What do you think?
Rate this book
The Do-Over
Thea Rogers has dedicated her life to her career in corporate law. Apart from her colleague and long-time friend-with-benefits Alasdair, she’s forgone friendships and relationships, and now she’s on track to become her firm’s youngest ever female partner. She should be ecstatic. But when a senior partner dies unexpectedly, Thea realises the people at his funeral are only there out of duty. Suddenly, Thea can’t shake the question: if she disappeared tomorrow, would anyone care?
As the life choices she's made suddenly make less and less sense, Thea is forced to make a decision. Stick with the original plan or take a completely different path.
Thea has a chance to do it right this time and fill her world with the things that matter. But can people really change? And once life starts looking up, why does it feel like there’s something… or someone she can’t seem to replace?
As the life choices she's made suddenly make less and less sense, Thea is forced to make a decision. Stick with the original plan or take a completely different path.
Thea has a chance to do it right this time and fill her world with the things that matter. But can people really change? And once life starts looking up, why does it feel like there’s something… or someone she can’t seem to replace?
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2024
883 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Phoebe MacLeod
30 books411 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
November 28, 2024
1.25!
I have nothing interesting to say about this book because I simply did not enjoy this. It was just not for me, when the publishers invited me to read this book I was captivated by the tropes and the overall premise of this book but it just did not deliver on it. The romance in this book was so disappointing. I was so disappointed because it just wasn't enough, I also did not like how it was written because the pacing felt very odd to me, it was very inconsistent :( at times it was so fast that I would be flying through and at other it felt like a slog and I would just not wish to continue it but despite the fluctuations not once did I felt any enjoyment out of the book and I know it's harsh but that what it is. The writing style I would say was interesting and maybe if the book was under better circumstances I would have enjoyed it but that wasn't the case here. At one point I was itching to dnf this but I didn't just because this was an arc.
I did not know what to make of Thea our fmc, she felt so frustrating at times, I wanted to pull my hairs out. At other times, she felt better but the inconsistency of her arc made me feel very put off with the book. Alisdair felt very one dimensional, I felt very disconnected from him and I honestly hate when I cant connect with the characters, it makes me reading that book pointless because I am not extracting any kind of enjoyment from the book. I feel given how it was promised it should've been executed better.
Overall, it was lackluster!!
*Thank you to Boldwood books for an E-Arc*
I have nothing interesting to say about this book because I simply did not enjoy this. It was just not for me, when the publishers invited me to read this book I was captivated by the tropes and the overall premise of this book but it just did not deliver on it. The romance in this book was so disappointing. I was so disappointed because it just wasn't enough, I also did not like how it was written because the pacing felt very odd to me, it was very inconsistent :( at times it was so fast that I would be flying through and at other it felt like a slog and I would just not wish to continue it but despite the fluctuations not once did I felt any enjoyment out of the book and I know it's harsh but that what it is. The writing style I would say was interesting and maybe if the book was under better circumstances I would have enjoyed it but that wasn't the case here. At one point I was itching to dnf this but I didn't just because this was an arc.
I did not know what to make of Thea our fmc, she felt so frustrating at times, I wanted to pull my hairs out. At other times, she felt better but the inconsistency of her arc made me feel very put off with the book. Alisdair felt very one dimensional, I felt very disconnected from him and I honestly hate when I cant connect with the characters, it makes me reading that book pointless because I am not extracting any kind of enjoyment from the book. I feel given how it was promised it should've been executed better.
Overall, it was lackluster!!
*Thank you to Boldwood books for an E-Arc*
October 19, 2024
1.5 stars ★
now.. i know that is a pretty nasty rating.. but i can explain (not really). i don’t exactly have problems with this book, except, I can’t think of anything I enjoyed either. it’s a meh. so this’ll be a pretty short review. 😔❤️🩹
💌 thoughts:
it was pretty easy to read, I flew through the pages despite not loving it. but it felt like not much actually happened? I don’t really recall any distinct plot points. and the romance.. very very minimal. this was advertised as a romcom😭😭 where was the rom? the com? I did nawt laugh once.. 💀
at the end, there was a sneak peak for book 2. and that seems more up my alley. im open to reading more of this author I think this just didn’t work out in particular. and tbh I went in expecting that bc the tropes were not my favs: friends with benefits, midlife crisis.. if that’s a trope. anything with lawyers, I just hate it all. perhaps if you enjoy reading about self-discovery and situationships you may love this and in that case I would recommend 🩷
thank you to boldwood books for kindly providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review!!
now.. i know that is a pretty nasty rating.. but i can explain (not really). i don’t exactly have problems with this book, except, I can’t think of anything I enjoyed either. it’s a meh. so this’ll be a pretty short review. 😔❤️🩹
💌 thoughts:
it was pretty easy to read, I flew through the pages despite not loving it. but it felt like not much actually happened? I don’t really recall any distinct plot points. and the romance.. very very minimal. this was advertised as a romcom😭😭 where was the rom? the com? I did nawt laugh once.. 💀
at the end, there was a sneak peak for book 2. and that seems more up my alley. im open to reading more of this author I think this just didn’t work out in particular. and tbh I went in expecting that bc the tropes were not my favs: friends with benefits, midlife crisis.. if that’s a trope. anything with lawyers, I just hate it all. perhaps if you enjoy reading about self-discovery and situationships you may love this and in that case I would recommend 🩷
thank you to boldwood books for kindly providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review!!
October 19, 2024
3 stars.
While I was head over heels in love with the FMC in the first half of the book, for some reason, the next half felt like a whole other story. The first half she was one character, then the second half she was another, and the transition was smooth. So it is very confusing. I did appreciate her changing pace and really trying to figure out what made her happy or what she wanted to do. However, the transition between the two didn't feel natural or fluid. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book though, so I'm giving it 3 stars for that.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood Books to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
While I was head over heels in love with the FMC in the first half of the book, for some reason, the next half felt like a whole other story. The first half she was one character, then the second half she was another, and the transition was smooth. So it is very confusing. I did appreciate her changing pace and really trying to figure out what made her happy or what she wanted to do. However, the transition between the two didn't feel natural or fluid. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book though, so I'm giving it 3 stars for that.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood Books to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
October 15, 2024
Sometimes, being the best at what you do, isn’t that important. Thea Rogers embarks on the road to self-discovery after becoming a big shot lawyer who has dedicated her life to climbing the corporate ladder. It isn’t until she attends the funeral of a colleague that she reflects on the life that she’s made for herself and wonders, is it all worth it?
Being made partner at a prestigious London firm is what she thought she wanted, but at what cost is it when her only relationships consist of irregular phone calls to her family, a friends-with-benefits situation with a colleague and the occasional disagreement with a neighbor over a parking space.
