I really wanted to like this enemies-to-lovers romance but I had a few problems with it. I will start off with something that I did like and that was the dual points of view. Each chapter alternated with our main character's (Izzy and Lucas) POV. The location of Forest Manor Hotel and Spa was wonderful, especially for a Christmas time plot. The hotel sounds like a place I would like to visit, an old (emphasis on old) manor house turned luxury hotel. I also loved the eclectic group of guests the hotel has. An utterly delicious read. Amazing chemistry, characters to fall in love with, and all that Beth O’Leary magic. Irresistible.”―Louise O’Neill, author of Idol

As with many romance novels, this entire story wouldn’t even exist had Izzy simply asked Lucas “WTF?!?!?!?!?!” when she caught him mistletoe-ing her friend at the annual Christmas soiree. But, of course that didn’t happen so you get to spend the majority of the novel being frustrated until you get to the big “ohhhhhhhh, so that’s why” at the very end. The chemistry between the two characters was off the charts. And I loved the other side characters as I already said. O’Leary’s is full of heart, humor, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. While this will easily find a spot on holiday displays, it will also appeal to readers who love enemies-to-lovers storylines with supporting characters who shine.”― Library Journal

It's the most entertaining, laugh-out-loud read among Beth O'Leary's works, with fewer dramatic and angsty moments. Oh my gosh. What a great enemy-to-lovers rom-com, that while it had some of the traditional tropes, still felt refreshing and new. I absolutely loved the dichotomy of Izzy and Lucas’ personalities, and the side characters provided such depth to the story, I never minded when they stole the spotlight from the main plot. 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 palpable chemistry between Izzy and Lucas, along with their witty banter, completely engrossed me in their love story. Izzy's vulnerability in opening up her feelings after being crushed by Lucas' rejection a year ago, and Lucas' efforts to make her fall in love with him, his patience, and his inner sweetness made me sigh and smile countless times.

And, Beth O’Leary always manages to make me smile-there are definitely a few clever revelations that bring this Christmas story full circle by the end. I have a love-hate with romances revolving around a miscommunication that could easily be solved with one conversation. In this case, it's a yearlong miscommunication that has convinced Izzy her coworker, Lucas, is the bane of her existence. On top of that, there was an enemies-with-benefits situation. Absolutely sizzling, yes, but it only furthered my annoyance that these two simply didn't clear the air sooner. Beth O’Leary can do no wrong! I’ve loved each and every one of her books, and The Wake-Up Call is yet another gorgeous, evocative romance. Beth has a gift for creating complicated, tender-hearted characters and dreamy, whimsical settings that you never want to leave behind. Put this on your TBR immediately.”―Carley Fortune, New York Times bestselling author of Meet Me at the Lake I really needed a strong romance read and this one was it. O'Leary took her time setting up why Izzy and Lucas did not get along and the slow turn from enemies to lovers was realistic. I loved both characters, and other characters like "Poor Mandy" and Mr. Townsend. The writing really snapped in this one and the humor was great. I felt like I was getting a great romantic comedy movie in book form and I just wanted more. The ending was very sweet and I loved it. I think O'Leary had some misses the past few years so I was hesitant to buy this one, but am glad I did. 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?The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary is a fun read. O'Leary's writing style engaged me throughout the book. My eagerness to read from chapter to chapter was kept alive by clever dialogue and entertaining plot twists. fell in love with Izzy, who is adventurous, original, shiny, creative, optimistic, and kind-hearted! And let's not forget about our brooding hero, Lucas, who hides behind a stubborn, serious, robotic facade, despite being a real cinnamon bun. He's caring, sensitive, and a romantic planner!

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. My first O’Leary book and I can certainly understand the appeal. This rom-com was all things sweet and charming, and so wonderfully British. It was very easy to be swept up in the delightfulness of it all. The supporting characters at Forest Manor Hotel are nothing short of perfection! From Mrs. SB and the unpredictable Mandy (who's like a wild card in the story) to Arjun and the potentially godsend Mr. Townsend (if this book ever gets adapted into a movie, please cast Bill Nighy for this role), not to mention the lively Hedgers family, Barty, and Ollie, they all make you feel like a part of their family.

‘Beth O’Leary is that rare, one-in-a-million talent who can make you laugh, swoon, cry and ache all in the same book’ Emily Henry

Playful, warm, uplifting, and so very satisfying. O’Leary has a gift for taking the reader to a place so full of joy, we never want to leave. Just lovely.”―Caroline Hulse, author of All the Fun of the Fair The saving grace? There are some great secondary characters and the holiday season and lovely setting add a nice dose of charm. The ending also turns the mood around. Had it not taken so long to get there, and if the more appealing aspects of the story had been amped up, I would’ve liked the story more.

If you’re looking for a delightfully steamy, cozy, romantic, and chortle-out-loud read, grab The Wake-Up Call asap because Beth O’Leary gives us everything in this unputdownable rom com!”―Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of The Gentleman’s Gambit

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Beth O’Leary has become a must-read author, with rom-coms like The Flatshare and The Road Trip at the top of our favorites list. She follows suit with The Wake-Up Call.” ―Country Living But when Izzy puts her heart on the line, and confesses her true feelings to Lucas in a Christmas card-suggesting that they meet under the mistletoe-and arrives to find him kissing her roommate instead, she vows to NEVER forgive either one. It's a sweet enough story as long as all you want is a love/hate romance for most of the book. Its filled with misunderstandings, misreading and some very dubious set pieces that were a bit on the cringey side. The Forest Manor Hotel works hard over the holidays to survive and welcomes guests like family. It is filled with twists, and banter when coworkers Izzy and Lucas make the workplace difficult with their constant fighting.