Member Reviews

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella. Just the fun banter between Sasha and Finn, this was delightful. I'm a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella, and this was no different. After all, I deserted my family for two full nights just to finish this book. :) Would definitely recommend!

Was this review helpful?

The Burnout is a nice palate cleanser after reading some heavy-duty books. It's an engaging easy read without a lot of substance.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy!

I love Sophie Kinsella's books, and The Burnout is a perfect example of her romcom writing!

Sasha is completely burned out by her job, to the point that she basically walks out one day. She takes a leave and revisits a childhood vacation spot to recharge. There, she meets Finn, a fellow burnout, and after a rocky start, they become friends and then more.

It's a bit far fetched, but I've found that as with all of her novels, it's what makes them enjoyable for me. I loved Sasha's quirks, and found myself laughing several times. The tropes (enemies to lovers, forced proximity) plus the employees at the resort and the other guests made this book a new favorite of hers.

Was this review helpful?

I feel like this book is less of a romance and more of a contemporary take on mental health / taking care of oneself with a romantic air to it? But I liked the two main characters together! Both Sasha and Finn have things to work out on their own and it’s nice seeing them complement each other without giving up parts of themselves for the sake of being together. Again, I really feel like the romance was more of a side plot (on top of being a slow burn), which was something I wasn’t expecting walking into this book based on the description.

Was this review helpful?

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Whew! I could relate to this book at times. The burnout from work and life is real. Sasha finally gets to a point where she tries to join a convent to get out of working. She fails and her mom decides she needs a vacation. What better than to go to a place they went as a family many years before. Her mom was a hoot by trying to be her personal secretary and requesting things for Sasha at the resort. It had me laughing. She meets Finn, who also used to go to the resort as a kid and they soon become fast friends. Both trying to recover from their jobs.

If you are a Sophie Kinsella fan, this book won't disappoint.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a home run for me and I couldn’t put it down. Everyone can relate to feeling burnt out at one point in their life and wishing to escape life for a few weeks by the beach. The writing was hilarious and I couldn’t help but catch myself laughing out loud and relating to Sasha.

Was this review helpful?

Sophie is one of my Auto Read authors since the Shopaholic series!!

I could wait to dive into this book!!

At first I was like ooh this is good, but then it just kind of went off on a different road then expected and just seemed so far fetched. The ending slightly helped pull it together.

Unfortunately this is not one of my favs by Sophie and makes me so sad to say so.

I do feel tho she shows just how burning out in life can effect us.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun read at first., I loved the banter between the characters but towards the end I kind of felt bored. I didn’t care much about the whole Terry thing. Wish it was better towards the end. Still, thanks a lot for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

The Burnout is the latest laugh ot loud funny novel by Sophie Kinsella. This author is my go to recommendation when people ask me for funny books or good vacation reads. In The Burnout, Sasha has had enough of the lack of communication and direction shown by her supervisor so she walks out of the office and away to her own personal winter beach retreat. There she encounters a life changing set of characters. I really liked the setting for this book as well as all of the people in it. Nicely written! Read and enjoy!

Was this review helpful?

The Burnout is the newest release from Sophie Kinsella, and though it’s told in true, quirky, one-of-a-kind Kinsella-fashion, it’s a topic most of us can relate to. This humorous story has grains of truth that run deep and ring true.

Sasha is burned out from the demands of her job and is truly in need of a break from not only work, but also her demanding co-workers. She seeks solace in the old resort near where her family used to vacation in search of a wellness break and a reset. Still in efficiency mode, she tackles a series of twenty steps to relaxation with a vengeance, only to realize it’s not working!

Likewise, Finn, another guest at the resort, is also burning the candle at both ends and on a forced time out. The two seemingly couldn’t be more different and definitely do not hit it off. What follows is a slow recognition of two kindred spirits, as they spend time laughing, revisiting old childhood haunts, unraveling a mystery and possibly even find a soulmate.

The Burnout has the recognizable humor and buoyancy characteristic of Kinsella’s stories. It is light-hearted, but also touching, meaningful and memorable.

Was this review helpful?

As a devoted fan of Sophie Kinsella's previous works, I was delighted to discover that "The Burnout" lived up to my high expectations. Kinsella once again proves her mastery in the realm of chick-lit, weaving a tale that effortlessly combines humor and heart. The main character, Sasha, felt like a reflection of myself, navigating through relatable struggles with authenticity. Kinsella's narrative skillfully conveys important messages about self-care and the importance of setting boundaries, making "The Burnout" not just an entertaining read but also a source of insightful reflection. In the world of chick-lit, Sophie Kinsella continues to shine, consistently delivering stories that resonate and uplift.

Was this review helpful?

Sophie Kinsella always delivers easy, delightful reads that are sure to entertain. Loved the premise of The Burnout. Great characters, relatable and entertaining story.

Was this review helpful?

“The ride is it.”

The Burnout was an exactly what I needed during my own burnout period. Sometimes, a book enters your life at the right time.

This is usually the case with every Sophie Kinsella book. Kinsella is reliable. I know that with every new book, I am going to meet a strong woman with a great sense of humor, a lot of lovable awkwardness, and a witty inner voice. Her characters bring me back to my early teenage years, when I first met and fell in love with Bridget Jones and Georgia Nicolson (Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging).

The Burnout is probably my favorite of hers. I found a lot of my own experiences, my own anxious thoughts, worries, fears, and exhaustion in this book. And oh, the resentment. The bitterness. I am a sucker for bitterness, for a desire to be better, for character growth. I love the whole self help trope. Long walks on the beach, where after a few weeks, legs and minds are toned from the exercise. I truly never get sick of it. And for a self proclaimed romance hater, Kinsella makes love cute and relatable.

Overall, this was more than a book about burnout and romance. It was thoughtful and nostalgic. Beautifully written, real and refreshing. I loved every second of it.

Was this review helpful?

This is one of my favorite authors, but I felt this one fell a little short of what I expect from her. I enjoyed the story idea, but felt that the romance was too predictable.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve been reading Sophie Kinsella’s books for years. They’re always lighthearted and fun and The Burnout is no exception.

Sasha is burned out at work. The first few chapters are laugh out loud funny with Sasha struggling with the demands of her job and thinking about quitting and becoming a nun. She takes a holiday to a seaside resort where she used to vacation with her family. At the resort the beach is deserted and the hotel is rundown. The only other guest is Finn, who is also on holiday for being burned out.

This was such a fun read filled with a quirky cast of characters (specifically the hotel staff). Finn was grumpy and obnoxious but as Sasha and Finn get to know each other they discover they share the love of surfing, and they both have the same memories of vacationing in the area as kids. There was a lot of laugh out scenes both at the beginning and at the resort. The romance was light but it was more about self-discovery and coping with the stressor of life. It you need a light read that will make you smile, check this one out.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve been reading (and loving) Sophie Kinsella’s books since high school, so going on about sixteen years and I’m sad to say that The Burnout has been the first and only one that has been a miss for me, I found it too slow of a pace and Sasha & Finn definitely lacked chemistry.

While I didn’t love this one, I’m still eager to see what Sophie Kisella comes out with next (hopefully another instalment from Becky Brandon nee Bloomwood)

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book! It had some heavy bits but they were lightened up with humor. Its Sophie Kinsella so you know it never getsvtoo dark and the ending was more realistic and satisfying.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this read so much! I think a lot of us can relate to feeling burnt out at some point, whether in work or in personal life. I loved the storyline of two burnt out people returning to a place with good memories to work on themselves and take a break. I think we all need to be aware of our boundaries and be ok with working on ourselves without any negative stigma.
Both Sasha and Finn are super likeable and relatable characters. I enjoyed their banter and the funny antics at the Rilston Hotel. Kinsella wrote a perfect balance between humor and heartfelt moments while also including a little mystery and will-they-won't-they. The ending was adorable and I would have been ok however it ended between Sasha and Finn (together or not together) and I think it would have all still made sense.
The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I was still wondering what exactly happened with Finn and Olivia! We never get a true explanation from him and his reason for being burnt out wasn't explained until literally the last 10 pages, so it seemed rushed.
All in all, thoroughly enjoyed this book and Kinsella's writing.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this story of two burned out people who try to escape, only to find themselves trapped in a web of misunderstandings and miscommunication. This was a sweet, entertaining romance with a very satisfying conclusion and fans of Sophie Kinsella will not be disappointed. Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I have read all of SK's books and this one did not disappoint. Any book that can make me snort laugh and then ugly cry is worth a read! Heartwarming and a perfect vacation read.

Was this review helpful?