The first half of this book was inspiring. Following Thea on her journey of becoming the youngest, female partner at her firm had boss lady written all over it. Even during her epiphany, MacLeod’s writing style had you feeling like the main character’s personal cheerleader. Especially as she comes to realise that there are things more important than your career.
The forming of friendships and the drastic changes Thea makes, felt natural and progressive in a way that wasn’t rushed, yet felt necessary. The way the book is written allows it to be a fast-paced, page-turner without the usual complications.
However, as Thea’s story develops into the second half of her journey, it almost feels like I’m reading a different book. I loved the premise of Thea and her new friend Rebecca going all in on a new, yet risky adventure and how Thea’s perception is altered along the way but...
From the get-go, nothing about this book felt romance related. I thought it was more along the lines of female empowerment and self-development. So I was a bit confused as to why a potential love-interest was thrown in three-quarters of the way through, how Thea immediately changes her opinion of him and then how the reappearance of a character from the start of the book becomes her ‘happy ending’. It felt rushed, and confusing. And, completely unneccesary.
I enjoyed Thea’s storyline. Everything apart from her love-life felt important and inspiring. Developing friendships and reconnecting with family, discovering yourself and pursuing what’s important to you rather than expectations was what I took away from this book. Not everything has to be a romance, but it felt that the pressure of that led a halfhearted storyline to be chucked in halfway through.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed The Do-Over and read it in one sitting! If you’re looking to feel inspired and want encouragement to make a drastic change to your life, Thea’s story will surely motivate you!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
Being made partner at a prestigious London firm is what she thought she wanted, but at what cost is it when her only relationships consist of irregular phone calls to her family, a friends-with-benefits situation with a colleague and the occasional disagreement with a neighbor over a parking space.
The first half of this book was inspiring. Following Thea on her journey of becoming the youngest, female partner at her firm had boss lady written all over it. Even during her epiphany, MacLeod’s writing style had you feeling like the main character’s personal cheerleader. Especially as she comes to realise that there are things more important than your career.
The forming of friendships and the drastic changes Thea makes, felt natural and progressive in a way that wasn’t rushed, yet felt necessary. The way the book is written allows it to be a fast-paced, page-turner without the usual complications.
However, as Thea’s story develops into the second half of her journey, it almost feels like I’m reading a different book. I loved the premise of Thea and her new friend Rebecca going all in on a new, yet risky adventure and how Thea’s perception is altered along the way but...
From the get-go, nothing about this book felt romance related. I thought it was more along the lines of female empowerment and self-development. So I was a bit confused as to why a potential love-interest was thrown in three-quarters of the way through, how Thea immediately changes her opinion of him and then how the reappearance of a character from the start of the book becomes her ‘happy ending’. It felt rushed, and confusing. And, completely unneccesary.
I enjoyed Thea’s storyline. Everything apart from her love-life felt important and inspiring. Developing friendships and reconnecting with family, discovering yourself and pursuing what’s important to you rather than expectations was what I took away from this book. Not everything has to be a romance, but it felt that the pressure of that led a halfhearted storyline to be chucked in halfway through.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed The Do-Over and read it in one sitting! If you’re looking to feel inspired and want encouragement to make a drastic change to your life, Thea’s story will surely motivate you!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
November 15, 2024
After a tumultuous childhood, Thea has dedicated her life to being a corporate lawyer.
She’s put all her time into becoming the firms youngest female partner instead of cultivating friendships and relationships, with the exception of her ‘colleague and long-time friend-with-benefits Alasdair’.
The unexpected death of a senior partner makes her rethink her life, when the only attendees at his funeral are his colleagues. She’s hit with a dilemma - follow the trajectory she’s worked towards and end up like him, or take a completely new path and fill her life with new people and experiences.
So I’m starting this with a disclaimer I’m kind of over contemporary romances where the FMC has a successful high powered career at the start of the novel but lacking in a personal life (no friends or dating life etc) - work is their ‘life’. She then meets, or starts a relationship with, the MMC and realises there’s more to life than work and decides to scrap the career she’s worked her whole life towards. We leave her at the end of the book doing a more ‘wholesome’ job and leaving the corporate world behind. Please can we scrap the narrative that women can’t concurrently have successful corporate jobs and a successful love life. I just want one novel where she gets the guy, but also gets to keep the job she’s worked her entire life to get.
I understand she felt at an impasse with her job and life, that her colleagues passing made her have an epiphany that she didn’t want to live a life like his. But she loved her job before- she was happy about the promotion. I just don’t see her quitting her job out the blue (granted she did give it a few months) because the spark wasn’t there anymore.
I did however enjoy her journey of rediscovery with her new friend Rebecca. I really enjoyed the sections of the book that focused on her building that friendship and setting up a new life based on connections - this was where the book showed it strengths. The fact that they took a shared interest and turned it into a career for both of them - something they were actually passionate about.
In contrast, the romance plot seemed kinda shoehorned into the last quarter of the book. In my opinion the trajectory of the plot would’ve been far more impactful if it solely followed her journey of self discovery and finding out what she wanted from life. If it focused on the friendships she made and her reflections on what she learned without a romance plot shoved in at the end. We didn’t really see the MMC at all throughout the novel so her decision that he’s what she was looking for seemed to subvert her entire journey of finding herself.
ARC copy provided by Boldwood Books & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
She’s put all her time into becoming the firms youngest female partner instead of cultivating friendships and relationships, with the exception of her ‘colleague and long-time friend-with-benefits Alasdair’.
The unexpected death of a senior partner makes her rethink her life, when the only attendees at his funeral are his colleagues. She’s hit with a dilemma - follow the trajectory she’s worked towards and end up like him, or take a completely new path and fill her life with new people and experiences.
So I’m starting this with a disclaimer I’m kind of over contemporary romances where the FMC has a successful high powered career at the start of the novel but lacking in a personal life (no friends or dating life etc) - work is their ‘life’. She then meets, or starts a relationship with, the MMC and realises there’s more to life than work and decides to scrap the career she’s worked her whole life towards. We leave her at the end of the book doing a more ‘wholesome’ job and leaving the corporate world behind. Please can we scrap the narrative that women can’t concurrently have successful corporate jobs and a successful love life. I just want one novel where she gets the guy, but also gets to keep the job she’s worked her entire life to get.
I understand she felt at an impasse with her job and life, that her colleagues passing made her have an epiphany that she didn’t want to live a life like his. But she loved her job before- she was happy about the promotion. I just don’t see her quitting her job out the blue (granted she did give it a few months) because the spark wasn’t there anymore.
I did however enjoy her journey of rediscovery with her new friend Rebecca. I really enjoyed the sections of the book that focused on her building that friendship and setting up a new life based on connections - this was where the book showed it strengths. The fact that they took a shared interest and turned it into a career for both of them - something they were actually passionate about.
