The Do-Over

For me, this story was a much needed change from the typical Les-Fic romance. Lots of romance to be had, but a solid story about bullying, and how it can affect people even as they get older and think they’ve moved on and healed.Characters were real and dialogue was spot on.....GBs best since Olive Oil and White Bread

Two women who went to high school together meet again over a decade and a half later. Easton Evans was a popular, but also closeted, cheerleader who now works as an account manager for some business in the sales department. Bella Hunt was a geeky, poor girl in high school who was bullied by Easton and her friends, and is now a therapist teaching a conflict resolution class which Easton is required to attend for work. Though Bella recognizes Easton immediately, after all she was crushing hard on this girl for two years, Easton has no idea who Bella is. Apparently Bella was a late bloomer; she’s also overcome a lot of personal adversity and has evolved into a more confident human being- this often times warrants a new physical appearance so it’s not a surprise that Easton doesn’t recognize her. Besides, the bully’s experience often isn’t as memorable as the bullied. Though it was Easton’s friend who did a majority of the bullying, Easton was in no way blameless. Remembering this, Bella doesn’t intend to befriend Easton but a connection is formed pretty quickly that has both women entranced. Easton, having just ended her marriage with high school boyfriend- turned husband- turned ex, is ready to experience what she’s been denying herself for all of these years (though this wasn’t highlighted a lot in the novel) and keeps inviting Bella to coffee, to dinner, to her house. Bella doesn’t want to ruin things with the truth, and there’s still pain attached to the past, but eventually their shared history is exposed.Overall this book was entertaining and sweet. I felt like it was a little slow going until about chapter 10, but then it picked up and kept me captivated until the end. I thought the flashback scenes were really effective in showing why Bella was avoiding the conversation about her past with Easton and they also made you sympathize with her character.There were plenty of relatable elements – like painful past school experiences and coming to terms with your sexuality (I used to get those dreams too, but they ceased after I stopped suppressing myself). I really liked how the side characters had their own voices and even a little side plot, it added dimension to the story. I especially liked Amy- her lines were humorous.One thing that I felt was a little overlooked was the fact that Easton had a kid so a relationship with her also meant a relationship with her daughter. I understand that the main focus was on the past and moving on, but this whole fact was completely glossed over.I really liked the juxtaposition of the two ice cream scenes- the one from 2003 in which Bella is being bullied compared to the one in the present where her and Easton are eating ice cream together. In the 2003 scene Bella was serving Easton and her friends while working at the ice cream stand, and in the present, Easton brought her a sundae as a surprise, not yet realizing the relevance of her actions, but it plays towards some redemption that the narrative pushes along to make you want them both to be together despite the past.If modern contemporary romances with a dash of angst is your thing, then you might enjoy The Do Over

Georgia Beers takes bullying and makes it part of the past that Bella is haunted by. No one should just stand by while a bully is at work but that is what Easton had done all those years ago. The book shows how one can move on from a tortured past and have a good life. I really, really liked both ladies and their personalities were very well defined. I loved how the story ended. I definitely recommend this book and would give it more than 5 stars if I could. Thank you, Ms. Beers, for a book that made my heart happy.

So good. The build up the history and the connection were so spot on. I immediately loved both characters and wanted them to find a way to do-over what they both missed out on all those years ago.If you’re considering reading this book, consider no longer, go out and get yourself a copy. You will not be disappointed!

I'm not sure what I can say that I havent said in a review for any of GBs books. They are all really well written stories that are hard to put down. I will buy anything she puts out without hesitation, and I'm always a little sad to finish her books because I'll have to wait for the next release. If you are new to her books, you need to read them all. Every single one because there isnt a bad one in the whole long list of them!

Georgia Beers never disappoints, but this novel is exceptionally moving. In it, two beautiful women, 15 years after being in the same high school class where they were adversaries who struggled in very different ways with their sexual identities, meet again. They are hundreds of miles from their small hometown, both in a corporate class on conflict resolution (ironically, of course). Be prepared to laugh, cry, and feel their intimate struggle to reconcile their past in order to try to embrace their future. Of five stars, I would give this six (6.5 if you love dogs).

Been a fan of Georgia Beers since she published “Thy Neighbors Wife” which I really enjoyed. But honestly, the “Do Over” was just mediocre at best.

Where is the story? The high school story if elaborated would have made a better one. This book is really sad.

Just Brilliant! What a story!Bella runs into an old high school nemesis, and crush, Easton, while teaching a class in conflict resolution. Bella is instantly flustered but it is quickly apparent that she is just as invisible to Easton Evans now as she was back then, but in a different way. Easton simply doesn’t connect the dots and fate keeps putting them in one another’s path. When Easton gets talking to Bella about her marriage breaking down, and why, a spark ignites between them. Bella can’t bear the thought of having to tell Easton the truth, and although she tries, the opportunity just keeps from presenting itself. That is until Easton gets a blast from the past and suddenly all her memories of ‘Izzy’ come back, but can she bury the guilt in the hope that forgiveness will be received and she might be happy with Bella?I have never read anything like this before and I absolutely loved it, and hope more stories like this exist. They are just so great. When I picked up the book I had no idea what to expect, and yet I was overwhelmed with emotion. The whole thing was just something I got completely invested in, totally understood, totally sympathised with both characters, and found relatable. What really made it for me was being able to feel what the characters were going through, their thoughts, and feelings, and all their emotions. I laughed, and I cried, and I just found myself totally getting the characters completely. I mean who hasn’t had experiences like Easton’s and Bella’s? And that portrayal of guilt Easton felt and went through, I totally got that.I got so emotionally invested in the story and characters that I couldn’t fault it.Easton and Bella were perfect! I loved Bella’s spirit, she was hopeful, positive, forgiving and kind, totally understanding of Easton and why she wouldn’t remember her and kind of happy about it. That I got! I really, really got it, and love that I could relate. Nothing better than when someone who caused you pain in the past totally doesn’t remember you, that is unless you are in Bella’s shoes and want to but don’t want to be recognised because you might have a chance at a happiness you once wanted. My heart couldn’t handle it well and I cried so much with Bella, and for her. But Easton, I wanted to hate her and just couldn’t. I was certain there was something more behind the past, and her not remembering and I’m glad I believed in her. These two, I want to see more of because I haven’t had nearly enough of them yet!Absolutely fantastic! A great, realistic, loveable romance, with an amazing story and great moral behind it too! A new favourite to add to the list.

Ok, I was always going to like this one. I am a sucker for a second chance novel and GB was sure to make this a good read. As always, Ms Beers creates likeable, relatable characters and sets the scene beautifully. The teenage version of the main characters reminded me of my school years and many of us will be able to relate to this part of the story.It's an all-round good read, and one of my favourites this year so far!

So firstly, it’s really well written, a given for this author.Slight spoilers follow..This deals somewhat with bullying and from an interesting angle. I think there was a missed trick to look at bullies children becoming bullies and how that could be handled. It also felt like it was a bit rushed at the end, I’d have liked an epilogue or just a little more....

GB flows nicely between modern day and flashbacks in this book. Her character details are on point, but it just doesn't quite add up to her usual standards. Agree with other reviews that it is more of a short story and everything was just too NICE. Even the ex husband. The hiding of her identity went on for too long and was a bit wishy washy when it came to light. Potential for something awesome, but it fell flat.

Great read as ever from the wonder that is Georgia beers ,I've never been disappointed with her books and this one is no different.truly a great story of romance with wonderful characters whom I fell in love with.