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Too Busy for Love
Phoebe MacLeod is back with a BRAND NEW hilarious rom com, perfect for fans of Sophie Ranald and Sophie Kinsella.
For Beatrice, working at one of London’s boutique hotels is a dream come true. She doesn’t need a social life. She just needs an ordered diary, crisply folded sheets and happy guests. But Beatrice’s routine comes to an abrupt halt when her hotel is raided by the police. Suddenly she finds herself released on bail, and trapped in London, with only the hotel chef Jock for company.
Having decided to make the most of their situation, Beatrice lets her hair down – figuratively and literally – for the first time in her life. And incredibly, despite the threat of possible prison around the corner, she finds she loves every moment spent exploring London in Jock’s company.
But all bubbles have to burst, so when the pair are released without charge, it’s time for Beatrice to get her life, and her career, back on track. She can’t let a little thing called feelings get in her way… So why can’t she forget Jock, even when her career dreams look set to become reality?
Beatrice may like to keep life fully booked, but can you ever really be too busy for love?
For Beatrice, working at one of London’s boutique hotels is a dream come true. She doesn’t need a social life. She just needs an ordered diary, crisply folded sheets and happy guests. But Beatrice’s routine comes to an abrupt halt when her hotel is raided by the police. Suddenly she finds herself released on bail, and trapped in London, with only the hotel chef Jock for company.
Having decided to make the most of their situation, Beatrice lets her hair down – figuratively and literally – for the first time in her life. And incredibly, despite the threat of possible prison around the corner, she finds she loves every moment spent exploring London in Jock’s company.
But all bubbles have to burst, so when the pair are released without charge, it’s time for Beatrice to get her life, and her career, back on track. She can’t let a little thing called feelings get in her way… So why can’t she forget Jock, even when her career dreams look set to become reality?
Beatrice may like to keep life fully booked, but can you ever really be too busy for love?
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2024
899 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
Phoebe MacLeod
30 books417 followersPhoebe MacLeod is married and lives just outside Sevenoaks in Kent. She has two grown-up sons at university, and a disobedient dog. She enjoys reading, cooking, playing the piano and walking the dog. She’s also keen on vintage and classic cars and can often be seen behind the wheel of her own classic - a 1928 Ford Model A.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
August 23, 2024
Did Not Finish--30 percent
This was just not very good. I liked the author's other book I read, but this was all over the place. The main character works at a hotel she later finds out is a brothel? It could have been really funny I guess in the right hands, but I just started to feel like the entire book was a chore. Beatrice had too much going on with her and her...whatever you want to call it with Jock just didn't work for me.
This was just not very good. I liked the author's other book I read, but this was all over the place. The main character works at a hotel she later finds out is a brothel? It could have been really funny I guess in the right hands, but I just started to feel like the entire book was a chore. Beatrice had too much going on with her and her...whatever you want to call it with Jock just didn't work for me.
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August 23, 2024have to catch up with some books👀
July 3, 2024
3 stars - in my opinion this was marketed wrongly!
While a large part of the book is spent on the romance, the whole middle bit with the dating show and the beginnings of the hotel is more women's fiction.
The forced proximity trope is only present for maybe 25% of the book even though it is the main trope that is advertised.
Other than that a good, cute read - not too much spice - and worth reading even if it lulls in the middle.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
While a large part of the book is spent on the romance, the whole middle bit with the dating show and the beginnings of the hotel is more women's fiction.
The forced proximity trope is only present for maybe 25% of the book even though it is the main trope that is advertised.
Other than that a good, cute read - not too much spice - and worth reading even if it lulls in the middle.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
January 14, 2025did not expect the inciting incident at all (and I will never forget it). what an intriguing sequence of events but I guess life is chaotic?
February 1, 2025
This book felt like when I wake up and try recite my dream to my sister but everything is kind of blurry and so much happened that it’s actually kind hard to follow and only interesting for the person reliving the dream. So much happened within the first 100 pages but also nothing at all; she would describe a day in detail and then quickly summarise a week in a sentence which for me felt weird. Don’t enjoy at all and has put me off reading her other books.
