Member Reviews

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC opportunity!

Pearl's OCD was mentioned so often, and was handled in a childish/weird way. I felt like without it, Pearl would never be interesting, and i didnt like that. We can't rely on a mental disorder to make the characters cool or relatable. My mother has OCD, and this just felt so far-fetched to me.

I DNF'd at 62%. I really tried. It just didn't resonate with me.

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I dnf’d it. I regularly read books where the main character isn’t from the US, but the level of Irish slang etc was so distracting I couldn’t get into the book. Also I had no interest in the male character Jack because even 20% in, I know 0 about him.

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I really could not get into this story. The OCD content was nonstop and outside of the condition, Pearl is really dull. Her relationship with Jack, or whatever you'd call it, was more clinical and uncomfortable. Not for me. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

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3.7⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

As a reader who doesn’t have OCD, this book was an interesting peek into how it can affect someone’s life. Pearl has grown up in a small community and the people there make things easier for her without passing judgment, but also encourage her to step outside her well defined comfort zones.

It took me a little while to get into the book to start with, but I’m glad I persevered as it ended up being a great read with some serious messages, but also some moments that made me laugh. The slow burn romance was also delightful to watch.

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Pearl O’Reilly’s incredibly difficult journey across the world to follow a stranger is intriguing as she finds herself on the way.

Pearl is a young woman with OCD. Her familiar routine changes when she wakes up to discover a naked man in her bed. Talk about a game changer. It’s in that moment when her life takes a chaotic turn that leads her on a journey of self-discovery.

Pearl’s struggles are exhilarating and exhausting, and her escapades are hilarious and courageous. What really struck a chord with me was how this book goes beyond just romance. Pearl’s relationship with her best friend, Una, adds the perfect splash of warmth, humor, and relatability, and their dynamic is incredibly funny and meaningful.

As we follow Pearl’s funny and crazy antics, we also dive deep into her inner turmoil. The author does a truly inspiring job portraying Pearl’s journey toward embracing life’s unpredictability. I found it refreshing and empowering to see a character face her challenges with such authenticity.

If you’re looking for a read that’s both entertaining and insightful, add this one to your list. I promise you won’t regret it.

Thank you to Ms. Frances for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

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I went into this book expecting nothing and we didn't really get much more than that. Although it centers on a very important topic, OCD, the majority of the book just felt very unbelievable to me. OCD is a very crippling disease and despite being a world within itself, much of the stuff Pearl suddenly did just didn't make sense. I think the message is very important and it was very entertaining experiencing the world alongside her, but I have a hard time believing that patterns that have been with you for over a decade can be changed just because you meet some random dude.

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Wonderful, informative reading, Seeing o.c.d from the affected person 's view. Laugh out loud movements, Bridget Jones to the extreme . Pearl meets a New Zealander on holiday in her home village and decides to travel to see him, irrespective of her o.c.d. Loved it.

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This book took me awhile to get interested in, it just moved a little too slowly at the beginning. I will definitely say I learned more about OCD. I also wanted more of the story between Niall and Pearl at the end. It was a lot of build up and then ended abruptly.

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To Hell With It, by Claire Frances, is a laugh-out-loud story about a new favorite character of mine, Pearl. Pearl is a delightful, 27 (almost 28) year old woman with OCD. I hope we read more about Pearl in the future.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

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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

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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.

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**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.

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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!

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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.

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"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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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📚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.

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