Olivia follows the rules. She has a good job, she eats only what she is supposed to, she works out. But she isn't happy. What happens when good girl Olivia starts saying no? She quits her job and moves out of her apartment. She buys a nonrefundable ticket to meet her friends in Africa. What could go wrong?

From the Jump is my second novel from Lacie Waldon. I loved The Layover, and was very excited to read this book. It lived up to my expectations. From the Jump was a cute, quick read. The friends to lovers trope is one of my favorites, and I really enjoyed this one. I also really enjoyed the banter throughout the book.

Overall, this was a book that I would recommend to my friends.

Thank you so much to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel before it was published in exchange for an honest review.

This book was sweet and wonderful, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved watching and waiting for each character to work through his and her feelings. They were all so well developed, and I really loved the flashbacks to college where we got to learn more about how this group originally met and bonded.

I just loved Olivia! I could relate to her so much. Liv tries so hard to do everything she “should.” She doesn’t put on a false front, she isn’t doing it for anyone else, she just feels like she SHOULD be doing all these things and she is really good at the shoulds. She just sacrifices her own happiness to make them happen. She seems like a total enneagram 1!! And this friend group — Love them all! Phoebe is such an amazing encourager and is always in Liv’s corner. Mac who comes off as a total playboy on the outside but has so much hidden underneath. Deiss who is so secretive about his past EXCEPT with Liv, he’s super protective of her and so tender with her! Then there’s Simone who comes off as super passive aggressive IMO but seems to really get away with it! And their friends all seem to love her for it anyway… and I think Simone realizes this group is GOLD and that she has their unconditional love, but she struggles to reconcile that with a need to be the Queen Bee. I honestly think she’s just insecure, and I love her for it. So when Olivia and Deiss admit their feelings for each other and immediately seem so comfortable together, Simone feels blindsided. Not that she was harboring feelings for Deiss, which maybe that too, but because she can’t stand for Liv to get him instead. Simone tries to ruin their relationship, but makes a huge mistake that nearly detonates their entire friend group in the process. It all wraps up so neatly and this friend group proves stronger than all their faults.

This one gets five stars and all the heart-eyes from me!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!

I was not expecting this to be such a powerful story for me. I think as someone who, like Liv, has trouble saying no, I really loved her journey of coming out of her comfort zone. The swooniness also helps!

From the Jump follows a group of five friends, Liv, Phoebe, Simone, Mac, and Deiss who become friends on the first day of college orientation. It's set mostly in the present, where Liv decides to say no to a work project, gets put on leave, and joins the group on their annual trip abroad.

Overall this is a wonderful contemporary romance that was a quick read and kept me smiling all the way through. A perfect summer read!

Liv says yes to everyone but herself. She is trying to fit into a perfect mold and it's eating away at her. Her best friends from college go on adventures and she can never come because she is always saying yes to work because they need her. When her friends take a trip to Africa without her, she vows this is the last time. She is done not going on adventures and she is saying yes to herself.
Her best friends are her family. She would do anything for them and she loves their tight knit group. She decides to book a flight to Africa a day after her friends leave and when she shows up nothing goes right but everything falls into place. Lucas, her emotionally unavailable friend, could just be more.
After 11 years, hiding secrets and waiting around, Lucas finds a way to convince Liv to take a chance on them, but will this destroy their group? What happens when they inevitably end because Lucas is not one to settle down. Things are not always as they seem though and friendships are tested when secrets emerge.
I really liked Lucas, he was a great part of this book, waiting around for Liv all these years. I honestly just wish he wasn't the way he was WHILE waiting for her, but I definitely have more issues with this than most. I also loved the tight knit made family and the side romance with Mac and Phoebe. When things went down within the group though, I really felt like they didn't talk enough and a bunch of things were just brushed under the rug without anything being resolved.
Thank you to Lacie Waldon, Penguin and Netgalley for an early copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Having enjoyed the Belize-set enemies-to-lovers romance in Waldon's debut novel The Layover (and been fortunate enough to chat with her on my podcast, to which you can find a link at the bottom of this review), I was eager for more vacation time in her sophomore effort. It doesn't spend as much time in South Africa as I thought it would—about only half the plot rather than the 80% I'd predicted. But that's okay, because it's quite the charming and heartfelt adventure, one that's led by a relatable character who's following her instincts and figuring out what she really wants after having strived for so long to meet society's expectations. Specifically, these are the kind of expectations that are imposed on women as a whole, forcing them to reach for a wide range of impossible standards that clash with each other. That's what makes From the Jump come off not as the straightforward contemporary romance that the marketing has made it appear, but as a "growmance"—a term I'm borrowing from one of my favorite book podcasts, Not Your Mom's Romance Book Club, to describe a romance novel in which the significant amount of personal growth that one or both of the MCs undergoes has enough of a presence that it can rival the romance itself for being the main plotline.

