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Snap Happy
A budding stand-up comic, Juno is voluptuous, hedonistic, funny and terminally untidy. On her thirtieth birthday, she decides to have a wild one-night-stand to mark the occasion. But seducing her new flatmate before he's had a chance to unpack his belongings is not a wise move. Just over from New York, Jay Mulligan is intense, mysterious and, as Juno joyously discovers, far better than breakfast in bed. It's only when they both get out of that bed on the wrong side three days later that the problems start ...
576 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 29, 2018
While I really enjoyed this book, I did find it to be a bit of a frustrating read. The protagonist is very likeable but at times, her idiocy became too much (especially towards the end). I would still recommend it though as it is an entertaining book.
March 25, 2010
This bbo started off as pretty entertaining, but it dragged on too long. I love Brit Lit because I like the fact that they often depict the leading men as blond or redhaired and I love the language, but I find it hard to believe that a drop dead gorgeous guy would want a fatty like the lead girl here... this was a girl who was often described in an unflattering way and guys who are a ten just wouldn't be into that.... not to mention that this author lost me when she had a lower class Irish guy speaking Yiddish.... she needs a better grasp of American culture if she wants to make her male lead American. Still, it read like an episode of Coupling, so it is worth your time as long as details don't irk you quite as much as they do me. :)
September 13, 2016
So much fun. My kind of romance.
May 24, 2025
Ugh. I could have loved this book if it was about 1/3 of the length. Fun and funny, but got old and frustrating by the end.
September 21, 2019
I read it when I was around 16 and I remember that I loved it and devoured it. Re-reading it 15 years later, it still entertained me at times, but it got very frustrating and annoying most of the time. All the scenerarios felt so constructed, miscommunications very over the top and Juno doubting herself on every page plus constantly body shaming herself and others got on my nerves. Also, I tried very hard, but Jay is not sexy for me and I constantly thought that the characters were teenagers and not twice that age.
June 15, 2014
fan of Fiona walker but didn't enjoy the main characters in this book. couldn't bring myself to finish reading
July 20, 2020
Four of Fiona Walker's books are formative texts for me: this, Well Groomed, French Relations, and Kiss Chase. I still remember seeing the cover of Well Groomed in the library, the hardback version with the gilt lettering and the photorealistic headless shots and primary colour backdrop. I appreciate that writers have little to no control over their covers, but honestly Walker should have burned her PR firm to the ground before she let them switch her from that classic, eau de Cooper design to these shitty, anatomically incorrect, five-year-old aptitude illustrations with the bland blocks of colour that are neither one shade nor the other.
Anyway, Snap Happy was definitely my fourth favourite of the four, because Jay is not remotely as tortured or beautiful as Hugo or Felix, and Juno is less enchanting than Tash or Phoebe. All the same, it's still a fabulous frothy concoction, and one which few modern romances - including Walker's own later work - can match for scope or characterisation.
It was published in 1998. I first read it in 2002, going by the inscription. I was surprised - given that I haven't re-read it at all this decade - at how certain things held up. Unfortunately, Juno's experiences of being a female comic have little improved in the intervening 22 years.
It was oddly jarring at to read people handling cash so much. In the last two years my main reasons for holding small change - taxis and buses - switched over to being cashless transactions thanks to apps and Leap cards. And it was SO weird that people didn't just Google things they didn't know (like song lyrics) and spent an evening watching soaps rather than proper television on Netflix. It reminded me of how long Sundays felt in my childhood, when shops weren't open and cinemas were closed and there was nothing good on terrestrial TV. Grim AF.
Overall, though, the thing that stood out was Juno's blithe disregard for the fact that, despite earning 16,000 pounds a year in print media, she could afford a mortgage in Clapham AND rent in Belsize Park. She is not remotely worried about this! Sure, at one point she has a conversation with her ex about how he needs to get the Clapham house sold, but there's not a single reference to how she eats too much avocado toast to deserve this. The fin de siecle mood of the nineties is definitely one of a protracted childhood: people doing lots of drugs, wearing body glitter, and assuming they could write a newspaper column and use it to buy a nice house in a nice part of London, and that none of this would ever collapse under the weight of its own implausibility.
