This book was such a pleasant surprise. I’ve had it on my shelf for a few months and kept avoiding it because it’s a bit on the longer side for a romance (almost 400 pages - which isn’t that much, but for the romance genre, it can really make a book drag on). But once I got into it, I didn’t even notice the length because the plot was so good.

Orie is the MC, and she gets accepted into a Survivor spin-off reality show. There are so many elements that the author incorporates perfectly into the plot. Multiple love interests, plot twists, and actual edge-of-your-seat moments that had my eyes jumping ahead to basically ruin it for me (I actually can’t help it…it’s involuntary).

I would classify this as a romcom, but there’s also so much more to it than that. It’s a fun and heartwarming read, and I loved everything about it. I will say that Orie drove me insane for a while (she was over-the-top quirky), but she grew on me as the story progressed. Other than that, I have no complaints.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for my gifted copy!

I was utterly delighted by Attached at the Hip by Christine Riccio, which should not have surprised me, Again, But Better is a book I frequently recommend. Still, I was expecting the usual solid, likable YA/new adult fare when I picked this one up, but I found myself captivated by Orie's journey on the island - even if the premise of the reality TV show was a bit of a stretch (though I've seen some truly bizarre reality shows IRL).

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

I really enjoyed this book and I have a lot of feelings about the characters and some of the things that happened in the story. There is no way that I can write this review without spoilers, so stop reading now if you don’t want to know details about some of the characters.

I enjoyed the reality show/ competition aspect of the story and liked that it was a brand new show that they were shooting, so there wasn’t a lot of show history thrown around. I also liked the partner aspect, and how it wasn’t necessarily a dating show.

Now for the characters (and where the spoilers come in).

Orie- This is 100% her story, aside from any potential romantic pairings. Orie is facing a crossroads in her life, deciding what she wants her future to look like and who she wants to be. She has a great relationship with her sister and her parents (though a recent revelation about her dad has sent her reeling). She is an honest, caring person and grows tremendously as the story progresses.

Remy- I thought Remy was perfect for Orie and was rooting for them to end up together in the end. And then things happened and I wasn’t sure. But I still thought he was end game (he is the only male character mentioned in the blurb, after all). I was really disappointed when his true colors were revealed and stopped pulling for him at that point.

Kennedy- This is another character that I initially felt differently about. When Kennedy is introduced, it seemed like she would be a player and a backstabber, but she turned out to be a true friend to Orie and one of her biggest allies.

Osprey- I didn’t know what to think of him at first, especially since Orie was drawn to him and I was still shipping her with Remy at that point. But he turned out to be a really good guy to supported Orie and her decisions throughout the game. He never pushed her, but championed her.

The show finale part of the storyline made me so angry, listening to Orie’s competitor claim that they carried her throughout the game and were responsible for her making the final two was awful, especially when they were exposed for lying (but still denied it). But I was happy to see that Orie’s true friends and allies continued to support her.

And then there was the ending, I thought it was super cute, even if a little cheesy.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC for review consideration through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In *Attached at the Hip*, Christine Riccio delivers a fun, high-stakes romantic adventure that blends the chaotic thrills of *Survivor* with the drama and romance of *The Bachelor*. Orie Lennox, a recent graduate struggling to find clarity in her life, makes a spontaneous decision to apply for a reality show where contestants must compete on a remote island for a million-dollar prize. What seems like the perfect way to escape her lackluster love life and career takes an unexpected turn when she’s cast in a romantic version of the show—where love and competition collide.

Riccio does a fantastic job creating a character in Orie that many readers can relate to—someone who's spent their life planning for a perfect future, only to find that things aren’t turning out quite as expected. The idea of going on a reality show to force a reset in her life is both bold and humorous, and it serves as a perfect backdrop for her personal growth.

The tension kicks in when Orie finds out that her high school crush, Remy, is also part of the cast. Suddenly, the game isn’t just about the prize money but navigating complicated feelings in the middle of the wild South Pacific. As the contestants engage in intense challenges and speed dating, Orie’s evolving feelings for Remy, along with the introduction of new romantic possibilities, keeps the plot sizzling with excitement and humor.

The setting of the isolated island and the absurdity of the challenges (no showers or deodorant!) are brilliantly used to heighten the tension and make the blossoming relationships feel even more intense. The format Riccio creates—part survival game, part romance reality show—creates an atmosphere where trust, alliances, and romantic sparks fly. Orie’s literal and emotional entanglements are both funny and touching, and her journey is full of surprises.