In addition, I found myself getting invested in the fact that Liv's habit of always saying "yes" and desire for a type-A life had planted their roots in her impoverished childhood, the many men she saw leave her flighty mom behind in spite of how much her mom tried to cling onto them, and the pressure she put on Liv to pursue a life of perfection. This is why Liv made it her to goal to be the opposite of her mom by avoiding showing any signs of weakness or emotion—something she achieved well enough that it inspired her pals to nickname her the Ice Queen. I actually wish we'd been able to delve a little more deeply into her upbringing. Even though the crucial role that it played in shaping her character is fairly clear, I feel like there's some territory in the mother-daughter dynamic that's left unresolved.

As for the slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance between Liv and Deiss, it’s easy to dive into their dynamic and root for them to fully realize their feelings for each other. It’s a good thing, too, considering I can be sometimes averse to the friends-to-lovers trope, particularly if it feels like the MCs have been implausibly blind to their emotions all this time. Deiss, a music aficionado who owns a record store named Studio Sounds, has an intriguing backstory of his own that, for me at least, raised the stakes for the romance, since I was able to predict how it would tie into the main plot.

Liv's buddies make for an endearing supporting roster, with her college roommate Phoebe, wealthy influencer Simone, and jaunty model Mac. He and Phoebe actually used to date for six years before breaking up and remaining platonic friends for the next five years. I appreciate the impact this has on everyone, what with the tightrope Phoebe and Mac are walking on to stay friends and steer clear of any strife that could split up the group. It's a sufficient explanation for why Liv and Deiss hadn't risked taking things to the next level earlier.

Most of the book takes place in present-day first-person POV, but it also gives us a few flashbacks to the friend group’s early days, which gives some insight into how effortlessly they'd been able to mesh together. In fact, they're so close that Liv looks forward to seeing her buddies on the third Thursday of every month, claiming these days are holidays that are even better than Christmas or Halloween. I especially thought the chemistry between Phoebe and Mac was irresistible. They basically have their own second chance romance happening on the side.

Admittedly, I do feel ambivalent over a certain third-act betrayal. Without spoiling the circumstances, I'll say that I understand the resolution it reached and the purpose it has in preserving the whole friend group, but the way we get there feels rushed. I wish a bit more time could have been devoted to the decision that this character made and the ramifications it had for everybody. But I love where the rest of the group ends up, so that's some nice compensation.

Overall, From the Jump is another easygoing winner from Lacie Waldon. I'll be looking forward to what she does with her third contemporary romance.

Interview with Author Lacie Waldon (The Layover): https: //podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/interview-with-author-lacie-waldon-the-layover/id1564676035?i=1000547825516

Liv has always had a plan. She follows the rules and sticks to the plan and she'll get everything she wants, right? One day, she does not stick to the plan. She quits her job and flies half way around the world to finally go on vacation with her best friends. But just how much trouble could veering off course land her in?

This was a sweet and fun rom com with a great cast of characters and fun banter. I enjoyed the friends to lovers storyline and particularly really enjoyed the first half of the book. I found the second half a little boring, but overall enjoyed my reading experience.

Lacie absolutely knocked this friends-to-lovers out of the park for me. This typically isn't a favorite trope of mine as it leads to a lot of miscommunication and burying down of feelings in order play nice. The whole "I-can't-ruin-our-friendship" thing usually bugs me. I will forever love the way Lacie sidestepped all of my preconceived notions on how this trope usually plays out. The chemistry and emotional development was outstanding between Liv and Deiss.
Liv is very much in control of her life, whether it's pandering to her mother, friends, or coworkers. She plays nice to any and all, refusing to cause a ripple. Saying "no" for the first time leads Liv to try a bunch of unexpected "what if" scenarios, including flying to Africa to meet with her friends for their annual trip she has never agreed to go on before. Friendship dynamics shift and Liv questions her feelings especially for Deiss.
There were a couple of tiny little minutiae that I gave a little side-eye too - I don't get the title at all, for example - but my overall enjoyment was such that I don't much care about them. I liked The Layover. I loooooved From the Jump. I haven't been this enamored over a book in a couple of months and I cannot wait for her next book, The Only Game in Town.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

This was such an adorable read. I absolutely loved the relationship between the four friends. I think the author did a great job of making each one relatable to somebody that we each have in our inner circle that we depend on that we grow up with, that person we reach out to when we need. As we go through life we experience friendships and each person that comes into our life we use for different purposes as they bring different needs to ourselves and vice versa.

While this might get labeled and shelved as a simple “RomCom” or “summer beach read,”
I don’t think you need to quit your job and go all the way to Africa to discover who you are. I do like the message that the author gives to the audience in that be who you are for you, and not for anyone else.

Well, I completely didn't understand the phrase "from the jump" and had somehow decided this was another flight attendant novel since I had just read and loved The Layover 🤷‍♀️

At any rate, this was still a cute one which recommends pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and putting yourself out there. A cute friends to lovers romance, but I didn't love it as much as The Layover. I can't really put my finger on why - perhaps just that I was expecting something different and had recently love The Layover so much. Regardless, I will definitely be watching this author in the future!

I received this ebook in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my views and all thoughts are my own.

Rating: 2.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for access to this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. From the Jump comes out on July 19th, 2022.

Um, well this was not as good as the premise hoped. I wavered between annoyed and bored throughout this whole story. I deeply respect authors and their work. Just because this wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean other’s won’t enjoy it. I read this with my buddy read group and almost everyone enjoyed this one but me.

Here were my issues:
- Being in South Africa was about 50 pages worth of content and you didn’t even really get descriptions of the setting. Most of this story takes place in LA.
- I disliked almost all of these characters, they acted like middle schoolers.
- For a group of friends have been close for that long, 11 years, they really knew nothing about each other or were even really bonded.
- Liv drove me bonkers, while you were told the reason she “was the way she was”…she was still unlikeable, annoying and really did not have a redeeming character ARC there was potential for.

Did I really buy into this romance? Not really. I liked their banter but that’s about it. The whole thing felt forced.

If I didn’t have this ARC via PRH Audio as well to mindlessly listen to it, I would have DNF’d it.

This book had big potential and summer vibes, and I don't wanna say this because the premise sounded so cool! A yes woman learning to say no and travelling to South Africa with her group of besties! Sign. Me. Up!

Weeeell...the cool premise wasn't enough to make the book shine. For me, the execution didn't quite hit. I really like the whole idea, but the structure of the story felt messy and the things that happened didn't make sense at times. The trip to South Africa was only a minor part of the book and ended too quickly. The main character, Liv-- while I appreciate her character arc and her constant effort to change was frustrating,  and the group didn't really seem like best friends, they didn't know much about each other. It was interesting but just an okay read.

Travel read for the summer! I wish I was on vacation rn after reading this book and I honestly wanted the MC to be happy and enjoyed the life journey and everything!

Lacie Waldon’s newest, empowering novel is the travel read of the summer!

From The Jump features Liv Bakersfield, a graphic designer that always says “yes” in order to keep the peace, but this year, she has decided finally put her foot down and care for herself first. Her first plunge is to pack up her bags last minute and join her closest friends on a trip to South Africa! The life changing sights strengthen their bonds, especially Liv’s connection with Deiss, but everything seems to change once they return home. Will Liv continue her self care and confidence streak through some of the hardest struggles of her adult life?

