Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book, even though it’s not the kind of thing I typically read. But it was a fun, fast book and I couldn’t put it down! I liked the main character, Orie, and really connected with her anxiety and social awkwardness (though it could be a bit over-the-top at times). The set up of the story (the characters being paired together while surviving on an island and competing in challenges) was interesting and new, and I loved getting to know some of the other contestants, and experiencing the general twists and turns of the game.

The book does have a bit of a slow start to it, but once the game begins, things really move along. There were also some aspects that felt “too convenient” in progressing the plot or fixing some issue that came up. And I also would have liked a little more at the end. It felt a bit rushed and it would have been nice to see more of the aftermath for the characters.

Overall, despite some issues I had, I had a great time reading this book and definitely recommend it if you’re interested in a story that combines a rom-com with something like Survivor.

This was SO MUCH FUN! Like a mix between Survivor, Love Island and The Circle. I love the first two of those shows and watch them religiously, so it’s safe to say I am the target audience for this book lol. Ultimately if you like competition type reality tv shows (where people get voted out), chances are you will like this book.

Now frankly, I’m not going to go into details about the plot because I don’t want to spoil anything. Very high level: Orie is an influencer with her sister, and applies to be on Survivor. She’s accepted and gets cast, but once she shows up it turns out she actually makes it on a new spin off show called Attached at the Hip. Players were specifically selected, and have 3 other people on the island they are anticipated to have a “connection” with. It could be a friend, it could be romantic, etc. They participate in challenges and make alliances, while voting each other out, for a chance to win 1 million dollars.

There were so many things I loved about this, so I think the easiest way to go through them is just rapid fire. Ready?
- The first few days of the show are cheesy and I was loving it
- There are so many pop culture references that made me smile or had me outright laughing. *clears throat and belts out My Chemical Romance*
- Orie was 100% off the wall. Like this girl wasn’t even in the same house, she was something else. The first few chapters I was unsure of this, but once the show started I was right with her every step of the way
- This book is like reality tv guilty pleasures, it’s the definition of indulgence. And the dramatics? Absolute gold.
- Character development and growth was well done

If I was to be a little picky, the ending tied everything up a little too quickly and a little too perfectly for me, given the drama throughout the majority of the book. And speaking of drama, I wish the third act was actually a little more dramatic? Given what was happening. Mm, I just wanted more. We don’t need to be the bigger person, let’s make it messy! Overall though, can’t fault anything here.

I really enjoyed reading this, and will definitely be watching this author from now on. From the moment I finished the last page, I started telling friends and family about this book. And this beauty will be getting a spot on my shelf once the paperback is released.

Tropes: influencer/famous, reality tv, missed connections, second chance, friends to lovers, forced proximity, competition
Spice: 0/5 [Of note, for people who are more particular regarding intimacy. In that regard, this book reads more like YA - there are only kissing scenes. And for the record, I wasn’t mad about it.]
Ending: HFN

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

What a FUN read!! Orie, our 23 year old main character, is going through IT. She thought she had her dream life - amazing family, great boyfriend (and high school sweethearts nonetheless), and some amazing opportunities from her small business with her sister. However, each pillar of that dream life seems to come crashing down, all right around the same time and while Orie is lowkey spiraling, she applies to be a contestant on a reality show. She's absolutely shocked when they cast her, but even MORE shocked when she gets there and finds out it's a spin-off of the show she applied for and this one is all about romance (and of course, a million dollars). What has she gotten herself into?

I really, truly enjoyed this book. It's got romance, it's got betrayal, it's got sarcastic side characters (my favorite), and it's got just the right amount of cheesiness that I look for in romance books. I cannot wait to get a physical copy in my hands and on my bookshelf! Honestly I kind of want Survivor to pitch a real spin off where it's romance related like Attached at the Hip because I'd love to see that in real life. If you're looking for a fun romantic (but not spicy - just some making out) read - this is your sign to go grab this one!!

For someone who loves reality shows like Survivor and the Bachelor, this book was a hit! The banter between Orie and the other characters had me laughing out loud and the romance had me kicking my feet. Our main character looked for an opportunity to grow in her independence and I can't think of a better setting than being cast for a Survivor spin-off! Christine Riccio's writing was refreshing and I was entertained throughout the entire book. If you're looking for the perfect summer read, I highly recommend Attached at the Hip.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

"Stranded on Love Island" is a delightful and refreshing read that cleverly blends romance and reality TV in a way that feels both innovative and engaging. Orie Lennox, the protagonist, embarks on an unexpected journey when she applies for a reality show on a whim, only to find herself cast in an experimental romantic edition. The premise of competing in a game of human chess for a shot at a million dollars, all while speed dating in the wilderness, sets the stage for a unique and entertaining story.

One of the highlights of the book is the development of Orie's relationships, particularly with her old high school crush, Remy. The chemistry between them is palpable, and the progression of their relationship is beautifully handled, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The mix of budding new relationships and strategic alliances adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the narrative.

The setting of a deserted island, devoid of modern comforts like deodorant, toilets, and showers, adds to the charm and challenge of the story. It's a testament to the author's creativity and ability to craft a fun, immersive experience that feels fresh and original.

"Stranded on Love Island" is perfect for a beach read, capturing the essence of summer romance and adventure. It's a book that you can easily devour in one sitting, making it an ideal companion for your next vacation. Whether you're lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun on the sand, this book promises a fun and enjoyable escape.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me this ARC version.

This was such a cute book! It was a quick, fun story. I am not a huge fan of Survivor, but I enjoyed the Survivor aspect of Orie's adventure. I can't wait to read another book by Christine Riccio! Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital arc of this title.

The main character is so awkward it’s not even entertaining to read. I hate how she’s so obsessed with the main guy and he doenst even care. It’s almost embarrassing for her. Also her sister was right when she said that Orie, the main character is useless and can’t do anything for herself.

Thank you Netgalley, macmillan and Christine Riccio for my free copy. My review is of my own accord and opinion.

Oh. My. God. I loved this book so, so much! Not only was it absolutely freaking hilarious, it was suspenseful, sweet, action packed and romantic.

I honestly think this is my favorite romance book of the year!

I loved the banter between Orie. Osprey and Remy, definite love triangle vibes. Orie’s internal dialogue was hilariously funny and witty. This was 100% Survivor meets Love Island with a comedic air.

If you loved Happy Medium by Sarah Adler or Lucy Score’s The Dead Guy Next Door- Riley Thorn series, you will absolutely fall in love with this book!

Attached at the Hip is a romcom that is a mix between Survivor and a dating show. I wasn't sure what to except when I began the book. I can appreciate that this book focused on the main character and her overall personal growth rather than just the romance.

This story follows Orie, a 23-y/o social media influencer who lives and home and is/feels dependent on others. When her sister calls her out for being lazy Orie decides to prove them wrong and impulsively decides to applies for Surviver-like show (romance edition) not thinking she will get in.

Throughout this book- Orie experiences a lot of personal growth and overcomes obstacles and becoming more independent despite having a partner that she is always attached at the hip with. I enjoyed the friendships that were formed in the book.

Attached at the Hip was a bit tricky for me. There were some parts that were great, yet just as many, if not more, that were really awkward and cringy, or didn’t seem necessary at all. The FMC was trying way too hard to be a “quirky girl” which was a bit off putting. I may have liked this more if it was significantly edited down, but it seemed like there was so much going on, but at the same time nothing. It briefly touched on a couple of things that could have added depth only to be complexly dropped. Some aspects also seemed unresolved for a standalone.

I’m not a person who knows Christine Riccio outside of being a writer. I think she’s a YouTuber, and I’ve been finding a lot of people who have reviews out already are just 100% into this book because they know her from there. That is not my experience and I feel it’s important to put that out there. I also read Again, But Better five years ago, so I didn’t remember a single thing and missed out on those Easter eggs, which I guess proves you don’t need them. All that being said, I *loved* this book. It’s been a long time since I’ve taken up an entire weekend day reading—and this is how I spent my Victoria Day weekend Sunday. It’s a quick read that I think anyone who loves Survivor and The Bachelor (or any of those amazingly trashy reality TV shows) will enjoy.

