The Do-Over – T L Swan
Content Notes:
Published/Pages: 2022/553
POV: Dual – Hero & Heroine (1 Chapter from a side character POV)
Trope: Secret Billionaire, Forced Proximity, Friends to Lovers
Goodreads Bookshelves: Contemporary Romance, Favorites, Forced Proximity, Friends to Lovers, Secret Billionaire, World Travel
HEA: Yes
Steam Level: 4/4
Swearing: 5/5
Trigger Warnings: Alcohol, Anxiety, Dysphoria, Homelessness, Perfectionism
My Rating:
Book Description:
I’m wealthy, powerful, and able to get any woman I want. So why do I feel so empty inside? In search of a deeper me, I take a sabbatical from my privileged life. One year of backpacking around Europe: a new identity, no contacts, and no money. Not a bad plan, I think. Until I get there. A crowded hostel room, body odor, and beer bongs—there are no words for the fresh hell I’ve landed in. But amid the chaos, I meet my new roommate, Hayden Whitmore. She sleeps in the bed opposite me, and I openly admit to staring at her more than I sleep. Beautiful, innocent, and smart. Not my usual type but perhaps the perfect woman. There’s just one small problem with the divine Miss Hayden. She’s totally unaffected by my charm. Nothing is working, and now, I’ve been friend zoned. What? But the good thing about me is that I’m an incredible problem solver, and I’ve come up with a diabolical plan. I’m going to slide right in under her friend zone. Be the best damn friend she ever had, hold her hand, make her laugh, and spoon with her in bed. But now there’s another problem. Hayden is the one who is sliding under my skin, and maybe friendship isn’t enough.
My Goodreads Review (No Spoilers)
My Review (w/spoilers):
Hayden & Christopher
This book has quickly jumped to my top ten favorite books. It’s a pretty thick book at 551 pages, and I enjoyed every page! It’s a steamy romance with world travels, sacrifices, family, love and tough choices. Although this is the last book in the series, it is the first one I’ve read.
To be frank, Christopher is an absolute ass. He just has this jaded view on life that affects his everyday relationships. Except with his family. I really liked his brothers and their relationships; it reminded me of my brothers.
His relationship with women though… Jeez… I almost stopped reading it because of it. But I knew that a terrible person like this has room to make serious growth. Ironically, he used women to protect himself for women. But the amount of sex this man had… I’m not judging, but DAMN he had a lot of sex!
“I SMILE AS I WATCH HIM. PITY HE’S SUCH A DICK.” -HAYDEN
I admire him making the choice to actually try and change his life. This is a guy who has had everything handed to him, never had any real challenges. His sister in-law –Carly, even points this out; “Your life has been so perfect that you’ve never had to dig deep to find out who you really are” he responds with; “I disagree. Why do people think that only hardship builds character?”. She kisses his cheek and says; “Because diamonds are made under pressure.” Being told he was like coal, not a diamond, was the perfect metaphor for him to decide to backpack for twelve months.
When he finally arrives, Christopher faces a few hiccups, poor guy. I mean the cab situation… with the throw up! Freaking hilarious. He decided to stay though and that’s admirable. Especially since he could have just fallen back on his money. Even if he only stayed because he knew he’d get crap from his brothers. The point is, he stayed.
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE WITH ME?” I WHISPER. “YOU SHOULD BE OUT CHASING GIRLS.” “YOU’RE MY ONLY GIRL,” HE WHISPERS”
His relationship with Hayden was a special one from the beginning. They’re instantly drawn together, and I really enjoy their banter. I like that he calls her Grumps. It’s interesting how quickly they start sleeping in the same bed, cuddling. Especially since he’s a man who only ever slept with two women at once. I like the progression of their relationship. It seemed natural, not forced.
I enjoyed all the roommates; it was a fun group and cute how they all decided on twelve months and twelve countries. I really enjoyed reading about all their adventures, with the obscure jobs they had to take, in all the different countries.
“Because that’s what love is. Putting another person above all else. Giving yourself over to them completely. Trusting your heart with the woman you love.” -Hayden
Little Eddie seriously melted my heart. His story was seriously surprising. I can’t believe he didn’t know how to read or write! Or that he was homeless! Oh my… when Christopher flew back to see him, and watched him in his “house”, heartbreaking. Everything about their relationship with Eddie was beautiful. How Christopher felt a need to take care of him. How Eddie proudly took care of Hayden. And how both Hayden and Christopher came to check on Eddie at the same time, even though they weren’t talking.
Speaking of heartbreaking… When they have sex in the bathroom… oh man. That hurt. “Not only have I lost the woman I love… I used her for sex.” UGGHH! And the entire conversation after. One more time… UGGHH!
“Thank you, Christo,” he whispers into my shoulder. “Thank you so much.” I smile as I hold him. “Call me Dad.” -Christopher
It’s beautiful how they found their way back to each other with their late-night phone calls. All the sacrifices and choices that were made were understandable. Some heartbreaking, but understandable.
But their new home; Bumfuck, Nowhere. I mean he bought her a freaking farm y’all! A couple 100 acres. Freaking *SWOON*
While I truly love this book, I don’t think I’m going to read the other books in the series. Maybe sometime down the road, but this is the one that interested me right now.
HOWEVER, I can’t wait to read the epilogue in her upcoming release; Miles Ever After: the book of extended epilogues for the Miles High series.
This book is number 4 of 4 in the Miles High Club Series (a brothers series). It is however, a standalone.
Diary of a bookworm 
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