Scan barcode
sandysmith's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
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 enjoyed the New Forest location as I live nearby so could vividly picture the realistic descriptions. 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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Grief, and Infidelity
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcohol, and Pandemic/Epidemic
courtnetto's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book took me a while to get into but my goodness, once into it I was hooked and just couldn’t put it down. The book follows Izzy and Lucas as they try to work through their feelings for each other but also trying to individually save the hotel after the first floor collapses when they are setting up for Christmas. They do this through reuniting lost rings with their owners, after the first person to be reunited with their lost ring gave them a whole £50,000! At the beginning of the book it is revealed that Izzy writes a card to Lucas declaring her love for him in which she writes to meet her under the mistletoe. Only when she gets there, she sees him kissing her roommate Drew which infuriates her!
It is soon revealed that this card never made it to Lucas and was instead given to the wrong person as Mandy, the receptionist, has difficulty reading Izzy’s handwriting and she thought the card was for Louis. Which then causes more confusion as Louis thinks Izzy was declaring her love for him, so he begins asking her out on dates… Lucas then later hears Izzy on the phone to her friend where she is talking about her and Lucas’ sex life but also mentions briefly about Louis. Lucas had been running Izzy a bath and quickly became disheartened to the point he left… Izzy then realises he has gone and is on a mission to find him so she goes back to the hotel when Mr Townsend tells her that he’s done a good deed as Lucas wanted to go home. She then drives to the airport to try and find Lucas, only to find he has already gone through his gate, so her last resort was to give him a message over the tannoy which worked as he came running back out to greet her.
It’s such a nice love story, really portrays how you never truly know how someone feels about you unless you tell them.
It is soon revealed that this card never made it to Lucas and was instead given to the wrong person as Mandy, the receptionist, has difficulty reading Izzy’s handwriting and she thought the card was for Louis. Which then causes more confusion as Louis thinks Izzy was declaring her love for him, so he begins asking her out on dates… Lucas then later hears Izzy on the phone to her friend where she is talking about her and Lucas’ sex life but also mentions briefly about Louis. Lucas had been running Izzy a bath and quickly became disheartened to the point he left… Izzy then realises he has gone and is on a mission to find him so she goes back to the hotel when Mr Townsend tells her that he’s done a good deed as Lucas wanted to go home. She then drives to the airport to try and find Lucas, only to find he has already gone through his gate, so her last resort was to give him a message over the tannoy which worked as he came running back out to greet her.
It’s such a nice love story, really portrays how you never truly know how someone feels about you unless you tell them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Infidelity, and Death
purplegems3's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I read this for a bookclub I'm in. I was pretty hyped to start this book because of the fact that The Flatshare got a lot of positive reviews & assumed it would continue into her other works. However, I did not feel Lucas & Izzy's compatibility or chemistry and I didn't feel any sorta attachment towards them. I did hate Louis more and more throughout the book the more he hung out with Izzy however
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
quasinaut's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Mixed reaction to this one! There's something about how Beth O'Leary writes characters that makes me like them even when they're unlikable. Izzy was naive and impulsive, and I was frustrated that she didn't communicate better with Lucas about their year-long miscommunication, especially once she started to get to know him. I understand why he didn't want to push it, but it didn't make sense to me how absolutely hostile and antagonistic Izzy could be. Plus, the rampant unprofessionalism from both of them really bugged me.
Pros: I loved that the main characters have other things going on in their lives. They have friends and family. They actually hang out with and talk to other people outside of work.
Pros: I loved that the main characters have other things going on in their lives. They have friends and family. They actually hang out with and talk to other people outside of work.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Toxic friendship and Alcohol
frantically's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
and that, kids, is why handwritten cards are overrated
–
I loved this! Read it in one day. It took me a bit to warm up to the MCs because they're both such complex characters and they both have these really different views on their relationship and why it is the way it is but once I did, I was all in. While I could see myself more in Izzy, the romance feels were allll in in Lucas' parts. The slow realisation he loves Izzy? Amazing. Show stopping. Never been done before.
O'Leary writes romances in the best way – she writes romances about people that have *lives*. This isn't about just Izzy and Lucas. They've got friends, coworkers turned family, annoying exes, dead parents, alive parents in other countries, toxic roommates and the list goes on. While this is primarily about Izzy and Lucas getting together, it's also about (almost) everyone else in their lives seeing them getting together and rooting for them and that just gave me all the feels.
The cover didn't speak "Christmas" to me (and it still doesn't) so I was a bit surprised when this turned into a holiday romance (especially as it is May) but it was a cute surprise!
I'm always hesitant to pick up second books by authors I loved ("The Flatshare" was my favourite 2023 book 🫶🏻🫶🏻) because I'm scared they'll be bad but this one just inspired me to read all the other books Beth O'Leary has written – let's hope they continue to be this good!
–
I loved this! Read it in one day. It took me a bit to warm up to the MCs because they're both such complex characters and they both have these really different views on their relationship and why it is the way it is but once I did, I was all in. While I could see myself more in Izzy, the romance feels were allll in in Lucas' parts. The slow realisation he loves Izzy? Amazing. Show stopping. Never been done before.
O'Leary writes romances in the best way – she writes romances about people that have *lives*. This isn't about just Izzy and Lucas. They've got friends, coworkers turned family, annoying exes, dead parents, alive parents in other countries, toxic roommates and the list goes on. While this is primarily about Izzy and Lucas getting together, it's also about (almost) everyone else in their lives seeing them getting together and rooting for them and that just gave me all the feels.
The cover didn't speak "Christmas" to me (and it still doesn't) so I was a bit surprised when this turned into a holiday romance (especially as it is May) but it was a cute surprise!
I'm always hesitant to pick up second books by authors I loved ("The Flatshare" was my favourite 2023 book 🫶🏻🫶🏻) because I'm scared they'll be bad but this one just inspired me to read all the other books Beth O'Leary has written – let's hope they continue to be this good!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Toxic relationship, and Infidelity
Minor: Alcohol, Toxic friendship, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Sexual content
pia_h's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Beth O'Leary delivered another sweet rom-com. I loved the setting (I'd love to travel to the New Forest and stay in Forest Manor Hotel!) and the two main characters. The side characters are well-developped too. This novel is probably best enjoyed around Christmas though I read it in spring and totally loved it. I'm already looking forward to Beth O'Leary's next publication and don't want to wait another year.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, and Sexual content
Minor: Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Pandemic/Epidemic
booksinherhead's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Finally an enemies-to-lovers storyline that delivers! Izzy and Lucas are work-place rivals–unable to get along since last Christmas, when Lucas scoffed at Izzy's confession of feelings and proceeded to snog her flatmate under the mistletoe instead of her. A year later tensions are high at the failing hotel where they work. But then the pair end up in a competition to return four lost wedding rings to their rightful owners and slowly start to see each other in a different light. This book has all of O'Leary's trademark heart and chemistry amongst characters. I loved the found family dynamic of the hotel crew and the wedding ring returning drama. Don't skip O'Leary–her books keep getting better and better.
p.s. thought this book technically has a Christmastime backdrop it is not a Christmas story/romance if that makes sense.
–––
My whole heart!!!! Full review TK
p.s. thought this book technically has a Christmastime backdrop it is not a Christmas story/romance if that makes sense.
–––
My whole heart!!!! Full review TK
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: Infidelity
sauvageloup's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
a really fun rom com frolic
pros:
- I liked how there were aspects of both characters that weren't immediately obvious and the other had to learn, and that they both tried harder to be kinder and less snappy, respectively.
- I liked that Lucas fell first and it made sense since izzy had, she believed, been so hurt by him.
- it was funny and angsty, I definitely felt for especially Lucas when he was trying so hard and it wasnt paying off.
- the writing is really gripping and the book just rolls along so well, I read it very fast.
cons:
- they did talk it out but I liked less how Lucas had to sort of seduce her without scaring her off because she couldnt face her own feelings. I felt he should have backed off or been honest, rather than, bevolently, manipulating her.
- I would have also enjoyed a bit more detail on side characters, like Mandy, Ollie, Arjun, Mrs B and Barty, etc. they're all nice but not given much detail. we do get a bit on the Hedgers and Mr Townsend, and a little on Izzy's friends so maybe I'm asking a bit much!
- I also thought the end was a little too good to be true, considering a flood in guest bookings is great, but the hotel was in such dire financial straights that they wouldnt have the cash flow. I suppose with the obvious interest, though, they could get an investor.
overall, a really fun rollicking book that I thoroughly got caught up in. and also called me single in about 300 languages.
pros:
- I liked how there were aspects of both characters that weren't immediately obvious and the other had to learn, and that they both tried harder to be kinder and less snappy, respectively.
- it was funny and angsty, I definitely felt for especially Lucas when he was trying so hard and it wasnt paying off.
- the writing is really gripping and the book just rolls along so well, I read it very fast.
cons:
- I would have also enjoyed a bit more detail on side characters, like Mandy, Ollie, Arjun, Mrs B and Barty, etc. they're all nice but not given much detail. we do get a bit on the Hedgers and Mr Townsend, and a little on Izzy's friends so maybe I'm asking a bit much!
overall, a really fun rollicking book that I thoroughly got caught up in. and also called me single in about 300 languages.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Death of parent, Grief, and Cursing
Minor: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Pandemic/Epidemic
sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
nicolecurlsuptoread's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
🎧 + 📱 • [audio + e-book]
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 🌶️🌶️
📌 You’ll dig this if you like
» Enemies to lovers
» Grumpy/ Sunshine
» Opposites attract
» Grand gestures
💍
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 and 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.
💍
→ Izzy made her play to Lucas last Christmas in a card, and he broke her heart when he kissed her flatmate under the mistletoe instead; this is how the hate-on started. I was dying to learn the root of the miscommunication. Sometimes it’s so obvious but Beth O’Leary kept it well hidden until she wanted us to know, and I was stunned. I loved the twist!
→ It was easy to curl up and sink into this story. The pacing was good and there was just enough tension to keep me interested without being too angsty. I recommend it for a warm, lighthearted read.
📌 What stood out
» Lucas has the big, broody, possessive/protective thing down! I love the strong, silent type in book boyfriends.
» Narration by Jessie Cave and Lino Facioli 👏 Their voices were perfectly suited to the characters.
📌 Moments
» Izzy and Lucas return a woman’s ring at her divorce party, and they stay to celebrate with her. They agree to a fresh start as their attitudes toward each other begin to shift with the help of a few drinks and a dance floor 🪩 😮💨
» Fans of Love Actually will adore the nod, which is superbly done 🙌❤️
🚫 Contains death of parents (past, off-page). Please check warnings.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 🌶️🌶️
📌 You’ll dig this if you like
» Enemies to lovers
» Grumpy/ Sunshine
» Opposites attract
» Grand gestures
💍
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 and 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.
💍
→ Izzy made her play to Lucas last Christmas in a card, and he broke her heart when he kissed her flatmate under the mistletoe instead; this is how the hate-on started. I was dying to learn the root of the miscommunication. Sometimes it’s so obvious but Beth O’Leary kept it well hidden until she wanted us to know, and I was stunned. I loved the twist!
→ It was easy to curl up and sink into this story. The pacing was good and there was just enough tension to keep me interested without being too angsty. I recommend it for a warm, lighthearted read.
📌 What stood out
» Lucas has the big, broody, possessive/protective thing down! I love the strong, silent type in book boyfriends.
» Narration by Jessie Cave and Lino Facioli 👏 Their voices were perfectly suited to the characters.
📌 Moments
» Izzy and Lucas return a woman’s ring at her divorce party, and they stay to celebrate with her. They agree to a fresh start as their attitudes toward each other begin to shift with the help of a few drinks and a dance floor 🪩 😮💨
» Fans of Love Actually will adore the nod, which is superbly done 🙌❤️
🚫 Contains death of parents (past, off-page). Please check warnings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent