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A review by the_joyful_book_club
The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I totally bought this book on a whim because I honestly thought it was a cute cover, and I have the B&N Special Edition with sprayed edges, so I was even more suckered in. All that said to say, this was probably one of my favorites that I've read all year.
Emilie wakes up on Valentine's Day, ready to have the best day ever. She's got an amazing gift for her boyfriend of one year, Josh, and she's ready to tell him that she loves him. She hauls off to school, only to end up in a car accident with her lab partner, Nick Stark. Then Josh cheats on her with his ex, Macy. And she lost a scholarship due to incorrect scoring. And did she mention her dad dropped the bomb on her about moving to Texas for a job promotion? When she goes to sleep that night, she wants to forget this day ever happened.
Except when she wakes up, it's Valentine's Day again...and again...and again. What follows is some hilarious (and also humiliating) moments for Emilie as she desperately tries to change the outcome of Valentine's Day. But finally, Emilie has enough and makes the day a DONC: Day of No Consequences.
This story is, on its base, just a super fun read. Nick and Emilie have exceptional chemistry, and there is some kissing, but no spicy time. I'd say it's more tension and steam but the author executed it perfectly.
But on a deeper level, it's about being true to yourself. Emilie has spent a lot of time curating a "perfect" life for herself: perfect hair, perfect outfits (even when her cute shoes are too small and make her feet smell like Fritos), and her perfect list of what she wants in a boyfriend. But once Emilie relaxes and starts reflecting on how she truly feels about certain things, her days start changing for the better.
I would absolutely recommend this book. It's perfect for YA readers (as it's categorized), but as an adult reader, I found this story funny, charming, and delightful. Easily one of my best reads of 2024.
Emilie wakes up on Valentine's Day, ready to have the best day ever. She's got an amazing gift for her boyfriend of one year, Josh, and she's ready to tell him that she loves him. She hauls off to school, only to end up in a car accident with her lab partner, Nick Stark. Then Josh cheats on her with his ex, Macy. And she lost a scholarship due to incorrect scoring. And did she mention her dad dropped the bomb on her about moving to Texas for a job promotion? When she goes to sleep that night, she wants to forget this day ever happened.
Except when she wakes up, it's Valentine's Day again...and again...and again. What follows is some hilarious (and also humiliating) moments for Emilie as she desperately tries to change the outcome of Valentine's Day. But finally, Emilie has enough and makes the day a DONC: Day of No Consequences.
This story is, on its base, just a super fun read. Nick and Emilie have exceptional chemistry, and there is some kissing, but no spicy time. I'd say it's more tension and steam but the author executed it perfectly.
But on a deeper level, it's about being true to yourself. Emilie has spent a lot of time curating a "perfect" life for herself: perfect hair, perfect outfits (even when her cute shoes are too small and make her feet smell like Fritos), and her perfect list of what she wants in a boyfriend. But once Emilie relaxes and starts reflecting on how she truly feels about certain things, her days start changing for the better.
I would absolutely recommend this book. It's perfect for YA readers (as it's categorized), but as an adult reader, I found this story funny, charming, and delightful. Easily one of my best reads of 2024.