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georginap92 's review for:
Love, Accidentally
by Phoebe MacLeod
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Love, Accidentally follows Tilly, a warm-hearted and slightly chaotic A&E doctor whose world is turned upside down after a relationship at work takes an unexpected and painful turn. Between juggling demanding shifts, difficult family dynamics, and her own emotional fallout, Tilly stumbles into a journey of self-discovery, surprising connections, and the potential for something real – all wrapped up in the kind of whirlwind that only life in a hospital (and a romcom) can deliver.
Tilly is instantly likeable – warm, relatable, and someone you’d happily be mates with (ideally over a bottle of wine and some sisterly advice). She carries the heart of the book, and her kindness and self-awareness make her easy to root for. Mike, her flatmate, is another standout – refreshingly platonic, endlessly supportive, and frankly an icon in the “good men exist” department. On the other hand, I really struggled with Lena and Tilly’s mum. Both felt more like blood pressure-raising obstacles than helpful presences, but perhaps that’s the point. Natasha and Jonathan, meanwhile, offered some grounding kindness that helped balance things out.
Plot-wise, it moves at a good clip – short, snappy chapters that keep you engaged and make it all too easy to say “just one more” until it’s 2am and your tea’s gone cold. The storyline itself is fairly straightforward, and once certain red flags started waving, it wasn’t hard to guess the direction things were heading. That said, it’s the ride – not the destination – that makes it enjoyable. The A&E setting adds just the right amount of organised chaos, and there are some genuinely funny and heartfelt moments woven in with the drama.
MacLeod’s writing remains true to her usual style – warm, easy to read, and full of believable dialogue. If you’ve read her before, you’ll feel right at home here. That said, this one didn’t quite hit the emotional high notes I know she’s capable of. Topics like adultery and attempted suicide are touched on but not deeply explored, which makes them feel slightly brushed over. A more sensitive approach might have helped those plot points land better without derailing the book’s overall light tone.
Romance-wise, things unfold in stages – a few meet-cutes, some slow burns, and a second-chance vibe that keeps things interesting without being overly cliché. The variety actually works quite well, much like a ward full of mismatched patients all needing different things. I especially appreciated the presence of Green Flag men like Mike and Will, even if the speed at which certain relationships developed – particularly involving Isaac – felt a little unrealistic. As a parent, I’d probably have raised an eyebrow or two before fully embracing the situation.
Overall, Love, Accidentally is a charming, fast-paced read with some lovely character moments and enough emotional depth to keep things from feeling fluffy. It might not be MacLeod’s strongest, but it’s still a comforting, engaging story that blends heart, humour, and a bit of hospital drama – minus the scrubs
Tilly is instantly likeable – warm, relatable, and someone you’d happily be mates with (ideally over a bottle of wine and some sisterly advice). She carries the heart of the book, and her kindness and self-awareness make her easy to root for. Mike, her flatmate, is another standout – refreshingly platonic, endlessly supportive, and frankly an icon in the “good men exist” department. On the other hand, I really struggled with Lena and Tilly’s mum. Both felt more like blood pressure-raising obstacles than helpful presences, but perhaps that’s the point. Natasha and Jonathan, meanwhile, offered some grounding kindness that helped balance things out.
Plot-wise, it moves at a good clip – short, snappy chapters that keep you engaged and make it all too easy to say “just one more” until it’s 2am and your tea’s gone cold. The storyline itself is fairly straightforward, and once certain red flags started waving, it wasn’t hard to guess the direction things were heading. That said, it’s the ride – not the destination – that makes it enjoyable. The A&E setting adds just the right amount of organised chaos, and there are some genuinely funny and heartfelt moments woven in with the drama.
MacLeod’s writing remains true to her usual style – warm, easy to read, and full of believable dialogue. If you’ve read her before, you’ll feel right at home here. That said, this one didn’t quite hit the emotional high notes I know she’s capable of. Topics like adultery and attempted suicide are touched on but not deeply explored, which makes them feel slightly brushed over. A more sensitive approach might have helped those plot points land better without derailing the book’s overall light tone.
Romance-wise, things unfold in stages – a few meet-cutes, some slow burns, and a second-chance vibe that keeps things interesting without being overly cliché. The variety actually works quite well, much like a ward full of mismatched patients all needing different things. I especially appreciated the presence of Green Flag men like Mike and Will, even if the speed at which certain relationships developed – particularly involving Isaac – felt a little unrealistic. As a parent, I’d probably have raised an eyebrow or two before fully embracing the situation.
Overall, Love, Accidentally is a charming, fast-paced read with some lovely character moments and enough emotional depth to keep things from feeling fluffy. It might not be MacLeod’s strongest, but it’s still a comforting, engaging story that blends heart, humour, and a bit of hospital drama – minus the scrubs