Plus, she smokes, and I guess people thought that was cool and not a) dumb and b) gross in 1998.
Anyway, Snap Happy was definitely my fourth favourite of the four, because Jay is not remotely as tortured or beautiful as Hugo or Felix, and Juno is less enchanting than Tash or Phoebe. All the same, it's still a fabulous frothy concoction, and one which few modern romances - including Walker's own later work - can match for scope or characterisation.
It was published in 1998. I first read it in 2002, going by the inscription. I was surprised - given that I haven't re-read it at all this decade - at how certain things held up. Unfortunately, Juno's experiences of being a female comic have little improved in the intervening 22 years.
It was oddly jarring at to read people handling cash so much. In the last two years my main reasons for holding small change - taxis and buses - switched over to being cashless transactions thanks to apps and Leap cards. And it was SO weird that people didn't just Google things they didn't know (like song lyrics) and spent an evening watching soaps rather than proper television on Netflix. It reminded me of how long Sundays felt in my childhood, when shops weren't open and cinemas were closed and there was nothing good on terrestrial TV. Grim AF.
Overall, though, the thing that stood out was Juno's blithe disregard for the fact that, despite earning 16,000 pounds a year in print media, she could afford a mortgage in Clapham AND rent in Belsize Park. She is not remotely worried about this! Sure, at one point she has a conversation with her ex about how he needs to get the Clapham house sold, but there's not a single reference to how she eats too much avocado toast to deserve this. The fin de siecle mood of the nineties is definitely one of a protracted childhood: people doing lots of drugs, wearing body glitter, and assuming they could write a newspaper column and use it to buy a nice house in a nice part of London, and that none of this would ever collapse under the weight of its own implausibility.
Plus, she smokes, and I guess people thought that was cool and not a) dumb and b) gross in 1998.
April 29, 2022
I found this book pretty dated in some places but it didn't take away from my enjoyment too much. I liked Jay and enjoyed learning a bit more about his life as the story went on although I think there could have been much more depth to it. I thought Juno was a bit over the top and slightly irritating sometimes although she did grow on me. Most of the issues between her and Jay were because of very simple miscommunications which I found frustrating at times. I also found it slightly difficult at times to keep track of all of her friends. There were some funny moments and despite the length of the book I read it pretty quickly and did enjoy it overall.
February 21, 2025
Loved the book and its characters. The chubby protagonist was chic, great, and humane throughout the story. She was amazing, and quite different from a femme fatale or any other popular lead character archetype. She echoed the stories of many such souls struggling in life. She was powerful, she was naive, she was fun, jovial, and she kept her hopes up, shedding light on the struggles of girls from that era. I loved the story and enjoyed it throughout. The people are all vividly drawn characters. Especially the hippie parents, chef mother, and fashionista friend—all felt so real. It was refreshing to visit their city and see what their days were like. Overall, I loved it.
July 30, 2020
First time I read Fiona Walker...At first it was a little bit hard to understand everything due to the massive amount of British expressions, unknown to me. But, soon after, I think I got used to it and it was alright. I really loved the story, got hooked to it. I didn't want to finish this book... Can't wait to read more of Fiona Walker :)
August 30, 2018
Goodness me, this was dated. Will we, won't we, he's horrible, why is this happening, no talking, ridiculous antics, yes, no. No, just no.
July 17, 2019
Loved this book made me laugh out loud many times
August 19, 2019
A cringe book, but in the good way. Had fun reading it.
February 7, 2020
One of my favorite books of all time. Just brilliantly funny.
March 10, 2020
My fav book by far
I first read this nearly 20 years ago and ever since it's been my fave. Paced with humour and flirting absolutely can book that I recommend xx
I first read this nearly 20 years ago and ever since it's been my fave. Paced with humour and flirting absolutely can book that I recommend xx
February 28, 2021
This was a very Good to read and was very funny in some places and confusing too but I enjoyed reading it a very good read but I only gave it a 4 star rating as it wasn't as raunchy as I thought.
September 26, 2021
Exactly what every romance novel should be, light free and easy to read.
November 19, 2022
No just no. The heroine is just plain. Disgusting, and the Hero is an ass. DNF.
March 5, 2021
I really like the characters in this. I definitely warm to Juno and Jay is probably my only book crush. Definitely worth a read. Especially if you enjoy Jilly Cooper.
March 14, 2012
Just finished this book half an hour ago literally. I have to say I love Fiona Walker's writing style - it's funny, crazy and so unbelievable at times I can't help but snort disbelievingly at the embarassment that some of the characters go through. However, compared to my first Walker book - Kiss Chase - I found the two stories couldn't really comapare.
Firstly, after I fell madly, deeply (and perhaps too obsessively) in love with Kiss Chase I rushed out to find all of Ms. Walker's books. I tried several from the Oddlobe Valley series and found the names, people and general antics just too strange and erractic to get my head around. Snap Happy would be the first Fiona Walker book I've tried without any mention of horses.
I really did like some parts of the book but found some parts throughly frustrating. Phoebe (from Kiss Chase) was a pretty bad slob as well but oh, Juno took the cake in this one. I found her so over-the-place and annoying that I wanted to yell at her to GET HERSELF TOGETHER FOR BLOODY ONCE. I quite liked Jay in the beginning but as the story progressed I found him to be so damn mysterious that if there wasn't some kind of good explanation for his behaviour I'd start hating him. Seriously.
Juno and Jay's interaction throughout the book before the very end was kinda frustrating to read. I found that they fought for such riduculous reasons and for so freaking long that I was starting to drift off a little until the end. I also found some of the other characters (except maybe Finlay) hard to take to and I didn't really feel much much for them. The good side of this story was definately the reappearance (however how brief) of Kiss Chase characters. I was weeping with joy when the mention of Felix and Phoebe came, and I guess a little at Piers Fox.
Overall, this book was quite fun to read in some parts but I'm still trying to find a Walker book that would outdo Kiss Chase.
Firstly, after I fell madly, deeply (and perhaps too obsessively) in love with Kiss Chase I rushed out to find all of Ms. Walker's books. I tried several from the Oddlobe Valley series and found the names, people and general antics just too strange and erractic to get my head around. Snap Happy would be the first Fiona Walker book I've tried without any mention of horses.
I really did like some parts of the book but found some parts throughly frustrating. Phoebe (from Kiss Chase) was a pretty bad slob as well but oh, Juno took the cake in this one. I found her so over-the-place and annoying that I wanted to yell at her to GET HERSELF TOGETHER FOR BLOODY ONCE. I quite liked Jay in the beginning but as the story progressed I found him to be so damn mysterious that if there wasn't some kind of good explanation for his behaviour I'd start hating him. Seriously.
Juno and Jay's interaction throughout the book before the very end was kinda frustrating to read. I found that they fought for such riduculous reasons and for so freaking long that I was starting to drift off a little until the end. I also found some of the other characters (except maybe Finlay) hard to take to and I didn't really feel much much for them. The good side of this story was definately the reappearance (however how brief) of Kiss Chase characters. I was weeping with joy when the mention of Felix and Phoebe came, and I guess a little at Piers Fox.
Overall, this book was quite fun to read in some parts but I'm still trying to find a Walker book that would outdo Kiss Chase.
July 1, 2010
i was a bit sceptical when i first started reading but juno's i a genuinely funny and endearing character who i warmed to quickly.
the story is about juno a slightly overweight nurotic wanna be comidian, she's living in her brothers apartment after a break up, when her brother decided's to do a flat swap with an american colleague. Jay the rather dashing but secretive american photographer turns up to turn juno's life upside down. after a rocky start they embark on a torrid affair (with some rather hot sex scene's) only to have a mis-communication keep them tied up for the rest of the book.
juno's whacky friends add to the book although i must admit i hate the character of lydia as i have in any of the other walker book's she's appeared in.
the book is well worth a read
the story is about juno a slightly overweight nurotic wanna be comidian, she's living in her brothers apartment after a break up, when her brother decided's to do a flat swap with an american colleague. Jay the rather dashing but secretive american photographer turns up to turn juno's life upside down. after a rocky start they embark on a torrid affair (with some rather hot sex scene's) only to have a mis-communication keep them tied up for the rest of the book.
juno's whacky friends add to the book although i must admit i hate the character of lydia as i have in any of the other walker book's she's appeared in.
the book is well worth a read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2016
I'm not very fond of romance books so I held back on reading it for a while when I first got it as a gift from one of my relatives but eventually -since giving up on a book without giving it a chance is just silly- I did it and I'm very glad I did so.
The main character is a relatable girl who's just extremely clumsy and can't think straight most of the time and I can accurately say I could relate to 99.0% of everything she did or said.
Overall it's a very good book with a good balance between light cheesyness and great humor :)
The main character is a relatable girl who's just extremely clumsy and can't think straight most of the time and I can accurately say I could relate to 99.0% of everything she did or said.
Overall it's a very good book with a good balance between light cheesyness and great humor :)
May 28, 2010
I'm a big Fiona Walker fan. I really enjoyed this, although it wasn't my favourite. At first I was quite frustrated by the Juno and Jay relationship but it really grew on me. My first Walker book was Between Males and I liked it so much that when I got back to Canada from the UK I ordered all her others. It was exciting to me to read this and Kiss Chase and realize the characters were connected. I'd like to hear more about Juno and Jay!
August 5, 2011
Hilarious! I will always remember the image of the main female character waking feeling beautiful in her sexual glow next to this gorgeous hunk, only to look in the mirror and see what an absolute state she really looks - I am sure we've all been there: run mascara, frizzy bed hair and that spot that has appear out of nowhere to compete as a second head. I'm just so annoyed that I lent my copy to someone and never got it back!
August 21, 2008
I'm so glad my friend introduced me to all of these British authors. Fiona Walker is one of my faves. Her books are now available on Amazon, and if you love a story that has romance, humor, and zaniness, get this book. Don't blame me if you suddenly have an urge at 3 am to order the rest of her books.
December 26, 2016
This is quite possibly my favourite "chick lit" novel of all time. It's pulpy and formulaic but hilariously funny, and the main character is just terrific. I used to keep picking up other Fiona Walker books to try and duplicate the experience, but she just hasn't come up with any protagonists to rival the brilliant Juno, so I finally gave up.
October 14, 2013
It's not her best. I still loved the wonderful writing style and the fantastic bonkbuster sprawling brick of a story. In this case I did feel that Walker maintained too much antagonism and mystery about Jay until right towards the end. It felt more uncomfortable than anything reading the middle third of the book. Was redeemed somewhat by the very sweet ending.
February 12, 2015
3 STARS
"Juno is voluptuous, hedonistic, funny and terminally untidy. The last thing she needs is an up-tight, teetotal flatmate. But that's what she gets when her brother sends his American photographer pal to use his London apartment. However, this recipe for disaster turns into an unlikely romance." (From Amazon)
Cute romantic comedy
"Juno is voluptuous, hedonistic, funny and terminally untidy. The last thing she needs is an up-tight, teetotal flatmate. But that's what she gets when her brother sends his American photographer pal to use his London apartment. However, this recipe for disaster turns into an unlikely romance." (From Amazon)
Cute romantic comedy
July 7, 2009
The plotting here was a bit ludicrous, and the characters made decisions that seemed completely untrue to life at times, but I was still very hooked into this book and read it in just a few days. I liked it for the funny little details and goofy situations.
June 25, 2013
I love, love, love this! It's almost perfect. Except I couldn't get some pop culture jargons, but it is nevertheless very well written. So glad that this is my first Fiona Walker ever!
I wish I could have written this book!
I wish I could have written this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews