I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

Misunderstandings - check
Miscommunication - check
Kooky heroine & uptight hero - check
Enemies to lovers/feuding work colleagues- check

This was only ok. I became rather frustrated with both Lucas and Izzy and this story took far too long to get going. I did very nearly give up.

2.5 stars

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

I read ‘The Wake-Up Call’ with my book group friends and this turned out to be extremely problematic because of the way the book is laid out. We usually have a group chat and leave voice notes as we go along, indicating chapter number. This way we can read at our own pace and avoid spoilers. There are no chapter names or numbers, so we didn't have a clue how to accurately identify where we were. As it turned out, I didn't have a great deal to say anyway - other than regular huffs of frustration.

Izzy repeatedly rubbed me up the wrong way throughout the book. Lucas wasn't much better. Thankfully Mean Jem was there to sort Izzy out - I just wish she'd done it about 300 pages sooner. Am I getting too old for this type of book? Maybe. Having said that, I have enjoyed some of Beth's other work. I just don't feel this one is up to the same standard.

Thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for this digital ARC.

Beth O'Leary is one of my must-read romance authors and The Wake-Up Call did not disappoint. Set in a crumbling English Bed & Breakfast, O'Leary has crafted a beautiful enemies-to-lovers romance. I loved the 'quest' of this novel to reunite wedding rings with their rightful owners and the B&B provided a cast of lovable, if slightly odd, characters. I read this in one sitting and it did not disappoint.

I’d like to preface this with: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of Beth O’Leary’s previous books. They always hit for me when I needed something with a bit of personality while still being light.

However, this one unfortunately didn’t quite match up to my expectations. I think this was based on the fact the main characters didn’t really appeal and both seemed to irk me from the beginning.

The setting was a brilliant concept with all the quirky hotel guests…I’d have loved this more if that was a bigger focus I think.

The main male character just seemed too unaware of everything and a bit stuck up for my liking and the female? She appeared a bit petty to never bring things up. The miscommunication trope is not my favourite and I think that’s ultimately why I didn’t love this like the past books.

As always Beth’s writing was brilliant but it just wasn’t for me this time. I will still continue to read everything she publishes though!

A fun back & forth with some great one-liners, but with my least favourite trope - miscommunication.

I did enjoy this, but not as much as I thought I would. I found myself getting annoyed with the two lead characters & their childishness, despite generally liking them. I loved Izzy's friends & hotel guests & staff all made great side characters.

This wasn't my favourite Beth O'leary & it lacked a little of the emotion that some of her other reads have had. However, an entertaining & fun read for over the festive period.

This was like a rom-com but in book form. Just what I needed in the holiday season! I loved the back and forth between the two main characters, and finding out more about their backgrounds. Also the whole ring fiasco added the perfect humor and fluffiness that I needed.

Was a bit of a slower start than other books by this author, and took me a bit to get into! But I eventually got into it and enjoyed the light read and hotel shenanigans!

4.5 stars

So Beth O'Leary is one of my all time favourite authors and it was upsetting me that I was behind on her books (I still have The No-Show to read) so I decided to pick this one up especially because it was set around Christmas!

I really enjoyed this book and I really grew to love these characters so much. Beth has an amazing way of writing realistic and relatable characters that you cannot help but root for! I found myself hooked from the very beginning and devoured it, eager to watch this romance unfold.

My only issue was the miscommunication, which is one of those tropes I really dislike. While it wasn't as frustrating in this book it really did just have me screaming at the main characters wishing they would talk! Again, this is just a me problem!

Overall, an enjoyable, addictive and light-hearted read that just confirms Beth O'Leary as an auto-buy author!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Enemies to lovers? Check!
Forced proximity/workmates? Check
Slow burn? Check

Lucas and Izzy have all of the above in abundance. They cannot be any more differnt - she is quirky and fun, he is straight out serious.

And they hate each other... or do they>

I did find the whole reason Izzy hates Lucas a bit tiresome after a while, adn when we find out what happened it was all, OK, yeah I get it, but the amount of energy she puts into it was a bit OTT.

