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The Birds and the Bees by Milly Johnson
Romance writer and single mum Stevie Honeywell has only weeks to go to her wedding when her fiance Matthew runs off with her glamorous new friend Jo MacLean. It feels like history repeating itself for Stevie, but this time she is determined to win back her man. She isn't going to act as he might expect. She isn't going to wail and dig her heels in, she is simply going to pretend to let him go whilst she pursues a mad course of dieting, exercising and self-improvement. And it feels like history is repeating itself for Adam MacLean too, who is also determined to win his lady, Jo, back with the same basic psychological tactics. Then he is going to initiate his master plan: Getting together with Stevie to drive Jo wild with jealousy. So, like the Scottish country jig 'The Birds and the Bees', the couples all change partners and learn some revealing truths about each other along the way. But what happens when Adam's master plan actually starts to work? And just who will Stevie be dancing with when the music stops?
Paperback
First published February 4, 2008
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About the author
Milly Johnson
52 books2,151 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 322 reviews
February 26, 2025
I’m making my way through Milly Johnson’s books again. What a joy they are to read!
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I love Milly Johnson’s writing! I think I may have found a chick lit author I love almost as much as Jenny Colgan. I really love stories where you’re shown what both the woman and man are thinking and feeling. It really enhances the experience.
I love the snarky, sarcastic dialogue, her lovable characters, her I-love-to-hate baddies, the satisfying stories, as well as the heartwarming relationships with loving families and friends.
What a wonderful book! AND, of course, a lovely and satisfying happy ending.
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I love Milly Johnson’s writing! I think I may have found a chick lit author I love almost as much as Jenny Colgan. I really love stories where you’re shown what both the woman and man are thinking and feeling. It really enhances the experience.
I love the snarky, sarcastic dialogue, her lovable characters, her I-love-to-hate baddies, the satisfying stories, as well as the heartwarming relationships with loving families and friends.
What a wonderful book! AND, of course, a lovely and satisfying happy ending.
May 19, 2015
I wish I could give this book 4.5 stars.
Romance writer and single mum Stevie Honeywell has only weeks to go until her wedding when her fiance Matthew runs off with her glamorous new friend Jo MacLean.
It feels like history repeating itself for Stevie, but this time she is determined to win back her man. She isn't going to act as he might expect. She isn't going to wail and dig her heels in, she is simply going to pretend to let him go whilst she pursues a mad course of dieting, exercising and self-improvement.
And it feels like history is repeating itself for Adam MacLean too, who is also determined to win his lady, Jo, back with the same basic psychological tactics. Then he is going to initiate his master plan: Getting together with Stevie to drive Jo wild with jealousy.
I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Milly Johnson has become an author I want to discover more. She is funny, her stories are unique and interesting, and her characters are likable... and when they are the "bad guys" you still want to read more about them, because they are fun to read.
The reason why I wouldn't give this 5 stars is I felt Stevie was a little desperate... even before she was dumped. But, she redeemed herself. And, by the way, loved how much I wanted Jo to get it in the end.
Romance writer and single mum Stevie Honeywell has only weeks to go until her wedding when her fiance Matthew runs off with her glamorous new friend Jo MacLean.
It feels like history repeating itself for Stevie, but this time she is determined to win back her man. She isn't going to act as he might expect. She isn't going to wail and dig her heels in, she is simply going to pretend to let him go whilst she pursues a mad course of dieting, exercising and self-improvement.
And it feels like history is repeating itself for Adam MacLean too, who is also determined to win his lady, Jo, back with the same basic psychological tactics. Then he is going to initiate his master plan: Getting together with Stevie to drive Jo wild with jealousy.
I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Milly Johnson has become an author I want to discover more. She is funny, her stories are unique and interesting, and her characters are likable... and when they are the "bad guys" you still want to read more about them, because they are fun to read.
The reason why I wouldn't give this 5 stars is I felt Stevie was a little desperate... even before she was dumped. But, she redeemed herself. And, by the way, loved how much I wanted Jo to get it in the end.
April 10, 2021
It sounded stupid, but the cottage felt ‘sad’ that she would be going soon, as if it had been lonely in its enforced long emptiness and had rather enjoyed having a funny little boy, an incurable romantic and a rather loud Gaelic giant enjoying its warmth and protection...
She was going mad, obviously, thinking about old houses having feelings. What next? Imagining the dishwasher sobbing as it scrubbed the pots clean? She needed to get out.
In most of Milly Johnson's books that I have read, some of the women tolerate emotional and sometimes physical abuse and injustice without standing up for themselves until the very end. Even though the meanies finally get their comeuppance and happy endings abound, her books can be pretty painful to read despite their humor. This one is a delight from start to finish. Although the protagonists have suffered in the past, it is background information, not something that we grieve about throughout the book.
Stevie and Adam team up to get their cheating partners back even though she thinks he is a violent "control-freak nutter" and he thinks she is a "greedy, lazy, rarely sober, slob thing." Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. As their campaign starts to work and the truth about everyone's characters are slowly revealed, it is the "treacherous bitch" Jo, and the "weak-minded but not wicked" Matthew who are on the road to ruin, not our (very) lovable hero and heroine. And their slow descent to misery is a joy to experience.
The book is peopled with fully developed, funny, and mostly very appealing secondary characters whom I hope to meet again in subsequent books. When you add the most engaging hero and heroine who have tons of chemistry with each other, that I have come across in a long long time, you really have a winner, and one of the best romantic comedies I have read...ever.
April 8, 2022
I've previously reviewed this but loved this audio version. This time around, I was really hit with what a Dim bulb Matthew is. I couldn't believe how long Stevie clung to her desire to get him back, even with her knowing what a weak character he was.
Also, it was neat how many references to Bees there were in the story. Not sure I caught them all the first time, I was so worried about what was going to happen next in the story! That's the joy of re-reading books!
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
Also, it was neat how many references to Bees there were in the story. Not sure I caught them all the first time, I was so worried about what was going to happen next in the story! That's the joy of re-reading books!
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
March 9, 2020
What a great book. I love Milly Johnson. She is a master at her trade. She knows how to tackle difficult issues while at the same time not straying from her genre. If you have not read a book by MJ, you should make it the very next one on your TBR pile. You can't go wrong.
November 21, 2012
Time Taken To Read - 1 day
Blurb From Goodreads
Romance writer and single mum Stevie Honeywell has only weeks to go until her wedding when her fiance Matthew runs off with her glamorous new friend Jo MacLean.
It feels like history repeating itself for Stevie, but this time she is determined to win back her man. She isn't going to act as he might expect. She isn't going to wail and dig her heels in, she is simply going to pretend to let him go whilst she pursues a mad course of dieting, exercising and self-improvement.
And it feels like history is repeating itself for Adam MacLean too, who is also determined to win his lady, Jo, back with the same basic psychological tactics. Then he is going to initiate his master plan: Getting together with Stevie to drive Jo wild with jealousy.
So, like the Scottish country jig 'The Birds and the Bees', the couples all change partners and learn some revealing truths about each other along the way. But what happens when Adam's master plan actually starts to work? And just who will Stevie be dancing with when the music stops?
My Review
Stevie Honeywell is getting married in a few weeks, everything is going great until Jo's psycho husband shows up claiming Stevie's fiance has run off on holiday with his stunning wife. Sure enough it comes to light and Stevie and Adam, Jo's husband, team up to split them up and get them back for themselves.
Chick lit is not normally my first choice of book but sometimes you need something light and this was the perfect book for it. Stevie is a nice lady who seems to have no luck in love and comes off as a door mat. As the story progresses and the unlikely team put their plans into action we see a different side to Stevie emerge and Adam being more than a Scottish drunken thug.
The characters are well done although I must admit to disliking or hating at least 2 of the main ones, Jo and Matthew, and Stevie annoyed me with her placidity. However as her story unfolds you start to warm to her and by the end I was rooting for her.
I picked this up to read a chapter before bed and was still awake at 1am. It is very well written and easy to read. The chapters are short which is great as you can dip in and out or in my case just one more and your still reading 10 chapters later. This is my second Millie Johnson book and it won't be my last, 5/5 for me.
Blurb From Goodreads
Romance writer and single mum Stevie Honeywell has only weeks to go until her wedding when her fiance Matthew runs off with her glamorous new friend Jo MacLean.
It feels like history repeating itself for Stevie, but this time she is determined to win back her man. She isn't going to act as he might expect. She isn't going to wail and dig her heels in, she is simply going to pretend to let him go whilst she pursues a mad course of dieting, exercising and self-improvement.
And it feels like history is repeating itself for Adam MacLean too, who is also determined to win his lady, Jo, back with the same basic psychological tactics. Then he is going to initiate his master plan: Getting together with Stevie to drive Jo wild with jealousy.
So, like the Scottish country jig 'The Birds and the Bees', the couples all change partners and learn some revealing truths about each other along the way. But what happens when Adam's master plan actually starts to work? And just who will Stevie be dancing with when the music stops?
My Review
Stevie Honeywell is getting married in a few weeks, everything is going great until Jo's psycho husband shows up claiming Stevie's fiance has run off on holiday with his stunning wife. Sure enough it comes to light and Stevie and Adam, Jo's husband, team up to split them up and get them back for themselves.
Chick lit is not normally my first choice of book but sometimes you need something light and this was the perfect book for it. Stevie is a nice lady who seems to have no luck in love and comes off as a door mat. As the story progresses and the unlikely team put their plans into action we see a different side to Stevie emerge and Adam being more than a Scottish drunken thug.
The characters are well done although I must admit to disliking or hating at least 2 of the main ones, Jo and Matthew, and Stevie annoyed me with her placidity. However as her story unfolds you start to warm to her and by the end I was rooting for her.
I picked this up to read a chapter before bed and was still awake at 1am. It is very well written and easy to read. The chapters are short which is great as you can dip in and out or in my case just one more and your still reading 10 chapters later. This is my second Millie Johnson book and it won't be my last, 5/5 for me.
June 20, 2016
Quick read chick-lit. Utterly predictable, frothy lovey-dovey fluff, which would be totally boring IF it was not for the unequivocally endearing characters Milly Johnson serves us with, and the cosy, heartwarming, just-what-you-needed feeling you get from the happy-ever-after ending!
I really enjoyed Milly's recent novel "The Teashop On The Corner", with all its charm and humour, and this one, which dates back to 1997, was almost as good. Peopled with lovers, friends and neighbours you can often relate to, some situations and storylines may be soppy, but the writing is unpretentious, witty and jolly good fun.
I really enjoyed Milly's recent novel "The Teashop On The Corner", with all its charm and humour, and this one, which dates back to 1997, was almost as good. Peopled with lovers, friends and neighbours you can often relate to, some situations and storylines may be soppy, but the writing is unpretentious, witty and jolly good fun.
May 29, 2018
Yes, it was predictable. Yes, you knew what was going to happen from the start. Yes, it was like a whole bunch of other chick lit that I’ve read. But there was something about it that just made me love it. Probably the characters. It had a good flow and kept me entertained but I loved the characters, especially Catherine (the best friend). Stevie, the MC, was written really well and I could relate to her trying to do everything she can for her wee boy. There was a good mix of reality and chick lit fantasy. What can I say, I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
December 4, 2020
I always say I am not a romance reader, but every now and then I get the craving to branch out and read one. But most of them just annoy me by being too sappy and tropey.
But for some reason, Milly Johnson just has the magic recipe that makes me love her romances. It might also have to do with her audiobook narrators, who are exceptional, and bring the books to life in such a way where I see them playing out before me like the best romantic comedies.
Everything seems better with an English/Scottish/Irish/Welsh accent and I absolutely adore her characters, even the "baddies".
But for some reason, Milly Johnson just has the magic recipe that makes me love her romances. It might also have to do with her audiobook narrators, who are exceptional, and bring the books to life in such a way where I see them playing out before me like the best romantic comedies.
Everything seems better with an English/Scottish/Irish/Welsh accent and I absolutely adore her characters, even the "baddies".
May 4, 2022
Covid olup izolasyona girince hiç o güzel beynimi yormak istemediğim için alıp bunu okudum. Böyle zamanlar için böyle kitaplar saklıyorum. Klişelerle dolu, her an beklendik şeylerin olduğu bir aşk romanı. Ancak böyle sonu garanti şeyleri okumak insana aptalca bir güven hissi veriyor. Nefretle başlayan ve aşka dönüşen bir intikam öyküsü. Hazır izolasyondayken bir de Bridget Jones mu izlesem acaba? :)
May 23, 2020
E finalmente dopo ben 10 anni che lo tenevo in lista ho letto questo piccolo gioiellino!!! E' la prima opera che leggo di questa autrice ed ho scoperto che è veramente brava tanto che mi sono chiesta perchè ho aspettato così tanto??!!!! E' una commedia ironica, leggera dalla partenza un po' lenta che fa fatica a conquistarti finchè non entri nel vivo della dinamica della storia e man man che vai avanti ti colpisce, ti intriga, ti incolla alle pagine. Stevie e Adam non si sarebbero mai conosciuti se i rispettivi partner, colleghi di lavoro, non li avessero traditi e lasciati andando a vivere insieme. Colti da questa improvvisa triste e amara situazione si ritrovano, loro malgrado, ad unire le forze per riconquistarli e, adottando l' arma della sorpresa e della gelosia, fingono loro indifferenza facendogli credere di amarsi a loro volta in maniera credibile e convincente. Certo non sarà tanto facile convincere Matthew e Jo i due fedifraghi, ci vorrà talento, inventiva, creatività e tutta l' astuzia possibile e immaginabile da mettere in campo e naturalmente senza farsi scoprire. Seppur odiandosi in privato, Stevie e Adam reciteranno come due bravi attori consumati talmente bravi che alla fine saranno costretti a rivedere i loro piani iniziali. Eh quando cupido trafigge il cuore con la sua freccia siamo spacciati!!! E Matthew e Jo? direte voi e io vi rispondo con un provvidenziale proberbio chi va per fregare resta fregato!!!! Mi sono divertita tanto a leggerlo con scenette e battibecchi degne delle migliori commedie brillanti hollywoodiane, se cercate qualcosa di spassoso dal risvolto tragicomico che fa sorridere e riflettere questo è il libro giusto.
February 17, 2023
An easy light read but seemed too drawn out for the plot. I really enjoyed the first few chapters and the last few too but the middle was just a little woolly and irritating. I also didn’t enjoy the stereotyped Scottish character & his accent. A lovely ending though did just about save the day!
November 3, 2022
People need to have someone to focus their anger on, Adam. It’s easier blaming outsiders than the ones you love.
For most of the time, I have difficulties with accepting how much Stevie and Adam wanted to get back their ex-partners, what they were able to do to achieve their goal. Perhaps, in such cases, I have a lower empathy - I just don't understand, why, after such deep betrayal, so many liars (and I think about how long the affair went on before "the trip"), they actively wanted them back. I can understand that one can forgive and even try again with such a person, but be the one that is trying to break the "new" relationship to get the ex back? So, for most of the time, I kept shaking my head: "no, I don't get it".
But, near the end, when the personalities, and past experiences of both, Adam and Stevie, appeared clearer - their behaviour got more sense. And I believe in their HEA.
Sometimes when we’re in pain, we’ll snatch at anything that promises to stop it. Hope makes us see what we want to see
So, although it would never be my favourite by Milly Johnson, I still loved it, especially the wit, Danny (Mummy, someone’s stolen the toilet ;-) ), Stevie's absolutely no ability whatsoever to control flour, Adam - a big rough-looking man, approximately the size of Edinburgh Castle with his large crushing Highland thighs ;-). I also appreciate how Matthew evolved (all was fair in love and war. He had to keep thinking that or he would never be able to look at himself in a mirror again.).
The best part, however, was how Milly Johnson showed insecurity of the mother ("I must be a bad mother, because...") and that a single mother has to cope with many additional issues to make a happy life for her child and (no "or") for herself.
PS Before posting this review I had talked with a friend and he explained to me what could have been behind such behaviours (wanting to win a betraying ex), in short, it could be a matter of self-esteem - I hadn't thought in such a way, it makes more sense.
August 12, 2017
This was a quick and fun read, if a bit one dimensional at times. I really enjoyed the main characters Stevie and Adam quarreling with each other, they were very likable and I laughed out loud more than a few times. When it comes to their exes however, I feel like the author laid it on a bit thick. I got clobbered over the head with how horrible both Matthew and Jo are at every given opportunity. Neither of them has a single pleasant character trait, they're selfish, greedy for money and just plain horrible, which made it very hard to understand what Stevie and Adam see in their ex-partners and why they would ever start the whole charade that is the main plot of the book in order to win them back. Nevertheless a very cute read that I raced through in just two days.
