Young lawyer Alexa Humphries’s one true love is her precious duvet, yet she is torn from its comforting embrace every morning while the foxes are still scavenging the bins outside and doesn’t get back until long after most normal people are already asleep. Worn down by the endless demands of her suspicious boss and her competitive, high-flying housemate and fellow lawyer, Zara, Alexa barely recognises herself anymore. This wasn’t how life was supposed to be.
But today is different. Today, Alexa just cannot get out of bed to face the world. Everyone deserves a duvet day, don’t they?
But what starts as a mini-rebellion against the tyranny of her job soon sees her locked out of the flat wearing nothing but a unicorn onesie and what’s left of her dignity. Desperate to track down a spare set of keys before her back-stabbing housemate finds out she’s pulled a sickie, Alexa sets off on a wild goose chase across London. Before long, she’s being blackmailed by an annoyingly handsome photo-journalist, forcing her to trail after him while the hours before she has to get home tick down. As Alexa’s dreams of Netflix and self-care turn into the duvet day from hell, what’s starting to feel a lot like the beginning of a breakdown might actually be the making of her. Will she get home in time to keep her job … and does she even want to?
Emily Kerr has been scribbling stories on bits of paper ever since she learnt how to write. She works as a journalist and is based in Yorkshire. She can generally be found with her nose in a book, or hunched up over her laptop typing away, though she has been known to venture outside every so often to take part in various running-based activities.
Duvet Day is a charming story by overworked Alexa Humphries who decides to take a much-needed day off work, her so-called Duvet Day.
She plans on staying in bed, eating Nutella out of a jar, and binge-watching Netflix, but of course everything goes horribly wrong. When she goes to sign for a package for her roommate Sam she ends up locked out of her flat and is launched into a crazy day full of shenanigans trying to regain access to her house and make it back to her beloved bed. All dresses in a unicorn onesie.
The book is definitely entertaining and Emily Kerr does a good job of narrating the scenes (they almost read like a movie), but she used some cliche tropes (like the evil coworker) that I wasn't a fan of.
Also, I like the twist in the beginning with the love interest, but I just wish he was a bit more likable. Yes, I'm all for enemies to lovers and great banter, but he just seemed too stoic. Ultimately, this is not a great romance at all, but if you want a quick read full of crazy and funny situations this is a good pick.
This was a fun eventful adventure of a sick day gone bad (or good depending on the way you look at it).
The story reminded me of a romantic comedy that could easily be seen on screen as it takes place over the course of a day. It was a quick read that also had a quick pace considering the amount of things that happened over the span of a day.
This was an okay and fun read but nothing more than that. It was not a memorable story and for the most part, everything about it was average. I think it can be difficult to become invested in a story and the characters when it's such a short timeline but it was still a fun read.
***Thank you to the publisher for supplying me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
It is not every day one is fortunate to find a book with Sophie Kinsella vibes -- a lot of self-deprecating humour, finding your way back in the world . . . you know the drill. Kerr's writing may not be as polished as Kinsella's but her heroine definitely is one of the best. Meet Alexa Humphries. A young lawyer in one of the top law firms in London. Top of her class and pride of her teachers. If only her work life is as happy as everyone believes it to be! Back to reality: she is struggling with the pressures at work, weary of her co-worker slash housemate, hasn't even met the third housemate and quite obviously, no friends in London. And one day all tides break loose. She had enough of it and in a daring moment, she never thought she was even capable of, she called in a sickie. But the hopes of having a duvet day with Nutella and Netflix is soon turned into a nightmare when she is left locked outside. There begins the journey to secure a key and also a journey to get back to her life that is lost. I loved this story this much because of Alexa. She is so down to earth and passionate about her career and there is no wonder people took advantage of her. She is a wolf in sheep's clothing who finally came to believe that she is also a sheep. Kerr has kept the romance element to a minimum which I loved (Sam is not really a likeable character, by the way). So if you are in need of an inspirational story during the pandemic where a young woman finally learns to stand up for herself, then look no further. Happy reading everyone!!!
This was a cute rom-com type book that makes you feel like you're watching a fun movie, although I found the narrative overly detailed at times and thought it could have been a bit faster-paced.
Alexa Humphries is a young lawyer working for a firm that's been sucking away every bit of her joy in life. One morning she just can't face it any more, and she decides to call in sick, or take a "duvet day." (Incidentally, I had never heard this phrase before and am wondering if it's more common in the UK.) She reluctantly leaves her bedroom to sign for a package being delivered to her flatmate Sam, and in the process gets locked out of the flat. The bigger problem? She's wearing a rainbow unicorn onesie and slippers, and if her other flatmate (and toxic coworker) Zara, sees her, her "sick day" will be exposed and her job on the line.
Her only solution is to chase down her flatmate Sam, who she's actually never crossed paths with, to get another set of keys to the flat. She thus gets embroiled in one difficult situation after another as she sticks to him like a leech all through central London, still dressed in a rainbow unicorn onesie and slippers. (The fact that Alexa had to spend the entire book dressed that way, in some extremely cringeworthy situations, did hamper my enjoyment somewhat because it was just so vicariously embarrassing. I wish she had used her mobile pay app to get a new outfit halfway through! Anything! The book had a lot of nice character development, but sometimes it was a challenge to focus on it because of all that overriding awkwardness.)
The relationship was well developed, progressing believably through distrust, frustration, toleration, interest, support, and appreciation. And there's a little emotional edge as Alexa ponders on whether the job she has come to dread is really what she should be doing. Overall, a unique and amusing (though awkward) plot that kept me reading to the end in just one sitting.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter for this advance review copy!
A light hearted, comical, diary style account of Alexa's day when she throws a "sickie" off work. It reminded me of a Carry On film, full of innocent mishaps, and anything that you could imagine happening, does, and even things that you could never imagine happening, does! Some of the stuff that happens is a bit far fetched, and did leave me thinking - really?! Hence why this didn't make the full five stars in my personal opinion, but please do not let this put you off reading.
If you are looking for a laugh out loud read, that is a perfect for a pick me up, or mood boost, then this is definitely the book for you...although be prepared you may wish to purchase a fluffy unicorn onesie by the end of it, (if you know, you know!)
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK and One More Chapter for the free digital copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
This is an easy to read, lighthearted funny book with a hint of romance. It’s set across a single day and almost reads as smoothly as a film. All the situations (even though some completely bonkers) felt believable and real.
I loved Alex, Zara and Sam, their characters, friendships and interactions. There were many parallels in this book that I could totally relate to.
It had an undercurrent message about well-being, mental health and work life balance which really shone through for me.
I would recommend this book for an easy, quick read.
Things you learn by reading. From dictionary.cambridge.org "Duvet Day" (noun - UK informal) A day off work, not because you are sick but because you need some time to rest: `The company is one of many who now offer two duvet days a year, for when employees just can't face getting out of bed"
Alexa Humphries is a young attorney caught up in the rat race. She's overwhelmed and overworked and just needs a "duvet day." So she calls in sick to her high-powered law firm. The only problem is that one of her housemates, Zara is a fellow attorney at the same firm - a co-worker who's ruthlessly competitive and will happily throw Alexa under the bus for faking it. Finally, after a little bit of trickery, Alexa convinces Zara that she truly is under the weather, and Zara is off to the office. Alexa can snuggle under her duvet with a jar of Nutella, a spoon, and Netflix. Until that is, a delivery comes for their 3rd housemate. As, Alexa steps outside the door to sign for the delivery, she inadvertently locks herself outside - while wearing a rainbow unicorn onesie and bunny slippers.
Thus begins Alexa's highly improbable but hugely amusing adventure. In her quest for a set of keys to get back into her home, she manages to have all sorts of escapades - all over London in a rainbow unicorn onesie! Plus, she gets some insight into where she wants to go in the future - more work/life balance, more adventure, and maybe a little romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in return for an honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley, author Emily Kerr, and Harper Collins UK for giving me a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 4 stars Have you ever be so burnt out by work life that you feel the need to call in and spend all day in bed? This book answers the questions for those who have no idea what to do with a Duvet Day! This was such an enjoyable light-hearted read! The characters, story, and writing held my interest so well that I finished this book in one day! Alexa, the main character, was such a delight! I loved her duvet day adventures all across London in her unicorn onesie, which ranged from protesting climate change, school baking contests to knocking down muggers off of mopeds! I was not overly invested in the romance plot line of the story and would have rather Sam and Alexa become good friends rather than romantic partners, but it was not the sole of the story so it did not take away from my overall enjoyment. I was well satisfied with the ending! I would really recommend this book to those so are looking for a light-hearted read during a much needed duvet day or a day at the beach! I can't wait to read more books by this author!
This is the story of Alexa, a junior lawyer in a prestigious London law firm, who decides to have a duvet day. The results are not only hilarious but also so typical of Murphy’s Law. If something could go wrong it would defiantly happen to Alexa today.
She somehow gets involved with protestors, becomes a stalker and runs riot through the streets of London while all dressed in her unicorn Onesie!
Absolutely a laugh out loud book which never stops and even when you start to get a bit sentimental with the characters, there is still humour in there. I seriously loved the characters and it will be a book I read again and again.
This had me laughing out loud throughout as I followed Alexa on her duvet day. I loved her relationship with Sam and felt that some of the supporting characters were brilliant additions to the story. The strong message about taking care of your mental health came across clearly, and I loved how seeing London differently whilst she tracked down the spare keys, enabled Alexa to take some difficult decisions in the ever discussed work life.
I swear, if you see this book grab it, scan it and check it out! Then, hold on for the best afternoon ride of your life. (In book form, any way.)
Duvet Day is perhaps the lightest book I can think of... You're in the character of Alexa's head, but you also learn about a bunch of other characters. I felt it gave me Sophie Kinsella vibes, but was a lot better in that the reader wasn't closed off with the main character's thoughts and feelings.
If you're looking for a book that is an awesome barrel of laughs, you have found it! Now don't go anywhere while I describe the genius storyline that had me thinking of The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon.
Alexa Humphries is stressed, overworked and emotionally tired. She has been giving her all to her 'getting there' career journey at the prestigious high flying Richmond Woods, leaving the office at 8pm, staying updated with work calls and updates. She wants to be one of the lawyers on the fifth floor, making a different for the underdogs for a change.
Her life has been pretty routine. Wake up, power on the laptop. Dash to the office before the rush hour. Work with no break and no socialising until 8pm. Make it home and power on the laptop and continue until bedtime with the stuff that still needs to be done. Flash forward two years, and she's still doing entirely the same thing.
Her life is also practically second nature, until Tuesday 23rd April when she can't resist the temptation of a lie-in. Nothing would please her more than snuggling back into the covers and cancel all work plans. So she does. Except her Duvet Day does not go the way she wanted and is far more eventful than anything that happened in her last two years in the City of London. And she meets someone who pushes all the wrong buttons.
Emily Kerr has written one hell of a relatable story, It will take some time for it to leave my mind! I do wish the romance was covered a bit more before the book ended. And this is something I would want Kerr to think about with potential books in the future. But other than that, I was spell-bound with this work of utter delight! I have had a few Duvet Days in my own life and I know this book will come to mind when the thought of having another such day crosses my mind.
For a touch of humour, lightness and romance look no further! Quite happily, this book is not one of those insta-loves.
I received this book through Netgalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own and are completely honest.
Ever have one of those days where you JUST can’t face work that day – you need a reset, and you need it now? We all have, and while I’m currently going through one of my own mental health / destress days, it was the perfect time to read this book. Starting slowly, we meet Alexa – a lawyer at a high-powered firm, with a roommate at the same firm. She’s off before the sun rises and spends most of her days amid work – returning late at night with few hours to destress and recompose in preparation for the next. So, she’s decided to skive off work and spend the day in her unicorn onesie, relaxing in her favorite place – under her duvet.
But everything isn’t quite so simple – she's interrupted in her lounging by a delivery for a roommate – and she locks herself out of the house – still in the unicorn onesie and bunny slippers. Not having a key under the mat means she’s got to go to great lengths to get back into the house – and that necessitates her traveling all over the city to obtain another key – with often hilarious and slapstick results. She has adventures, challenges and plenty of moments to discover just “what” is important to her – while a challenge – the day helps her to redefine her direction and decide just how much (and how important) her work is compared to her own anxiety and stress levels.
Make no bones about it – this story is driven by the character of Alexis – and we get to know her pretty well – while we see her interact with (or think about) the secondary characters and “friends” who appear as little more than cliched stereotypes of people you’d like to forget: a tyrannical female boss, a throat cutting co-worker, the prototypical mean girl) who all served to show that Alexis is far more likable and engaging than those around her. Additionally, while there was a ‘romance’ if you are following along, the romance is tame and muted than a ‘oh I have to have him involved in everything in my life” sort of thing. What stands out is the truth of Alexis and her honest struggle with emotions (and recognition of the same) that are holding her back or causing her difficulties and need to change. A solid escape read that will leave you thinking about your own Duvet Day.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
What a fantastic feel-good read! Alexa Humphries is a young lawyer who is feeling the grind. Daily, she is pouring her heart and soul into her job, which leaves little time for her life. (And I know this is a reality, as my own solicitor emailed me last night past 11 pm, and I wanted to tell her off for still working!) That morning arrives when it all becomes too much, and after much deliberation, she takes her brother's advice and calls in sick... Duvet Day! It would, ordinarily, be a simple thing, call in, make excuses, then settle down for a day filled with series binges, comfort eating, and relaxing. Simple, if you didn't live in a houseshare with one of your lawyer colleagues, who needs to learn a little about sympathy, and another mystery housemate who has never introduced herself. Hilarity ensues, as, cosied up in her Unicorn onesie and teddy bear fluffy slippers, Alexa finds herself locked out of the house, after making the (bad) decision to answer the door for a delivery, addressed to her unknown housemate. Oh, what a giggle, from start to finish! I really felt for Alexa, being in a job that can drain everything from you, myself. The thought of a duvet day would buoy me up, too, but equally, fill me with dread about what I'd backlog of work I'd encounter when I got back to work. Poor Alexa has her heart in the right place, and all she wants is the best for the world, to make a difference. I'm sure she wasn't ever expecting to make that difference, dressed up as a unicorn, though! I won't spoil the story for you, but it's a wonderful read, and yes, there is definitely a slow simmering romance, which takes the whole book to begin to boil, but, when you think about it, it's all rather fast, since the book takes place over the course of one day! Fantastic! Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins and One More Chapter, for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion
This was a fun fluffy read. Reminiscent of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Alexa needs a win, and Duvet Day takes away her supposed to be restful day off and fills it with silly hijinks. While I'm not sure if the book completely pulled off the romance, the obstacles themselves standing the Alexa's day are fun to read.
I was willing to let the plot holes go and this was a fast read. For the first half of the book, outside of being the protagonist, Alexa is someone you can relate to. How many of us have felt overwhelmed and fed up with work and in desperate need of a day off. But I think once you do logically look at her actions it's all kind of ridiculous, and Sam, while not super nice, is not unreasonable to not want to let Alexa get her way. Alexa was fairly fleshed out, albeit, her adventure kind of ridiculous. Sam on the other hand felt a little flat. I wished they had delved a little more into his personality. It was kind of Alexa's being pathetic that Sam opened up, but it seemed odd, despite the event that allowed for him to warm to her, that they end up in the space that they do. I also wished that Zara got more air time, even as more of the villain. All in all, if you're taking a sick day, this is a fun escapism read.
I was looking for a quick, lighthearted rom-com. I wanted to enjoy this book but like another reviewer said, I ended up "skim reading". I was put off from the beginning when we get Alexa's entire life story in the first 20 pages. Talk about exposition. Show, don't tell. I wanted to learn that she disliked her job, about her past and family, or her roommate issues by reading the book. Instead, it just told me everything immediately and gave the story a very superficial feeling. Despite the quotes in the description, I felt this story was anything but fast paced. We got so many unnecessary details, which I suppose is necessary when a book takes place over a day and you've got to fill up the space. Unfortunately, I found the characters flat and the writing meh.I think it's a fine book if you don't have high expectations and just want a fun little story to pass a few hours. Thank you to the publisher and Emily Kerr for this ARC!
The premise of this book is cute and I think everyone feels like they want to just take a day and lay around so they call in sick. I hated that she had to worry about her own roommate. Some parts are funny, some parts are ridiculous, and some parts are a little frustrating. I wish she could have changed her clothes, I didn't like the whole running around in the unicorn onesie. I think this day does help Alexa to give thought to what she really wants. I would have liked a little more romance but this was set over just a day so I get it. Fun and descriptive moments helps the story. I love the cover. Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and HarperCollins, and One More Chapter for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this amusing book, it was a quick read and I read part of it under my own duvet!
Alexa is an overworked and overwhelmed lawyer who just needs a day off to relax under her duvet. Her roommate is waiting to take advantage of her at work, so she has to convince her she’s really ill. Unfortunately, her best laid plans go awry as she gets locked out in her unicorn onesie, and spends the rest of the day trying to get back in so she can finish her Nutella and her Netflix show.
This book was really funny in places as Alexa had her adventures. I recommend it, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Who doesn't love a duvet day? It's the perfect place to curl up with a good book 🛌
I read this over several days as I got distracted by my last read. I loved this book, it was so, so funny. This would be the perfect romcom to make into a film. I loved the comedic relationship between Alexa & Sam.
Alexa has decided she's pulling a sickie from work, but thanks to a parcel courier she finds herself locked out of the house wearing her unicorn onesie & not a lot else! What ensues is a hilarious, madcap goose chase across London trying to persuade her house mate Sam to hand over his keys.
Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and One More Chapter for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review
2.5 stars The book was fine and I definitely enjoyed certain parts, but overall it felt both too fast paced and dragging. And yes, I know that those are contradictory. I think for me, there was just too much happening in too little time. As for Alexa, I really wasn't feeling her, I thought she was really selfish and annoying, and. that didn't change throughout the book. I kinda only liked the part where she was actually helping people out.
Such a fun book! Perfect to read under your own duvet (or poolside), Duvet Day is a charming and hilarious novel. Alexa, a corporate lawyer, is worn down by the demands of her job and decides to take a sick day to relax and recover. However, after she is locked out of her apartment in her unicorn pajamas, chaos ensues.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
... The concept definitely outweighed the execution. It was written well enough but the main male character was vile and spiteful, refusing to help a woman who was clearly in distress and vulnerable. And the female character excused this all, instead of walking away. There was no credible transition to attraction so the chemistry felt very manufactured. Did not laugh out loud and was skim reading and irritated by the end.
I loved this so much, I loved that I got embarrassed on the characters behalf, that I felt connected to the characters , a really fun and hilarious romance, thoroughly recommended
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Alexa is struggling with the highly competitive business of being a corporate lawyer in London. Filled with self doubt, being overworked, a lack of sleep and second guessing every conversation she has.
Alexa does the unthinkable and fakes being sick to have a duvet day. After accepting a parcel for her housemate and getting locked out of the house leads to a race across London in getting keys. Alexa finds herself in different riduculous situations all in the pursuit in getting home.
Loved this book, it was comical and relatable even though the scenerios were wacky everybody understands the feeling of being overwhelmed and wanting to escape just for a day.
Alexa is hilarious and the story is just unbelievably good. Thoroughly good read that i couldn't put down.
Emily Kerr's debut was a cracker so I knew I was in for a treat with Duvet Day, and she didn't let me down! Such a unique premise for a story. Non-stop action told in a Bridget Jones style, this is a comedy of errors that will not fail to put a smile on your face. It tackles one or two serious issues in the process, too and the writing is top notch. Yes, the romantic element is rather a slow burner but I think that makes for a refreshing change from the usual love to hate scenarios that ramp up at lightning speed. If you're looking for an escapist read, this is your book!