The Do-Over" stole my heart! Phoebe Macleod's charming romantic comedy explores second chances, self-discovery, and love. The protagonist's journey back to her hometown is filled with quirky characters, hilarious moments, and heartwarming connections. Macleod's writing is conversational and engaging, making it easy to become fully invested. This feel-good novel reminds us that life is full of unexpected turns and second chances. Perfect for fans of romantic comedies! The story tackles deeper themes like personal growth, relationships, and finding one's true path.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

1. Overview:
Thea Rogers is climbing up the ladder in her Law Firm at Morton Lansdowne faster than expected. She is becoming the youngest female Junior Partner at the firm. But after the death of one of the Senior partners she is confronted with the imbalance of her work and social life. Charles Darwin’s quote haunts her “A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth”. She should be ecstatic but after only six months she realizes she took the wrong career path and is no longer excited to throw all of herself into her work. And then there is Alasdair, friend or friend with benefits, or something more...

2. What did I like:
- The novel is well written.
- In the end, the plot does come together however I only started to enjoy the novel in the last section three quarters in.

3. What I did not like:
- The plot is flat, predictable, and unfortunately very very slow.
- Too little humor for the book to even be considered as “Humor & Satire”
- Contains blasphemy – so unnecessary.

4. Ratings and Final Thoughts:
If this book had been made into a movie, I would have categorised it as a Drama. I would rate The Do-Over by Phoebe MacLeod 2 out of 5.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 rounded up. This was the first book was the first book I was invited to read! I was very excited, I started so fast. Light, entertaining, enjoyed the main characters and the storyline. Also a little bit educational as I learned quite a few things I didn’t know about mills, with a very fitting ending that wrapped up the story really well.
Alasdair’s character made me laugh and enjoyed the main character’s unexpected budding friendship.

I must say, I quite enjoyed this book! It's a fun, light, easy read and did the job of "transporting" me to another world!

Thea is a corporate lawyer who's accomplished in her career, but doesn't have much else going for her. She's given up friendships and relationships in the name of moving up in her career. After becoming the youngest female partner at her firm, she starts questioning her path.

After leaving her career and all that she had been working towards, she and her new friend Rebecca decide to venture into a completely new world as real estate developers (essentially).

My absolute favorite thing about this book is the relationship between Thea and Rebecca. It felt so real and so natural. They both progressed so much as characters throughout the novel, but in a way that felt completely real. I loved the scenes between them and if anything, I would've been completely happy on a book that focused on that rather than tying in the "romance" aspect.

To that point, I loved the banter between Thea and her "happy ending" partner (no spoilers!) but I wish we would've either had more of it throughout the book, or just didn't have it at all. The romantic ending for Thea felt rushed to me and I wish there was more of a "build up" to it that we, the reader, saw.

My only other critique of the book is that the "pivot" in plans for the plot of land that Thea and Rebecca bought felt sort of rushed and out of nowhere to me too. I still greatly enjoyed it and thought it was cute and the end tied everything together nicely. But even a small moment of SOMETHING in the book that could've referenced or foreshadowed what they would eventually do with the land would've made it feel way less random and out of nowhere.

All in all, I did greatly enjoy the book! It's a fun, light read and I love any book about female friendships and growth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a mix for me. The first half was strong, and then it started to dwindle for me, where I lost interest, but I finished the book. We follow Thea, who is becoming her firm's youngest female junior partner. It started strong and exciting; however, as the book continued, it felt like I was reading a whole other book and was just a little lost and confused. Although this book is advertised as a romance, I would have categorized it as a female empowerment/self-improvement book.

Phoebe MacLeod's The Do-Over is a fun, light read that’s perfect for a lazy weekend, but it didn’t quite stand out for me. The story has some funny moments and likeable characters. While I enjoyed the humor and easy-going tone, the plot felt predictable and lacked depth. That said, it's an entertaining escape if you're in the mood for something light and breezy, even if it doesn't leave a lasting impression.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

This book presents an introspective journey of Thea Rogers, a corporate lawyer who has spent years climbing the career ladder at the expense of meaningful relationships and personal fulfillment. When a senior partner at her firm dies, Thea is struck by the emptiness of his life and begins to question her own. This realization pushes her to reassess her priorities and confront the fact that her career-driven success has left her disconnected from what truly matters.

Although the book is marketed as a romantic comedy, the romance element feels secondary to the deeper themes of personal growth and life choices. Thea's story is more about self-discovery than about romantic entanglements, which might surprise readers expecting a light-hearted rom-com. The bulk of the narrative focuses on Thea's process of rebuilding her life in a way that aligns with her newfound values, which is where the heart of the book lies.

While "The Do-Over" is an easy and enjoyable read, it doesn't quite reach the same charm as MacLeod’s other works. The romance seems somewhat forced, and for those expecting the usual romantic comedy formula, this book might feel like a departure. However, the exploration of life beyond career success, and the idea of getting a "do-over" in life, are relatable and offer a satisfying emotional journey.

Overall, it's a thought-provoking, uplifting story, albeit with a different tone from traditional rom-coms. Fans of MacLeod's work may find this one a bit harder to connect with, though the happy ending remains a reassuring feature.

Phoebe MacLeod created the most fun story with The Do-Over! I loved every page! It was darling! Just such a fun read. It would be a great book club pick.

1.5 stars ★

now.. i know that is a pretty nasty rating.. but i can explain (not really). i don’t exactly have problems</u> with this book, except, I can’t think of anything I enjoyed either. it’s a meh. </b>so this’ll be a pretty short review.

it was pretty easy to read, I flew through the pages despite not loving it. but it felt like not much actually happened? I don’t really recall any distinct plot points. and the romance.. very very minimal. this was advertised as a romcom😭😭 where was the rom? the com? I did nawt laugh once.

at the end, there was a sneak peak for book 2. and that seems more up my alley. im open to reading more of this author I think this just didn’t work out in particular. and tbh I went in expecting that bc the tropes were not my favs: friends with benefits, midlife crisis.. if that’s a trope. anything with lawyers, I just hate it all. perhaps if you enjoy reading about self-discovery and situationships you may love this and in that case I would recommend <3

thank you to boldwood books for kindly providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review!!

Page 96 'I'm turning into a bit of a domestic goddess, even though I say so myself.'

This book is so so similar to 'The Undomestic Goddess' by Sophie Kinsella. The main character - a young women with a workaholic lifestyle as a lawyer. She is casually dating another lawyer, doesn't know how to cook or clean. She doesn't see her family that often and has always wanted to be a lawyer. Then she realises she is burned out, quits her job and finds happiness with the simple things in life.

This is essentially the plot of both novels. There are some differences, but the essence of the story is the same.

I did quite enjoy this novel and the funny, engaging, entertaining and easy to read way it was written. But it bugs me how similar it is to a book that was published twenty years ago.

I feel like I can't accurately give this novel a star rating.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

This heartwarming novel invites readers on a journey of self-reflection and transformation through the eyes of Thea Rogers, a driven corporate lawyer who starts to question the very choices that once defined her. At the outset, Thea seems consumed by her career, an obsession that has left her disconnected from her family and the simple joys of life. Though she justifies these sacrifices by the prestigious career milestone she’s just achieved, it’s not long before reality sets in. Thea is forced to confront the emptiness that success has brought, realizing that the very path she’s spent her life pursuing has left her unfulfilled.

Thea’s internal struggle will resonate with anyone who has ever felt isolated or wondered whether they are truly on the right path. As she takes a bold leap to reimagine her future, the tone of the novel shifts from bleakness to hope, offering a reassuring message: it’s never too late to change direction.

This is an easy read, perfect for unwinding after a long day. I recommend it for readers who enjoy stories of personal growth, self-discovery, and the importance of appreciating what truly matters in life.

3 stars.

While I was head over heels in love with the FMC in the first half of the book, for some reason, the next half felt like a whole other story. The first half she was one character, then the second half she was another, and the transition was smooth. So it is very confusing. I did appreciate her changing pace and really trying to figure out what made her happy or what she wanted to do. However, the transition between the two didn't feel natural or fluid. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book though, so I'm giving it 3 stars for that.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood Books to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

ARC Review: The Do Over by Phoebe MacLeod

Phoebe MacLeod’s *The Do Over* is a compelling exploration of one woman’s journey to redefine success, love, and fulfillment. The novel draws readers into the world of Thea Rogers, a corporate lawyer who has spent years climbing the career ladder, only to find herself wondering if her accomplishments truly bring her joy.

When a senior partner at her firm dies and Thea attends his funeral, she’s hit with a wave of existential questions. **Has her work-focused life really been worth sacrificing everything else?** With a fast-track to becoming the youngest female partner at her firm and only one real connection with her friend-with-benefits, Alasdair, Thea starts to reconsider the things that truly matter.

The book beautifully navigates **the complexities of ambition versus personal happiness**. Thea is at a crossroads, and readers get to witness her inner struggles with vulnerability and personal reinvention. Is it possible to change the course of your life once you've spent years chasing a single goal? MacLeod creates a relatable, introspective protagonist in Thea, whose self-reflection and realizations will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost in the pursuit of success.

**Microtropes to savor**:
- **Career woman reassessing her life**: Thea’s realization that a high-powered career isn’t everything opens the door for self-discovery and new priorities.
- **Friends-to-lovers tension**: Her long-standing casual relationship with Alasdair adds a layer of complexity as she contemplates whether she’s been overlooking real love.
- **Mid-life reckoning**: Thea’s epiphany at a funeral leads her to question the choices she’s made and explore what it means to truly live a fulfilling life.
- **Second chances at happiness**: The overarching theme of the novel is about giving yourself permission to hit the reset button when life doesn’t feel quite right.
- **Found family and friendships**: Thea’s shift away from her isolated, work-centered life introduces her to new friendships and the importance of personal connections.

Thea’s character growth is thoughtfully written. MacLeod skillfully captures the essence of someone who has sacrificed relationships, friendships, and even their own happiness for the sake of career advancement. The novel doesn’t rush through her emotional evolution—it takes its time to show the complexities of **self-reinvention** and the difficulty of breaking long-held patterns.

Thea’s dynamic with Alasdair, in particular, is an interesting one. While their relationship starts as a casual, no-strings-attached arrangement, there’s a subtle tension that builds as Thea begins to desire more meaningful connections. Readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering if Thea will find what she’s looking for in Alasdair—or if the real answer lies elsewhere.

MacLeod’s writing is witty, sharp, and deeply introspective. The balance between humor and emotional depth gives the novel a light yet poignant tone, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5 stars)
Verdict*: *The Do Over* is a powerful story of self-discovery and personal growth. With relatable themes of reassessing life choices and searching for fulfillment beyond career success, Phoebe MacLeod delivers a heartwarming, thought-provoking novel that will inspire readers to reflect on their own paths and consider the importance of finding joy in the everyday moments.

The saddest thing about this book is that it is marked as romance and comedy. I wouldn't classify it as either of these things because while there are a few funny moments, this is not the tone of the story. The same applies to the romance. When a book is classified as romance, this is usually the main theme of the story. The romance is sadly lacking and does not makeup even a third of the story.

Now, I would say that the characters are well-developed, and much of the plot is engaging and has a great message that readers of contemporary fiction will enjoy. The main character is one that most of us can relate to.

Thea gets caught up in the rat race that is her professional life as a lawyer. She is focused on climbing the ladder only to find herself questioning her choices just when she is on the verge of achieving all that she has worked for. Thea is faced with some tough decisions, and she shows her resilience in how she deals with them.

There are some surprising dynamics to her character, too. These come out in the way she deals with conflicts with her neighbor.

I believe the climax came, however, and in the end, I was just not engaged.

Thea Rogers is a thirtysomething woman with an unquestionable career as a corporate lawyer. In the beginning, she's an ambitious content lawyer, until somebody of her partner's seniority dies. She attends his nearly uninhabited funeral, where she realizes that the relationship she has always craved has always amounted to nothing but wishful thinking. In this moment she thinks long and hard about her choices.

Now, Thea faces a pivotal decision: Should she keep moving in this direction, or head down the other which focuses on care and connection?

Essentially, this book is about the struggle between giving up personal happiness for a professional purpose and keeping to one’s happiness while that may mean giving up career achievements.

Overall, this is a fun, exceptionally well–crafted tale with some nice fleshed-out characters.

This book is one of those light-hearted ones that doesn't require you to think. I consider this to be a good palate cleanser between heavy reads. The premise and characters were great plus I laughed quite a bit. The overall writing is a little flat but it's still a cute story.

The Do-Over is a light, fun read about a woman who becomes disillusioned with her high-powered, all-encompassing career as a lawyer. She chucks it all in and embarks on a scheme to flip houses with her next-door neighbor/enemy turned best friend.

This is one of those books where it's best to just enjoy the ride and not think too deeply about the logistics. Everything will magically work out and everyone will live happily ever after and no one will face any real struggles or conflicts. Reality, it's not. But it is fun and fluffy and a nice escape from the real world!

One note - the book is billed as romantic comedy and... it's not. There is a romance, kind of shoe-horned in, but the vast majority of the book is about figuring out what matters and building a life you enjoy, not just one you succeed at on paper.

Thea is the youngest female partner at her law firm when a senior partner unexpectedly passes away. She makes friends with Rebecca, her neighbor and his former mistress, and decides to leave law and start something new. While there is romance woven in, this is mostly a women’s fiction type book of self discovery!

Macleod is an author I have dipped in and out of but I’ve always really enjoyed her books. At the beginning I thought the story was going to go one way and then it took a really unexpected turn (in a good way!)

I learnt a lot more about mills than I thought I ever would plus I loved the strong friendship story line with some romance thrown in.

This is a great escapist read

What a fun book! The first half of this had me laughing out loud, reading bits to my partner, and begging him to get me a PA like Janice! It was absolutely hysterical. The second half is a total change (no spoiler, it's called The Do-Over) and I loved the character development. The friendship that formed between Thea and Rebecca was very realistic and sweet. The unexpected HEA had me smiling at the end. A one-day read that will stay with me for a while.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.