November 14, 2020
Adorable, with absolutely no steam but two very admirable MCs. Once again, everybody gets what they deserve. It might be too long for some readers, but I found it very charming.
February 4, 2023
"I think I might skip the reception and go home", said Stevie, who felt nauseous, something that couldn't be blamed on Uncle Dennis's wild driving. Tortoises and snails were overtaking them on both sides".
"They were giggling, probably singing a song from "Oklahoma" as well, because that's what it looked like -Hollywood happiness- the sort you dream of but only one person in a million ever gets, and it is never you".
"Some people just wanted what they couldn't have, until they got it -only to find they didn't want it after all".
"I was a thick twat", he said with genuine frustration. "My grass was lovely and green and I went looking for better stuff and ended up with Astroturf".
"They were giggling, probably singing a song from "Oklahoma" as well, because that's what it looked like -Hollywood happiness- the sort you dream of but only one person in a million ever gets, and it is never you".
"Some people just wanted what they couldn't have, until they got it -only to find they didn't want it after all".
"I was a thick twat", he said with genuine frustration. "My grass was lovely and green and I went looking for better stuff and ended up with Astroturf".
August 22, 2014
I loved it.
The story was very predictable but it was exactly what I wanted from chick lit.
The story was very predictable but it was exactly what I wanted from chick lit.
December 5, 2014
Liked it very much. Would recommend.
October 25, 2016
I fell in love ! With the Danny , Adam and Stevie. Not to mention this magnificent Author .. she has a way with words i ended up with hi-lighting most of the pages as " MY FAVORITE "
February 24, 2025
You know what's even better than reading this book? It's listening to it! OMG, I am totally loving this !!!
April 24, 2018
Great read.
September 11, 2022
Milly Johnson's books are such a joy to read! The characters are just gorgeous and the plot is sweet without being too fluffy. Perfect for curling up with after a long, hard day.
April 5, 2016
Oh my. Milly Johnson recently got me out of a little reading funk with her release The Teashop On The Corner. When I realised that I still had a couple of books of hers I hadn't read I was so pleased that I immediately bumped it up my to be read list, and thank goodness I did. Stevie Honeywell is an adorable character that you cannot help from the outset. She is a writer who is just weeks away from her wedding to fiance Matthew. However, she certainly wasn't expecting Matthew to run off with the much skinnier and more glamorous Jo Maclean.
Her friend Catherine along with her husband Eddie and their brood of children make for excellent secondary characters and we see them chivvy Stevie along so that she can move on from Matthew. However, that was before Stevie met Adam Mac Lean, Jo's ex-partner. Adam is a really funny character to read about, with his gruff Scottish drawl and brittle exterior,, he really is a lovable bloke. With Stevie experiencing so many setbacks, her and Adam are hellbent on showing they don't need their exes, with the sole purpose of attracting them back.
As with any Milly Johnson book it takes little to settle in and the characters you instantly like and want to know more about. Every time I read a Milly Johnson book it cheers me up and I just want to keep reading. I find myself in that horrible position of only having one of her books left to read so shall save that for my next book funk moment. This is a warm-hearted and wonderful read that will cheer you up no end.
Her friend Catherine along with her husband Eddie and their brood of children make for excellent secondary characters and we see them chivvy Stevie along so that she can move on from Matthew. However, that was before Stevie met Adam Mac Lean, Jo's ex-partner. Adam is a really funny character to read about, with his gruff Scottish drawl and brittle exterior,, he really is a lovable bloke. With Stevie experiencing so many setbacks, her and Adam are hellbent on showing they don't need their exes, with the sole purpose of attracting them back.
As with any Milly Johnson book it takes little to settle in and the characters you instantly like and want to know more about. Every time I read a Milly Johnson book it cheers me up and I just want to keep reading. I find myself in that horrible position of only having one of her books left to read so shall save that for my next book funk moment. This is a warm-hearted and wonderful read that will cheer you up no end.
June 16, 2018
I read a blog post that Milly wrote this week about how so-called ‘chick-lit’ is always overlooked by celebrity book clubs, in favour of ‘proper literature’. And I really don’t know why. I love Milly Johnson for the fact that you can completely lose yourself in the story and it becomes a movie in your mind.
Yes, you can pretty much always tell how the story is going to end, but I honestly don’t care, because for me it’s all about the journey of how you get there, and Milly’s books are never predictable.
I loved the characters of Stevie and Adam, and Jo and Matthew were so well written that it was really easy to hate them. Milly definitely has a knack for writing characters that are so up themselves that they just can’t see how horrible they’re being to the people around them.
I was on tenterhooks for the entire book waiting to see if Adam and Stevie would see through the lies that they had been fed by their delightful ex-partners and see how perfect they were for each other.
I binged this book in one day, the first day of our holiday. I was up 3 hours before anyone else so enjoyed the peace and quiet and binged almost the whole thing before breakfast. Another book really well written by Milly, I’m just disappointed that I’ve almost read them all now - good job there's a new one coming out just before my birthday!
Posted on: http://emmaloui.se/2018/06/03/milly-j...
Yes, you can pretty much always tell how the story is going to end, but I honestly don’t care, because for me it’s all about the journey of how you get there, and Milly’s books are never predictable.
I loved the characters of Stevie and Adam, and Jo and Matthew were so well written that it was really easy to hate them. Milly definitely has a knack for writing characters that are so up themselves that they just can’t see how horrible they’re being to the people around them.
I was on tenterhooks for the entire book waiting to see if Adam and Stevie would see through the lies that they had been fed by their delightful ex-partners and see how perfect they were for each other.
I binged this book in one day, the first day of our holiday. I was up 3 hours before anyone else so enjoyed the peace and quiet and binged almost the whole thing before breakfast. Another book really well written by Milly, I’m just disappointed that I’ve almost read them all now - good job there's a new one coming out just before my birthday!
Posted on: http://emmaloui.se/2018/06/03/milly-j...
July 18, 2012
Originally Reviewed at Novel Escapes
The Birds and the Bees had the same Milly Johnson charm, wit and humour I have come to expect from her books. I did enjoy her other three novels slightly more than this one, but it was still a lovely read.
I giggled frequently as I tend to do with Milly Johnson’s novels and a few scenes have been firmly imprinted in my mind (no spoilers). I liked the characters, and fell in love with Stevie’s best friend. I find she portrays the supporting characters so well I want them to have more of a roll in her stories - maybe that’s why she has interconnecting characters in her novels?
There were times I wanted to shake the main characters though in aggravation. They couldn’t see past their own desire to get their husband/wife back and couldn’t move on which annoyed me at times. Other than that and it being slightly predictable, this was a nice romantic read, full of insight on broken marriage and finding love.
Milly Johnson still remains one of my favourite new chick lit authors. Seriously, go pick up some of her books today! Chick lit lovers will not be disappointed. And I’m thrilled for her new book deal – 2 books a year starting next year! And congratulations to Milly on her well deserved success!
The Birds and the Bees had the same Milly Johnson charm, wit and humour I have come to expect from her books. I did enjoy her other three novels slightly more than this one, but it was still a lovely read.
I giggled frequently as I tend to do with Milly Johnson’s novels and a few scenes have been firmly imprinted in my mind (no spoilers). I liked the characters, and fell in love with Stevie’s best friend. I find she portrays the supporting characters so well I want them to have more of a roll in her stories - maybe that’s why she has interconnecting characters in her novels?
There were times I wanted to shake the main characters though in aggravation. They couldn’t see past their own desire to get their husband/wife back and couldn’t move on which annoyed me at times. Other than that and it being slightly predictable, this was a nice romantic read, full of insight on broken marriage and finding love.
Milly Johnson still remains one of my favourite new chick lit authors. Seriously, go pick up some of her books today! Chick lit lovers will not be disappointed. And I’m thrilled for her new book deal – 2 books a year starting next year! And congratulations to Milly on her well deserved success!
March 11, 2012
I absolutely loved this book it was just what I needed in a stressful week to cheer me up. The characters were likeable apart from the appropriate 'baddy' or 'love rat' of course. I was thoroughly hooked right from the very beginning. I've 'read'/listened to this in audiobook (borrowed from the library) format but I have it in paperback too. I listened to this on my way to and from work and have on several occasions had to stop myself from laughing out loud and am sure I must have got some funny looks because of the silly grin I had on my face. I didn't want it to end I was enjoying it so much.
I found myself wanting to slap the character of Matthew for the total idiot he was but then as the story unfolded I wanted to give Adam and Stevie a 'good talking to' to tell them to stop making assumptions and to actually talk to each other. The characters were so well drawn that I could visualise them. That is what I look for in a book because it brings the story to life. This was a lovely easy read that had me laughing and smiling and cheered me up no end. What more could I want. I loved it.
I found myself wanting to slap the character of Matthew for the total idiot he was but then as the story unfolded I wanted to give Adam and Stevie a 'good talking to' to tell them to stop making assumptions and to actually talk to each other. The characters were so well drawn that I could visualise them. That is what I look for in a book because it brings the story to life. This was a lovely easy read that had me laughing and smiling and cheered me up no end. What more could I want. I loved it.
October 14, 2023
First book I've read by Milly Johnson and it was a lot of fun. Predictable, but very humorous and a great book for escaping any reader's real life troublesome issues. Loved the Scottish dialect, witty female protagonist, and ultimate justice served to the worst "very bad person" character.
The only reservation that kept me from giving the book five stars (which I no longer have) was that I found it hard to believe Adam would put up with Jo's bad housekeeping and spending habits during their time living together. (Maybe men overlook those things if they're getting laid on a regular basis??) I just thought Adam seemed smarter than that even though the author described him as desperately wanting to be loved.
I highly recommend this book to my friends because there are many "laugh out loud" moments.
Update: I have re-read this book twice since my original review was written. Any time I read a book three times, it has to be worth five stars! 😊
The only reservation that kept me from giving the book five stars (which I no longer have) was that I found it hard to believe Adam would put up with Jo's bad housekeeping and spending habits during their time living together. (Maybe men overlook those things if they're getting laid on a regular basis??) I just thought Adam seemed smarter than that even though the author described him as desperately wanting to be loved.
I highly recommend this book to my friends because there are many "laugh out loud" moments.
Update: I have re-read this book twice since my original review was written. Any time I read a book three times, it has to be worth five stars! 😊
January 15, 2023
Awww I absolutely Adored this
I just wish Jo had of got her comeuppance!
Romance Writer Stevie is all set to Marry Matthew, that is until she finds out his Local work trip was actually a shagathon in Spain with his work colleague and Stevie's friend Jo!
Why she would want such an utter prat back is beyond me, but she teams up with Jo's scorned Partner the scarred Scottish Adam whose legs look good in a kilt, Pretending to date in an attempt to Break up Jo and Matthew....
Its still a 5 star but I wasn't keen on how Cold hearted Matthew actually was under Jo's spell, nor how much disdain Adam had about Stevie's Looks compared to Jo's, we get a little insight as to why he is so shallow but by that point the book is ending and i had stopped myself from liking him.... but i love the way the book was written, Stevie was awesome and her inner Monologue was great!
I just wish Jo had of got her comeuppance!
Romance Writer Stevie is all set to Marry Matthew, that is until she finds out his Local work trip was actually a shagathon in Spain with his work colleague and Stevie's friend Jo!
Why she would want such an utter prat back is beyond me, but she teams up with Jo's scorned Partner the scarred Scottish Adam whose legs look good in a kilt, Pretending to date in an attempt to Break up Jo and Matthew....
Its still a 5 star but I wasn't keen on how Cold hearted Matthew actually was under Jo's spell, nor how much disdain Adam had about Stevie's Looks compared to Jo's, we get a little insight as to why he is so shallow but by that point the book is ending and i had stopped myself from liking him.... but i love the way the book was written, Stevie was awesome and her inner Monologue was great!
April 22, 2023
I accidently stumbled on this book while I was searching for a nice audiobook to listen to, and what a pleasant find!
It’s a fast paced book filled with heartwarming and witty interactions.
Stevie and Adam’s scenes were so cute and funny.
I loved how vulnerable Adam could be completely opposite to his physical appearance being so tall and grumpy.
Stevie on the other hand has my whole heart. She is so loving and so giving but her love was never reciprocated and that literally broke my heart. She deserves the world.
But anyways the ending made up for it so I’m happy as I can be.
It’s a fast paced book filled with heartwarming and witty interactions.
Stevie and Adam’s scenes were so cute and funny.
I loved how vulnerable Adam could be completely opposite to his physical appearance being so tall and grumpy.
Stevie on the other hand has my whole heart. She is so loving and so giving but her love was never reciprocated and that literally broke my heart. She deserves the world.
But anyways the ending made up for it so I’m happy as I can be.
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