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Four Seasons #3
An Autumn Crush
From the Sunday Times bestselling author‘The feeling you get when you read a Milly Johnson book should be bottled and made available on the NHS’ Debbie JohnsonFour friends, two crushes and a secret ... After a bruising divorce, headstrong Juliet Miller invests in a flat and advertises for a flatmate, little believing that in her late thirties she'll find anyone suitable. But along comes self-employed copywriter Floz, raw from her own relationship split, and the two woman hit it off. When Juliet's twin brother Guy meets Floz, he is overcome with a massive crush, just as his friend Steve develops the hots for Juliet. But being a shy, gentle giant, Guy communicates so clumsily with Floz as to give her the opposite impression. Can he turn Floz's affection for his family into love for him? And then Juliet makes a discovery, which will turn their lives upside-down ...Praise for Milly 'Every time you discover a new Milly book, it’s like finding a pot of gold' heat 'A glorious, heartfelt novel' Rowan Coleman ‘Absolutely loved it. Milly's writing is like getting a big hug with just the right amount of bite underneath. I was rooting for Bonnie from the start' Jane Fallon ‘Bursting with warmth and joie de vivre’ Jill Mansell ‘Warm, optimistic and romantic’ Katie Fforde
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
211 people are currently reading
3124 people want to read
About the author
Milly Johnson
52 books2,133 followersMilly Johnson was born in Barnsley, raised in Barnsley and still lives in Barnsley. She writes about strong women, often having a renaissance, all ages and has just released her 22nd novel Same Time Next Week. Do check out her website for up to date news and appearance dates.
As well as a novelist she is a professional joke writer, performance poet, newspaper and magazine columnist and also after dinner/motivational speaker.
She is on insta as @themillyjohnson, facebook as @millyjohnsonauthor, Twitter as @millyjohnson and a ridiculous presence on TikTok @millyjohnsonauthor. Do give her a follow - even if it's just out of sympathy!
As well as a novelist she is a professional joke writer, performance poet, newspaper and magazine columnist and also after dinner/motivational speaker.
She is on insta as @themillyjohnson, facebook as @millyjohnsonauthor, Twitter as @millyjohnson and a ridiculous presence on TikTok @millyjohnsonauthor. Do give her a follow - even if it's just out of sympathy!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
October 3, 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 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.
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.
November 25, 2021
I found this to be a almost perfect autumn book to curl up with and have a pleasant read. Not to serious but not to fluffy either. However it's not a book that I loved or was overly excited to read but it was a relaxing read for what it was.
September 28, 2019
Such a cozy and heartwarming story! RTC.
November 8, 2022
**11/08/2022** Just finished re-reading this on Audible. Here are some things I loved about this book and Milly's approach.
I loved that Steve's character is established early with his visit to his alcoholic mother. We know right away how wrong Juliet is about his character, and the path to revelation is set, adding to the anticipation.
I was grateful that Milly didn't hammer us with her coldness and vile yet sad behavior. We got it with the initial visit. No need to mire the book and the reader in sadness, tragedy, and injustice.
I loved that Juliet and Steve's love story was resolved well before the end, so we could participate in their happiness and concentrate on Guy and Floz and their journey.
Loved the double twist with Floz and Nick's emails. Who is this guy? What is he up to?
Loved the epilogue. Perfect happy ending for 4 lovable people.
***Original review May, 2019***
The 3 previous novels that I read by Milly all featured one of the heroines being verbally abused and disrespected throughout the novel. One was even physically abused, and none of them ever stood up to their victimizers until the very last. They just kept giving them second and more chances. It was very frustrating. I loved that this one did not feature any of that. It had all of the humor and romance but without any of the angst. What a relief! I enjoyed reading this lighter version Milly Johnson more than the others, although, in the end, I didn't love it more. If that makes sense.
The epilogue was the icing on the cake and hit every button.
I loved that Steve's character is established early with his visit to his alcoholic mother. We know right away how wrong Juliet is about his character, and the path to revelation is set, adding to the anticipation.
