A review by m_esme_rized_by_books
The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, the two main characters Izzy and Lucas, had some of the best  chemistry I've read in a long time. I adored the cozy setting of a (struggling) boutique hotel in the middle of a storybook forest in England; I loved the funny banter throughout; and the heart of the book came through so beautifully in the tender emotional moments. I also loved the quirky side characters (for the most part.), they added a wonderful texture to the story overall. This is such a wonderful enemies-lovers book that I will happily re-read in years to come! 🥰

the only, very small reason really, that I'm giving it just under 5 stars, is because I personally found the character of Poor Mandy, and the side plot of her being in charge of the social media side of the hotel, somewhat hard to believe and took me out of the book a wee bit, especially towards the end. It's a very minor aspect of the book overall, but it irks me the more I think over the whole story, so it unfortunately means I cant quite give it 5 whole stars. But it's really only ~just under~. Poor mandy and her unbelievable handling of the forest manor social media asides... I loved so many parts of this story - the one-bed trope had me literally kicking my feet and giggling - and the tension was *chef's kiss!!* oh and the DANCING SCENE AT THE DIVORCÉE PARTY - HELLO?? SO GOOD!! 😭💃😍 On a more serious note, I want to note that I appreciated how Lucas had some aspects of toxic masculinity to unlearn, and also that Izzy's character explored the importance in learning to properly rest and not be constantly ~on~ for other people's benefit. And I especially loved how they both helped each other with these more serious aspects of their character growth. It made them feel more realistic and their love story more beautiful to witness.
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