It's Beth o'Leary, of course I loved it. Perfect romcom, easy, happy reading. What more could you want? An easy recommend!

I've been a fan of Beth O'Leary since The Flat Share but I think The Wake-Up Call is now my new favourite.

Izzy and Lucas are both receptionists at The Forest Manor Hotel and they hate each other. Lucas is sensible and serious and Izzy is creative, fun and likes a bit of sparkle. After learning that the hotel is struggling to stay open after Covid lockdowns and disrepair, the two bitter rivals are forced to work together in order to save it from closure.

I know it's a bit of a cliché but this book had everything I adore and I absolutely loved it from the first page. It's cute, fun and a little festive. Also the enemies to lovers trope works really well along with grumpy and sunshine. There are some really adorable side characters too, my favourites being Mr Townsend and poor Mandy.

I highly recommend this book to romance fans and I think this is Beth O'Leary's best book yet. My thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for providing me with a copy to read and review.

Although not one of my favourites from Beth O’Leary, this was a fun and easy read.
I’m not usually a massive fan of the miscommunication trope, but I really like Beth’s writing and I’m a sucker for an enemies to lovers. I liked how it was told from dual perspectives and really enjoyed Izzy and Lucas’s banter. I read a couple of reviews from people comparing it to a Hallmark film and honestly it really felt like one, it was so wonderfully festive!

I’ve enjoyed all of Beth O’Leary’s books and although this wasn’t my favourite I did really like the story. The hotel was a brilliant setting and I enjoyed the ring subplot and the other hotel guests.

I think the reason it isn’t a favourite is that I didn’t really see the problem with Lucas and ended up thinking Izzy was just being really unreasonable. I get the whole misunderstanding and Izzy’s history but I still felt frustrated and felt Lucas deserved better. Obviously I was very invested in the characters though so this is the mark of a good book!

‘Two Sworn Enemies. One Failing Hotel. Love is the Last Thing They Need’ - cover tag line.

My thanks to Quercus Books for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Wake-Up Call’ by Beth O'Leary.

‘Two Sworn Enemies. One Failing Hotel. Love is the Last Thing They Need’ - cover tag line, ‘The Wake-Up Call’ by Beth O'Leary.

While I don’t read many romantic comedies, ever since her 2019 debut, ‘The Flatshare’, I have enjoyed O’Leary’s lighthearted romances.

Her latest is set at the Forest Manor Hotel and Spa located in the New Forest. November 2022: it’s the busiest time of the year for the boutique hotel. However, following the pandemic the hotel has been struggling to stay afloat. Plus, it’s a converted grand property and needs plenty of repairs.

As part of the cost-saving measures its two most experienced front-of-house staff, Izzy Jenkins and Lucas da Silva, are given the same shift. Unfortunately, they are also sworn enemies. The reasons why are hinted at in the Christmas 2021 Prologue. For the good of the hotel, they agree to put their differences aside, though there is still friction. A third staff member, Mandy, often gets caught in the middle.

One task that Izzy undertakes is selling off various unclaimed items in the Lost Property room (it started off as a box but over the years more and more had accumulated). Lucas hates the LP room and calls it ‘the bin’.

Coming across a box from the swimming pool’s lost property containing five unclaimed clearly valuable rings, Izzy pleads with Mrs SB, the hotel’s owner, to allow her to try to reunite them with their owners. “Losing a wedding ring isn’t like losing an umbrella” she says. Overhearing the conversation grumpy Lucas disagrees. However, Mrs SB gives Izzy a week to find the owners.

When the successful return of the first wedding ring results in a substantial reward, Mrs SB is completely on board with the project. The rivalry between Izzy and Lucas results in a competition between them focusing on the four remaining rings. I won’t say more in order to avoid spoilers though given the novel’s genre there’s a certain inevitability to the events that follow.

Still, as in many comic romances, there are plenty of misunderstandings and miscommunications along the way. I especially enjoyed Izzy’s attempts to explain the plot of ‘Love Actually’ to Lucas. In addition, as Lucas is Brazilian there are cultural differences to negotiate as well.

There’s also the familiar trope of the possible love rival. Here it’s Louis Keele, the son of a wealthy property developer, who is a long stay guest of the hotel and a potential future investor. Are his motives honourable towards both Izzy and Forest Manor?

Overall, I found ‘The Wake-Up Call’ an engaging, entertaining read. As I often read dark thrillers and weighty literary novels, it was nice to lose myself in something so light and fluffy.

Not only a new Beth O’Leary’s novel, but also a Christmas one? I don’t have to think twice about reading it!

The Wake-Up Call is set in Forest Manor, a cozy hotel and spa. The two protagonists, Izzy and Lucas, hate each other and have spent the entire year getting on each other’s nerves, bickering and snapping at each other, for the enjoyment – or annoyance – of colleagues, friends, and guests. But it’s almost Christmas time and the hotel is in desperate need of funds or it will be forced to close. With very few options, they start selling lost property that no one has reclaimed, except for the box of rings whose owners Izzy is determined to find, turning it into a challenge with Lucas, which means spending more time together (involving also an only-one-bed situation) and realizing that maybe they don’t really hate each other.

I know I say this every time I read a new Beth O’Leary’s novel, but this is her best so far. I loved everything about it, the story, the setting, the characters, and the writing. Izzy and Lucas are two fantastic protagonists: authentic and loyal, they form the perfect grumpy vs sunshine couple. Lucas is serious and stubborn, determined to prove his worth, especially to his family, while Izzy is always cheerful and friendly, creative and supportive, the kind of person everyone wants to talk to. I enjoyed their bickering and witty exchanges and their chemistry is incredible.

There is also a wonderful cast of supportive characters: Poor Mandy, who turns out to be a genius of social media; Mr Townsend, who does a bit of matchmaking; the irritable Arjun; and the energetic Hedgers family.

Well-written, heart-warming, and immersive, The Wake-Up Call is the perfect enemies-to-lovers romance with a fantastic Christmas atmosphere thanks to the amazing found family of Forest Manor!

Fun romance about two hotel employees at war over a run down hotel. Takes a bit of concentration working out who is talking at the start but once you are in its very enjoyable. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

I love love love Beth O Leary and have read all of her books! She’s my go to when recommending a book to someone looking for a cute feel good romance.
The Wake Up Call follows Izzy and Lucas who work together at the Forest Manor Hotel and can’t stand one another but both have a passionate love for their beloved hotel and are desperate to save it from closing down.
When they find a bunch of rings in the lost and found they take it upon themselves to get the rings back to their owners. With some healthy competition and colleague rivalry they grow closer and closer on their mission. This is just the cutest, cosiest love story perfect for the colder months!

**Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review**

Well, this was a lovely breath of fresh air. A true romcom with the classic misunderstanding keeping a couple apart with the classic "will they, won't they" undertone. Lots of characters to fall in love with and a one in particular to hate (boooooooooooo!) and some unexpected twists.

Definitely one that needs to be made into a film as I kept picturing Emilia Clarke as Izzy.. It's a rare 5/5 from me!

The Wake Up Call by Beth O'leary

Contemporary Romance | 368 pages
Publication Date: 26 September 2023

Two sworn enemies, one failing hotel. Love is the last thing they need..

Welcome to the Forest Manor Hotel. We start this story off with Izzy confessing how she feels to Lucas in a Christmas card (cue Last Christmas music here). We then fast forward to a year later. Izzy and Lucas are now sworn enemies but with the hotel falling apart around them they have to work together to try and save it. When management ask them to open up lost and found to see what they can salvage to sell Izzy finds lost rings. Izzy finds the first owner who gives them a nice reward. This starts a game between both Izzy and Lucas to see who can find the next lot of owners. With four rings still waiting to be returned the race is on to save the hotel.

I can safely say I will read anything and everything Beth O'Leary writes and this book was no exception and I dropped quite literally everything to start reading this one straight away. I may have done a few happy dances when the Netgalley acceptance came through.

What I loved:
Enemies to Lovers and grumpy sunshine tropes.
Christmas setting.
Laugh out loud moments
Great side characters.

Thank you Netgalley and Quercus Books for the gifted copy for my honest book review.

I always love Beth O’Leary’s books and she just keeps getting better. I honestly didn’t think she could write anything better after The No Show, but this book proved me wrong.

I adored the storyline and characters. The tension was insane, only made better by the miscommunication between the two. The supporting characters were adorable and loving. The plot about finding the owners of the lost property rings was a stroke of genius and added to the development of the relationship between the two characters. Truly a phenomenal book and I will continue to read everything that Beth O’Leary publishes.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

My very first Beth O'Leary novel and I have to say, I was very impressed.
Izzy and Lucas are enemies who work at the Forest Manor Hotel, which is in jeopardy. To save the business, Izzy and Lucas must put their heads together and find a solution. As they get closer, they also find some love as well.

This was a fun romance and I enjoyed reading about the sweet romantic tension between Izzy and Lucas. Beth O'Leary writes very well and her book is well paced and packs a good punch with its characters.

Firstly I enjoyed this book, as I have with all of this author's work. However I felt this book dragged ever so slightly towards the end and this took away from some of the enjoyment of it. Our main characters Izzy and Lucas work together and hate each other. This book is told from both of their viewpoints which is entertaining and make you understand both points of views. It's a typical rom-com with misunderstanding and comedic moments all the way through the story.

Given this book 3 stars as I enjoyed it but it isn't (in my opinion) up to the standards of the Flatshare or The Switch.

"The Wake-Up Call" by Beth O'Leary unfolds a delightful enemies-to-lovers workplace romance, sprinkled with a touch of holiday magic and the promise of redemption. Izzy and Lucas, rival hotel receptionists, find themselves forced to collaborate to save their struggling workplace during the busiest season. Their budding connection, complicated by a past misunderstanding, forms the heart of this engaging tale.
O'Leary brilliantly weaves together the characters' perspectives, allowing us to see the layers beneath their initial animosity. Izzy's guarded heart and Lucas's misunderstood intentions add depth to their evolving relationship. The slow-burning romance is a delightful journey, brimming with anticipation and heartfelt moments that capture the magic of the season.
The backdrop of the hotel's plight and the quest to return lost wedding rings add an endearing touch, showcasing the characters' determination and compassion. The story beautifully portrays the importance of forgiveness, understanding, and finding love amidst challenges.
Overall, "The Wake-Up Call" is a heartwarming and entertaining read that perfectly blends love, redemption, and the spirit of the holiday season. It's a delightful recommendation for anyone craving a charming romance with characters you'll cheer for till the very end.

‘All’s fair in love, war and petty workplace feuding, right?’

This opening quote pretty much sums up Beth O’Leary’s upcoming new book. Beth is one of the ‘hot’ authors currently with everything she writes gaining attention. I loved some of her previous books (The No-Show, for me, was phenomenal) as much as I did not love her previous books. Therefore I was nervously excited to read her upcoming, The Wake-Up Call (published 26 September 2023). Once again, this was not the book I expected but in all honesty, I feel it highlights the expansive skill in Beth’s writing - no cardboard cutouts here - every book is that little bit different.

“… life is too short for rules about what’s cool and what’s not cool; life’s for living. In full HD.”

Here is what I loved about the book:
A lighthearted enemies to lovers romcom
The setting: Forest Manor Hotel was a great backdrop with endearing secondary characters
I enjoyed the ring mysteries with the shenanigans and backstories
I really appreciated the two leads individual journey and growth. They are open to learning and appreciating themselves and their relationship differences in order to grow
I enjoyed Lucas’ narrative best as he was open and honest from the getgo.

Here is what I was not too excited about:
I feel this was for a younger demographic as at times seemed a bit immature
There were some incredibly childish antics
There was an excessive amount of miscommunication
It was a little slow in places
Whilst Izzy and Lucas ran hot and cold, fun and silly throughout, I felt their relationship was awkward and demeaning in places - they both needed a ‘wake-up call’ (Izzy more so)
Overall I was not wowed by it especially after the creativity of The No-Show.

The Wake-Up Call was once again different from the last Beth O’Leary book … which was different from the last Beth O’Leary book …. I am beginning to see a pattern! Despite not being the book I had originally predicted, it ended up being solid and enjoyable, sure to appeal to many. I look forward to seeing where Beth will go on her next adventure because I have given up trying to predict.

‘You’ve got to live every moment and enjoy it.’
Lucas tilts his head, saying nothing. I … pause as he says, ‘No, you don’t.’
‘Pardon?’
‘You don’t have to enjoy every moment. Nobody can do that. It would be . . . exhausting.’






This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Beth O’Leary is every woman’s book best friend - she writes what we all feel in love, at war, at work and in our hearts, with tenderness, hilarity and honesty.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I have previously read The Flat Share and The Road Trip and enjoyed them, however, this one is a miss for me and I DNF. I struggled to get to 28% of the book as I didn't really care for the main characters who I just wanted to shake and bang their heads together.

I'm sure it will appeal to other folks, just not me sadly.

• 4.5 stars •

I have read and loved every single one of Beth’s books so to say I was excited to be approved to read The Wake Up Call via Netgalley is an understatement!

And I loved it too 🥹 it felt really different to Beth’s previous books, in a less emotional and more light-hearted way, and I could not read it quick enough! I very much enjoyed Izzy and Lucas and their enemies-to-lovers story arc. I usually get frustrated by deliberate lack of communication between characters but this element was frequently acknowledged throughout the story so it didn’t irritate me, instead I just wanted the pair to hurry up and see how they felt about each other.

The side characters were iconic (apart from one certain knob), the wintery Christmassy setting at the cosy hotel was dreamy and I just had such fun whizzing through this! It was the light, feel-good and heartwarming read I didn’t know I needed ♥️ it’s official, Beth can do no wrong!

Huge thanks to Quercus and Netgalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

It’s soon going to Christmas at the Forest Manor Hotel. But, then the ceiling collapses.

Now Izzy and Lucas, who don’t like each other have to unite to save the hotel, one that’s loved by other staff and customers from closing, otherwise they and others that work there will be looking for work.

As they work together, will their relationship change to something else? Or will they hate each other more?

I recommend this book.

I’ve read most (if not all) of this authors previous books and found them all to be enjoyable reads. The Wake Up Call, for me, was my least favourite one I think. I couldn’t understand why the main characters had to be so bad at communication to be honest. It was a bit juvenile in that regard. Not for me, but I’m sure romance lovers will enjoy this one.