I was grateful that Milly didn't hammer us with her coldness and vile yet sad behavior. We got it with the initial visit. No need to mire the book and the reader in sadness, tragedy, and injustice.
I loved that Juliet and Steve's love story was resolved well before the end, so we could participate in their happiness and concentrate on Guy and Floz and their journey.
Loved the double twist with Floz and Nick's emails. Who is this guy? What is he up to?
Loved the epilogue. Perfect happy ending for 4 lovable people.
***Original review May, 2019***
The 3 previous novels that I read by Milly all featured one of the heroines being verbally abused and disrespected throughout the novel. One was even physically abused, and none of them ever stood up to their victimizers until the very last. They just kept giving them second and more chances. It was very frustrating. I loved that this one did not feature any of that. It had all of the humor and romance but without any of the angst. What a relief! I enjoyed reading this lighter version Milly Johnson more than the others, although, in the end, I didn't love it more. If that makes sense.
The epilogue was the icing on the cake and hit every button.
August 6, 2022
4 ⭐ = Good.
Just what I needed - a light-hearted, not too fluffy, feel good read. I also enjoyed the humorous remarks made by many of the characters.
All rather predictable but hey-ho, that didn't bother me one little bit.
Just what I needed - a light-hearted, not too fluffy, feel good read. I also enjoyed the humorous remarks made by many of the characters.
All rather predictable but hey-ho, that didn't bother me one little bit.
April 25, 2024
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 spluttered with mirth at the things that happened when Steve and Guy went round to Juliet’s flat, ostensibly to check out the plastering.
I also just have to mention Steve who at one point finds himself outside on the steps of the flat whose clothing leads Juliet's neighbour to believe he's a transvestite. Hilarious! I am still laughing now …
Amidst the laughter though (of which is there plenty), sadness is also woven through the story. Milly Johnson is not afraid to deal with the darker side of life. Dysfunctional families, internet dating, addictions and more all have their place in this novel.
I loved The Miller family who are open and welcoming providing roots and stability for everyone involved in their lives.
There is also plenty of intrigue. The author drops us hints as we’re going along so the first time something is mentioned it gets you thinking where it will fit into the story and as you’re reading further into the story we get to know a little bit more until the time is right for the revelation.
Milly Johnson very cleverly moves the plot along at a steady pace and just when something is becoming all ‘sown up’ something else is dropped into the mix so there is more intrigue to keep you turning those pages, wanting to know what will happen.
The way the story is written just carries you along in its flow. I found it easy to read which to be honest, is just what I needed after a working day in school – although at times I should have been sleeping and NOT reading! Pure escapism …
I was quite sad when I knew I was getting close to the end. I’d been swept along with Floz by the power of Juliet’s personality, been caught up in Coco's flamboyant personality and love life, been wrapped up in the warmth of the Miller family, cried tears of laughter and sometimes deep sadness, been frustrated by the non-relationship of Floz and Guy but uplifted by Juliet and Steve’s shenanigans. An Autumn Crush has kept me good company this past week and taken me out of my everyday life. I didn’t want my brief time in this world to end.
I would like to thank Simon & Schuster for providing me with a copy to review.
I have The Yorkshire Pudding Club on my Kindle tbr pile and I will definitely be adding Milly Johnson’s other titles.
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 spluttered with mirth at the things that happened when Steve and Guy went round to Juliet’s flat, ostensibly to check out the plastering.
I also just have to mention Steve who at one point finds himself outside on the steps of the flat whose clothing leads Juliet's neighbour to believe he's a transvestite. Hilarious! I am still laughing now …
Amidst the laughter though (of which is there plenty), sadness is also woven through the story. Milly Johnson is not afraid to deal with the darker side of life. Dysfunctional families, internet dating, addictions and more all have their place in this novel.
I loved The Miller family who are open and welcoming providing roots and stability for everyone involved in their lives.
There is also plenty of intrigue. The author drops us hints as we’re going along so the first time something is mentioned it gets you thinking where it will fit into the story and as you’re reading further into the story we get to know a little bit more until the time is right for the revelation.
Milly Johnson very cleverly moves the plot along at a steady pace and just when something is becoming all ‘sown up’ something else is dropped into the mix so there is more intrigue to keep you turning those pages, wanting to know what will happen.
