Thank you to Netgalley for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. This one was a slow burner for me, I'm not gonna lie. I didn't immediately get drawn into the story and I didn't immediately like the characters...like, any of them. But we all warmed up to each other, I finally got into what I was reading and from that point, it was able to keep my interest. I did love the friends to lovers part and I did like Liv's growth and those were probably the best parts for me. There were a few characters I never did warm up to and that's okay. I don't like all of the people I meet in real life either. :)

I think this was cute and so was the premise of the story. I couldn't connect with the characters because they werent dimensional more surface level.

This book was cute but not a favorite. I think it's the perfect rom-com for the summer. I mean just look at that gorgeous cover! Unfortunately the characters came across a little immature and the story line felt a little surface level. I need more emotional depth from my main characters to truly enjoy a book!

Just wrapped up this book, and it's a cute, fun read. Thought it'd be lighter, but the friendship dynamics kept it interesting. Liv, our chronic yes-woman, takes a leap, quitting her job for an adventure in South Africa with college friends. The emotionally complicated stuff kicks in, especially with Lucas. It's not as light as I hoped, but the friendship angle makes it worthwhile. Overall, a decent read, just not what I expected.

Cute cover but the MFC started to irritate me after a certain point. I felt like Liv was just too naive for me personally.

This was fluffy and cute and I enjoyed it. The setting of South Africa was beautiful and the friendships, relationships, and banter were endearing. I do wish a little more had been put into the friendship dynamic, but overall, I would definitely read another book from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Found Families win my heart, every single time. Slow burn friends to lovers is even better! This was a fantastic read! Easily a 5 star read, and then some! The character development is excellent, and you experience each experience along with them. Waldon has a way with building her characters, and this read was no exception. What a fantastic read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in return for an honest review.

"Should" is definitely a word I used to use a LOT! before I grew up anyway- LOL!

Anyway- this book spoke to me in ways it may not have to others but I thoroughly enjoyed it!

From the Jump had me from the first few pages. I loved the characters and their friends-to-family vibe. This book takes the reader on a journey with Liv as she finds out who she truly is and that sometimes, with the right people, you can let your barriers down and not have to be so perfect.
This book was a quick read and I simply adored it. It is a great summer/beach read or any time you want a good, solid rom-com-type story.
4.5 stars if I could give it that.

This was a lighthearted and fun read. The cover is gorgeous to display. It’s a quick read for when you need a brain break.

This cover screams summertime beach read and that’s exactly what you get! Our MCs are in a group of friends who go on vacay annually!

I’ll be honest… it’s been a minute since I read and this book is a tad bit forgettable! Another #OverdueReview post from me!
But it might be just what you’re looking for if you’re searching for your next quick summer read! I was turning pages quickly and engaged!

What I liked…
🌴 Friends to lovers
🌴 A trip to South Africa
🌴 Not too steamy
🌴 Broody Lucas Deiss
🌴 This friend group (looking at you Mac and Phoebe…)

Didn’t enjoy…
🙄 SIMONE (you’re not a friend)
🫠 most of this book takes place NOT on vacation which sort of was a bummer
🤔 some questionable and extremely convenient plot points
🥴 not very thorough resolutions? Idk I feel like we could’ve fleshed out a lot more!

Overall, I still enjoyed! Thanks @netgalley for this book - out 7/19!

In my pregnancy I shifted my reading time to baby research and was not able to review what was on my shelf. I apologize as I know the number of copies you can give out is limited and would never have intentionally ignored this copy under normal circumstances. I am rating this as 5 stars as it is not the author or publishers fault I was not able to meet this timeline, and hope that you will give me another chance in the future to review as I am back into my regular reading schedule this year after adapting to the newborn life!

I really appreciated receiving a ARC of From the Jump. This book was light-hearted and I enjoyed it immensely. Lacie Waldon does it again!

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how heroin navigated situations, and how the romantic interest played a part in her journey. The story itself kept me interested, and I would be interested in reading this author again.

This was a cute rom com with a bit of adventure sprinkled in. I didn't have to overthink while reading it, which is sometimes a nice break from reality.

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure within the pages of "From the Jump" by Lacie Waldon. This captivating novel combines escapism, empowerment, and the beauty of self-discovery, all wrapped in a heartwarming tale of friendship.

Follow Liv, a relatable protagonist, as she dares to step outside her comfort zone and embrace new opportunities. Waldon's exquisite writing style brings Liv's journey to life, filling the pages with humor, romance, and moments that will make your heart soar. From the wild landscapes of South Africa to the sun-soaked streets of Southern California, the vivid descriptions transport you to enchanting settings that feel like home.

What sets "From the Jump" apart is its ability to seamlessly blend a friends-to-lovers romance with a celebration of personal growth. Liv's transformation from shedding her 'perfect' persona to embracing her perfectly imperfect self is a relatable and rewarding experience. The slow-burn romance between Liv and her friend adds depth and keeps you eagerly turning the pages, yearning for more.

Waldon's storytelling skillfully weaves together themes of friendship, family, love, and the pursuit of dreams. The prose is both transportive and filled with witty banter, creating a vibrant reading experience. As you devour the book, you'll be reminded of the power of true friendship and the boundless possibilities that life holds.

"From the Jump" is a remarkable novel that celebrates the joy of self-discovery. Lacie Waldon has created a story that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds. Whether you're seeking a beach read that explores the complexities of friendship and love or a tale that inspires you to embrace your authentic self, this book is a must-read. Immerse yourself in the magic of "From the Jump" and prepare to be captivated, enthralled, and forever changed.

A sweet enough surface level story that I enjoyed while reading in the moment. It won't be one that sticks with me forever though, but that's okay! an easy read is sometimes the best thing

This was great read to read during summer. I read it pool side and really enjoyed it. I found the MC very relatable and was surprised by the ending. Overall, it was a cute, fun read

I will admit, this one took me a few chapters to get in to. It was hard for me to get a read on Liv's character and if I was going to relate to and like her. I ended up liking her and understanding a lot of her thought process behind her thoughts and behaviors. I think a lot of it is relatable to millennials. A lot of us have student debt, lower paying jobs, and deal with higher cost of living. Her striving for perfection is a way to make herself feel more in control of those things.
I was slightly confused by her friend group at first. It was nice to see that they all stayed friends after college, but it was disappointing to see how much they left her out of because "how far away" she lived from them (they all live in the same city) and her not feeling comfortable spending money on trips every year. Why not find more inclusive things for them all to do? I also didn't quite believe how close Liv was to Phoebe or Simone because I didn't feel like they had much in common.
It was nice to see Liv's development throughout the story and how she slowly begins to let go of some of the control and feel more comfortable expressing her feelings and living in the moment. I generally liked her and Diess together but felt like there should have been more of a back story to their friendship and relationship. Even with the flashback chapters, it didn't give me enough to go on to believe that he had had feelings for her for the past 11 years.
All in all, a fun read that was relatable to my generation!

I really enjoyed this book. Liv and Deiss were great characters, and I liked Mac and Phoebe too. The story was interesting from the very beginning and kept me wanting to read. The only thing that bothered me was what happened when Liv got back to LA was a little on the crazy side, but it worked to advance the story. Overall, this was a great read, and I can't wait to read more from this author!