BLOG TOUR: THE DO OVER by A.L. ZAUN ~ REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

 

Welcome to my stop on The Do Over Blog Tour!

This tour was organized by AToMR. To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpt click here

My stop includes a review and tour giveaway.

  

 

Category/Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Self-Published

Publication Date: 5/20/13
Format: eARC
Source: Received from author for review

 

Life doesn't look like it's supposed to for Daniela, aka Dani. After a painful break-up with Rick, Dani decides she doesn't want to deal with the hassles of relationship.

After almost two years, Dani's friends stage an intervention, forcing her out of her holding pattern and back into the real world of dating.

Liam, a down to earth firefighter, may be just the person to show her she’s still worth something. Their chemistry is instant and electric. But will Dani be able to trust her patched-up heart with him?

And what will happen when Rick decides he’ll go to any lengths to get her back?

Gosh, I don't even know where to begin with The Do Over. For starters, I really enjoyed it, and it was way more than I expected. The Do Over is a big story, both in length and emotions. It is a story of broken hearts, mending hearts, new love, bad decisions, good decisions and second chances.

The Do Over is a story told in three point-of-view. We have Dani, the heroine, who had her heart stomped on by Rick in the prologue. Fast forward to two years later, Dani is still emotionally vulnerable, choosing to spend her time lost in books. This was fabulous. As someone who would much rather be reading than making small talk, I could relate to Dani. Granted, she's taken the obsession to extremes, owns three Kindles, and is need of an intervention. But still, who can blame her, right? Dani was a fiery and emotional character, and I really liked her. When she meets Liam, their chemistry is insane. Liam wants to get involved, and so does Dani, but she is very wary. No matter how much Lucas reassures her that she's the only woman he wants, forever, Dani just can't get past her tumultuous relationship with Rick. She puts Liam through the wringer at times, which made me want to put her through the wringer. But, The Do Over is her journey of self-discovery and emotional growth, and the author did a really great job of developing Dani's character throughout the story.

The second point-of-view in The Do Over was Liam's. Wow. Liam was perfect, and I honestly can't think of one less-than-glowing thing to say about him. He's a firefighter, gorgeous, sweet, hopelessly in love with Dani, and willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy. He even gets involved in her reading addiction and thinks her emotional attachment to characters and books is adorable. Liam was the total package and any chick would be a fool to ever let him go. Dani definitely puts Liam through his paces, and I loved that the author did show his irritation at always having to reassure, but that he tried his best to always be patient with her. Another really strong aspect to the character (and positive for the author) is that Liam holds Dani accountable for her actions when the poo hits the fan. I loved that no matter how much Liam loves Dani, he will not settle for second best.

Rick. Or in my mind, Rick the D!ck. I've rarely found a story that includes the point-of-view from the "bad guy's" perspective, and I was worried that I would hate reading his chapters. WRONG. Rick, despite my wanting to hate him, was FABULOUS. Seriously, he was kind of awesome. This is a dude that is selfish, vain, arrogant, ruthless, and several more adjectives that require the use of strong expletives. But, he was honest to a fault, and I appreciate that in a character. Now, that's not to say that I ever, ever wanted Rick to win, but I kind of loved him, and especially where his own story went. I'm hoping I haven't seen the last of this lovable asshat.

I will say that The Do Over did seem to be a bit long. I think this is mainly due to drawing out Dani's development, which is true to her character. But, I devoured this book. Dani and Liam's friends were all great assets to the story, often providing much-needed levity. The Do Over had great characterizations and an honest look at love and relationships. I will most definitely be reading the follow-up, It's Not Over. If that book is about whom/what I think it's about, it may be even better than The Do Over.



Favorite Quote:

  "I will not hand over my Kindle," I protested. Even if I had two more at home, I wasn't going to do it. I stood firm on my inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Keeping my Kindle was my Constitutional right.   ~eARC, 4%


  "But this here," he said, holding my hand over his heart, "this is yours." I love that you read your books. But the truth is I'll never be able to compete with your book boyfriends. I'll never be that Professor character. And even as much as I'll continue to serenade you, I will not become one of those rock star book guys. I'm just me, but I'm yours. All of me is yours. My heart, everything, all of it, yours...I love you, Daniela Ruiz."   ~eARC, 42%


  "When it comes to Dani, embrace your mangina. Now isn't the time to turn off your p*ssy-whipped, tampon needing, birth control commercial chickness. Dude, suck it up and go to her."  ~eARC, 94%

 

Purchase The Do Over at:

 

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) Print copy of The Do Over – US/Canada
(1) eBook Copy of The Do Over - International
(1) $5 Gift Card – International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

About the author:
A.L. Zaun graduated from Florida International University with a degree in English Literature a long time ago. A degree she didn’t use at all in her professional endeavors. She loves to read, write and take pictures. She walks around with her camera, and most importantly she has her e-reader available at all times. Healthcare Management by day, Mommy in the evening and most nights, you can find her sitting in front of her laptop with a bottle of Diet Pepsi, bringing the voices in her head to life on the pages of her debut novel, The Do Over.

Connect with A.L. at:
Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  GoodReads