The way the story is written just carries you along in its flow. I found it easy to read which to be honest, is just what I needed after a working day in school – although at times I should have been sleeping and NOT reading! Pure escapism …
I was quite sad when I knew I was getting close to the end. I’d been swept along with Floz by the power of Juliet’s personality, been caught up in Coco's flamboyant personality and love life, been wrapped up in the warmth of the Miller family, cried tears of laughter and sometimes deep sadness, been frustrated by the non-relationship of Floz and Guy but uplifted by Juliet and Steve’s shenanigans. An Autumn Crush has kept me good company this past week and taken me out of my everyday life. I didn’t want my brief time in this world to end.
I would like to thank Simon & Schuster for providing me with a copy to review.
I have The Yorkshire Pudding Club on my Kindle tbr pile and I will definitely be adding Milly Johnson’s other titles.
May 5, 2012
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.
December 4, 2020
3.5 stars. Another delightful story from Milly Johnson. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments and I loved the main characters. I
April 5, 2021
Mrs. Johnson, thank you! I adore your books. I am in love with your characters. Your voice (stories) soothe my soul and excite my heart. I am so glad that I have bought a few paper copies of your books - I can hug them how much I want.
I am far, far from being a fan of wrestling, but oh my, Steve and Guy stole my heart. I was so rooting for them. I laughed at Guy's struggles with wooing, but also I felt almost as anxious as he.
Then, Floz's story... She went through so hard times. Her life was revealed slowly, to the end. The last thing and then the epilogue were like the whole book - happiness that conquers sadness - without melodrama and big misunderstandings. Just love and live your life!
And add to that Coco, Gideon and the Millers and the best kind of humour - and you have one of the best modern women fiction novels.
PS I agree with Rebekah, this Johnson's book (despite the sad and tough topic you find in here) was lighter than her main style. Probably, it is perfect to start a journey with her world.
I am far, far from being a fan of wrestling, but oh my, Steve and Guy stole my heart. I was so rooting for them. I laughed at Guy's struggles with wooing, but also I felt almost as anxious as he.
Then, Floz's story... She went through so hard times. Her life was revealed slowly, to the end. The last thing and then the epilogue were like the whole book - happiness that conquers sadness - without melodrama and big misunderstandings. Just love and live your life!
And add to that Coco, Gideon and the Millers and the best kind of humour - and you have one of the best modern women fiction novels.
PS I agree with Rebekah, this Johnson's book (despite the sad and tough topic you find in here) was lighter than her main style. Probably, it is perfect to start a journey with her world.
December 8, 2025
One of Milly’s earlier books. I loved it!
November 16, 2017
A delightful book
July 11, 2021
Funny, and I’m talking hysterically funny however, there were lots of emotional parts too and some serious issues which were handled really well.
Loved all the characters but Steve (Steven) (very happy to see Steven written with a v and not with a silly ph) was my favourite and perhaps Guy too and his restaurant.
One more book to read in the Four Seasons Series, cant wait.
A fantastic, fun read.
Loved all the characters but Steve (Steven) (very happy to see Steven written with a v and not with a silly ph) was my favourite and perhaps Guy too and his restaurant.
One more book to read in the Four Seasons Series, cant wait.
A fantastic, fun read.
November 27, 2021
This has got to be my favourite of the series, and the favourite ever of Milly Johnson’s! She wrote a funny, heartwarming, emotional, angry and brilliant book. The plot kept just getting better and better. Awh I loved it!
October 16, 2022
A book as cute as lovely Floz. It’s so light and heartwarming!! It also has a few plot twists, ngl!! I really enjoyed the book, it has the perfect autumn vibe🍂🤎
August 27, 2025
Easy to read rom-com with the ending you wished for throughout!
October 26, 2025
A solid 3.5 for me. An enjoyable easy read and not too fluffy.
November 7, 2025
Annual re-read (2024) complete! I'd forgotten that Floz did actually fancy Guy at first sight, as she had seen a photo of him at Juliet's parents house. There are always other small points I forgot about. I've now read this book 14 times and I think I get fonder of it every year. I wish there was a follow-up.
Just finished my annual reread for 2023 and loved it just as much. It's my old battered copy, and realised I had missed the Hallows Cottage autumnal reference this time around. It's my yearly comfort read and I always feel sad when I've finished it. I'd love to meet these characters in real life!
Annual 2022 re-read and it's up to five stars - I can't believe I originally only gave it 4! Only recently noticed all the autumnal references - Guy with a birthday on 5 November, names including Miller, Feast, Perry, Grainne, Parkin; the Oak Leaf pub, date and walnut scones, and we all love a nice warm mug of Coco on an autumn day! Characters live at Blackberry Court and Rosehip Gardens, too. Finishing it off on Bonfire Night was just perfect! I so wish Milly would write an update to these characters.
Reread this in 2021 just because it's Autumn, and I always find something different that I'd missed. It's an annual comfort read, with lovely characters who have not had life easy, but find what they are looking for in the mellow months of autumn. A real feelgood book, fizzing and crackling with warmth and fun.
2016 - This is my favourite book by Milly and the first one I ever read, almost 5 years ago now. I remember it well as I finished it on a very sad day for me but I had finished the book before I got up and found out the sad news of that day. Here is my almost 5-year old review. This got me reading all Milly's stuff and I am so glad I did .............
2011 - I saw this in Morrisons and picked it up because it was autumn, I loved the cover as the girl on the front looks just like my friend Gemma, and I've never read anything by Milly before. My first discovery is that Milly is a brilliant author and I was so pleased to find a book set in Yorkshire, moreover SOUTH Yorkshire where I live! So refreshing to read about people who are not glossy advertising execs in London with loaded families and real Yorkshire folk! The book is immensely readable, mostly realistic and I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships between all the main characters and the situations they found themselves in. It has a bit of a darker side to it that is well explored and elevates Milly's work well above the usual chick-lit. I've just finished it this morning and really look forward to reading all Milly's other books. I think she has put something of herself into the characters - Milly seems like a great Yorkshire lass just like me who you'd love to have a good chat over a drink with!
Just finished my annual reread for 2023 and loved it just as much. It's my old battered copy, and realised I had missed the Hallows Cottage autumnal reference this time around. It's my yearly comfort read and I always feel sad when I've finished it. I'd love to meet these characters in real life!
Annual 2022 re-read and it's up to five stars - I can't believe I originally only gave it 4! Only recently noticed all the autumnal references - Guy with a birthday on 5 November, names including Miller, Feast, Perry, Grainne, Parkin; the Oak Leaf pub, date and walnut scones, and we all love a nice warm mug of Coco on an autumn day! Characters live at Blackberry Court and Rosehip Gardens, too. Finishing it off on Bonfire Night was just perfect! I so wish Milly would write an update to these characters.
Reread this in 2021 just because it's Autumn, and I always find something different that I'd missed. It's an annual comfort read, with lovely characters who have not had life easy, but find what they are looking for in the mellow months of autumn. A real feelgood book, fizzing and crackling with warmth and fun.
2016 - This is my favourite book by Milly and the first one I ever read, almost 5 years ago now. I remember it well as I finished it on a very sad day for me but I had finished the book before I got up and found out the sad news of that day. Here is my almost 5-year old review. This got me reading all Milly's stuff and I am so glad I did .............
2011 - I saw this in Morrisons and picked it up because it was autumn, I loved the cover as the girl on the front looks just like my friend Gemma, and I've never read anything by Milly before. My first discovery is that Milly is a brilliant author and I was so pleased to find a book set in Yorkshire, moreover SOUTH Yorkshire where I live! So refreshing to read about people who are not glossy advertising execs in London with loaded families and real Yorkshire folk! The book is immensely readable, mostly realistic and I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships between all the main characters and the situations they found themselves in. It has a bit of a darker side to it that is well explored and elevates Milly's work well above the usual chick-lit. I've just finished it this morning and really look forward to reading all Milly's other books. I think she has put something of herself into the characters - Milly seems like a great Yorkshire lass just like me who you'd love to have a good chat over a drink with!