In contrast, the romance plot seemed kinda shoehorned into the last quarter of the book. In my opinion the trajectory of the plot would’ve been far more impactful if it solely followed her journey of self discovery and finding out what she wanted from life. If it focused on the friendships she made and her reflections on what she learned without a romance plot shoved in at the end. We didn’t really see the MMC at all throughout the novel so her decision that he’s what she was looking for seemed to subvert her entire journey of finding herself.
ARC copy provided by Boldwood Books & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2025
1.5 lol what else did I expect from a kindle unlimited romcom
February 3, 2025
this was a good book to read while travelling
November 6, 2024
'Some people are surprisngly flexible in matters of the heart"
This was very different to what I was expecting.
The Do-Over by Pheobe MacLeod focuses on Thea Rogers, who has spent her entire life striving to be the best at everything she does. After years of dedicating her life to her career in corporate law, she achieves the thing she's always wanted. She is the youngest female partner in her firms history. However when a senior partner suddenly dies, Thea realises the only people at his funeral are there because they feel they have to be. It sends Thea spirilling as she reconsiders her life choices, but can she really change, or is it too late for a do-over.
So this book was totally different to what I was expecting. I was expecting a rom com, with with a friends with benefits to something more. What I got was a story about a woman who recongises she isn't happy with her life, and enemies to best firends, rediscovery journey, and I loved it.
Thea is one of those characters who is just instantly relatable, even in her coporate law job, when she is no nonsense, and totally focused on her job, and then again when she haves a not quite mid life crisis, and in all honesty I enjoyed her character all the more for it. She was really relatable in the way she showed her frustrations, the way she questioned everything, we've all been there when loosing someone very suddenly, even if it's someone we don't know or like very much there is usually still that feeling of oh wow, making us question what we'll leave behind when we go.
I really like Rebecca as a character as well. The difference from when she's first introducewd to when her and Thea actually become friends is really interesting, and it's almost like she was two different characters. The firendship between her and Thea felt so special, no underlying feelings of jealousy, no clinging onto a friendship when everything falls apart. Even though they were two very different people there's no patronising, and honestly I think this book is less of a romcom, and more a testement to female friendships, which is something I am severly lacking on my bookshelves.
I did have a couple of complaints, I wish there weren't so many time jumps. There was a few too many times when you start a new chapter and suddenly its been six months, or its been weeks, or its been two months. THings like that when I'm reading feel very disjointed and take me out of the story. Don't get me wrong time jumps can be good, but there were just too many, it felt like there would be this big build up to something, it happens, and then its months later, there's no fallout from it happening, there's no emotion connected to it happening, and it just takes me out of the story a little.
It also felt like I was reading two different books. The second half of the book felt so vastly different to the beginning of the book that it could have easily been it's own book. Both were good but mixed with the time jumps it just added a little to the feeling of being disjointed.
Also personally I wouldn't consider it a romcom in the traditional sense. It was funny at multiple points, Rebecca meeting Ben had me genuinley laughing out loud, but the romance aspect really takes a backseat, but to me that wasn't a bad thing. I found myself more invested in Thea and Rebecca's story and doing up the house then I was with the romance plot, and I think it would have worked out without it to be honest. It felt a little bit like there are very few chapters left we need to get the romance sorted, but I still enjoyed it and still really enjoyed the happy ending.
All in all despite a few issues I really enjoyed this book, and flew through it (I finsihed it in two days) and it's really made me want to check out more of Pheobe MacLeod's books.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy, all thoughts are my own.
This was very different to what I was expecting.
The Do-Over by Pheobe MacLeod focuses on Thea Rogers, who has spent her entire life striving to be the best at everything she does. After years of dedicating her life to her career in corporate law, she achieves the thing she's always wanted. She is the youngest female partner in her firms history. However when a senior partner suddenly dies, Thea realises the only people at his funeral are there because they feel they have to be. It sends Thea spirilling as she reconsiders her life choices, but can she really change, or is it too late for a do-over.
So this book was totally different to what I was expecting. I was expecting a rom com, with with a friends with benefits to something more. What I got was a story about a woman who recongises she isn't happy with her life, and enemies to best firends, rediscovery journey, and I loved it.
Thea is one of those characters who is just instantly relatable, even in her coporate law job, when she is no nonsense, and totally focused on her job, and then again when she haves a not quite mid life crisis, and in all honesty I enjoyed her character all the more for it. She was really relatable in the way she showed her frustrations, the way she questioned everything, we've all been there when loosing someone very suddenly, even if it's someone we don't know or like very much there is usually still that feeling of oh wow, making us question what we'll leave behind when we go.
I really like Rebecca as a character as well. The difference from when she's first introducewd to when her and Thea actually become friends is really interesting, and it's almost like she was two different characters. The firendship between her and Thea felt so special, no underlying feelings of jealousy, no clinging onto a friendship when everything falls apart. Even though they were two very different people there's no patronising, and honestly I think this book is less of a romcom, and more a testement to female friendships, which is something I am severly lacking on my bookshelves.
I did have a couple of complaints, I wish there weren't so many time jumps. There was a few too many times when you start a new chapter and suddenly its been six months, or its been weeks, or its been two months. THings like that when I'm reading feel very disjointed and take me out of the story. Don't get me wrong time jumps can be good, but there were just too many, it felt like there would be this big build up to something, it happens, and then its months later, there's no fallout from it happening, there's no emotion connected to it happening, and it just takes me out of the story a little.
It also felt like I was reading two different books. The second half of the book felt so vastly different to the beginning of the book that it could have easily been it's own book. Both were good but mixed with the time jumps it just added a little to the feeling of being disjointed.
Also personally I wouldn't consider it a romcom in the traditional sense. It was funny at multiple points, Rebecca meeting Ben had me genuinley laughing out loud, but the romance aspect really takes a backseat, but to me that wasn't a bad thing. I found myself more invested in Thea and Rebecca's story and doing up the house then I was with the romance plot, and I think it would have worked out without it to be honest. It felt a little bit like there are very few chapters left we need to get the romance sorted, but I still enjoyed it and still really enjoyed the happy ending.
All in all despite a few issues I really enjoyed this book, and flew through it (I finsihed it in two days) and it's really made me want to check out more of Pheobe MacLeod's books.
Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy, all thoughts are my own.
April 9, 2025
Finding a New Purpose
Thea - aka Thearless to her friends - is a force to be reckoned with.
Raised by a single mum in poverty after her father gambled everything they owned, Thea is determined to succeed.
She works hard at Uni, then at the prestigious law firm where she passes banter with her best friend Alasdair, and finally gets to become the youngest partner in her firm.
