DNF at 27%

I'm sure this book has an audience that will love it. It reads quick and isn't overly complicated. The plot is an interesting set up with potential, but I wasn't invested enough in the characters, plot, or writing to wait and find out if that potential can be met.

The catalyst for the plot happens blindingly fast, and consequently we don't get to know our main character at all before we're expected to navigate her relationship with someone else. Adriana is a blank slate. At 27% in, I feel like I still don't know much of her backstory or how she's feeling aside from a few key points that have been repeated. This could appeal to readers who prefer to imagine themselves as the main character, but it made me feel disconnected from our main character.

The writing and plot are very dialogue-driven, but the dialogue doesn't feel natural to me. It's very matter-of-fact, and alternates between questions and answers without any reflection on the information they're receiving. Occasionally there's a dictionary definition thrown in for comic relief, but it's not frequent enough to feel like a bit and there's no part of Adriana's personality that connects or acknowledges it, so it feels like a random pop up ad.

The adventure seems to pick up around 25% and the pacing levels out, so it's possible the rest of the book is compelling enough that I would have enjoyed it but, without enough info to care about the main character, I'm not willing to give it more time to find out.

Note: Out of respect for the author and the fact that I did not finish it, I will hold my reviews until after the release date and will not be adding a star rating.

Such a funny romcom adventure with nifty nods to Indiana Jones. Loved the characters, the romance, and the spiffy wit. Perfect for contemporary romance fans who adore delightful spirited tales. I dug it and you will too!

If you’re a fan of adventure movies like National Treasure and Indiana Jones but also want cheesy romance then you should definitely check this book out.
Is this book ridiculous? Yes, of course it is! But it’s also a lot of fun and I really enjoyed the relationship between Adriana and Andrew. They meet after Adriana accidentally receives a package with a mysterious bracelet that she then puts on (why, idk) which turns out to be the key Andrew needs to discover some mysterious treasure and also happens to now be stuck on her wrist. She then agrees to join him on his treasure hunt after knowing him for mere hours. Like I said, it’s ridiculous but fun. What follows is lots of adventures and danger and a whole lot of making out in places they maybe shouldn’t. Like, where are their priorities! It was a little insta-lovey between the two main characters but I did also like the way their relationship progressed and how they got to know each other.
The one thing I didn’t really like was that there were a lot of body shame-y things said by Adriana and her brother. They were mostly directed at themselves rather than putting down other people but it still didn’t sit right with me. It wasn’t a major part of the story so I was able to move past it and still enjoy the book but I do wish there had been less of that.
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC!

Digging Dr. Jones really does borrow heavily from the Indiana Jones film series, and throw in some longing glances between Dr. Jones and Adriana the MMC and FMC. The plot gets a little wild, and unbelievable, whilst the romance is my least favourite part. I found the romance to be disjointed, like one moment they’d say/do something not very nice, the next the FMC would be thirsting over Andrew, it didn’t come across as if it was a purposeful push and pull, just clumsy.

I really liked Adriana’s brother as a side character, and their relationship was a huge highlight that I’d have loved to see more of.

I do think this book is worth a read, even if for me I didn’t gel with the writing and it fell flat.

I am always gravitated to stories (book and movies) that have some sort of treasure hunt! I find them so interesting and fun. As you read or watch, all the puzzle pieces come together and its just really fun to experience.

The treasure hunt in this story was fun and interesting. I liked getting the snippets of history and the story coming together. As a romance, this was a bit of a miss for me. I felt like most of the book was just overly descriptive and it took me a while to get through it. I honestly almost DNFed it but decided to keep going. The last 20% of the book is where all the action lies and again I enjoyed the treasure hunt aspect more then anything else. The romance itself felt off and like something was missing throughout the book.. I just didn't feel their chemistry.

Adriana is on a vacation with her brother after her life took a disastrous turn when her business investor backed out. A surprise gift shows up at her door and she instantly puts the bracelet on. One problem it was actually meant for Andrew and it will not come off. The bracelet is the key to finding a long lost treasure so now Adriana must accompany him on his quest.

