I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Pearl lives in a small, unforgettable town in Ireland. She was born here, and thanks to her life debilitating OCD she is sure she is destined to die here, having been nowhere else too. Just her and her one, two, three, penis, four, five, six, Mr O'Callaghan's penis, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve woodlice that live on gate that she counts nightly on her exhausting round of checks before bed. Pearls is OK with this, right up until New Zealander Jack blows through town with his charm and turbo Penis. Something shifts in once Jack leaves after the weekend with an invitation to Pearl to visit him in New Zealand she decides to do just that. With her friend Una's encouragement Pearl decides to take a trip of a lifetime to go and surprise Jack and see if she can live her live to the full even with those pesky OCD butterflies in her head. This story is funny, sad, romantic, hopeful and a very easy and enjoyable read. 5 easy stars!

This took me a bit if getting into as I found the main character challenging and I did find some of the situations she found herself in concerning in some respects (especially where Jack was concerned) and unlikely in others given the struggles she’s had up until now. That said when we’d gone past Jack and she started challenging herself more I found it more absorbing with some moments of positivity in amongst all her challenges. It was interesting to see her relationship with Niall evolve and also her coming to something of an understanding about her condition. 7/10

Thank you for providing the early access to this book, the author handles the topic of OCD extremely well with this book and takes it very delicately. I really enjoyed seeing Pearl create new strategies and see the complexities of living with this condition.

**Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC**

This was HILARIOUS! Our dear Pearl has OCD, and her thought process just had me laughing. I wasn't sure if I would get into the book, but once she started having inappropriate thoughts that interfere with her OCD rituals, I knew I would like this book. Yes, OCD is a serious illness, and my cousin has it. Pearl manages to show how OCD affects her life, but also manages to still have a life.

To Hell With It by Claire Frances is an absolute rollercoaster of chaos, charm, and unexpected heart! From the first page, I was hooked on its witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and the kind of chemistry that sizzles off the page.

The story blends humor and heart effortlessly, giving us a protagonist who’s equal parts fierce and relatable. Whether it’s the fiery banter, the unexpected twists, or the perfect balance of snark and sincerity, this book keeps you entertained from start to finish.

If you love a sharp, fun, and slightly unhinged romantic adventure with a devilish twist, To Hell With It is a must-read. Claire Frances has delivered a story that’s wickedly fun and impossible to put down! Can’t wait to see what she writes next!

DNF’d at 10% - the character was cute but I sometimes found her portrayal of a person with OCD as childish and simple. Just couldn’t get on board with her story and simply wasn’t for me.

"To Hell With It" by Claire Frances is a charming debut that blends humor with heartfelt moments, reminiscent of Bridget Jones but with its own unique twist. The story follows Pearl O'Reilly, a 28-year-old woman living in a small Irish town, who navigates life with OCD. Her routines and quirks are both endearing and relatable, and her journey towards embracing change is both funny and touching. The book captures Pearl's growth beautifully, especially as she steps out of her comfort zone and explores new relationships. Frances' portrayal of Pearl's world is both honest and engaging, making it easy to root for her. Overall, it's a delightful read about love, friendship, and personal growth, with plenty of laughs along the way.

What a fantastic book! The first one I have read by this author but definitely can't wait to read more! The characters stay with you long after you finish the book. Highly recommend!

It wasn't for me. I couldn't get into it. I couldn't care or appreciate the characters. I like the representation of OCD, it's kind of relatable but it wasn't enough for me. It's missing depth in the relationship for me and the writing is too slow. But I see the appeal.

Just finished this one, after seeing the Bridget Jones remark about this book, I had to read it and was so thrilled I got the chance to ARC read it through Netgalley.

"to hell with it" by Claire Frances is set to be released on the 1st of June.

I've loved Pearl O'Reilly's adventure, it really is like Bridget Jones but with OCD and a lot less booze. I've actually laughed a handful of times.

Pearl O'Reilly, a 28 year old woman with a quite severe case of OCD lives in a small town in Ireland called Drangan. A lovely cottage she inherited from her grandmother all to herself. She's stuck in her ways as they say with whole rituals she had to finish before she can go to bed, or before she can go downstairs. For example, count the stairs she's walking without the thought of her boss's third leg, her boss being a 72 year old, and before you ask. No. She hasn't actually seen his ween. When that thought pops up, she has to go to the top of the stairs to start over again.

When she's at fish and chips Friday in the pub with her friend Una, she sees a god of a man whom isn't familiar.. When he gets over they seem to hit it off, after way to many drinks the rest seems hazy until the next morning when she wakes up next to this man, Jack who is butt naked and still sleeping. After a bit of a whirlwind romance, Jack goes home but invites her to come visit one day and go sightseeing.

Can she though? With her OCD being that severe and never have been out of the country apart from when she was eight.. And on her own? Oh my god. The stress of it all. But she does! And the adventures she has (and challenged, mind you) are beautiful.

Did you like the books of Bridget Jones? The humor, the hunt for a good man, the POV it was written in? Then you absolutely need to read this because it was so so good! 5 stars from me! Go Pearl!

To Hell With It by Claire Frances is a delightful and engaging debut that combines the charm of Bridget Jones with a main character as memorable as Eleanor Oliphant. The story follows Pearl O'Reilly, a twenty-seven-year-old woman navigating the ups and downs of life with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Her world revolves around her routines—whether it’s counting the steps down the stairs or repeatedly washing her hands—and her weekly pub nights with her best friend, Una. But Pearl’s life is about to be shaken up, as she decides it’s time to embrace change, starting with the handsome man in her bed.

Frances does a remarkable job of capturing Pearl’s journey, making it both relatable and heartfelt. The raw, honest, and sometimes confronting writing draws the reader into Pearl’s world, allowing them to experience her emotional challenges and triumphs. Her growth is a key theme, and it’s rewarding to watch Pearl evolve throughout the book, especially as she navigates her relationships and friendships.

What stands out in this novel is the genuine portrayal of Pearl’s different connections with people. Her interactions with old friends and new acquaintances bring depth to the story, and the friendships she forms—whether complicated or simple—feel authentic and meaningful.

The book also has a personal touch for readers who may be familiar with New Zealand, as Pearl’s Kiwi background adds an extra layer of interest, particularly for those living in the UK.

To Hell With It is a wonderfully honest and uplifting tale about love, friendship, and finding happiness in a world that doesn’t always understand you. It’s a celebration of personal growth and the power of human connection, with an unforgettable main character at its heart.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

📚To Hell With It by Claire Frances
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🦋 I absolutely adore Claire Frances' brilliant debut. Her lighthearted, humorous novel is a portal into the complex and challenging life of a person with OCD. The unique protagonist, Pearl, is funny and awkward, and I rooted for her from the first chapter. Pearl's resilient personality (and a bit of stubbornness) led her to (a literal) adventure of self-discovery. While reading this novel, I laughed out loud numerous times 🐈 , and I cried, too, feeling Pearl's pain and frustration. 🧼

I can't wait to read Claire France's next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC.

A big thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Claire Frances for providing me with an ARC of To Hell With It in exchange for my honest review.

To Hell With It tells the story of Pearl O’Reilly, a 27-year-old woman living with OCD. Her life is governed by strict routines and rules, but everything is turned upside down when a charming man enters her world. As their paths cross, Pearl struggles to manage the disruption he causes to her carefully controlled existence.

This novel is both heartwarming and humorous, with a writing style that is engaging and full of wit. As someone who wasn’t very familiar with OCD before reading this book, I found it to be an insightful and enlightening portrayal of the challenges faced by those who live with this condition. The author does a wonderful job of blending humor with the reality of Pearl’s struggles, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Pearl, the main character of this book has OCD. And the chaos that comes with it, routines that need to be followed, thoughts that creep in your mind, and the whole level of complexity it adds to your life. But Pearl decides to say to hell with it, and starts doing more things. There's romance, there are funny moments, tender moments, and a lot of loveable characters. I really liked this book, for the accurate portrayal of OCD, but also portraying someone who's more than their condition.

To Hell With It by Claire Frances is a compelling read that offers a realistic portrayal of OCD. The main character, Pearl O’Reilly, struggles with the disorder in a way that feels deeply authentic. Her compulsions are time-consuming, frustrating and something she fully recognizes as irrational, yet she can’t stop them. The book does a great job of showing the shame and isolation that often come with OCD, making Pearl’s struggles relatable.

Pearl herself is a well-developed character who feels like a real person rather than just a collection of symptoms. Her emotions are complex, and her experiences abd thoughts are engaging to follow.

However, the pacing of the novel was inconsistent. Some storylines felt rushed, while others dragged on, which sometimes made the reading experience uneven.

One aspect that didn’t sit well with me was how Pearl’s therapist and best friend handled certain situations. In particular, it was concerning that her therapist didn’t seem alarmed when Pearl brought home a man she barely knew. This is something that, realistically, any mental health professional would be worried about. These moments took me out of the story and made the relationships feel less believable.

Overall, To Hell With It is a solid read with a strong portrayal of OCD and an engaging protagonist. Despite some pacing issues and questionable character interactions, it’s a book worth reading for those interested in a honest story about mental health, hope, change and love. 3.5 stars.

Though I don't suffer from OCD, I know people who do and I think this is a very well done book that captures what a day in the life of someone with OCD goes through. I can imagine it is very mentally exhausting and I think Pearl is a real gem and handles it with grace. I really liked Pearl's character throughout this book and I think the author does a great job of showing her strengths and weaknesses and she is a bit silly and quirky to boot.

I really enjoyed this book not only for the representation but the love story as well.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Engaging and immersive with excellent OCD rep. A recommended purchase for collections where women's fic is popular.

I suffer from mild OCD and loved the representation of the condition in an honest but often funny way. This book is a warm rom-com with Marian Keyes vibes and the setting and theme worked well. Great cast of characters and the story wasn't just an issue with a plot loosely hung on it but worked well as a compelling plot. Highly enjoyable reading.

This book was great. It gave me Marian Keyes vibes, Pearl reminded me of the Walsh sisters.

I really enjoyed Pearls story and the progress she makes throughout supported by her friends. I really loved the supporting characters too, Una and Bunty in particular!

I loved the imagery throughout with bugs and butterflies taking particular importance but in such a way you only think about it afterwards!

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what else this author produces. Will there be a 2nd story featuring Pearl in the future?

Mein Leseerlebnis

Das Buch enthält eine frische, besondere Geschichte um eine Frau, die mit OCD (Zwangsneurose) lebt und die anfängt spontaner zu leben sowie mehr zu wagen.

Im Roman gibt es zudem eine Liebesgeschichte, die sich für mich leider teils wie ein Fremdkörper angefühlt hat. Das lag vor allem daran, dass der Held im Vergleich zur Heldin etwas blass blieb und ich bis zum Ende des Romans von ihm kein klares Bild entwickeln konnte.

Es hat auch nicht geholfen, dass es mir schwer fiel, mit der Heldin warm zu werden. Ich empfand sie anderen gegenüber teils als recht wertend.

Im Buch gab es allerdings auch so einige Szenen, die mich mitten ins Herz getroffen haben und die ich berührend fand. Zudem fand ich den Schreibstil angenehm und die Energie in den Dialogen hat mir gefallen.

Das Buch hat mich definitiv mit gemischten Gefühlen zurückgelassen und ich habe mich wirklich schwer damit getan, es zu bewerten.

🖤🖤🖤 1/2

PS: Wie realistisch die Details zur Zwangsneurose der Heldin sind, kann ich persönlich nicht beurteilen.

Für wen?

Wer Geschichten mag, in denen es neben einer Liebesgeschichte vor allem darum geht, dass die Hauptcharaktere sich dem Leben öffnen und mehr wagen, für den könnte das Buch einen Versuch wert sein.