With everything that’s been going on in the world, it is encouraging to read a novel about a character finally standing up for what’s best for them, even when society tries to tell them otherwise. Liv struggles with wanting to be the perfect woman: perfect hair, high salary, slim body, etcetera. Although themes of self care and acceptance are common in women’s literature and romance, it’s a joy to see them showcased in Waldon’s seamless writing. This can push the romance of the novel to the side at times, but it’s hard to care when the rest of the plot and characters are entertaining.

From The Jump will be on bookshelves starting on July 19th, 2022. Be sure to grab a copy from your favorite local bookstore!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group: Putnam for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars - I really enjoyed this book! The characters and setting are fantastic. It it was so satisfying watching Liv go from trying to be perfect to being truly happy. The friendship dynamic here is wonderful and creates such a great setting for the romance to bloom in.

*1 intimate scene, 1 f-word

Thank you to NetGalley for my e-arc of this book. All opinions here are my own.

"Sometimes I think you and I are opposite sides of the same coin."
"I like that," he says. "It means you're stuck with me."

Lucas Deiss and Olivia Bakersfield (Deiss & Liv). Well this OTP is something precious. Eleven years in the friend zone. BUT he's been watching her. SO. MUCH. PINING. He is in awe of her and he is an adorable cinnamon roll that romance readers will gobble right up! Check it out!

THINGS AND STUFF
-found family
-friends to lovers
-forced proximity
-dual timelines
-Cat Stevens the cat
-Durban, South Africa
-trading secrets during an elephant invasion
-eating take out & watching reality TV
-inside jokes
-music industry
-#IsThisAKissingBook: open door. "I like it when I'm working at the counter and he comes over and tilts my chin up to brush his lips against mine."

Thank you Penguin/Putnam Books for an advanced copy!

Song: R U Mine? by Arctic Monkeys

Small spoilers:
I really wanted to like this one. I love the premise of a group of college friends because I am still really close to mine but it was really hard to like this book when I really didn’t like the female MC, Liv. She was awful to herself and her friends. In the beginning I was okay with this because I was like oh, she will redeem herself. She never does though and actually I feel like she got worse because she betrays her friends and doesn’t learn anything from it.

The characters were too forgiving of each other in this book and I couldn’t stand Simone. She was written in a way that I couldn’t believe that these people were still friends with her after all the years.

Diess was the best part of the book and I really liked him. He was loving and forgiving and if other things were a little different, I could see him becoming one of my favorite male MC’s.

Overall, I really struggled to get through this one and unfortunately looked forward to the ending.

Most importantly, I loved Deiss. And I really enjoyed his banter with Liv, and how he interacted with everyone else. I wish more of the book had taken place in South Africa, as I was really looking forward to that part of the book. I also think more South Africa time would’ve helped build up a bit more tension. It felt like the book tried to cover too much ground, which left things feeling rushed and a little unfinished. There were too many events, and they seemed slightly underdeveloped to me. That said, I still really enjoyed the book because of the character relationships and the banter that actually made me giggle. I was not a fan of the ending as it also seemed rushed and gave me a bit of whiplash. It needed maybe 2 more chapters.

Thanks for the review copy...unfortunately this story wasn't for me. This book was supposedly about a group of friends in their late twenties, but they behaved like they were in middle school. I couldn't get past the weird, near-constantly flirting but also arguing like teens. You can't be a good group of friends for years if you're fighting over the same guy in the group.

Unfortunately, I didn't find any of the characters sympathetic or likable, and there were just too many coincidences. I'm sure there's definitely a lot of people who will enjoy this quick summer story, but it wasn't for me.

Friends right lovers and suuuuuper romantic!
The cover is beautiful. It’s what drew me in first. The characters are extremely lovable. Except Simone… yuck 😂
Overall, a solid read. Would be perfect for the beach!

There was a lot to like about this one, but ultimately I felt very disconnected from the story and the characters. Fairly often throughout I felt the writing was choppy and things were happening that were confusing or that we didn’t have background information for.

I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.