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The Wake-Up Call
Two hotel receptionists--and arch-rivals--find a collection of old wedding rings and compete to return them to their owners, discovering their own love story along the way.
It's the busiest season of the year, and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So when Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel's front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside and see it through.
The hotel won't stay afloat beyond Christmas without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest's lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way to fix everything. With four rings still sitting in the lost & found, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel--and their jobs.
As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, Izzy and Lucas begin to wonder if there's more at stake here than the hotel's future. Can the two of them make it through the season with their hearts intact?
It's the busiest season of the year, and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So when Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel's front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside and see it through.
The hotel won't stay afloat beyond Christmas without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest's lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way to fix everything. With four rings still sitting in the lost & found, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel--and their jobs.
As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, Izzy and Lucas begin to wonder if there's more at stake here than the hotel's future. Can the two of them make it through the season with their hearts intact?
356 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2023
About the author
Beth O'Leary
20 books15k followersBeth studied English at university before going into children’s publishing. She lives as close to the countryside as she can get while still being within reach of London, and wrote her first novel, The Flatshare, on her train journey to and from work.
You’ll usually find her curled up with a book, a cup of tea, and several woolly jumpers (whatever the weather).
You’ll usually find her curled up with a book, a cup of tea, and several woolly jumpers (whatever the weather).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,067 reviews
October 22, 2024
My bookish friends, I'm telling you politely, but with great enthusiasm, that I have a quick correction to make. I'm shouting from the top of the tallest building nearby to amplify my dramatic declaration. Hear me now: THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! You absolutely cannot afford to miss out on it! Don't even think about adding it to your ever-growing TBR list, which is already overflowing with remarkable books, without making time to read it soon.
I recently went on a book diet, meaning I had to work extensively for a few days and then took a short vacation, which disrupted my usual reading schedule (typically, I finish the first half of a book in a day). As a result of this prolonged and forced reading break, I now have at least 15 books piled up in my NetGalley library and 30 books waiting for me in my email, sent by my favorite publishing companies. They're like presents left under a Christmas tree, patiently waiting to be unwrapped one by one. Needless to say, I was thrilled to choose the perfect book to lift my spirits!
Let me explain why I adored this book so much:
-First and foremost, this is undoubtedly Beth O'Leary's best book yet!
-It's the most entertaining, laugh-out-loud read among Beth O'Leary's works, with fewer dramatic and angsty moments.
-I was hooked from the start by the enemies-to-lovers and grumpy-meets-the-sunshine tropes!
-The references to Love Actually were incredibly well executed.
-The supporting characters at Forest Manor Hotel are nothing short of perfection! From Mrs. SB and the unpredictable Mandy (who's like a wild card in the story) to Arjun and the potentially godsend Mr. Townsend (if this book ever gets adapted into a movie, please cast Bill Nighy for this role), not to mention the lively Hedgers family, Barty, and Ollie, they all make you feel like a part of their family.
I
- fell in love with Izzy, who is adventurous, original, shiny, creative, optimistic, and kind-hearted! And let's not forget about our brooding hero, Lucas, who hides behind a stubborn, serious, robotic facade, despite being a real cinnamon bun. He's caring, sensitive, and a romantic planner!
-The palpable chemistry between Izzy and Lucas, along with their witty banter, completely engrossed me in their love story. Izzy's vulnerability in opening up her feelings after being crushed by Lucas' rejection a year ago, and Lucas' efforts to make her fall in love with him, his patience, and his inner sweetness made me sigh and smile countless times.
To sum it up: I highly recommend this book not only to romance lovers but also to readers who need something to brighten their mood, warm their hearts, and restore their faith in happiness and good karma!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this amazing book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I recently went on a book diet, meaning I had to work extensively for a few days and then took a short vacation, which disrupted my usual reading schedule (typically, I finish the first half of a book in a day). As a result of this prolonged and forced reading break, I now have at least 15 books piled up in my NetGalley library and 30 books waiting for me in my email, sent by my favorite publishing companies. They're like presents left under a Christmas tree, patiently waiting to be unwrapped one by one. Needless to say, I was thrilled to choose the perfect book to lift my spirits!
Let me explain why I adored this book so much:
-First and foremost, this is undoubtedly Beth O'Leary's best book yet!
-It's the most entertaining, laugh-out-loud read among Beth O'Leary's works, with fewer dramatic and angsty moments.
-I was hooked from the start by the enemies-to-lovers and grumpy-meets-the-sunshine tropes!
-The references to Love Actually were incredibly well executed.
-The supporting characters at Forest Manor Hotel are nothing short of perfection! From Mrs. SB and the unpredictable Mandy (who's like a wild card in the story) to Arjun and the potentially godsend Mr. Townsend (if this book ever gets adapted into a movie, please cast Bill Nighy for this role), not to mention the lively Hedgers family, Barty, and Ollie, they all make you feel like a part of their family.
I
- fell in love with Izzy, who is adventurous, original, shiny, creative, optimistic, and kind-hearted! And let's not forget about our brooding hero, Lucas, who hides behind a stubborn, serious, robotic facade, despite being a real cinnamon bun. He's caring, sensitive, and a romantic planner!
-The palpable chemistry between Izzy and Lucas, along with their witty banter, completely engrossed me in their love story. Izzy's vulnerability in opening up her feelings after being crushed by Lucas' rejection a year ago, and Lucas' efforts to make her fall in love with him, his patience, and his inner sweetness made me sigh and smile countless times.
To sum it up: I highly recommend this book not only to romance lovers but also to readers who need something to brighten their mood, warm their hearts, and restore their faith in happiness and good karma!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this amazing book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
September 5, 2023
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
2.5 Stars
I really wanted to like this enemies-to-lovers romance but I had a few problems with it. I will start off with something that I did like and that was the dual points of view. Each chapter alternated with our main character's (Izzy and Lucas) POV. The location of Forest Manor Hotel and Spa was wonderful, especially for a Christmas time plot. The hotel sounds like a place I would like to visit, an old (emphasis on old) manor house turned luxury hotel. I also loved the eclectic group of guests the hotel has.
Maybe it is my age (57) showing but why the hell can't adults just sit down and talk and be honest about their feelings? They're nearing thirty years old and they let a whole year go by without discussing what happened. Izzy was way too immature for my liking and the bubbly facade grated on my nerves. I don't suffer fools very well and if she was my friend or family member I'd be clipping her upside the head (Yes sometimes violence IS the answer!) and telling her to grow the feck up. And the way she used Louis to get back at Lucas made me angry, that's a terrible thing to do. Is twenty-eight too young to expect someone to say "Hey, I think you're cute, smart, funny and I like you, wanna go out?"
The whole Ring Thing was just plain stupid. They should have kept the rings, sold them, used the money to fix the hotel and moved on...Problem solved. If they loved the hotel so much why wasn't that plan put into place right away? Bottom line, this was just too cutesy for my personal taste but I am glad I finally gave this author a go...it is my year of thinking outside the box as far as giving different genres go, and I can't expect all of them to work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
2.5 Stars
I really wanted to like this enemies-to-lovers romance but I had a few problems with it. I will start off with something that I did like and that was the dual points of view. Each chapter alternated with our main character's (Izzy and Lucas) POV. The location of Forest Manor Hotel and Spa was wonderful, especially for a Christmas time plot. The hotel sounds like a place I would like to visit, an old (emphasis on old) manor house turned luxury hotel. I also loved the eclectic group of guests the hotel has.
Maybe it is my age (57) showing but why the hell can't adults just sit down and talk and be honest about their feelings? They're nearing thirty years old and they let a whole year go by without discussing what happened. Izzy was way too immature for my liking and the bubbly facade grated on my nerves. I don't suffer fools very well and if she was my friend or family member I'd be clipping her upside the head (Yes sometimes violence IS the answer!) and telling her to grow the feck up. And the way she used Louis to get back at Lucas made me angry, that's a terrible thing to do. Is twenty-eight too young to expect someone to say "Hey, I think you're cute, smart, funny and I like you, wanna go out?"
The whole Ring Thing was just plain stupid. They should have kept the rings, sold them, used the money to fix the hotel and moved on...Problem solved. If they loved the hotel so much why wasn't that plan put into place right away? Bottom line, this was just too cutesy for my personal taste but I am glad I finally gave this author a go...it is my year of thinking outside the box as far as giving different genres go, and I can't expect all of them to work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
October 29, 2023
I love Beth O’Leary. I really do. I did not love this book.
Izzy and Lucas work the front desk together at Forest Manor Hotel, a charming English countryside hotel that will cease to exist beyond the Christmas season without costly repairs. The improbable solution? Izzy and Lucas are tasked with tracking down and returning a handful of lost wedding rings to their owners. Izzy did it once, and the hotel was generously rewarded … maybe they’ll ALL do that! (It could happen ... right? 🤦♀️)
One problem: Izzy and Lucas “hate” each other. She’s bubbly … he’s stoic … apparently that’s a deal-breaker. Well, that and the fact that Izzy actually IS attracted to Lucas and his oft-mentioned muscles and wrote him a Christmas card a year ago confessing her feelings, only to find him kissing her roommate instead.
As with almost every story like this, things aren’t as they appeared, yet the reader will spend almost the entire book suffering through Izzy’s rotating lust/resentment cycle and Lucas’ bottled-up desire for her, because neither of these grown adults will open their mouths and talk about what happened a year ago or how they feel about each other now. (Of course that doesn’t stop them from behaving like horny teenagers when the mood strikes.)
I read this on my Kindle while listening along to the audiobook narrated by Jessie Cave as Izzy and Lino Facioli as Lucas. In keeping with how the characters are written, Cave’s narration of Izzy made her sound petulant and immature, rather than cute and bubbly, and Facioli’s narration of Lucas made him sound about as exciting as a brick.
The saving grace? There are some great secondary characters and the holiday season and lovely setting add a nice dose of charm. The ending also turns the mood around. Had it not taken so long to get there, and if the more appealing aspects of the story had been amped up, I would’ve liked the story more.
The good news is that many others have really enjoyed this book and you should read their reviews before deciding if this is a book for you. I’ve learned that I don’t prefer ‘enemies-to-lovers’ stories and bickering MCs. Anyone who’s ever been trapped in a car or room with two children (or adults) who won’t stop arguing over stupid things will understand!
As for Beth O’Leary? I still love her. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
★★ ½
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Beth O’Leary for this digital ARC to honestly review and to my local library/Libby for the audiobook. It’s now available.
Izzy and Lucas work the front desk together at Forest Manor Hotel, a charming English countryside hotel that will cease to exist beyond the Christmas season without costly repairs. The improbable solution? Izzy and Lucas are tasked with tracking down and returning a handful of lost wedding rings to their owners. Izzy did it once, and the hotel was generously rewarded … maybe they’ll ALL do that! (It could happen ... right? 🤦♀️)
One problem: Izzy and Lucas “hate” each other. She’s bubbly … he’s stoic … apparently that’s a deal-breaker. Well, that and the fact that Izzy actually IS attracted to Lucas and his oft-mentioned muscles and wrote him a Christmas card a year ago confessing her feelings, only to find him kissing her roommate instead.
As with almost every story like this, things aren’t as they appeared, yet the reader will spend almost the entire book suffering through Izzy’s rotating lust/resentment cycle and Lucas’ bottled-up desire for her, because neither of these grown adults will open their mouths and talk about what happened a year ago or how they feel about each other now. (Of course that doesn’t stop them from behaving like horny teenagers when the mood strikes.)
I read this on my Kindle while listening along to the audiobook narrated by Jessie Cave as Izzy and Lino Facioli as Lucas. In keeping with how the characters are written, Cave’s narration of Izzy made her sound petulant and immature, rather than cute and bubbly, and Facioli’s narration of Lucas made him sound about as exciting as a brick.
The saving grace? There are some great secondary characters and the holiday season and lovely setting add a nice dose of charm. The ending also turns the mood around. Had it not taken so long to get there, and if the more appealing aspects of the story had been amped up, I would’ve liked the story more.
The good news is that many others have really enjoyed this book and you should read their reviews before deciding if this is a book for you. I’ve learned that I don’t prefer ‘enemies-to-lovers’ stories and bickering MCs. Anyone who’s ever been trapped in a car or room with two children (or adults) who won’t stop arguing over stupid things will understand!
As for Beth O’Leary? I still love her. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
★★ ½
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Beth O’Leary for this digital ARC to honestly review and to my local library/Libby for the audiobook. It’s now available.
September 26, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
They say there is a thin line between love and hate….
Quirky (and perky) Izzy Jenkins brings the “sparkle” to every room she enters. She is the polar opposite of her co-worker, the serious, but sexy Brazilian, Lucas Da Silva.
But when Izzy puts her heart on the line, and confesses her true feelings to Lucas in a Christmas card-suggesting that they meet under the mistletoe-and arrives to find him kissing her roommate instead, she vows to NEVER forgive either one.
Now, embarrassed and humiliated, she admittedly “HATES” him.
Izzy and Lucas, will have to co-exist and put their differences aside, sharing all of the responsibilities of the day shift, when staff reductions are made at the struggling Forest Manor Hotel, while “Poor Mandy” will man the night shift on her own.
Covid lockdowns combined with the entire roof needing to be replaced have threatened the survival of the 40 year old hotel which boasts of quaint attic rooms, candlelit dinners and romance to the hotel guests who return year after year, and feel like extended family. This might be the last Christmas at the struggling property.
One thing the two can agree on however, is that they want the hotel to survive.
Tasked with clearing out the “lost and found” closet, and selling anything that may be of value, Izzy finds some wedding rings, but she feels it is only right to attempt to find the owners of these items before selling them.
And, when the first is returned to its grateful owner, and the hotel is given a substantial reward for their efforts, Izzy and Lucas, wager a friendly(?) competition to see who can successfully return the most rings.
Can either one of them “save” the hotel?
Izzy calling her friends to convince them how much she “hated” Lucas despite her attraction to him, made this ENEMIES TO LOVERS story read a bit YOUNG for me, but I do think it will resonate more with readers in a younger demographic, so I rounded up!
And, Beth O’Leary always manages to make me smile-there are definitely a few clever revelations that bring this Christmas story full circle by the end.
(I never have the willpower to wait when it’s Beth O’Leary!)
This title is NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to Berkley for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.
They say there is a thin line between love and hate….
Quirky (and perky) Izzy Jenkins brings the “sparkle” to every room she enters. She is the polar opposite of her co-worker, the serious, but sexy Brazilian, Lucas Da Silva.
But when Izzy puts her heart on the line, and confesses her true feelings to Lucas in a Christmas card-suggesting that they meet under the mistletoe-and arrives to find him kissing her roommate instead, she vows to NEVER forgive either one.
Now, embarrassed and humiliated, she admittedly “HATES” him.
Izzy and Lucas, will have to co-exist and put their differences aside, sharing all of the responsibilities of the day shift, when staff reductions are made at the struggling Forest Manor Hotel, while “Poor Mandy” will man the night shift on her own.
Covid lockdowns combined with the entire roof needing to be replaced have threatened the survival of the 40 year old hotel which boasts of quaint attic rooms, candlelit dinners and romance to the hotel guests who return year after year, and feel like extended family. This might be the last Christmas at the struggling property.
One thing the two can agree on however, is that they want the hotel to survive.
Tasked with clearing out the “lost and found” closet, and selling anything that may be of value, Izzy finds some wedding rings, but she feels it is only right to attempt to find the owners of these items before selling them.
And, when the first is returned to its grateful owner, and the hotel is given a substantial reward for their efforts, Izzy and Lucas, wager a friendly(?) competition to see who can successfully return the most rings.
Can either one of them “save” the hotel?
Izzy calling her friends to convince them how much she “hated” Lucas despite her attraction to him, made this ENEMIES TO LOVERS story read a bit YOUNG for me, but I do think it will resonate more with readers in a younger demographic, so I rounded up!
And, Beth O’Leary always manages to make me smile-there are definitely a few clever revelations that bring this Christmas story full circle by the end.
(I never have the willpower to wait when it’s Beth O’Leary!)
This title is NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to Berkley for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.
March 16, 2024
Probably my last favorite by the author. There were some cute moments, but I didn’t love the main character. Making those rules was far too immature for a grown woman, and I didn’t like that she didn’t explore different explanations for what had happened. It was of course predictable, which I don’t mind if I feel attached to the characters. But here it didn’t help,
November 13, 2023
It's difficult for me to articulate why this book was so bad, but I'm going to try. Horrendous pacing, insufferable characters, and a weak plot? Yes, all of those things. Plus it felt like I was reading it for weeks, this book was so easy to put down. It was actually a 3 star rating for me until one part .
Beth O'Leary is a hard to gage author for me, so far I really liked one book by her and somewhat despised the other two. Not sure I want to pick up more in the future after wasting so much time on this wreck of a book. (yes it made me angry, I tossed it across the room when I was finished).
Beth O'Leary is a hard to gage author for me, so far I really liked one book by her and somewhat despised the other two. Not sure I want to pick up more in the future after wasting so much time on this wreck of a book. (yes it made me angry, I tossed it across the room when I was finished).
July 3, 2024
3,75/5
Jestem w szoku, bo żaden mój znajomy z GR nie ocenił tej książki wyżej niż 3 gwiazdki, a sama uważam, że jest naprawdę spoko!
Na pewno nie jest to Beth O'Leary w szczytowej formie, ale bawiłam się bardzo dobrze. Podobała mi się chemia między głównymi bohaterami. Pomysł z odszukiwaniem właścicieli pierścionków jest wprost idealny na rom-com.
Jestem w szoku, bo żaden mój znajomy z GR nie ocenił tej książki wyżej niż 3 gwiazdki, a sama uważam, że jest naprawdę spoko!
Na pewno nie jest to Beth O'Leary w szczytowej formie, ale bawiłam się bardzo dobrze. Podobała mi się chemia między głównymi bohaterami. Pomysł z odszukiwaniem właścicieli pierścionków jest wprost idealny na rom-com.
March 14, 2024
I’ve jumped on the bandwagon, well, for this one at least. I know the younger generation label all their genres – the tropes and breaking down every single label, mannerism, and way of being. This one was cute, easy to read and very light. I suppose this is an enemy to lovers one!
I still notice the drawn-out miscommunication that keeps going and going and going, but it was fun as I knew it would all work out.
The comic side was welcomed, the smart characters, the witty dialogue, and the genuine camaraderie and love between the group of employees that really are more family than colleagues. I loved all of them.
Izzy is lovable and committed to her work, and her bosses, and the feeling is reciprocated. Lucas is hard working, strait laced and surface level unemotional. These two cuties begin to show their true personalities and for the reader, their journey is fun and interesting.
Hotel stories are usually full of a fun ensemble cast, and this one is no different, and the financial struggle the establishment is going through is a good solid back drop.
This was a perfect audio book. Izzy’s British accent cute and alive, and Lucas was sexy Brazilian Portuguese all the way. I did lose some words with the accent, and had to rewind, but Lino Facioli’s voice was spunky, making it fab. The combination of he and Jessie Cave provided the reader with the perfect experience. This book will really work for romance fans, and those who enjoy contemporary fiction as well.
Highly recommended from me, this is not usually a book I'd rate five stars, so I am a pleasantly satisfied reader right about now.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox platform and my public library.
I still notice the drawn-out miscommunication that keeps going and going and going, but it was fun as I knew it would all work out.
The comic side was welcomed, the smart characters, the witty dialogue, and the genuine camaraderie and love between the group of employees that really are more family than colleagues. I loved all of them.
Izzy is lovable and committed to her work, and her bosses, and the feeling is reciprocated. Lucas is hard working, strait laced and surface level unemotional. These two cuties begin to show their true personalities and for the reader, their journey is fun and interesting.
Hotel stories are usually full of a fun ensemble cast, and this one is no different, and the financial struggle the establishment is going through is a good solid back drop.
This was a perfect audio book. Izzy’s British accent cute and alive, and Lucas was sexy Brazilian Portuguese all the way. I did lose some words with the accent, and had to rewind, but Lino Facioli’s voice was spunky, making it fab. The combination of he and Jessie Cave provided the reader with the perfect experience. This book will really work for romance fans, and those who enjoy contemporary fiction as well.
Highly recommended from me, this is not usually a book I'd rate five stars, so I am a pleasantly satisfied reader right about now.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox platform and my public library.
October 1, 2023
2.5 stars, rounded up for charm. O’Leary is a hit or miss author for me - I really enjoyed the “Flatshare” & “No Show”, but the others not quite as much. Now I’m adding the “Wake-Up Call” to the miss pile - this “enemies-to-lovers” trope rom-com about two coworkers at a flailing UK countryside hotel was somewhat enjoyable, but so very, very slow, OMG! (I was constantly checking the page count - never a good thing!) And the female MC was just a hot mess, like grow up already! (And if you can’t even talk about a Xmas card, how would you ever sustain a long-term relationship?? WTAF?!) There was some quirky charm provided by the crumbling hotel & secondary characters at it, but by the time it limped across the HEA finish line, I’d already checked out & paid the bill.
August 15, 2023
4 stars
The Wake-Up Call felt so different than the other books I’ve read by Beth O’Leary. It was a bit… lighter. It was a fun enemies to lovers romance that had a competition that kept a smile on my face.
Izzy and Lucas work together at a hotel that is struggling. In order to help bring it back to life, they have to work more closely together which is a problem for them. There was a bit of a… misunderstanding the year before that’s causes some animosity. Izzy loves everyone except Lucas and he has no clue why. I love that we got both of their pov’s and we really got to know Lucas, because he was great.
I liked both of these main characters so much. To be honest the first half felt a little slow for me, but with time it picked up and I really loved the last half. This is another win from Beth O’Leary and I’m so glad I read it!
The Wake-Up Call felt so different than the other books I’ve read by Beth O’Leary. It was a bit… lighter. It was a fun enemies to lovers romance that had a competition that kept a smile on my face.
Izzy and Lucas work together at a hotel that is struggling. In order to help bring it back to life, they have to work more closely together which is a problem for them. There was a bit of a… misunderstanding the year before that’s causes some animosity. Izzy loves everyone except Lucas and he has no clue why. I love that we got both of their pov’s and we really got to know Lucas, because he was great.
I liked both of these main characters so much. To be honest the first half felt a little slow for me, but with time it picked up and I really loved the last half. This is another win from Beth O’Leary and I’m so glad I read it!
November 15, 2023
3.5 Stars
My first O’Leary book and I can certainly understand the appeal. This rom-com was all things sweet and charming, and so wonderfully British. It was very easy to be swept up in the delightfulness of it all.
Set in a struggling countryside hotel, this story follows co-workers and sworn enemies, Izzy and Lucas, as they set themselves on a mission to save the hotel from financial ruin in the lead up to Christmas.
It was immediately clear that these two were hot for each other, but that a past misunderstanding had set them on the wrong course, resulting in a lot of competitive one-upmanship and tons of snarky banter.
The fact that there was a lot of miscommunication here was vexing to me, as a usual loather of such tropes in my romance reads, but something in the way these characters were written, all complex and very human in their insecurities and past hurts, made reading their story—even with all the miscommunication—a very easy and necessary experience, on my part.
I struggled a lot with Izzy’s often immature behaviour and responses to things happening around her, but I absolutely ADORED Brazilian-expat and gentle-giant Lucas, and the way he yearned for Izzy to see him in a different light. I also loved the wider cast of quirky characters who made up the other staff and long-term residents of the hotel, as a full cast of great characters always goes a long way for me.
The subplot with Izzy and Lucas searching for the owners of a handful of long-lost wedding rings was a charming arc to follow, leading to some really sweet and tender reveals and some very funny moments that made me laugh-out-loud in classic rom-com style.
Although this was my first time reading a book by O’Leary and the miscommunication driving the story was a bit of a (personal) bummer, I still have no doubt I’ll be picking my way through her backlog after reading this charming little romance.
My first O’Leary book and I can certainly understand the appeal. This rom-com was all things sweet and charming, and so wonderfully British. It was very easy to be swept up in the delightfulness of it all.
Set in a struggling countryside hotel, this story follows co-workers and sworn enemies, Izzy and Lucas, as they set themselves on a mission to save the hotel from financial ruin in the lead up to Christmas.
It was immediately clear that these two were hot for each other, but that a past misunderstanding had set them on the wrong course, resulting in a lot of competitive one-upmanship and tons of snarky banter.
The fact that there was a lot of miscommunication here was vexing to me, as a usual loather of such tropes in my romance reads, but something in the way these characters were written, all complex and very human in their insecurities and past hurts, made reading their story—even with all the miscommunication—a very easy and necessary experience, on my part.
I struggled a lot with Izzy’s often immature behaviour and responses to things happening around her, but I absolutely ADORED Brazilian-expat and gentle-giant Lucas, and the way he yearned for Izzy to see him in a different light. I also loved the wider cast of quirky characters who made up the other staff and long-term residents of the hotel, as a full cast of great characters always goes a long way for me.
The subplot with Izzy and Lucas searching for the owners of a handful of long-lost wedding rings was a charming arc to follow, leading to some really sweet and tender reveals and some very funny moments that made me laugh-out-loud in classic rom-com style.
Although this was my first time reading a book by O’Leary and the miscommunication driving the story was a bit of a (personal) bummer, I still have no doubt I’ll be picking my way through her backlog after reading this charming little romance.
December 4, 2023
2.5/5
Kurczę… zarys fabuły jest niezwykle uroczy, ale nie mogłam znieść ciągłego powtarzania przez główną bohaterkę (błahego) powodu, ze względu na który nie mogła dać szansy swojemu love interest. Powodu, który można by załatwić jedną (!) rozmową. Pod koniec byłam już szalenie zmęczona i tym i słodkością, którą ocieka finał. Była w porządku do przesłuchania, ale mam wrażenie, że gdzieś to już czytałam
Kurczę… zarys fabuły jest niezwykle uroczy, ale nie mogłam znieść ciągłego powtarzania przez główną bohaterkę (błahego) powodu, ze względu na który nie mogła dać szansy swojemu love interest. Powodu, który można by załatwić jedną (!) rozmową. Pod koniec byłam już szalenie zmęczona i tym i słodkością, którą ocieka finał. Była w porządku do przesłuchania, ale mam wrażenie, że gdzieś to już czytałam
June 12, 2023
4.5
this was so much fun! may change my rating to 5 stars later, this book was everything i wanted but because it’s hate to love i felt like their reasons for hated each other was okay, obviously rooted in miscommunication. i kinda just felt like her reasoning was just so dumb 😭 but still fun either way! this would’ve been such a good book for summer
this was so much fun! may change my rating to 5 stars later, this book was everything i wanted but because it’s hate to love i felt like their reasons for hated each other was okay, obviously rooted in miscommunication. i kinda just felt like her reasoning was just so dumb 😭 but still fun either way! this would’ve been such a good book for summer
June 8, 2023
Your level of enjoyment of this one might depend on your tolerance for the oft used trope . . . .
As with many romance novels, this entire story wouldn’t even exist had Izzy simply asked Lucas “WTF?!?!?!?!?!” when she caught him mistletoe-ing her friend at the annual Christmas soiree. But, of course that didn’t happen so you get to spend the majority of the novel being frustrated until you get to the big “ohhhhhhhh, so that’s why” at the very end.
The good news is not only is that plot line not a dealbreaker for me but that this also features grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, a hotel in need of saving, a mission to find the owners of a lost and found Tupperware container of wedding rings and a culmination of events that all ends the following year with the aforementioned holiday event. It’s Hallmarky romance goodness and sweetly delightful. Beth O’Leary knows how to write a feel good story.
(I do prefer the cover with the hotel front desk, though.)
3.5 Stars
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As with many romance novels, this entire story wouldn’t even exist had Izzy simply asked Lucas “WTF?!?!?!?!?!” when she caught him mistletoe-ing her friend at the annual Christmas soiree. But, of course that didn’t happen so you get to spend the majority of the novel being frustrated until you get to the big “ohhhhhhhh, so that’s why” at the very end.
The good news is not only is that plot line not a dealbreaker for me but that this also features grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, a hotel in need of saving, a mission to find the owners of a lost and found Tupperware container of wedding rings and a culmination of events that all ends the following year with the aforementioned holiday event. It’s Hallmarky romance goodness and sweetly delightful. Beth O’Leary knows how to write a feel good story.
(I do prefer the cover with the hotel front desk, though.)
3.5 Stars
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2023
A cute, Christmas-y, Gilmore Girls-inspired romance about two coworkers at a hotel who are at each other's throats, until the shared goal of saving the place (and, relatedly, returning lost rings) slowly brings them together.
On more than one occasion, I wondered to myself if the author was paid to mention WhatsApp about a quarter of a million times because MY GOD.
Click here to hear more of my thoughts on this book over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
On more than one occasion, I wondered to myself if the author was paid to mention WhatsApp about a quarter of a million times because MY GOD.
Click here to hear more of my thoughts on this book over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
October 3, 2024
2.75 Stars.
Yay to miscommunication. 😃
Yay to miscommunication. 😃
August 26, 2023
4.5 Stars
Oh my gosh. What a great enemy-to-lovers rom-com, that while it had some of the traditional tropes, still felt refreshing and new. I absolutely loved the dichotomy of Izzy and Lucas’ personalities, and the side characters provided such depth to the story, I never minded when they stole the spotlight from the main plot.
The story takes place around Christmas, but even for a grinch like me, it was enjoyable and created the right atmosphere. Izzy and Lucas both work at Forest Manor Hotel, a whimsical but ramshackle hotel in England. The hotel is in dire need of renovation and money, so Izzy and Lucas have to find a way to work together even though neither can stand the other. What begins as competitions and minor subterfuge, slowly turns into something else as they both start showing more vulnerable sides and their physical attraction mounts. There was such a perfect mix of comedy and deep moments. Izzy’s upbeat and gregarious attitude matched Lucas’ more somber and introspective demeanor. I fell in love with both of them.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Oh my gosh. What a great enemy-to-lovers rom-com, that while it had some of the traditional tropes, still felt refreshing and new. I absolutely loved the dichotomy of Izzy and Lucas’ personalities, and the side characters provided such depth to the story, I never minded when they stole the spotlight from the main plot.
The story takes place around Christmas, but even for a grinch like me, it was enjoyable and created the right atmosphere. Izzy and Lucas both work at Forest Manor Hotel, a whimsical but ramshackle hotel in England. The hotel is in dire need of renovation and money, so Izzy and Lucas have to find a way to work together even though neither can stand the other. What begins as competitions and minor subterfuge, slowly turns into something else as they both start showing more vulnerable sides and their physical attraction mounts. There was such a perfect mix of comedy and deep moments. Izzy’s upbeat and gregarious attitude matched Lucas’ more somber and introspective demeanor. I fell in love with both of them.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
October 7, 2023
Just like other Beth O'Leary books for me, I liked the Premise but not the writing...
I liked the overall Hotel Christmas theme but just couldn't connect to the characters. I mean, yes, they did have some typical romcom scenes together but there was a lot of added miscommunication as well.
A note: I appreciate the audiobook production company for going with the authenticity of the Male Lead, Lucas. (He is Brazilian). But if you are not that good with accents like me, I recommend going for the paper books or ebooks as I struggled with the Male Lead's accent, it's fifty percent of the book and I had to decrease the speed to understand it fully.
I liked the overall Hotel Christmas theme but just couldn't connect to the characters. I mean, yes, they did have some typical romcom scenes together but there was a lot of added miscommunication as well.
A note: I appreciate the audiobook production company for going with the authenticity of the Male Lead, Lucas. (He is Brazilian). But if you are not that good with accents like me, I recommend going for the paper books or ebooks as I struggled with the Male Lead's accent, it's fifty percent of the book and I had to decrease the speed to understand it fully.
Read
October 25, 2023DNF 57%
I don’t know, the book’s whole “enemies to lovers” thing is based on a stupidly simple error (basically a miscommunication) that they then don’t address at all in the following year. JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER. Izzy is too childish, a little too manic pixie dream girl for me. And there is another 43% to go, even though it feels like we’ve run out of plot. I’m out.
I don’t know, the book’s whole “enemies to lovers” thing is based on a stupidly simple error (basically a miscommunication) that they then don’t address at all in the following year. JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER. Izzy is too childish, a little too manic pixie dream girl for me. And there is another 43% to go, even though it feels like we’ve run out of plot. I’m out.
March 9, 2024
4.5 🌟
I read The Flatshare when it came out years ago and it still remains one of my favourite books and I would go as far as saying it’s the funniest book I have ever read. However, I can’t help but compare all of Beth’s books which I suppose isn’t really fair as they have a lot to live up to!
Despite that, this book certainly didn’t disappoint! It was a really fun and light-hearted…
The book is based upon two main characters; Izzy and Lucas. Both who work in Forest Manor hotel. They both adore this magical hotel and “at its best: sconce lights glowing, live music playing, the warm hubbub of a happy crowd in the dining room. All the weddings: those love stories that found their happily-ever-after against the backdrop of our beautiful sandstone walls. And, for me, the coffees and heart-to-hearts with Arjun after dinner service has ended and neither of us wants to go home; the slow-growing friendships with guests like Mr Townsend who come to the hotel year after year; the sense of being part of something that brings joy in a harsh, frightening world” there is so much to love about it….
However, when the roof falls in who is set to lose their job?
Although that was supposedly the main plot there were two other side plots going on: 1-the missing ring and 2-Izzy vs Lucas…
Throughout the book there was A LOT of flirty fighting…edging on the almost too much for my taste but I was properly grinning!
“Ninety-nine per cent of the time, I think Izzy is the most annoying woman I have ever met, but very occasionally I can’t help noticing how beautiful she is.”
Even though you kind of know what is going on between Izzy and Lucas it is still an enjoyable read. Although, Beth does make you wait until the very end to find out what the “wake up call” bit is about…
Overall, it was a light-hearted, fun and very easy to read. The end was so beautiful and cheesy, but nonetheless, it almost brought me to tears. And I will tell you something: I’ve NEVER cry for happiness in a book!
I read The Flatshare when it came out years ago and it still remains one of my favourite books and I would go as far as saying it’s the funniest book I have ever read. However, I can’t help but compare all of Beth’s books which I suppose isn’t really fair as they have a lot to live up to!
Despite that, this book certainly didn’t disappoint! It was a really fun and light-hearted…
The book is based upon two main characters; Izzy and Lucas. Both who work in Forest Manor hotel. They both adore this magical hotel and “at its best: sconce lights glowing, live music playing, the warm hubbub of a happy crowd in the dining room. All the weddings: those love stories that found their happily-ever-after against the backdrop of our beautiful sandstone walls. And, for me, the coffees and heart-to-hearts with Arjun after dinner service has ended and neither of us wants to go home; the slow-growing friendships with guests like Mr Townsend who come to the hotel year after year; the sense of being part of something that brings joy in a harsh, frightening world” there is so much to love about it….
However, when the roof falls in who is set to lose their job?
Although that was supposedly the main plot there were two other side plots going on: 1-the missing ring and 2-Izzy vs Lucas…
Throughout the book there was A LOT of flirty fighting…edging on the almost too much for my taste but I was properly grinning!
“Ninety-nine per cent of the time, I think Izzy is the most annoying woman I have ever met, but very occasionally I can’t help noticing how beautiful she is.”
Even though you kind of know what is going on between Izzy and Lucas it is still an enjoyable read. Although, Beth does make you wait until the very end to find out what the “wake up call” bit is about…
Overall, it was a light-hearted, fun and very easy to read. The end was so beautiful and cheesy, but nonetheless, it almost brought me to tears. And I will tell you something: I’ve NEVER cry for happiness in a book!
September 19, 2024
this whole story is based on a misunderstanding, which is fine, these things happen, but they actually talk about it and it’s brought up multiple times without a very basic question being asked, it became exasperating and I was bored. It felt so long!
and my gosh, the patience of her friends talking her through all this like she’s a kindergartner, I was so over it. I only finished it because I wanted to see how it could be resolved and when it would actually start feeling romantic (90% into the book).
oh and having the English heroine continuously treat the Brazilian immigrant hero like he’s “worthless” and “not good enough” did not sit right with me. She treats her infatuation with him as a dirty secret and then openly dates a posh Englishman. That might be my own personal issue.
Otherwise, the writing was good, I just wasn’t a fan of this storyline, the conflict was weak.
and my gosh, the patience of her friends talking her through all this like she’s a kindergartner, I was so over it. I only finished it because I wanted to see how it could be resolved and when it would actually start feeling romantic (90% into the book).
oh and having the English heroine continuously treat the Brazilian immigrant hero like he’s “worthless” and “not good enough” did not sit right with me. She treats her infatuation with him as a dirty secret and then openly dates a posh Englishman. That might be my own personal issue.
Otherwise, the writing was good, I just wasn’t a fan of this storyline, the conflict was weak.
January 31, 2024
Beth O'Leary's worst book so far.
I fought my way to the 60 percent mark and then decided that it just wasn't worth it. So I skipped a great chunk and only read the last five chapters.
My main problem with this book were the main characters. They were so childish and unlikable and had zero chemestry. The dual perspective only made matters worse because you knew that they were head over heels for eachother but too immature to stop their stupid feud...
I also didn't get any Christmas vibes from this book. So it was basically just one big disappointment for me. Let's hope Beth O'Leary's next novel is more like "The No-Show" again.
I fought my way to the 60 percent mark and then decided that it just wasn't worth it. So I skipped a great chunk and only read the last five chapters.
My main problem with this book were the main characters. They were so childish and unlikable and had zero chemestry. The dual perspective only made matters worse because you knew that they were head over heels for eachother but too immature to stop their stupid feud...
I also didn't get any Christmas vibes from this book. So it was basically just one big disappointment for me. Let's hope Beth O'Leary's next novel is more like "The No-Show" again.
June 29, 2024
I’ve had some hit-and-misses with Beth’s books, but this is at the bottom with The Road Trip for me. I loved the cosy Christmas hotel setting (even though I read it in the summer!). As I live in Bournemouth and have spent a lot of time in the New Forest, I could very clearly picture every setting/location, which was nice.
The main characters have a miscommunication from the beginning, which is always frustrating to read but heightened in this, as they talk about it often while missing a key detail. It feels unrealistic that it’s not mentioned, so it’s hard to get behind the rest of the story.
I liked the forced proximity, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, and brilliant side characters, so I’ve kept it a 3. However, it lacked any excitement and was highly predictable. I love Beth’s writing, and there were moments I enjoyed this, but it didn’t hit the same way I loved The Flat Share and The No Show.
The main characters have a miscommunication from the beginning, which is always frustrating to read but heightened in this, as they talk about it often while missing a key detail. It feels unrealistic that it’s not mentioned, so it’s hard to get behind the rest of the story.
I liked the forced proximity, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, and brilliant side characters, so I’ve kept it a 3. However, it lacked any excitement and was highly predictable. I love Beth’s writing, and there were moments I enjoyed this, but it didn’t hit the same way I loved The Flat Share and The No Show.
October 8, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
Cute, but not my favorite and I didn't really love either member of the couple.
Cute, but not my favorite and I didn't really love either member of the couple.
May 30, 2024
A light, well written, easy read. The main characters have depth, both being really hurt and suffering loss, Izzy and Lucus the muscled Brazilian. It's a love-hate relationship based on miscommunication. I didn't realise that it was set mainly at Christmas time, but that didn't stop my enjoyment reading it in May. I really loved th New Forest location as i live nearby so I could vividly picture the realistic description, incuding the wild new forest ponies. You have to wait to the end of the book to understand why it's called the wake-up call. Overall, it was a very cute easy read rom com.
October 13, 2023
The enemies to friend trope works so good here. Think O’Leary got her mojo back. Loved the characters of Izzy and Lucas.
Full review:
I really needed a strong romance read and this one was it. O'Leary took her time setting up why Izzy and Lucas did not get along and the slow turn from enemies to lovers was realistic. I loved both characters, and other characters like "Poor Mandy" and Mr. Townsend. The writing really snapped in this one and the humor was great. I felt like I was getting a great romantic comedy movie in book form and I just wanted more. The ending was very sweet and I loved it. I think O'Leary had some misses the past few years so I was hesitant to buy this one, but am glad I did.
"The Wake-Up Call" follows dueling front desk hotel managers at Forest Manor Hotel. Izzy is a spontaneous woman who believes in doing whatever she can for the guests. Lucas is an up-tight man who just wants Izzy to stop reordering the homescreen on the hotel's computer. When a building disaster leaves a question of whether the hotel can even stay open in the future, Izzy and Lucas are forced to work the same shift and deal with each other once and for all.
Izzy was hilarious, and I did love her backstory. Thankfully for once though, O'Leary didn't make it be the most important thing ever about her. I loved Izzy's collection of friends and how she slowly realized that she was in the wrong in a few different ways when it came to Lucas.
I loved Lucas and felt for him and dealing with his uncle back home and missing his mother and sister.
The chemistry between the two characters was off the charts. And I loved the other side characters as I already said.
The setting of the hotel, and Izzy and Lucas's homes was very well done. And I wish that the hotel was a real place, cause it sounded like a place I would stay at one done.
Great solid ending!
Full review:
I really needed a strong romance read and this one was it. O'Leary took her time setting up why Izzy and Lucas did not get along and the slow turn from enemies to lovers was realistic. I loved both characters, and other characters like "Poor Mandy" and Mr. Townsend. The writing really snapped in this one and the humor was great. I felt like I was getting a great romantic comedy movie in book form and I just wanted more. The ending was very sweet and I loved it. I think O'Leary had some misses the past few years so I was hesitant to buy this one, but am glad I did.
"The Wake-Up Call" follows dueling front desk hotel managers at Forest Manor Hotel. Izzy is a spontaneous woman who believes in doing whatever she can for the guests. Lucas is an up-tight man who just wants Izzy to stop reordering the homescreen on the hotel's computer. When a building disaster leaves a question of whether the hotel can even stay open in the future, Izzy and Lucas are forced to work the same shift and deal with each other once and for all.
Izzy was hilarious, and I did love her backstory. Thankfully for once though, O'Leary didn't make it be the most important thing ever about her. I loved Izzy's collection of friends and how she slowly realized that she was in the wrong in a few different ways when it came to Lucas.
I loved Lucas and felt for him and dealing with his uncle back home and missing his mother and sister.
The chemistry between the two characters was off the charts. And I loved the other side characters as I already said.
The setting of the hotel, and Izzy and Lucas's homes was very well done. And I wish that the hotel was a real place, cause it sounded like a place I would stay at one done.
Great solid ending!
September 7, 2023
I was somewhat disappointed with this because I'd thought The Flat Share was a cute story and since this is so obviously for the Christmas market I thought it might be the same sort of rom-com, sweet story with a bit of an edge.
So now the truth - I'm not really a rom-com fan but I do like a good story with a bit of romance thrown in for a change to the usual literary fiction I read. However I really struggled to find the story in thus book. Its more a love/hate conversation between two people with a very loose story on top. Having read the acknowledgments this makes more sense since Beth O'Leary says it was driven by the characters who "wouldn't stop talking" to her.
The very basic story is Lucas and Izzy work at failing (and dilapidated) family run hotel in the New Forest. When the ceiling falls in it looks like the end for the hotel and the chance of any romance for the couple. However Izzy comes up with lots of money making schemes to get the hotel back on its feet.
It's a sweet enough story as long as all you want is a love/hate romance for most of the book. Its filled with misunderstandings, misreading and some very dubious set pieces that were a bit on the cringey side.
I'd say you have to be a true romantic to really enjoy this. Or really, really love Christmas. It's pure chick lit.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy.
So now the truth - I'm not really a rom-com fan but I do like a good story with a bit of romance thrown in for a change to the usual literary fiction I read. However I really struggled to find the story in thus book. Its more a love/hate conversation between two people with a very loose story on top. Having read the acknowledgments this makes more sense since Beth O'Leary says it was driven by the characters who "wouldn't stop talking" to her.
The very basic story is Lucas and Izzy work at failing (and dilapidated) family run hotel in the New Forest. When the ceiling falls in it looks like the end for the hotel and the chance of any romance for the couple. However Izzy comes up with lots of money making schemes to get the hotel back on its feet.
It's a sweet enough story as long as all you want is a love/hate romance for most of the book. Its filled with misunderstandings, misreading and some very dubious set pieces that were a bit on the cringey side.
I'd say you have to be a true romantic to really enjoy this. Or really, really love Christmas. It's pure chick lit.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy.
August 10, 2023
A fun and cute rom-com with an enemy to friends theme. The setting is around the Christmas holiday season in England at a dilapidated, but wonderful hotel. The hotel employees and guests were like a close-knit family the way they supported each other, creating a warm atmosphere.
Description:
It's the busiest season of the year, and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So when Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel's front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside and see it through.
The hotel won't stay afloat beyond Christmas without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest's lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way to fix everything. With four rings still sitting in lost property, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel - and their jobs.
As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, Izzy and Lucas begin to wonder if there's more at stake here than the hotel's future. Can the two of them make it through the season with their hearts intact?
My thoughts:
A light, laughable read that is pure enjoyment. The main characters, Izzy and Lucas, both work for the same hotel which they both love. The story is told in two points of view: Izzy's and Lucas's. I liked both characters. While Izzy is warm and friendly to everyone, Lucas is more brooding and serious. There's a perceived betrayal that has to be addressed. Also, the hotel's finances are in trouble, so both of them are facing possible job loss soon. I liked the competition between the two characters and their banter. The 'Ring Thing' was fun too.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 26, 2023.
Description:
It's the busiest season of the year, and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So when Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel's front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside and see it through.
The hotel won't stay afloat beyond Christmas without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest's lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way to fix everything. With four rings still sitting in lost property, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel - and their jobs.
As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, Izzy and Lucas begin to wonder if there's more at stake here than the hotel's future. Can the two of them make it through the season with their hearts intact?
My thoughts:
A light, laughable read that is pure enjoyment. The main characters, Izzy and Lucas, both work for the same hotel which they both love. The story is told in two points of view: Izzy's and Lucas's. I liked both characters. While Izzy is warm and friendly to everyone, Lucas is more brooding and serious. There's a perceived betrayal that has to be addressed. Also, the hotel's finances are in trouble, so both of them are facing possible job loss soon. I liked the competition between the two characters and their banter. The 'Ring Thing' was fun too.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 26, 2023.
July 25, 2023
There is no denying I love Beth O'Leary's writing. Bonus points for this one being unexpectedly set around the holiday season! But this particular story didn't work for me.
I have a love-hate with romances revolving around a miscommunication that could easily be solved with one conversation. In this case, it's a yearlong miscommunication that has convinced Izzy her coworker, Lucas, is the bane of her existence. On top of that, there was an enemies-with-benefits situation. Absolutely sizzling, yes, but it only furthered my annoyance that these two simply didn't clear the air sooner.
I will say, I loved the setting. Forest Manor Hotel and Spa was the coziest backdrop with endearing side characters. Within the rivalry between Izzy and Lucas is a fun save-the-inn storyline involving a quirky lost-property room and a Tupperware of lost rings. It was a bit of a slow start, but I really enjoyed seeing each ring returned to its owner, obviously with some funny blunders along the way!
Overall I liked this one, but I didn't love it like I expected to.
(heat level: fade to black)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have a love-hate with romances revolving around a miscommunication that could easily be solved with one conversation. In this case, it's a yearlong miscommunication that has convinced Izzy her coworker, Lucas, is the bane of her existence. On top of that, there was an enemies-with-benefits situation. Absolutely sizzling, yes, but it only furthered my annoyance that these two simply didn't clear the air sooner.
I will say, I loved the setting. Forest Manor Hotel and Spa was the coziest backdrop with endearing side characters. Within the rivalry between Izzy and Lucas is a fun save-the-inn storyline involving a quirky lost-property room and a Tupperware of lost rings. It was a bit of a slow start, but I really enjoyed seeing each ring returned to its owner, obviously with some funny blunders along the way!
Overall I liked this one, but I didn't love it like I expected to.
(heat level: fade to black)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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