Reviews

Working It Out by Jo Platt

lizzuplans's review against another edition

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4.0

An enjoyable read. 

I do not believe this is a “romance” book, perhaps more chick lit or women’s fiction, but I had a lovely time in Bristol and I was entertained with all the inter-personal relationships and dramas. 

There was something just so British / English about this book, it felt like a cosy night in with a new fuzzy blanket and a big mug of tea! 

I loved that Edie and Cameron were both architects! Definitely added a star for that. 

3.5 stars rounded up. 

kariniwonderland's review

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3.0

An enjoyable read, but don’t expect an romcom. There is some romance, but it is very, very slow burn. This is about adapting to a new life/situation with lots of misinformation, manipulation and miscommunication and how it can have a ripple effect in your life. The storyline and twist(s) area bit predictable, but there where some very funny moments and the characters were interesting.

I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.

gailalison's review

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3.0

I enjoyed this book, but do have some mixed feelings about it. While it’s partially categorized as a romance, I would just call it women’s fiction. The romance really doesn’t begin until more than 80% of the way through the book and even then, there’s not much of it. The writing is good, but so much of the story happens because of a misunderstanding/lie told to the main character. I wish the pacing had been a bit different, with the main character finding out the truth earlier on and more of her and the love interest getting to know each other.
I like that the main character is extremely likeable, even though she acts under misconceptions for a good portion of the book. The cast of characters was fun, and the villain was suitably unlikeable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for providing me access to this eARC for my honest opinion!

hedonicbooks's review

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4.0

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for providing a digital ARC of this book.

Well, damn! I really liked this. I actually went in blind, with no expectations and no idea what this book was about. There are so many things I liked about it that I don't even know where to begin.

The book tells the story of Edie, a 35 year old architect that's having a hard time at work: her friend is leaving for another job and she's left to deal with a new co-worker that doesn't seem to be the person he pretends to be. This is a character driven narrative, there's not much of a plot, but I actually loved this particular aspect.

Here's the thing, 50% of the book is actually kind of based on miscommunication and misinformation, which I normally dislike. But the writing was so good, that I easily overlooked that part. The writing is so clever and funny, the dialogue quite entertaining.

I absolutely loved the office dynamics. Every single character in that particular setting was brilliantly crafted. Edie's relationship with Luke is particularly adorable, I couldn't stop smiling and laughing at their banter.
Actually, I think Edie is such a lovely person and that reflects on all her relationships, including the ones she forms with her new neighbors. She's so incredibly close to her step-cousin, Giles, you can easily see how beautiful their connection is based on their interactions. There were many instances when I laughed out loud at their word exchange.

There is a bit of romance in this book, but it's definitely not a major part of it. I loved how it played out in the end, it's really really slow burn and very subtle, but I was absolutely thrilled with how it ended. However, the main focus of the story is Edie's journey, trying to juggle the effects of manipulation, mistrust, betrayal and adapting to a new life.

I'm debating between 3 and 4 stars. I'm leaning towards 3.5 stars, I think.

kirstyreviewsbooks's review

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4.0

Working it Out by Jo Platt

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and W.F. Howes Ltd and I am leaving this review voluntarily

When her love life crashed down around her, Edie turned to work for solace. But office life goes downhill with the departure of her work wife, Ruby, and the arrival of new guy Cameron - a chauvinist, a womaniser and the very opposite of a team player. But is Cameron the bad guy he seems to be?

When a best-forgotten ex decides to get back in touch, Edie's work life, love life and home life are on a collision course. Exactly what she will be able to salvage from the twisted wreckage, is anybody's guess.

I listened to this as an audiobook and went into the story completely unaware of what it was about. It is a lovely story about personal growth and learning from past mistakes. I can't quite put my finger on what it was about this book that kept me intrigued. Overall, it is an enjoyable and entertaining read.

Rating 4/5

donnareadathon2021's review

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4.0

The story
Edie (Edith) is a thirty-something architect living in Bristol. She broke up with her ex two years ago after finding out about his serial cheating. Her best friend Ruby, a colleague, is leaving to live in Bath, but before she leaves, she tells Edie that she was sexually harassed by their new colleague, Cameron. When the truth comes out after several months of Edie giving Cameron the cold shoulder, it has a ripple effect in her friendships, her home life that she shared with her cousin and the work relationships.

My thoughts
This story is told in measured thoughts, and rational emotions. It’s a gentle dealing with the complications, Edie being honest with those she has hurt, albeit unintentionally. I loved the supporting characters of her step-cousin who takes her into his home, his welcoming neighbours and her guy friends in her office who support and care for her. I loved that despite this measured and controlled vibe that lasts throughout the story, Edie in fact wears what she likes, mostly very colourful and bold outfits. It’s a goodie!

I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.

biblioberg's review

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3.0

Working It Out by Jo Platt

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @canelo_co & @lovebookstours for my gifted copy for a honest review.

Blurb 
Her new colleague is about to shake things up...
When her love life crashed down around her, Edie found solace in work.  But her job rapidly goes from uplifting to unbearable, with the departure of her work wife, Ruby, and the arrival in the office of new guy, Cameron - a chauvinist, a womaniser, and the very opposite of a team player.  
And just as things start to go downhill at work, Edie’s personal life takes a downturn too, when her ex, Jason, decides that right now would be the perfect moment to get back in touch and deliver some devastating news.
Edie's increasingly miserable work life and her complicated personal life are suddenly on a collision course.  The big question is, will she be able to salvage anything from the wreckage?  
A tender uplit novel of one woman’s accidental rediscovery of the perfect work-life balance. Ideal for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Sophie Kinsella and Beth O’Leary.

My thoughts: I truly was so hopeful for a bit more enemies to lovers/slow burn romance but I feel like it was a little slow in the beginning and then rushed the ending a bit. ❤️

sikonat's review

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4.0

In Jo Platt’s ‘Working It Out’, architect Edie learns the hard way that all is not what it seems after her ‘work wife’ Ruby departs and a new architect - Cameron joins the firm.

This book explores how lies and trusting the wrong person in the workplace can lead to not only misunderstandings but potential damage for the recipient. It’s clear to the reader that Edie is trusting the wrong people and should not be poisoned by others. Platt slowly builds the tension here as you wait to see when Edie will discover the truth.

Luckily Platt breaks up the growing workplace tension with Edie’s homelife, having moved in with her cousin Giles. Their relationship was a joy to read (along with the neighbourhood characters they encounter.

If you like your romances to be slow burn, and another take on ones pride and prejudice (to steal a Jane Austen title), this book is worth adding to your reading list.

catreader18's review

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5.0

Edie’s in a rough patch in her life but she’s a strong woman. I don’t want any spoilers but there is a lot more going on in this book that the blurb suggests and I loved it. The author has great character development. I wanted to be friends with a lot of characters and live in Edie’s neighborhood. Her neighbors are something else and had me laughing several times.

From the beginning I could tell Edie does what she wants. She wears bright colors and is extremely supportive of her friends, even when it may it be the best idea. I also loved the book was set in London as I love the city.

mdb8199's review

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3.0

This was a cute workplace romcom, chick lit. Two coworkers who over time grow to like each other. Overall this was a quick read. I did enjoy this book, but it left me wanting more.

I received this ARC through #netgalley and I am voluntarily reviewing this book