Between a FWB thing with Alasdair and seeing very little of her mum or sister Saffy, everything suddenly changes when John, one of the partners dies and at his funeral is his widow, mistress and her child, plus everyone from the firm.
No one to really feel the loss.
Could that happen to her?
So begins her 'do over' gardening leave from law, meeting new friends and making a new life.
The only hitch is the embargo from speaking to her best friend.
I liked the family dynamic, the unexpected friendship with Rebecca following car parking battles, and how she tries the new joint venture.
However, I'm not sure the rom com is the central focus here.
It's more of an add on.
She gets her HEA, but the way she seems to dismiss not seeing her best friend for nine months and doesn't argue it, then her reaction on his return, all feels a bit off.
We can see how he feels, but the end feels a bit wedged in in respect of the romance angle.
Otherwise it's a fun comedy about friends, family, flour and finding yourself.
Thea - aka Thearless to her friends - is a force to be reckoned with.
Raised by a single mum in poverty after her father gambled everything they owned, Thea is determined to succeed.
She works hard at Uni, then at the prestigious law firm where she passes banter with her best friend Alasdair, and finally gets to become the youngest partner in her firm.
Between a FWB thing with Alasdair and seeing very little of her mum or sister Saffy, everything suddenly changes when John, one of the partners dies and at his funeral is his widow, mistress and her child, plus everyone from the firm.
No one to really feel the loss.
Could that happen to her?
So begins her 'do over' gardening leave from law, meeting new friends and making a new life.
The only hitch is the embargo from speaking to her best friend.
I liked the family dynamic, the unexpected friendship with Rebecca following car parking battles, and how she tries the new joint venture.
However, I'm not sure the rom com is the central focus here.
It's more of an add on.
She gets her HEA, but the way she seems to dismiss not seeing her best friend for nine months and doesn't argue it, then her reaction on his return, all feels a bit off.
We can see how he feels, but the end feels a bit wedged in in respect of the romance angle.
Otherwise it's a fun comedy about friends, family, flour and finding yourself.
October 19, 2024
This heartwarming novel invites readers on a journey of self-reflection and transformation through the eyes of Thea Rogers, a driven corporate lawyer who starts to question the very choices that once defined her. At the outset, Thea seems consumed by her career, an obsession that has left her disconnected from her family and the simple joys of life. Though she justifies these sacrifices by the prestigious career milestone she’s just achieved, it’s not long before reality sets in. Thea is forced to confront the emptiness that success has brought, realizing that the very path she’s spent her life pursuing has left her unfulfilled.
Thea’s internal struggle will resonate with anyone who has ever felt isolated or wondered whether they are truly on the right path. As she takes a bold leap to reimagine her future, the tone of the novel shifts from bleakness to hope, offering a reassuring message: it’s never too late to change direction.
This is an easy read, perfect for unwinding after a long day. I recommend it for readers who enjoy stories of personal growth, self-discovery, and the importance of appreciating what truly matters in life.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Thea’s internal struggle will resonate with anyone who has ever felt isolated or wondered whether they are truly on the right path. As she takes a bold leap to reimagine her future, the tone of the novel shifts from bleakness to hope, offering a reassuring message: it’s never too late to change direction.
This is an easy read, perfect for unwinding after a long day. I recommend it for readers who enjoy stories of personal growth, self-discovery, and the importance of appreciating what truly matters in life.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
November 21, 2024
Thea is a corporate lawyer that works in mergers and acquisitions. She doesn’t have a relationship nor any friendships. She is pretty much married to her work. She’s even on track to become the firm’s youngest junior partner. But then a senior partner dies and Thea starts questioning what she wants. She decides to take a different path with her life with an unexpected friend. Something’s missing however, but what, or who, is going to fill that void?
So…. this book was just okay. I loved the first part of the book where she knew what she wanted and went for it – the youngest female junior partner at the law firm she worked at. It’s sort of inspiring. I get feeling overworked. I get questioning whether it’s the right path. But to just change like she did seemed out of character for her. And then the book got really boring. It felt like the book was going nowhere, and not even fast. It was going no where very slowly.
This is advertised as a rom-com, but there’s barely any romance in it. It’s more of a self discovery story really. Thea was on a journey of self discovery to find what made her happy. There were a few chapters with romance thrown in there, but it was VERY minimal. I really would have liked more of the romance and less of the watermill.
There is supposed a be a book two, but I don’t know if I’m going to read it.
So…. this book was just okay. I loved the first part of the book where she knew what she wanted and went for it – the youngest female junior partner at the law firm she worked at. It’s sort of inspiring. I get feeling overworked. I get questioning whether it’s the right path. But to just change like she did seemed out of character for her. And then the book got really boring. It felt like the book was going nowhere, and not even fast. It was going no where very slowly.
This is advertised as a rom-com, but there’s barely any romance in it. It’s more of a self discovery story really. Thea was on a journey of self discovery to find what made her happy. There were a few chapters with romance thrown in there, but it was VERY minimal. I really would have liked more of the romance and less of the watermill.
There is supposed a be a book two, but I don’t know if I’m going to read it.
Read
October 19, 2024Page 96 'I'm turning into a bit of a domestic goddess, even though I say so myself.'
This book is so so similar to 'The Undomestic Goddess' by Sophie Kinsella. The main character - a young women with a workaholic lifestyle as a lawyer. She is casually dating another lawyer, doesn't know how to cook or clean. She doesn't see her family that often and has always wanted to be a lawyer. Then she realises she is burned out, quits her job and finds happiness with the simple things in life.
This is essentially the plot of both novels. There are some differences, but the essence of the story is the same.
I did quite enjoy this novel and the funny, engaging, entertaining and easy to read way it was written. But it bugs me how similar it is to a book that was published twenty years ago.
I feel like I can't accurately give this novel a star rating.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
This book is so so similar to 'The Undomestic Goddess' by Sophie Kinsella. The main character - a young women with a workaholic lifestyle as a lawyer. She is casually dating another lawyer, doesn't know how to cook or clean. She doesn't see her family that often and has always wanted to be a lawyer. Then she realises she is burned out, quits her job and finds happiness with the simple things in life.
This is essentially the plot of both novels. There are some differences, but the essence of the story is the same.
I did quite enjoy this novel and the funny, engaging, entertaining and easy to read way it was written. But it bugs me how similar it is to a book that was published twenty years ago.
I feel like I can't accurately give this novel a star rating.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
November 18, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Phoebe MacLeod for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute book, easy read but not one that had me very invested. Thea was equally great and frustrating. I enjoyed seeing her grow outside of being a lawyer - learn to connect with her family and build friendships.
Thea is married to her job as a lawyer- it is literally her personality. She has a co-worker/friends with benefits but other than that, just work. After seeing a senior partner in the firm pass away and have very few significant personal relationships to show for it Thea finds herself lacking her unwavering dedication to her work.
After a while, she finds herself resigning much to everyone’s shock. Soon, her neighbor and Thea team up to flip a fixer upper only they end up with more than they expected.
I didn’t understand how quickly she can start/stop/adjust feelings for people and the romance if it all felt very much an afterthought.
Closed door.
This was a cute book, easy read but not one that had me very invested. Thea was equally great and frustrating. I enjoyed seeing her grow outside of being a lawyer - learn to connect with her family and build friendships.
Thea is married to her job as a lawyer- it is literally her personality. She has a co-worker/friends with benefits but other than that, just work. After seeing a senior partner in the firm pass away and have very few significant personal relationships to show for it Thea finds herself lacking her unwavering dedication to her work.
After a while, she finds herself resigning much to everyone’s shock. Soon, her neighbor and Thea team up to flip a fixer upper only they end up with more than they expected.
I didn’t understand how quickly she can start/stop/adjust feelings for people and the romance if it all felt very much an afterthought.
Closed door.
October 18, 2024
Thea is the youngest female partner at her law firm when a senior partner unexpectedly passes away. She makes friends with Rebecca, her neighbor and his former mistress, and decides to leave law and start something new. While there is romance woven in, this is mostly a women’s fiction type book of self discovery!
March 11, 2025
I really wanted to love this book. The description sounded super interesting and something I definitely would read. While Thea’s story started off with interest and potential, later on it took a turn that wasn’t cohesive with the rest. The idea of a ‘do-over’ is intriguing but I don’t think it had the necessary impact.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced readers copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced readers copy.
June 5, 2025
I did like this book but I'd only give it a 2.5.
, I felt there should have been way more a connection built with the love interest, especially as at the beginning she talks about zoning out during their intimate times, but at the end of the book... she is just with him.. then no real change of emotions towards him. Overall, nice book, easy to read even if I myself zoned out a couple of times 😆.
, I felt there should have been way more a connection built with the love interest, especially as at the beginning she talks about zoning out during their intimate times, but at the end of the book... she is just with him.. then no real change of emotions towards him. Overall, nice book, easy to read even if I myself zoned out a couple of times 😆.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
this book was rlly tedious at times but so real! i think i would react the same as thea if i decided to quit my job after working towards it my whole life and she’s so courageous for starting something new! alasdair 😍😍
February 24, 2025
Loved this, I’ve read a couple of her books and they’re easy to read. Would be good for a holiday read, enjoyed the story and the main character was likeable. As I work in a law firm, I found it interesting with her background in law.
February 3, 2025
unfortunately this was a waste of my time. so boring.
April 27, 2025
At no point did I know where this book was going. And idk if that was a good or bad thing
January 18, 2025
Enjoyable.
If you enjoy sophie kinsella you'll enjoy this
If you enjoy sophie kinsella you'll enjoy this
March 19, 2025
2025: Somewhat predictable rom com easy reading
November 30, 2024
✅Is there more to life than your job?
That is what main character, Thea, has to decide.
The plot was interesting though a bit confusing.
There is a little romance in the story. Nothing major though.
All in all, I did laugh out loud a few times and enjoyed reading The Do-Over.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
That is what main character, Thea, has to decide.
The plot was interesting though a bit confusing.
There is a little romance in the story. Nothing major though.
All in all, I did laugh out loud a few times and enjoyed reading The Do-Over.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 20, 2025
The Do-Over follows Thea, a dedicated lawyer with little life outside work - a few dutiful calls to family and a friends-with-benefits situation with her colleague, Alasdair - but she's determined to become the firm's youngest ever female partner. When a disliked senior partner dies, this prompts Thea to question her life, what she actually wants, and why exactly she is working so hard? As this ruminates, she finds herself losing her drive and, ultimately, her job, but gains a fresh start to live a life she wants, full of people and things that matter.
This started as relatable, with a clear narrative. Thea is ambitious, but doesn't know what to do with herself whenever she's off work, preferring to work late and practically live at the office. With death comes reflection, and I understand how that began to eat away at her. Thea's career questioning was particularly apt for me, though I have been questioning why I killed myself working so hard when it only harmed me for several years.
"I've tried to summon the enthusiasm that I used to feel, it's just not there. In fact, I feel more and more like someone who's trapped on a train that's going in the wrong direction, and there's no sign of a station where I can get off and change tracks" and "I'm not hungry anymore. I'm tired, fed up, and losing interest" really encapsulate the despair of realising your life is just happening to you. When you've dove headfirst onto the conveyor belt, striving for a goal you think you want, and something causes you to question that? The glass has shattered, and now you're looking for a way out, for someone to save you, for a break. You can't un-break the glass, but now you have to figure out how you sweep it up and how you fix what was broken. Or you live with a draft and glass in your feet.
"What on Earth am I going to do with the rest of my life?"
Unfortunately, I feel that Thea hopped off of one career conveyor belt only to get straight onto another. Much of her life still doesn't seem to be hers, more going along with things because it's easier. She does show some resistance when things spiral outside of what she signed up for, but she still relents and dives into that situation head first. Even the romance seemed to happen to her. She fancies the one viable man she meets, who everyone tells her isn't enough for her, but he's there and I guess he's hot so that's 'what she wants'. Then, when a man she hasn't spoken to for several months and didn't really think of that much shows that he loves her, she jumps into that instead. I would've preferred no romance at all than this, as it was lacklustre, without build up, and just sort of happened. I highly doubt they will last long term, and I know first hand that you can't just make yourself love someone back. Frankly, I was hoping she would have a romance with her friend as they had a much better relationship (and were mistaken as a couple), but alas it stays straight. Even trying out a couple of things before finding the right thing would've demonstrated that she had more agency and was genuinely trying to figure out what she wanted. I hope my interpretation is wrong, and that Thea is and will continue to be genuinely happy with her 'choices', but I feel that the self-reflection stagnated and she was just floundering for something to do and for someone to love. I don't think she actually figured out what she wanted. But then, neither have I.
This was an easy read, and perhaps I'm conflating it with my own experiences, but I wish this was more of an exploration. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This started as relatable, with a clear narrative. Thea is ambitious, but doesn't know what to do with herself whenever she's off work, preferring to work late and practically live at the office. With death comes reflection, and I understand how that began to eat away at her. Thea's career questioning was particularly apt for me, though I have been questioning why I killed myself working so hard when it only harmed me for several years.