Though the premise might seem far-fetched to some, Riccio’s wit and heart bring the concept to life, making it an irresistible read for fans of romantic comedies with a twist. The characters are charming, the stakes are high, and the mix of humor and romance provides an enjoyable, page-turning experience.

If you're looking for a lighthearted yet adventurous rom-com with a blend of competition and heart, *Attached at the Hip* is a must-read. Christine Riccio nails the blend of humor, romance, and self-discovery in this captivating reality-show-inspired tale, making it the perfect escape for fans of romantic adventures.

OMG this book had me hooked from beginning to end! I loved the Survivor x Bachelor concept and the challenges were so entertaining and made me feel like I was watching the actual show Survivor! The romance was adorable but this book was not just driven by the romance, the plot was intricate and kept me guessing until the very end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Attached at the Hip by Christine Riccio is such a fun, heartwarming rom-com with a lot of laughs and some serious moments too. The story follows two best friends, Alex and Bea, who are literally attached at the hip—they’ve been inseparable since childhood. But things start to change when they both start falling for the same guy, and suddenly, their friendship is put to the test.

What I loved about this book is how realistic the friendship feels. Alex and Bea’s bond is strong, but you can tell that as they grow up, things get a little messier. The whole “falling for the same guy” drama could’ve been cliché, but Riccio makes it feel fresh by focusing a lot on their friendship and the ups and downs that come with it. Plus, the romance is cute and sweet, but the friendship dynamics are really the heart of the story.

The pacing is great—there’s a good mix of funny, light moments and the deeper, more emotional stuff. The characters are super relatable, and it’s easy to get attached (pun intended) to both of them.

This felt very teen rather than adult. Didn't stand out among the wide variety of reality show books out currently. Felt like the FMC was trying a little hard to be quirky.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Attached at the Hip by Christine Riccio!

I liked the idea of Attached at the Hip but sadly, it was not for me. I felt like the characters read a little too immature for my liking and I had very little intrigue in the story. I used to really love romances like this but I have now found myself enjoying more realistic romantic stories than the unimaginable ones.

I am not sure if I would reach for another Christine Riccio story as her writing seems to lean more towards YA than true adult.

First, this cover is beautiful!! Second, I love reality tv and this book was a real treat. I loved the tension between these characters and seeing everything play out.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for my ARC copy! This review contains my personal thoughts and opinions.

As someone who loves Survivor and dating reality shows, Attached at the Hip was an absolute delight to read! From the very first page, I felt like I was watching a high-stakes reality competition, complete with unexpected twists, dramatic reveals, and just the right amount of romance.

Christina Riccio did an incredible job capturing the chaos and excitement of reality TV, making the book feel like I was binge-watching an addictive new show. I truly never knew what was coming next, and that unpredictability kept me hooked.

While I found the ending a bit lackluster compared to the rest of the story, the journey to get there was so much fun that it more than made up for it. If you’re a fan of reality TV or just looking for a unique, entertaining read, I highly recommend giving Attached at the Hip a try!

Rating: 4.5/5

This book is one of my top reads of 2024! I am a lifelong survivor fan and a lifelong rom-com fan, so this book was a match made in heaven! It had me laughing out loud and constantly telling myself "just one more chapter." I read this book so fast and was genuinely sad when it was over. I can't wait to go back and read this author's other works and wait impatiently for her next release! I definitely recommend this book for Survivor and rom-com fans. Five stars! I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Wednesday Books for the eARC of this one! These are my honest thoughts.

This book was a lot of fun! Survivor meets a reality dating show?? I'm not the biggest fan of reality TV. As in, I don't watch any TV because I'm too busy reading books... lol. But the young adults in this new reality show spin-off of Survivor brought a lot of fun energy and silly drama to this book, and I actually really liked it.

Orie is working through her identity as a new college graduate who has always just gone with the flow. She breaks up with her boyfriend since middle school to join the cast of Attached at the Hip, where producers have vetted missed connections and possible love interests, and contestants are attached at the hip to a partner for chunks of time between challenges... literally. attached. at. the. hip.

I found so many of the funny things that happened to be LOL hysterical. The audio especially brought the challenges and silly mishaps to life.

I think this book lands somewhere between a 3.75 and 4 stars for me. I wanted more from the end and the HEA... no spoilers, but I love who she ended up with!

Oh, my gawd! I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard at a book! All the way through this I was laughing and giggling. I just loved and adored following Orie. Her personality was just amazing, you could easily tell her mind was racing a mile a minute. She had so much word vomit, the things she would say were hilarious, and she was just so anxious and energetic, that her mouth didn’t know when to stop talking. It was so entertaining to follow!

Orie takes a risk applying for the Survivor series after her sister accuses her of never being able to do anything on her own. When Orie gets chosen for a spin-off series with a romantic twist on the survivor show, Orie accepts to prove to her sister, and herself, that she’s wrong. Orie is thrust into a wild ride, exploring relationships, challenging herself mentally, and just soul-searching.

I loved seeing the events of the show and all the challenges Orie faces, navigating the relationships, and learning who to trust. It was entertaining, to say the least.

My only issue with this one was after we finished the filming of the show, the events that followed weren’t fully upfront for us as the reader. We watch as Orie processes what happened as we prepare for the show to premiere. Even as the show starts to air, she’s continuing to learn of further deceit from the other contestants. And I couldn’t help but have so many questions, which I still had plenty from during the filming of the show.

As we near the end of the book, I was still left with a few unanswered questions. And I’m left here going “Wait, that’s it?” It just felt very abrupt with how some things ended.

But other than those few questions, this was such a fun rom-com drama! As I said, I was laughing throughout the whole book. Another one that I just couldn’t put down. I finished this in just over a day!

I highly recommend this if you enjoy reality TV, rom-coms, and drama!

This is an excellent book if you enjoy watching Survivor, and maybe Bachelor in Paradise. In this hilarious romantic adventure, Orie thinks she has signed up to be on Survivor, but it turns out she’s on a Survivor spin-off show that has a romantic pairing element (a la Bachelor in Paradise). As she fights to win the prize to help her family, and prove to everyone that she’s an Adult who can handle herself, she has to navigate tricky alliances between: the one who got away in high school; a parkour star who turns out to love books as much as she does; and the new friend who wants her to stay loyal to the women on the show. It’s a fun story and I really enjoyed the audiobook.

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. And thank you to @macmillan.audio for a free download of the audiobook.

Pobody’s Nerfect

Attached at the Hip is a delightful and humorous romantic comedy that celebrates individuality and the power of friendship. Orie Lennox, a quirky and endearing protagonist, navigates a reality TV show with a unique twist, and the results are hilarious and heartwarming.

The author's witty banter and relatable characters make for a captivating read. The friendships formed within the show are genuine and heartwarming, adding depth to the story. The romantic tension is palpable, and the slow-burn romance is satisfying.

The book's unique premise, which blends elements of reality TV and survival challenges, provides a fresh and engaging backdrop for the story. It's a perfect blend of humor, romance, and self-discovery.

Brittany Pressley's narration of Attached at the Hip is exceptional. Her portrayal of Orie's quirky and endearing personality is spot-on, bringing the character to life. Pressley's voice work enhances the listening experience, making it a delightful and engaging audiobook.

Overall, Attached at the Hip is a must-read for fans of romantic comedies. It's a fun, feel-good read that will leave you smiling.

5 stars

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I loved this books so much. I cannot say enough good things about it. BUT I am a huge fan of Survivor. Lennox is sweet, funny, and awkward but she also has a lot of growing up to do. Life isn't quite what she thought it would be. She's doesn't have a career path, she doesn't think she loves her boyfriend, and her sister told her she needs to be more independent. So on a whim, she decides to apply for Survivor and she gets selected! But she soon finds out that it's not quite Survivor. It's Survivor dating. Lennox really comes into her own while speed dating in the wilderness.

This book was a pretty fun read! Orie decides to join a Survivor style game and has a later stage coming of age. That's a super over simplification, but this book is really about Orie finding her path. She wanted to use Survivor as a launching point, but instead finds herself in a dating/survival style game. Her journey is similar to what she expected, but now her heart is on the line. This was such a fun book, especially as a frequent reader of YA. The style of writing does lean more towards YA romance, but it kind of fits with the drama of a survival show. The challenges are fun and creative and you really get a feel for the characters. I had picked this up expecting more of a romance, but it took a back seat to the drama of the show and Orie's development, which I'm okay with. There was a lot of pop culture references which I am usually not a fan of. It really dates a book and prevents wide appeal (will older adults get the Mean Girls reference?). It suits Orie's personality, but nothing would be missed if it was left out.

Unfortunately this book was not good. As someone who used to follow Christine in 2015, I could see this character as a self insert for her and it was extremely unrelatable and won't age well. Most of the Survivor style action was pretty boring.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.