The Do-Over by Lynn Painter takes readers on a delightful journey through the chaotic life of Emilie Hornsby, a high school junior who experiences a Valentine’s Day gone wrong. The story begins with Emilie’s meticulously planned day turning into a nightmare – her seemingly perfect boyfriend, Josh, is caught cheating; her dad reveals a life-altering decision, and her car collides with her chemistry lab partner Nick Stark’s truck. The unexpected turn of events catapults Emilie into a time loop, forcing her to relive February 14th repeatedly. What ensues is a rollercoaster of attempts to undo the day’s calamities, with Emilie encountering Nick in various ways during each iteration. As Emilie navigates the time loop, her interactions with Nick gradually evolve into a connection so adorable it leaves readers silently rooting for them to just get together.
One of the standout features of the book is the well-crafted romance between Emilie and Nick. When we are first introduced to Nick, he comes off as a stereotypical “I’m not like other guys” type of person but as the story progresses we see he is actually a character dealing with personal issues and grief. The relationship between Emilie and Nick progresses organically over the series of repeating days, avoiding the pitfalls of monotony often associated with time loop plots.
Emilie’s journey goes beyond the romantic arc, delving into her perfectionist tendencies and the challenges stemming from her parents’ messy divorce. The novel skillfully weaves humor into the narrative, with Emilie’s italicized confessions providing a playful touch and hints of her rebellious side. The confessions, along with references to Taylor Swift’s songs and lyrics, create a relatable and humorous atmosphere.
The exploration of serious themes, such as divorce, grief, and societal expectations, adds depth to the story. Emilie’s growth from a people-pleaser to someone who stands up for herself is a central aspect of the narrative. The author captures the complexities of teenage experiences, making Emilie’s journey one that readers can relate to personally. While some moments feel cringe-worthy or unnatural, the overall charm and heartwarming nature of the novel overshadow these instances. Lynn Painter successfully combines romance, humor, and meaningful themes, creating a story that resonates with readers. One memorable aspect of the book is Emilie’s Day of No Consequences (DONC) with Nick, a day filled with adventures, leather pants, fast cars, and shared secrets.
In conclusion, The Do-Over is a captivating rom-com that offers more than just a love story. If you overlook the cringe moments and read it for fun, it’s the perfect book for you. Lynn Painter crafts a narrative that balances charm, relatable characters, and exploration of deeper themes. It is a heartwarming and enjoyable portrayal of teenage experiences, and I give it a 7/10 overall.