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Here Come the Boys
THE QUEEN OF FEEL-GOOD FICTION!'Every time you discover a new Milly book, it’s like finding a pot of gold' Heat An exclusive ebook short story from Sunday Times bestseller Milly Johnson. Also includes a sneak peek of her wonderful novel The Teashop on the Corner. Angie Silverton and her husband are taking a much-needed holiday on the cruise ship Mermaidia, so the last person she hopes to bump into is her one-time best friend Selina who stole the love of her life and married him twenty years ago. And what she needs even less is to be marooned in Malaga with Selina when both of them manage to miss boarding the ship in port. It will take three days for them to travel across Europe to catch up with the ship again in Croatia. And in the company of each other twenty-four/seven, a lot of old baggage is going to be unloaded.Praise for Milly 'Bursting with warmth and joie de vivre' JILL MANSELL 'Warm, optimistic and romantic' KATIE FFORDE 'An irresistibly feel-good read' JANE COSTELLO
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2014
81 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
About the author
Milly Johnson
52 books2,164 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 92 reviews
August 5, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My only criticism is that it was too short! It's a classic tale of woman-wants-man-she-thinks-she-can't-have, updated and given a new twist. The characters are real and the story takes a few twists and turns along the way. Altogether an enjoyable read.
February 2, 2019
So I really hated Doreen in “Here Come the Girls” so I really didn’t want to read about her again as a more sympathetic, likeable character in this story. I did like the main characters and the rest of it was OK but not up to Johnson’s usual standard.
July 31, 2016
Gosh that was quick! No sooner had I got into the story than it ended! Only 80 pages. I wanted to know what happened back on board to Selina and Zander, so I felt a bit short-changed, but it still gets a 3.5 star rating for being a light, feel-good read, with Ms Johnson's usual great characterisation.
Er, I take that back: I've just noticed there's another short story called Ladies Who Launch which follows on from this one, so I'll be able to satisfy my curiosity! And from the author's preface to that one, I realise was not the only reader to feel short-changed at the end of "Here Come the Boys"!!
Er, I take that back: I've just noticed there's another short story called Ladies Who Launch which follows on from this one, so I'll be able to satisfy my curiosity! And from the author's preface to that one, I realise was not the only reader to feel short-changed at the end of "Here Come the Boys"!!
May 26, 2014
Absolutely love this short story. Wished it had been longer as I haven't ever been on a cruise and felt this book could actually sway (no pun intended) me either way. A story of childhood friendship, broken by love. Reunited on a cruise, well actually on dry land, misunderstanding were sorted. Lovely mixture of people on the cruise, enjoyed every single word.
June 27, 2020
A short easy read that I enjoyed but expected more from the ending.
Just see there is a follow on Ladies who launch so will hopefully get the answers.
Just see there is a follow on Ladies who launch so will hopefully get the answers.
January 18, 2019
Unlike the other Milly Johnson book I read, this one seemed abrupt. It apparently ended, but I thought there was just an add in middle of the book. But yeah, it was the end.
Angie was silly and annoying in the beginning.
Angie was silly and annoying in the beginning.
October 9, 2015
This is a novella more than a short story and it includes an extract from another of the author's books - 'The Teashop on the Corner'. I have read many of Milly Johnson's books and find them excellent light reading with plenty of that elusive 'feel good' factor. Angie and her husband Gil are on a cruise for the first time in their lives. Unfortunately things don't go exactly to plan when Angie fails to make it back to the ship on time after a trip to Malaga. She finds herself stranded onshore with someone who she soon realises is her old school friend, and subsequently her enemy, Selina.
Will the two be able to settle their differences and deal with the current emergency? This is an entertaining story of love and friendship and how things can get totally out of hand if not tackled head on and left to fester over the years.
The story kept me entertained for an hour or so and there are plenty of amusing incidents and dialogue as well as likeable characters. What I really like about this author's books is that she writes about real people. Her characters could be your next door neighbour, your friend or your sister. I recommend this novella and all this author's books if you want an entertaining, down to earth read which will make you chuckle and even laugh out loud at times.
Will the two be able to settle their differences and deal with the current emergency? This is an entertaining story of love and friendship and how things can get totally out of hand if not tackled head on and left to fester over the years.
The story kept me entertained for an hour or so and there are plenty of amusing incidents and dialogue as well as likeable characters. What I really like about this author's books is that she writes about real people. Her characters could be your next door neighbour, your friend or your sister. I recommend this novella and all this author's books if you want an entertaining, down to earth read which will make you chuckle and even laugh out loud at times.
October 24, 2017
Considering I don't read short stories this is the second of Milly Johnson's I've read in the same amount of weeks:-) Angie and her very loveable husband Gil are taking their very first trip aboard a cruise ship. From the moment they start their journey on the coach they realise this will be very different to what they are used to. No sooner have they arrived do they start to meet some onboard friends all of whom had their own part to play in this story.
Both Angie and Gil are such likeable charaters however when Gill is suffering from sea sickness when they dock in Malaga, Angie decides to do some shopping on her own. What she didn't bank of was not making the ship in time and being stranded. Not only that she ends up being stranded with her ex-best friend who went off and married the man she was supposed to end up with.
This story was a delight to read and as soon as I had finished I checked out whether there was a continuation of sorts andd sure enough the short story named 'Ladies Who Launch' appeared and hey Presto, my next Milly Johnson arrived on my Kindle. It's been far too long since I read this lady's books it certainly put me back in that zone! A great short read...
Both Angie and Gil are such likeable charaters however when Gill is suffering from sea sickness when they dock in Malaga, Angie decides to do some shopping on her own. What she didn't bank of was not making the ship in time and being stranded. Not only that she ends up being stranded with her ex-best friend who went off and married the man she was supposed to end up with.
This story was a delight to read and as soon as I had finished I checked out whether there was a continuation of sorts andd sure enough the short story named 'Ladies Who Launch' appeared and hey Presto, my next Milly Johnson arrived on my Kindle. It's been far too long since I read this lady's books it certainly put me back in that zone! A great short read...
December 17, 2023
This was a nice little short story. I’m not usually one for short stories but in this case I didn’t mind as it’s by author Milly Johnson, and I really enjoy her books, the ones that I’ve read so far.
So this was a well written little story, lots of drama and other stuff going on, surprising just how much can be packed into a few pages.
Sorry to say though but this story might have put me off from ever wanting to go on a cruise ship holiday, the thought of the ship leaving without me after a day trip somewhere in a strange place would be a nightmare for me. I’d not cope very well not to mention the stress of what Angie had to go through so as to get back in to the cruise ship, three days of travel, the extra cost for emergency passport, flights, accommodation. Yikes it would put me off from ever wanting to travel again, lols.
Anyway getting off topic here, it was great/fun to meet the different characters from the cruise ship, they all seemed like a motley unique lot. Also enjoyed the interaction between Angie and Selina, and seeing how they eventually mend their bridges over something that happened a long time ago in the past.
So this was a well written little story, lots of drama and other stuff going on, surprising just how much can be packed into a few pages.
Sorry to say though but this story might have put me off from ever wanting to go on a cruise ship holiday, the thought of the ship leaving without me after a day trip somewhere in a strange place would be a nightmare for me. I’d not cope very well not to mention the stress of what Angie had to go through so as to get back in to the cruise ship, three days of travel, the extra cost for emergency passport, flights, accommodation. Yikes it would put me off from ever wanting to travel again, lols.
Anyway getting off topic here, it was great/fun to meet the different characters from the cruise ship, they all seemed like a motley unique lot. Also enjoyed the interaction between Angie and Selina, and seeing how they eventually mend their bridges over something that happened a long time ago in the past.
August 19, 2022
Angie and her husband Gil are going on their very first cruise. On one of the stops, Gil is too seasick to get out and about so Angie goes on her own, and ends up missing the ship as it leaves again. She finds that she has happened to someone else too... Selina, her ex best friend. Ex because 20 years ago Selina stole Angie's boyfriend Zander, who Angie had never really got over. Selina and Angie have to spend a few days together as they catch back up with the ship, and spending time with Selina is the last thing Angie wants to do.
This is a short story, however I think it could have been a full novel. I found the antics on board the cruise ship before Angie got detached funny and would have liked more of this. I would also have liked to see what happened with Angie and Selina after they returned to the ship. I liked Angie and Gil, and their relationship, and would have like to see more of this too. I think it's been sold short by being a short story, definitely enough to make it full length.
This is a short story, however I think it could have been a full novel. I found the antics on board the cruise ship before Angie got detached funny and would have liked more of this. I would also have liked to see what happened with Angie and Selina after they returned to the ship. I liked Angie and Gil, and their relationship, and would have like to see more of this too. I think it's been sold short by being a short story, definitely enough to make it full length.
August 27, 2018
I hadn’t read anything by Milly Johnson before this - shock/horror I know!! So I thought that one of her short stories would be the perfect place to start and to get a taste of her writing style.
I’m so glad I decided to read this book - I loved it, it was amazing!! Full of wonderful, descriptive writing and I could feel myself getting more and more involved with the story. It was a unique storyline and I loved Angie and Selina - the two main characters. At the end I was left feeling that I wanted to know what happens next and was very please to find out that there is another short story - ‘Ladies Who Launch’ that carries on with the story!!
I’m so glad I decided to read this book - I loved it, it was amazing!! Full of wonderful, descriptive writing and I could feel myself getting more and more involved with the story. It was a unique storyline and I loved Angie and Selina - the two main characters. At the end I was left feeling that I wanted to know what happens next and was very please to find out that there is another short story - ‘Ladies Who Launch’ that carries on with the story!!
August 30, 2025
I don't think this is a spoiler alert!? 🤔...
Like all Millie Johnson books, I enjoyed this book.
The characters are relatable. What I did find really bizarre is that the title of the book had no relation to the actual story, in my opinion.
Maybe Carry on Cruising or something relating to the relationship between the 2 main characters. I found it to be a little misleading as it implied to me that the main characters would meet lots of male love interests.
With that said, it still was a nice short story and enjoyable.
Like all Millie Johnson books, I enjoyed this book.
The characters are relatable. What I did find really bizarre is that the title of the book had no relation to the actual story, in my opinion.
Maybe Carry on Cruising or something relating to the relationship between the 2 main characters. I found it to be a little misleading as it implied to me that the main characters would meet lots of male love interests.
With that said, it still was a nice short story and enjoyable.
April 9, 2024
A short story, rather than a novel, I enjoyed this but found what a lot of it mildly irritating. Intensely irritating people on a cruise isn't my idea of what's the best read but I usually enjoy Milly Johnson's work. Easy to read as it's quite short but although enjoyable, nowhere near Milly's best work.
May 17, 2021
I’m not a fan of novellas but as this was Milly Johnson I thought I would give it a go. Well, I’m still not a fan. I love Milly Johnson’s novels, but this was just okay for me, nothing special. My personal pet peeve, I hate an abrupt ending.
April 19, 2024
Alls well, that ends well
An amusing novella set on a Mediterranean cruise with a disastrous turn of events. Angie has idolised and pinned for the lost love of her life, but not everyone deserves their place on a glass pedestal, and true friends last a lifetime when unfounded envy is left behind.
An amusing novella set on a Mediterranean cruise with a disastrous turn of events. Angie has idolised and pinned for the lost love of her life, but not everyone deserves their place on a glass pedestal, and true friends last a lifetime when unfounded envy is left behind.
July 14, 2017
I enjoyed this but for me it was a bit short and finished quite abruptly. I liked the characters and the details and it was an easy read.
August 29, 2017
A lovely short story about friendship.
March 2, 2019
Love this short story! Lots of funny, embarrassing and lovely scenes that makes one giggle.
August 4, 2019
Brilliant, as usual.
May 5, 2020
Great read
Down to earth characters you could relate to
Really enjoyed from start to finish
A very funny read smiling all the way to the end
Down to earth characters you could relate to
Really enjoyed from start to finish
A very funny read smiling all the way to the end
May 12, 2020
A lovely short story that puts a smile on your face. Highly recommended.
September 9, 2020
Can’t beat Milly
A great book I was sad when it had finished. I wanted it to go on. Milly Johnson is brilliant, love these books they are full of love, warmth and humour.
