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Do Over
*2022 IPPY Bronze Medalist - Regional Fiction!*
*2022 Firebird Award- Silver - Contemporary Fiction!*
*2022 The BookFest Award Winner - Literary Love Story*
*2022 Georgia Independent Author of the Year Awards (GIAYA) - Silver- First Book!*
*2022 Independent Author Network Award Winner - General Fiction!*
*2022 Readers' Choice Award Winner - Adult Fiction!*
Samantha Rutliff has spent her life trying to stay in the middle of the road, running when things got tough and suffering from an undiagnosed dissociative disorder. After committing a terrible act, she ends up hundreds of miles away in a random beach town, with a large knot on the side of her head and all of her belongings in the back of her car. Determined to stay and start over, she takes a job at a beachside restaurant, which leads to forming a friendship with Smitty, a local lifeguard and surfer.
However, when a body is found in the ocean, a dark underworld of teen and young adult ketamine abuse surfaces, with Smitty at the center of it. Sam and Smitty lean on each other to cope until a secret comes out which threatens to tear them apart. Sam has to decide if she is finally ready to stay and fight for something she believes in or save the tiny bit of herself she has managed to find.
*2022 Firebird Award- Silver - Contemporary Fiction!*
*2022 The BookFest Award Winner - Literary Love Story*
*2022 Georgia Independent Author of the Year Awards (GIAYA) - Silver- First Book!*
*2022 Independent Author Network Award Winner - General Fiction!*
*2022 Readers' Choice Award Winner - Adult Fiction!*
Samantha Rutliff has spent her life trying to stay in the middle of the road, running when things got tough and suffering from an undiagnosed dissociative disorder. After committing a terrible act, she ends up hundreds of miles away in a random beach town, with a large knot on the side of her head and all of her belongings in the back of her car. Determined to stay and start over, she takes a job at a beachside restaurant, which leads to forming a friendship with Smitty, a local lifeguard and surfer.
However, when a body is found in the ocean, a dark underworld of teen and young adult ketamine abuse surfaces, with Smitty at the center of it. Sam and Smitty lean on each other to cope until a secret comes out which threatens to tear them apart. Sam has to decide if she is finally ready to stay and fight for something she believes in or save the tiny bit of herself she has managed to find.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2021
3 people are currently reading
2312 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Rose
20 books467 followersMulti award-winning, cross-genre author, journalist, and librarian!
Juliet Rose is driven to bring to life characters from many walks of life and the struggles faced in modern society. Her writing style is open and fluid, giving the characters the ability to shine as the truth of their own story. Her works are honest and sometimes brutally painful but in the end, her characters are given the voice which needs to be heard.
Juliet is a New York native living in the mountains of Georgia. She has lived all over the United States and Mexico and doesn’t plan to stop seeing the world beyond her front doorstep. She spends her time rescuing animals, painting, and writing.
Juliet Rose is driven to bring to life characters from many walks of life and the struggles faced in modern society. Her writing style is open and fluid, giving the characters the ability to shine as the truth of their own story. Her works are honest and sometimes brutally painful but in the end, her characters are given the voice which needs to be heard.
Juliet is a New York native living in the mountains of Georgia. She has lived all over the United States and Mexico and doesn’t plan to stop seeing the world beyond her front doorstep. She spends her time rescuing animals, painting, and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 5, 2023
READERS' FAVORITE REVIEW
5 stars
Do Over by Juliet Rose is the story of Samantha Rutliff, a woman who struggles with an undiagnosed mental illness. Sam made a terrible mistake and hurt some important people in her life. Devastated and regretful, Sam packed her bags and left her house. She ends up in a beach town where she hopes to start a new life away from regrets. With a job in the town, Sam meets Smith a.k.a. Smitty. He was a lifeguard, and the two felt an instant connection. However, things change dramatically when Casey, a new friend in town, drowned. Ketamine was found in his system, and suddenly the whole town was abuzz with drug abuse by the residents. Before they knew it, Smitty’s past was making issues for his present and future. Now it was up to them to decide if Sam and Smitty were going to fight for their relationship or would they let it slip by.
Do Over was an emotional roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to get off. Sam’s character was complicated and a little emotionally driven, to say the least. That may be because Sam had not come to terms with her mental illness, but once she did, she got a better grip on her current situation. What happened with Miriam and Ty was wrong, and Sam was aware of it from the moment it happened. Meeting Smitty was the best thing that could happen to her, but the same could be said for Smitty. They both had demons in their closets, and with each other’s help, the two were able to fight them. Juliet Rose worked hard to showcase how strong Sam became. She found a group of friends who became family and had every opportunity to do better. The narrative was perfectly paced, the action was always present, and it was clear from the get-go that Sam was in the driving seat in this story! I loved this story and now I am a huge fan!
5 stars
Do Over by Juliet Rose is the story of Samantha Rutliff, a woman who struggles with an undiagnosed mental illness. Sam made a terrible mistake and hurt some important people in her life. Devastated and regretful, Sam packed her bags and left her house. She ends up in a beach town where she hopes to start a new life away from regrets. With a job in the town, Sam meets Smith a.k.a. Smitty. He was a lifeguard, and the two felt an instant connection. However, things change dramatically when Casey, a new friend in town, drowned. Ketamine was found in his system, and suddenly the whole town was abuzz with drug abuse by the residents. Before they knew it, Smitty’s past was making issues for his present and future. Now it was up to them to decide if Sam and Smitty were going to fight for their relationship or would they let it slip by.
Do Over was an emotional roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to get off. Sam’s character was complicated and a little emotionally driven, to say the least. That may be because Sam had not come to terms with her mental illness, but once she did, she got a better grip on her current situation. What happened with Miriam and Ty was wrong, and Sam was aware of it from the moment it happened. Meeting Smitty was the best thing that could happen to her, but the same could be said for Smitty. They both had demons in their closets, and with each other’s help, the two were able to fight them. Juliet Rose worked hard to showcase how strong Sam became. She found a group of friends who became family and had every opportunity to do better. The narrative was perfectly paced, the action was always present, and it was clear from the get-go that Sam was in the driving seat in this story! I loved this story and now I am a huge fan!
July 9, 2022
Do Over is an exceptionally well written novel. I like how Juliet Rose defined her main character in a meaningful and extensive way. I knew Samantha Rutliff after the opening chapters and looked forward to reading about her experiences and how they would affect change in her life.
For those looking for a positive reading experience, one where life works out for the best, this book delivers. While life gets complicated for Samantha, it also becomes friendlier and easier as she learns to navigate through her hardships. In doing so, she learns from her mistakes and grows into a responsible adult. She comes of age in this novel and it’s heartwarming to actually feel her experiences.
The positive elements, however, were the very thing that I found disconcerting about this book. Samantha could have been any one of my young female cousins or nieces. Samantha captures their pessimistic outlook on life and their inability to do more than simply survive. They were never empowered (educated) to imagine their vast potential and they all met men of questionable values, very much like Samantha’s love. In reality, these young women’s lack of empowerment left them with only their human instinct for love as the only power that they could deeply wield, which made each of them into single mothers. This same outcome could have easily been Samantha’s, but she was lucky.
I very much liked what this book actually was, but found reality to be what this book wasn’t. Nonetheless, being given the opportunity to consider such contrasts is what good literature is all about.
For those looking for a positive reading experience, one where life works out for the best, this book delivers. While life gets complicated for Samantha, it also becomes friendlier and easier as she learns to navigate through her hardships. In doing so, she learns from her mistakes and grows into a responsible adult. She comes of age in this novel and it’s heartwarming to actually feel her experiences.
The positive elements, however, were the very thing that I found disconcerting about this book. Samantha could have been any one of my young female cousins or nieces. Samantha captures their pessimistic outlook on life and their inability to do more than simply survive. They were never empowered (educated) to imagine their vast potential and they all met men of questionable values, very much like Samantha’s love. In reality, these young women’s lack of empowerment left them with only their human instinct for love as the only power that they could deeply wield, which made each of them into single mothers. This same outcome could have easily been Samantha’s, but she was lucky.
I very much liked what this book actually was, but found reality to be what this book wasn’t. Nonetheless, being given the opportunity to consider such contrasts is what good literature is all about.
May 17, 2022
How many do overs do we get before it's too late? This unpretentious story is an important thought provoking read about young adults depressing their lives in a selfish existence who eventually, if lucky, ask the essential question - Are we giving enough to make it a life worth living? Expect to ponder that question long after you've finished this book.
January 28, 2023
this book was just what I needed to get me out of the horror genre for a second. It was well-written, emotional, & realistically explored the problems that a lot of small towns deal with.
April 23, 2022
Samantha is the kind of character who does not make good choices for herself or those around her. After betraying a friend, she finds herself with a massive headache and many miles away and attempts to make something of her life. Along the way she meets some people that lead her to discover the banality of smalltown life in Florida. At times Samantha's choices will irritate you and wonder why she's so self-destructive, and other times you'll find yourself rooting for her. Satisfying ending to the story that works.
January 4, 2022
My favorite thing about Do Over is that it sticks with you. Even after finished reading, you find yourself thinking about the characters. Wondering about their lives outside of the book. The development of the characters is strong and may inspire you to find change and growth within yourself. Deals with the honest truth about addiction, poverty, and the bad choices people make.
April 22, 2022
A wonderfully redemptive story about two people whose past mistakes and tumultuous lives bring them together. Together, they'll get a do over -- but only if they can convince themselves they deserve that second chance.
Great book!
Great book!
September 20, 2023
Excellent book with twists and lessons
I didn’t even know what the book was about when I read it but I couldn’t stop reading once I started. The characters are so well-developed that I became emotionally involved in their stories. Highly recommend
I didn’t even know what the book was about when I read it but I couldn’t stop reading once I started. The characters are so well-developed that I became emotionally involved in their stories. Highly recommend
May 1, 2022
Do Over by Juliet Rose tells the story of Samatha, a young woman who actively looks to avoid responsibility and confrontation, and her growing relationship with Smitty, someone she realises she actually wants to fight for. Samantha is tested to her limit and must fight her natural instincts when the two of them find themselves embroiled in amongst gangs, crime, and drugs.
The story started a little slow for me as we focused more on the characters and the events that happened before Samantha’s ‘Do Over’ in life. I found this a little frustrating as I wanted to jump into more of the action earlier on, however I soon realised that the slow start paved the way for building the relationship between Samantha and Smitty. Samantha really comes a long way in terms of her development, especially seeing as where we are introduced to her. She comes across a little distant, but this is just in her nature as she is known to flee from her tough surroundings.
The world Rose paints is bright and happy in a beach town where nothing could seemingly go wrong, and I really liked how this was shattered by the darkness of the underworld. There is a part in the first half where things get dark quick and the sudden shift was really well handled in breaking the illusion. There are some grim scenes and instances of drug use that were a little horrible to read, but at the same time kept me gripped. I did feel that I knew what the ending would be before it happened, and while I won’t spoil it I’m glad it happened the way it did. This was a little predictable but that is not necessary a bad thing.
All in all I enjoyed this book and felt its delivery was handled well by the author. It handles some sensitive topics well which is always good to see.
The story started a little slow for me as we focused more on the characters and the events that happened before Samantha’s ‘Do Over’ in life. I found this a little frustrating as I wanted to jump into more of the action earlier on, however I soon realised that the slow start paved the way for building the relationship between Samantha and Smitty. Samantha really comes a long way in terms of her development, especially seeing as where we are introduced to her. She comes across a little distant, but this is just in her nature as she is known to flee from her tough surroundings.
The world Rose paints is bright and happy in a beach town where nothing could seemingly go wrong, and I really liked how this was shattered by the darkness of the underworld. There is a part in the first half where things get dark quick and the sudden shift was really well handled in breaking the illusion. There are some grim scenes and instances of drug use that were a little horrible to read, but at the same time kept me gripped. I did feel that I knew what the ending would be before it happened, and while I won’t spoil it I’m glad it happened the way it did. This was a little predictable but that is not necessary a bad thing.
All in all I enjoyed this book and felt its delivery was handled well by the author. It handles some sensitive topics well which is always good to see.
October 30, 2021
Do Over, is my first book by Juliet Rose and will not be my last. It flowed and flowed and flowed. Not any drag, and not filled with overly verbose prose. The story gets right to it, where Samantha is living a life full of emptiness, wanting to feel something, but finding nothing. She does something dramatic to harm someone close to her, which ends up setting her out to find a new start and meet a man that will change her as she changes him. Not your typical love story though, it is realistic and the characters learn from one another.
Along with that, there are many more characters and all get time to breathe and Rose develops each one, bringing them right into your mind as if you know them.
An easy 5 star read!!
Along with that, there are many more characters and all get time to breathe and Rose develops each one, bringing them right into your mind as if you know them.
An easy 5 star read!!
December 18, 2021
Compelling is an understatement!
From the first chapter this book pulls you into the story! This is a textbook example of a novel you can’t set down!
From the first chapter this book pulls you into the story! This is a textbook example of a novel you can’t set down!
December 23, 2021
Boring, inane and badly written.
December 31, 2022
I liked the book, but ended up taking a break from it. There was a bit involving the legal system and I stop reading it for a bit. Overall, it was a good book.
March 27, 2023
“This book is to be more than read. It is to be felt.” - Clay Anderson, The Palms
And man did I ever feel this journey! Started for me in a fairytale Christmas town in Dahlonega, GA on a spontaneous adventure we happened to park directly in front of a bookstore downtown. Everyone knows (or should) that I’m a SUCKA for book stores - most especially used books. We saunter in and I breathe in the smell of new and used books. Lucky for me there was a local author in the next room signing books (swoon!). We’re on vacation, YOLO and I don’t have any autographed books so I buy a book, after glancing at it to make sure I wasn’t buying just anything, Juliet signs my book and I swoon off to causally look around. Part two of this story will be continued later, but this book was more than just read by me, it was felt. #fangirl (I hope that means what I think it means still)
And man did I ever feel this journey! Started for me in a fairytale Christmas town in Dahlonega, GA on a spontaneous adventure we happened to park directly in front of a bookstore downtown. Everyone knows (or should) that I’m a SUCKA for book stores - most especially used books. We saunter in and I breathe in the smell of new and used books. Lucky for me there was a local author in the next room signing books (swoon!). We’re on vacation, YOLO and I don’t have any autographed books so I buy a book, after glancing at it to make sure I wasn’t buying just anything, Juliet signs my book and I swoon off to causally look around. Part two of this story will be continued later, but this book was more than just read by me, it was felt. #fangirl (I hope that means what I think it means still)
January 3, 2026
😭😭😭 oh my heart
Do Over by Juliet Rose absolutely wrecked me, in the best way. This book took me on a full roller coaster of emotions, and I can’t express how deeply I loved it.
It’s a raw, honest look at how addiction can destroy everything in its path. Sam is watching the small life she’s worked so hard to build, crumble around her. The people she loves slipping away, while she’s left with an impossible choice: stay stuck, waiting and hoping, or walk away and start over.
I sobbed through so much of this book. It was painful, beautiful, and deeply necessary. Juliet, I didn’t realize how badly I needed this story until it broke me open. Highly recommend if you’re ready for something emotional and real. 💔📖
Do Over by Juliet Rose absolutely wrecked me, in the best way. This book took me on a full roller coaster of emotions, and I can’t express how deeply I loved it.
It’s a raw, honest look at how addiction can destroy everything in its path. Sam is watching the small life she’s worked so hard to build, crumble around her. The people she loves slipping away, while she’s left with an impossible choice: stay stuck, waiting and hoping, or walk away and start over.
I sobbed through so much of this book. It was painful, beautiful, and deeply necessary. Juliet, I didn’t realize how badly I needed this story until it broke me open. Highly recommend if you’re ready for something emotional and real. 💔📖
March 8, 2023
Thank You Juliet Rose
The book was well written with relatable characters. It deals with how drug use effects the user and all around that are in their environmental unit.
Have You ever felt the Fear of Commitment and Just Ran when someone got to close then this book is right for you?
Book Description
Samantha Rutliff has run hundreds of miles away to a beach town, with a large knot on the side of her head and all of her belongings in the back of her car. Let's see How the story develops?
The book was well written with relatable characters. It deals with how drug use effects the user and all around that are in their environmental unit.
Have You ever felt the Fear of Commitment and Just Ran when someone got to close then this book is right for you?
Book Description
Samantha Rutliff has run hundreds of miles away to a beach town, with a large knot on the side of her head and all of her belongings in the back of her car. Let's see How the story develops?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2022
Thanks Goodreads for my copy of Do Over by Juliet Rose. This really wasn't my type of book. The characters spent too much time analyzing their feelings and not much actual action to the story. I would like to see more things happening to the characters. All in all, not bad just not great. It got better at the end.
June 29, 2023
Between the character development and the small-town life portrayed, it felt like I was in the book witnessing Samantha’s life. The story moved along perfectly without any slowdowns. Juliet is an amazing author, and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
February 1, 2023
revolutionary, i cried a few times
August 5, 2025
This was an enjoyable book, although I wish we got more in-depth with Samantha's mental health. I wanted more on her experiences and her thought processes during her mental health crises. At a certain point, Smitty's narrative took control and I feel like I missed an opportunity to better understand Samantha. I wish we could have had more moments of her in dissociative states than the few instances where she became anxious among crowds.
February 9, 2022
Do Over is a book that can enlighten understanding for relationships, and decision making. Providing experience to youngsters, and build hope for anyone going through tough situations. No matter the road, how well paved or rocky, the sun will eventually shine your road, as long as you don't loose hope.
June 30, 2023
Love this story. It's gritty, honest, yet touching. I was rooting for Smitty and Sam the whole way.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews