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!! POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD PROCEED WITH CAUTION !!

*A special thank you to Netgalley and Random House for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

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I definitely struggled with this one a bit.

It is a little too close to real life and I normally like my books with a heavy dose of escapism. And for something that is marketed as a romance, this didn’t read as a romance. More like adult fiction.

It was a little long. There were parts that were interesting so they passed quicker, but some of the book also felt like filler. There was a point when I felt like I was skimming just to get to a more interesting part.

The best part was definitely the mystery twist. But, even that was a bit predictable.

As for the characters, I found myself wanting more. The characters didn’t feel two dimensional per se, just bland? I also wanted more from their chemistry. The jump from enemies to friends made sense, but the jump from friends to lovers felt weird and sudden. And the reliance on the miscommunication trope drove me insane.

Overall, the book was funny. Though there were times where it felt a little too on the nose and forced to be quirky. I just don’t think this one was for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC.

I love Sophie Kinsella's novel and this one was no different. I have been to the Burnout Point myself and found myself nodding and laughing with this book. An easy read!

I loved this story. Burnout is such a relevant topic, and I think Sophie Kinsella did an amazing job weaving a fun romance into a very real situation. While there were certainly a lot of silly or fantastical elements to the story, the story and the main characters felt very down to earth, and I appreciated that.

The plot of this book moved along so nicely. There was a sort of ebb and flow that reflected the seaside setting of the story. Mental health was a big part of this plot, and Kinsella handled it with grace—not making too light of it—given that this is a rom-com. A lot of the elements of this story felt both realistic and respectful. Maybe it wasn’t as romantic of a plot as it could have been, but I enjoyed how relatable it felt. While I’m typically not a fan of a third act breakup, I didn’t mind this one. It felt well-placed and almost natural.

What’s interesting about the characters in this book is that most of them are either very kind or burned out. We really don’t learn a whole lot about anyone’s backgrounds aside from Sasha, our MC. Even Finn isn’t a super developed character. But it didn’t bother me. I think the spectrum of burned out to kind is what this story needed to keep from feeling too heavy or slow.

As far as rom-coms go, this one was honestly so funny. The lightheartedness kept me going when the story was heavier, but it wasn’t irreverent. It was so fun and sweet and even touching at times. I really enjoyed it. I’d even read it again. Bravo, Sophie Kinsella. This is a good one.

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and the author for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Libro.FM for the ALC and Netgalley for an ARC. I liked the concept of two burned out people connecting because burnout is relatable! I really enjoyed the sweet side plot about Terry. Would I rush to hand it to someone? No. Do I regret having listened to it? No.

A pleasurable read. It’s exactly what I want and expect from a Kinsella novel: whimsical, fast paced, comedic beats with heartfelt moments in between. As someone who was dealing with burnout prior to reading this, it was very cathartic to see burnout be laid out in all it’s depressive ugliness.

Sasha is burnt out. The app company she works for is growing and needing more staff. Her concerns and ideas are not being listened to by those higher up. Sasha’s life revolves around work and her personal life and sex drive are nonexistent. One day At her wits end Sasha breaks down and ends up quitting and running to nuns at the convent next door. Even they don’t want her overwhelmed self. Work gives Sasha three weeks leave to rest and reset. Only when she arrives at the seaside resort Sasha finds a run down, struggling business with a kooky skeleton staff. While at the hotel she meets Finn who is also on leave but is vague about his stay. At first Sasha and Finn clash but when they realize they can’t avoid each other they take the time to peel back each other’s layers. Time with Finn slowly helps Sasha come back alive and learn what she really needs for herself both personally and professionally.

With Sophie Kinsella’s trademark humor and unforgettable characters this book was such a treat and had me laughing but also thinking deeply about how we can speak up in our own way.

Love love Sophie Kinsella!! Such a fun time when reading! Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this hilarious book!

Solid 4.5/5 for this Sophie Kinsella novel!
I've previously only ever read a couple of books from the shopaholic series, and actually hadn't picked up one of Sophie's books in a long time, but the title and description of "The Burnout" really called my attention.
I think Sophie nailed the feelings you get from burnout, I've experienced it once before and I was lol so hard because while I never thought about becoming a nun for that particular reason, I felt the dread and the emptiness and the not wanting to make choices or interact with friends because "I should be able to manage my life and be stronger than that" so kudos to the author for including stuff like that and making it less of a taboo.
As for the story, I found it quite refreshing and hilarious everything that happened, thing after unexpected thing, and even though I'm not British and sometimes don't understand the cultural references too well, I could certainly picture the characters and the settings depicted in the story.
Really liked the whole character journey and even took some unexpected twists. My favorite character has to be Terry & Candice I think she was? one's absolutely hilarious and the other made me cry from motivation.
Would definitely recommend this book to my friends, especially those of them who are Kinsella fans, with the caveat that this doesn't remind me of any of her previous books (in a great way).

Note: Thanks NetGalley & Publishers for giving me an ARC in exchange of a completely unbiased and free review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House-The Dial Press for providing this electronic advanced copy for review!

Sasha is completely burned out at work, an all too common occurrence at the moment. To rejuvenate herself, she takes a break at the seaside resort she used to visit during her childhood. There she meets the grumpy Finn and they begin to work through their burnout together.

I had a great time with this book! There were multiple times where I literally laughed out loud while reading it. Kinsella does a great job of weaving together humorous circumstances with a budding romance and the serious exhaustion of burnout. Overall highly recommended if you’re in the mood for a fun light read!

Oh sweet Sasha.

She’s overworked, and burnt out. Her department is chronically understaffed. She orders and eats the exact same food every day. She thinks that becoming a nun may solve all her problems…

After (quite literally) hitting a wall, she ends up in the beach town where she spent so many summers as a kid. 20 steps that include kale smoothies, beach yoga, and noni juice will create a better version of herself, right?

Enter fellow burnout, Finn Birchall and his grumpy demeanor. They don’t want to be near one another, or maybe they do? They bond over their old surf instructor, and experience new adventures together.

But will he trust Sasha with his heartbreak, or are they simply doomed to manifest each other’s wellbeing from afar?

Rom com chaos that is somehow relatable and quirky. MC Sasha is burnout at work and finds herself spiralling until the day she tries to escape to a convent and runs into a brick wall.
Cue the “break” that sees her at a hotel with ‘Amelia Bedila type secondary characters and quirky situations.

It’s exactly what I expect from a Kinsella book. And I would be lying if I wasn’t imagining the hotel I stayed at in Eastbourne 🇬🇧. I still think about that place.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin for an ARC of Sophie Kinsellas newest novel, " The Burnout" First let me say, even though Kinsella's books have been hit or miss for me post the Shopaholic series, I will always pick up her newest novels. The Shopaholic series was one of my favorites series in high school , and I devoured each of them . This newest novel is just as good, if not better, than that series. " The Burnout" follows Sasha, a work horse who feels like she is overwhelmed with every aspect of her life. Every time she feels like she has cleared her to do list, multiple new commitments arise .She decides for her sanity to go to a seaside resort that made her feel like she didn't have a care in the world. Of course, the resort is falling apart and the only other occupant is a stressed out cute guy named Finn.. I am sure you can see how this goes :). While the story was predictable at times, I found myself at the end of my very stressful days with work and kids, wanting to pick up this story and see what happens to Sasha.

Thank you NetGalley and Sophie Kinsella for this ARC.

I loved this story! I loved the journey of Sasha and the way she was able to rebound after a tough work situation and find better balance in her life. And sweet Finn!

BOOK REVIEW: The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella
2023 Publication Date: October 10

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐

T.I.M.E. Favorite Books To Read | Best Contemporary Romance Book
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Contemporary Romance Books
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2023 | Contemporary Romance Books

CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
"The ride is it... You have to enjoy the ride..." - The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
A Refreshing and Engaging Read...

As we navigate through life, we often find ourselves juggling one task after another until we are entirely burnt out. The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella delves into this relatable experience, providing a refreshing outlook via contemporary romances on burnout and the path to healing... Exploring the pressures of modern life and the toll that it can take on our mental health.

The Burnout takes us on a journey with protagonist Sasha, a successful businesswoman who is struggling with the weight of expectations, and her unexpected counterpart, Finn, who is grappling with his own stress issues. This enemies-to-lovers romance is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of contemporary society.

This book review will give you a sneak peek into the pages of this best book pick for best contemporary romance novels that offer a compelling storyline, witty dialogue, and relatable main characters.

Plot Points
The Burnout revolves around Sasha, a young woman who is successful in her career but struggling with feeling burnt out. She has hit an emotional big-time slump feeling overburdened by everything in her life, from work to relationships... and everything in between.

After she literally "hits a wall", she decides to do an ultimate reset by taking a trip to a seaside resort from her most treasured childhood memories to try and clear her mind.
However, when she arrives, she finds the hotel is a far cry from what she remembers. And the only fellow guest at the resort is a man named Finn, who also seems to have hit a wall in his life as well.

They are forced to share the resort's private beach. With the two of them having completely different approaches to dealing with their burnout, their proximity leads to arguments and disagreements.

The beach encounters and the quirky amazing hotel staff continue to throw them together... leading to witty banter, surprises, and undeniable chemistry.

Opposites attract? Absolutely...

Standout Features of The Burnout
• Character Development
One of the standout features of this novel is the character development of both Sasha and Finn. Kinsella does a fantastic job of detailing the specific ways in which they have each experienced burnout and how it has impacted their lives.

The book's characterizations are superb as they capture the essence of burnout excellently... while contrasting with supporting characters who represent the polar opposites of burnout! Look forward to meeting one of the quirkiest laugh out loud funny hotel receptionists you will ever "read"... I loved, loved, loved her! The queen of witty banter...

All of the characters often speak their minds without tentative filtering, which is refreshing to read. If only we had Kinsella's capable pen to write our dialogue in real life!

The supporting cast of characters, including Sasha's friends and family members, adds additional depth. However, the real focus is on the evolving enemies-to-lovers real relationship between the two main characters — Sasha and Finn. The dynamic between them changes from hostility and annoyance to mutual respect and eventually romance.

• Engaging and Entertaining Writing
The writing in The Burnout is engaging and entertaining. Kinsella brings a wry sense of humor to even the most mundane moments. The book is consistently funny without ever feeling forced or gimmicky. It is clear that Kinsella understands her audience and knows how to create a story that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

Kinsella’s vivid setting and descriptions immerse the reader in the story, and it is easy to get lost in the pages. The plot is intriguing, the pacing is consistent, and the characters' chemistry is captivating, making it an excellent read for anyone searching for a break from the mundane.

• Relevant Societal Themes
The themes of the book are particularly relevant in today's society. Many of us struggle with balancing our work and personal lives, and The Burnout does a fantastic job of exploring those struggles in a relatable way.

The Burnout's central theme is self-discovery, and the book provides valuable insights into how we can reclaim a sense of self-worth and purpose in a world racing towards total burnout.

But don't worry... The book offers hilarious moments (and characters!) while providing a powerful message that inspires the reader to look deep within themselves to find what they need to heal and move forward.

The book also touches on the idea of self-care with love, compassion and dignity... Both the importance of taking care of oneself — and others. It encourages readers to take a step back from their busy lives and reevaluate what is truly important... And how we support each other in the various chapters of life as they unfold.

One of my favorite elements was the beautiful storyline that recaptured the influence of a mentor from your childhood years... and honoring that mentor as a valuable member of society.

A perfect must-read for book lovers of contemporary romance novels and anyone feeling like everything is becoming too overwhelming... And if you are on the hunt for book recommendations for a witty, engaging, and motivating book that sheds light on breaking through burnout.

From the humorous beginning to an exciting climax, The Burnout is an engaging read that will leave readers feeling refreshed, inspired, and entertained... A timely reminder that it is possible to heal, find joy, and rekindle the love for life that makes us human.

May we all find that perfect balance for each one of us... And if we can get there by reading romance? All the better!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 403
Genre: Best Contemporary Romance Novels
Sub-Genre: Enemies To Lovers Romance Novels
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ Closed Door Romance
Time Period: Contemporary
Location: England | Seaside Resort
Publisher: Penguin Random House | Random House Publishing Group | The Dial Press

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Party Crasher by Sophie Kinsella ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: Somewhere In Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sasha is a young professional woman who is struggling with life-work balance... Sound familiar, anyone?... When the straws add up to become too much to break the camel's back, she decides to escape to her childhood favorite seaside resort to find some much-needed respite...

However, when she arrives, the hotel is a far cry from what she remembered and she must share the beach with an unhappy stranger named Finn.

The two of them have completely different approaches to dealing with their burnout. But the setting (and the hotel staff) seem determined to keep their paths crossing each other...
Although "cross" is usually how to describe each of their encounters!

As their relationship develops, will they start to open up to each other and help each other find the joys in life again?

The engaging characters, witty writing, and relevant themes make The Burnout a must-read for readers who enjoy contemporary romance novels. Sasha and Finn's journey will make you laugh... and ultimately leave you feeling hopeful.

This a timely story that reminds us that it's never too late to find joy and meaning in our lives, no matter how burned out we may feel...

Looking for a romantic, funny, and thought-provoking read in best contemporary romance novels? Look no further than Sophie Kinsella's latest novel, The Burnout...

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• The importance of self-care and finding a balance between work and personal life.
• The power of unexpected connections and how they can help us during challenging times.
• Societal pressures and expectations can contribute to burnout... But it is possible to break through it with support, self-discovery and courage to let go of unrealistic expectations.

BOOK QUOTE:
"If you're not kind, never mind..." — The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella

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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

I really liked the campy writing in this book. It was cute and silly from beginning to end. Heartwarming. The side characters really came to life, the main characters had depth. There was personal growth, romance, nostalgia, a mystery. This had it all.

Sophie Kinsella knocks it out the park with this novel! The perfect representation of a burnt out single woman in her 30’s. Who here hasn't also felt like sex wasn't even worth the work sometimes? I am not afraid to admit it. Sometimes work and life is overwhelming and what is the solution you may say? Definitely not swearing off sex and becoming a nun. Sasha is overworked and under-appreciated, and hits rock bottom. Now she is forced to take a vacation to their summer vacation spot that she has not visited in 20 years. Focusing on bettering herself she focuses on following a 20 step program that includes wild swimming, yoga, kale smoothies and whatever noni juice is! She meets another burnout, Finn, who seems to have it worse than her. In this enemies to lovers we go through their journey of self improvement and find out whether they will continue their journey together or it will be better for them to be apart. This funny, heart-pulling story gets you captivated from the beginning and even motivates you to enjoy the ride.

Than you to Sophie Kinsella and Penguin Random House for the arc of this book and allowing me to read and review it!

I gave it might best shot, but I just can’t finish this book. I’m DNFing at 55% which is so disappointing because I’m a huge Sophie Kinsella fan. The first few chapters were funny, but once Sasha left for the beach, it just got tedious. I don’t feel any chemistry between her and Finn, the effusive pronouncements about quality of service by the staff at the derelict hotel are borderline delusional, the warring couple on the cusp of a painful breakup make no sense, and Sasha is a doormat with no boundaries who let’s everyone from her mother to the hotel staff dictate her life without her pushing back. I’m just bored and disappointed.

A quick read on the impact of burning out due to work stress. You will laugh. She's reached her limit and is giving serious thoughts to becoming a nun. He's reached his limit and has acted out at work now dealing with consequences. This is not a religious book. I give it a solid 3 stars.



*********************************I received an ARC for my honest opinion form NetGalley.************************************

Just finished The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella publication date October 10, 2023. Loved it! ❤️📚🥳

Anyone who has worked in Corporate America can truly appreciate this book! 💻📧😩

We all long to escape our lives of endless emails, insane demands, and pretend self-imposed goals to achieve balance and joy amid the unending work hours and To Do Lists.

The Burnout, filled with laugh out loud moments, celebrates the crazy things we do to relax, the relatable path all Corporate employees journey, and most importantly, life’s little moments.

Sasha’s road to burnout is like that of so many of us, but her overwhelming exhaustion and fact that she has been living half of a life has taken it a step further. She is forced by ‘the powers that be’ to take time away from her dream marketing job. Her fall from corporate grace will have you laughing and crying.

For three weeks, Sasha is exiled to her childhood happy place-a now run-down resort in the small UK town of Rilston Bay. Her mother encourages her to embrace a 20-Step Plan, a plan of days filled with yoga, kale smoothies, meditation, sleep, and self-reflection.

Sasha hilarious romp through this plan is overlaid with outrageous characters, partners in crime, and fond children victories.

Buy this book today!
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Five stars for the escape, the laughter and the love!
#theburnout #netgalley #kalesmoothies #surfingescape #younglove

*The publishers of this book provided an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I liked this book quite a bit. It held my attention and at times it actually made me laugh out loud! Sophie Kinsella writes good stories with humor thrown in, and this is no exception. I received an advanced readers copy from netgalley , but my review is unbiased.