I loved this book so much! It’s such a fun, quick moving story with sensitivity to the characters’ emotions while being humorous and light hearted. There’s a perfect balance of everything - just enough tension and dynamics and steam while still being entertaining and easy flowing.
It’s the perfect summer romance read. I’m definitely a fan of the author (new to me) and look forward to reading more of her works!

This book was delightfully charming and I am smitten with Lucas Deiss. That could be the end of this review, but alas, it is not because Olivia Bakersfield and the gang deserve more words.

This book follows a group of friends, who have been friends for 11 years, and as a semi-adult I can attest to how hard this is. I rest my case and say that their friendship was one of the most enjoyable aspects of this book and got into some really interesting point of how someone can know you for so long and still not be privy to all of you. Anywho, their friendship and the whole trip to South Africa was 10/10.

Liv, our main character, was wonderfully complex and came into her own in such a beautiful way during the course of the book finding more of herself and her freedom. And I mean true freedom, not the crap we sometimes pass off as freedom that’s really slavery. So, yeah, I loved her character arc and the way she unfurled during the course of the book.

Now, I arrive at the romance in this book and goodness gracious, please hold me or get me a cute man who I can become best friends with to fall in love with later because BOY AM I LONGING! Lucas Deiss was, well, just something else with his supportive streak and laidback attitude and just over all general hotness. I genuinely liked him as a person, though sometimes I felt like rolling my eyes at this suave persona of his, but it really is just the way he is, and I always roll my eyes at the people I love best, so… All joking aside, the romance developed in a way that was believable and highly satisfying.

The only reason I didn’t give this book a full five stars is because I would have liked the ending to be a little more drawn out or go into more detail, but other than that this book was delightful and it’s such a perfect summer read we should all be reading it poolside.

Olivia Bakersfield has done everything to make her life what she thinks it’s supposed to be: perfect makeup, perfect body, perfect job, perfect apartment. The problem is, it’s made for a boring life. One devoid of spending time with the friends she loves, and of doing boring work at the job that’s supposed to be perfect. When she tells her boss no and he gives her six weeks unpaid leave, she starts living life on her own terms. Liv makes a rash decision to join her friends in South Africa and finally sees what she’s been missing this whole time. These friends have been like family since college and Liv realizes they have been the family she’s been longing for this whole time. Throw in a friend turned lover story (more than one), and some great characters, and you have a great summer read!

I really enjoyed Liv and her friends and their relationships. It was a fun story without seeming forced or too stereotypical. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

Soooo, let’s dig in: We have Olivia, who strikes to be perfect—good, steady job and attentive worker; perfect body and presence. Who is reserved, to the point she’s considered the Ice Queen by her group of friends she’s known since college. And then, one day she’s overwhelmed and decides to act without thinking for once.
What happens, you ask?
1. She basically quits her job.
2. She hops in the first plane to South Africa, to join her college friends in an exotic trip.
3. She might find love in unexpected places.
4. And she starts to feel alive for once.

This book was extremely funny, and entertaining, and everyone should read it if…
1. They like friends to lovers. This is probably one of my favorite tropes and Deiss was wonderful.
2. Opposite attracts. Liv strikes to be perfect while Deiss couldn’t care less for much in this world, much less impress someone.
3. Forced proximity, oh man, is this delicious to detonate every single interaction between our lovers.
4. Excellent friendship dynamics. You can see it from the funny conversations between the college friends, but also between the co-workers at Deiss’s Music Store. Every banter was funny and witty and you can’t help but fall in love with each supportive character.
5. Slow-burn, tension built up. Oh, did I sigh through this book and growl in frustration and closed my eyes in pain. The slow burn was excellent and delicious.
6. Entertaining events at every corner, you won’t believe how many things happen to Olivia. It was a surprise in each chapter, you just want to keep reading more and more.

Conclusion: maybe we should start saying “no” more often like Olivia and start caring less about expectations. We might stop missing a lot of adventures.

The slowest slow burn friends to lovers of all time…. But I loved it so much. The transformation of Liv realizing she doesn’t have to be perfect for anyone (not even herself) and that she deserves to live the life of her creation not one atoning for the mistakes she perceives her mother made during Liv’s childhood was so beautifully imagined on the page. This was my first book by Lacie Weldon but I will be picking up The Layover after falling in love with her storytelling and writing style in From the Jump. The friend group in this book is one dreams are made of… although it does raise the question can girls and guys be friends without getting feelings involved? If Lacie wants to write Simone a book so we can get the epilogue we were denied in this one and find out what happens next you definitely won’t find me complaining.

I had super high hopes for this one because I remembered absolutely enjoying the author's last book (THE LAYOVER) but this one fell short. I mean, there wasn't anything inherently wrong with it but it just felt a bit meh. I think that mostly had to do with the side characters causing me irritation and taking me out of the story. But if you're looking for a book that screams summer vibes - this one is it!

This was so so good put it on your TBR! Yes it is a friends to lovers trope, but this is on a whole different level because it’s not just one friends it is a group of college besties and they’ve made a pact to not date each other so they will always stay friends.

Liv has been living her life the way she thinks you “should” for years. She is a graphic designer who always does what she is asked even if that means eliminating every piece of own creativity from her work. After a coworker opens her eyes to the word “no” she quits her job and decides to join her friends on a trip to South Africa. Due to her last minute arrival, she ends up in close quarters with her friend Lucas Diess and the path from friends to lovers starts to open. Once back home, a series of unfortunate events leads her to once again be in close quarters with Deiss. Soon the door opens all the way and the question becomes whether or not their friend group can handle make it through.

I loved Liv’s journey of finding herself in this book. Yes it is a romance, but it was also about her really figuring out what she wants, who she wants to be and going for it. It is definitely a sloooowww burn, but Deiss is very good at creating that burn if you know what I mean. The friend banter is great between all characters and overall this was a fun read! I have Waldon’s book The Layover in my TBR pile and I can’t wait to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! This releases to the world on July 19, 2022

I just feel kind of "meh" about this book. I almost DNF it but I am glad I continued because the last half of the book was a lot better than the first half.
My main problems were that for a super close group of friends, none of them seemed to know or like each other that much. I mean, they didn't even know Liv had a cat! It was just strange. I also felt like Deiss's and Liv's relationship had strange pacing. Liv also forgives WAAAAYYY too easily. There are two characters that wrong her (one on purpose and one on accident) and she just quickly forgives and forgets! I know it's not good to hold grudges, but come on.

Even though the main relationship had weird pacing, I did like it overall. They had good banter and some cute moments, especially whenever they were at the music store.

Overall it was a cute read but my irritation for some of the characters just really bothered me and took me out of the story.

Lacie Waldon’s sophmore novel - From the Jump - is just as fabulous as her debut! Friends to Lovers trope, then throw in five college friends, travel, and witty humor - and you end up with the perfect mix.

Liv is the quintessential yes girl of the group and she lives her life (quite literally) by the book. When she realizes she is continuously missing out on yearly vacations with her four college best friends - she suddenly says No - quits her job, hops on a plane to Africa - what follows is the adventure of a lifetime (literally and figuratively).

Waldon’s ensemble includes Liv, Lucas Diess, Phoebe, Simone, and Mac. While in Africa, the girls make a pact that non of them will get together with the boys - as it could ruin the dynamics of their friendship. However - when Liv and Diess end up in close quarters - their chemistry just cannot be denied.

We then follow the group back to California, and life - where Waldon continues to develop the storyline - and the relationship between Liv and Diess. When they end up taking The Jump - will it work out?? You’ll have to read to find out.

I breezed through this in two days - it was the perfect summer read! I laughed, shed some tears - and found myself genuinely rooting for Liv and Diess to figure it all out.

Looking forward to reading Lacie’s next novel - due next year!

Thank you to NetGalley, Lacie Waldon, and the publisher for this ARC - all opinions are my own.

I loved Lacie Waldon's debut novel The Layover and was so afraid this wouldn't be able to compare, but her second good was just as good in its own way!

I found Liv so relatable, maybe because I'm in the same place in my life with kind of a boring job, but I loved following her journey as she learns to say no and do things because she wants to, not because she feels like she should. I was just as invested in seeing her grow as a person as I was in her relationship with Deiss!

I also enjoyed reading the trip her friend group took to South Africa. It took up about 15% of the book, but I wish it had been more! However, the book was able to hold its momentum and keep me glued to the page even when they got back to California and back to life as (almost) normal.

As a romance, it had some of the tropes I love like only one bed, sharing a tent, and just - the slow burn of their relationship gave me all the feels. I'd highly recommend this and am already looking forward to Lacie Waldon's next book!

I am usually not a big fan of friends to lovers but I really enjoyed the romance and the dreamy location. I liked the growth Liv showed and loved watching her and Diess’ progress their relationship.

🐘From the Jump💿
By Lacie Waldon

Thank you to netgalley for an ARC of From the Jump!

A sweet friends to lovers romance about finding yourself and found family!

I’m torn between 3.5 and 4 stars 🤷🏻‍♀️

Ok, I really enjoyed this book and her other book the Layover. I thought that the banter in both books was excellent and the story very entertaining. The spice is lacking and it is very PG. The book did keep me entertained the whole time and it was a fun read.

What I loved:
- I loved the found family aspect with college friends being there for one another
-The banter between MCs
-The South African vacation was one of my favorite parts of the book
-The angst was top notch
- I don’t know who does Waldon’s covers but both her books have some of my favorite covers

What I didn’t love:
- More spice please but a great option for those who don’t care for it
-The big secrets and drama were a little silly
-I found it hard to relate to the perfectionist type personality of the female MC

I have to say that lately I have been loving friends to lovers romcoms. It gives a very sweet aspect you don’t get from enemies to lovers.

Here are my hot takes because I am struggling with a review for something I didn’t particularly like, nor did I dislike it.

1. Liv wasn’t like able. Like at all.
2. Deiss was the man. Loved him.
3. The friend group was amazing! Simone was cringey at times, Phoebe was a doll, Mac was a hot mess, but they were so fun.
4. The romance. No chemistry. Not believable. Sort of underwhelmed.
5. Deiss. He was the real shining star here!

Being an Angeleno, I loved the LA spots that our friend group went to!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book.

I loved this book!

Centered around 5 friends who’s have been friends for over 7 years who have a weekly meet up to catch-up with one another.

Liv who is the focus of the book has always presented herself as having a perfect life. Good paying job, beautiful, regularly works out and financially stable. The only thing is she plans for the future and doesn’t live in the moment.

Every year her friends take a vacation together. But not once has Liv joined because it doesn’t fit in her planned out life. Until one year she decides to say no to project at work, which leads her to join her friends on vacation. These lead her down and unplanned path with many unknowns and although it’s unfamiliar, maybe it’s what she finally needs.

The friendships, adventure and romance in this book gave me all my he feels. I couldn’t put it down and caught my self laughing and smiling at a lot of the cute back and forth commentary.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Easy 5 stars.

Thank you Net Gallery and Penguin Group Putman for this ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for this E arc of From the Jump.
Five beautiful stars for Lacie Waldon! This story had me
captured from the beginning! Our main character Olivia is
always living life the way others say you are supposed to
live, instead of for herself. This causes her to miss out on
so many things in life that are important to her, like her
dream career, being closer to her best friends and doing
things for herself. This story is about Olivia finally saying
yes/ no to things she WANTS to and discovering that life
is so much more beautiful when you do things for
yourself.
Also, the romance between long time best friend and her
is BEAUTIFUL!! I was absolutely in love with Desis. The
love story between them totally makes up for the lack of
smut between them.
All in all this book is one of my new favorites.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5)
Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥 (mildly descriptive sex scenes)

Olivia Bakersfield lives life by the rules and always plays it safe. If she plays the perfect role, then she'll have everything she could ever want. But one day she is convinced by a coworker that it's okay to have a little fun. This leads Olivia to quit her job, spontaneously join her friends on a trip to Africa, and leave behind her perfect wardrobe and makeup. Soon Liv realizes that she's been missing out on a lot of things by living such a strict lifestyle, and, when some unfortunate events lead to her sharing an apartment with her friend Deiss, she realizes love is one thing she doesn't want to miss out on. Can Liv find the life she always wanted by throwing out her rule book?

I was really close to giving this four stars. I liked the romance between Deiss and Liv as the book progressed. They both wanted to forget their pasts and were guarded for years until they suddenly became roommates and opened up to each other. I liked seeing Deiss bring out the best in Liv. But their friend group had some flaws. After eleven years, Deiss and Liv still didn't trust their friends with their pasts. And the girls in the group made a pact not to date the guys because it would ruin the group. I feel like those things shouldn't have been issues after that many years of friendship. The big conflict at the end involved a major betrayal that was really spiteful, and I was really stressed out by the whole situation. The romance really had some great moments, but the friend dynamic just made it so worrisome for me at some points. I would definitely try other books by this author in the future, though.

Thank you to Netgalley and Putnam Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Such an easily given 5-star read. From the second we meet her we know that Liv has gone through a lot and has reasons behind the way she acts. She is much more layered and real than what she allows others to see, even her closer friends. So when she decides to finally say, "No." We are all taken on a journey with her.

Liv is great, her friends feel real and not like they all check a box. I read this one soaking up the sun on vacation and it was great. I think I would have enjoyed it just as much if I had been at home on my couch, but hearing the waves crashing and wiggling my toes in the sand while reading definitely didn't hurt.

One thing that I specifically liked about this read is that it snuck peeks in to the past to establish the characters backstories without getting stuck there. I really loved this - and would really enjoy reading more about this-ola friend-ola group-ola.

While I liked The Layover, I loved this book. It is like the author took all the best parts of The Layover and doubled down with this one. I will be recommending this one loudly and proudly when it comes out on July 19!

This was a super quick read to get through! The ensemble cast made the story interesting however I didn’t really buy their friendship or care for them as characters all that much due to a lack of backstory/depth. If you ignore all of that you have an okay summer read

** This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review**

This was enjoyable, though I do think I preferred The Layover. Liv was pretty unlikeable, but I did love the friend group. Deiss was a great male lead, but I found the romance a little underdeveloped. There’s no indication of his interest in any of the flashbacks, aside from a few glances. Good for a pool day or a quick read!

Absolutely loved this book! It has all the romcom essentials. It had me laughing out loud and gasping all back to back. Would definitely recommend this book!