February 17, 2025
I'm also too busy... too busy to love this book 😒
November 16, 2024
This book was a really fun and easy read. I give it four out of five stars merely because I thought some of the situations were extremely too coincidental for my taste to the point where it seemed a little bit unrealistic on some parts. Poor Beatrice has to endure going to jail and having to start over, to realize her true potential as a professional. I liked her character development and how she had to swim through uncertainty especially without her parents support. It is not easy to choose between love and moving forward with your career, and I think that this book provided a fine example of what that’s like.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for being able to provide a copy of this book, which I very much enjoyed .
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for being able to provide a copy of this book, which I very much enjoyed .
July 24, 2024
(review for talk lit, get hit podcast)
I get what this book was trying to be, I really do. there were three separate parts to this book that had the weakest of links between them and were all rushed and underdeveloped. the characters felt like strangers to one another, and there were so many tropes and moments that were given about three seconds of air time. this is marketed as a 'forced proximity romantic' which I think is misleading from every angle. the characters had no humour or romance between them, and the forced proximity was a choice for a few nights in the first chapter or so of the book. if this was marketed using the interesting parts of the plot such as the hotel industry and Beatrice's journey to fulfil her dream, I feel like the book would reach who I think is the target audience. the book was also littered with some extremely outdated and lukewarm takes on sex workers, and strange comments regarding 'illegals' and the exploitation of workers felt icky to be included in what is meant to be a lighthearted book.
thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
I get what this book was trying to be, I really do. there were three separate parts to this book that had the weakest of links between them and were all rushed and underdeveloped. the characters felt like strangers to one another, and there were so many tropes and moments that were given about three seconds of air time. this is marketed as a 'forced proximity romantic' which I think is misleading from every angle. the characters had no humour or romance between them, and the forced proximity was a choice for a few nights in the first chapter or so of the book. if this was marketed using the interesting parts of the plot such as the hotel industry and Beatrice's journey to fulfil her dream, I feel like the book would reach who I think is the target audience. the book was also littered with some extremely outdated and lukewarm takes on sex workers, and strange comments regarding 'illegals' and the exploitation of workers felt icky to be included in what is meant to be a lighthearted book.
thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
July 17, 2024
The book was really interesting and fun to start with the whole arrest was quite a shock but done well, the week Jock and Beatrice spend together under house arrest was quite fun but afterwards so many things were added into the mix which didn't really work for me personally. I do love that Beatrice get her wish to run the hotel and the 'Love Island' part was quite fun as well but the whole thing with the celebrity chef wasn't for me, especially because Beatrice did not put up more of a fight, we all know she's capable of it so it just didn't feel right. I did absolutely love her interactions with Reginald.
Overall this was an okay read, a good quick read for the beach or by the pool.
Thank you to NetGalley, Phoebe MacLeod and the publisher for this early copy. All opinions are my own.
Overall this was an okay read, a good quick read for the beach or by the pool.
Thank you to NetGalley, Phoebe MacLeod and the publisher for this early copy. All opinions are my own.
November 6, 2024
There’s nothing like a speedy 3 hour read of a lovely written romance book when ill and tucked up in bed
December 23, 2025
Cute book, started off with a bang and kind of trailed off but pulled back together at the end
July 16, 2024
Title: Too Busy for Love
Author: Phoebe MacLeod
Talk about too busy, this book was packed with stuff happening.
Beatrice works as a hotel manager at the Hotel DuFour, which she finds out on her birthday, is low key being run as a brothel. The police put her and the cook, Jock, essentially on hotel arrest as they conduct their investigation, leading to some budding forced-proximity feelings. But after they're cleared from any wrongdoing, they have to go their own ways. Will they find their way back together?
This would have been an amazing book even if it had finished there. But that was just the first segment. Then there's a reality tv show, car damages, social media scandal, a rundown construction site, big dreams, lots of wine. I was probably at the edge of my seat the whole time wondering where the heck this author was taking me next--in a good way. Really enjoyed this book, would highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Phoebe MacLeod
Talk about too busy, this book was packed with stuff happening.
Beatrice works as a hotel manager at the Hotel DuFour, which she finds out on her birthday, is low key being run as a brothel. The police put her and the cook, Jock, essentially on hotel arrest as they conduct their investigation, leading to some budding forced-proximity feelings. But after they're cleared from any wrongdoing, they have to go their own ways. Will they find their way back together?
This would have been an amazing book even if it had finished there. But that was just the first segment. Then there's a reality tv show, car damages, social media scandal, a rundown construction site, big dreams, lots of wine. I was probably at the edge of my seat the whole time wondering where the heck this author was taking me next--in a good way. Really enjoyed this book, would highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2024
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC of Too Busy for Love in exchange for an honest and independent review.
Beatrice is living a perfect life of contentment as a manager of a posh boutique hotel in upscale London. Her days are predictable and her perfectionist nature allows her to excel in her craft. All of this quickly comes crashing down when the hotel is raided by police and Beatrice is taken into custody as a potential accomplice in an upscale prostitution ring being run out of her place of employment. As evidence is collected that will either exonerate her and prove her innocence or condemn her to a prison sentence, Beatrice finds herself released on bail with only the company of the hotel's chef, Jock, to pass the time with. Beatrice is able to finally let her hair down and explore the city of London with Jock at her side as they both await their fate in the investigation. Over the course of the week, sparks fly between Beatrice and Jock in this forced proximity romance as Beatrice starts to imagine a future outside of these hotel walls that suddenly includes Jock and a world she is only starting to explore.
As fate would have it, both Jock and Beatrice are exonerated and forced to go their separate ways in search of a new career path. As Beatrice sets sail in building a new life, she cannot help but come back to the whirl wind week she had with Jock over and over again and begins to question if life is really worth living when you're only living to work. Will circumstance allows their paths to cross once more, or is life really too busy for love?
Although this book started well and kept me wanting to explore the possibility of a future for Beatrice and Jock, it all ends quite suddenly when they are once again forced to go their separate ways. The rest of the novel really focuses on Beatrice's journey to self discovery and is really less of a love story and more of a personal journey. Beatrice reflects fondly on her time with Jock, but throughout the entire novel, neither character really takes any action to explore things further, which was incredibly frustrating and made things rather dull after the first quarter of the book. While it was interesting to see how Beatrice's relationships with other characters unfold, it felt so far removed from how the book started and the pace was much slower and less interesting.
While Beatrice and Jock did keep in touch during their time apart, there was nothing from either party that showed any interest in pursuing their relationship any further. When they finally do come back together, it all seemed a bit forced or unrealistic to me seeing as neither have tried to make any sort of meaningful connection with one another. Phoebe's writing is incredible and her ability to convey emotion and scenery are top notch, but I feel that this one just fell short for me. The first quarter of the book was so promising, but I felt that the rest was just filler to what could have been a much more interesting love story. Although the premise started off strong, I quickly ran out of the desire to keep reading to see what happens next.
Beatrice is living a perfect life of contentment as a manager of a posh boutique hotel in upscale London. Her days are predictable and her perfectionist nature allows her to excel in her craft. All of this quickly comes crashing down when the hotel is raided by police and Beatrice is taken into custody as a potential accomplice in an upscale prostitution ring being run out of her place of employment. As evidence is collected that will either exonerate her and prove her innocence or condemn her to a prison sentence, Beatrice finds herself released on bail with only the company of the hotel's chef, Jock, to pass the time with. Beatrice is able to finally let her hair down and explore the city of London with Jock at her side as they both await their fate in the investigation. Over the course of the week, sparks fly between Beatrice and Jock in this forced proximity romance as Beatrice starts to imagine a future outside of these hotel walls that suddenly includes Jock and a world she is only starting to explore.
As fate would have it, both Jock and Beatrice are exonerated and forced to go their separate ways in search of a new career path. As Beatrice sets sail in building a new life, she cannot help but come back to the whirl wind week she had with Jock over and over again and begins to question if life is really worth living when you're only living to work. Will circumstance allows their paths to cross once more, or is life really too busy for love?
Although this book started well and kept me wanting to explore the possibility of a future for Beatrice and Jock, it all ends quite suddenly when they are once again forced to go their separate ways. The rest of the novel really focuses on Beatrice's journey to self discovery and is really less of a love story and more of a personal journey. Beatrice reflects fondly on her time with Jock, but throughout the entire novel, neither character really takes any action to explore things further, which was incredibly frustrating and made things rather dull after the first quarter of the book. While it was interesting to see how Beatrice's relationships with other characters unfold, it felt so far removed from how the book started and the pace was much slower and less interesting.
While Beatrice and Jock did keep in touch during their time apart, there was nothing from either party that showed any interest in pursuing their relationship any further. When they finally do come back together, it all seemed a bit forced or unrealistic to me seeing as neither have tried to make any sort of meaningful connection with one another. Phoebe's writing is incredible and her ability to convey emotion and scenery are top notch, but I feel that this one just fell short for me. The first quarter of the book was so promising, but I felt that the rest was just filler to what could have been a much more interesting love story. Although the premise started off strong, I quickly ran out of the desire to keep reading to see what happens next.
July 29, 2024
I have read many Phoebe MacLeod in the past and while they are (like most in this genre) a tad formulaic, I do love to revisit characters past and see that their happy ending has continued on. In this book we are introduced to Beatrice at the lowest point in her life, having been arrested for working in a brothel being very convincingly hidden under the front of an efficiently run hotel for which she is the manager.
We follow Beatrice for the week following her arrest as she is forced to live under curfew with Jock (whose real name is Andrew) the hotel chef with whom she has barely, before now, shared a single word.
Of course, the UST is there, as is much more, but that's sort of what I've come to anticipate from these books, and while the book itself is short, there is no absence of it throughout!
Of course, there is a predictable yet strangely not annoying third-act twist but given the reintroduction of Ella and Noah (who I really did like) from Love at First Site), will the happy ending for Too Busy for Love be Jock and Beatrice's or someone else's?
Overall, not a bad book, I read it in a couple of hours and it's the perfect pick me up after a long day (as it can be easily read in a single sitting, so you get the whole thing in one go).
We follow Beatrice for the week following her arrest as she is forced to live under curfew with Jock (whose real name is Andrew) the hotel chef with whom she has barely, before now, shared a single word.
Of course, the UST is there, as is much more, but that's sort of what I've come to anticipate from these books, and while the book itself is short, there is no absence of it throughout!
Of course, there is a predictable yet strangely not annoying third-act twist but given the reintroduction of Ella and Noah (who I really did like) from Love at First Site), will the happy ending for Too Busy for Love be Jock and Beatrice's or someone else's?
Overall, not a bad book, I read it in a couple of hours and it's the perfect pick me up after a long day (as it can be easily read in a single sitting, so you get the whole thing in one go).
October 30, 2024
easy read
Nice easy read. It hits the nail on the head about most things which people can relate to. Especially about life in general
Nice easy read. It hits the nail on the head about most things which people can relate to. Especially about life in general
December 15, 2024
A nice easy wholesome read
April 11, 2025
2.5 I don't know if I like it or not but it was an easy fast read I think I needed more details
May 10, 2025
I loved the reality tv part, everything else wasn‘t it though
September 27, 2025
VERY predictable
September 17, 2024
A quick one - only took a day and a half to finish.
Bit of a random story line including prison, a reality tv show and an old hotel but evidently flew through it & was an easy read.
Bit of a random story line including prison, a reality tv show and an old hotel but evidently flew through it & was an easy read.
March 14, 2025
Just a cute, simple, feel good romance.