A great book I was sad when it had finished. I wanted it to go on. Milly Johnson is brilliant, love these books they are full of love, warmth and humour.
April 7, 2021
4 stars
Even though I don’t normally like short stories I enjoyed this one
Even though I don’t normally like short stories I enjoyed this one
January 2, 2022
Rey good couldmtbput bk down
September 11, 2022
This was part of a short stories collection & not the style I usually see from
milly Johnson, I wasn't a fan if I'm honest, quite dark and set in a very different era to get usual books
milly Johnson, I wasn't a fan if I'm honest, quite dark and set in a very different era to get usual books
July 29, 2023
Angie did annoy me a bit but Milly still makes me happy!
April 20, 2019
I read this straight after Here Come the Girls which made it a nice little read but again, I needed more. I was drawn into the story but then it was cut short.
May 18, 2023
A crazy quick read, but I always want more!
May 27, 2014
"Here Come the Girls" is still one of my favourite books EVER, so when I heard about Milly writing a short story "Here Come the Boys" I knew that I am for a treat. And when I ordered it on Amazon it was for free! Milly just rocks ;)
I usually have a problem with reviewing short stories and don't do this but this time it was more like a book for me and it didn't feel like a short story at all. It could be a great novel, just like "Here Come the Girls", there was so much potential in it! But altogether, I think the author did a great job with filling a short story full with interesting, engaging plot and so many things happening.
It's a story about Angie and Gil finally taking a holiday, and as all of their friends were already on the cruise, they have decided it's time for them to give it a go. Although Angie loves her husband very much she can't stop thinking she ended up with second best and can't forget her first love. Well, she doesn't know what kind of surprises is this cruise going to bring!
There follows a story of funny (NOT) neighbours at the table coming with sheets of paper full of tasteless jokes, seasickness, long - lost friends and being stranded with a person Angie would rather forget, missing the ship and chasing after it through the half of Europe. Add to this some jokes, some of the best one - liners, beautiful views and great people and you are in love with this story. Yes, so many things in a short story!
And it makes you want to go on a cruise.
The characters are all so real and easy to like, they are funny and sarcastic, the old friend Doreen had me in hysterics with her attitude. Angie has irritated me a little at the beginning with so many doubts about her husband but then she has finally seen that usually we overemphasise this what we couldn't get and don't appreciate what we have. The descriptions of the places are very realistic and I could smell the sixth coffee and imagine the clothes the girls were forced to buy, and everything feels just true.
It's actually a book that says be careful what you wish for, with a bit of moral here or there and some lessons to be learnt, but don't get me wrong, oh no, it's funny, optimistic, uplifting and sweet read. A great story for a lunch break.
I usually have a problem with reviewing short stories and don't do this but this time it was more like a book for me and it didn't feel like a short story at all. It could be a great novel, just like "Here Come the Girls", there was so much potential in it! But altogether, I think the author did a great job with filling a short story full with interesting, engaging plot and so many things happening.
It's a story about Angie and Gil finally taking a holiday, and as all of their friends were already on the cruise, they have decided it's time for them to give it a go. Although Angie loves her husband very much she can't stop thinking she ended up with second best and can't forget her first love. Well, she doesn't know what kind of surprises is this cruise going to bring!
There follows a story of funny (NOT) neighbours at the table coming with sheets of paper full of tasteless jokes, seasickness, long - lost friends and being stranded with a person Angie would rather forget, missing the ship and chasing after it through the half of Europe. Add to this some jokes, some of the best one - liners, beautiful views and great people and you are in love with this story. Yes, so many things in a short story!
And it makes you want to go on a cruise.
The characters are all so real and easy to like, they are funny and sarcastic, the old friend Doreen had me in hysterics with her attitude. Angie has irritated me a little at the beginning with so many doubts about her husband but then she has finally seen that usually we overemphasise this what we couldn't get and don't appreciate what we have. The descriptions of the places are very realistic and I could smell the sixth coffee and imagine the clothes the girls were forced to buy, and everything feels just true.
It's actually a book that says be careful what you wish for, with a bit of moral here or there and some lessons to be learnt, but don't get me wrong, oh no, it's funny, optimistic, uplifting and sweet read. A great story for a lunch break.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews