By Phoebe Macleod
Romantic Comedy | Contemporary Fiction | Realistic Fiction
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
Quick Summary
I wouldn’t classify The Do Over as a romantic comedy at all. When a book is listed as a romantic comedy, the romance is usually the backbone of the story. Additionally, you would usually expect to find many reasons to laugh out loud throughout the story. This is not the case with The Do Over.
The story outlines the life of Thea, who has spent much of her life preparing for a career in law only to find herself questioning her life choices at the height of her success.
She finds herself faced with some scary, life-changing decisions that she knows she will not be able to undo if she makes them. In this story, we go on a journey to the unknown as Thea tries to change course and bravely tackles unchartered territory. She hopes a do-over will bring her a life that is more to her liking.
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First Impression
The book begins in an interesting manner, establishing the back story for the protagonist, Thea. However, the best word to describe my first impression would be slow or misleading. The story is marketed as a romance that will make you laugh, but by the start of chapter five, I was wondering if I had picked up the wrong book.
Taken as contemporary fiction, however, this book is what you would expect.
What I Loved
It is a good book. I am not a fan of contemporary fiction, and so I was disappointed. The plot is intricate. There are some funny moments, but these are so few and far between that I cannot classify it as a comedy. There is great depth to the characters, particularly Thea, the main character. She is resilient.
What Could Have Been Better
The downside is simply packaging. With this book being marketed as a romantic comedy, the people who like that genre will gravitate toward it. However, persons whose prefer reading material is contemporary fiction may miss out on a great one due to marketing.
In short, even with my eclectic taste in books, I do not like contemporary fiction; this is just not for me.
Favorite Character
Thea was my favorite character. I particularly admire her bravery.
Memorable Quote
“People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.”
This quote spoke to me because it is so applicable to the rat race that is the professional life for many of us. We set off on a journey to success that often has little to do with our personal dreams but everything to do with advancement in our professions and familial or societal expectations. Unless we constantly stop for moments of reflection, at the end of it all, we may find ourselves on a path paved with regrets.
Who Should Read This
If you love contemporary fiction, this may be just the book for you. It speaks to many life’s issues, and the characters will tug at your emotions throughout.
Final Thoughts
The story is marketed as a romance that will make you laugh, but the fun side of the story does not kick in until about chapter five. Additionally, romance is sadly absent for most of the story. So here is the thing: This is a good story! Even though it is not my typical read, I found it engaging in parts. If anything, I believe the genre is misleading. As such, it is not what I expected.
I think the writer did a good job. However, if you prefer romance novels, this one may not be what you are expecting.
Before you go
Have you read The Do Over? Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of it. If you love romance books, be sure to check out Bound to Submit and Enemies with Benefits. If a fantasy romance is what you are craving The Ghosting Academy may be just the thing for you.