"I've tried to summon the enthusiasm that I used to feel, it's just not there. In fact, I feel more and more like someone who's trapped on a train that's going in the wrong direction, and there's no sign of a station where I can get off and change tracks" and "I'm not hungry anymore. I'm tired, fed up, and losing interest" really encapsulate the despair of realising your life is just happening to you. When you've dove headfirst onto the conveyor belt, striving for a goal you think you want, and something causes you to question that? The glass has shattered, and now you're looking for a way out, for someone to save you, for a break. You can't un-break the glass, but now you have to figure out how you sweep it up and how you fix what was broken. Or you live with a draft and glass in your feet.
"What on Earth am I going to do with the rest of my life?"
Unfortunately, I feel that Thea hopped off of one career conveyor belt only to get straight onto another. Much of her life still doesn't seem to be hers, more going along with things because it's easier. She does show some resistance when things spiral outside of what she signed up for, but she still relents and dives into that situation head first. Even the romance seemed to happen to her. She fancies the one viable man she meets, who everyone tells her isn't enough for her, but he's there and I guess he's hot so that's 'what she wants'. Then, when a man she hasn't spoken to for several months and didn't really think of that much shows that he loves her, she jumps into that instead. I would've preferred no romance at all than this, as it was lacklustre, without build up, and just sort of happened. I highly doubt they will last long term, and I know first hand that you can't just make yourself love someone back. Frankly, I was hoping she would have a romance with her friend as they had a much better relationship (and were mistaken as a couple), but alas it stays straight. Even trying out a couple of things before finding the right thing would've demonstrated that she had more agency and was genuinely trying to figure out what she wanted. I hope my interpretation is wrong, and that Thea is and will continue to be genuinely happy with her 'choices', but I feel that the self-reflection stagnated and she was just floundering for something to do and for someone to love. I don't think she actually figured out what she wanted. But then, neither have I.
This was an easy read, and perhaps I'm conflating it with my own experiences, but I wish this was more of an exploration. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
May 8, 2025
Adorable book about a character that decides to uproot her life and try something different
November 29, 2024
Thea Rogers is very good at her job. She’s a lawyer at Morton-Lansdowne, a corporate law office in the middle of London. She becomes the youngest-ever woman to make partner at the firm, but she lives a lonely existence. She has built her life so completely around her law career that there is practically nothing to enjoy outside of it. Then, an unexpected death at the company leads Thea to realize that her aspirations aren’t leading to a future that will make her happier. In a matter of weeks, Thea sets out with an unexpected friend/business partner to start a completely new life - one where she has to make her own plan and find her own happiness.
Thea is an excellent protagonist in this story. She is likeable and capable. When she achieves everything she’s ever wanted, she’s up to the increased demands from the firm. As she attends an obligatory funeral surrounded by people indifferent (at best) to the deceased, it becomes the wake-up call she needs to reflect on her own life. The author drops hints of Thea’s interest in her new business endeavor before the epiphany occurs. As she and her partner make their way out of their comfort zones, Thea’s ability to roll with the punches, negotiate, and remain productive in the face of uncertainty serves her well.
Despite its marketing as a romantic comedy, the romance plot in The Do-Over is decidedly not the focus of the story, which I appreciate. Thea is a powerhouse. Even in her “new life”, she still carries with her the knowledge and expertise to make a business work. The romantic interest, as he comes in, has to prove himself as worthy to her, rather than making his affection something that Thea has to earn. That quality is exceedingly rare in this genre.
Where this book falls just shy of a 5-star read is how conflicts are handled in the story. Everything is a little too convenient, at times. After the epiphany, Thea has a bit of a tailspin, and her family brings up the subject of therapy, but she brushes it off and, a few weeks later, gets better. Thea’s business partner, who hasn’t worked in years, is suddenly fully up to the task of being a co-owner of their new endeavor, in a field where she also has no experience. The two of them pick up and move to a small-town community that welcomes them with open arms. The guy who brokers the deal with Thea and her business partner “just so happens” to have all the contacts they need to get their business off the ground, and he’s willing to stick around and work for them at a below-market rate. When their ideas don’t go according to plan, Thea barely has time to consider her options before a fully fleshed-out proposal is literally handed to her. Then, I would expect the prospect of such a large financial undertaking to give Thea more pause than it does, given the snapshot of her childhood that we see in the prologue, but it doesn’t. It takes her some time to come around to the new idea, and then she’s fine with it - no additional turmoil at all. But in the end, these are just nitpicks. I really did enjoy this one.
If I gave partial-stars, The Do-Over would be a solid 4.5 out of 5. Fans of irreverent British humor and self-sufficient female protagonists should find a lot to like in this cozy novel. I am fully on board with reading more from Phoebe MacLeod.
**Thank you to Boldwood Books and Phoebe MacLeod for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**
Thea is an excellent protagonist in this story. She is likeable and capable. When she achieves everything she’s ever wanted, she’s up to the increased demands from the firm. As she attends an obligatory funeral surrounded by people indifferent (at best) to the deceased, it becomes the wake-up call she needs to reflect on her own life. The author drops hints of Thea’s interest in her new business endeavor before the epiphany occurs. As she and her partner make their way out of their comfort zones, Thea’s ability to roll with the punches, negotiate, and remain productive in the face of uncertainty serves her well.
Despite its marketing as a romantic comedy, the romance plot in The Do-Over is decidedly not the focus of the story, which I appreciate. Thea is a powerhouse. Even in her “new life”, she still carries with her the knowledge and expertise to make a business work. The romantic interest, as he comes in, has to prove himself as worthy to her, rather than making his affection something that Thea has to earn. That quality is exceedingly rare in this genre.
Where this book falls just shy of a 5-star read is how conflicts are handled in the story. Everything is a little too convenient, at times. After the epiphany, Thea has a bit of a tailspin, and her family brings up the subject of therapy, but she brushes it off and, a few weeks later, gets better. Thea’s business partner, who hasn’t worked in years, is suddenly fully up to the task of being a co-owner of their new endeavor, in a field where she also has no experience. The two of them pick up and move to a small-town community that welcomes them with open arms. The guy who brokers the deal with Thea and her business partner “just so happens” to have all the contacts they need to get their business off the ground, and he’s willing to stick around and work for them at a below-market rate. When their ideas don’t go according to plan, Thea barely has time to consider her options before a fully fleshed-out proposal is literally handed to her. Then, I would expect the prospect of such a large financial undertaking to give Thea more pause than it does, given the snapshot of her childhood that we see in the prologue, but it doesn’t. It takes her some time to come around to the new idea, and then she’s fine with it - no additional turmoil at all. But in the end, these are just nitpicks. I really did enjoy this one.
If I gave partial-stars, The Do-Over would be a solid 4.5 out of 5. Fans of irreverent British humor and self-sufficient female protagonists should find a lot to like in this cozy novel. I am fully on board with reading more from Phoebe MacLeod.
**Thank you to Boldwood Books and Phoebe MacLeod for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**
November 26, 2024
Despite being made youngest partner in one of the most respectable law firms in London, Thea isn't happy. Not really. It only gets worse as the initial sense of accomplishment wears off and when a senior colleague suddenly passes away and people are only there to attend the service out of duty not because they want to be there or that they're grieving. This kicks off her journey to self discovery as Thea slowly begins to realize that there might be more to life than chasing off the next big thing.
The first third of the book was relatable and interesting as Thea struggled to come to terms with the fact that the dream she had been chasing her whole life might not be what she truly wants. I liked that she sat with the feeling for a few months and did not act impulsively before finally quitting her job as a lawyer.
Though it did not stay that way for long. The book felt like it was two different stories because while Thea in the first third of the book was logical and hesitant, rational even. It was all thrown out after she quit her job. Her character went downhill, the
plot felt dragged out and never-ending with a romance that felt more like an afterthought than a natural integration to the storyline (which I wouldn't have minded at all if the book wasn't marketed as a romance.)
I wish we'd gotten to see her act like a boss lady lawyer at least once before we got switched to the do-over part of the storyline because despite being told throughout the book how Thea was the best legal mind in London, we never really got to see her in action. It was all told later in an exposition which was a bummer. This character trait also made it all the more difficult to wrap my head around the fact that after quitting her job, it almost felt like Thea was a completely different person. She didn't think twice before jumping on the decision to sell her house on the suggestion of a neighbour she *barely* knew. I mean I get that she wanted to start over and do something completely different but the way she acted in the last two thirds of the book really threw me off. I had a hard time believing that she used to be a hot shot lawyer when she doesn't think twice before investing in a property with little to no interest by the audience at the auction with the intention to remodel it and sell it later? Make it make sense.
The character was a far cry from the way she supposedly started and it made me want to bang my head against the wall until I could conjure up some animals for her farm that Thea suddenly wants to run (also a suggestion of the newly acquainted friend) Her behaviour with her family got on my nerves, I mean I get that you guys aren't close but that doesn't mean you should jump to bite their head off any chance you get.
The first third of the book was relatable and interesting as Thea struggled to come to terms with the fact that the dream she had been chasing her whole life might not be what she truly wants. I liked that she sat with the feeling for a few months and did not act impulsively before finally quitting her job as a lawyer.
Though it did not stay that way for long. The book felt like it was two different stories because while Thea in the first third of the book was logical and hesitant, rational even. It was all thrown out after she quit her job. Her character went downhill, the
plot felt dragged out and never-ending with a romance that felt more like an afterthought than a natural integration to the storyline (which I wouldn't have minded at all if the book wasn't marketed as a romance.)
I wish we'd gotten to see her act like a boss lady lawyer at least once before we got switched to the do-over part of the storyline because despite being told throughout the book how Thea was the best legal mind in London, we never really got to see her in action. It was all told later in an exposition which was a bummer. This character trait also made it all the more difficult to wrap my head around the fact that after quitting her job, it almost felt like Thea was a completely different person. She didn't think twice before jumping on the decision to sell her house on the suggestion of a neighbour she *barely* knew. I mean I get that she wanted to start over and do something completely different but the way she acted in the last two thirds of the book really threw me off. I had a hard time believing that she used to be a hot shot lawyer when she doesn't think twice before investing in a property with little to no interest by the audience at the auction with the intention to remodel it and sell it later? Make it make sense.
The character was a far cry from the way she supposedly started and it made me want to bang my head against the wall until I could conjure up some animals for her farm that Thea suddenly wants to run (also a suggestion of the newly acquainted friend) Her behaviour with her family got on my nerves, I mean I get that you guys aren't close but that doesn't mean you should jump to bite their head off any chance you get.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2024
2 stars
This is a good book but the whole idea of it is misleading, i mean where is the romance? or the comedy? it's much more some type of self discovery book than anything else and please even her perceptions felt kinda flat.
Unfortunately I could not connect with anyone in this book, what is sad for me. Talking about the main character She is boring, not only she but all the characters present there have no depth to show. I felt like no one there but the personal assistant (a kiss to her) had personality, and when things were getting interesting because the character was walking according to what she had presented to us, the book has a drastic change that takes us to a feeling of page one meeting a new character.
Thea has no opinion, no strong thoughts about herself, or even lives life as a person would. The criticism at first is understandable but I can't stop thinking that all the changes in her life were because of other people. Absolutely all the decisions made, in addition to her career, were situations suggested by others that after considering she just accepted. And I don't believe that this kind of behavior is characteristic of a strong character that I could be enchanted by.
------- PORTUGUÊS
Esse é um bom livro mas toda a ideia inicial, sinopse e até mesmo tropes sugeridas são "enganosas". Quero dizer, onde está o romance ou a comédia? É muito mais um tipo de autodescoberta do que qualquer outra coisa e mesmo em meio a suas descobertas sobre si mesma, Thea não nos mostra qualquer consistência.
Ela é entediante, não apenas ela como todos os personagens ali presentes não tem profundidade a mostrar. Senti como se ninguém ali além da assistente pessoal (um beijo pra ela) tivesse personalidade, e quando as coisas estavam ficando interessantes porque a personagem estava caminhando de acordo com o que ela tinha nos apresentado, o livro tem uma mudança drástica que nos leva a uma sensação de página um conhecendo um novo personagem.
Thea não tem opinião, pensamentos fortes sobre si mesma ou sequer vive a vida como uma pessoa viveria. A crítica no inicio é compreensível mas não consigo parar de pensar que todas as mudanças na vida dela se deram por causa de outras pessoas. Absolutamente todas as decisões tomadas, além da carreira dela, foram situações sugeridas por outros que após considerar ela apenas aceitou. E não acredito que esse tipo de comportamento seja característico de uma personagem forte pela qual eu poderia me encantar.
This is a good book but the whole idea of it is misleading, i mean where is the romance? or the comedy? it's much more some type of self discovery book than anything else and please even her perceptions felt kinda flat.
Unfortunately I could not connect with anyone in this book, what is sad for me. Talking about the main character She is boring, not only she but all the characters present there have no depth to show. I felt like no one there but the personal assistant (a kiss to her) had personality, and when things were getting interesting because the character was walking according to what she had presented to us, the book has a drastic change that takes us to a feeling of page one meeting a new character.
Thea has no opinion, no strong thoughts about herself, or even lives life as a person would. The criticism at first is understandable but I can't stop thinking that all the changes in her life were because of other people. Absolutely all the decisions made, in addition to her career, were situations suggested by others that after considering she just accepted. And I don't believe that this kind of behavior is characteristic of a strong character that I could be enchanted by.
------- PORTUGUÊS
Esse é um bom livro mas toda a ideia inicial, sinopse e até mesmo tropes sugeridas são "enganosas". Quero dizer, onde está o romance ou a comédia? É muito mais um tipo de autodescoberta do que qualquer outra coisa e mesmo em meio a suas descobertas sobre si mesma, Thea não nos mostra qualquer consistência.
Ela é entediante, não apenas ela como todos os personagens ali presentes não tem profundidade a mostrar. Senti como se ninguém ali além da assistente pessoal (um beijo pra ela) tivesse personalidade, e quando as coisas estavam ficando interessantes porque a personagem estava caminhando de acordo com o que ela tinha nos apresentado, o livro tem uma mudança drástica que nos leva a uma sensação de página um conhecendo um novo personagem.
Thea não tem opinião, pensamentos fortes sobre si mesma ou sequer vive a vida como uma pessoa viveria. A crítica no inicio é compreensível mas não consigo parar de pensar que todas as mudanças na vida dela se deram por causa de outras pessoas. Absolutamente todas as decisões tomadas, além da carreira dela, foram situações sugeridas por outros que após considerar ela apenas aceitou. E não acredito que esse tipo de comportamento seja característico de uma personagem forte pela qual eu poderia me encantar.
November 30, 2024
📚 PUBLICATION WEEK BOOK REVIEW 📚
The Do-Over By Phoebe MacLeod
Publication Date: November 28, 2024
Publisher: Boldwood Books
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up to 5⭐)
📚MY REVIEW:
Oh Phoebe MacLeod, you've done it again! If you're a fan of rom-coms - but are looking for something with a little more storyline than just a happily-ever-after love affair - MacLeod needs to be on your list of must-read authors.
I absolutely loved the female main character, Thea, both who she was in the first part of the book and who she became as the story continued. Thea is the youngest female attorney in London's Martin Landsdowne law firm to ever be named partner. It's a perfect fit for her too: she's ambitious, doesn't know what to do with herself when she's not working, and loves being married to the job. Until one day when she realizes maybe she doesn't. Thea decides to completely up-end her life, without a plan for what's next, and the majority of the book is about Thea's journey to redefine herself and find what truly makes her happy. This rom-com includes a friends-to-lovers trope that is so loveable, along with a cast of supporting characters who endear their way into your heart, just as Thea does. This book has nearly zero spice, so if you're looking for a spicy rom-com -- this isn't it. What it lacks in spice, however, it makes up for in substance and heart.
I love the way MacLeod's books always offer more than just the typical predictable rom-com plot! She gives her readers substance, character development, and a sense of female empowerment -- with a side of happily-ever-after in a "maybe women really CAN have it all" kind-of story.
MacLeod's books always bring a feel-good element to their stories and can easily be read in one quick sitting, so they're the perfect read for a cozy afternoon or evening with a cuppa and a warm blanket. If you haven't yet discovered MacLeod and you're a fan of rom-coms, I highly encourage you to pick up one of her books next time you want a feel-good story to lift your spirits.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for this advanced reader's e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
#TheDoOver #PhoebeMacLeod #boldwoodbookclub #boldwoodbookVIP #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #bookreviews #bookrecs #romcoms #bookrecommendations #romcomreads #booklover #bookcommunity
The Do-Over By Phoebe MacLeod
Publication Date: November 28, 2024
Publisher: Boldwood Books
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up to 5⭐)
📚MY REVIEW:
Oh Phoebe MacLeod, you've done it again! If you're a fan of rom-coms - but are looking for something with a little more storyline than just a happily-ever-after love affair - MacLeod needs to be on your list of must-read authors.
I absolutely loved the female main character, Thea, both who she was in the first part of the book and who she became as the story continued. Thea is the youngest female attorney in London's Martin Landsdowne law firm to ever be named partner. It's a perfect fit for her too: she's ambitious, doesn't know what to do with herself when she's not working, and loves being married to the job. Until one day when she realizes maybe she doesn't. Thea decides to completely up-end her life, without a plan for what's next, and the majority of the book is about Thea's journey to redefine herself and find what truly makes her happy. This rom-com includes a friends-to-lovers trope that is so loveable, along with a cast of supporting characters who endear their way into your heart, just as Thea does. This book has nearly zero spice, so if you're looking for a spicy rom-com -- this isn't it. What it lacks in spice, however, it makes up for in substance and heart.
I love the way MacLeod's books always offer more than just the typical predictable rom-com plot! She gives her readers substance, character development, and a sense of female empowerment -- with a side of happily-ever-after in a "maybe women really CAN have it all" kind-of story.
MacLeod's books always bring a feel-good element to their stories and can easily be read in one quick sitting, so they're the perfect read for a cozy afternoon or evening with a cuppa and a warm blanket. If you haven't yet discovered MacLeod and you're a fan of rom-coms, I highly encourage you to pick up one of her books next time you want a feel-good story to lift your spirits.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for this advanced reader's e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
#TheDoOver #PhoebeMacLeod #boldwoodbookclub #boldwoodbookVIP #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #bookreviews #bookrecs #romcoms #bookrecommendations #romcomreads #booklover #bookcommunity
November 24, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book, this is my objective review. Thea is a young lawyer at a cut-throat London firm. She's distant from her family and extremely devoted to her career, to the exclusion of anything but work relationships. But a sudden realization after a co-worker's death has her examining her life choices and wondering what she wants the rest of her life to look like. Previously closed-off to anything but her focus on work, she begins to open herself up to new possibilities and new relationships. So, I struggled a little at first because it felt like it took a while to get to Thea's turning point (the first 20% of the book was exposition). And the story as a whole doesn't feel cohesive as Thea transitions to different stages of her life, which is an issue I also had when reading some of the author's previous books. That said, I think it works for Thea. She was so cut off from what she really wanted in her life at various points in the book, and I think the at-times choppy feel of the story could act as a reflection of Thea's feelings. Thea's overall personality is a bit dry, and I engaged with her most when she was being vulnerable. I did warm up to her eventually and was invested enough to keep going. The supporting characters are well-written and complement the story well. (Alasdair bumped my overall book rating up a bit, I actually thought he was the most engaging character in the book.) This book is definitely an idealized daydream of what you do when you're burnt out at work and need to take a sharp left turn away from what you thought your life was supposed to look like. A final note: despite the book's description, it was not a romantic comedy as I interpret that to mean (i.e., light-to-moderate levels of madcap situations, a strong focus on romantic relationships, with humor pervasive throughout the story and actual laugh-out-loud moments). There are a few moments of dry humor in this story but that's not the pervasive tone in this book. Rather, readers looking for a book about life journeys and self-realizations with a satisfactory conclusion for the main character will enjoy this one. I gave it 4 stars but it was closer to 3.5 stars. Publishes November 28 2024.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews