the first 50 t...more

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Oct 18, 2011 Dot Scribbles rated it 4 of 5 stars

Milly Johnson has written such a lovely book to get you in the mood for the Autumn months. Friendship is key to this story as it is in most of Milly's books; Juliet and Floz have only just met each other but it becomes obvious very quickly that they have found a friendship for life.
Juliet is the more out-going of the two women, she has a huge crush on her boss, Piers Winstanley-Black and dreams that one day he will sweep her off her feet and carry her into the sunset. She is completely oblivious...more

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Nov 08, 2012 MyChickLitLife rated it 3 of 5 stars

Listened to to this as an audio book while cleaning the bathroom and visiting Buckingham Palace (not sure which was more interesting). A story about new housemates, and love in the autumn. While it's abundantly clear who will end up with who, there's some fantastic twists and real poignant moments along the way.

Chick Liveability: In a new house of two girls and two guys, this was obviously a must-read. True love was found under the influence of alcohol. Lesson - be drunk as much as possible.

ht ...more

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Jun 13, 2012 Lisa (scarlet21) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book. The characters were full of life and fun even though they did have their personal issues and though those issues are serious and dealt with sympathetically and sensitively, it did not take away from the overall feel good factor of the book. I love a happy ending and this happy ending was sublime - you couldn't have asked for a better one - it fitted the book perfectly!

We have Juliet - divorced and looking for love,or even just some sex and surpriingly, for her, finds it with ar...more

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Oct 22, 2011 Choco rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1-enjoyed

I used to read quite a bit of chick lit. I liked Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, Jane Green, Jennifer Weiner and Fiona Walker at one point or another. Some of their books are still on my bookshelf, but there are now only two chick lit authors who can make me excited for their new releases: Milly Johnson and Jill Mansell.

My favourite of Milly Johnson's is still A Spring Affair, but this one did not disappoint. It filled me with fuzzies and was a perfect guilty pleasure. I was happy she released tw...more

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May 30, 2012 Clo rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love Milly JOhnson,she always makes me feel great!
Juliet; I found her a bit fake, how can she go from hating Steve to loving him in a space of a month? I did like her but that frustrated me really.
Floz; I felt sorry for her because she was definately lonely and sad.
Guy; he was my absolute favourite, what a sweet guy :D

Another great book :D

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May 04, 2012 Lian Tanner rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I've liked the previous Milly Johnson books I've read - a bit of escapist romance and humour - but this one felt very clunky. Definitely not one of her better books. I stopped reading it a few chapters in because the writing was so heavy-handed.

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Feb 03, 2012 Goddess Of Blah rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the type of chic lit that will make you laugh out loud with characters who aren't your run of the mill gorgeous skinny sticks wearing fendi and prada and obsessed with shopping and other trivial pursuits. You will laugh until you cry.

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Oct 06, 2011 Annie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Just finished this one + absolutely loved it. Wrestling, internet relationships, love affairs from afar, wonderful loving families (and the other sort), fantastic humour and incredible pathos, superb story, even better writing - Milly Johnson, I love you!

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Sep 21, 2011 Book-shelf Shelf rated it 5 of 5 stars

A brilliant story about family, friends, relationships and life. Milly shows some characters to have judgement but also compassion. She touches each subject with the right amount of tenderness with out preaching to the reader, but leaving a lesson to be learned if so desired. However the end came to fast and short. Loved the book and enjoyed watching each character and relationship unfold.

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Nov 27, 2012 Valeria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mi è piaciuto molto! Lo stile è molto simile alla "nostra" Federica Bosco, un libro che affronta argomenti anche molto importanti in toni leggeri, ironici rimanendo sempre e comunque molto romantico . Inizierò presto un altro libro di questa scrittrice!

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Aug 12, 2012 Claire rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book... read it in just a few days. I hadn't read any of Milly Johnson's books before but will be an author to look out for.

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Jan 19, 2012 Tracey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, fiction

A fun read. Milly Johnson has written a charming novel. The characters Steve and Juliet were amusing and their path though somewhat unsmooth takes a surprising step. The introduction of Floz as a flatmate makes entertaining if disturbingly nervy when her so called love takes a horrible yet poignant turn. The luscious Guy, twin brother to Juliet is charming , funny and despairingly nervous around Floz. This creates moments that are amusing, touching and sometimes cringing too and you will be laug...more

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Feb 21, 2012 Fiona rated it 4 of 5 stars

Initially I thought this was going to be disappointing, I struggled through the first 50 pages and it did not grip me, so glad I persevered as it really picked up and ran at full pelt for me after. Really enjoyed it and Steve for me was the character that appealed the most, genuine, warm and a romantic at heart I was just glad he got his girl!

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Oct 15, 2011 Aileen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have read nearly all the books by this Author, I love her books and
find them easy to read and follow, I found this book good, very funny,
but not quite as good as her last book, but I would recommend

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Jan 29, 2013 Francesca rated it 3 of 5 stars

Tre stelle e mezza!

http://lostingoodbooks.blogspot.it/20...

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