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The Reboot
They’ve got a lot of catching up to do ...
Ella and Roly have bright futures ahead of them when they strike up an unlikely friendship as teenagers.
By their early twenties, they’re living their dreams.
Ella’s going to university, falling in love, and embarking on a promising academic career. Roly’s touring the world as a member of teenybopper idols Oh Boy!, playing sell-out concerts to crowds of adoring fans and picking up the girls who throw themselves at his feet.
But when they reconnect ten years later, everything’s changed. A chronic illness has forced Ella to abandon her studies, move in with her mother and put her dreams on hold. Roly’s been kicked out of the band, ripped off by his accountant and dumped by his underwear-model girlfriend.
Now they’re both ready to start over. But will they ever get back to where they once belonged? Or could the journey lead them somewhere even better?
The Reboot is a heartwarming and hilarious romcom about old friends, new beginnings and second chances.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2021
30 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Clodagh Murphy
17 books250 followersClodagh (rhymes with Yoda) is an Irish writer of romantic comedies. She lives in Dublin with a large circle of imaginary friends.
You can find Clodagh on Facebook too:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clodagh...
You can find Clodagh on Facebook too:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clodagh...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 16, 2021
4☆ A Heartwarming and Endearing Story.
The Reboot is the perfect title for this book, as it's about second chances and creating new paths and rekindling friendships.
I really liked Ella and Roly's story and how they became friends, but yet drifted apart. As with most lifestyle changes, people move on and create different paths. Even if those paths end up in destruction as Roly found out when he went down a dark road of fame and addiction.
But what I liked was that they found their way back to each other and their determination to change. Their stories will be relatable to people in many ways.
I really liked that this story featured chronic illness, which is rarely done in stories. In this story one of the main characters has M.E. and it shows her struggles and how it effects her life as a whole. It's so refreshing to see disabilities represented.
Overall The Reboot is a Heartwarming and Endearing Story about second chances, starting over, with a sprinkle of Romance and a good dose of humour.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/1...
The Reboot is the perfect title for this book, as it's about second chances and creating new paths and rekindling friendships.
I really liked Ella and Roly's story and how they became friends, but yet drifted apart. As with most lifestyle changes, people move on and create different paths. Even if those paths end up in destruction as Roly found out when he went down a dark road of fame and addiction.
But what I liked was that they found their way back to each other and their determination to change. Their stories will be relatable to people in many ways.
I really liked that this story featured chronic illness, which is rarely done in stories. In this story one of the main characters has M.E. and it shows her struggles and how it effects her life as a whole. It's so refreshing to see disabilities represented.
Overall The Reboot is a Heartwarming and Endearing Story about second chances, starting over, with a sprinkle of Romance and a good dose of humour.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/1...
September 17, 2021
PEOPLE! You HAVE to read this great story! Take one sweet girl who always tries to do the right thing. Add a classmate, never a friend until the last part of their very last year, who is destined to fame, fortune, and disasters. Mix well and sprinkle with problems for both. Now you have the opening story of Ella and Roly. Thrown together again by many individual reasons, Ella rents lodging from Roly, and their friendship blossoms.
Beautiful characters-family and workers-make this "starting over" story a special pleasure. I admire Ella and Roly for making a plan and sticking to it. I admire their honesty especially when they make a promise.
The story has multiple flashback scenes that enhance the current friendship as well as expose how their lives have changed. It's well written and compels you to keep reading even though the hour is late! Many surprises along the way also add to that "just one more chapter" compulsion.
A delight in so many ways from start to finish! I loved this book!
Beautiful characters-family and workers-make this "starting over" story a special pleasure. I admire Ella and Roly for making a plan and sticking to it. I admire their honesty especially when they make a promise.
The story has multiple flashback scenes that enhance the current friendship as well as expose how their lives have changed. It's well written and compels you to keep reading even though the hour is late! Many surprises along the way also add to that "just one more chapter" compulsion.
A delight in so many ways from start to finish! I loved this book!
October 10, 2021
The Reboot - Clodagh Murphy
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Two old friends. One new beginning. And a secret that could tear them apart.