What didn’t work for me

The character names: I’m noticing that the more books I read, the more outrageous the names are. Orielle is nice (Orie worked), but her thinking that it wasn’t unique enough and that she should go by Piccadilly was silly. Plus, Kennedi, Osprey, Lark… I just. I can’t. And sometimes they shortened Orie to Or and I found that hard to follow a bit.

A bit more about the game as a whole: They mentioned a few times when explaining the premise of the game that everyone had three potential matches. We quickly learn about Orie’s (if we assume Kennedi is one in a friend kind of way), but I don’t see how all the other characters could have been matched with each other. Remy, especially, seemed like an odd man out. I wish we could have seen a bit more from the other players in the game. I also really don’t believe Remy’s mom would have done what she did in real life. It seemed really rushed and random.

What I liked

The love triangle: I thought I knew where the love story was going to go—and man, was I (pleasantly) wrong! I’m so glad it didn’t go the way I thought. The love story between the two that ended up together was really sweet, and I think both characters grew a lot as they got to know each other (especially Orie).

The pop culture references: I think this is a specialty of Riccio’s, but I loved all the pop culture references—especially the books. There were only a few I didn’t know, but I wrote them down because I now want to read them. Plus, I had Katy Perry’s Firework in my head for days afterward.

4.5 STARS

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced book copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have watched about 12 seasons of Survivor and even more seasons of Big Brother. My family watched a bunch of other reality TV when i was growing up ( The Bachelor is the only exception- we watched season 1 of both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette). So when I saw Attached at the Hip on NetGalley I decided to read it.

Overall it's a fun read. It's like reading a very short, highlights only version of a reality show. There are a few things that happen to create drama that didn't feel too realistic. I think Christine should have found a different route but it's not a deal breaker. If you enjoyed or still enjoy Survivor and want something on the lighter side to read, Attached at the Hip would be a good choice. Overall rating 3.5/5 stars.

Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy to read and review.

This was a cute book but a miss for me overall. As a lifelong Survivor fan I LOVED the survivor with a romantic twist premise. The show was my favorite part of this book but I didn’t find any of the characters likable and the romance twist was a miss for me.

If you like YA/New Adult I think this is a book you’ll like.

This book was so much fun to read! I flew right through the book because it was engaging and quite frankly, entertaining.
The main character, Orie, is, as her sister suggested before the adventure takes off, codependent on everyone around her. She’s a twenty three year-old with no idea what she wants to do with her life and can’t seem to make any decisions on her own. On a whim, she signs up for Survivor to prove everyone wrong. Before she leaves, her world blows apart and she starts the show off trying to put the pieces back together, while trying to figure out how she didn’t see any of it coming. When she arrives on site, not only are her survival skills put to the test, she finds herself tethered to one teammate after another.
The fun part of the book comes from the challenges the characters must undergo, as well as how some of these play out; there are several laugh out loud moments. My favourite part of the book is Orie’s character growth. Putting all shenanigans aside, her characters develops a lot over the course of the 21 days she is participating in the reality show. As she is navigating the game, she learns much about and becomes more confident.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read or if you are still trying to figure out where you belong. This is a great summer read with a touch of coming-of-age.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the e-arc. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.

I've never watched Survivor or any reality TV really, save for a few episodes of Bridezillas and Love is Blind, so I had absolutely no background on what was going on or what the premise would be like, which is what interested me most about the book.

Orie is a really quirky and interesting character, with a name that she doesn't think is interesting so she wants everyone to call he Picadilly (is this a survivor thing? Because I could not get over this). She made me cringe more times than not and the love triangle (which I already hate on principle) felt like insta-love (another trope I don't really like).

HOWEVER, the book was fun, with some witty/fun lines and the Survivor game kept me reading more than anything.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review :)

At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to love this one but the book really grew on me!

The main character Orie started out as a bit of a douche - she talks so badly about her boyfriend in the beginning.. It was honestly giving Rory Gilmore forgetting she has a boyfriend in the Gilmore Girls reboot.. But then she grew on me as the story progressed. Despite.. her wanting her nickname to be Piccadilly.. After the London tube stop… (girl what?!)

I am a huge lover of reality tv so Orie going on a Survivor/Dating show was right up my alley for a romance. It gave a fun setting and also gave me the same vibes as the tv show UnReal and I really loved that!

I found myself laughing throughout this book and the vibes were just great! I loved the drama, the romance, and everything! I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fun summer read!

Attached at the Hip by Christine Riccio is a RomCom where Survivor meets The Bachelor. It’s clean and funny as we follow Orie onto a dating/survivor/fear-factor television show.
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Orie is a 23-year-old still trying to figure out how to be an adult and has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She is hilarious, saying things that others only think, and being forced to do things that will make you cringe. There is bathroom humor and scary spiders.
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I loved her growth through mistakes and triumphs as she gets to know all the people she’s literally attached to by a rope (aka attached at the hip) and competes against them in various challenges.
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There is a lot of pop culture and bookish references which also made this a lot of fun. I giggled a lot. Seeing who she ended up with was very satisfying. Another favorite read of mine this year.
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Thanks, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press / Wednesday Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Orie’s life isn’t what she envisioned it would be after graduation, and one night after a fight with her sister, Orie decides to apply to be on Survivor. She’s shocked when she gets cast on the show, and even more surprised when she finds out it’s a new spin off that has a romantic twist. The surprises keep coming when her first partner on the show is Remy, her high school crush. Over the next few weeks she not only has to navigate competing for the ultimate prize, but forming alliances, and figuring out potential love interests, all at the same time she’s surviving on a deserted island.
I’ve never found a reality show that didn
’t immediately suck me in, so a romance based on a reality show? Absolutely the book for me. This book drew me in and I did not want to put it down. When I couldn’t physically read, I was listening to the audiobook, and kept switching back and forth until I finished in less than a day). This book is marketed as Survivor meets The Bachelor, but I also got F-Boy Island, and Perfect Match vibes and I was here for the drama. This book was a wild ride and I could perfectly envision the way the show was playing out. (Sidenote: can we please make this a real show?) I had so much fun reading this book!

While the characters here seem very immature at times, it was important for me to keep 2 things in mind when reading: 1 - this is marketed and published as a YA (more new adult book), so yes, the character act a bit young at times, and 2 - when have you ever watched a reality show with mature characters who aren’t a bit dramatic? For me, the answer is never. So to me that felt very true to the theme of the book. Even with their immaturity, I appreciated how Orie found her voice while on the show, and I loved the friendships made between contestants.

The audiobook was phenomenal. I loved Brittany Pressley’s narration and how she brought all of the characters and the drama to life. It was a great listen!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the advance copies.

Attached at the Hip by Christine Riccio is a delightful romcom, set in a reality competition game reminiscent of Survivor, but with a unique speed dating-type vibe. It's a perfect blend of romance and comedy that kept me entertained from start to finish.

Orie Lenox is an AcroYoga Influencer with her sister Lark, who keeps getting increasingly frustrated because Orie cannot make any decisions independently.  She doesn't even live independently, choosing to live in her parent's basement.  Orie doesn't love her boyfriend, who she's been with since she was a teen, but she can't even decide to end that relationship.  When things spiral out of control, Orie sends her try-out tape to Survivor to prove that she can act independently. And the rest is just pure entertainment.

The story, while engaging, could have benefited from some trimming. The detailed narrative, while adding depth, at times felt excessive, making the reading experience a bit lengthy.

But it is so much fun! The relationships are messy.  The challenges are compelling.  The strategies are inherently flawed. And even the bad guys are charming.  So, so messy! And I loved that!

I’m a sucker for reality TV and for books so books about reality TV are right up my alley. I was super excited to pick up this book, especially since I’ve recently started binging Survivor and this book takes place on the set of a fictional Survivor spin off.

This was an overall fun read, it just moved too slowly for me. The main character is also over the top quirky in a way that can sometimes come off as inauthentic. I will say that most romances feel really predictable, but I did not expect this one to end the way it did. If you enjoy Survivor and rom coms you should check this book out when it comes out tomorrow!

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!