Totally fun and charming. I've yet to read a book by Phoebe I didn't love. She has a real gift for lighthearted, uplifting rom-coms.

This is a fun, entertaining read. The main characters are interesting, relatable, complex, intriguing, entertaining, and wounded. I enjoyed being along for the ride of Beatrice’s journey for both love and career success. I enjoyed Beatrice and Jock’s exchanges and time together on page and wanted more of it. The secondary characters – especially Flo and Reginald – added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beatrice works at a boutique hotel in London and she loves it. Until the hotel is raided by the police and she’s arrested. At first, she assumes it’s all a mistake but during the interrogation you understand that the hotel indeed functioned as a brothel. She and hotel chef Jock are both released on bail, and together they decide to make the best of the situation and go sightseeing in London to distract themselves from the possible threat of getting send to prison. But luckily they are released without charge, and they part ways. Jock is off to Scotland Beatrice tries to get her life, and her career, back on track. For a big party of the book Jock is out of the picture and the focus is on Beatrice and a few secondary characters. But will Jock find his way back in her life, or is he too busy for love?
It was a bit strange to have such a big pay off the book solely about Beatrice and not Beatrice and Jock as a couple; I kept waiting for him to reappear. But the focus is shifted to Abbey and James, who have been too busy for love themselves before appearing on the reality tv show with the same name. Beatrice lands a job on that show and it’s through Abbey that Beatrice sees an opportunity to pursue her dream, career-wise. The question again is: Is she too busy for love?
The flow of the book was a bit different than I expected but in the end it works out well. You just need a bit of patience for it all to come together. But it is all wrapped up in a satisfying way. I liked Abbey and James, and I enjoyed that the author didn’t gloss over the business plans (read the book to know what I mean). Overall a nice read!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood books Publishing for providing an advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed it; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Perfect beach read! A cute and heartfelt book about bouncing back, chasing your dreams, and following your heart. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you for the ARC.

My god, the way this started was insane. It follows Beatrice, a career focused woman who has the rugged pulled out from under her when police storm her workplace for being a brothel. Cue her being interrogated and having to be put under house arrest with the chef she has barely spoken to, and then having to find a new job. I had forgotten that this wasn't set in the US so it being set in London was a very funny surprise.

It’s more of a 2.5 star read than a 2 star one.
The setup is new to me because wow, right from the very beginning this girl is about to go to prison for something she didn't even know about. I did not know what to expect or could even think about what was going to happen next. I was too concentrated on what was happening at the moment. But damn what a way for Beatrice and Jock to bond, but I loved the concept.
There were some bits that didn't quite hit the mark. Abby, one of the characters, casually saying 'illegals' rubbed me the wrong way. It took me out of the story. There was also the way Beatrice treated Jock after finding out Abby was going another route with the chef.
He was right about the way he reacted, Beatrice seems to just come to him when she needs something. The story is more Beatrice and follows her in the aftermath more than a romance, we don't see a lot of her and Jock in the middle. I wish we would have seen more of her and Jock's relationship develop instead of it just being they're together now towards the end.
That being said, Jock was great, he seemed like such a good guy. I wished we got more of him, but when he was there it was great.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the main characters: Beatrice and Jock. They have a cute adventure in the beginning of the book and then the end gave the reader the happily ever after we were waiting for.

The middle didn’t have much romance between the two lead characters. Beatrice is forced to find out where she fits and where she wants to be. She meets different people along the way that help in this journey.

I enjoyed the book overall and the storyline. Thank you to the publisher Boldwood Books and NetGallery for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

3 stars - in my opinion this was marketed wrongly!
While a large part of the book is spent on the romance, the whole middle bit with the dating show and the beginnings of the hotel is more women's fiction.
The forced proximity trope is only present for maybe 25% of the book even though it is the main trope that is advertised.
Other than that a good, cute read - not too much spice - and worth reading even if it lulls in the middle.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Too Busy For Love is a well written romantic comedy which explores the relationship between a head chef and a hotel manager in which they face unexpected circumstances together. The first third of the book was in my opinion, the best part. After this, the book was still good and very well written but it lacked the romance that I had anticipated. However, the last part of the book made up for this. Not only does the book involve romance, but it also involves realistic life changes which bring Beatrice and Jock together with a sprinkle of banter to bring it all together. This was my favourite part of the book whereby they spent a week together as it showed that people can find love in the most unexpected ways. The journey of Beatrice in exploring love emphasises that no one can ever be too busy for love which is written beautifully by Phoebe MacLeod.

I would recommend Too Busy For Love to readers who enjoy a romantic comedy with not a lot of spice. Nevertheless, it is a very good book which includes the perfect amount of romance and comedy for it to be entertaining for readers like me who aren't huge romantic comedy readers. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance as the story of how Beatrice and Jock end up together is truly heartwarming and will surely bring anyone out of a reading slump.

Thank you to the author Phoebe MacLeod,the publisher Boldwood Books and NetGallery for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Too busy for love drew me in right from the very start. I finished this book in two days and it made me smile and laugh so much. THANKS NETGALLEY

Oh wow I absolutely loved this book. Honestly the characters Beatrice and Jock are perfect. The story is very unpredictable and you will be hooked trying to figure out what is going to happen next for Beatrice.
This is a book I certainly didn't want to end. So much love for this book!

A light and entertaining romcom without complex storylines. I enjoyed the setting and the story overall. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Title: Too Busy for Love

Author: Phoebe MacLeod
Genre: Romance, Comedy

Rating: ★★★★☆


Meet Beatrice, the meticulous manager of a London boutique hotel where her life revolves around ordered diaries, perfectly folded sheets, and ensuring guests leave happy. But when a police raid interrupts her orderly world, Beatrice finds herself unexpectedly on bail, stranded in London with only the company of Jock, the hotel chef.

What I Loved:

Beatrice’s Dream Job, Upended: Beatrice's world revolves around her dream job at one of London’s boutique hotels. She thrives on an ordered diary, crisply folded sheets, and happy guests. But when the police raid her hotel, her orderly life comes to a screeching halt. Suddenly, she finds herself released on bail and stuck in London with only the hotel chef, Jock, for company.

The Unexpected Delight of Jock: Jock, the hotel chef, is a delightful surprise. His easygoing nature and zest for life contrast beautifully with Beatrice’s structured world. Watching Beatrice let her hair down, both figuratively and literally, in Jock’s company is a joy. Despite the looming threat of possible prison time, their adventures exploring London are filled with laughter and unexpected romance.

A Bubble That Must Burst: The bubble of their carefree time together inevitably bursts when they are released without charge. Beatrice is determined to get her life and career back on track. She’s focused on her career dreams, but she can’t shake her feelings for Jock. This internal struggle between her professional aspirations and budding love is both relatable and engaging.

Can You Ever Be Too Busy for Love?: Beatrice’s journey is a heartwarming exploration of whether one can ever be too busy for love. Her meticulous nature and dedication to her career are admirable, but it’s her moments of spontaneity and joy with Jock that truly shine. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their banter is both witty and endearing.

A Hilarious and Heartfelt Rom-Com: Too Busy for Love is a fantastic rom-com that combines humour, romance, and a touch of adventure. MacLeod’s writing is sharp, and her characters are well-developed and lovable. Beatrice’s transformation from a work-obsessed hotel manager to someone who embraces love and spontaneity is beautifully executed.


This book is the perfect blend of comedy and romance, with a storyline that kept me engaged. Phoebe MacLeod has crafted a wonderful tale that reminds us that even the busiest people can find time for love.
Too Busy for Love by Phoebe MacLeod is a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com that will make you laugh, swoon, and cheer for Beatrice and Jock. It’s a delightful read that proves that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always room for love.



Thank you to The Publisher Boldwood Books ,The Author Phoebe MacLeod & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

quick read but kinda lost the plot halfway thru during the dating show. The romance wasn't all very romancey. Was more of a finding yourself book

Thank you NetGalley for the arc

Me gustó ver como Beatrice a pesar de todas las adversidades luchó para cumplir sus sueños, que cuando se le cruzaba un desafío ella siempre los superó. Beatrice es directora de un hotel, cuando su jefa y dueña del hotel es acusada de prostitución tanto ella como Andrew (el chef, alias Jock) son acusados de complicidad y en lo que se aclaran las cosas tienen que estar juntos por una semana. Durante ese tiempo se la pasan visitando los lugares turísticos debla ciudad y desarrollan un tipo de relación. Después de sa semana toman caminos separados. Ella encuentra trabajo en un programa de citas, Jock se va a otro estado y como están lejos sólo se mandan mensajes de vez en cuando. En cuanto termina el reality, encuentra un lugar para comprar y convertirlo en el hotel de sus sueños. Trabajaron juntos por años y jamás formaron amistad, pero con 1 semana que estuvieron juntos, ella se enamoró y hace de todo para que él trabaje con ella incluso poner en peligro su hotel. Todo en su relación fue tan soso, incluso la propuesta de matrimonio fue tan x, ¿en dónde está el amor??? Gracias a NetGalley, el editor y el autor del ARC a cambio de una revisión honesta.

Sinopsis en español:
Phoebe MacLeod está de vuelta con una NUEVA comedia romántica hilarante, perfecta para los fans de Sophie Ranald y Sophie Kinsella. Para Beatrice, trabajar en uno de los hoteles boutique de Londres es un sueño hecho realidad. Ella no necesita una vida social. Solo necesita un diario ordenado, sábanas dobladas e invitados felices. Pero la rutina de Beatrice se detiene abruptamente cuando la policía allana su hotel. De repente, se encuentra liberada bajo fianza y atrapada en Londres, con solo el chef del hotel Jock como compañía. Habiendo decidido aprovechar al máximo su situación, Beatrice se suelta el pelo, en sentido figurado y literalmente, por primera vez en su vida. E increíblemente, a pesar de la amenaza de una posible prisión a la vuelta de la esquina, descubre que le encanta cada momento que pasa explorando Londres en compañía de Jock. Pero todas las burbujas tienen que estallar, así que cuando la pareja se libera sin cargo, es hora de que Beatrice vuelva a encarrilar su vida y su carrera. No puede dejar que una pequeña cosa llamada sentimientos se interponga en su camino... Entonces, ¿por qué no puede olvidar a Jock, incluso cuando sus sueños profesionales parecen estar listos para hacerse realidad? Puede que a Beatrice le guste mantener la vida completamente reservada, pero ¿alguna vez puedes estar demasiado ocupada para el amor?



Me gustó ver el camino de Beatrice por cumplir sus sueños después de pasar por un acontecimiento fuerte y que no esperaba ni imaginó que pasaría.

Lo que no me gustó fue el romance, siento que no aportó nada, es más le restó.

Gracias NetGalley, al publicita y a la autora por dejarme leer el ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

This was a very simple, and sweet story. It was easy to read through and I did enjoy the characters and overall plot.

This was a good romcom. I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. It was a sweet story that I really really enjoyed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


Soon as I started this book I knew I was going to enjoy
it.

Too busy for love drew me in right from the very
start. I finished this book in two days and it made me
smile and laugh so much.

The characters were very likeable and relatable which made the book more enjoyable.

The story line was fun I haven’t read anything like that before so it was nice to see how it played out.

This was my first book by Phoebe
MacLeod and it definitely won’t be my last !

*Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for providing me this arc in return for an honest review*

Oh this book as SO sweet and made me laugh out loud so many times! Such a great read! Well written and just drew me in from the very beginning.