In this romantic comedy, Liv Bakersfield, a perpetually accommodating woman, finally embraces her desires and confronts her true feelings. Tired of constantly prioritizing others, Liv decides to say no and takes a leap of faith by quitting her job and joining her college friends on a trip to South Africa. However, the journey brings unexpected complications, especially concerning her complicated relationship with emotionally distant Lucas Deiss. As Liv tries to maintain the group's unity, she finds herself caught in a freefall of emotions that tests her trust and forces her to confront her conflicting desires.

The author skillfully explores Liv's personal growth and transformation as she breaks free from the constraints of societal expectations and takes charge of her own happiness. Liv's journey from being a chronic "yes-woman" to discovering her own wants and needs adds depth to the narrative and makes her relatable to readers who may have experienced similar struggles.

The setting of South Africa provides an exotic backdrop, offering readers glimpses of captivating landscapes and unique experiences. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers into the heart of the country, adding an extra layer of richness to the story.

The romantic aspect of the novel revolves around Liv's complicated relationship with Lucas Deiss, who is emotionally distant. Their connection serves as a focal point for Liv's self-discovery and the exploration of her desires. While the chemistry between Liv and Lucas is palpable, some readers may find the progression of their relationship predictable or lacking in depth.

The author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the story easy to follow. The dialogue flows naturally and adds to the characterization and overall atmosphere of the book. The exploration of themes such as self-discovery, friendship, and taking risks adds depth and resonance to the story, allowing readers to reflect on their own lives and choices.

Overall, this romantic comedy offers an enjoyable reading experience with its relatable protagonist, exotic setting, and themes of personal growth and self-discovery. While some elements of the story may feel familiar, the author's engaging writing style and heartfelt exploration of Liv's journey make it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.

This was a cute friends to lovers romance. I felt that the premise was cute but the whole house robbery felt kind of thrown in there to throw them in together. The cover makes this feel like a sunny beach read and it’s not?

Liv has constantly lived her life on the safe side. Saying yes to every job thrown her way and following the rules. A co-worker tells her that she needs to start saying no and from that point on her whole life starts to change.

I enjoyed the changes that started to happen in her life and the other characters in this book. What might seem as acceptable or right behavior in life might mean that you’re missing out on something else.

Thank you #NetGalley for the advance copy.

This was my first by Lacie Waldon, even though I've had Shipped on my TBR for a really long time. Friends to lovers is my favorite trope and I really enjoyed this one, in major part due to it!

Thank you for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book. I found the main character relatable and the love interest very appealing.
They MMC and FMC have great chemistry. The "school friends turned lovers" worked here. I did have an issue with the other friends in the group though. I found myself rolling my eyes and secretly hating the other females. They had serious Mean Girl Vibes.
I would recommend this book to romcom fans though.

This was the first book I read by this author and I absolutely loved it! Im so excited to read more by this author as soon as possible. I thought this was such a cute story.

I enjoyed reading from Liv’s perspective and seeing her adventures. I thought the slow burn romance was a great aspect to the story. Im a big fan of the friends to lover’s trope when it’s done well.

I really enjoy strong, silent, broody male characters - and Lucas is a great one! Liv was an interesting character - I think her social anxiety or fixation on perfection was handled really wall in the context of her character, without completely taking over the storyline.

The robbery angle of the storyline was a bit out of place to me and didn't quite click. And also, I was dying for some of Lucas' POV in this story. There was some good dialogue from him, but his thoughts would have really rounded out the story for me.

Overall really enjoyed this one! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for me to read and review.

I was so excited to read another book by Lacie Waldon. Unfortunately this one was a bit of a dud. 

The main character was not very likable and the romance was a bit off. I just didn't buy it. I did like the idea of the novel...a woman taking control of her life for the first time. 

I will keep reading books by Waldon. I just loved The Layover so much so I am hoping she will bring that charm back in her next novel.

I will be reading more by Lacie in the future. She writes a fun beach read, and sometimes you just need that kind of book.

I LOVED this book. I've loved EVERY book I've ever read by Lacie Waldon. From The Jump was swoony and romantic. For fans of friends to lovers, add this one to your shelf. The characters were super likeable and had great development. Thanks to Lacie and publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion. Can't wait for the next!

Liv is a yes person who feels the need to be fit, be financially responsible, and be your best self. She's an overworked graphic designer and about to miss another vacation with her college friend group. She is deciding to stand and say no leads straight to quitting her job and hopping onto a plane to join her friends in South Africa.
In exotic landscapes, Liv is expecting fun and easy times with her friends, but close proximity makes things complicated " especially with the emotionally unavailable Lucas Deiss." With their friendship the only solid thing in her life she vows to do anything to keep her friend group together. Arriving back home everything is falling apart and she crashes right "into Deiss's arms." Will she risk everything or go back to the safe zone from before?
From the Jump looks just like what you would expect, fun and easy read to dive into. New beginnings, friends group, and working on being happy. What more could you ask for? I like the slow build between Liv and Deiss, it's done so well. I like the push and pull between them and seeing how things unfold. They are super sweet. I love the South African setting, is so dreamy (and I read this during winter because I was sick of being cold!) I enjoy characters who go and shake up their lives and Liv did that! One of the downsides is that I feel Liv says some of her friends are like family while some of them felt like that, and others felt like they don't know her personal life that well. They feel distant from Liv, but if they have been going on countless trips without her, it makes a little bit off since that group is closer together than she is to them. So Liv and Deiss relationship are what kept me reading, they are witty and sweet together.

Swoony friends-to-lovers of a group of friends that learn to live for themselves.

3.5⭐️

Liv has always followed the rules and done what is expected of her. One day, she wakes up and decides to start saying no to things and do what she wants to do. This leads her to quit her job and go on vacation to South Africa with her friends. When she gets back, everything starts going downhill for her but thank god she has someone who is willing to take her in until she gets her feet back on the ground.

This is a friends-to-lovers rom com. I enjoyed the interactions between Liv and Deiss but her other friends were questionable. These are supposed to be her best friends from college. They don’t know too much about her and they only seem to get together once a month. The friendship didn’t really seem real.

Overall, this book was light and sweet, but so much happens throughout.

Thank you to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the ARC copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have mixed feelings on this -

I liked the overall premise of the story. Although I will say, I got frustrated with Liv's friends - why were they so selfish and left her out due to money so often?? She needs better friends. The romance was slow, but I was okay with that. It seemed to fit well.

Overall it was a cute story, but I enjoyed Layover a lot more. However, I am still really looking forward to more from this author!!

this book should have been a dual POV. I wasnt really intrigued with the romance in this book. and it honestly felt SO forced. this was chaotic and not in a good way. I didnt even finish this one....but thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

This book wasn't for me. I felt throughout the entire book that even though the main characters had chemistry it oddly felt forced. Nothing came off as natural. The friend group also came off as incredibly rude and toxic. I think this book had the potential but no follow through.

Liv loves the "shoulds" and that holds her back a lot of the time.
She decides to step out of her comfort zone, join her friends and here we have a nice romantic story!
I can just picture South Africa as LW has written it, now I must go!


I just reviewed From the Jump by Lacie Waldon. #FromtheJump #NetGalley

I really enjoyed The Layover, and this book follows suit.

It's a quick, fun read that doesn't require too much focus. I breezed through this one and expect to read more from this author.

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK: From the Jump
AUTHOR: Lacie Waldon
FORMAT: eBook
RATING: DNF (did not finish)

MY THOUGHTS

I started this book and found that I had a lot of difficulty connecting to the story. I did not finish it, not for lack of quality of the book but more so that I felt it was a “right book wrong time” situation where I wasn’t in the right mindset for this one at this time! Hopefully will be picking it back up in the future!

After loving The Layover, I knew I needed From the Jump. This is such a sweet, summery romance! It gave me all the wanderlust and is the perfect vacation read. This is a great friends to lovers story and all about stepping out of your comfort zone! I highly recommend and can't wait to see what Lacie writes next!

3.5/5 stars

This was a fun, witty, quick and emotional slow burn romance book. Liv was a main character that seemed to have it all...until she didn't. I was surprised that she was able to get to Africa with her friends so quickly and that scene (the night before she left when she booked her plane and packed) seemed very off and unrealistic. This book was a fun escape book and the narrator was amazing too!

What I loved about this book:
-The friend group
-the setting
-twists and turns throughout the book

What I didn't love:
-the main character felt a bit flat
-The ending felt rushed