Finding Love Amidst Competition: ‘The Wake Up Call’ by Beth O’Leary – Book Review

The Wake Up Call presents readers with an enjoyable blend of romance, humor, and a vintage hotel setting that sets the stage for this enemies-to-lovers story.

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From The Publisher:

Two hotel receptionists—and arch-rivals—find a collection of old wedding rings and compete to return them to their owners, discovering their own love story along the way.

It’s the busiest season of the year, and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So when Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel’s front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside and see it through.

The hotel won’t stay afloat beyond Christmas without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest’s lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way to fix everything. With four rings still sitting in the lost & found, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel—and their jobs.

As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, Izzy and Lucas begin to wonder if there’s more at stake here than the hotel’s future. Can the two of them make it through the season with their hearts intact?

My Thoughts:

Set against the backdrop of the Forest Manor Hotel, Izzy and Lucas, two rival hotel receptionists, find themselves in a situation where they must put their differences aside and work together during the busiest season of the year. The hotel is in disrepair, and the duo’s task is to save it from impending closure. This premise sets the stage for a captivating close-proximity and workplace romance.

Both Izzy and Lucas carry the weight of past family losses, which adds depth to their characters and helps shape their personalities. Lucas is cautious, while Izzy lives for the moment, creating an intriguing dynamic. The challenge they set for themselves—to find the owners of the lost wedding rings with a promise to change the other—is a clever plot device that keeps the story engaging.

The vintage feel of the hotel adds a charming and cozy atmosphere to the narrative, immersing readers in a unique world. O’Leary’s writing shines through with witty banter between the characters and a grand romantic gesture.

However, on a critical note, the book does feel a bit long, especially in the first half, which can make it hard to stay focused. The connection between the characters may not be as convincing as some readers would like in a romance novel, leaving room for improvement in their emotional depth.

Regarding the audiobook format, Jessica Cave’s narration is easy to listen to, with her lovely expressive tone bringing the story to life. On the other hand, Lino Facioli’s narration may come off as somewhat monotone, which could be intentional given the character’s background but might not appeal to everyone. If you prefer a more enthusiastic narrator, you may want to opt for the written format. The use of different audio styles for telephone calls adds an interesting touch to the listening experience.

In summary, “The Wake Up Call” by Beth O’Leary offers a charming and enjoyable hotel romance with its dual points of view, vintage setting, and engaging plot. While it may feel a bit lengthy at times and the romance might lack a deeper connection, it’s still a delightful read that will leave you with a smile. Whether you choose to read it or listen to the audiobook, you’re in for a heartwarming tale of love and rivalry.

Another Romance You Might Enjoy:

Happy Place by Emily Henry