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Flings and Arrows
Steph Garvey has been married to husband Si for 24 years. Steph thought they were soulmates. Until recently. Surely one’s soulmate shouldn’t put Chelsea FC before her? Or boycott caressing her to fondle the remote control? Fed up, Steph uses her Tesco staff discount to buy a laptop. Her friends all talk about Facebook. It’s time to get networking.
Si is worried about middle-age spread and money. Being a self-employed plumber isn’t easy in recession. He’s also aware things aren’t right with Steph. But Si has forgotten the art of romance. Although these days Steph prefers cuddling her laptop to him. Then Si’s luck changes work wise. A mate invites Si to partner up on a pub refurbishment contract.
Son Tom has finished Sixth Form. Tom knows where he’s going regarding a career. He’s not quite so sure where he’s going regarding women and lurches from one frantic love affair to the next.
Widowed neighbour June adores the Garveys as if her own kin. And although 70, she’s still up for romance. June thinks she’s struck gold when she meets salsa squeeze Harry. He has a big house and bigger pension – key factors when you’ve survived a winter using your dog as a hot water bottle. June is vaguely aware that she’s attracted the attention of fellow dog walker Arnold, but her eyes are firmly on Harry as ‘the catch’.
But then Cupid’s arrow misfires causing madness and mayhem. Steph rekindles a childhood crush with Barry Hastings; Si unwittingly finds himself being seduced by barmaid Dawn; June discovers Harry is more than hot to trot; and Tom's latest strumpet impacts on all of them. Will Cupid's arrow strike again and, more importantly, strike correctly? There's only one way to find out....
Si is worried about middle-age spread and money. Being a self-employed plumber isn’t easy in recession. He’s also aware things aren’t right with Steph. But Si has forgotten the art of romance. Although these days Steph prefers cuddling her laptop to him. Then Si’s luck changes work wise. A mate invites Si to partner up on a pub refurbishment contract.
Son Tom has finished Sixth Form. Tom knows where he’s going regarding a career. He’s not quite so sure where he’s going regarding women and lurches from one frantic love affair to the next.
Widowed neighbour June adores the Garveys as if her own kin. And although 70, she’s still up for romance. June thinks she’s struck gold when she meets salsa squeeze Harry. He has a big house and bigger pension – key factors when you’ve survived a winter using your dog as a hot water bottle. June is vaguely aware that she’s attracted the attention of fellow dog walker Arnold, but her eyes are firmly on Harry as ‘the catch’.
But then Cupid’s arrow misfires causing madness and mayhem. Steph rekindles a childhood crush with Barry Hastings; Si unwittingly finds himself being seduced by barmaid Dawn; June discovers Harry is more than hot to trot; and Tom's latest strumpet impacts on all of them. Will Cupid's arrow strike again and, more importantly, strike correctly? There's only one way to find out....
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2012
130 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 24, 2017
In a plot worthy of Shakespeare, the threads of each character twine and tangle into the kind of knot that is normally only seen in the presence of kittens and a ball of wool. At times I held my breath as one disaster led to another in a deadly domino run. The effect of it all is truly hilarious, right up to the wonderfully slapstick crisis.
It wasn't Viggiano's deft plotting that really made the book for me, though. It was the characters. Unlike most romantic comedy, Flings and Arrows deals with the ordinary and the mundane - middle-aged, working-class people married to each other, and some widowed old-age pensioners. There are no violet or emerald eyes, no satin thighs, no high-flying corporate CEOs at the age of 22. Just ordinary people with ordinary lives, and this gives the work a solidity and, dare I say, a level of interest that cannot be achieved with fancy characters.
The author is clearly writing about the kind of people she knows, and this familiarity, combined with a firm and disciplined control of the story, made this book for me something truly special.
It wasn't Viggiano's deft plotting that really made the book for me, though. It was the characters. Unlike most romantic comedy, Flings and Arrows deals with the ordinary and the mundane - middle-aged, working-class people married to each other, and some widowed old-age pensioners. There are no violet or emerald eyes, no satin thighs, no high-flying corporate CEOs at the age of 22. Just ordinary people with ordinary lives, and this gives the work a solidity and, dare I say, a level of interest that cannot be achieved with fancy characters.
