A three week immersive book-lovers road trip through England, Wales and Scotland?

Delightful enemies-to-lovers battles of wit?

A bus full of old ladies with their quirks, lack of BS and decades of advice?

A deliciously nerdy bus driver?

Beautiful food, scenery and book quotes?

OMG yes, please. Immediately. Then serve me secondses.

Funny, charming, and thoroughly enjoyable, this book reeks of empathy, friendship, healing, hope, storytelling, tingles and love. Buy your ticket for this trip immediately.

A fantastic debut.

Alice Cooper is in the middle of a life break-down; unemployed, newly single, and bored, she finally decides to commit to the UK literary girl’s trip of her dreams and change her life. However, the so-advertised tour is not all that it seems. Said girl’s trip is actually entirely comprised of women in their sixties and seventies, and is lead by an incredibly rude bus driver who seems to have it out to get her.
The wide cast of characters have a fantastic group dynamic, and I appreciated that through the fellow women in her group, Alice learns important lessons on life, and what is important in a relationship.
I also love that Robbie and Alice’s relationship was not rushed. They began with a true, deep dislike for each other, which I find to be exceedingly rare in so called enemies-to-lovers books. They form a slow-blooming, organic friendship that I loved reading about. By the end, all I wanted was for these characters to be happy together.
While I appreciated the detailed attention the author put into the scenery of the book, I did find the descriptions and history of the locations somewhat droning at times. It felt that the author was trying to juggle a literary fiction story about personal growth and female friendship, a slow burn romance, and an accurate historical tour all at the same time. This made the book occasionally drag for me.
Another small point that stood out to me was an odd written accent given to a German character in the book. I did not notice any other written accents aside from cultural slang used; because of this, any dialogue this character had kind of took me out of the story.
Overall, a charming story about self-discovery, and finding love in unexpected places. Well done Kat Mackenzie!

Absolutely magnificent, haven’t filled my Leap Year / My Life in Ruins void until now!! Such a lovely premise and beautiful setting, I simply must go on more tours… booking flights immediately! I yearned to know and love the women on the tour ah, simply adored this

Work in Progress is a lively read, one that follows the ironically named Alice Cooper as she looks to rise from the ashes of a life that’s left her lost in love and work. She books a group tour across the UK in the hopes of finding other adults around their 30s, instead, they’re about twice that age.
What follows is a story of rediscovery, of excitement of life at any age, of a life that is worth living— even when it seems we’ve been pushed back to the start of the life.

This is Alice’s story, and I enjoyed how she came to embrace the spontaneity of life. Not everything in life will go to plan, but that doesn’t make it any less of a treasure to cherish. While romance follows Alice, what I most took away from this narrative were all the lessons learned along the way—that personal journey of Alice, along with the friendship blooming with all the older women on the tour. The wisdom they gave her, not just in their triumphs but in the perceived failures of life as well.

It was almost cathartic reading Alice’s journey of rediscovery. To see life is still worth living even when it feels we’ve been left behind, or, in her case, have to restart. To face the future not as a ticking time bomb, but as the endless potential it is.

As for the romance, I was so sweet on the fun dynamic between Alice and Scottish tour guide Robbie. I loved how with every biting, spiteful remark from her, he just returned it with a grin and some light teasing. It was like one-sided dislike to love and I was all for it! It worked for the most part as well, although its final act didn’t fly as high as the rest of the narrative. There was a supporting character’s re-introduction that really took me by surprise in a way I did not care for. The character returns and becomes a romantic match for Alice, and regardless of how fleeting it is meant to be, it ended up lessening, for me, the poignancy of the romance between Alice and Robbie. That said, I do think this comes down to mere preference. What is not my cup of tea but very well be yours! I enjoy really idyllic final act situations where a couple, no matter distance and time, will wait for one other. But this storyline presented in a very realistic, pragmatic manner and I truly do not fault the choice made by Alice in testing those waters. In fact, I think so many readers will appreciate that route.

Overall, I was very much charmed by Work in Progress! It is a very personally enriching experience and one that I think is for all of us who feel we’ve stumbled or been left behind in life and need to realize, there’s still so much living and learning to do!

So keep going, keep finding yourself! And be sure to pick up Work in Progress!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

This book is such FUN!! Who doesn't want to go on a literary bus tour?! The sharing of multi-generational wisdom really resonated with me. After reading this I wanted to explore booking a trip and all the food described made me super hungry. I really appreciated how the relationship with Alice and Robbie evolved. Sometimes enemies to lovers can seem too unrealistic, but this felt believable.

If you're looking for a lighthearted escape with a touch of literary inspiration, this book is a perfect choice. It's a delightful reminder that life can take unexpected turns and that even the most unlikely friendships can blossom.

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy

DNF - But the issue is a mix of the book and myself.

I did not enjoy the Bridget Jones style of writing/lists at the beginning of each chapter. Stylistically, that's a me issue and won't be the case for many readers.

However, Alice as a character was not for me. She was so very rude to the MMC upon first meeting and these two snip back and forth in a way that didn't seem flirty - just seemed rude. Then when she thinks he has a girlfriend, she keeps flirting with him - I don't like that at all, and I'm sure other readers won't either.

Still, there is humor in this book and Alice has her charming moments! I wish I could have rooted for her Robbie's HEA.

Thank you to NetGalley & Avon for the ARC!

This debut was just charming. It's a cute and funny romcom set in Scotland with great book references, adventure, and fun. It's a voyage of self discovery in an amazing setting and the writing was so easy, engaging and entertaining. I read it in one seating during vacation, sitting by a lake and giggling to myself. Perfection. I can't wait to see what Mackenzie writes next, but she is on my list of ones to watch! The reading list was fantastic too.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. It really showed that friendship knows no age and that you are able to connect with others in all walks of life. All of the characters were well written, and I just loved all of the ladies’ different personalities. The relationships formed between characters was so sweet, and I was really able to resonate with the main character in that way, as someone who is in their 20s and has friends of all ages. Also it’s set in Scotland with a hot Scottish man so what else is there to say? This was really a great read for me!

Let me preface this by saying not every book is for every reader. But this one was truly the book for me and at a moment where I intensely needed it.

Snarky. Charming. Hilarious. Swoony. I have not laughed that much or that hard while reading a book possibly ever. My favorite part is that Alice was given a romantic lead who not only matched her snark, but he could have intelligent banter with her and was quick witted. You don’t often get that with both leads in a story and man was it satisfying.

I couldn’t help but be reminded of all of my favorite parts of my favorite shows (in particular Gilmore girls and golden girls). This just felt as fast, sharp, and cutting as the best lines of dialogue from those shows.

It also had a ton of heart. I highlighted so many lines I’ll keep tucked away for moments of self doubt or when I’m down. I loved the quirky cast of characters and the antics and shenanigans. It was at times outrageous, but never to the point where it was absurd and nonsense. Alice was just completely unlucky and I found that beyond relatable. I know this is going to be a book I turn back to frequently.


Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

I really wanted to love this. The setting and the premise had so much promise for me being an anglophile and lover of all things Scottish, but the pacing was too slow and I just couldn't get into it. Beautiful cover and I will recommend it to someone looking for something like this. It's just not for me. Perhaps I would've liked it better as an audiobook and I may try that once it is released.

I tried guys I really tried. I got to about 53% when I realized I just can’t keep forcing myself to read this. So I officially DNF’d at that mark. I did skim ahead and read the last chapter because I wanted to know how it ended. Even after skimming to the last chapter I knew I made the right decision.

So for my cons for the parts I did read. First up the pacing. This book is so unbelievably slow, and to make matters worse our MFC Alice is quite literally the worst. Like don’t get me wrong we get it girly your world has gone to shit, but that does not excuse you for being a horrible human being. Her attitude towards our MMC and the side characters just crossed a lot of lines. And I couldn’t ever conjure up enough effort to like her let alone relate to her. And trust me I understand this is supposed to be enemies to lovers but nahh Robbie deserves better.

Overall, even though this book wasn’t for me. I think it would be better suited for some between 20-29. I unfortunately am out of that age range so it just wasn’t meant to be. Still a big thank you to NetGalley & Avon for allowing me to read this in exchange for my review

Enjoyable.
If you were looking for a tale about being spontaneous for an adventure this is the story for you.
A woman down in her life decides to do a UK tour. Quite funny.

This book was a laugh out loud journey of Alice who has been where we’ve all been at some point, left with doubts and questions when everything we’ve planned for ourselves goes wrong and we’re left wondering what happened and who we are. It had so many unforgettable moments and a reminder that we can learn things from everybody we meet.

I have no notes. This book truly was amazing.

Thank you so much to Kat MacKenzie and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for the eARC of this novel. I absolutely loved it! it was such a quick and cute read for me. I definitely recommend it. It is a sweet banter filled romance while being abroad. Can't wait for Kats next book!

Loved this! I don't think this romance has ever been done before. Quick and cute read. The cover is also very awesome!

Disfrute del principio con Alice, viajando, autodescubriendose, sanando, haciendo amigas y aprendiendo de sus errores. El problema vino cuando se introdujo el romance.
Alice viene de una relación en donde su prometido le fue infiel, perdió su trabajo y su hogar; entonces decide hacer un viaje en donde el guía turístico es un hombre, Robbie, con quien se siente atraída. Hasta este punto todo estaba bien. El problema empezó cuando ella creyó que él tenía novia y en lugar de alejarse, siguió coqueteando e incluso se hizo su amiga con la excusa de que jamás cruzaría la línea, sin embargo, hubo muchos momentos en los que casi lo hizo. ¿Está bien cuando es ella la que se mente en una relación, pero esta mal cuando se lo hacen a ella?

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Alice has everything in her life planned out. Before her (dreaded) thirtieth birthday, she has ticked all her boxes: engaged to a perfectly respectable man, steady job at a non=profit (where, sure, maybe she's not doing her dream role, but it's good enough), and her feet planted firmly on the ground. However, when everything crashes around her in one fell swoop, Alice is suddenly facing a future full of unknowns.

On a (alcoholic beverage induced) whim, Alice decides to book an all-female tour around the UK she has hopes of building lasting friendships with other adventurous thirty-somethings and seeing great historic sights linked with literary wonders. However, when faced with the reality she booked a spot on a tour geared more towards the geriatric crowd, Alice has to make a decision-- continue to be swamped by her own bitterness, or take a chance on letting new people into her life. Oh, and the tour guide is a stubborn, obtuse, admittedly handsome scotsman who certainly does not make her blood boil with anything other than rage.

Look, I am always going to be a sucker for a self-discovery journey that takes place on a tour bus (there are more books out there with this premise than you may think). Add in a sexy Scottish man in a kilt, funny banter that encapsulates the classic enemies to lovers trope, and classic literature references-- and it's pretty much an automatic four stars. WORK IN PROGRESS was a delight from start to finish, and once I started I literally couldn't stop. I loved the vivid descriptions of the stops and tours, I adored the whole cast of characters (can I please just have one book for each of the women and their life stories? Thanks.), and most of all, I loved the character growth. Alice Cooper starts off in a really bad place with a really sour mood and reading about her journey, and the influence of each of her fellow tour mates/tour guide, was heartwarming and endearing.

Also, the cover? Have I seen anything more beautiful? (The answer is no.)

I adored this! It is a fun, sweet, banter-filled romance.

Alice signs herself up for a three week bus tour in the UK as a way to make new friends and get over her heartbreak. Unfortunately, when she arrives, she finds out the rest of her companions are decades older and the annoying (or annoyingly handsome?!) driver is the man who antagonized her at the airport on the way over...

This was great - you feel like you are traveling around the UK with Alice, Robbie, and company. Enemies-to-lovers plots usually fall short though it's one of my favorite tropes. It's done right here and it was delightful to see Alice and Robbie interact and their changing relationship.

The writing is a bit clunky at times, especially in scenes where Alice is describing her emotions, but the plot and characters were so charming that it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment.

Recommended to anyone looking for a joyful romance and tale of friendship and self-discovery. 4.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Avon and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Super adorable, enjoyable, and easy to get into. A nice comfort read that made me want to book a trip to the UK ASAP

At 30, Alice has recently lost her job and fiancée. In hopes of finding inspiration she books a trip of a lifetime. She gets more than she bargained for with a rude tour guide and bus full of elderly women. Alice assumes this tour will be the very last place she’d find friendship and adventure, but she couldn’t be more wrong. As the tour goes on Alice builds unexpected friendships and maybe a romantic relationship with her grumpy Scottish tour guide. I mean who can resist a man in a kilt?

This book is for anyone in their upper 20s feeling like life’s not going to plan. Alice’s fears of being 30 and where she’s at in life is so relatable. But I think the message was brilliant life is long and it’s never too late for adventure. Just all around a sweet story. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the meaness between the characters at the beginning, some of the comments just took it too far. But I think most enemies to lovers girles would like this one.

Enemies to lovers
Transatlantic romance
Hot Scott 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Adventure
Forced proximity

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.