Cover Image: The Do-Over

The Do-Over

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Member Reviews

Perci works at her father's company and her mother is instrumental in making life choices for her. Did I mention Perci is in her twenties? When her boyfriend breaks up with her via a message on the radio, in order to win concert tickets, Perci decides to take control of her life.

Touted as a romcom, I found this story more of a coming of age story. There was some romance but the best part of the book was Perci finding herself and learning to be happy. This was a heartwarming story that left me with a smile on my face.

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It’s a little slow paced to begin with and took me a few chapters to actually get into it. I did wonder was it for me. But once I got to know Perci a little the story flowed well and I was invested. It’s a cute and fluffy read that you can half guess what’s coming down the line but you kind of expect that with this type of read. There are some really lovable characters and some seriously irritating ones that you really want to give a piece of your mind. I absolutely loved Mimi as a character and have definitely gained some quotes I won’t be forgetting in a hurry. The narration was good for the most part but for some characters a little annoying but maybe that was the idea. Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend if your looking for a lighthearted read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to read #TheDoOver

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Percy’s boyfriend broke up with her on the radio while she was in the dentist’s chair. All her friends sympathized with her, everyone but her mother. Percy believes that her mother does not approve of anything she does. Since her boyfriend also worked with Percy at her parent’s mortgage company Percy had to quit her job. Percy needs a new outlook. Her best friend came up with a list of New Year’s resolutions. The resolutions include a lot of stops: dating, trying to lose weight, working hard, living up to unrealistic expectations, and pleasing her mother. To get her mother to quit trying to fix her up, she says her new boyfriend is Nate who lives next door. Nate becomes a good friend who likes her for who she is. Great book with complicated characters. Percy’s grandmother is the best and a true supporter of her. Nate goes along with the boyfriend idea and his daughter makes the story even more fun. Good examples of how important it is to be ourselves.

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A heartwarming and emotional story. Perci’s life hasn’t been easy. Always on the big size, working in the family business but without really loving it, an exigent mother, a perfect and beautiful little sister and never been enough for anyone. Can her New Year’s resolution really turn her life for good or will she lost her family, her new job, her friends and a her change at love with her great neighbour? A really great story and better as audiobook. Elise does an amazing job with all the emotions and feelings showing in the storyhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4893510286

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This debut novel told a story that was very relatable for me. Not that I've ever been broken up with via a radio show, but I could relate to certain aspects of Perci's personality, in particular, her insecurities. After surviving theeeee worst day and the personal and professional fallout afterwards, it was exciting to watch "New" Perci make her way in the world. She made new friends, found her occupational calling, and fell in love along the way.
I absolutely adored Mimi, her down-to-earth, spunky, kickass grandmother! The Mimi-ism (advice from Mimi) given at the beginning of each chapter was just the best!
The story flowed well, the quality of the writing was fantastic, and I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from this author.
I listened to an audio copy of this book, narrated by Elise Roth. I think she did a good job overall, but her voice used to portray the horrible ex-boyfriend was comically bad. I understand she was attempting to make her voice match a smarmy character, but it was a bit over the top.
I received an ARC audiobook via NetGalley. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. This review is my own, unbiased opinion.
Edited to attach Amazon review link below.

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This was cute and fluffy and the narration was great, but it was also pretty average and forgettable.

It's essentially a story about self-love, self-acceptance and learning to put yourself first instead of doing what others say you should do. It actually centers a lot more around that and family bonds/drama, than on the romance.

The story is cute but nothing special and the characters fell kinda flat, even though I did enjoy Lila and Mimi.

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I love a good romance book and this book is so much more than that. I could relate so much with the main character in many ways. Like being a plus size woman and not always feel right in my own skin. Plus my sister and I are encouraged by my folks since childhood to exercise and eat healthy all the time. So thank you for a relatable characters and a wonderful story!

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Love!
This book read like a feel good hallmark movie about self discovery, family, romance and finding your path - and I loved every minute of it! Such a great debut novel by Sharon M. Peterson! I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!
Also - Mimi is a hoot and a half! I loved every one of her sayings and they brought me back to my childhood!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

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Absolutely cute, funny and just swoon worthy. I loved every minute. Nice paced, great characters and I am so happy I was offered and e-audio for my honest opinion. Clean romance with a sweet story. Highly recommend!

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The cover is so good. I did not enjoy the tropes the characters werent really likeable and felt 2 hours too long for the audiibook.

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The Do Over is a story of a woman finding herself and maybe love too.

Percy has always tried to be a people pleaser regardless of how it made her feel. It never made her happy and was never good enough for others. So finally, she decides to make some changes.

New job, new hair, new goals and even a new boyfriend. But even with Percy trying to make changes in her life, she realizes it's not such an easy thing and actions do have consequences.

This story was definetely more about Percy's character growth and unpacking generational trauma then it was a true romance book. The romance acted as a side plot with the love interest Nate not popping up all that much throughout the story. I still really enjoyed both aspects of the story so I didn't really mind the romance being a sub plot.

Thank you Netgalley for an audiobook arc of the Do-Over in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

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I loved this women’s fiction romcom about Perci, who is unceremoniously dumped in an incredibly humiliating way by a boyfriend she’s not even sure she wants to be with. But much of her life fits into that category. Her job, the way she dresses, what she chooses to eat. Almost of all of is dictated in some way by her overbearing, opinionated mother, and the breakup is the catalyst Perci needs to make some changes in her life. She makes a list of anti-resolutions for the new year that include things like stop dating and stop trying to lose weight and ends up dipping her toes into a new life that suits her so much better. But is the tension it’s causing with her mother and family worth it? And will Perci be able to keep going without letting her own fears and insecurities shut her new life down?

There is a lovely romance in this book (completely steam free), but Perci’s journey is definitely at the forefront. The book is funny and heartwarming and exactly what I needed to get out of a bit of a reading funk. I loved the hysterical quotes from a free-spirited grandmother opening every chapter and the many conversations Perci had with her pet fish. I think this book is the gentle (and hysterical) nudge we all need from time to time to make sure we’re living the life we want to be living.

The audio for this one was great and the narrator did a fabulous job making Perci relatable even through the insane food fight that she starts at her parents anniversary.

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Heartwarming, funny and romantic, The Do-Over had me engrossed from start to finish.

The Mimi-isms had me laughing out loud. I loved the characters and could relate to much of Perci's issues. The spanx scene had me laughing and cheering for Perci. I rooted for Phee and Mathias as well as Perci and Nate. I felt sorry for the two sisters having a mother as annoying and interfering as theirs but it made for very satisfying reading when they finally stood up for themselves. Nate was a sweetheart and I loved his friendship with Perci and how it developed very naturally into a romance.

The audiobook was performed excellently by the narrator. The witty remarks and comedic scenes were delivered en pointe making this a very charming and amusing read.

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Perci was dumped on the radio and decides that her life needs a do-over so she develops a list of anti-resolutions this New Year's. She has some issues getting along with her mom and ends up telling her that she already has another boyfriend and it happens to be her next-door neighbor, Nate, who she has only interacted with a few times. Nate agrees to be her fake boyfriend and as time goes on, he realizes he likes spending time with Perci. Perci and her mother work through some issues and her Mimi pulls a scene from the movie the Proposal when she has a heart attack and the whole family is brought back together.

I just got approved for this book today, the same day as Publication day and archive day, so I was kinda annoyed, but I was able to listen while working and it was. a cute story.

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This book was more than I expected in the best way. If you have ever felt like you were not good enough, this story is relatable and brings hope. The characters are likable and entertaining.

I liked the narrator chosen for the book, but I didn't like her for all the voices. She did a wonderful bringing Percy to life and it matched how I would picture Percy.

Congratulations to the author on her debut!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book.

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The Do-Over by Sharon M. Peterson
Narrated by Elise Roth

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture and I am leaving this review voluntarily

It took the most humiliating break-up for me to see that my life is in serious need of a do-over. Cue my anti New Year’s resolutions that even I can’t fail:
Stop dating. (Men are the worst.)
Stop trying to lose weight. (I’m never giving up chocolate.)
Stop working so hard. (Selling mortgages is not my dream career.)
Stop trying to live up to unrealistic expectations. (Start living my best life.)
Stop trying to please my mother. (It’s not possible.)

But it turns out number five is harder than I thought, as she begins her campaign to get me back with my ex. So, what’s the perfect solution to keep her out of my love life? An imaginary boyfriend—at least he was supposed to be imaginary until I blurted out my neighbor’s name…

This is the first book I have read by Peterson and it was such a delight - from the writing style to the fantastic cast of characters. Perci has a lot of insecurities and it was so easy to connect with her that I could almost justify her outburst. So much more than a romance, Perci and Phee must learn to stand up for themselves - so there is a lot of great character development. An enjoyable read for this summer.

Rating 4/5

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW 

Review for 'The Do-Over' by Sharon M. Peterson. 

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Samantha M. Peterson, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous 

Publication date 1st August 2022.

This is Samantha M. Peterson's debut novel. 

I was originally drawn to this book by its  eye catching unique cover and intriguing as well as hilarious sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'A completely addictive, feel-good rom-com perfect for fans of TikTok sensations The Love Hypothesis, The Unhoneymooners, and Sarah Adams.' I am a huge fan of Sarah Adams so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture  that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of 48 chapters. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in the USA 🇺🇸 

This book is written in first person perspective and the main protagonist is Perci Mayfield. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.  

OMG!!!! I CANNOT REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I LAUGHED SO MUCH AND FELT SO GOOD BECAUSE OF A BOOK!!!

What an absolutely page turning, refreshing, laugh a MINUTE, emotional and amazing read!!!! It is perfectly written to hook the reader in and the title, cover and synopsis is perfect for the storyline. 

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this book which got me hook, line and sinker!! I absolutely devoured it in one reading and was completely absorbed throughout!! I loved that it feels that Perci is talking directly to me over a cup of tea at the kitchen table. I couldn't stop laughing from the first page to the end. I adore the fact that although there are quite sad moments and emotional times that within minutes Perci or Mimi has you laughing until you are in tears again. This book is a complete breathe of fresh air and is the perfect mix of 'Bridesmaids' and 'The Hangover' and 'Bridget Jones Diaries' but funnier!!!! I genuinely couldn't recommend this book any more!!!! This is the most hilarious book I have read this year. If you are looking for a light hearted read filled with romance, alcohol, love, comedy, friendship, family and so, so much more you are in the right place!! I absolutely adored the quotes/sayings from Mimi some which made me laugh out loud and others that had me deep in thought! I thought the plus size body representation and inspiration of being happy in your own body was absolutely fantastic and much needed in these times when all we see around us are adverts and programmes with slimmer ladies and not enough representations of larger sized people in romances especially. This book is thought provoking and feel good filled with positive vibes and humour!!! I loved the way it ended and it is such a heart warming page turner I'm tempted to read it all over again!!!

It is shocking to think this is Sharon's first book when it is an absolute page turner and written perfectly!!! I was devastated when I came to the end of this book and really hope that Sharon is writing her next success as I am writing this!! 

I read approximately half of this book on kindle and listened to approximately half on audio book. I must also give a huge congratulations to the narrator Elise Roth who not only brought the storyline to life by really portraying the emotions through his voice but by doing absolutely fantastic impressions of males and females with different accents so a HUGE congratulations Elise!! I cannot imagine that this was anywhere near an easy feat!!! I am looking forward to discovering more books read by yourself as you definitely have a perfect "book" voice!! I sometimes struggle to absorb the storyline through an audio book but if you are the same as me I can promise you will not have that problem with this amazing narrator!!


The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them especially Perci who I thought was absolute hilarious and who I absolutely LOVED getting to know!!! Perci teaches womwn everywhere to live life to their fullest and to love themselves as they are. I loved watching Perci's personality transformation and character growth throughout the book and she is definitely a character I won't be forgetting anytime soon. I adored her relationship with the Sal who, even though he is a fish and can't talk, made me laugh on several occasions just by swimming in his bowl!! Brent and Joel Allen were both absolute ends of bells!! I could not stand the low life idiots who didn't have dress senses, loved themselves and don't deserve a relationship with a flea let alone any of the fantastic women in this book!!! I absolutely LOVED and ADORED Mimi who was larger than life and reminds me such of my beautiful Gran who was also larger than life and would say it as it is!!! Her quoted were hilarious and thought provoking and I'm tempted to print them up and put them all over my house!!! Mathias was another absolutely amazing larger than life character who was an amazing friend at times and then others was a right div but still a huge lovable one!!! My heart went out to him at times. Whether you love them or hate them each of these characters come together perfectly to make this an absolutely epic page turner!!!


If you have never read this book you, my friend, are SERIOUSLY missing out!! This is a book you will never forget and will have tears streaming down your face in laughter and will make you feel amazing!! 


A MASSIVE WELL DONE to Sharon on a HUGE success!!! I loved every page of your book and I cannot wait to read more of your future books. I would love to see this turned into a series along with becoming a top hit movie!! Congratulations you are now one my favorite romcom authors!! Here's to your next success 🥂 

Overall a laugh a minute, thought provoking, heart warming, feel good and addictive genuine page turner that will have you crying with laughter and happiness. 

Genres covered in this book include Women's Fiction, Romance, Humour, Romantic Comedy, General Humourous Fiction and Comedy amongst others. 

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'The Love Hypothesis', 'The Unhoneymooners', Sarah Adams, Mark David Woollard, Bridget Jones and anyone looking for a feel good, heartwarming page turner!!

335 pages/ 9 hours 18 minutes audiobook reading time. 

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!! This book is £18.29 on audionook. 

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook. 

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Such a funny, feel good Rom-com.
You won't want to put it down. I got to enjoy the audio version, thanks to NetGalley and I didn't want it to end, I laughed so much and joined on the journey as the main characrer, witty and funny, decided to start living life to the fullest by giving up men and not trying to give up chocolate anymore 😂

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I really, really wanted to love this book. For the first time, I was ecstatic when I was approved for an ARC. But after starting it, I was disappointed. I feel I would have liked The Do Over more if a different person narrated. Elise Roth seemed bored when reading and didn't bring any personality to the book. I really struggled to get into it; it took me 4 days to read it when I usually finish a book in 2, and that's because I forced myself to do so as I have so many other books I want to read.

I enjoyed the Mimi-isms at the beginning of each chapter. Most were hilarious, some were insightful. I also liked that the focus was on Perci as a whole and not just her weight. Not all plus size women obsess about our weight day in and day out, nor are we all insecure about it, so I appreciated this change. I also liked that the story began and ended with no resolution resolutions.

While I know The Do Over is about Perci changing who she is, I ended up feeling bad for Bobby Jo as there was no empathy given. I also cannot recall Perci communicating explicitly to her mother how she feels when being judged or criticized and putting a boundary in place to stop her exposure to that behavior. If she did, then it wasn't in a way that was memorable but in a passive way, until she exploded, which is what happens when you don't express your feelings. However, I realize it's a book and it needs at least one antagonist.

The storyline with the talent show and Perci trying to talk Lila out of doing what she wanted: it bothered me deeply because Perci was unintentionally passing her insecurities/experiences onto Lila instead of supporting her and letting her live her own life - her main complaint about her mother. I liked that Lila wasn't deterred but wish it would have been handled differently.

Lastly, I was happy that all of the drama was between Perci and her family and that her boyfriend stayed supportive without the usual storyline of "let's break up over something small/a mistake instead of talking about it like adults" that comes with most romance books. It was a nice, refreshing change that had me considering rating this 5 stars for showing a healthy relationship. Alas, it did happened, which I felt sad about.

Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

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This is just a fun little romance, coming-of-age in a 30 year old finally finding her way in life way. Some of it was cliche and cringy but it's perfectly enjoyable as a book and very cute.

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