Ella and Roly have bright futures ahead of them when they meet as teenagers and strike up an unlikely friendship. She has her career in academia all mapped out, and his star is in the ascendant as member of a manufactured boy band.
But ten years later, neither is where they expected to be. A chronic illness forced Ella to abandon her studies and put her dreams on hold, while Roly got kicked out of the band and lost everything – all his money, his career in music, even the underwear-model girlfriend.
This is a well-written book that will compel you to read on. There are multiple flashbacks which shows what has changed in the lives of Ella and Roly. I thought that this was a sweet read and I flew through it.
With many surprises, this book will test your ability to read 'just one more chapter' and before you know it you will have finished. The way that Clodagh introduces the characters will make you feel like these are people you have known for years.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Two old friends. One new beginning. And a secret that could tear them apart.
Ella and Roly have bright futures ahead of them when they meet as teenagers and strike up an unlikely friendship. She has her career in academia all mapped out, and his star is in the ascendant as member of a manufactured boy band.
But ten years later, neither is where they expected to be. A chronic illness forced Ella to abandon her studies and put her dreams on hold, while Roly got kicked out of the band and lost everything – all his money, his career in music, even the underwear-model girlfriend.
This is a well-written book that will compel you to read on. There are multiple flashbacks which shows what has changed in the lives of Ella and Roly. I thought that this was a sweet read and I flew through it.
With many surprises, this book will test your ability to read 'just one more chapter' and before you know it you will have finished. The way that Clodagh introduces the characters will make you feel like these are people you have known for years.
Rating 4/5
October 12, 2021
This book is hilarious from the beginning, just the tonic I needed now that the days are getting shorter and colder.
Clodagh has written some very relatable characters that are hard not to warm to immediately. Ella and Roly are both so real, with goals and dreams, alongside insecurities and the harsh reality of life events and circumstances that we all encounter along this journey, that we call “life”.
Although on the surface this book seems like a light-hearted, rom-com, it does deal with some heavier themes, such as drug addiction and loneliness.
I love the way we are introduced to the characters and also the pace of the story, which unfolds quite quickly, it’s so interesting you will find yourself wanting to read, “just one more page/chapter” way after your allocated reading time.
Absolutely loved the flashback scenes which shines a light on to the current friendship, really putting everything into context.
If you love a book about second chances and going for your dreams no matter what obstacles life throws at you, this book is definitely for you – truly inspirational – and hilarious!
Definitely worth a read!
Clodagh has written some very relatable characters that are hard not to warm to immediately. Ella and Roly are both so real, with goals and dreams, alongside insecurities and the harsh reality of life events and circumstances that we all encounter along this journey, that we call “life”.
Although on the surface this book seems like a light-hearted, rom-com, it does deal with some heavier themes, such as drug addiction and loneliness.
I love the way we are introduced to the characters and also the pace of the story, which unfolds quite quickly, it’s so interesting you will find yourself wanting to read, “just one more page/chapter” way after your allocated reading time.
Absolutely loved the flashback scenes which shines a light on to the current friendship, really putting everything into context.
If you love a book about second chances and going for your dreams no matter what obstacles life throws at you, this book is definitely for you – truly inspirational – and hilarious!
Definitely worth a read!
November 12, 2021
1.5 star
September 30, 2021
Clodagh is one of my favourite authors and this book like all her others just does not disappoint! As the story went on I felt like I knew the characters on a personal level. Ella and Roly to me are characters that people can relate to in so many different ways be it addiction or isolation - something we can all understand now after the past 18 months. This book is one that will keep you intrigued and turning the pages - for me late in to the night telling myself just one more page🙈. It's a beautiful story another excellent book by Clodagh Murphy
October 16, 2021
This book was absolutely fantastic to read ,the hilarious moments in the book will cheer you up on the darkest of days. It is a book of two unlikely friends , they might be opposites but adding them two together and a sprinkling of problems and you are bound to get a book with cracking characters that are a joy to read !
The way the author has written this book you kind of get caught up in the characters lives and you get invested in them . Ella a sweet kind girl who always tries to do her best no matter the situation and Roly destined for rock star fame... but life doesn't quite turn out the way they wanted . When they rekindle their friendship will the secret Ella hadn't told Roly ruin there friendship ?
A riveting book that you have you laughing , caring ,and will have you hooked on the book in no time at all. My first book by this author and certainly not my last!
The way the author has written this book you kind of get caught up in the characters lives and you get invested in them . Ella a sweet kind girl who always tries to do her best no matter the situation and Roly destined for rock star fame... but life doesn't quite turn out the way they wanted . When they rekindle their friendship will the secret Ella hadn't told Roly ruin there friendship ?
A riveting book that you have you laughing , caring ,and will have you hooked on the book in no time at all. My first book by this author and certainly not my last!
October 17, 2021
A well written romantic comedy of errors, both Ella & Roly are looking to get their lives back on track after unexpected events lost them everything.
Flashbacks between the past & present tell both Roly & Ella's POV. This is a heartwarming romantic comedy, that is both funny, emotional & unputdownable.
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot & gifted copy.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Flashbacks between the past & present tell both Roly & Ella's POV. This is a heartwarming romantic comedy, that is both funny, emotional & unputdownable.
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot & gifted copy.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
January 4, 2022
"Two old friends. One new beginning. And a secret that could tear them apart."
This is a heartwarming story, a story of second chances, a story that shows your true friend will be there even if you don't talk or haven't been in touch for ages, a story that tells us people who care for you will go ways to make sure you are safe, even though what they do will feel like you are betrayed. I enjoyed this book so much.
Ella and Rory, I loved them. They had dreams, plans but it didn't work. Ella suffered from chronic illness that forced her to stay put and Rory lost everything, his fame, money, career in music because of his addiction. Years later they meet up but is it only to drift apart because of secrets? Do find out.
The characters, all of them are so great and relatable. I enjoyed reading the flashback that adds more to the story. The writing is smooth flowing and well written. The author shows us reality and how hard it is but we can come out strong, family and friendship is so important. Overall it was a really great read. I recommend this one.
Thank you Rachel's Random Resources for a chance to read this book.
This is a heartwarming story, a story of second chances, a story that shows your true friend will be there even if you don't talk or haven't been in touch for ages, a story that tells us people who care for you will go ways to make sure you are safe, even though what they do will feel like you are betrayed. I enjoyed this book so much.
Ella and Rory, I loved them. They had dreams, plans but it didn't work. Ella suffered from chronic illness that forced her to stay put and Rory lost everything, his fame, money, career in music because of his addiction. Years later they meet up but is it only to drift apart because of secrets? Do find out.
The characters, all of them are so great and relatable. I enjoyed reading the flashback that adds more to the story. The writing is smooth flowing and well written. The author shows us reality and how hard it is but we can come out strong, family and friendship is so important. Overall it was a really great read. I recommend this one.
Thank you Rachel's Random Resources for a chance to read this book.
September 22, 2021
I think this has of my most favourite moments ever in a book very early on. Relatable and incredibly funny.
The rest of the book is also good. As the characters develop I enjoy where the story goes.
The rest of the book is also good. As the characters develop I enjoy where the story goes.
October 17, 2021
If there’s one thing that I like doing it’s discovering new authors. Clodagh Murphy is certainly a new author for me. I read the synopsis for ‘The Reboot’ and it certainly sounded intriguing and I couldn’t wait to start reading. So without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for a fun afternoon of reading. Overall I did enjoy reading ‘The Reboot’ but more about that in a bit.
I actually quite liked the characters of Ella and Roly, who initially met when they went to school together. Ella is a lovely young lady, who hasn’t had the best of times lately. She is super intelligent and she had her future all mapped out. Life threw her a curveball and she wasn’t able to do what she wanted to do. She has taken time out to heal and to look after herself. Thankfully Ella is getting her life back on track and taking the opportunity to make changes. Roly had it all but for one reason and another he has recently hit rock bottom. Roly was a member of a world famous boy band but he had substance misuse issues and dropped out. Roly was conned out of his money by an unscrupulous accountant, so he too is having to rebuild his life. I found that Ella and Roly were quite similar in many ways. I kept everything crossed that both would manage to rebuild their lives and get the ‘happy ever after’ ending that they both deserved. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It took me a little while to gel with the characters and as a result it took me a little while to get into the story. Once I got to know the characters a bit more, I found it became easier to get into the story. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had the wrong end of the stick entirely. Rather than read it in one long reading session, I binge read the book over the course of a couple of days. When I was reading the book I found that I became so wrapped up in the story that I would lose track of time and just how quickly the pages were turning. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Ella and Roly. I found ‘The Reboot’ to be a fun and entertaining read.
‘The Reboot’ is very well written. The author certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the story. In Ella and Roly, Clodagh has certainly created memorable characters, who she describes so realistically and vividly that they seem just as real as you and I. The story wasn’t particularly fast paced but that suited the sort of story that Clodagh has written. I felt as though I was part of the story and at the heart of the action which is all thanks to Clodagh’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I did enjoy reading ‘The Reboot’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Clodagh’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I actually quite liked the characters of Ella and Roly, who initially met when they went to school together. Ella is a lovely young lady, who hasn’t had the best of times lately. She is super intelligent and she had her future all mapped out. Life threw her a curveball and she wasn’t able to do what she wanted to do. She has taken time out to heal and to look after herself. Thankfully Ella is getting her life back on track and taking the opportunity to make changes. Roly had it all but for one reason and another he has recently hit rock bottom. Roly was a member of a world famous boy band but he had substance misuse issues and dropped out. Roly was conned out of his money by an unscrupulous accountant, so he too is having to rebuild his life. I found that Ella and Roly were quite similar in many ways. I kept everything crossed that both would manage to rebuild their lives and get the ‘happy ever after’ ending that they both deserved. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It took me a little while to gel with the characters and as a result it took me a little while to get into the story. Once I got to know the characters a bit more, I found it became easier to get into the story. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had the wrong end of the stick entirely. Rather than read it in one long reading session, I binge read the book over the course of a couple of days. When I was reading the book I found that I became so wrapped up in the story that I would lose track of time and just how quickly the pages were turning. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say goodbye to Ella and Roly. I found ‘The Reboot’ to be a fun and entertaining read.
‘The Reboot’ is very well written. The author certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the story. In Ella and Roly, Clodagh has certainly created memorable characters, who she describes so realistically and vividly that they seem just as real as you and I. The story wasn’t particularly fast paced but that suited the sort of story that Clodagh has written. I felt as though I was part of the story and at the heart of the action which is all thanks to Clodagh’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I did enjoy reading ‘The Reboot’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Clodagh’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
October 13, 2021
Ella and Roly haven't talked in ten years, but they find they have so much in common, as both their lives are stalling, as their friends surge ahead.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The narrative is split between our two main characters.
Roly was once in the biggest boy band in the world, but was kicked out when his drinking and drugs problem became public. He did his stint in rehab, and stayed sober since; but has otherwise failed at everything, and has completely disappeared from the public eye.
His latest drama, is that his trusted accountant embezzled all his money, and died; leaving Roly in a financial pinch. He takes on his old friend Ella as a roommate, to get some income; but finds a like-minded girl - together they can rebuild their lives.
Ella is just your average girl, who happened to be friends with a guy at school who became a huge popstar.
She had her own plans - she was bright, and wanted to pursue a PhD, and she had the perfect intelligent boyfriend, with the same intellectual ambitions. But it all fell apart after uni, when she was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (aka M.E.). For a long time, she didn't have the energy to leave the house, and has tried to get by working remotely, doing little odd jobs for clients. Her social interactions have dissolved, only existing on Facebook.
Now that she feels better, she is keen to get started with life; but it's so hard to work out how to catch up with her friends and her ex, when they are miles ahead.
Hmm... a story about a girl with M.E. who falls for her housemate - no wonder I was drawn to this book!
I thought the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was approached well. Everyone's experience with it is different (mine has never left me housebound like poor Ella). I thought it was realistic, and there were some authentic and varied reactions to those around her (especially the stark difference in how Roly and ex-Andrew treat her).
Roly is just a sweetie (for the most part). Despite his time with the band, travelling the world and experiencing so much at a young age; he's still so naive. He doesn't feel like he belongs anywhere, and doesn't connect with many people, because the fact he use to be famous hangs over his head.
I liked following Ella and Roly's story. They're not in the first flush of youth, and it was good to read about people who don't have the perfect lives they dreamt of as kids; but found their calling along the way.
The not-so-good.
I thought there were some very cheesy moments romantically, that just had the opposite effect on me. (Like the first time they get together...)
I also didn't like the casual drug use. I know that Roly is a ex-drug addict, and that it is traditionally part of 'sex, drugs and rock&roll'; but it featured in various scenes with nothing more of a mention that people are doing lines. Even Ella mentions coke being part of a school party.
Overall, this was a sweet book about letting go of old dreams and finding new ones.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The narrative is split between our two main characters.
Roly was once in the biggest boy band in the world, but was kicked out when his drinking and drugs problem became public. He did his stint in rehab, and stayed sober since; but has otherwise failed at everything, and has completely disappeared from the public eye.
His latest drama, is that his trusted accountant embezzled all his money, and died; leaving Roly in a financial pinch. He takes on his old friend Ella as a roommate, to get some income; but finds a like-minded girl - together they can rebuild their lives.
Ella is just your average girl, who happened to be friends with a guy at school who became a huge popstar.
She had her own plans - she was bright, and wanted to pursue a PhD, and she had the perfect intelligent boyfriend, with the same intellectual ambitions. But it all fell apart after uni, when she was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (aka M.E.). For a long time, she didn't have the energy to leave the house, and has tried to get by working remotely, doing little odd jobs for clients. Her social interactions have dissolved, only existing on Facebook.
Now that she feels better, she is keen to get started with life; but it's so hard to work out how to catch up with her friends and her ex, when they are miles ahead.
Hmm... a story about a girl with M.E. who falls for her housemate - no wonder I was drawn to this book!
I thought the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was approached well. Everyone's experience with it is different (mine has never left me housebound like poor Ella). I thought it was realistic, and there were some authentic and varied reactions to those around her (especially the stark difference in how Roly and ex-Andrew treat her).
Roly is just a sweetie (for the most part). Despite his time with the band, travelling the world and experiencing so much at a young age; he's still so naive. He doesn't feel like he belongs anywhere, and doesn't connect with many people, because the fact he use to be famous hangs over his head.
I liked following Ella and Roly's story. They're not in the first flush of youth, and it was good to read about people who don't have the perfect lives they dreamt of as kids; but found their calling along the way.
The not-so-good.
I thought there were some very cheesy moments romantically, that just had the opposite effect on me. (Like the first time they get together...)
I also didn't like the casual drug use. I know that Roly is a ex-drug addict, and that it is traditionally part of 'sex, drugs and rock&roll'; but it featured in various scenes with nothing more of a mention that people are doing lines. Even Ella mentions coke being part of a school party.
Overall, this was a sweet book about letting go of old dreams and finding new ones.
October 19, 2021
This story was a breath of fresh air and I loved living in Ella and Roly’s world for a time.
The story brings an appealing mix of glamour and real life, with an emphasis on the difference between perception and reality. We see fame, trendy business and academia from a mix of perspectives with the reality-checks bringing an appealing grounding quality to the story.
Ella is a great character who has retreated from the world since university, because of ME. We meet her as she is coming back out into the world ready to start a new life.
Roly has retreated for different reasons and longs to go back to his earlier life of fame and fortune, after going through rehab and experiencing an increasing lack of visibility.
Old friends, they are able to offer each other something they don’t find elsewhere and the relationship between them is hugely endearing with a sincerity that gives a real feel-good quality to the book, even when it addresses tough situations.
I really enjoyed this book. It gave me some time out from the chaos of real life and made me smile.
The story brings an appealing mix of glamour and real life, with an emphasis on the difference between perception and reality. We see fame, trendy business and academia from a mix of perspectives with the reality-checks bringing an appealing grounding quality to the story.
Ella is a great character who has retreated from the world since university, because of ME. We meet her as she is coming back out into the world ready to start a new life.
Roly has retreated for different reasons and longs to go back to his earlier life of fame and fortune, after going through rehab and experiencing an increasing lack of visibility.
Old friends, they are able to offer each other something they don’t find elsewhere and the relationship between them is hugely endearing with a sincerity that gives a real feel-good quality to the book, even when it addresses tough situations.
I really enjoyed this book. It gave me some time out from the chaos of real life and made me smile.
October 15, 2021
This is a pacy romcom with some vivid characters who all add something to the story. Central are Ella and Rory who you meet at different times over the past ten years. There is a huge difference between the lives they expected to have and their present day reality but they begin to see that that is not necessarily a bad thing. There is humour in their repartee which shows you that they have always had a special connection and understanding.
Family and friendship are important to them both and the dangers of social media can fool anyone. You can see Ella and Roly's sincerity by the way they treat their family. I also enjoyed the scenes at Ella's work which gave me some laugh out loud moments, particularly in her interview. Facing up to what is important in life and being straight with people are the lessons to be learnt. This is a light-hearted story which masks some serious issues.
In short: great characterisation and humour
Rgabks to the publisher for a copy of the book
Family and friendship are important to them both and the dangers of social media can fool anyone. You can see Ella and Roly's sincerity by the way they treat their family. I also enjoyed the scenes at Ella's work which gave me some laugh out loud moments, particularly in her interview. Facing up to what is important in life and being straight with people are the lessons to be learnt. This is a light-hearted story which masks some serious issues.
In short: great characterisation and humour
Rgabks to the publisher for a copy of the book
October 19, 2021
A brilliant book. I loved Ella and Rolys story!
I absolutely adored Ella! Loved her snappy character. Loved her from the first chapter.
Both Ella and Roly have been through alot, so I felt alot of sympathy for them both.
Another must read!
I absolutely adored Ella! Loved her snappy character. Loved her from the first chapter.
Both Ella and Roly have been through alot, so I felt alot of sympathy for them both.
Another must read!
April 5, 2022
Honestly, a pleasant read but not much detail given into the characters where the opportunity arose and there wasn't an too in depth story arc.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, infact I found I really enjoy it and cheered them on, but it fell short for me a bit. I'd typically rate most books a 4 star but this one left me wanting a bit more and so it's a 3 from me this time.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, infact I found I really enjoy it and cheered them on, but it fell short for me a bit. I'd typically rate most books a 4 star but this one left me wanting a bit more and so it's a 3 from me this time.
September 26, 2021
Read this book if you like:
Friends to lovers
Second chances
Rom coms
Imagine meeting up with your long lost friend who you thought you’d never see again. Reminiscing and reconnecting. What will happen next?
Such a sweet and fun rom com! I flew through this and loved the character development! Roly and Ella are both looking to start fresh and get back on track after some major setbacks. They want to hold each other accountable and work towards their goals together! Ella is keeping a big secret from Roly that will change everything if he finds out. What is the secret and will she decide to tell him what she’s done?
This book addresses some heavy topics including drug use and addiction, so please be aware of that.
Friends to lovers
Second chances
Rom coms
Imagine meeting up with your long lost friend who you thought you’d never see again. Reminiscing and reconnecting. What will happen next?
Such a sweet and fun rom com! I flew through this and loved the character development! Roly and Ella are both looking to start fresh and get back on track after some major setbacks. They want to hold each other accountable and work towards their goals together! Ella is keeping a big secret from Roly that will change everything if he finds out. What is the secret and will she decide to tell him what she’s done?
This book addresses some heavy topics including drug use and addiction, so please be aware of that.
October 19, 2021
Ella and Roly meet at school and become friends despite their differences. They follow their own paths, Ella at university and Roly a superstar in a boy band. Over the years they occasionally talk but something happens in both their lives to change the course of it.
They meet again after many years and become close friends as they try to get thir lives back but there is a secret that if it comes out will damage the friendship.
I loved Ella and Roly. She is straightforward, down to earth and likes to help everyone. The real Roly is a lovely guy, so different from his superstar persona. I also enjoyed the antics of the mums, nan and aunt!
The book is full of fun, humour, romance and heartbreak and at times made me a little emotional. I liked when the book went back in time as I feel it enhanced the story. It is full of relatable characters and I would highly recommend reading it.
They meet again after many years and become close friends as they try to get thir lives back but there is a secret that if it comes out will damage the friendship.
I loved Ella and Roly. She is straightforward, down to earth and likes to help everyone. The real Roly is a lovely guy, so different from his superstar persona. I also enjoyed the antics of the mums, nan and aunt!
The book is full of fun, humour, romance and heartbreak and at times made me a little emotional. I liked when the book went back in time as I feel it enhanced the story. It is full of relatable characters and I would highly recommend reading it.
January 27, 2023
This is a nice romantic novel with some good humour in it. I liked the heroine very much, but I have to confess to finding the hero, Roly, both smug and thoughtless. He is very condescending indeed about other people with normal non-Rock hero jobs and I hated that side of it. I did think Ella could do a whole lot better, and Roly needed to do a huge amount of growing up. Still, I loved Ella's work colleagues - they were great fun!
November 23, 2022
4.5 stars. Loved this book, loved the characters and didn't want it to end.
December 18, 2021
Real friendships can stand the test of time…
When Ella and Roly become friends as teenagers, their paths couldn’t be more different. Ella is ready to start her years in academy, while Roly is member of a boy band ready to conquer the world. Even if the contact isn’t always that close, ten years later they are still friends. However, their lives took a whole different direction… Ella has struggled with a chronic illness, putting her whole life and all her dreams on hold, while Roly got kicked out of the band and lost everything when his addiction became public knowledge… Together they decide to start over again, and they try to win back what they once lost. And their friendship becomes a solid one. But Ella carries a secret, a secret that would devastate Roly and put their whole friendship at risk…
I have read one previous book from this author, and as I truly enjoyed it (and had a few shocks there!), I was very curious to read this new book. Even if Ella and Roly took a whole different direction in their lives, I absolutely loved reading how in several moments they find each other again and how easy their friendship is, even when some time has passed since their previous meeting. Seeing how Ella is trying to live again after facing her illness, made me feel very proud of her. I do not know a lot of this chronic disease, so I cannot understand how difficult it is for Ella, but her courage and determination to get out there again, I cannot say more than just ‘bravo’! I had a blast during her job interview, and even if the job was not something younger Ella would imagine doing, I could see how perfect it would be for present Ella. Slowly Ella is not only getting back out there, but she also starts to enjoy the things she (sometimes under a gentle obligation) is doing. Roly’s backstory is a bitter one… Being a member of a boy band is a dream for so many us ‘normal’ people, and seeing Roly accomplish that, well, I would be jealous of having such an amazing career. However, it’s easy to see only the glitter and glamour. But there is also a dark path, and unfortunately that’s the path Roly chose… And seeing how his life has been and still is falling apart, broke my heart, especially when those who should look after him, obviously didn’t.
Luckily for them, and for us readers, Ella and Roly decide to ‘reboot’ their lives together. I found it utterly sweet to see how these friends manage to help each other and slowly are getting closer to each other. This is for me proof, that no matter how much you screwed up in the past, you can still take the right path and make something meaningful of your life.
I loved how sometimes we have flashbacks, and we can see how Ella and Roly are meeting up again during several years. And it doesn’t show us only the best parts, but also the worst parts… And even if this is a fictional story, that made it more realistic. Because life isn’t always great and wonderful…
When Ella’s secret is out, I didn’t find it a massive shock. But that’s because I thought the secret would be on a complete different level so I was a bit erassuered when it was something totally different. But I also understood Roly was. Because the secret made a lot of things clear, but it also jeopardizes the relationship between our beloved main characters.
But this isn’t absolutely a depressing story! I had so many laughs while reading, and I absolutely loved Ella’s workplace and her bosses and colleagues. Roly’s mother and grandmother are absolute darlings who you wish could have in your life too. I found this a wonderful read, about the setbacks of life, but also about the possibilities and second chances that life gives. And I found it a real important message that just because your life takes a different direction, it doesn’t mean it’s a ‘lesser’ life. Growing up, maturing and taking another path, makes you realize what truly matters to you, and sometimes it’s not the thing you always dreamed about.
When Ella and Roly become friends as teenagers, their paths couldn’t be more different. Ella is ready to start her years in academy, while Roly is member of a boy band ready to conquer the world. Even if the contact isn’t always that close, ten years later they are still friends. However, their lives took a whole different direction… Ella has struggled with a chronic illness, putting her whole life and all her dreams on hold, while Roly got kicked out of the band and lost everything when his addiction became public knowledge… Together they decide to start over again, and they try to win back what they once lost. And their friendship becomes a solid one. But Ella carries a secret, a secret that would devastate Roly and put their whole friendship at risk…
I have read one previous book from this author, and as I truly enjoyed it (and had a few shocks there!), I was very curious to read this new book. Even if Ella and Roly took a whole different direction in their lives, I absolutely loved reading how in several moments they find each other again and how easy their friendship is, even when some time has passed since their previous meeting. Seeing how Ella is trying to live again after facing her illness, made me feel very proud of her. I do not know a lot of this chronic disease, so I cannot understand how difficult it is for Ella, but her courage and determination to get out there again, I cannot say more than just ‘bravo’! I had a blast during her job interview, and even if the job was not something younger Ella would imagine doing, I could see how perfect it would be for present Ella. Slowly Ella is not only getting back out there, but she also starts to enjoy the things she (sometimes under a gentle obligation) is doing. Roly’s backstory is a bitter one… Being a member of a boy band is a dream for so many us ‘normal’ people, and seeing Roly accomplish that, well, I would be jealous of having such an amazing career. However, it’s easy to see only the glitter and glamour. But there is also a dark path, and unfortunately that’s the path Roly chose… And seeing how his life has been and still is falling apart, broke my heart, especially when those who should look after him, obviously didn’t.
Luckily for them, and for us readers, Ella and Roly decide to ‘reboot’ their lives together. I found it utterly sweet to see how these friends manage to help each other and slowly are getting closer to each other. This is for me proof, that no matter how much you screwed up in the past, you can still take the right path and make something meaningful of your life.
I loved how sometimes we have flashbacks, and we can see how Ella and Roly are meeting up again during several years. And it doesn’t show us only the best parts, but also the worst parts… And even if this is a fictional story, that made it more realistic. Because life isn’t always great and wonderful…
When Ella’s secret is out, I didn’t find it a massive shock. But that’s because I thought the secret would be on a complete different level so I was a bit erassuered when it was something totally different. But I also understood Roly was. Because the secret made a lot of things clear, but it also jeopardizes the relationship between our beloved main characters.
But this isn’t absolutely a depressing story! I had so many laughs while reading, and I absolutely loved Ella’s workplace and her bosses and colleagues. Roly’s mother and grandmother are absolute darlings who you wish could have in your life too. I found this a wonderful read, about the setbacks of life, but also about the possibilities and second chances that life gives. And I found it a real important message that just because your life takes a different direction, it doesn’t mean it’s a ‘lesser’ life. Growing up, maturing and taking another path, makes you realize what truly matters to you, and sometimes it’s not the thing you always dreamed about.
January 30, 2023
I first read Clodagh Murphy years ago. My first book from her was Some Girls Do and I absolutely loved it. I’ve re-read it over and over since. I saw this one pop up on my Amazon suggestions so decided to give it a go.
The story follows two main characters - Ella and Roly. They’re both at a bit of a crossroads in their life starting down a new path and uncertain of their future. Ella has recently recovered from a debilitating illness and Roly is trying to get his former boy band physique back, and find a source of income. The pair are old school friends, estranged for some time until time brings them back together.
The main plot centres around the friendship between Roly and Ella and there is an element of will they/won’t they. Roly is quite entitled at times and has some skewed opinions but Ella is right beside him to bring him back down to earth.
Although not maybe as spicy as some of Clodagh’s other work there was a surprising role play scene thrown in! If you’ve not read anything from this author I would fully recommend Some Girls Do.
The story follows two main characters - Ella and Roly. They’re both at a bit of a crossroads in their life starting down a new path and uncertain of their future. Ella has recently recovered from a debilitating illness and Roly is trying to get his former boy band physique back, and find a source of income. The pair are old school friends, estranged for some time until time brings them back together.
The main plot centres around the friendship between Roly and Ella and there is an element of will they/won’t they. Roly is quite entitled at times and has some skewed opinions but Ella is right beside him to bring him back down to earth.
Although not maybe as spicy as some of Clodagh’s other work there was a surprising role play scene thrown in! If you’ve not read anything from this author I would fully recommend Some Girls Do.
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