A very enjoyable read with great character development, despite a predictable storyline. Was a slower read as it didn’t have me completely hooked but I would still recommend to anyone looking for an easy romance read

Phoebe MacLeod’s *The Do-Over* is a refreshing breeze of a novel—a clever, heartfelt story of reinvention, second chances, and finding your true self. Packed with humor, relatable characters, and just the right amount of romantic tension, it’s a perfect escape for anyone who loves contemporary fiction with a delightful mix of sass and sincerity.

The story centers around Nadia, a woman who finds herself at a crossroads after a series of life-altering events. Leaving behind her high-pressure London life, she moves to a small seaside town, hoping for a do-over—a chance to figure out who she really is and what she truly wants. But as her past and present collide in unexpected ways, Nadia discovers that starting over isn’t as simple as it sounds, especially when a certain someone keeps crossing her path.

MacLeod has a gift for creating characters who feel real and relatable, and Nadia is no exception. Her journey of self-discovery is laced with moments of vulnerability and triumph, making her someone you can’t help but root for. The supporting cast—quirky new neighbors, meddling family members, and, of course, a charmingly flawed love interest—adds depth and humor to the story, creating a rich world that feels as cozy as it is compelling.

What makes *The Do-Over* so engaging is its balance of lighthearted fun and deeper emotional moments. MacLeod deftly explores themes of identity, resilience, and the courage it takes to embrace change. Nadia’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, and sometimes the unexpected detours lead to the most rewarding destinations. The romantic subplot is equally satisfying, offering a slow-burn connection that feels authentic and grounded in real-life struggles and joys.

The seaside setting comes alive through vivid descriptions, making you feel as though you’re right there with Nadia, soaking in the fresh air and navigating the ups and downs of her new life. The atmosphere enhances the charm of the story, creating a perfect backdrop for Nadia’s fresh start and the connections she builds along the way.

*The Do-Over* is a charming, feel-good novel that will resonate with anyone who’s ever dreamed of starting fresh—or simply loves a story about self-discovery and romance done right. With its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and heartfelt message, it’s a five-star read that’s as uplifting as it is entertaining. Perfect for cozy evenings, lazy weekends, or any moment when you need a reminder that life’s do-overs can lead to the most unexpected joys.

The Do Over made a lovely change to my usual crime thriller reads and I really enjoyed it . This book isn’t just a romance story it’s so much more than that . It’s about doing something for yourself and making a decision that could massively change your life journey . I found the main character Thea to be a lovely character who wanted to make the best of her life.
While this is a book about life and life changes it also had some laugh out loud moments and these really did make me smile

📚 PUBLICATION WEEK BOOK REVIEW 📚

The Do-Over By Phoebe MacLeod
Publication Date: November 28, 2024
Publisher: Boldwood Books

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up to 5⭐)

📚MY REVIEW:

Oh Phoebe MacLeod, you've done it again! If you're a fan of rom-coms - but are looking for something with a little more storyline than just a happily-ever-after love affair - MacLeod needs to be on your list of must-read authors.

I absolutely loved the female main character, Thea, both who she was in the first part of the book and who she became as the story continued. Thea is the youngest female attorney in London's Martin Landsdowne law firm to ever be named partner. It's a perfect fit for her too: she's ambitious, doesn't know what to do with herself when she's not working, and loves being married to the job. Until one day when she realizes maybe she doesn't. Thea decides to completely up-end her life, without a plan for what's next, and the majority of the book is about Thea's journey to redefine herself and find what truly makes her happy. This rom-com includes a friends-to-lovers trope that is so loveable, along with a cast of supporting characters who endear their way into your heart, just as Thea does. This book has nearly zero spice, so if you're looking for a spicy rom-com -- this isn't it. What it lacks in spice, however, it makes up for in substance and heart.

I love the way MacLeod's books always offer more than just the typical predictable rom-com plot! She gives her readers substance, character development, and a sense of female empowerment -- with a side of happily-ever-after in a "maybe women really CAN have it all" kind-of story.

MacLeod's books always bring a feel-good element to their stories and can easily be read in one quick sitting, so they're the perfect read for a cozy afternoon or evening with a cuppa and a warm blanket. If you haven't yet discovered MacLeod and you're a fan of rom-coms, I highly encourage you to pick up one of her books next time you want a feel-good story to lift your spirits.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for this advanced reader's e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

#TheDoOver #PhoebeMacLeod #boldwoodbookclub #boldwoodbookVIP #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #bookreviews #bookrecs #romcoms #bookrecommendations #romcomreads #booklover #bookcommunity

The Do-Over by Phoebe MacLeod

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Thea Rogers has dedicated her life to her career in corporate law. Apart from her colleague and long-time friend-with-benefits Alasdair, she’s forgone friendships and relationships, and now she’s on track to become her firm’s youngest ever female partner. She should be ecstatic. But when a senior partner dies unexpectedly, Thea realises the people at his funeral are only there out of duty. Suddenly, Thea can’t shake the question: if she disappeared tomorrow, would anyone care?

As the life choices she's made suddenly make less and less sense, Thea is forced to make a decision. Stick with the original plan or take a completely different path.

Thea has a chance to do it right this time and fill her world with the things that matter. But can people really change? And once life starts looking up, why does it feel like there’s something… or someone she can’t seem to replace?

My Opinion

The Do-Over was an easy read as we follow Thea on her journey of self-discovery. Thea has put her career first but is that the best thing for her? I have read quite a few books by Phoebe MacLeod and whilst this didn’t quite meet the standard I have come to expect, for me this was still an enjoyable read.

Rating 4/5

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

Thea's realization about life brings upon changes in the life that truly how much inner and emotional strength she truly had. The book is a feel good read that is more just fiction, then romance. Anyone who picks the in book up expecting a romance, may (but shouldn't) feel let down upon finding out, that for the most part, the romance is a minor star in this relaxing tale.

Thea is the youngest junior partner at the law firm where she works. She has no work/life balance and is happy with how she's living her life. One of the partners dies and while at his funeral, Thea realizes that no one at his funeral is there because they wanted to be. She senses her own life would end the same way...no friends at her funeral. Thea makes a huge career decision and the story is about what comes next.

Thea Rogers is very good at her job. She’s a lawyer at Morton-Lansdowne, a corporate law office in the middle of London. She becomes the youngest-ever woman to make partner at the firm, but she lives a lonely existence. She has built her life so completely around her law career that there is practically nothing to enjoy outside of it. Then, an unexpected death at the company leads Thea to realize that her aspirations aren’t leading to a future that will make her happier. In a matter of weeks, Thea sets out with an unexpected friend/business partner to start a completely new life - one where she has to make her own plan and find her own happiness.

Thea is an excellent protagonist in this story. She is likeable and capable. When she achieves everything she’s ever wanted, she’s up to the increased demands from the firm. As she attends an obligatory funeral surrounded by people indifferent (at best) to the deceased, it becomes the wake-up call she needs to reflect on her own life. The author drops hints of Thea’s interest in her new business endeavor before the epiphany occurs. As she and her partner make their way out of their comfort zones, Thea’s ability to roll with the punches, negotiate, and remain productive in the face of uncertainty serves her well.

Despite its marketing as a romantic comedy, the romance plot in The Do-Over is decidedly *not* the focus of the story, which I appreciate. Thea is a powerhouse. Even in her “new life”, she still carries with her the knowledge and expertise to make a business work. The romantic interest, as he comes in, has to prove himself as worthy to her, rather than making his affection something that Thea has to earn. That quality is exceedingly rare in this genre.

Where this book falls *just shy* of a 5-star read is how conflicts are handled in the story. Everything is a little too convenient, at times. After the epiphany, Thea has a bit of a tailspin, and her family brings up the subject of therapy, but she brushes it off and, a few weeks later, gets better. Thea’s business partner, who hasn’t worked in years, is suddenly fully up to the task of being a co-owner of their new endeavor, in a field where she also has no experience. The two of them pick up and move to a small-town community that welcomes them with open arms. The guy who brokers the deal with Thea and her business partner “just so happens” to have all the contacts they need to get their business off the ground, and he’s willing to stick around and work for them at a below-market rate. When their ideas don’t go according to plan, Thea barely has time to consider her options before a fully fleshed-out proposal is literally handed to her. Then, I would expect the prospect of such a large financial undertaking to give Thea more pause than it does, given the snapshot of her childhood that we see in the prologue, but it doesn’t. It takes her some time to come around to the new idea, and then she’s fine with it - no additional turmoil at all. But in the end, these are just nitpicks. I really did enjoy this one.

If I gave partial-stars, The Do-Over would be a solid 4.5 out of 5. Fans of irreverent British humor and self-sufficient female protagonists should find a lot to like in this cozy novel. I am fully on board with reading more from Phoebe MacLeod.

**Thank you to Boldwood Books and Phoebe MacLeod for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**

Thea has just made partner, the youngest female in the firm to ever make it. But when the senior partner dies Thea realises this isn't the life she wants anymore and risks everything by leaving it behind.
But sometimes to find yourself you need to take a leap of faith.

This was a well-thought-through novel with a strong female character who loses her way but never gives up. I like the way Thea was headstrong and MacLeod writes life-like characters.

I felt this novel was filled more with life lessons than Romanance but loved how it all came together at the end.

Choosing to restart your life is extremely hard, but doing it at the top of your career? Absolutely insane. Thea is whip-smart and someone I aspire to be, though we relate too similarly emotionally. Loved her story of self-discovery and seeing how she created the community around her.

I struggled to enjoy this storyline and connect to the characters. I kept on reading hoping for a change in the story, but it just fell flat. . The plot/storyline seemed disjointed. Some parts were drawn out and not necessary to the overall story while other events were quickly passed over and not developed. I wouldn’t consider this a romcom.

I really enjoyed this book. A thoroughly good read.

I would like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

The Do-Over by Phoebe MacLeod
This was a cute, fun story!
Thea had extreme goals set for herself. She took a fast track in corporate law, ending with the achievement of being the youngest partner in a prestigious firm. Thea has cast aside all social interaction with one exception, her long time friend, Alasdair. Then one day when a senior partner dies suddenly, Thea is left to question life and the purpose of her career. With new friends and the chance to risk it all, can she put things right?
This was a really cute story of self reflection, transformation, and finding love. I thought the characters were relatable and well developed, the plot was charming. It leaves us with the question often asked, ”is being the best worth it or just enjoying life as it comes?” I also enjoyed seeing Thea’s personal growth. Phoebe MacLeod did not disappoint!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to review this book.
4/5⭐️

3.5/5

Thea is appointed the youngest, female partner at the law firm where she works. She spent years working her way to that position. However, after attending the funeral of another partner at the firm, she realizes that most people there are only attending out of obligation. This causes Thea to wonder about her life. She realizes, maybe being a successful lawyer isn’t what she really wants.

I liked reading this book. I enjoyed the fact that we got to read about Thea grieving the person she was and how she became someone who she’d rather be. She learned that she values family and friendships.

I’ll be honest, there isn’t a ton of romance in this book, but I didn’t mind that. The relationship situation was a little confusing to me. Although there was a twist that surprised me, that I enjoyed, I felt like the relationship was kind of rushed.

Overall, I think it was a good book. I liked the concept and Thea’s transitioning from one part of her life to another. I think this book can also make us wonder about our own lives and how we are living it.

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC.

1.25!

I have nothing interesting to say about this book because I simply did not enjoy this. It was just not for me, when the publishers invited me to read this book I was captivated by the tropes and the overall premise of this book but it just did not deliver on it. The romance in this book was so disappointing. I was so disappointed because it just wasn't enough, I also did not like how it was written because the pacing felt very odd to me, it was very inconsistent :( at times it was so fast that I would be flying through and at other it felt like a slog and I would just not wish to continue it but despite the fluctuations not once did I felt any enjoyment out of the book and I know it's harsh but that what it is. The writing style I would say was interesting and maybe if the book was under better circumstances I would have enjoyed it but that wasn't the case here. At one point I was itching to dnf this but I didn't just because this was an arc.

I did not know what to make of Thea our fmc, she felt so frustrating at times, I wanted to pull my hairs out. At other times, she felt better but the inconsistency of her arc made me feel very put off with the book. Alisdair felt very one dimensional, I felt very disconnected from him and I honestly hate when I cant connect with the characters, it makes me reading that book pointless because I am not extracting any kind of enjoyment from the book. I feel given how it was promised it should've been executed better.

Overall, it was lackluster.

*Thank you to Boldwood books for an E-Arc*

This book had so much potential but as soon as they purchased the mill, it went down hill for me. I do enjoy Phoebe MacLeod's writing but I felt the plot of this story was not it. And although the love interest is who I wanted it to be it didn't make much sense based on Thea's commentary about him. I wish the romance had been delved into a bit better and maybe less on the history of mills and what not because if I wanted to read about that I would have picked up a book about it not a rom com novel.

Despite being made youngest partner in one of the most respectable law firms in London, Thea isn't happy. Not really. It only gets worse as the initial sense of accomplishment wears off and when a senior colleague suddenly passes away and people are only there to attend the service out of duty not because they want to be there or that they're grieving. This kicks off her journey to self discovery as Thea slowly begins to realize that there might be more to life than chasing off the next big thing.

The first third of the book was relatable and interesting as Thea struggled to come to terms with the fact that the dream she had been chasing her whole life might not be what she truly wants. I liked that she sat with the feeling for a few months and did not act impulsively before finally quitting her job as a lawyer.

Though it did not stay that way for long. The book felt like it was two different stories because while Thea in the first third of the book was logical and hesitant, rational even. It was all thrown out after she quit her job. Her character went downhill, the
plot felt dragged out and never-ending with a romance that felt more like an afterthought than a natural integration to the storyline (which I wouldn't have minded at all if the book wasn't marketed as a romance.)

I wish we'd gotten to see her act like a boss lady lawyer at least once before we got switched to the do-over part of the storyline because despite being told throughout the book how Thea was the best legal mind in London, we never really got to see her in action. It was all told later in an exposition which was a bummer. This character trait also made it all the more difficult to wrap my head around the fact that after quitting her job, it almost felt like Thea was a completely different person. She didn't think twice before jumping on the decision to sell her house on the suggestion of a neighbour she *barely* knew. I mean I get that she wanted to start over and do something completely different but the way she acted in the last two thirds of the book really threw me off. I had a hard time believing that she used to be a hot shot lawyer when she doesn't think twice before investing in a property with little to no interest by the audience at the auction with the intention to remodel it and sell it later? Make it make sense.

The character was a far cry from the way she supposedly started and it made me want to bang my head against the wall until I could conjure up some animals for her farm that Thea suddenly wants to run (also a suggestion of the newly acquainted friend) Her behaviour with her family got on my nerves, I mean I get that you guys aren't close but that doesn't mean you should jump to bite their head off any chance you get.

When high flying lawyer Thea finds herself questioning her life and the fact that she may be wasting it, she ditches her career and partners with her deceased boss' ex-mistress to buy an old cottage and watermill in Kent.

I felt the plot of this book was fairly slow to get going, with Thea spending a good portion of the book debating her life choices. And once she discovered a new her, it ended.

An enjoyable and easy read, but it didn't grip me as I'd hoped.

Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author Phoebe Macleod.
I totally enjoyed this story of friendship and family.
How a life well planned can turn on a dime.
It was a heartwarming story. Loved the characters.
Quick read
4 stars

The Do-Over follows Thea Rogers, a high-powered lawyer questioning her career-driven life after a colleague’s funeral prompts self-reflection. Initially focused on Thea’s inspiring journey to becoming the youngest partner at her firm, the story evolves as she begins prioritizing friendships, family, and personal fulfillment over work.

The first half captivates with themes of female empowerment and self-discovery, portraying Thea’s gradual and authentic transformation. However, the second half introduces a rushed and unnecessary romantic subplot that detracts from the narrative’s core focus on personal growth.

Despite this, The Do-Over remains a fast-paced, uplifting read, perfect for anyone seeking inspiration to reevaluate their priorities and embrace change.