September 16, 2011
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.
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.
February 5, 2025
Easily my least favourite Milly Johnson book out of those I've read so far.
Mostly this is a very personal thing, and the things I hated are things that other people seem to love in romance books (clichés and stereotypes galore, including the gay best friend who completely overreacts to everything, fights and break-ups over mis-communications, an exceedingly predictable storyline and for some reason lots of random Americanisms that are wildly out of place in the Yorkshire setting - and not from American characters either!).
But a lot of romance books - including Milly's others - have stuff like this, and I can often dredge up another star anyhow, but for some reason I just couldn’t do it this time.
It may be the way entire groups of people are casually insulted throughout the book. Or the terrible way ancillary characters are portrayed. Or maybe I’ve just lost what patience I had for this stuff. Definitely possible.
I did like the male MCs being wrestlers though. Something a little different for once.
Either way, if you’re a contemporary romance fan, you’ll probably enjoy this much more than I did. I’m only actually bothering with a review because it’s a requirement for a challenge I’m doing, so just ignore me 😉
Mostly this is a very personal thing, and the things I hated are things that other people seem to love in romance books (clichés and stereotypes galore, including the gay best friend who completely overreacts to everything, fights and break-ups over mis-communications, an exceedingly predictable storyline and for some reason lots of random Americanisms that are wildly out of place in the Yorkshire setting - and not from American characters either!).
But a lot of romance books - including Milly's others - have stuff like this, and I can often dredge up another star anyhow, but for some reason I just couldn’t do it this time.
It may be the way entire groups of people are casually insulted throughout the book. Or the terrible way ancillary characters are portrayed. Or maybe I’ve just lost what patience I had for this stuff. Definitely possible.
I did like the male MCs being wrestlers though. Something a little different for once.
Either way, if you’re a contemporary romance fan, you’ll probably enjoy this much more than I did. I’m only actually bothering with a review because it’s a requirement for a challenge I’m doing, so just ignore me 😉
September 21, 2012
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 which completed the story was cute and deserved a chapter to itself unfortunatly it was short and felt rushed. My opinion of the writing is that what was brief should have been expanded and that which was long should have been brief.
October 21, 2018
'An autumn crush' is overall a pretty nice book. With overall nice characters, a good storyline and an alright autumn-y atmosphere.
Some minor 'aspects' were just Floz' nickname and the development of her 'secret past'. The secret turned from kind of mysterious/ interesting to pretty I-don't-care-any-more. Its implementation and revelation process weren't ideal.
But, as I said, it was still nice in general. So I plan to read the other 'seasons' in their respective time frames during the next year.
Some minor 'aspects' were just Floz' nickname and the development of her 'secret past'. The secret turned from kind of mysterious/ interesting to pretty I-don't-care-any-more. Its implementation and revelation process weren't ideal.
But, as I said, it was still nice in general. So I plan to read the other 'seasons' in their respective time frames during the next year.
October 6, 2011
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!
July 28, 2019
Another good story from Milly. Not my favorite book but still enjoyable. I actually liked listening to it better than reading it. When I re-read it, I skipped over most of
Floz’s story but it was better when I listened to it. Juliette and Steve are a freakin’ riot!😁
Floz’s story but it was better when I listened to it. Juliette and Steve are a freakin’ riot!😁
February 13, 2020
Second book for the year. A feel good book that handles some serious issues too. Made me feel like curling up with a cup of coffee and chocolate. Enjoyed it.
September 19, 2018
The last 10% added a star to the rating. I don’t chose chick lit to read about depression, suicide and death by alcoholism. I also found too far stretched Juliet’s pregnancy. I was really moved by the book but not really on good terms
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2019
1 stella e mezzo
Un romanzo corale sui toni del romance, vede per protagonisti un gruppo di personaggi alquanto strampalati.
Juliet invadente e chiacchierona, Floz di un’ingenuità spaventosa, Coco il clichè gay fatto e finito, Steve l’angelo incompreso sceso in terra, Guy un imbranato totale.
Un libro lungo che vorrebbe essere divertente purtroppo senza riuscirci proprio perchè i suoi protagonisti non mi hanno per nulla coinvolta nelle loro avventure.
Lo stile è scorrevole, la Johnson si vede che è una buona penna ma purtroppo in questo frangente ha a mio parere, fatto flop.
La storia non sta in piedi, c’è troppa carne al fuoco e quello che proprio non sono riuscita a sopportare è stato il modo in cui l’autrice ha calcato la mano sui caratteri dei suoi personaggi in maniera eccessiva riducendoli a palline impazzite che colpivano ovunque.
Un romanzo corale sui toni del romance, vede per protagonisti un gruppo di personaggi alquanto strampalati.
Juliet invadente e chiacchierona, Floz di un’ingenuità spaventosa, Coco il clichè gay fatto e finito, Steve l’angelo incompreso sceso in terra, Guy un imbranato totale.
Un libro lungo che vorrebbe essere divertente purtroppo senza riuscirci proprio perchè i suoi protagonisti non mi hanno per nulla coinvolta nelle loro avventure.
Lo stile è scorrevole, la Johnson si vede che è una buona penna ma purtroppo in questo frangente ha a mio parere, fatto flop.
La storia non sta in piedi, c’è troppa carne al fuoco e quello che proprio non sono riuscita a sopportare è stato il modo in cui l’autrice ha calcato la mano sui caratteri dei suoi personaggi in maniera eccessiva riducendoli a palline impazzite che colpivano ovunque.
May 22, 2022
Another book of Milly Johnson that I loved. Zoomed through the audio book and downloaded another of hers straight away.
November 2, 2023
As expected, a romantic story with the usual twist and turn. I do love an epilogue, and this one has a fantastic one. It's a newspaper article.
September 20, 2025
DNF at 80% I just cannot take it any more.
the book has all the elements of a feel good, cozy read and it has the potential as well, but it fails hugely, mostly due to its endlessly rambling that makes the book so much longer than it needs to be.
The whole set-up is nothing original, and that's totally fine. I was looking forward to reading about the two thirty something women sharing a flat, building a friendship, affecting each others lives, and following their individual journeys in the love apartment. I wasn't even too bothered about the very predictable love story(stories) that were veryvobviously going to develop between some of the characters.
But nothing happens!!!! Or, well, it does, but EVERYTHING that happens is told in such detail that it's a drag. Like a person walking over to the kitchen and opening a cupboard, and then putting on the kettle and then waiting for the water to boil and then ... on and on and on.... so yes, things "happen" and as a reader we are spoon fed every single detail of every single thing that's being said and done and it's totally unnecessary and makes the book so so so boring! The things that actually matter and bring the story forwards tale forever to occur and almost drown in all the minor detail
I was also out off by the many clichés, like Juliet's whole "hatred" towards her brother's friend felt very "trope"-ish: it didn't feel realistic or real, it felt constructed and put in there simply to create tension and to add a potential "enemies to lovers" trope
the book has all the elements of a feel good, cozy read and it has the potential as well, but it fails hugely, mostly due to its endlessly rambling that makes the book so much longer than it needs to be.
The whole set-up is nothing original, and that's totally fine. I was looking forward to reading about the two thirty something women sharing a flat, building a friendship, affecting each others lives, and following their individual journeys in the love apartment. I wasn't even too bothered about the very predictable love story(stories) that were veryvobviously going to develop between some of the characters.
But nothing happens!!!! Or, well, it does, but EVERYTHING that happens is told in such detail that it's a drag. Like a person walking over to the kitchen and opening a cupboard, and then putting on the kettle and then waiting for the water to boil and then ... on and on and on.... so yes, things "happen" and as a reader we are spoon fed every single detail of every single thing that's being said and done and it's totally unnecessary and makes the book so so so boring! The things that actually matter and bring the story forwards tale forever to occur and almost drown in all the minor detail
I was also out off by the many clichés, like Juliet's whole "hatred" towards her brother's friend felt very "trope"-ish: it didn't feel realistic or real, it felt constructed and put in there simply to create tension and to add a potential "enemies to lovers" trope
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