The pacing felt a bit off to me too. We go from getting ther, to the whole "ring thing" in the main part of the book dragging, to rushing to the end. But again, this is probably just a me issue.

I liked the characters that surround Lucas and Izzy (for the most part, anyways.)

The Wake-Up call is enjoyable enough,but not my favourite Beth O'Leary book.

"The Wake Up Call" by Beth O'Leary exceeded all my expectations and proved to be everything I had hoped for and more. The story, setting, and characters resonated with me, creating an experience I wished wouldn't end. This highly enjoyable and entertaining read is a gem for anyone who appreciates the romance genre.

The Forest Manor Hotel, with its intriguing description, became a place I longed to visit and an enchanting backdrop for the unfolding story. Falling seamlessly into the lives of the characters, particularly Izzy and Lucas, their rivalry, misunderstandings, and simmering chemistry were perfectly portrayed, leaving me rooting for a satisfying resolution for both.

The inclusion of the lost and found rings added an extra layer to the narrative, introducing delightful additional characters and weaving engaging tales around each attempt to reunite the rings with their owners. Overall, "The Wake Up Call" is a delightful journey filled with romance, charm, and a touch of serendipity that I would enthusiastically recommend to fellow romance enthusiasts.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

Thank you for my eARC of this book. I loved the premise of this but unfortunately it didn’t hold my attention so I didn’t finish.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. This was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the concept and storyline, and the book was engaging.

So fun and sexy and kind of unexpected for Beth O'Leary! I feel she's more of a women's fic/romance cusp girly, but this was more a straight up romance. I really felt the chemistry between the two leads, and I really loved the slight twist of a FMC leaning into her sharper, less people pleasing side for a change for a Christmas story.

Beth O’Leary is the author to turn to when you are in need of a bibliophiliac tonic. Granted, all of her books appear to be made from the same recipe of memorable female protagonist, male antagonist-turned supporter, contemporary setting and a healthy dose of upbeat humour, but this does not diminish the light-hearted enjoyment that each tome offers. In this, her latest offering, O’Leary brings us a female literary protagonist by the name of Izzy Jenkins, whose initial antagonist is Lucas Da Silva who works alongside her at the Forest Manor Hotel. The once charming hotel is now crumbling around them, and the staff have resorted to selling off the hotel’s lost property in an effort to keep their jobs beyond the impending Christmas holiday that does not conjure up much joy. When Izzy find two wedding rings, however, the incurable romantic inside her decides to trace the rightful owners. But could this bold move provide not only a cash injection to the hotel but also a romance injection to Izzy’s life?
Other readers have commented on the often infantile character of protagonist Izzy, but it highlights the comedic value of some of her encounters even more. Whereas the elliptical, grammatically incorrect writing style of O’Leary’s ‘The Flatshare’ had occasionally jarred with me, I found this novel’s writing style more more reader-friendly and suggest that anyone in need of a literary pick-me-up gives this book a chance. Thank you to NetGalley and to the publishers for granting me a free ARC that made this book review possible.

Not my favourite of Beth's books... There was something missing that I can't put my finger on. Just wasn't for me!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a DNF at 35% and not because there was anything bad about the book. The writing was good and the characters and plot were well written.

My personal tastes and preferences in my romance books interfered with my enjoyment of the book which is why I'm not continuing.

Fun a festive, this (misunderstood) enemies to loves keeps you on your toes! O'Leary brings us to a hotel on its last legs, and an adventure to find the owners of some lost rings. It's a love letter to love, whether failed or everlasting, and the twists were fun and authentic.

Having enjoyed this author’s previous books, I was excited to read her latest one. This is another great read, definitely a will they, won’t they rom com. Look forward to another page turner from this author

I have been a Beth O'Leary fan ever since I read The No-Show, and I am so excited that I have been able to add this book to my list of favorite romances! The Christmas setting was classic without being too cheesy, and the enemies to lovers vibes kept the story moving. Another hit by O'Leary!