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The F**k It! List
Brought to you by Penguin.
Discover the inspiring, laugh-out loud comedy of a woman forced to re-evaluate her life at 40, the perfect summer listen for fans of Alexandra Potter, Bella Mackie and Harper Ford!
For Daisy, life isn’t going…quite to plan.
She’s just caught her boyfriend shagging someone else at her fortieth birthday party.
She’s camped out in her childhood bedroom.
And it looks as if her dream to have a baby has gone down the pan…
Time for a F**k It! list?
Join Daisy as she attempts to tick off each item on the list and take back control of her life, one ‘f**k it’ at a time, and ask yourself the what would be on your f**k it list?
Don’t miss the triumphant comedy about a woman taking on the world on her own terms, the perfect uplifting summer listen!
Praise for The F**k! It List
'Fresh, funny and impossible to put down - I loved it.' - Sarah Turner, author of Stepping Up and The Unmumsy Mum
'Hilarious, subversive and heartwarming' - Jessica Biel
‘Fabulous. A wonderful, uplifting shot in the arm.’ - Amanda Prowse, bestselling author of Picking Up The Pieces
'Daisy is unique and refreshing. I went through every high and low with her - I wept and I laughed...a lot. A ten out of ten read.' - Josie Lloyd
‘An empowering read that we devoured in one sitting.’ - Closer
Discover the inspiring, laugh-out loud comedy of a woman forced to re-evaluate her life at 40, the perfect summer listen for fans of Alexandra Potter, Bella Mackie and Harper Ford!
For Daisy, life isn’t going…quite to plan.
She’s just caught her boyfriend shagging someone else at her fortieth birthday party.
She’s camped out in her childhood bedroom.
And it looks as if her dream to have a baby has gone down the pan…
Time for a F**k It! list?
Join Daisy as she attempts to tick off each item on the list and take back control of her life, one ‘f**k it’ at a time, and ask yourself the what would be on your f**k it list?
Don’t miss the triumphant comedy about a woman taking on the world on her own terms, the perfect uplifting summer listen!
Praise for The F**k! It List
'Fresh, funny and impossible to put down - I loved it.' - Sarah Turner, author of Stepping Up and The Unmumsy Mum
'Hilarious, subversive and heartwarming' - Jessica Biel
‘Fabulous. A wonderful, uplifting shot in the arm.’ - Amanda Prowse, bestselling author of Picking Up The Pieces
'Daisy is unique and refreshing. I went through every high and low with her - I wept and I laughed...a lot. A ten out of ten read.' - Josie Lloyd
‘An empowering read that we devoured in one sitting.’ - Closer
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First published May 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
June 22, 2024
This took me such a long time to read! It did not make me laugh at all. The characters also annoyed me a lot especially her mum and dad. It was a bit of a slog to get through. But glad she got her happy ending!
November 14, 2023
I admit it.. I'm shallow because I was actually drawn to this book purely for the title! However, when I downloaded it and saw it was written by Melanie Cantor I was delighted as I read her debut novel Death and Other Happy Endings in 2019 and really enjoyed that. Click here to read my full review.
The F**k It! List is the story of Daisy Settle. She's in a loving, longterm relationship, lives in a stunning house, has a very successful career as an interior designer, her boyfriend has just sold out for millions and her dreams of starting a family are within touching distance, however on her 40th birthday those dreams are shattered into tiny pieces.
Having to negotiate a new life alone, single and broke, her hopes of becoming a mother seem impossible, but she is determined and nothing will stop her. The reader follows Daisy through her heartbreaking journey to become a parent, through IVF and anonymous sperm donors.
I adored Daisy's character. A selfless and loyal woman who put her partner's needs before her own, agreeing to wait to start a family until he was ready, despite approaching her 40th birthday and knowing the chances of falling pregnant were against her the longer she waited.
The F**k It! List is another triumph, a book full of love and hope in the darkest of times. It's relatable and thought provoking, emotional and uplifting, funny and heartbreaking and beautifully written.
Highly recommended.
The F**k It! List is the story of Daisy Settle. She's in a loving, longterm relationship, lives in a stunning house, has a very successful career as an interior designer, her boyfriend has just sold out for millions and her dreams of starting a family are within touching distance, however on her 40th birthday those dreams are shattered into tiny pieces.
Having to negotiate a new life alone, single and broke, her hopes of becoming a mother seem impossible, but she is determined and nothing will stop her. The reader follows Daisy through her heartbreaking journey to become a parent, through IVF and anonymous sperm donors.
I adored Daisy's character. A selfless and loyal woman who put her partner's needs before her own, agreeing to wait to start a family until he was ready, despite approaching her 40th birthday and knowing the chances of falling pregnant were against her the longer she waited.
The F**k It! List is another triumph, a book full of love and hope in the darkest of times. It's relatable and thought provoking, emotional and uplifting, funny and heartbreaking and beautifully written.
Highly recommended.
September 24, 2024
I thought this book was going to be funny and entertaining.
It was painful to read!
Firstly the characters, Daisy’s parents and brother are appalling as family members. Her parents, knowing Jack slept with another woman, insist on Daisy giving him another chance as he’s sorry and sent flowers. How ridiculous is this and toxic!? Her brother then happily chats with him and gets in his Tesla and makes Daisy out to be the unreasonable one. This angered me!
Then there’s Daisy. I thought it would be a funny story about a woman getting over heartache but it was page after page of a 40year old woman desperate for a baby. To the point where she breaks up with Jack and straight down the fertility clinic. She’s not getting her life together, enjoying being single or thinking of better digs. Nope she wants to get pregnant because she’s 40. As a 40year old childless woman I am so bored and tired of reading books about women in their forties desperate for children as that’s the only thing they want and they’re so old to now have them.
The remaining of the book then goes on about her pregnancy and then her miscarriage and then her obvious pregnancy and ‘falling in love’. It felt utter tripe if I’m honest and I couldn’t wait for the book to be over.
I am sure many people would enjoy this book but I could not.
It was painful to read!
Firstly the characters, Daisy’s parents and brother are appalling as family members. Her parents, knowing Jack slept with another woman, insist on Daisy giving him another chance as he’s sorry and sent flowers. How ridiculous is this and toxic!? Her brother then happily chats with him and gets in his Tesla and makes Daisy out to be the unreasonable one. This angered me!
Then there’s Daisy. I thought it would be a funny story about a woman getting over heartache but it was page after page of a 40year old woman desperate for a baby. To the point where she breaks up with Jack and straight down the fertility clinic. She’s not getting her life together, enjoying being single or thinking of better digs. Nope she wants to get pregnant because she’s 40. As a 40year old childless woman I am so bored and tired of reading books about women in their forties desperate for children as that’s the only thing they want and they’re so old to now have them.
The remaining of the book then goes on about her pregnancy and then her miscarriage and then her obvious pregnancy and ‘falling in love’. It felt utter tripe if I’m honest and I couldn’t wait for the book to be over.
I am sure many people would enjoy this book but I could not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2024
Please check trigger warnings, especially in relation to: miscarriage, infertility, premature birth.
I often get a sense of whether I’m going to love a book pretty early on and within the first couple of chapters this book absolutely had me.
We meet Daisy Settle who is celebrating her 40th birthday when her world is turned upside down and she proves that she may be Settle by name but she certainly is not one to settle, deciding to pursue her dreams alone.
This book was a wonderful mixture of emotions. There were times I laughed, times I wanted to scream and shout at certain characters & also times where I could have wept for them. I think it takes wonderful skill to be able to fully invoke such a range of emotions and it was done so brilliantly in this case.
My slight gripe was the ending felt slightly abrupt and I would have maybe liked a little more build up to the final scenario.
Overall a really enjoyable book 💖
A huge thank you to @randomthingstours for an ARC of this book 💖
I often get a sense of whether I’m going to love a book pretty early on and within the first couple of chapters this book absolutely had me.
We meet Daisy Settle who is celebrating her 40th birthday when her world is turned upside down and she proves that she may be Settle by name but she certainly is not one to settle, deciding to pursue her dreams alone.
This book was a wonderful mixture of emotions. There were times I laughed, times I wanted to scream and shout at certain characters & also times where I could have wept for them. I think it takes wonderful skill to be able to fully invoke such a range of emotions and it was done so brilliantly in this case.
My slight gripe was the ending felt slightly abrupt and I would have maybe liked a little more build up to the final scenario.
Overall a really enjoyable book 💖
A huge thank you to @randomthingstours for an ARC of this book 💖
June 1, 2025
Positively underwhelmed by this book.
I had high expectations of another Bridget Jones style story but it was predictable and bland. It was one of those books that I seriously considered putting on my 'couldn't finish list'. Luckily for Daisy Settle i persevered and saw her get her happy ending.
I don't know, maybe I'm getting grumpy in my old age. But this book just did not float my boat.
I had high expectations of another Bridget Jones style story but it was predictable and bland. It was one of those books that I seriously considered putting on my 'couldn't finish list'. Luckily for Daisy Settle i persevered and saw her get her happy ending.
I don't know, maybe I'm getting grumpy in my old age. But this book just did not float my boat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2025
TW : pregnancy, IVF, miscarriage, birth.
As a woman who has nil maternal instinct this was a slow read 🙄 but I did want to finish it, despite knowing how it'd end from about 2/3 in.
As a woman who has nil maternal instinct this was a slow read 🙄 but I did want to finish it, despite knowing how it'd end from about 2/3 in.
January 8, 2025
A very lovely story in the end - I did almost DNF part way through but glad I didn't.
(Do check the trigger warnings before starting this book as they took me by surprise)
(Do check the trigger warnings before starting this book as they took me by surprise)
January 27, 2025
A super easy read and very much enjoyed! Bit slow to start but a lovely tie off at the end to start my 2025 reading list!
February 4, 2024
Daisy Settle and her husband Jack made a deal when they got married, starting a family would be delayed until Jack will be able to sell his successful but demanding hotel business assuring them of financial security and the time to devote to raising a child, or children. With the terms of the agreement now met, Daisy is thrilled to finally have the opportunity to fulfil her life long dream of motherhood, and as she celebrates her fortieth birthday among family and friends, her future looks golden…until the moment she stumbles upon her husband having sex with another woman in her front garden.
Devastated, Daisy is forced to make some difficult choices, and with the support of friends, if not her conservative family, and a F**k It list she decides that motherhood is one dream she refuses to let go of.
Daisy’s journey through heartbreak, regret, fear and triumph is sure to stoke empathy, especially among readers who can relate to the challenging circumstances Daisy encounters. Though Daisy is far from ‘broke’ and there are some legal issues related to IVF and marital status that are ignored, Cantor’s portrayal of Daisy is realistic. The authenticity of Daisy’s emotions, especially surrounding a particular event I unfortunately have experience of, resonated with me. I appreciated the candour with regards to Daisy’s flaws, she doesn’t have everything figured out but she’s brave enough to chase her dream anyway.
Though perhaps a tad long overall at 400+ pages, the pacing is good, as is the writing. The humour is perhaps less obvious than I expected from the blurb, and Cantor explores several sensitive subjects that may catch a reader unaware. There is no romance in the story, but there is the development of a special friendship which is charming.
I liked The F**k It List!, it delivers an encouraging and uplifting message about it never being too late to start over, this is chick lit for the mature women.
Devastated, Daisy is forced to make some difficult choices, and with the support of friends, if not her conservative family, and a F**k It list she decides that motherhood is one dream she refuses to let go of.
Daisy’s journey through heartbreak, regret, fear and triumph is sure to stoke empathy, especially among readers who can relate to the challenging circumstances Daisy encounters. Though Daisy is far from ‘broke’ and there are some legal issues related to IVF and marital status that are ignored, Cantor’s portrayal of Daisy is realistic. The authenticity of Daisy’s emotions, especially surrounding a particular event I unfortunately have experience of, resonated with me. I appreciated the candour with regards to Daisy’s flaws, she doesn’t have everything figured out but she’s brave enough to chase her dream anyway.
Though perhaps a tad long overall at 400+ pages, the pacing is good, as is the writing. The humour is perhaps less obvious than I expected from the blurb, and Cantor explores several sensitive subjects that may catch a reader unaware. There is no romance in the story, but there is the development of a special friendship which is charming.
I liked The F**k It List!, it delivers an encouraging and uplifting message about it never being too late to start over, this is chick lit for the mature women.
June 10, 2024
3* I really didn’t enjoy the first 25% of this book, and was very close to DNF. I’m glad I kept going with it, as it was such a lovely story.
Jack and Daisy brake up after she catches him sleeping with someone else, and she desperately wants a baby so goes through IVF with a sperm donor. She meets Benedict through work and they become amazing friends. The book revolves around Daisy’s pregnancy journey.
What I didn’t enjoy about this book was how all her friends and family expected her to go back with Jack, after knowing he was having an affair for 6 months! What kind of friends and family push someone they love to go back to someone like Jack!?
Also, I HATED Daisy’s parents. They were both so mean and said the cruelest things to her. Putting her down and not being happy that she’s pregnant because she used a sperm donor. Saying things are all her fault when she’s done nothing at all! Her parents don’t deserve Daisy!
Jack and Daisy brake up after she catches him sleeping with someone else, and she desperately wants a baby so goes through IVF with a sperm donor. She meets Benedict through work and they become amazing friends. The book revolves around Daisy’s pregnancy journey.
What I didn’t enjoy about this book was how all her friends and family expected her to go back with Jack, after knowing he was having an affair for 6 months! What kind of friends and family push someone they love to go back to someone like Jack!?
Also, I HATED Daisy’s parents. They were both so mean and said the cruelest things to her. Putting her down and not being happy that she’s pregnant because she used a sperm donor. Saying things are all her fault when she’s done nothing at all! Her parents don’t deserve Daisy!
July 24, 2024
2.5/5⭐️ this was a nice book and a good read but it just didn’t really go anywhere, the story was good and moving but I felt it was quite a slow read and I wasn’t excited to pick it up.
September 26, 2024
Please look after your mental health and check the Trigger Warnings before reading this book. A quick Google search will help you find them. Here are some of them but they are not limited to: IVF, Miscarriages, Birth, Infertility, Grief, Child Loss, Pregnancy.
'The F**k It! List by Melanie Cantor is a book that has opened my eyes significantly to the struggles that some women have to face. As a transgender male reading this book, my eyes shed tears, my heart shattered and became cold but my heart also pieced back together and warmed. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to jump into the book and strangle the Characters at times, I cried when the characters cried, I felt the pain when the characters felt immense pain.
I have always known that it is difficult for people to carry their own children, I also know that from personal experiences as a person who has PCOS & Endometriosis and other health problems meaning I wouldn't ever be able to have my own biological children. Trans people can have children of their own biological children in a number of ways they wish too but for me that seems to never likely be the case.
This story touched me from personal experiences but also from the "older" ladies points as well (what does Old even stand for anymore?).
We go on a Journey with Daisy, who on her 40th birthday found out her long-term boyfriend was sh*gging someone else. The relationship ended and Daisy was devastated. She had been waiting for her now ex-partner to have a baby and as she hit the age 40 she knew time wasn't necessarily on her side. This book takes us through Daisy's self-discovery in finding happiness as a Solo Mother and how she is happy with her decision to take on parenthood on her own. She decides on a journey through IVF and we follow her through her loss + grief as well as her Happiness and contentment of her life. Daisy finds her self throughout all the heartbreak she has had to endure and comes out the other side surrounded by love and an unexpected friendship.
I absolutely loved this book and it is defiantly a book I will continuously re-read. I have only given 4* as I found some of the realistic side of things to be not accurate as such and as much as I disliked her family, I understand that taking the route that Daisy took is rather judged. I never changed my opinion on Daisy's parents and that is one of the main reasons with this book. Although I do also know that is is often the reality for many people embarking on their solo parenting journey.
This book is heavily emotional and I really do not feel I have felt this particular way about a book before. There is a huge Trigger Warning when it comes to reading this book when it comes to IVF, Miscarriages, Birth, Infertility, Grief, Child Loss, Pregnancy
'The F**k It! List by Melanie Cantor is a book that has opened my eyes significantly to the struggles that some women have to face. As a transgender male reading this book, my eyes shed tears, my heart shattered and became cold but my heart also pieced back together and warmed. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to jump into the book and strangle the Characters at times, I cried when the characters cried, I felt the pain when the characters felt immense pain.
I have always known that it is difficult for people to carry their own children, I also know that from personal experiences as a person who has PCOS & Endometriosis and other health problems meaning I wouldn't ever be able to have my own biological children. Trans people can have children of their own biological children in a number of ways they wish too but for me that seems to never likely be the case.
This story touched me from personal experiences but also from the "older" ladies points as well (what does Old even stand for anymore?).
We go on a Journey with Daisy, who on her 40th birthday found out her long-term boyfriend was sh*gging someone else. The relationship ended and Daisy was devastated. She had been waiting for her now ex-partner to have a baby and as she hit the age 40 she knew time wasn't necessarily on her side. This book takes us through Daisy's self-discovery in finding happiness as a Solo Mother and how she is happy with her decision to take on parenthood on her own. She decides on a journey through IVF and we follow her through her loss + grief as well as her Happiness and contentment of her life. Daisy finds her self throughout all the heartbreak she has had to endure and comes out the other side surrounded by love and an unexpected friendship.
I absolutely loved this book and it is defiantly a book I will continuously re-read. I have only given 4* as I found some of the realistic side of things to be not accurate as such and as much as I disliked her family, I understand that taking the route that Daisy took is rather judged. I never changed my opinion on Daisy's parents and that is one of the main reasons with this book. Although I do also know that is is often the reality for many people embarking on their solo parenting journey.
This book is heavily emotional and I really do not feel I have felt this particular way about a book before. There is a huge Trigger Warning when it comes to reading this book when it comes to IVF, Miscarriages, Birth, Infertility, Grief, Child Loss, Pregnancy
June 12, 2025
Really lovely empowering story
December 31, 2024
Thank you to my Secret Santa for this book, I loved it - a great one to finish the year on!
February 3, 2024
At Daisy's 40th birthday party she catches her long term boyfriend Jack having sex with an older colleague.
To make matters worse Daisy and Jack had agreed to start trying for a baby after her 40th birthday, something they had put on hold whilst Jack was building his career.
Having children is something that Daisy has always wanted but, now with her relationship in tatters, and with time no longer on her side, this dream looks tentative.
This is a light-hearted novel but covers some difficult issues affecting many women today. Many are balancing the pressures of career and lifestyle along with a ticking biological clock.
I really felt for Daisy who felt cheated of her own needs whilst trying to cater for everyone else's. The attitudes of her parents towards single parents and the pressure on her to forgive Jack for his male indescretion, despite her own feelings, is awful but still sadly indicative of some viewpoints in society. An empowering but fun read.
To make matters worse Daisy and Jack had agreed to start trying for a baby after her 40th birthday, something they had put on hold whilst Jack was building his career.
Having children is something that Daisy has always wanted but, now with her relationship in tatters, and with time no longer on her side, this dream looks tentative.
This is a light-hearted novel but covers some difficult issues affecting many women today. Many are balancing the pressures of career and lifestyle along with a ticking biological clock.
I really felt for Daisy who felt cheated of her own needs whilst trying to cater for everyone else's. The attitudes of her parents towards single parents and the pressure on her to forgive Jack for his male indescretion, despite her own feelings, is awful but still sadly indicative of some viewpoints in society. An empowering but fun read.
April 6, 2025
*CONTAINS SPOILERS*
If you are looking for a multifaceted storyline, with great character development, laugh out loud moments and lingering feeling of inspiration and empowerment - put this book down. This is not it.
I can see the parts that were supposed to be amusing, and maybe the author is a fan of what we might term the Jim Davison school of comedy (thinly veiled misogyny) If a full family body shaming a pregnant woman has you rolling in the isles, you're in for a treat. I personally found the middle class, Daily Mail reading, marry for money characters abhorrent.
The enablement of toxic masculinity is strong with this one! Tiptoeing around Daddy, lest we fracture his fragile male ego resulting in a toddler-esque meltdown in a (very posh, obviously) restaurant....on...wait for it...Mother's Day! That guy wasn't going to let the non-appendage toting gender enjoy a day about them. What would Andrew Tate say?!
I'll tell you what he would say, he would tell the protagonist to get over herself and take back the RICH partner with whom she was planning a family! After all, men have needs and sometimes those needs include having sex with someone in the bushes at your birthday party (it wasn't a povo party, these were posh bushes not privet so the illicit sex is acceptable)
Don't worry, neither Jim Davison or Andrew Tate appear in the book. They don't have to. The protagonist's entire family tote their messages for over 400 pages.
I know some of you are going to be worried about the protagonist at this point. Worry not! Another posh guy is coming to save this "independent" (traumatised and unable to ask her toxic family for support) woman, and after an ice cream they decide he should impregnate her. Fear not! This isn't a council estate, these are not working class people...because we all know the Daily Mail readers would find nothing remotely empowering if we were to tweak the flagrant classism being shovelled down our throats. No, don't worry, these two are rich and educated. They had gelato, not cornetto's.
There are more plot holes than Jo Malone candles, and that's going some. A female character appears, whom we are reliably informed is gay. Then she disappears again. Presumably to demonstrate the author's open mindedness. There is a sudden inclusion of diary entries which end as suddenly as they begin. I imagine they were a way of the author info-dumping the protagonist's internal world, but in all honesty she has no profound realisations worthy of the cost of a Moleskin (no spiral bound jotters here).
It's unlike me to write an unapologetically negative review. I hold most author's in high esteem whether their work is to my tatse or not (give or take a few fascists who have put pen to paper) but this book angered me. I cannot fathom why such a "boys will be boys" trope would be packaged as empowering to women. There was no insight into the physical and emotional impact of IVF, no character development where the protagonist found anything close to self realisation through her experiences. Overall if you are ready for 400 pages of boys will be boys and women should be grateful through the lense of privilege and double standards, let me know - you can have my copy for free.
If you are looking for a multifaceted storyline, with great character development, laugh out loud moments and lingering feeling of inspiration and empowerment - put this book down. This is not it.
I can see the parts that were supposed to be amusing, and maybe the author is a fan of what we might term the Jim Davison school of comedy (thinly veiled misogyny) If a full family body shaming a pregnant woman has you rolling in the isles, you're in for a treat. I personally found the middle class, Daily Mail reading, marry for money characters abhorrent.
The enablement of toxic masculinity is strong with this one! Tiptoeing around Daddy, lest we fracture his fragile male ego resulting in a toddler-esque meltdown in a (very posh, obviously) restaurant....on...wait for it...Mother's Day! That guy wasn't going to let the non-appendage toting gender enjoy a day about them. What would Andrew Tate say?!
I'll tell you what he would say, he would tell the protagonist to get over herself and take back the RICH partner with whom she was planning a family! After all, men have needs and sometimes those needs include having sex with someone in the bushes at your birthday party (it wasn't a povo party, these were posh bushes not privet so the illicit sex is acceptable)
Don't worry, neither Jim Davison or Andrew Tate appear in the book. They don't have to. The protagonist's entire family tote their messages for over 400 pages.
I know some of you are going to be worried about the protagonist at this point. Worry not! Another posh guy is coming to save this "independent" (traumatised and unable to ask her toxic family for support) woman, and after an ice cream they decide he should impregnate her. Fear not! This isn't a council estate, these are not working class people...because we all know the Daily Mail readers would find nothing remotely empowering if we were to tweak the flagrant classism being shovelled down our throats. No, don't worry, these two are rich and educated. They had gelato, not cornetto's.
There are more plot holes than Jo Malone candles, and that's going some. A female character appears, whom we are reliably informed is gay. Then she disappears again. Presumably to demonstrate the author's open mindedness. There is a sudden inclusion of diary entries which end as suddenly as they begin. I imagine they were a way of the author info-dumping the protagonist's internal world, but in all honesty she has no profound realisations worthy of the cost of a Moleskin (no spiral bound jotters here).
It's unlike me to write an unapologetically negative review. I hold most author's in high esteem whether their work is to my tatse or not (give or take a few fascists who have put pen to paper) but this book angered me. I cannot fathom why such a "boys will be boys" trope would be packaged as empowering to women. There was no insight into the physical and emotional impact of IVF, no character development where the protagonist found anything close to self realisation through her experiences. Overall if you are ready for 400 pages of boys will be boys and women should be grateful through the lense of privilege and double standards, let me know - you can have my copy for free.
January 15, 2025
I didn’t love this but it was ok. When the back of the book suggested that this was a triumphant tale of a woman taking on the world on her own terms after finding her boyfriend having sex with someone else at her 40th birthday party, I pictured Daisy going on a journey of self discovery and raucous fun as she finds herself and embraces her newly single status. What actually happened was that Daisy pursues having a baby on her own via sperm donation and IVF…..
Now, I find babies about as interesting as rocks (although that’s a bit harsh on rocks), so I found it really hard to connect to a character who was so desperate to have one and I found the baby/pregnancy chapters dull. I also found the relationship development with Benedict to be really weird and creepy.
But it still had some good moments in it, some humour and a good sprinkling of girl power, so I didn’t completely hate it. And if you’re one of the 99% of normally functioning women who actually think babies are cute and desirable, I think you will love it!
Now, I find babies about as interesting as rocks (although that’s a bit harsh on rocks), so I found it really hard to connect to a character who was so desperate to have one and I found the baby/pregnancy chapters dull. I also found the relationship development with Benedict to be really weird and creepy.
But it still had some good moments in it, some humour and a good sprinkling of girl power, so I didn’t completely hate it. And if you’re one of the 99% of normally functioning women who actually think babies are cute and desirable, I think you will love it!
May 1, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House and author Melanie Cantor for this eARC.
Unfortunately this book was not for me. When I requested it on NetGalley I thought it was gonna go in an entirely different direction.
I do not think that I, as a child-free woman, was the intended audience for this!
Nevertheless I did enjoy some aspects of this book and think it's well written and touches on some interesting/important topics.
3.5 stars
Unfortunately this book was not for me. When I requested it on NetGalley I thought it was gonna go in an entirely different direction.
I do not think that I, as a child-free woman, was the intended audience for this!
Nevertheless I did enjoy some aspects of this book and think it's well written and touches on some interesting/important topics.
3.5 stars
February 15, 2025
Bit of a rollercoaster of emotions. Probably a little too sad at parts for me. Although the mid to ending was a lot better. Otherwise I may have given up.
September 7, 2024
On Daisy’s 40th birthday, she finds her partner having sex with his colleague in the bushes. So instead of finally embarking on their journey to starting a family, Daisy finds herself unexpectedly single. Daisy wants a child more than anything. Her partner Jack was forever telling her that it wasn’t the right time, but now that she finds herself single again, Daisy knows that she might just have lost her chance at becoming a Mum.
That is until she decides to enact the f**k it list, and bravely decides to go it alone, using an anonymous sperm donor. Her family are particularly wary, but best friend Bee and business partner Marcus are there for her. True to reality, the process doesn’t run smoothly and Daisy unfortunately suffers a miscarriage. A traumatic event that unexpectedly bonds interior designer Daisy and architect Benedict. Their friendship grows into something special and I loved their deep conversations. Their relationship was something so very unique but rooted in love and it was completely heartwarming. Benedict is the push Daisy needs to try again, as we see her continue her journey to becoming a mother.
From the title alone, I didn’t expect this book to be what it was. It was so much deeper, so much more emotional, so much more poignant than I thought it was going to be. The final few pages brought tears to my eyes. It really was just so lovely. It tackled such raw and real issues and societal expectations but in a way that was still uplifting and positive. And there were little sprinklings of lightness throughout too, Daisy’s dad’s ‘episode’ on Christmas Day had me laughing out loud! I enjoyed the relationships in this story and how they evolved, not just Daisy and Benedict but Daisy and Eve, and even Daisy and her Mum.
A touching, empowering story that truly challenges the expectations of society.
That is until she decides to enact the f**k it list, and bravely decides to go it alone, using an anonymous sperm donor. Her family are particularly wary, but best friend Bee and business partner Marcus are there for her. True to reality, the process doesn’t run smoothly and Daisy unfortunately suffers a miscarriage. A traumatic event that unexpectedly bonds interior designer Daisy and architect Benedict. Their friendship grows into something special and I loved their deep conversations. Their relationship was something so very unique but rooted in love and it was completely heartwarming. Benedict is the push Daisy needs to try again, as we see her continue her journey to becoming a mother.
From the title alone, I didn’t expect this book to be what it was. It was so much deeper, so much more emotional, so much more poignant than I thought it was going to be. The final few pages brought tears to my eyes. It really was just so lovely. It tackled such raw and real issues and societal expectations but in a way that was still uplifting and positive. And there were little sprinklings of lightness throughout too, Daisy’s dad’s ‘episode’ on Christmas Day had me laughing out loud! I enjoyed the relationships in this story and how they evolved, not just Daisy and Benedict but Daisy and Eve, and even Daisy and her Mum.
A touching, empowering story that truly challenges the expectations of society.
September 15, 2023
I enjoyed this very much with an interesting storyline that kept you guessing, made you think you knew what would happen, and ended with a different but still pleasant note.
Daisy Settle is celebrating her 40th birthday at a huge party thrown by her partner. All is well in her life. Business is fantastic, she's in a secure relationship, they have great financial prospects, and it's finally time to start trying for that baby...
But apart from her business, a rather unpleasant surprise gift leaves her with none of the above.
She is a woman who has a dream: becoming a mother. And through her grief, she wades through her options after making a F**k It! list, and with the support of her friends and some of her family, she embarks upon a journey to become a solo parent.
IVF, anonymous sperm donors, trawling sites and clinics to find the right one... We are with her for it all.
Along with an interesting friendship that starts so negatively but ends up being something she will cherish forever.
Daisy is that midlife character we women of a certain age need to read about. Life doesn't stop once you hit a certain number. Opportunities still come knocking, and dreams most definitely can still come true.
Loved it from start to finish! I only wish I didn't have work as I read it because I could have read it quicker!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for an ARC.
Daisy Settle is celebrating her 40th birthday at a huge party thrown by her partner. All is well in her life. Business is fantastic, she's in a secure relationship, they have great financial prospects, and it's finally time to start trying for that baby...
But apart from her business, a rather unpleasant surprise gift leaves her with none of the above.
She is a woman who has a dream: becoming a mother. And through her grief, she wades through her options after making a F**k It! list, and with the support of her friends and some of her family, she embarks upon a journey to become a solo parent.
IVF, anonymous sperm donors, trawling sites and clinics to find the right one... We are with her for it all.
Along with an interesting friendship that starts so negatively but ends up being something she will cherish forever.
Daisy is that midlife character we women of a certain age need to read about. Life doesn't stop once you hit a certain number. Opportunities still come knocking, and dreams most definitely can still come true.
Loved it from start to finish! I only wish I didn't have work as I read it because I could have read it quicker!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for an ARC.
August 25, 2024
Less of a f*ck it list than a f*ck off list. I was attracted by the cover and the blurb to this book but it was a slog to get through in parts. Daisy isn’t the most likeable of protagonists as she seems to lack a spine without someone to help hold her up - in the form of her friends Bee and Marcus and to some extent her brother and sister in law.
If you want to read about babies, pregnancy and ways to obtain them then this is a great book for you. If you’ve had awkward relationships with your parents (who have insanely unrealistic expectations) then you’ll be able to identify with some parts of this story.
Overall this was just ok but I often felt the urge to tell Daisy to ask herself what she wanted and trust her own judgement.
If you want to read about babies, pregnancy and ways to obtain them then this is a great book for you. If you’ve had awkward relationships with your parents (who have insanely unrealistic expectations) then you’ll be able to identify with some parts of this story.
Overall this was just ok but I often felt the urge to tell Daisy to ask herself what she wanted and trust her own judgement.
October 22, 2024
It was fun to read this sharp and insightful novel, that delves into themes of regret, self-discovery, and the desire to reclaim one's life.
The story follows Daisy, who just turned fourty and after a life-altering event, decided to create a list of things she’s always wanted to do but never dared to attempt.
Characters are relatable and their journeys are compelling, while the narrative is both entertaining and thought-provoking, it encouraged me to reflect on my own life and aspirations.
I loved the friendships and relationships explored in this book, highlighting the importance of connection and support in navigating life’s challenges.
The story follows Daisy, who just turned fourty and after a life-altering event, decided to create a list of things she’s always wanted to do but never dared to attempt.
Characters are relatable and their journeys are compelling, while the narrative is both entertaining and thought-provoking, it encouraged me to reflect on my own life and aspirations.
I loved the friendships and relationships explored in this book, highlighting the importance of connection and support in navigating life’s challenges.
March 20, 2025
2.5 stars. Some good moments and good description of child loss/miscarriage that made me tear up a feel towards Daisy and also towards woman empowerment and womanhood.
Also a really easy read but just very mundane and slightly boring at times.
I also got partially confused about the growing relationship between Daisy and Benedict at times.
Also a really easy read but just very mundane and slightly boring at times.
I also got partially confused about the growing relationship between Daisy and Benedict at times.
July 16, 2024
Absolutely loved this book, I feel like if life hadn't been so hectic I would've finished it a lot quicker - really struggled to put it down.
This book so beautifully captured the want to be a mother, the longing and the pain that comes along with it.
However, minus one star because I feel like the ending of this book was so abrupt and a lot of things left unanswered in my opinion
This book so beautifully captured the want to be a mother, the longing and the pain that comes along with it.
However, minus one star because I feel like the ending of this book was so abrupt and a lot of things left unanswered in my opinion
May 9, 2024
In no way deep and meaningful but easy and enjoyable, what I needed - will read more by her
May 17, 2024
Enjoyed this book and the way it was written. Sad at times but a happy ending eventually.
May 24, 2024
An enjoyable read, though was quite often sad, there were some bits of humour along the way. You’re just willing things to work out for her!
June 18, 2024
The ending made me cry happy tears😭🫶🏼
July 9, 2024
3,5 ⭐️
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