February 21, 2025
this book was a fever dream also imagine getting engaged while working hospitality at someone else’s wedding
January 12, 2025
Wholesome
This book was a feel good and wholesome book with characters i began to really like. I did like the story of how Beatrice & Jock met, however I hoped for more interactions between them as it basically just focused on Beatrice and the whole reality show which I didn’t enjoy as much and felt myself skimming the pages.
Wasn’t sure if I was going to rate this 3 or 4 stars, I did enjoy the book but I felt myself just wanting to finish it and hoping it would end soon.
I loved Reginald and his story broke my heart bless, but I’m so glad he then had Beatrice as his friend.
3.5✨
This book was a feel good and wholesome book with characters i began to really like. I did like the story of how Beatrice & Jock met, however I hoped for more interactions between them as it basically just focused on Beatrice and the whole reality show which I didn’t enjoy as much and felt myself skimming the pages.
Wasn’t sure if I was going to rate this 3 or 4 stars, I did enjoy the book but I felt myself just wanting to finish it and hoping it would end soon.
I loved Reginald and his story broke my heart bless, but I’m so glad he then had Beatrice as his friend.
3.5✨
October 24, 2024
Maybe 2 stars is a little harsh but it was a slog to get through when I needed a fast quick rom com.
I saw some reviews that said they laughed out loud. I didn’t laugh once, Beatrice’s exchange with Gregory was the only semi amusing part.
The middle of the book didn’t fit with the beginning and the end , I know it was where the MC met Abby but a multitude of different storylines would have made more sense than some random reality tv show. The whole ‘beat the trolls’ thing had no relevance to the rest of the plot either, felt like I had picked up a different book at times.
I did like Abby and Jock’s relationship but the timeline didn’t work and as a reader it never felt like they were that serious , what was it 1 week together whilst on bail?! 🤦🏻♀️
A couple of legal technicalities were wrong and I can’t help it but they do bother me lol.
Writing style was good though it just all seemed too much crammed into 1 book and I want to feel more connection with the characters and the love story.
I saw some reviews that said they laughed out loud. I didn’t laugh once, Beatrice’s exchange with Gregory was the only semi amusing part.
The middle of the book didn’t fit with the beginning and the end , I know it was where the MC met Abby but a multitude of different storylines would have made more sense than some random reality tv show. The whole ‘beat the trolls’ thing had no relevance to the rest of the plot either, felt like I had picked up a different book at times.
I did like Abby and Jock’s relationship but the timeline didn’t work and as a reader it never felt like they were that serious , what was it 1 week together whilst on bail?! 🤦🏻♀️
A couple of legal technicalities were wrong and I can’t help it but they do bother me lol.
Writing style was good though it just all seemed too much crammed into 1 book and I want to feel more connection with the characters and the love story.
November 6, 2024
I think this book was marketed wrong. It's marketed as a romance, but you don't really get much romance. It seems like a romance for maybe the first 10-15%, and then you don't see the romantic interest until maybe 85%? I would consider this to be a literary fiction/contemporary fiction with a very slight romance subplot.
While I do think this story could have been much funnier in the right hands, it wasn't? Very meh, 3 stars.
While I do think this story could have been much funnier in the right hands, it wasn't? Very meh, 3 stars.
August 21, 2024
Audiobook. Lovely read, really like the style of writing and the narration is great.
July 1, 2024
Title: Too Busy for Love
Author: Phoebe MacLeod
Genre: Romance , Comedy
Rating: ★★★★☆
Meet Beatrice, the meticulous manager of a London boutique hotel where her life revolves around ordered diaries, perfectly folded sheets, and ensuring guests leave happy. But when a police raid interrupts her orderly world, Beatrice finds herself unexpectedly on bail, stranded in London with only the company of Jock, the hotel chef.
What I Loved:
Beatrice’s Dream Job, Upended: Beatrice's world revolves around her dream job at one of London’s boutique hotels. She thrives on an ordered diary, crisply folded sheets, and happy guests. But when the police raid her hotel, her orderly life comes to a screeching halt. Suddenly, she finds herself released on bail and stuck in London with only the hotel chef, Jock, for company.
The Unexpected Delight of Jock: Jock, the hotel chef, is a delightful surprise. His easygoing nature and zest for life contrast beautifully with Beatrice’s structured world. Watching Beatrice let her hair down, both figuratively and literally, in Jock’s company is a joy. Despite the looming threat of possible prison time, their adventures exploring London are filled with laughter and unexpected romance.
A Bubble That Must Burst: The bubble of their carefree time together inevitably bursts when they are released without charge. Beatrice is determined to get her life and career back on track. She’s focused on her career dreams, but she can’t shake her feelings for Jock. This internal struggle between her professional aspirations and budding love is both relatable and engaging.
Can You Ever Be Too Busy for Love?: Beatrice’s journey is a heartwarming exploration of whether one can ever be too busy for love. Her meticulous nature and dedication to her career are admirable, but it’s her moments of spontaneity and joy with Jock that truly shine. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their banter is both witty and endearing.
A Hilarious and Heartfelt Rom-Com: Too Busy for Love is a fantastic rom-com that combines humour, romance, and a touch of adventure. MacLeod’s writing is sharp, and her characters are well-developed and lovable. Beatrice’s transformation from a work-obsessed hotel manager to someone who embraces love and spontaneity is beautifully executed.
This book is the perfect blend of comedy and romance, with a storyline that kept me engaged. Phoebe MacLeod has crafted a wonderful tale that reminds us that even the busiest people can find time for love.
Too Busy for Love by Phoebe MacLeod is a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com that will make you laugh, swoon, and cheer for Beatrice and Jock. It’s a delightful read that proves that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always room for love.
Thank you to The Publisher Boldwood Books ,The Author Phoebe MacLeod & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Author: Phoebe MacLeod
Genre: Romance , Comedy
Rating: ★★★★☆
Meet Beatrice, the meticulous manager of a London boutique hotel where her life revolves around ordered diaries, perfectly folded sheets, and ensuring guests leave happy. But when a police raid interrupts her orderly world, Beatrice finds herself unexpectedly on bail, stranded in London with only the company of Jock, the hotel chef.
What I Loved:
Beatrice’s Dream Job, Upended: Beatrice's world revolves around her dream job at one of London’s boutique hotels. She thrives on an ordered diary, crisply folded sheets, and happy guests. But when the police raid her hotel, her orderly life comes to a screeching halt. Suddenly, she finds herself released on bail and stuck in London with only the hotel chef, Jock, for company.
The Unexpected Delight of Jock: Jock, the hotel chef, is a delightful surprise. His easygoing nature and zest for life contrast beautifully with Beatrice’s structured world. Watching Beatrice let her hair down, both figuratively and literally, in Jock’s company is a joy. Despite the looming threat of possible prison time, their adventures exploring London are filled with laughter and unexpected romance.
A Bubble That Must Burst: The bubble of their carefree time together inevitably bursts when they are released without charge. Beatrice is determined to get her life and career back on track. She’s focused on her career dreams, but she can’t shake her feelings for Jock. This internal struggle between her professional aspirations and budding love is both relatable and engaging.
Can You Ever Be Too Busy for Love?: Beatrice’s journey is a heartwarming exploration of whether one can ever be too busy for love. Her meticulous nature and dedication to her career are admirable, but it’s her moments of spontaneity and joy with Jock that truly shine. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their banter is both witty and endearing.
A Hilarious and Heartfelt Rom-Com: Too Busy for Love is a fantastic rom-com that combines humour, romance, and a touch of adventure. MacLeod’s writing is sharp, and her characters are well-developed and lovable. Beatrice’s transformation from a work-obsessed hotel manager to someone who embraces love and spontaneity is beautifully executed.
This book is the perfect blend of comedy and romance, with a storyline that kept me engaged. Phoebe MacLeod has crafted a wonderful tale that reminds us that even the busiest people can find time for love.
Too Busy for Love by Phoebe MacLeod is a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com that will make you laugh, swoon, and cheer for Beatrice and Jock. It’s a delightful read that proves that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always room for love.
Thank you to The Publisher Boldwood Books ,The Author Phoebe MacLeod & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2024
I rarely rate an ARC a two or three, but man this was a pain to read, that I audibly sighed in relief at the end before i see the epilogue and had to endure yet another pages due to it. I almost dnf it a lot of times.
I wanna break down why this book isn't to me and falsely advertised in it's title as romantic and comedy/hilarious when in fact it didn't hit any of that with the hope that I can articulate it better than what i feel:
○ i appreciate the author wanting to be plot and character focused on this, but it took away the main plot of it all : Romance. There was nothing romantic on here, yes there were moments but it was overshadowed by side characters and side stories. I understand it was realistically possible since in real life we also rarely get the opportunity for love, but man this was FICTION, this was a Romance Fiction at that and yet, we only get utmost 30% or less of bookscreentime of the couple.gosh i am so frustrated. And the only sweet time thag happened? That first parts in the hotel after the police scenes and before they left it. After that it was all so miserable for me.
○ secondly, the plot it aims- it misfired in all direction thag it felt a whole lot like a joke(and that was not even funny or hilarious part it was meaning to sell. None of this is something i can remotely says it tickled the smiling nerve.) Where are the funny parts???
○ it felt like a series of novellas stitched together haphazardly to create the full book, and like running after word count at that. So many scenes could have been not included. So many scenes scrapped to make way for something more interesting or something to add to the romance. So so frustrating to read a first part thar was so promising only to be let down after they left the Hotel. It all became just a buzz of noisy words.
○ i totally understand the need for some of the characters but spending countless of pages on characters that did not even do justice to their lovestory or even the work/feminism thing happening, it was such a waste.
○lastly. Mygosh I agree with Flor (or whatever her name was) couldn't he have proposed on a better circumstance? Gosh that was so not just anticlimactic but something like oh "hmmm should we put the proposal here, so it can just gone and over with?" I understand the author wants to be faithful to the title, but the lack of surprise and even just simple UPS in the story: FRUSTRATING.
I NEVER GOTTEN THIS FRUSTRATED AND LONGREVIEW IN A BOOK. But it ate hours of my time I was on the edge of breaking down and having a long-ass BOOKSLUMP. Please for the love of god.
I wanna break down why this book isn't to me and falsely advertised in it's title as romantic and comedy/hilarious when in fact it didn't hit any of that with the hope that I can articulate it better than what i feel:
○ i appreciate the author wanting to be plot and character focused on this, but it took away the main plot of it all : Romance. There was nothing romantic on here, yes there were moments but it was overshadowed by side characters and side stories. I understand it was realistically possible since in real life we also rarely get the opportunity for love, but man this was FICTION, this was a Romance Fiction at that and yet, we only get utmost 30% or less of bookscreentime of the couple.gosh i am so frustrated. And the only sweet time thag happened? That first parts in the hotel after the police scenes and before they left it. After that it was all so miserable for me.
○ secondly, the plot it aims- it misfired in all direction thag it felt a whole lot like a joke(and that was not even funny or hilarious part it was meaning to sell. None of this is something i can remotely says it tickled the smiling nerve.) Where are the funny parts???
○ it felt like a series of novellas stitched together haphazardly to create the full book, and like running after word count at that. So many scenes could have been not included. So many scenes scrapped to make way for something more interesting or something to add to the romance. So so frustrating to read a first part thar was so promising only to be let down after they left the Hotel. It all became just a buzz of noisy words.
○ i totally understand the need for some of the characters but spending countless of pages on characters that did not even do justice to their lovestory or even the work/feminism thing happening, it was such a waste.
○lastly. Mygosh I agree with Flor (or whatever her name was) couldn't he have proposed on a better circumstance? Gosh that was so not just anticlimactic but something like oh "hmmm should we put the proposal here, so it can just gone and over with?" I understand the author wants to be faithful to the title, but the lack of surprise and even just simple UPS in the story: FRUSTRATING.
I NEVER GOTTEN THIS FRUSTRATED AND LONGREVIEW IN A BOOK. But it ate hours of my time I was on the edge of breaking down and having a long-ass BOOKSLUMP. Please for the love of god.
August 5, 2024
📚 PRE-PUBLICATION BOOK REVIEW 📚
Too Busy for Love By Phoebe MacLeod
Publication Date: August 13, 2024
Publisher: Boldwood Books
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up to 5⭐)
📚MY REVIEW:
Oh my goodness, this book was SO CUTE!! 🥰
Told from the perspective of our female main character, Beatrice, this story was so much more than just a forced proximity rom-com about the unexpected romantic connection between Beatrice and Jock.
Though the first part of the book was all about their connection - created out of a truly unfortunate experience - the majority of the story focused less on the relationship of Beatrice & Jock and more on the hilarious ups-and-downs of Beatrice's career. Don't get me wrong, there was still plenty of the meet-cute love story you want to see. But there was also so much more to the plotline of this book!
The whole cast of supporting characters here were fantastic! Even Beatrice's parents, who are pretty cringey in their concerns about their reputation, added to my enjoyment of the book. Honestly, I kinda wanted to hang out with everyone and be a part of the magic and fun that seemed to be waiting around every corner for Beatrice on her journey to create the life of her dreams.
This book was not what I expected from a rom-com read, and I think that made it even better for me. It was a fast read that entertained me and made me smile -- I even laughed out loud at times. And the ending gave me all the happily-ever-after vibes I was hoping for!
If you're looking for a fun rom-com that's got a little more moxie to it, this book is for you. If you want to read a rom-com with a little less "rom" and a little more "com," I highly recommend you give this one a read.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. Be sure you add this rom-com to your TBR list and get yourself a copy when it's published on August 13th!!
#TooBusyForLove #PhoebeMacLeod #NetGalley #ARC #boldwoodbookclub #boldwoodbookVIP #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #romcomreads #romcoms #booklover #booknerd #bookcommunity
Too Busy for Love By Phoebe MacLeod
Publication Date: August 13, 2024
Publisher: Boldwood Books
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up to 5⭐)
📚MY REVIEW:
Oh my goodness, this book was SO CUTE!! 🥰
Told from the perspective of our female main character, Beatrice, this story was so much more than just a forced proximity rom-com about the unexpected romantic connection between Beatrice and Jock.
Though the first part of the book was all about their connection - created out of a truly unfortunate experience - the majority of the story focused less on the relationship of Beatrice & Jock and more on the hilarious ups-and-downs of Beatrice's career. Don't get me wrong, there was still plenty of the meet-cute love story you want to see. But there was also so much more to the plotline of this book!
The whole cast of supporting characters here were fantastic! Even Beatrice's parents, who are pretty cringey in their concerns about their reputation, added to my enjoyment of the book. Honestly, I kinda wanted to hang out with everyone and be a part of the magic and fun that seemed to be waiting around every corner for Beatrice on her journey to create the life of her dreams.
This book was not what I expected from a rom-com read, and I think that made it even better for me. It was a fast read that entertained me and made me smile -- I even laughed out loud at times. And the ending gave me all the happily-ever-after vibes I was hoping for!
If you're looking for a fun rom-com that's got a little more moxie to it, this book is for you. If you want to read a rom-com with a little less "rom" and a little more "com," I highly recommend you give this one a read.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. Be sure you add this rom-com to your TBR list and get yourself a copy when it's published on August 13th!!
#TooBusyForLove #PhoebeMacLeod #NetGalley #ARC #boldwoodbookclub #boldwoodbookVIP #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #romcomreads #romcoms #booklover #booknerd #bookcommunity
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