A fun romance for Reality TV loving folks

Orie is very comfortable in her life, she has been in the same relationship for a decade, she lives with her parents, and helps her sister pursue her dreams. She gets a reality check that makes her start questioning things and applies to survivor on a whim. She gets cast and leaves behind all her loved ones, she joins the game newly single, and with her family going through a hard time. When she makes it to Fiji she learns she is on a romantic spin off of Survivor called Attached at the Hip, for the next few weeks she competes with rotating partners to win 1 million dollars. Will she find a romantic connection, will she make it to the end, and will she form real relationships or will the cutthroat nature of the game leave her as alone as she went in?

This was my first book by the author and I had a fun time. I love reality TV so this is right up my alley. This book was very New Adult and would be perfect for someone looking to make the jump from YA to Adult romances. The characters had enough depth for me to root for them. It also explored more serious topics without it feeling out of place or too much. Orie did feel a tad too quirky and it felt over the top. There was more than enough intrigue and plot to keep me engaged.

As a huge fan of Survivor I suppose I was already predisposed to liking Attached at the Hip, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much I ended up enjoying Orie’s adventure. Orie had dreamed of having a fairytale romance her entire life. But she’s been dating the same guy since she was thirteen and he’s not her Prince Charming. After a fight with her sister, in which her sister lays down some brutal truths about Orie’s co-dependence, Orie applies to be on Survivor. She gets picked to be on the show…only it’s not Survivor but rather a spinoff survivor-esque dating show in which she will be tethered to another person for days on end, needing to compete in challenges and survive together. The first person she’s tethered to turns out to be a person from her past, a handsome man she went to high school with. He sweeps her off her feet and she wonders if she’s finally found what she’s been looking for. The moment she and Remy have their ‘poop’ conversation I was hooked. That scene had me in stitches. But as the competition continues and she interacts with more of the contestants Orie begins to have doubts, about Remy (is he too good to be true?), about what she wants her future to be. Not only was this a fun romcom, but it was a wonderful tale of personal growth. I really enjoyed not only the story and setting, but the entire cast of characters. This was my first time reading a novel by Ms. Riccio and I have to say I was thoroughly entertained. I fully intend to check out her previous books. I’d like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Attached at the Hip.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R5R1OHUK2T6F8/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Here we are back again only this time it’s a survivor/love island type of vibe going on here.

While reading this book, we did take a look at Orie’s life before she signed up for the show and during show. I did enjoy how she each had her relationship with the side characters and seeing her character development happen throughout the story. I didn’t think that osprey of all of them would grow on me. There were time when the writing was a bit all over the place but this did have me hooked (no pun intended of course) so I’d recommend this who love survivor and adventure here.

*thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the advance copy of this ebook*

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Orie is a 23-year-old Survivor super fan (she's watched all 40 seasons of Survivor) who is very co-dependent on her family and long-time boyfriend (she never does ANYTHING by herself, doesn't even have a driver's license because her boyfriend will just drive her everywhere and works as a yoga influencer with her sister, who really runs the show). After a harsh reality check from her sister, she spontaneously applies to be on Survivor. They love her casting tape and she is accepted. At the airport, her boyfriend breaks up with her (who she never felt a strong love connection with anyway). This ends up working out because this version of Survivor is actually a new spin-off show called Attached at the Hip, where they have been romantically connected to at least 3 other people on the island and they will take turns doing 3 day sessions literally tethered to each other's hips, followed by challenges and eliminations. Orie's first partner is none other than Remy a missed love connection she went to high school with. Despite some awkward first impressions, Orie and Remy have a connection and hope to win the game of Attached at the Hip and find love together.

I loved the idea of this one so much! I am a big fan of reality TV game shows like Bachelor, Survivor, etc., so I could not resist this ARC! The plot was so fun with the spin-off show and the challenges, but I, unfortunately, had a hard time connecting to the characters. Orie was funny at times, but also incredibly awkward and the banter between her and Remy seemed off. The side characters also seemed a bit silly to me--newly turned 18-year-old is an expert on love? And while Remy did have another more interesting side to him, I still can't believe he literally said he likes to do "gym, tan, laundry" as his hobbies. There were A LOT of pop culture references (I hope you're a Katy Perry fan if you read this one)--I am the right age to understand them, so I found these fun. There were definitely some really funny laugh out loud moments in this book and I still enjoyed it--overall a fun, silly read!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is my review of the digital ARC of Attached at the Hip -- it's basically the same as my audio review but with a few more notes and without the audio highlights!

****************************************************************************************************************************
OMG guys I wasn’t ready for this one!! I’m not even kidding, I had to go home to read/listen to it so I could laugh out loud without people questioning my sanity and so I could cope with the ANXIETY I was feeling over the Survivor-esque aspects -- both physical and mental. This one was soooo much fun! A 5⭐️ read, no doubt about it. Christine Riccio freaking killed it!

Orie is my favorite protagonist now! She’s just so real, innocent, straightforward but in a word vomit/can’t control her mouth way and it just comes off so genuine and hilarious, I wish she was a real person! As marketed, it truly reads as a Survivor game show if it was mixed with The Bachelor. Honestly I don’t even LIKE reality TV but I freaking ate this up! I might even go watch both shows now. I feel like I can’t say too much without giving everything away because there are twists, drama and hilarity on basically every page that you need to experience for yourself. Everyone should read or listen to this ASAP (personally I like to do both and the audio makes it 10x better especially with a protagonist like Orie)! You’ll love some characters, strongly dislike others, live for the drama and question everything. Sounds like fun right? Right!

There are a lot of good lessons in this one that felt relatable in so many ways, truly something for everyone. As a fellow reader and lover of quotes, I felt very connected to Orie and Osprey as the book lovers on the show. If you like quotable books or books you wanna highlight the heck out of — this one is for you! I found myself highlighting the humorous lines, the sweet/tender/romantic lines, the awkward lines, the lines about self-growth and discovery, until I realized I was just basically highlighting the whole book. It's a YA book but I honestly didn't even register that until I was reviewing -- I think it will really appeal to all ages. I haven't talked a lot about the other characters beside Orie, but this book really has so many important, unique, and essential characters. And everyone has really great names! There's Lark: Orie's older sister and co-influencer (if that makes sense) who is basically the reason Orie even gets to have this amazing adventure; Osprey: a top parkour athlete who loves reading and is just as straightforward as Orie; Kennedi: literally Miss Teen wherever winner but also top of her class and a top parkour athlete who gives Osprey a run for his money, she's outgoing and draws people in but is cutthroat; and Remy, who's this somewhat enigmatic, unknown guy from Orie's past, that she never really connected with but she had a huge crush on him as teens and he seems like her perfect fit right at the start of the game! There was a lot of great character development, especially for Orie and the characters come off super lovable/realistic (despite it being primarily contestants on a reality survival/dating show).

If you love forced proximity, reality tv, drama, and the idea of being stranded on an island with other hot people who might also be your perfect match then check this out!☀️⛺️⚓️🛥️🪢💛💖🌊🦀🐓🥥🌴🎥

Thank you Wednesday Books for the ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is my first time reading this author and although the MC was annoying as hell I really this book. I liked the competition and how every single time they went up against each other I was at the edge of my seat waiting to find out the results. it was the end of the book that I liked the most. It revealed the MC’s growth and also slowly revealed a sweet connection that had been building the entire competition. It was so cute I almost want another book. This was a cute read that I would tell others to check out. 4 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc

Attached at the Hip by Christine Riccio
Contemporary romance. New adult. Game show format Survivor meets The Bachelor.
Orie Lennox has always dreamed of a happily ever after. Orie’s long time boyfriend is more companion and friend and she doesn’t have any sexual feelings for him. Orie is a social influencer with her sister. When her sister says she doesn’t make any decisions on her own or make an effort on their platform, Orie decides to apply for a new survivor type show. She’s watched every version and episode and knows she can master the game play. When she’s called and gets on the show, she finds it’s a twist that means she’s literally attached by a rope to someone for three days at a time, as they do challenges on the island of Fiji. Her first match is a boy she had a crush on back in high school but neither could get past a hello. Winning a challenge, and a box of basic supplies they get to know each other on camera.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook. The narration is done by Brittany Pressley who is a pro and has done hundreds of audiobooks. She is able to do distinct and believable voices for male and female characters as well as several secondary characters in the story. Emotions are clear and make the story immersive and entertaining.
Between the audiobook and ecopy, I preferred the audiobook for this story for the survivor-esq antics.
I listened to this at my standard speed of 1.5.

Fun premise. Not sure the fourth day was the right timing for personal habits but I wouldn’t be in that situation no matter what the pay would be. The producers have said they did extensive research and that every player has at least two or three matches. So maybe that would be enough for future players.
The game play was amusing. The growth of Orie’s character is strong. The selected romance for me was too late in the story to still care although the twist was interesting and held throughout the ending. I was hoping for something different.
Amusing game play.
3.5

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.

Dare I say…the perfect summer romcom?

This was such a fun read for me! I’m a huge Survivor fan so I knew I had to read Attached at the Hip when I saw it described as “Survivor meets The Bachelor”, and it most definitely did not disappoint in the Survivor details!

Not only did this make my Survivor-heart happy, but my bookish self too! Our FMC, Orie, is a lover of words and books and the way she cares for them and describes how certain quotes makes her feel was incredibly relatable.

Orie’s character has to be one of my favorites from any romcom I’ve read. Her humor, realness, and overall character development was top tier.,

HIGHLY recommend this book!

This was SO. FUN. I absolutely love Survivor so I figured I'd love a romance book set on a Survivor-like reality show. It was exactly as over-the-top and addicting as I hoped it would be, plus there was a love triangle that I was caught off-guard by and surprisingly invested in. My entire time reading this book I did not want to put it down. It's definitely overly cheesy, and I see a LOT of the author inserting herself into the quirky main character, but I do think it works for the type of book this is trying to be. There are also some things within the family dynamic that I think I could nitpick if I wanted to, and are holding me back from giving a full 5 stars, but I really had so much fun with this book and would recommend it as a quick, fun, summery read to anyone who thinks the premise sounds interesting!

This book was so so cute!! I have loved Christine for years watching her videos on YouTube and this is the most Christine story I’ve seen! The characters were so loveable and creative and I highly recommend this book!

This was an absolutely phenomenal piece of art! I loved every single minute. I laughed out loud so much while reading this, and just couldn't get enough of the storyline. I am not a fan of reality tv at all, however, Riccio brings this story to life in such a way that I devoured it practically in one sitting. I couldn't get enough.

The world was built very well, and the characters were built in a way that you couldn't help but love them, even if you didn't really like them much. The fact that Riccio was able to make me love the storyline and characters in such a way, when I can't stand watching reality tv is so very impressive to me. It was a great time reading!

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in return for an honest review.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I think part of the reason why I enjoyed it so much was because of how unexpected it was to me. I picked up a random book, not knowing anything about it, and it was absolutely delightful.

This book follows Orie, who has a bit of decision paralysis and is a little bit co-dependent. After a confrontation with her sister who claims Orie isn't taking initiative in her own life, Orie signs up to become a contestant on this little show called Survivor. And gets in!! Only, she's surprised to learn that she's not on Survivor exactly, but rather a Survivor spin-off called Attached at the Hip, where she is attached to another human with an 8-foot-long piece of rope.

A rom com? About Survivor? But if Survivor was a dating show? Yes, yes, and yes! This book had so much heart and was so warm I wanted to give it a hug. I was smiling ear-to-ear and was on the edge of my seat waiting to see if Orie was going to ~survive~ the show. It was just downright fun.

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!