Reviews

Duvet Day by Emily Kerr

paradise_library's review

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3.0

3.5 stars

Although this book was very predictable (I clocked the Sam situation immediately), it was just what I needed after a hard week at work. For who among us has not craved a duvet day where we can chill out and mooch around the house having a pity party?

I could completely understand how Alexa felt: caught up in the hamster wheel of work and struggling to find where she fits, although I did find it hard to believe she hadn’t even been to Southbank...

Although the story was well-written, it started off very slow, characters weren’t particularly likeable and the interactions were a little far-fetched. I would also have liked the ending to retain its empowered feel, rather than succumb to the stereotypical happy ending.

That said, it was very sweet and relatable. While many of us who have lived in house shares in London have struggled with the issues of laundry, mess and stress, I felt sorry for Alexa that she didn’t have the fun and friendships that often go with it.

A little sugary in places, but a nice cosy read - perfect in fact for a duvet day.

I was provided with an ARC. All opinions my own.

For more reviews, check out my blog: www.paradise-is-a-library.com or follow me on Instagram: @Paradise_Library

finitha's review

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4.0

It is not every day one is fortunate to find a book with Sophie Kinsella vibes -- a lot of self-deprecating humour, finding your way back in the world . . . you know the drill. Kerr's writing may not be as polished as Kinsella's but her heroine definitely is one of the best.
Meet Alexa Humphries. A young lawyer in one of the top law firms in London. Top of her class and pride of her teachers. If only her work life is as happy as everyone believes it to be! Back to reality: she is struggling with the pressures at work, weary of her co-worker slash housemate, hasn't even met the third housemate and quite obviously, no friends in London.
And one day all tides break loose. She had enough of it and in a daring moment, she never thought she was even capable of, she called in a sickie. But the hopes of having a duvet day with Nutella and Netflix is soon turned into a nightmare when she is left locked outside. There begins the journey to secure a key and also a journey to get back to her life that is lost.
I loved this story this much because of Alexa. She is so down to earth and passionate about her career and there is no wonder people took advantage of her. She is a wolf in sheep's clothing who finally came to believe that she is also a sheep. Kerr has kept the romance element to a minimum which I loved (Sam is not really a likeable character, by the way). So if you are in need of an inspirational story during the pandemic where a young woman finally learns to stand up for herself, then look no further. Happy reading everyone!!!

thenovelbook's review

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2.0

This was a cute rom-com type book that makes you feel like you're watching a fun movie, although I found the narrative overly detailed at times and thought it could have been a bit faster-paced.

Alexa Humphries is a young lawyer working for a firm that's been sucking away every bit of her joy in life. One morning she just can't face it any more, and she decides to call in sick, or take a "duvet day." (Incidentally, I had never heard this phrase before and am wondering if it's more common in the UK.) She reluctantly leaves her bedroom to sign for a package being delivered to her flatmate Sam, and in the process gets locked out of the flat. The bigger problem? She's wearing a rainbow unicorn onesie and slippers, and if her other flatmate (and toxic coworker) Zara, sees her, her "sick day" will be exposed and her job on the line.

Her only solution is to chase down her flatmate Sam, who she's actually never crossed paths with, to get another set of keys to the flat. She thus gets embroiled in one difficult situation after another as she sticks to him like a leech all through central London, still dressed in a rainbow unicorn onesie and slippers. (The fact that Alexa had to spend the entire book dressed that way, in some extremely cringeworthy situations, did hamper my enjoyment somewhat because it was just so vicariously embarrassing. I wish she had used her mobile pay app to get a new outfit halfway through! Anything! The book had a lot of nice character development, but sometimes it was a challenge to focus on it because of all that overriding awkwardness.)

The relationship was well developed, progressing believably through distrust, frustration, toleration, interest, support, and appreciation. And there's a little emotional edge as Alexa ponders on whether the job she has come to dread is really what she should be doing. Overall, a unique and amusing (though awkward) plot that kept me reading to the end in just one sitting.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter for this advance review copy!

norwayellesea's review

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5.0

Throwing a sickie to stay and snuggle up in bed and binge-watch a series or two… well, that's the plan…

Stressed Alexa Humphries decides to have a cosy day in bed with her beloved duvet; overworked, exhausted and unappreciated she wants a day free from her corporate job as a young lawyer. However, her plans quickly turn on its head as she embarks on an unexpected day to remember.

With a short timeline, the author packs much into the storyline yet it's not overwhelming. Alexa is both likeable and relatable as she muddles her way around London. There's hardly a dull moment with this plot twisty novel...and after diving into this blind, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. So, as the narrative unfolds, I enjoyed each surprise and development as Alexa's day progresses. Professional rivalry, romance and deceit are present during the day-long drama but, along with plenty of laughs, it all ends with a happy and satisfying ending.

To sum up; this novel is so much fun and a perfect distraction on a rainy day!

4.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

mybooksandkidsbooks's review

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4.0

Duvet Day by Emily Kerr

Alexa decides to call in sick to work when she wakes up to an overwhelming sense of dread. Her job has become a nightmare filled with stress and fear of failing. Her lovely day in bed takes several unexpected turns and she ends up having an adventurous day through London while still dressed in her pjs.

This was such a fun and delightful read! Alexa is so charming and relatable. I really enjoyed the other characters and found all the twists and turns of her day to be hilarious and also heart warming.

Duvet Day would make a great rom com movie. Set within the same exhausting day, it occasionally felt long, but it was still so ridiculous a situation that I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended.

Thank you to @onemorechapterhc for my advanced copy! Out on May 27th.

QOTD: What would you do if you had a day off from all your responsibilities?

#duvetday #onemorechapter #onemorechapterhc #emilykerr #arc #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookreviews #bookstagram #canadianbookstagrammer #bookish #booksbooksbooks #loveofreading #qotd

thisandthatwithkaren's review

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4.0

I needed a duvet day and this was such a great book to curl up with under the covers on a Sunday. It’s about being in over your head and all the times you just need to rest and recharge your batteries. I absolutely loved the main character Alexa Humphries and this is a funny romcom to take to the beach or read under your duvet.

I highly recommend this book and author.

frombethanysbookshelf's review

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4.0

Genre: Adult Fiction | Romance | Romantic Comedy

Release Date: Expected 27th May 2021



Alexa Humphries wakes up every morning wrapped in a warm cuddle with her one true love - her duvet. It's the one place she is just simply Alexa before she gets up and becomes Alexa the sensible, grown up lawyer. Unfortunately between the endless demands of her job, her neurotic boss and unhealthily competitive colleague/flatmate, she doesn't get to spend much time sleeping, and definitely doesn't have anyone to share her duvet with.

But today she can't. She simply can't deal with getting up and putting on a face she hardly recognises in the mirror. She just wants to stay in bed, turn off her phone and have a duvet day. Because everyone deserves a break, right?

When I picked up this book, I didn't think a story about someone taking a day off work could really be that interesting - but oh was I wrong.

This book is not at all what it seems - an hilariously chaotic adventure full of mishaps and unicorn onesies. I read the entire thing in one sitting in my own fluffy slippers and I soon ran out of pages.

I loved Alexa from the moment I met her - aside from being so funny and sweet, she called out to me in some painfully familiar ways. The perfect representation of everyone who's ever worked themselves into the ground and still been taught to feel guilty about needing time to pick yourself back up. She was stuck in a rut and not at all where she'd hoped to be - but she's getting there.

Duvet Day is a feel-good, hilarious story that is perfect for your own duvet day.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Emily Kerr, One More Chapter and Netgalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.

bee_reads_horror's review

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

bookishwithkayla's review against another edition

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

<This is not a bad review>
This is a very easy going, light hearted fast pace story, that takes place over 12 hours. It has big romantic comedy vibes and would make a very good movie. Only think I found is I couldn’t get a feel or really get to know the characters, other than the basic stuff. I love the idea behind it, I mean who hasn’t woken up one morning and just not been able to face going to work. All in all, a cute little read, did enjoy it just didn’t love it. < Again this is not a bad review> 

thewoollygeek's review

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4.0

I loved this so much, I loved that I got embarrassed on the characters behalf, that I felt connected to the characters , a really fun and hilarious romance, thoroughly recommended

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion