Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Pearl O’Reilly has OCD, and while she has coping mechanisms and strategies to get through the day, she longs for the freedom that many around her seem to have. When a chance encounter with a stranger sets off a series of events in Pearl’s life, she has a decision to make: continue to live in the safety of the life she’s created or venture on to something new.

I absolutely loved this book. The character arc was beautifully done. I appreciated getting a first hand look at the real struggles someone with OCD faces, and Ms. Frances captured that beautifully and sensitively. I really rooted for Pearl and admired her courage in facing her fears. She really put herself out there and challenged herself to not succumb to her compulsions. And it’s imperfect and messy and real. I loved her as a character and the humor she has regarding her OCD. This is told in the first person while breaking the 4th wall (theater term, not sure if it applies to books as well) and it absolutely works. It creates intimacy and connection between the reader and Pearl. This is a realistic portrayal of OCD and while making strides and having amazing character growth, the book doesn’t pretend that there is a cure for OCD or that Pearl has magically changed. I really appreciated that because it shines a light on the very real struggles those with OCD face.

It was lovely to see how Pearl’s community made things easier for her without any judgment. For example, one of the farmers that Pearl purchases eggs from leaves a small bottle of hand sanitizer for her because she knows that Pearl will need to sanitize her hands. Her best friend doesn’t infantilize her or enable her but rather lovingly challenges her to live outside her comfort zone in a way that is supportive and free of judgment. And the lovely gestures that Niall does for her are romantic and heartfelt.

This was an excellent debut novel, and I’m excited to see what’s next from Ms. Frances.

Pearl has OCD and she has her ways of dealing with that. One day, she decides she’s had enough and takes back the power over her life.

She is surrounded by people who love her. They encourage the steps she makes daily to overcome this struggle. It showcases the human decency that everyone should portray.

I appreciate the realness this story gives. It’s definitely an insight into what life is like and I’m glad it was about a character that owns it. It is empowering.

This story has some comedic elements and there’s some romance. It’s really a good story.

I can’t wait to read what the author decides to write next.

Thanks to #NetGalley and#HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter for this lovely #ARC. The opinions and views expressed are my own.

#ToHellWithIt #Romance #ClaireFrances

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

"To Hell With It" introduces us to Pearl O'Reilly, a young woman whose world revolves around the meticulous rituals and routines necessitated by her OCD. From counting footsteps to compulsive handwashing, Pearl's life is a carefully orchestrated dance until an unexpected visitor disrupts her orderly existence.

The arrival of a handsome stranger in Pearl's bed sets in motion a series of events that challenge her structured world, pushing her to confront the fears and desires she had long kept at bay.

Claire Frances' debut novel strikes a delicate balance between humor and heartache, weaving an atmosphere that is both relatable and engrossing.

The characters are vividly rendered and authentic, with Pearl's OCD depicted sensitively and realistically. Her friendship with Una adds a layer of warmth and depth to the story, emphasizing the crucial role of support and understanding in overcoming personal challenges.

Frances' writing style is engaging and approachable, allowing readers to easily connect with Pearl's journey. Themes of love, friendship, and self-acceptance are interlaced throughout the narrative, providing an uplifting reminder of the value of embracing one's uniqueness.

While some may contend that the portrayal of OCD could benefit from more complexity or the romantic elements seem somewhat predictable, Frances' skillful blend of humor and weighty issues makes for an enjoyable reading experience.

In her debut, Claire Frances brings a refreshingly candid perspective to the genre.

Her personal investment in themes of mental health and self-discovery is evident in her passionate storytelling, making "To Hell With It" a rewarding read for those drawn to stories of personal growth and resilience.

Pearl is living with OCD and this story is about her experience. I appreciate Pearls character which is serious and lighthearted simultaneously. I laughed, cried and screamed in frustration along with the plot. There are plenty of funny moments but also a few serious ones too. A well written book that made my day!

I enjoyed this book detailing how OCD can affect people and make their lives very difficult. I don’t think many know how severe this condition can be and although a story it is also very interesting. Definitely worth a read. I love Pearl and her adventures to understand herself.

This was my first five-star read of 2025, and I absolutely devoured this book!

Claire Frances’s debut novel, To Hell with It, is a beautifully crafted and deeply engaging story centred on Pearl O’Reilly, a protagonist who lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

While Pearl has developed coping mechanisms and strategies to navigate her daily life, she longs for the sense of freedom that seems so effortless for those around her and to set those butterflies finally free.

A chance encounter with a stranger sets off a series of transformative events, forcing Pearl to choose between the safety of her carefully curated life and the possibilities of something new and uncertain.

The character arc in this book is beautifully crafted.

Pearl’s struggles with OCD are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity, offering a glimpse into the complexities of living with the condition.

Claire Frances handles this delicate subject matter with grace, capturing both the challenges and nuances of OCD without oversimplifying or glamorising the experience.

I found myself rooting for Pearl, admiring her bravery as she confronted her fears and resisted the pull of her compulsions.

Her journey is messy, imperfect, and profoundly real, which only made me love her more.

What truly sets this book apart is its unique narrative style.

Told in the first person, the story frequently breaks the fourth wall - a technique more commonly associated with theatre - and it absolutely works here.

This approach fosters a sense of intimacy between the reader and Pearl, making her struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal.

One of the most commendable aspects of To Hell with It is its realistic portrayal of OCD. While Pearl makes significant progress and experiences remarkable personal growth, the book doesn’t offer a simplistic resolution or suggest that OCD can be “cured.”

Instead, it highlights the ongoing nature of the condition, celebrating Pearl’s strength and resilience without diminishing the reality of her challenges.

The depiction of Pearl’s support network is another highlight. From small, thoughtful gestures by acquaintances - like the farmer who leaves hand sanitiser for Pearl with her weekly eggs - to the steadfast love and encouragement of her best friend and quirkly colleague and friend Niall, the story emphasises the importance of understanding and community.

These relationships are free of judgment, offering support in a way that empowers Pearl to step outside her comfort zone.

I especially appreciated how her best friend balanced gentle encouragement with tough love, fostering growth without infantilising or enabling her.

Niall’s romantic gestures, infused with kindness and sincerity, added a touching layer of warmth to the story. His actions reflect genuine care for Pearl and a desire to meet her where she is, making their dynamic one of the most heartfelt aspects of the book.

To Hell with It is an excellent debut novel, combining wit, heart, and authenticity.

Claire Frances has crafted a story that is as insightful as it is entertaining. I am eagerly anticipating her next work and can’t wait to see what she writes next.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt and nuanced exploration of personal growth, mental health, and the power of community.

With thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book review : To hell with it : by @clairefrancesbooks .
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Over view of the book :

Pearl O’Reilly is twenty-seven (nearly twenty-eight). She likes salmon pink, the number three and going to the pub with her best friend Una the same night each week. Thanks to her OCD, her other routines – from counting her way downstairs to obsessively washing her hands – pose more of a problem.

I am not to sure where to start with this book , I will be honest and said I picked it up out of curiosity. My oh my did it pass my expectations.
The emotions in this books , laughter , sadness , anxiety , happiness , it had it all .
Everyone I know has a favourite character from a book I think I may have found mine Pearl. She reminds me of the UK version of a ugly Betty in a good way .
I think Claire really did connect with the reader about mental illness and how controlling it can be. I really connected with someone who suffers with mental health .
She showed the good the bad and ugly of mental , must most of all you can be happy .
I really did not want the book to end .
I am hoping that we can read more about Pearl and her adventures .
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Thank you so much @onemorechapterhc for my copy and @clairefrancesbooks for your fantastic writing..
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