The author is clearly writing about the kind of people she knows, and this familiarity, combined with a firm and disciplined control of the story, made this book for me something truly special.
July 31, 2017
I feel like Flings and Arrows would make a fantastic play, I could see it clearly on stage, as its so farcical in its nature that it would leave audiences rolling in the aisles. It is quite fun, but at times its hard to keep track of who thinks what about who, and just who is or isn't sleeping with who! For this is a classic book of misunderstandings, flirting, minor areas of police interest, through three generations of characters. There is something in it for everyone and I found it a really fun book.
August 9, 2012
Reaching middle age, Steph and husband Si’s marriage isn’t all it should be. Their son’s love life has far more going for it and even their 70-year-old neighbour is attracting several suitors.
Things begin to go seriously amiss when Si gets entangled with a voluptuous blonde and suffers a black eye due to mistaken identity. Steph gets the wrong end of the stick and takes up with an old school hunk. Meanwhile, neighbour June joins a salsa class and lands an over-sexed younger man (he’s a mere 64).
I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic comedy; at times the comic situations were akin to the best stage farces so if it doesn’t have you laughing aloud, you don’t share the same sense of humour as me!
Things begin to go seriously amiss when Si gets entangled with a voluptuous blonde and suffers a black eye due to mistaken identity. Steph gets the wrong end of the stick and takes up with an old school hunk. Meanwhile, neighbour June joins a salsa class and lands an over-sexed younger man (he’s a mere 64).
I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic comedy; at times the comic situations were akin to the best stage farces so if it doesn’t have you laughing aloud, you don’t share the same sense of humour as me!
May 19, 2013
I got 17% into this and packed it in. Too many mistakes and I found it all a bit silly. Perhaps it's written by someone quite young or for people younger than me !
Clique was spelt as click, poring as pouring and there were a lot of missed commas, I found.
I thought the story sounded interesting with Steph being fed up after 24 years of marriage while her 70 year old neighbour June is getting to be out on dates !!
However, I can't overlook the mistakes so it's not for me.
Clique was spelt as click, poring as pouring and there were a lot of missed commas, I found.
I thought the story sounded interesting with Steph being fed up after 24 years of marriage while her 70 year old neighbour June is getting to be out on dates !!
However, I can't overlook the mistakes so it's not for me.
May 17, 2018
As a firm fan of Debbie Viggiano, I found this book no less a treat than other books by her. I adore how she takes a cast of 'ordinary' people leading fairly mundane lives, then introduces twists, turns and misunderstandings galore. All laced with the author's special humour which verges on the crude at times (but I have no problem with this). The principal focus of the story is husband and wife Si and how their marriage comes under threat through a series of unexpected events. Along the way we also meet neighbour June, smitten by the oily Flash Harry, and son Tom whose own love life is an accident waiting to happen. In many ways, the story reminds me of a Ray Cooney farce, and I could well imagine it transferring to a theatre for a night of slapstick and comedy. Great fun!
October 7, 2025
Steph & Si have been married for 24years. But Si seems more interested in his beloved football club than her, Steph has turned to social media!
Si can sense something is afoot, Steph is more interested in her laptop as each day goes by and he’s worried about finances and his paunch!
As the book gets going, it’s literally one disaster after another for the family (and neighbour June). It’s like written slapstick comedy.
Si can sense something is afoot, Steph is more interested in her laptop as each day goes by and he’s worried about finances and his paunch!
As the book gets going, it’s literally one disaster after another for the family (and neighbour June). It’s like written slapstick comedy.
July 4, 2018
I'be read a book by this author before and thought it was so so. I finally got round to reading this and wished I'd read it earlier. So so funny. A light hearted read covering three 'generations' of neighbours and their romances impacts their lives. Delightful.
April 21, 2020
Another entertaining read
During lockdown I have enjoyed reading several of Debbie's books including Flings and Arrows. They are always page turners and keep me entertained for hours.
During lockdown I have enjoyed reading several of Debbie's books including Flings and Arrows. They are always page turners and keep me entertained for hours.
May 25, 2021
Enjoyable Story!
I recommend this book. It kept my interest and tied the characters together well. It was a quick and easy book to read. Marital woes, geriatric dating and teenage tryst included!
I recommend this book. It kept my interest and tied the characters together well. It was a quick and easy book to read. Marital woes, geriatric dating and teenage tryst included!
June 16, 2017
Hilarious
It takes a while to build up but the denouement at the end is worth the wait in this book .
It takes a while to build up but the denouement at the end is worth the wait in this book .
November 23, 2017
Fun story
Ben Hasan as an unlearn Dr why Vidal lobby . A bit silly story but funny.
Menthol mast into next annuity Ben retreated
Ben Hasan as an unlearn Dr why Vidal lobby . A bit silly story but funny.
Menthol mast into next annuity Ben retreated
December 10, 2017
Good storyline
I love a good drama, even better with a happy ending, just shows the grass isn't always as green on the other side usually if that's the case its normally fake.
I love a good drama, even better with a happy ending, just shows the grass isn't always as green on the other side usually if that's the case its normally fake.
December 9, 2017
Brilliant
Could not stop reading it constantly enthralled plot lines are so relatable and the characters are normal people that we can all relate to
Could not stop reading it constantly enthralled plot lines are so relatable and the characters are normal people that we can all relate to
August 9, 2018
Light hearted laugh out loud book. Really enjoyed it
July 17, 2020
A little slow
While the story was cute I simply couldn't get into this particular book. I'm so so sorry Debbie. Maybe next book.
While the story was cute I simply couldn't get into this particular book. I'm so so sorry Debbie. Maybe next book.
September 28, 2023
She’s outdone herself.. again
Non stop action, bittersweet romances and a surprising ending make this one of Mrs. Viggiano’s best stories yet. Loved it!
Non stop action, bittersweet romances and a surprising ending make this one of Mrs. Viggiano’s best stories yet. Loved it!
September 30, 2016
All of life is in the pages
A great read
A great read
May 12, 2013
Hilarious read, my first from this author. Steph and Si have been married 24 years and complacency sneaks in. Si is content watching football with the odd grunt as communication to his wife. Bored Steph buys a laptop to see what all the fuss is about Facebook and reunites with old friends.
Tom their 18 year old son is shagging whatever he can get his hands on, preferably older women who are not looking for a commitment, after all he is heading off to University soon and does not want to be tied down. June a sprightly 70 year old widow is lonely despite her little dog Ralph for company and takes up Salsa classes in the hope of meeting Mr Right.
A hilarious tale of misunderstandings, Si in the course of his job is seduced by a buxom barmaid, Dawn , Steph finding out is more than unhappy and so hooks up with an old friend she used to fancy in primary school. June finds love with Harry an eligible lecherous pensioner with a load of cash that he is more than happy to splash but clearly wants more, and Tom, well he can pick them!
I laughed the whole way through this far fetched tale with Steph and Dawn being my favourite characters. I guarantee you if you need a pick me up, this is the book for you!
Tom their 18 year old son is shagging whatever he can get his hands on, preferably older women who are not looking for a commitment, after all he is heading off to University soon and does not want to be tied down. June a sprightly 70 year old widow is lonely despite her little dog Ralph for company and takes up Salsa classes in the hope of meeting Mr Right.
A hilarious tale of misunderstandings, Si in the course of his job is seduced by a buxom barmaid, Dawn , Steph finding out is more than unhappy and so hooks up with an old friend she used to fancy in primary school. June finds love with Harry an eligible lecherous pensioner with a load of cash that he is more than happy to splash but clearly wants more, and Tom, well he can pick them!
I laughed the whole way through this far fetched tale with Steph and Dawn being my favourite characters. I guarantee you if you need a pick me up, this is the book for you!
February 1, 2012
This book is a satisfying novel to read, with plenty of complex characters; some more likeable than others. I particularly like the characters Arnold and Tom, both secondary characters but they move the story lines along fabulously.
The book has a wonderful blend of inter-twining plots and it made me laugh out loud a couple of times.
In summary, Flings and Arrows is a book I would highly recommend to people who like contemporary womens fiction. I am looking forward to reading more by this talented author.
The book has a wonderful blend of inter-twining plots and it made me laugh out loud a couple of times.
In summary, Flings and Arrows is a book I would highly recommend to people who like contemporary womens fiction. I am looking forward to reading more by this talented author.
April 22, 2012
Really wasn't sure what to think when i started this book.... but getting a couple of chapters in and i was laughing my head off. Debbie puts things in that you couldn't even dream of happening and puts such humour in it, you will be laughing. One of the funnies things is, it could easily remind you of things that have happened to you.... all the miss-haps of the day just making it unbelievable!
Would recommend every one reads this to make the day brighter and just cos its a bloody good read!!
Would recommend every one reads this to make the day brighter and just cos its a bloody good read!!
December 2, 2012
Fantastic chicklit novel, full of twists, turns and surprises! Loved it! Steph and Si are a typical married couple, stuck in a rut...until Steph finds an old school friend on Facebook and Si turns the head of a voluptuous barmaid! Cue chaos! Who really wants who? Will love win through? And what of pensioner neighbour, June and her new beau Flash Harry? Will it be salsa or sorrow?
A great, easy read that will keep you turning the pages!
A great, easy read that will keep you turning the pages!
June 21, 2012
I had downloaded the book Flings and Arrows to my kindle app a while ago, and finally started reading it this week. What an awesome book! Debbie Viggiano does a wonderful job with this, and people that have been married for any amount of time will certainly recognize and appreciate her marital insights! It's a fast moving, funny read, and I highly recommend it.
June 15, 2015
I enjoyed the story and found it easy to read. There was some parts in the story that made me laugh out loud. I did find the storyline a little bit predictable and having read stockings and cellulite from the same author first I found the storylines to be very similar and this took a little bit of the magic away for me.
Still a good book to read.
Still a good book to read.
October 6, 2016
Flings & Arrows by Debbie Viggiano
This was a free download onto my Kindle.
This is the first book that I have read by Debbie Viggiano and I did enjoy it and found it to be an easy and enjoyable story and it was amusing in places due to the constant misunderstandings but I did find the story line / ending quite predictable as well.
This was a free download onto my Kindle.
This is the first book that I have read by Debbie Viggiano and I did enjoy it and found it to be an easy and enjoyable story and it was amusing in places due to the constant misunderstandings but I did find the story line / ending quite predictable as well.
January 22, 2013
laughed.. went omg really? thought about how things have been for me during "the change" and realized reality was laughing at me saying " you see that hormones swings make others irrational and jump to odd conclusions too. laugh in the ridiculousness of mid life"
February 17, 2013
At first I wasn't sure I was going to get along with this book, but about 4 chapters in I was hooked and finished it in one day. An interesting and humorous look at how relationships can drift along and drift apart, before imploding!
February 29, 2016
Excellent
Discovered this author and I am now working my way through all her books. This is the best so far. Thoroughly enjoyed the plot and found it very funny. Would definitely recommend.
Discovered this author and I am now working my way through all her books. This is the best so far. Thoroughly enjoyed the plot and found it very funny. Would definitely recommend.
September 10, 2016
Good book
Another good story from this author her writing is witty and the characters and situations well thought out. This is funny and completely embarrassing at times good for readers who enjoy laughs along with the romance.
Another good story from this author her writing is witty and the characters and situations well thought out. This is funny and completely embarrassing at times good for readers who enjoy laughs along with the romance.
April 4, 2012
it is a Good book but I love the storyline too! a must have for every reader!
September 2, 2012
I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to like this book. But I did! It was both cute and funny and I highly enjoyed it! (More to come.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews