Honestly went into this book thinking it was a straight rom-com but was pleasantly surprised the further I got into this book that it was more of a self discovery/self love with a dash of romance in the end after she figured out herself… and I loved that. It was an easy, quick, fun loving read all around. Was a fresh new look into the rom-com world. All around a great read and highly recommend from me to all my friends! Great writing, love the cover art. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the advance read in turn for my honest opinion.

The story follows Em, a woman who thought she had her life all figured out—until everything falls apart. With her career and personal life in shambles, she decides to give herself a “do-over,” embracing new opportunities and, along the way, opening her heart to romance. But can she truly leave her past behind and embrace a fresh start?

I really loved how Em was engaging and so reaaaaalll. Her struggles felt authentic and i really loved how easy it was to get into her point of view, The writing was also very light and easy to get into, which made the reading very fast and easy!! :) The romance was well down and the chemistry felt quite natural, which i appreciated. :)

If you're a silly little romance lover, this book might be just for you! :)

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for giving me an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review!

The Do-Over is an engaging and thought-provoking novel about self-discovery, second chances and the courage to redefine success. Thea’s journey from an ambitious, career-driven lawyer to someone questioning what truly matters in life is both relatable and compelling. MacLeod does a great job balancing humor and emotion, making Thea’s transformation feel authentic.

While the premise is strong, the pacing occasionally lags, and some character relationships—particularly the romance—could have been explored more deeply. That said, Thea’s growth is satisfying, and the novel delivers a heartfelt message about finding fulfillment beyond professional achievements. A solid read for fans of contemporary women’s fiction with a touch of romance.

I really wanted to love this book. The description sounded super interesting and something I definitely would read. While Thea’s story started off with interest and potential, later on it took a turn that wasn’t cohesive with the rest. The idea of a ‘do-over’ is intriguing but I don’t think it had the necessary impact.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced readers copy.

This was a very cozy book! Not much really happens, but I think that’s kind of the point. It’s a cute read, but it never really got me that invested or excited.

Phoebe MacLeod’s The Do-Over is a light, feel-good romantic comedy that offers an enjoyable escape into the world of friends-to-lovers romance. While the book delivers on its promise of charm and humor, it doesn’t quite stand out in a crowded genre, offering a familiar but sweet story that may appeal to fans of cozy, romantic reads.

The novel follows the journey of two friends who, after years of being close, begin to realize that their relationship might be evolving into something more. MacLeod’s writing is breezy and engaging, with witty dialogue and a cozy atmosphere that captures the essence of a feel-good rom-com. The chemistry between the two protagonists is endearing, and their gradual realization of their deeper feelings is relatable and satisfying.

However, while the plot is cute and the pacing steady, the story lacks a sense of originality. The friends-to-lovers trope is a beloved one, but The Do-Over doesn’t introduce enough fresh elements or unexpected twists to make it feel unique. The characters are likable but not particularly complex, and their romantic journey feels somewhat predictable.

MacLeod’s humor is a strength, adding a light-hearted tone to the narrative, but at times, the story’s predictability and lack of deeper emotional stakes may leave some readers wishing for a bit more depth. There are moments of sweetness and warmth, but they don’t always resonate as strongly as they could.

In conclusion, The Do-Over is an enjoyable and easy read, perfect for fans of romantic comedies who enjoy a friends-to-lovers story with a lighthearted tone. While it doesn’t break new ground, it delivers on its promise of charm and provides a comforting escape for readers looking for a familiar, feel-good romance.

Super fun book. I read it quickly, I liked the characters. The story was well-written and kept my interest. I really enjoyed it!

Thea is the definition of a career woman—laser-focused, ambitious, and a little bit closed off. She's on track to become the youngest female partner at her prestigious law firm, and everything seems perfect. Until a colleague’s funeral makes her realize something vital: the people who attend such events don’t do it out of love. It’s just duty.
What follows is a whirlwind of life decisions that will make you root for Thea and, at times, question her motives. The book taps into the universal fear of realizing you’ve been chasing the wrong things and the even bigger question: can people really change, or are we all stuck in our ways forever?
Thea’s journey is filled with quirky humor and relatable struggles, and while she’s not perfect, watching her navigate the messy process of change is both inspiring and satisfying. The story is a lovely balance of humor and heart, creating a protagonist who’s easy to love, even when she’s messing up. The most intriguing part? Alasdair. Just when you think you’ve figured out where things are going with him, the story throws you a curveball, proving that not all decisions are as easy as they seem.
Overall, this is a delightful story of self-discovery, friendship, and the awkward yet beautiful messiness of life that will have you laughing, crying, and thinking about your own relationships and career path.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Such a cute cover and even cuter book. A wonderful set of characters, great pacing, and a book that delighted me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy!

* I want to start by thanking the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. Cute, but cheesy!

Thea finally becomes a Junior partner in a well known law firm, what she’s been aiming for the whole of her life. She has a PA who organises her life much better than she ever did, even managing to get the best present ever for her nephew!
Following the death of a partner she finds her neighbour at the wake who was in relationship with him and his wife knew about this, both speaking to her about how he was really married to his work. This made her think differently and she leaves her job, sells her house and she and her neighbour buy a run down mill with plans to flip this into houses.
It is a feel good story seeing how someone so driven can change to have a more meaningful life and finding love in the process.

At just eight years old, Thea vowed to be the best at everything after her father abandoned the family, leaving them struggling. Years later, she achieves professional success as the youngest partner at her law firm, only to realize that her relentless pursuit of financial security has come at a cost—she has no personal life, no joy, and no real passion for her work anymore.

After botching a major deal, Thea is fired and placed under a nine-month no-contact rule. With no idea what to do next, she teams up with her neighbor Rebecca and her son Rollo to renovate and flip a house in the countryside. This drastic shift comes with unexpected challenges, but for the first time in years, Thea finds fulfillment in something beyond her career.

As the nine months come to an end, her former colleague, friend, and sometimes-lover, Alasdair, re-enters her life. While rekindling their bond, Thea must navigate the balance between her newfound appreciation for a simpler, more meaningful existence and the high-powered legal world she left behind. Ultimately, she and Alasdair find a way to be together without compromising their individual dreams—she embraces farm life, and he continues his law career, proving that love doesn’t require sacrificing happiness.

This was a very entertaining read! Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was OK. I did like Thea as a character and she developed well during the story. However, this is marketed as a romance and it felt like it was secondary to the plot. The main part of the romance too place towards the end and I personally felt like it was rushed and conveniently wrapped up. I definitely feel like the romance element needed to be a much larger part of the plot.

Thea thought she knew what she wanted since she was a young girl, until she didn't. High powered attorney turned house flipper to something of a farm girl...maybe she didn't know herself but only what she thought she was good at.
There is something to this story but there were aspects that kept throwing me off. The timeline jumps were sporadic in length - sometimes there were just be a day jump but other times there were weeks and I couldn't help but feel like I was missing something sometimes. Also, I kept getting whiplash from her understanding of her relationships and whether they were friend or foe. She goes from shamelessly fighting a neighbor over a non-assigned parking spot to making life altering decisions with them.
This was very clearly a story about finding your way and traversing all of the bumps along the way. And I think it's safe to say that the writing following this same course. I admire Thea's determination and head for business but it wasn't always easy to keep up.

Book Review: The Things That Matter by Phoebe MacLeod

In The Things That Matter, Phoebe MacLeod brings us a refreshing romantic comedy that tackles the age-old question: what really matters in life? Thea Rogers, a dedicated corporate lawyer, has spent years climbing the ladder, pushing away friendships, and putting romance on the backburner—all in the name of career success. But when a senior partner's unexpected death forces her to confront her life choices, Thea finds herself questioning whether the success she's worked so hard for is truly fulfilling.

MacLeod’s writing shines in this novel, capturing the internal struggle that many people face when they wonder if their life path is truly their own. Thea, with her sharp legal mind and determined nature, is a relatable character, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she tries to reassess everything she thought she knew about happiness and success. The book expertly explores themes of self-discovery, career vs. personal life balance, and the importance of building meaningful relationships—both romantic and platonic.

The romantic angle between Thea and Alasdair, her colleague and long-time friend-with-benefits, adds a charming complexity to the story. The slow-burn tension between them is delightful, and their relationship evolves in a way that feels authentic and heartwarming. It’s not just about Thea’s career or romantic interests; it’s about finding fulfillment and realizing that personal connections might just be what she’s been missing all along.

The book also offers a wonderful secondary plotline about Thea's exploration of friendship, which brings even more depth to the story. MacLeod’s knack for character development is evident, creating a world where the characters feel incredibly real, messy, and complex—just like real life. This balance of humor, self-reflection, and romance makes the novel both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

Fans of rom-coms with a good dose of heart will find The Things That Matter to be an utterly charming read. Phoebe MacLeod has crafted a light, feel-good novel that’s more than just a romance; it’s about understanding what truly matters in life—and learning that it’s never too late to make a change. With witty dialogue, lovable characters, and a satisfying journey of self-discovery, this book is bound to leave you smiling and contemplating your own priorities.

Rating: 4.5/5
A delightful, heartwarming rom-com that’s perfect for anyone looking for a story about second chances, love, and finding happiness on your own terms. Phoebe MacLeod does not disappoint!

“The Do-Over” tackles ambition, burnout, and finding your own way, making it feel like a personal story that everyone can connect with.

It follows Thea Rogers, a young lawyer working at a cut-throat London firm. Deeply devoted to her career, Thea is distant from her family and friends, relying only on surface-level work relationships, including a no-strings arrangement with her colleague Alasdair. When the unexpected death of a senior partner forces Thea to confront the emptiness of her own life, she embarks on a journey of introspection, exploring new possibilities and relationships that push her beyond her comfort zone.

MacLeod’s portrayal of Thea’s existential crisis is both relatable and thought-provoking. Basically, the story’s about finding your purpose. It makes you wonder: is being successful worth cutting ties with the people you care about? Thea’s a tough cookie at first, but as she starts to question her choices, she becomes more relatable and you understand her better. It’s got everything – humor, thought-provoking moments, and stuff that’ll tug at your heartstrings.

The supporting characters, particularly Alasdair, who adds charm and complexity to the story. His interactions with Thea provide some of the novel’s most compelling moments, and his presence elevates the book as a whole. While the romance element is subtle, Alasdair’s role helps underscore Thea’s personal growth.

“The Do-Over” is about taking a risk and seeing what happens when you change your whole life plan. It captures the idea of stepping off the treadmill of professional burnout to discover what truly makes life meaningful.

Thea worked so, so hard to become a successful corporate lawyer - then she starts to question what her impact really is.. She starts to think that there's more to life than work. I thought that there would be more romance - but I did LOVE that she ends up finding herself and her new female friend than anything.
Enjoyable - it felt like a Sophie Kinsella book!

From the author of romantic comedies which does not disappoint, comes the story of Thea, successful corporate lawyer on the way to becoming partner. When a colleague dies she reflects on her won life and what is important to her, she needs to make some changes. Self discovery and personal growth are the mail issues of the book, I really enjoyed Thea’s story.

The Do-Over follows Thea, a dedicated lawyer with little life outside work - a few dutiful calls to family and a friends-with-benefits situation with her colleague, Alasdair - but she's determined to become the firm's youngest ever female partner. When a disliked senior partner dies, this prompts Thea to question her life, what she actually wants, and why exactly she is working so hard? As this ruminates, she finds herself losing her drive and, ultimately, her job, but gains a fresh start to live a life she wants, full of people and things that matter.

This started as relatable, with a clear narrative. Thea is ambitious, but doesn't know what to do with herself whenever she's off work, preferring to work late and practically live at the office. With death comes reflection, and I understand how that began to eat away at her. Thea's career questioning was particularly apt for me, though I have been questioning why I killed myself working so hard when it only harmed me for several years.

<I>"I've tried to summon the enthusiasm that I used to feel, it's just not there. In fact, I feel more and more like someone who's trapped on a train that's going in the wrong direction, and there's no sign of a station where I can get off and change tracks"</I> and <I>"I'm not hungry anymore. I'm tired, fed up, and losing interest"</I> really encapsulate the despair of realising your life is just happening to you. When you've dove headfirst onto the conveyor belt, striving for a goal you think you want, and something causes you to question that? The glass has shattered, and now you're looking for a way out, for someone to save you, for a break. You can't un-break the glass, but now you have to figure out how you sweep it up and how you fix what was broken. Or you live with a draft and glass in your feet.

<I>"What on Earth am I going to do with the rest of my life?"</I>

Unfortunately, I feel that Thea hopped off of one career conveyor belt only to get straight onto another. Much of her life still doesn't seem to be hers, more going along with things because it's easier. She does show some resistance when things spiral outside of what she signed up for, but she still relents and dives into that situation head first. Even the romance seemed to happen to her. She fancies the one viable man she meets, who everyone tells her isn't enough for her, but he's there and I guess he's hot so that's 'what she wants'. Then, when a man she hasn't spoken to for several months and didn't really think of that much shows that he loves her, she jumps into that instead. I would've preferred no romance at all than this, as it was lacklustre, without build up, and just sort of happened. I highly doubt they will last long term, and I know first hand that you can't just make yourself love someone back. Frankly, I was hoping she would have a romance with her friend as they had a much better relationship (and were mistaken as a couple), but alas it stays straight. Even trying out a couple of things before finding the right thing would've demonstrated that she had more agency and was genuinely trying to figure out what she wanted. I hope my interpretation is wrong, and that Thea is and will continue to be genuinely happy with her 'choices', but I feel that the self-reflection stagnated and she was just floundering for something to do and for someone to love. I don't think she actually figured out what she wanted. But then, neither have I.

This was an easy read, and perhaps I'm conflating it with my own experiences, but I wish this was more of an exploration. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I wish I liked this more than I did. While I think Thea’s character was fairly developed, I wish Alasdair had been given more time and development. He felt pretty one-dimensional. I think this reads more as a literary fiction as Thea grows and discovers her new paths than as a romance. I just wish it had more romance to it because that’s what I was expecting when I picked it up.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC!