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Freya Johnson #1

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When the going gets tough Freya Johnson gets going!

Humiliated by her boyfriend the day she turns thirty, Freya boards a last minute flight to Corfu to visit her best friend Emma. Little does she know - this holiday will change her life forever.

Enter Hollywood film star Nicholas Kaden whose entourage is stirring up the village of Kassiopi while filming his new movie. He’s hot, he’s unexpectedly different, but is he for real?

Caught up in a media frenzy, feeling unwelcome and uncomfortable in Nicholas’ movie world, Freya battles with the ghosts of her past and the uncertainty of her future. Can she help Emma, keep her own big secret and find out what Nicholas is hiding, before she feels the urge to run away again?

336 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2008

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About the author

Mandy Baggot

58 books768 followers
Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer represented by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary.

Mandy is best-known for her laugh-out-loud romantic comedies featuring strong heroines, gorgeous heroes and always that happy-ever-after!

The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into Bulgarian, Czech, German, Hungarian and Italian.

Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, wine, cheese, Netflix, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Most recently, Mandy took part in BBC1's Ready Steady Cook with Greek celebrity chef, Akis Petretzikis.

Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK and Corfu, Greece.

Visit Mandy's website at www.mandybaggot.com

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5 stars
458 (56%)
4 stars
206 (25%)
3 stars
116 (14%)
2 stars
18 (2%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy Baggot.
Author 58 books768 followers
July 3, 2009
Its a romantic comedy - good holiday read - I wrote it.
Profile Image for Katerina.
318 reviews27 followers
March 30, 2015
A rather clean romance novel, but one I found difficult to put down.
Freya is an unusual heroine; a size 20, but smart-mouthed and witty, with a tendency to hop on a plane when things seem to get out of control...

I really enjoyed reading about her, meeting the Movie Superstar Nicholas and falling in love with him, although this read was more cute than steamy.
And there is a sequel to this one!!!
I think I am going to read it...
Profile Image for Joan.
2,211 reviews
Read
July 10, 2018
I like my 'summer beach' reads to have some modicum of 'believability' to them. I am fairly (well, seriously) OCD about facts and details and when things happen that are beyond any hint of reason ( a woman so desperate to buy three bread rolls that she offers 300 euros for them??- rolls eyes here!) I lose interest in a story.

I wasnt happy with the overall 'feel' of the story. The overweight woman (I gave up counting the number of times she went on about her weight) seemed to have mixed feelings about her weight. I couldn't work out if she was unhappy or didnt give a damn. It felt forced somehow.

I gave up at 11%

Not rating, but it would be a 1 star. It certainly didn't have a 'feel good' factor.
Profile Image for Nikki Bywater.
406 reviews17 followers
March 4, 2012
Freya Johnson should be celebrating her thirtieth birthday, having a nice romantic meal with her boyfriend Russell in a nice restaurant, but instead she has flown to the pretty village of Kassiopi in northern Corfu to be with her best friend Emma. Freya is upset at overhearing her boyfriend Russell putting her down about her weight when asking the barman if he had seen Freya arrive at the restaurant. Russell had not known that Freya heard his unflattering comments and after hearing them she just fled and got in a taxi to the airport and now was in the pretty village of Kassiopi. Emma lived in the village after falling in love with a local boy and had decided to stay. Emma is the closest friend that Freya has ever had and a good confidante. The only person she can turn to as she does not see or talk to her family. Freya is also looking to have a nice peaceful break, a chance to reflect while she decides what to do and the island is the perfect place to do this.

Oscar winning Hollywood actor Nicholas Kaden, one of the most famous men on the planet is filming his latest movie on the island. In less than twenty four hours since Freya had arrived on the island, Nicholas Kaden and his entourage manage to annoy and inconvenience, Freya by taking over the island. When Freya finds out that they have taken over her favourite table in a restaurant, which had been booked for her to have a belated birthday celebration, unimpressed by Nicholas Kaden’s celebrity status she marches up to Kaden and gets cross, telling him and his entourage exactly what she thinks. Nicholas Kaden asks them to join his party for dinner, Freya is reluctant and is determined not to, but Emma jumps at the chance of dining and spending time with a film star so she agrees. Freya has formed an opinion on Nicholas Kaden that he is a stuck up, spoilt, arrogant actor with too much money and little concern for anyone but himself and when she overhears two male members of Nicholas entourage putting her down about her weight and saying they have placed a bet with Nicholas to if he beds her when he takes her out on a date. Still angry about what happened with Russell she decides to say yes to when Nicholas asks her out, so that she can take out revenge on ‘Mr Hollywood’ for daring to make her the subject of a bet.

But when Nicholas is charming on their date will she still go ahead with her plan for revenge?

What about Russell is he now a part of her past and is she ready to move forward and leave the past behind?

This is another enjoyable read from Mandy Baggot. I read this book in one sitting. Freya is a good strong leading character in this beautiful written story set in a picturesque part of Greece. What I like about Mandy’s main characters in this book is that they have a lot of depth and background that make the characters and the storyline far more interesting and impossible for you to predict how the storyline will come to its conclusion.

I really recommend reading any if not all of Mandy Baggot’s books.
Profile Image for Preet.
3,406 reviews234 followers
November 9, 2012
I recently won a signed book by Mandy Baggot and thought I'd read her other books while I waited for it to arrive. So by process of eenie meenie miney mo, this is the first book I started with.

I love the cover. I can not tell you how many books I've read where the cover does not match the description of the actual character. It's not just been in self published books, but ones by the big publishers too. It drives me nuts. Anyhow, the couple on the cover is much truer to the book as a silhouette can be. The contents of the silhouette are one Freya Johnson, photographer extraordinaire, and Nicholas "Nick" Kaden, the Hollywood hunk du jour. Freya is not your average heroine. She's not a perfect US size 2/UK size 4. She's a US 18/UK 20 with a lot of attitude and heart, and I really liked that, especially since she doesn't fit the mold of a romance novel heroine.

They meet by fate on the beautiful island of Corfu, which if it's the way Ms.Baggot described, sounds divine and I want to go right now as long as it's not too cold. Freya might seem confident, but she's not on the inside and so she questions whether or not Nick's feelings for her are real. I really liked Freya. She had sass and she defended those she cared about fiercely. Freya was not only a great friend, but also had great friends like Emma. I felt as if I could really relate to Freya.

The story is great. I was really crabby and even possibly quite rude when pulled away from my reading. I was engrossed and wanted to know what happened next. I am sure you will be drawn in to this book too, just as I was.

Profile Image for Lisa.
Author 15 books18 followers
April 22, 2014
I have lost count now of how many of Mandy's books I have read, but I am yet to pick one up that disappoints! Mandy is the Queen of Romance - and especially when it comes to writing those hot male characters!
Freya is a large girl, and on her 30th birthday she is left humiliated by her boyfriend. Rather than stick around, she flees and jumps straight on to a plane to Corfu and to the one person in her life she can really depend on, her best friend, Emma.
In Corfu, a movie is being filmed, and its star, Nicholas Kaden takes a shine to Freya. After overhearing a horrible conversation, Freya is less than impressed, but Nicholas isn't like his idiotic co-stars, and the two start dating. But Freya's past comes back to haunt her and rips it all apart.

I really loved Freya, and could relate to her hugely. By the time this review goes out I will have been 30 for a week, and I am a big girl who enjoys her food. too! Sadly I don't have a hunky film star chasing after me, but still, I related to the character, which made me enjoy the story that little bit more!!
Yet again Mandy hits the big time with her delicious leading man, and of course he is gorgeous, and everything a man should be! I loved the fact that Nicholas managed to confide in Freya about his past and turn it into a positive.
The twist into Freya's history was great and gave the story a really good edge, and made the book that little bit more enjoyable.
I can't wait to get my teeth into the next book in Freya's life and see how she fits into Nicholas's world!
Profile Image for Lisa.
159 reviews6 followers
April 29, 2013
When Freya overhears her boyfriend calling her large and plain, she does what she does best - she runs away. She hops on the next plane to Corfu and her best friend Emma, the one constant in her life. There she meets Hollywood actor Nicholas Kaden who is on location shooting a film, and an unlikely romance begins. But when secrets are revealed by both parties, will the relationship survive?

This was such an enjoyable read, I was so sad when I got to the end! Freya is a really relatable character, and I liked her from the start. I liked how more and more of her character and life was revealed piece by piece, and even her revelation about her past didn't change my opinion of her. Nick is also a great character, genuine and likeable. I thought the ending was maybe a bit rushed, it felt a bit abrupt to me but overall I loved this book. Mandy Baggot is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors!
Profile Image for Margaret.
598 reviews9 followers
May 14, 2018
After all the rave reviews, I came away feeling very disappointed. While the book is set in Corfu, there is very little Greek flavor except to mention some food occasionally and a few minor references to the scenery. I also didn't care for the *constant* "over-weight girl trying to learn to love herself" theme. As someone who has struggled with weight issues all my life, I felt like I was reading a self-help book instead of a light beach read or romantic comedy. I can't say I really connected with Freya either. She came across as rude with some disturbing mental issues. Emma and Nick were WAY more patient and understanding then she deserved, in my opinion. I understand a strong, spunky woman being intriguing, but not a rude, obnoxious one.

This book seriously needs an editor as well. Missing words and using the wrong word abounds. There were a couple sentences where obviously someone was trying to swap out a more descriptive word but then forgot to remove the original word.
Profile Image for Linn Halton.
Author 26 books278 followers
October 29, 2012
I am totally in love with this book. It’s a fun romance with a capital R, as cuddly Freya learns she can’t keep running away from life, love and the past. Love interest Nicholas is a hunk with heart and you find yourself getting caught up in his ‘star status’ and the downside of fame. Can two people with so many complications in their lives ever commit to love? Well, you have to read this wonderful romance story to find out. The pace is perfect, the dialogue is believable and it carries you along. Before you know it, you are turning that last page and you utter a satisfied sigh. I thoroughly recommend this one for a rainy weekend, or when lying on the beach. The feel good factor will remain with you long after you’ve turned off your Kindle!
Profile Image for Kristy Brown.
Author 17 books230 followers
January 27, 2014
I'm not normally one for romance books, unless they have a gothic twist. This was free so I gave it a go. I'm glad I did. The author has a lovely way of writing realistic, down to earth characters. It had a feel of Bridget Jones/ Shirley Valentine. I loved Freya's sense of humour and the comedy retro references. Great writing . A nice change from my usual type of read .
Profile Image for Felicity.
515 reviews7 followers
October 9, 2013
A nice story, well paced, good characters if a bit cheesy (but who doesn't love a bit of cheese)

I enjoyed the book but would not necessarily recommend it to all as it was a bit "fat girl gets nice boy" story which is not everyones cup of tea
Profile Image for Cassie.
109 reviews14 followers
June 4, 2014
Completely un-put-down-able - started reading it on the train on the commute home from work (definitely made a cold, wet train ride home from Birmingham much more enjoyable) then just sat down and finished it a couple of hours later
19 reviews
October 3, 2017
This book was unbelievably awful. Started off good but the author's grammar is super messed up. It's hard to read 2 pages in a row due to the unlimited grammatical errors. Also the story building was awfully unrealistic.
Profile Image for Nicki.
2,284 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2013
Nice little romantic story with some trauma thrown in. Not bad as a kindle freebie. Not sure I would pay for this, but I liked it enough to finish. Easy to pick up and put down.
Profile Image for Toni.
67 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2013
Loved it of course amazing writing as always from Mandy another hard to put down kinda book.:)
Profile Image for Helen Stothard.
Author 14 books24 followers
October 19, 2013
This was a refreshing change, a size 20 heroine, and what a great character Freya was. There's humour in this book, but some serious stuff too, very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Julie Murray.
6 reviews
April 4, 2014
Fluffy, light hearted and easy to read :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
10 reviews
June 9, 2020
A really good read, I liked Freya and I really understood how she felt about herself. Her friendship with Emma is so special that no man could breake.

When Freya finally told Nick about her past, I was expecting it be different but I want say what I thought as I don't want to spoil it for others.

I'm now on chapter 3 on the next book but had to put it down to cook dinner !!

I so enjoy Mandy's books especially during this time in lockdown, I'm having my holiday as well. I have had so many great holidays in Greece and Corfu was the first island I went to and can picture the places as have visited a few times. feels like going home.
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 5 books227 followers
May 26, 2019
I've had this book on my shelf for ages but while on holiday in Greece, thought it fitting to read there. I absolutely loved this story - partly because Mandy's style is so easy to read but also because of the characters. Freya will remain a strong favourite of mine and it's brilliant to see an author not shy away from writing about larger than life heroines - literally! Why shouldn't someone who is size 18 or more have the same right to enjoy love as the rest of society? This trope is rarely portrayed in chick-lit and it was wonderful to see it so well done.
3 reviews
April 10, 2020
Feel good holiday romance

Mandy once again brings Greek village life to reality. I could just imagine this happening in a remote village, camera crew arrives on a boat with celebrities and the locals are involved because they are such friendly people, who welcome you into their lives.
208 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2020
Brilliant again

I love the quirky characters Mandy Bangor creates. They are fun, funny and somehow normal. I loved the why the issues of cancer and obesity were spotlighted but not made a big fuss of. Great book ready to read book 2 now
Profile Image for Angela Whitmore.
493 reviews
February 29, 2020
Summer loving

Frothy summer holiday romance read about a larger than life character who gets off to a bad start with the star of a movie being in filmed on the Greek island that she ran to when her she realised her boyfriend was a dick.
14 reviews
June 28, 2023
Great story and edgy hilarious characters that I just loved.

This author is becoming one of my fast favourites. Combining my love of the Greek islands, romance, and laugh out loud humour. Bring on more!
18 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2020
Refreshingly different main character and a perfect book for escaping the dull life of lockdown.
Cant wait to read the sequel.
Profile Image for Alexis.
53 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2021
Such. A. Good. Book!!!
And I think there’s a second one?!! Bring it on.
Profile Image for Steph Lawrence.
528 reviews
March 15, 2017
I love Mandy Baggot books!
How have I only just discovered the Freya Johnson books?
Set in Corfu as many of Mandy's books are.
A fab heartwarming story.
Thoroughly recommend this book, as I do with all the books I've read from this author.
Profile Image for Kate’s Book Spot.
632 reviews21 followers
January 14, 2013
I got this eBook when it was available as a free download from Amazon, I’m a big fan of Mandy’s writing so I was really looking forward to getting stuck into this one.

The story began with Freya colouring her hair red in the toilets of an airport and this created all sorts of questions in my mind, these were answered pretty quickly so that everything suddenly made sense. Freya was a fantastic character who I just seemed to ‘get’, I loved her feisty and sarcastic sense of humour, I could relate to her weight issues and seeing as I also turned 30 recently I felt like I understood where she was coming from.

There were so many laugh out loud moments throughout the book and Freya just made them funnier with her reactions – there was a scene on an airplane involving a very difficult child that was particularly funny so look out for that part. As well as the laughs there were also some really heartbreaking times when I felt desperately sad for her, in my eyes this all added up to make a well-rounded book that covered every angle.

I enjoyed Freya’s romance with Nicholas (who was super hot and super sweet all at the same time) but for me it was her friendship with Emma that really stood out for me – they had such a loyal and close friendship that I couldn’t help but be touched by.

Halfway through came a massive shock with the return of Freya’s ex-boyfriend and an announcement that made my jaw hit the floor! From that moment on there were a lot of changes for everyone and lots of secrets were revealed, none of which I could have predicted.

Mandy’s style of writing is comfortable and concise, I loved how she managed to mix humour with weight issues and even serious health issues without any of it feeling odd or out-of-place.

The ending was fabulous and left me with a big smile on my face, Public Property is the sequel to this book and I already have it on my Kindle so I’m looking forward to finding out what happened next for Freya.

This was a bright and humorous one day read, I was hooked from the first to the last word.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews