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.

The Do-Over by Phoebe MacLeod

Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a heartfelt, moving read that emphasizes how it is never too late to change direction. There is a little bit of romance in this one, but the main point is personal growth and self-discovery.

Thea Rogers, the MC, is a corporate lawyer who begins to question the choices that have led her to this moment. Right at the start of the book, Thea is portrayed as a workaholic who is consumed by her career, which leaves her disconnected from her family and life as a whole. Though she justifies these choices by focusing on becoming a senior partner (which she does), reality soon begins to set in. Thea is forced to face the discontent and emptiness she feels. Therefore, she decides to pursue a different path in life in order to discover herself.

The supporting characters are well-written and work to complement the plot well. Overall, The Do-Over focuses on the idea of getting a "do-over" in life and features relatable moments/experiences. It’s a thought-provoking, engaging story that certainly brings a more unique spin to traditional rom-coms.

Thea is a young lawyer at a cut-throat London firm. She's distant from her family and extremely devoted to her career, to the exclusion of anything but work relationships. But a sudden realization after a co-worker's death has her examining her life choices and wondering what she wants the rest of her life to look like. Previously closed-off to anything but her focus on work, she begins to open herself up to new possibilities and new relationships. So, I struggled a little at first because it felt like it took a while to get to Thea's turning point (the first 20% of the book was exposition). And the story as a whole doesn't feel cohesive as Thea transitions to different stages of her life, which is an issue I also had when reading some of the author's previous books. That said, I think it works for Thea. She was so cut off from what she really wanted in her life at various points in the book, and I think the at-times choppy feel of the story could act as a reflection of Thea's feelings. Thea's overall personality is a bit dry, and I engaged with her most when she was being vulnerable. I did warm up to her eventually and was invested enough to keep going. The supporting characters are well-written and complement the story well. (Alasdair bumped my overall book rating up a bit, I actually thought he was the most engaging character in the book.) This book is definitely an idealized daydream of what you do when you're burnt out at work and need to take a sharp left turn away from what you thought your life was supposed to look like. A final note: despite the book's description, it was not a romantic comedy as I interpret that to mean (i.e., light-to-moderate levels of madcap situations, a focus on romantic relationships, with humor pervasive throughout the story and actual laugh-out-loud moments). There are a few moments of dry humor in this story but that's not the pervasive tone in this book. Rather, readers looking for a book about life journeys and self-realizations with a satisfactory conclusion for the main character will enjoy this one. I gave this 4 stars but it's actually closer to 3.5 stars for me. Publishes November 28 2024.

A lovely story which cheered me up no end. A real feel good story which had me laughing out loud quite a lot. Perfect for curling up on the sofa on a cold afternoon. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I'm a fan of Phoebe MacLeod, this isn't one of my favourites.
Thea is married to her job as a lawyer in corporate law, she's given up so much to pursue her dream of being the firm’s youngest ever female partner. After the sudden death of a senior partner she can't shake the feeling that if she disappeared tomorrow would anyone care of even miss her.
I'm a fan of the rom com elements of Phoebe's books, this was far more focused on self discovery and growth, this isn't a negative just different to what I had expected from the story.
Thank you NetGalley, Phoebe MacLeod and Boldwood Books for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

Thea is a corporate lawyer who is obsessed with her career, however something happens that makes her rethink her priorities.
I really grew to love this book, I liked post-lawyer Thea, although I'm not sure that I would feel the same for her whilst she was working and she certainly wouldn't have time for someone like me. I have worked in an environment where you were considered a skiver if you left on time, but nowhere near the excess that she enjoyed / endured. Whilst she is considering her future she becomes hooked on the TV program "Homes under the Hammer", a show that I've enjoyed. Without spoiling the plot too much she, along with a friend, takes on a major renovation which isn't straightforward as they hoped. She has support from her friends and family who help her through her self-discoverey into her new life, and the bumps on the way. From other reviews not everybody enjoyed this book, but for me and my taste it was a definite hit.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

What a perfect friends lo lovers book.

This follows Thea, who after achieving her life long dream of making partner at one of the most prestigious law firms, does a complete 360 and leave to renovate a mill cottage in Kent.

What follows is a will they won't they including to love interest but in a romantic way, there's no sneaking or being sly. It's just a woman finding out what she wants.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one, the writing was great a really good pace. So glad the ending wasn't rushed like some books just.to show where a person is now.

Just a really easy, fun read and would recommend it to anyone looking for a cute romance.

The Do Over by Phoebe MacLeod, This book is about single career woman Thea, who wants to be a junior assistant at the law firm, she has been grinding away at for the adult years of her life. The only socializing she does is with Alistair, a friend with benefits associate. her social life is so null and void when she finally gets the position she has no one to tell except her mom who doesn’t really get what a big deal it is. The next moment of pause Thea has is when a coworker dies, and she goes to his funeral only to see other coworkers there hoping their attendance counts for something and not because they’re going to miss or feel any loss at the death of their coworker. she realizes she is on the same empty life track in the end who will miss her? This is when in a split second decision she decides to quit her job. right here is where the book lost me. I felt like Thea seemed as loss in this pointless as her new existence and by the time we got to her buying the windmill form I was so over it. It took almost 40% of the book to even get to this point, I do want to say I love the authors book someone else’s honeymoon because OMG that was so funny and so good. It’s also the reason why I will definitely continue reading the authors books also I guess I’m going to be “that“ person because in the book says she wish she had a different name because Thea didn’t sound like the name of a warrior but it is the name of a Greek immortal goddess, which in my opinion is much better than a warrior. I love the authors books, but sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don’t and I guess with The Do Over I just didn’t. I am still rating it three stars because as far as women’s fiction goes, I did like their friendship, but this is definitely not a romcom. It is more women’s fiction and if it sounds like something you like, definitely give it a read. #NetGalley, #BoldWoodBooks, #PhoebeMacLeod, #TheDoOver,.

after multiple attempts at reading- I have decided to DNF. I’m hoping to return to it in the future but right now i’m unable to connect with the author’s writing style.

Thea is a corporate lawyer that works in mergers and acquisitions. She doesn’t have a relationship nor any friendships. She is pretty much married to her work. She’s even on track to become the firm’s youngest junior partner. But then a senior partner dies and Thea starts questioning what she wants. She decides to take a different path with her life with an unexpected friend. Something’s missing however, but what, or who, is going to fill that void?

So…. this book was just okay. I loved the first part of the book where she knew what she wanted and went for it – the youngest female junior partner at the law firm she worked at. It’s sort of inspiring. I get feeling overworked. I get questioning whether it’s the right path. But to just change like she did seemed out of character for her. And then the book got really boring. It felt like the book was going nowhere, and not even fast. It was going no where very slowly.

This is advertised as a rom-com, but there’s barely any romance in it. It’s more of a self discovery story really. Thea was on a journey of self discovery to find what made her happy. There were a few chapters with romance thrown in there, but it was VERY minimal. I really would have liked more of the romance and less of the watermill.

There is supposed a be a book two, but I don’t know if I’m going to read it.

Thea has dedicated her life to her law career and doing so has forgotten about her fiends, herself and her love life. When a partner at her firm dies she realizes how precious life is and if she was to die tomorrow would anyone care? She takes this pivotal moment to make a change in her life and focus on things that bring her joy.

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

The Do-Over by Phoebe MacLeod is about Thea Rogers, a woman who has spent her whole life focused on her career in corporate law. She’s worked hard and is on track to become the youngest female partner at her firm. Besides her longtime friend and occasional fling, Alasdair, she’s sacrificed friendships and relationships to get ahead. She should be happy, but when a senior partner unexpectedly passes away, Thea realizes that the people at his funeral were only there because they had to be. It makes her question if anyone would even care if she disappeared tomorrow.

As Thea starts to rethink her life choices, she faces a tough decision: stick with her original career path or try something completely new. She starts to wonder if she can change her life and fill it with things that truly matter. But when things start looking better for her, she also feels like there’s something—or someone—she can’t quite replace.

This story is about second chances and figuring out what makes life worthwhile. This was a fun, quick, and easy read that will keep you entertained till the end but will also make you think. #TheDoOver, #Boldwoodbooks, PhoebeMacLeod
3.95 Stars!