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How Not to Fall in Love, Actually
Emma has a job in television which is distinctly less glamourous and exciting than it sounds. She’s managed to claw her way up the ranks from Tea-Maker and Rubbish-Collector to 2nd Assistant Director (heavy on the ‘assistant’. Even heavier on the ‘2nd’).
So when she finds she’s accidentally very pregnant and at the same time accidentally very sacked (well, less accidentally: she did tell her boss to stick his job up his bum), she knows things are going to have to change.
Luckily she’s also accidentally the heir to a lovely cottage in Wimbledon, with a crazy Rottweiler-owning octogenarian as a neighbour and a rather sexy boy as an accidental tenant. But this baby is coming whether she likes it or not, and she needs to become the sort of person who can look after herself let alone another human being – and quickly.
So when she finds she’s accidentally very pregnant and at the same time accidentally very sacked (well, less accidentally: she did tell her boss to stick his job up his bum), she knows things are going to have to change.
Luckily she’s also accidentally the heir to a lovely cottage in Wimbledon, with a crazy Rottweiler-owning octogenarian as a neighbour and a rather sexy boy as an accidental tenant. But this baby is coming whether she likes it or not, and she needs to become the sort of person who can look after herself let alone another human being – and quickly.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
100 people are currently reading
1074 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bennetto
4 books87 followersCatherine Bennetto was born in New Zealand to a British father and Kiwi mother. She studied a variety of things at University, including Design and Biomedical Science, before settling on a career in television production.
Catherine, her husband and their two young boys have spent the past few years being permanent residents of nowhere - going where the work takes them. They’ve lived in Australia, England, the Caribbean, Hungary, Malaysia and South Africa, and have learnt some useful tricks for entertaining children along the way.
In 2013 she gained a place on Curtis Brown Creative's inaugural online novel writing course. How Not to Fall in Love, Actually is her first novel.
Catherine, her husband and their two young boys have spent the past few years being permanent residents of nowhere - going where the work takes them. They’ve lived in Australia, England, the Caribbean, Hungary, Malaysia and South Africa, and have learnt some useful tricks for entertaining children along the way.
In 2013 she gained a place on Curtis Brown Creative's inaugural online novel writing course. How Not to Fall in Love, Actually is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
February 8, 2019
I was enjoying the story - until the hate and hypocrisy started. The insanely selfish main character, Emma, demands a lack of judgement of her situation. And she deserves to have that because judgement is harmful. She also has a best friend whose beauty she admires, who has a healthy, open sex life. Again, no judgement.
However, the author has no qualms about ridiculing a character who is equally sexually active - but overweight. Martha is depicted in hateful, mean, ugly, deplorable terms, for her body and sexuality. She is judged and shamed, being dubbed by Emma as a “mega whore.” All the while, the more traditionally attractive friend engages in the same raucous behaviors and is loved and applauded. When Joe says that Emma is “fattist,” he is correct. She is a hypocrite who promotes shaming and ridicule, while demanding acceptance for herself.
I kept waiting for there to be a redeeming lesson learned, but it never came. Beyond disappointing.
This book and author promotes the bullying of women like Martha, who don't fit the author's narrow idea of acceptable bodies and behaviors. Her bitter hate of overweight people is stark and shocking at times. Let’s be clear: NO ONE IS DESERVING OF SHAMING. How sad that she has used the platform of a widely-read novel to promote bigotry.
However, the author has no qualms about ridiculing a character who is equally sexually active - but overweight. Martha is depicted in hateful, mean, ugly, deplorable terms, for her body and sexuality. She is judged and shamed, being dubbed by Emma as a “mega whore.” All the while, the more traditionally attractive friend engages in the same raucous behaviors and is loved and applauded. When Joe says that Emma is “fattist,” he is correct. She is a hypocrite who promotes shaming and ridicule, while demanding acceptance for herself.
I kept waiting for there to be a redeeming lesson learned, but it never came. Beyond disappointing.
This book and author promotes the bullying of women like Martha, who don't fit the author's narrow idea of acceptable bodies and behaviors. Her bitter hate of overweight people is stark and shocking at times. Let’s be clear: NO ONE IS DESERVING OF SHAMING. How sad that she has used the platform of a widely-read novel to promote bigotry.
February 7, 2017
This is the story of standing up for yourself, believing in yourself, trying to do what's best for your self, family, friendship, love in all its different types of forms and how Emma dealt with all the events that happened to her in the course of a few days.
After a row with her boyfriend Emma finds out she is late for work and late for her period. Taking time off in her job is against the rules but she has to go to the doctors to have a pregnancy test. The only thing is that the doctor is her uncle!! When the results come back positive Emma's uncle takes the day off to help his niece to come teens with the news and to figure out a plan of action.
Emma's boyfriend is a bit of a dick. When they first got together he was loveable and wonderful. But he doesn't work and doesn't have dinner on the table when she gets home and never does any house work. He just sits at home and thinks of hair brain ideas that are never going to work and thinks Emma should do the cooking and cleaning after she gets home from work. Emma is feeling more like his mum then his girlfriend. So when she finds out she is pregnant she makes the wise decision of going it alone. She still wants him to be part of the child's life. But he has no desire to be so.
Emma has a job in television as 2nd assistant director. Which is basically a gloried runner, she has to get people to fill the parts they need and make sure everything is ok with filming. But let's just say she isn't the greatest at her job. She is constantly forgetting to get people for certain rolls and has to stand in herself. She has had enough of how rude the director is and how rude the actors are. So it's no surprise when hormones are running high and she tells an actress what she thinks of her and tells the director where to stuff his job. Not so great when your expecting a baby and you have no money coming in.
Emma has some savings which will tide her over until she can figure out what she is going to do. That is until her grandmas funeral where she finds out that her ex boyfriend has cleared all the money out of her bank account. To say she is angry is an understatement.
What will Emma do know? Will things turn out ok for her in the end?
You'll just have to read it to find out.
Happy reading everyone
After a row with her boyfriend Emma finds out she is late for work and late for her period. Taking time off in her job is against the rules but she has to go to the doctors to have a pregnancy test. The only thing is that the doctor is her uncle!! When the results come back positive Emma's uncle takes the day off to help his niece to come teens with the news and to figure out a plan of action.
Emma's boyfriend is a bit of a dick. When they first got together he was loveable and wonderful. But he doesn't work and doesn't have dinner on the table when she gets home and never does any house work. He just sits at home and thinks of hair brain ideas that are never going to work and thinks Emma should do the cooking and cleaning after she gets home from work. Emma is feeling more like his mum then his girlfriend. So when she finds out she is pregnant she makes the wise decision of going it alone. She still wants him to be part of the child's life. But he has no desire to be so.
Emma has a job in television as 2nd assistant director. Which is basically a gloried runner, she has to get people to fill the parts they need and make sure everything is ok with filming. But let's just say she isn't the greatest at her job. She is constantly forgetting to get people for certain rolls and has to stand in herself. She has had enough of how rude the director is and how rude the actors are. So it's no surprise when hormones are running high and she tells an actress what she thinks of her and tells the director where to stuff his job. Not so great when your expecting a baby and you have no money coming in.
Emma has some savings which will tide her over until she can figure out what she is going to do. That is until her grandmas funeral where she finds out that her ex boyfriend has cleared all the money out of her bank account. To say she is angry is an understatement.
What will Emma do know? Will things turn out ok for her in the end?
You'll just have to read it to find out.
Happy reading everyone
February 18, 2017
Can i give this book 7 stars please?
While some parts pissed me .. the following pages just make up for all this pissing off !
Funny .. sweet .. and adorable. I really wish life has more Emmas Joes Neds Dianas Alexes Helens Mickes Sineads Archirs Diuglases , in it ! I really really loved this book and the author for giving us such a good novel with one of the most perfect plots & incredible characters.
Thanks Emma for teaching us how to forgive and Ned who taught us a valuable lesson in life : TO NEVER GIVE UP.
And Thank You Catherine Bennetto for this novel
Xo
While some parts pissed me .. the following pages just make up for all this pissing off !
Funny .. sweet .. and adorable. I really wish life has more Emmas Joes Neds Dianas Alexes Helens Mickes Sineads Archirs Diuglases , in it ! I really really loved this book and the author for giving us such a good novel with one of the most perfect plots & incredible characters.
Thanks Emma for teaching us how to forgive and Ned who taught us a valuable lesson in life : TO NEVER GIVE UP.
And Thank You Catherine Bennetto for this novel
Xo
September 24, 2018
The book was mostly an enjoyable rom-com, but I definitely could have done without a) women interested in sex being described repeatedly as whores and sluts, and b) an overweight person being described repeatedly as greedy and disgusting.
December 21, 2018
I didn't expected to like this book this much. This bright color on the cover it is a bit misleading.
It is a chick lit/ fiction category. Perfect holiday read meaning it is safe to read outside with someone peeking what you are reading ( what that totally happens and you know it). Carefree and funny well written debut novel. Author writes about some struggles of the leading lady in a way that I find it very relatable and entertaining.
It is a chick lit/ fiction category. Perfect holiday read meaning it is safe to read outside with someone peeking what you are reading ( what that totally happens and you know it). Carefree and funny well written debut novel. Author writes about some struggles of the leading lady in a way that I find it very relatable and entertaining.
August 7, 2019
Giving two stars for the couple of laugh out loud lines in this book. The main character however is pretty loathsome, wishes not to be judged by others but is more than happy to dish out cruel judgements herself on others. Also not sure why the author felt the need to use the one plus size character in this book to try and gain some cheap laughs at her size and that *shock horror* men actually wanted to sleep with her! Being plus size she is obviously greedy according to the authors description and grotesque. It seemed that any character who didn’t fit the authors body ideal was belittled, again in the vain attempt of getting a laugh. It is also disappointing that the author described several of the female characters that enjoyed sex as slags and whores. Way to go with supporting the sisterhood!
March 26, 2017
It was an ok listen. The narrator was good and I enjoyed the story to a point, but the main character was so irritating and the way she spoke to people was pretty terrible and so I just couldn't really connect with her.
April 18, 2017
Original Review @ Naomi’s Reading Palace
4.5 Stars
To be honest, the cover of How Not to Fall in Love, Actually would throw me off, but the good people at Simon Schuster Aus sent it to me, so I thought I'd give it a second look. After reading the description where she accidentally gets knocked up, splits with the father of the baby and puts up with a crazy neighbour, I certainly was intrigued!! And it wasn't anything like the romance reads that I usually pick up, so I think that's why I enjoyed it so much!
Emma was such an interesting character to read about! She went through some tough times, but she always managed to pull through. There were moments that made my heart ache for her as she had to deal with life altering decisions and the betrayal of those she kept close. She was such a kind person and saw the best in everyone around her. She was also close with her family, even if they tested her patience at times.
I met a lot of interesting characters throughout Emma's journey: her quirky neighbour always looked out for her, Emma's mother was a bit self absorbed, her sister was always there for support, her accidental house mate seemed to keep her smiling, her aunt always spoke her mind and her uncle kept her grounded.
How Not to Fall in Love, Actually was entertainment plus from cover to cover! There were so many amusing scenes that made me laugh or smile. I loved seeing Emma grow into a stronger person throughout the book, even though this was not the life she had planned. She struggled with her feelings, and was a little self absorbed herself at times as she dealt with the huge comedy of errors her life had become. There was even a touch of romance that grew throughout the story that I loved as well. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Catherine Bennetto in the future, she's found an instant fan in me!
4.5 Stars
To be honest, the cover of How Not to Fall in Love, Actually would throw me off, but the good people at Simon Schuster Aus sent it to me, so I thought I'd give it a second look. After reading the description where she accidentally gets knocked up, splits with the father of the baby and puts up with a crazy neighbour, I certainly was intrigued!! And it wasn't anything like the romance reads that I usually pick up, so I think that's why I enjoyed it so much!
Emma was such an interesting character to read about! She went through some tough times, but she always managed to pull through. There were moments that made my heart ache for her as she had to deal with life altering decisions and the betrayal of those she kept close. She was such a kind person and saw the best in everyone around her. She was also close with her family, even if they tested her patience at times.
I met a lot of interesting characters throughout Emma's journey: her quirky neighbour always looked out for her, Emma's mother was a bit self absorbed, her sister was always there for support, her accidental house mate seemed to keep her smiling, her aunt always spoke her mind and her uncle kept her grounded.
How Not to Fall in Love, Actually was entertainment plus from cover to cover! There were so many amusing scenes that made me laugh or smile. I loved seeing Emma grow into a stronger person throughout the book, even though this was not the life she had planned. She struggled with her feelings, and was a little self absorbed herself at times as she dealt with the huge comedy of errors her life had become. There was even a touch of romance that grew throughout the story that I loved as well. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Catherine Bennetto in the future, she's found an instant fan in me!
May 30, 2017
Ahhh British chick-lit is the best!
First few chapters felt a bit quirky to my taste but then it got better and more like the Brits chick-lit I know. The story is funny, heartwarming, relatable. I usually don't like story when the protagonist fell for the male roommate slowly but surely but I didn't really see it coming here (ha! maybe i'm too naive these days) and it all ended beautifully and happily.
First few chapters felt a bit quirky to my taste but then it got better and more like the Brits chick-lit I know. The story is funny, heartwarming, relatable. I usually don't like story when the protagonist fell for the male roommate slowly but surely but I didn't really see it coming here (ha! maybe i'm too naive these days) and it all ended beautifully and happily.
April 23, 2017
I was pleased to have won this novel in a recent Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
This is not a genre that I would normally choose to read, as it is totally different from my preferred genres. Because it isn't what I would normally read, I can only say that it was well written and that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I believe my 17 yr old granddaughter however, will enjoy reading this more than I.
This is not a genre that I would normally choose to read, as it is totally different from my preferred genres. Because it isn't what I would normally read, I can only say that it was well written and that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I believe my 17 yr old granddaughter however, will enjoy reading this more than I.
June 8, 2017
Had no expectations of this whatsoever but couldn't put it down. Really funny, engaging and well written. Good debut novel and would be a good holiday read.
April 6, 2017
Oh my goodness this was such a fun read, I don't know how I waited as long as I did to read this one! I have a paperback copy of this book but I chose to download it on audiobook for a road trip I took with my Mum and we had such a fun journey listening to this one.
I recently bemoaned the fact that I hadn't read a book recently where someone has a baby and then this one comes along as if I knew I was waiting for it-so perfect. I just loved the whole storyline of this one. Anything that could go wrong for Emma does go wrong for her. Part of the mishaps that happen to her could possibly be blamed on her hormones and certainly the comedic way she deals with some of those mishaps are definitely because of the hormones, but some of them just come along and take her completely by surprise. I really enjoyed reading about how she deals with all those mishaps though. Despite the fact that so much is going wrong in her life, Emma stays optimistic that things will all work out eventually and we loved her for that!
I loved the selection of supporting characters in this novel too. Joe comes into Emma's life as a lodger and turns out to be so much more important to her than either of them realised. I totally fell in love with Joe and I would like to keep him please because he is just such a Prince Charming. I also loved reading about Emma's friend and family, who are course are all so funny and quirky in their own individual ways. I loved her friend Helen, particularly her reaction to Emma's pregnancy and impending child birth. I also really liked Emma's mum and I really wished that I had a sister like Alex to be there for me. I don't want to pass comment on Emma's ex and father of her child because this author has written him to be such a scoundrel that I don't like him one bit, a good job well done there!
This book just has it all and anyone trying to make relationships and career work in today's society will be able to sympathise and empathise with Emma 100%. I think though, that anyone would be able to find the comedy in this book and picking up this book will definitely keep you entertained from cover to cover, I can definitely recommend picking up this beauty for your holidays now!
I recently bemoaned the fact that I hadn't read a book recently where someone has a baby and then this one comes along as if I knew I was waiting for it-so perfect. I just loved the whole storyline of this one. Anything that could go wrong for Emma does go wrong for her. Part of the mishaps that happen to her could possibly be blamed on her hormones and certainly the comedic way she deals with some of those mishaps are definitely because of the hormones, but some of them just come along and take her completely by surprise. I really enjoyed reading about how she deals with all those mishaps though. Despite the fact that so much is going wrong in her life, Emma stays optimistic that things will all work out eventually and we loved her for that!
I loved the selection of supporting characters in this novel too. Joe comes into Emma's life as a lodger and turns out to be so much more important to her than either of them realised. I totally fell in love with Joe and I would like to keep him please because he is just such a Prince Charming. I also loved reading about Emma's friend and family, who are course are all so funny and quirky in their own individual ways. I loved her friend Helen, particularly her reaction to Emma's pregnancy and impending child birth. I also really liked Emma's mum and I really wished that I had a sister like Alex to be there for me. I don't want to pass comment on Emma's ex and father of her child because this author has written him to be such a scoundrel that I don't like him one bit, a good job well done there!
This book just has it all and anyone trying to make relationships and career work in today's society will be able to sympathise and empathise with Emma 100%. I think though, that anyone would be able to find the comedy in this book and picking up this book will definitely keep you entertained from cover to cover, I can definitely recommend picking up this beauty for your holidays now!
August 17, 2017
Ungeplant schwanger, frisch getrennt und neuerdings auch noch arbeitslos - so hatte sich die 27-jährige Emma ihr Leben nicht vorgestellt. Zum Glück stehen ihr ihre chaotische Familie, exzentrischen Freunde und ihr neuer Mitbewohner mit Rat und Tat zur Seite. Bald erkennt Emma, dass man das Glück nie wo, wann und wie man es erwartet, findet.
Catherine Bennettos Roman ist eine absolut kurzweilige und amüsante Lektüre. Obwohl vorhersehbar, ist die Geschichte sehr nett und erinnert mich ein bisschen an den Film "Plan B für die Liebe". Die Charaktere sind sehr unterschiedlich, haben das Herz aber alle am rechten Fleck, was sie sehr liebenswert und authentisch erscheinen lässt.
Meiner Meinung nach ist "Und jetzt auch noch Liebe" ein tolles Buch für Zwischendurch, das vor allem Frauen sehr gut gefallen wird.
Catherine Bennettos Roman ist eine absolut kurzweilige und amüsante Lektüre. Obwohl vorhersehbar, ist die Geschichte sehr nett und erinnert mich ein bisschen an den Film "Plan B für die Liebe". Die Charaktere sind sehr unterschiedlich, haben das Herz aber alle am rechten Fleck, was sie sehr liebenswert und authentisch erscheinen lässt.
Meiner Meinung nach ist "Und jetzt auch noch Liebe" ein tolles Buch für Zwischendurch, das vor allem Frauen sehr gut gefallen wird.
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May 6, 2017Won in Goodreads Giveaways - Not read, passed on.
February 7, 2017
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
How Not to Fall in Love, Actually is Catherine Bennetto’s debut novel and it’s definitely a feel good romance, with lots of great moments.
The story follows Emma, who has a great job and life. Then everything changes! She finds herself accidentally pregnant, dumped and just without any idea of what to do and how to feel about it all.
She always has to think about her ex, her family starts bugging her about the baby and then there is Joe, who was engaged and now can’t live in his apartment, so he lives with Emma. It’s so much fun to follow these two around, we get to read about Joe’s story as well and that gives the book a great mixture.
It’s great to see Emma journey in this story and the different stages she goes through. Catherine Bennetto captured it in a very real and authentic way, which is wonderful.
The writing is funny with some LOL moments, it’s fresh, young and very exciting. A fuzzy, warm and sparkly story by a very talented author. I can’t wait to see what else Catherine Bennetto has in store for us.
How Not to Fall in Love, Actually is Catherine Bennetto’s debut novel and it’s definitely a feel good romance, with lots of great moments.
The story follows Emma, who has a great job and life. Then everything changes! She finds herself accidentally pregnant, dumped and just without any idea of what to do and how to feel about it all.
She always has to think about her ex, her family starts bugging her about the baby and then there is Joe, who was engaged and now can’t live in his apartment, so he lives with Emma. It’s so much fun to follow these two around, we get to read about Joe’s story as well and that gives the book a great mixture.
It’s great to see Emma journey in this story and the different stages she goes through. Catherine Bennetto captured it in a very real and authentic way, which is wonderful.
The writing is funny with some LOL moments, it’s fresh, young and very exciting. A fuzzy, warm and sparkly story by a very talented author. I can’t wait to see what else Catherine Bennetto has in store for us.
December 9, 2016
First novel I read for non-academic purposes in a very, very long time!! <3
Laughed out loud at many parts but plot can be improved :)
Laughed out loud at many parts but plot can be improved :)
December 14, 2016
Really funny. Loved it.
May 20, 2017
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
“Life, as any chancer knows, is 10% planning, 10% design and 80% totally winging it …” and Catherine Bennetto’s debut novel How Not to Fall in Love, Actually provides a perfect example. The protagonist, Emma George, does not have the most stable of lives: a job she is not that great at, a disappointing boyfriend, and not much hope for the future. Clinging on to dreams of working in the film industry in New York, Emma plods on in her frustrating London job, however, things are due to get a lot worse.
A quick succession of events leaves Emma boyfriend-less, homeless, penniless, grandmother-less, and, to top it off, pregnant. Although letting off a woe-is-me aura, Emma does not realise how fortunate she is. A series of serendipitous incidents, a fashion-obsessed mother, and a sister on the other side of the world make Emma’s life more bearable. Moving into her late grandmother’s Wimbledon cottage and acquiring a handsome lodger, with a loving family just around the corner, Emma’s life has the potential to be happier than it has ever been before – if only she could see that.
How Not to Fall in Love, Actually (a title presumably inspired by the film Love Actually) is a typical British romantic comedy that provides light-hearted relief with its jovial narrative. Full of eccentric characters – a foul-mouthed four-year-old, a felony-obsessed octogenarian, and a harried mother of four – this novel is certain to entertain, although whether it deserves the “laugh-out-loud” status it promises is questionable (but then I am more of a laugh-inside type of reader).
One of the best things about this book – and many British chick-lit – is the authenticity of the characters and settings. Although a few of the scenarios may be toward the extreme end of the scale, none of the occurrences are too far-fetched, and all the characters are relatable in some way, despite their idiosyncrasies.
Personally, I tend to avoid chick-lit, finding them rather lowbrow and written for the sake of writing. Books that have love or sexual encounters as their key theme are not something I enjoy. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when How Not to Fall in Love, Actually exceeded these rather low expectations. Admittedly, there are one too many sexual references and far too much swearing, particularly from a four-year-old character – although that does add to the overall humour - but the general storyline was enjoyable. Despite the title hinting at a love-focused story, there were so many other elements to the plot, resulting in a much more interesting novel.
How Not to Fall in Love, Actually is obviously targeted at women, but can be enjoyed by adults of all ages. Those in their twenties and thirties may be able to relate to the struggles Emma is dealing with, whereas older generations may be able to reminisce about their past dilemmas. Whatever the reader’s situation, this book brings laughter, relaxation and the realisation that life is not so bad.
“Life, as any chancer knows, is 10% planning, 10% design and 80% totally winging it …” and Catherine Bennetto’s debut novel How Not to Fall in Love, Actually provides a perfect example. The protagonist, Emma George, does not have the most stable of lives: a job she is not that great at, a disappointing boyfriend, and not much hope for the future. Clinging on to dreams of working in the film industry in New York, Emma plods on in her frustrating London job, however, things are due to get a lot worse.
A quick succession of events leaves Emma boyfriend-less, homeless, penniless, grandmother-less, and, to top it off, pregnant. Although letting off a woe-is-me aura, Emma does not realise how fortunate she is. A series of serendipitous incidents, a fashion-obsessed mother, and a sister on the other side of the world make Emma’s life more bearable. Moving into her late grandmother’s Wimbledon cottage and acquiring a handsome lodger, with a loving family just around the corner, Emma’s life has the potential to be happier than it has ever been before – if only she could see that.
How Not to Fall in Love, Actually (a title presumably inspired by the film Love Actually) is a typical British romantic comedy that provides light-hearted relief with its jovial narrative. Full of eccentric characters – a foul-mouthed four-year-old, a felony-obsessed octogenarian, and a harried mother of four – this novel is certain to entertain, although whether it deserves the “laugh-out-loud” status it promises is questionable (but then I am more of a laugh-inside type of reader).
One of the best things about this book – and many British chick-lit – is the authenticity of the characters and settings. Although a few of the scenarios may be toward the extreme end of the scale, none of the occurrences are too far-fetched, and all the characters are relatable in some way, despite their idiosyncrasies.
Personally, I tend to avoid chick-lit, finding them rather lowbrow and written for the sake of writing. Books that have love or sexual encounters as their key theme are not something I enjoy. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when How Not to Fall in Love, Actually exceeded these rather low expectations. Admittedly, there are one too many sexual references and far too much swearing, particularly from a four-year-old character – although that does add to the overall humour - but the general storyline was enjoyable. Despite the title hinting at a love-focused story, there were so many other elements to the plot, resulting in a much more interesting novel.
How Not to Fall in Love, Actually is obviously targeted at women, but can be enjoyed by adults of all ages. Those in their twenties and thirties may be able to relate to the struggles Emma is dealing with, whereas older generations may be able to reminisce about their past dilemmas. Whatever the reader’s situation, this book brings laughter, relaxation and the realisation that life is not so bad.
March 20, 2017
Thank you to the publishers Simon & Schuster for the review copy.
Emma's life isn't great. At the beginning, she has a job she hates but needs in order to support herself and her daydreamer boyfriend, Ned, who is full of wonderful ideas for the next best thing, but is actually pretty useless when it comes to working/housework/being a great boyfriend. Then she discovers she is pregnant, which is the catalyst for changing ...
She dumps Ned, walks out on her job and invites a random guy who turns up drunk on her doorstep to stay the night.
The book has a wonderful supporting cast. A self-obssessed mother, a sister doing charity work in faraway lands, one friend who eats men for breakfast and another who betrays Emma. Not to mention a psycho chaperone working on zombie-bra movies and the stranger who finds himself embroiled in Emma's chaotic world.
It's a genuinely funny book that had me spitting my tea out and laughing out loud. Emma is a hugely likeable character, and I was able to sympathise with her all the way through. None of the characters are annoying; even the 'villains' are so well written I relished their bad behaviour.
It's a light-hearted read, despite the main character's predicament; any chance for self-pitying wallowing is blown out of the water by the crazy people and events going on around her.
It's a perfect rom-com and a highly enjoyable read. I think I have found a new author to love.
Emma's life isn't great. At the beginning, she has a job she hates but needs in order to support herself and her daydreamer boyfriend, Ned, who is full of wonderful ideas for the next best thing, but is actually pretty useless when it comes to working/housework/being a great boyfriend. Then she discovers she is pregnant, which is the catalyst for changing ...
She dumps Ned, walks out on her job and invites a random guy who turns up drunk on her doorstep to stay the night.
The book has a wonderful supporting cast. A self-obssessed mother, a sister doing charity work in faraway lands, one friend who eats men for breakfast and another who betrays Emma. Not to mention a psycho chaperone working on zombie-bra movies and the stranger who finds himself embroiled in Emma's chaotic world.
It's a genuinely funny book that had me spitting my tea out and laughing out loud. Emma is a hugely likeable character, and I was able to sympathise with her all the way through. None of the characters are annoying; even the 'villains' are so well written I relished their bad behaviour.
It's a light-hearted read, despite the main character's predicament; any chance for self-pitying wallowing is blown out of the water by the crazy people and events going on around her.
It's a perfect rom-com and a highly enjoyable read. I think I have found a new author to love.
March 19, 2022
Toto bolo bláznivé čítanie. Miestami záchvaty smiechu, niekedy vyslovené trapné scény, inokedy kostrbato milé, občas vyslovene zmätočné, zopárkrát až hnevlivé. Ešte sa mi nestalo, aby som v ruke držala knihu, ku ktorej každých 20 strán mením postoj :D alá milujem ju, nenávidím, milujem ... nenávidííím ... a kedže knihy nehádžem do kúta, dosmiala som sa s ňou do úspešného konca. Suchý britský humor nechýba od prvej stránky po poslednú, taká Bridget Jones s Láskou nebeskou so štipkou Blbý a blbší :D Na túto pohnutú dobu ideálna babská oddychovka.
abgebrochen
April 17, 2020Abgebrochen bei 64%. Die Geschichte konnte mich von Anfang an nicht packen und dann kamen noch verschiedene Aspekte wie z.B. ständiges Fat Shaming dazu. Ich habe einfach keine Lust mehr auf die Geschichte und widme die Zeit lieber anderen Büchern.
May 2, 2017
Great read!
Witty, had me chuckling out loud alot!! I can't wait to read alot more from Catherine Bennett! I definitely recommend!
Witty, had me chuckling out loud alot!! I can't wait to read alot more from Catherine Bennett! I definitely recommend!
October 7, 2020
Mir hat das Buch wirklich sehr gut gefallen. Die Geschichte ist unterhaltsam und witzig mit sehr skurrilen Charakteren.
January 6, 2022
The overall story itself is fine but the language used to describe so many people is awful
December 16, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was so light hearted and funny, and had the best happy ending ❤️
June 10, 2021
Classic rom com book, easy listen as audio book!
March 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, it is real feel-good laugh out loud fiction. The story is about Emma, who finds herself pregnant, without a job, or income who then inherits a lovely cottage and gains a very handsome lodger. As she attempts to straighten out her life in preparation for the arrival of the baby there are many hilarious incidents. I thought the character of the elderly next door neighbour was brilliant and had me laughing many times.
Really good read
Really good read
March 4, 2017
Really funny. I very much enjoyed this one.
February 23, 2018
What a wonderful book - my smile has not left my face - sweet, heartwarming and chortle out loud funny! :)
I recommend this book to all those readers whose sense of humor is quirky and can stomach a lot of cuss words which are uttered just as easily as snarky but funny as hell quips. There were a myriad of characters, Emma unemployed and pregnant with her "dreams in the air" boyfriend pushes her to break up with him and the book catalogs her nine months journey. She has her overbearing mother, an eccentric neighbor, a very very smart grandmother who bequests her a house knowing who might turn up at the door and the wonderful, kind leading man who did not get enough conversations with Emma but leaves a mark on you nevertheless. I believe he stumbles along the just before the midway of the book but makes you root for him and Emma all the way through. This was a very entertaining read through and through. Nobody is really the bad guy here and the ending wraps everything in a sweet, romantic bow
Loved her writing, looking forward to more of the author's books.
I recommend this book to all those readers whose sense of humor is quirky and can stomach a lot of cuss words which are uttered just as easily as snarky but funny as hell quips. There were a myriad of characters, Emma unemployed and pregnant with her "dreams in the air" boyfriend pushes her to break up with him and the book catalogs her nine months journey. She has her overbearing mother, an eccentric neighbor, a very very smart grandmother who bequests her a house knowing who might turn up at the door and the wonderful, kind leading man who did not get enough conversations with Emma but leaves a mark on you nevertheless. I believe he stumbles along the just before the midway of the book but makes you root for him and Emma all the way through. This was a very entertaining read through and through. Nobody is really the bad guy here and the ending wraps everything in a sweet, romantic bow
Loved her writing, looking forward to more of the author's books.
February 7, 2017
Frothy, slightly obvious, but a lovely feel-good factor that left me warmed to the proverbial cockles.
Emma starts the novel with a boyfriend who was a rather Peter Pan-like character. She ends it with a different boyfriend, a baby and yet starts lol on good terms with Ned.
This is the kind of book where you get pretty much what you're expecting. It's a pleasant enough thing to while away a couple of hours with,but it won't change my life.
Emma starts the novel with a boyfriend who was a rather Peter Pan-like character. She ends it with a different boyfriend, a baby and yet starts lol on good terms with Ned.
This is the kind of book where you get pretty much what you're expecting. It's a pleasant enough thing to while away a couple of hours with,but it won't change my life.
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