I thought this book was super cute. I liked all of the characters and the bit of adventure and mystery kept me engaged throughout the story. I really enjoy the quest of journey trope and it was done well in this book.

3.75 star read

Adriana Jones is on vacation with her brother William, when she gets a delivery at the resort. Inside is a bracelet that she puts on. Later that evening a man, Andrew, comes up and tells her that's his bracelet. However Adriana can't get the bracelet off. Which starts an adventure of a lifetime for Adriana and William. After being offered money to travel with Andrew to try and find hidden treasures where the bracelet is the key. They go off on this fish out of water adventure to try and find the treasure while black market dealers are on their trail the entire way. And a long the way feelings a rose between Adriana and Andrew.
With the vibes of Indiana Jones mixed with national treasure and added a little spice. This is exactly the type of book to read if you are into archaeological treasure hunts.
Tropes of fish out of water, forced proximity, no third act break up, and jungle adventure. I enjoyed this book, I liked the characters, William made the story with his commentary and brotherly actions.

This just wasn't for me, it felt like the author was trying really hard to include pop culture references and other such things to make the writing relatable, and it just didn't work. I didn't feel any chemistry at all between the main characters, and honestly found both of them quite annoying. Quite frankly as well, I'm a bit over the "oh he's rich and i'm poor, however shall we get past this!" trope.

Points for plot creativity, it was quite fun in that way.

First of all, thank you to HarperCollins UK, ONE MORE CHAPTER, for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Let’s get into it.

The premise is fresh, an Indiana Jones style journey with some broody and horny thirty somethings. Initially, I found it hard to get into the story but after the 15% mark, I was hooked!!

What I liked is that you get straight into the action, no faffing about. And I genuinely did believe the romance between the two leads, you could follow the buildup.

I would definitely recommend this book to romance lovers. Although the adventure takes up a lot of the plot, it makes the romance that much more sweet.

Share just enough of the plot (or facts, if nonfiction) to hook the reader without giving too much away, and without veering into book report territory.
Digging Dr. Jones was a fun edition to the current trend of archeology adventure and romance books that have hit the shelves in the last few years. I found the adventure and mystery of trying to discover the treasure very exciting and really enjoyed the banter between the characters for most of the book. Andrew and Adriana were likeable characters whose sizzling romance really hopped off the pages and I liked the way that they were able to be honest and open with each other.

However, I had two big issues with the book. The first had to do with the pacing of Andrew and Adriana's relationship. It felt like it really went from 0 to 100 especially after it was revealed that he was not married. While I liked the "will they won't they" aspect of the story part of the story once they were together it seemed like the story took a hard shift into just going from sex scene to sex scene. My other problem came from the use of 4th wall esc breaks with the definitions of words and how they were related to the story. Don't get me wrong, I think that this is such a co0l and unique way to tell the story, however I would have loved to see this either integrated throughout the whole story instead of at random moments or within the chapter headings so it gave the reader an exciting preview at moments from the chapter.

Overall, this was a really fun book filled with characters that really grew on you as the book went on.

3.5 stars ⭐️ This was a really fun, adventurous RomCom! The banter was spot on and the characters were relatable!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins - OMC for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was amazing and I cannot wait to follow this author! Digging Dr. Jones reminded me that sometimes, the best things in life are the unlooked for adventures!

DNF 10% in

I was really excited for this one since l'm a massive fan of The Mummy, but even so soon into the book, I just wasn't feeling it.

The writing is extremely clunky and cheesy, and not in a super cute romcom way that I could ignore. I'm ngl lie when I say that I got the ick when the FMC's brother said "I already ordered us- wowza! ... when did you go on a shopping spree without me?" Wowza? I can't. And that was 2% in.

There were a few more writing issues that I just couldn't get past and the premise of the story felt...weird. Unbelievable maybe? I know it's a romcom, but it just felt like too much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advanced copy in return for an honest opinion!!

I really wanted to love this. The premise is fun, I love an adventure a la Indiana Jones and The Mummy but it fell really flat.

One of my issues is the speed in which they fall in love, which is definitely a personal preference. It lacks romantic or sexual tension, there didn’t seem to be any depth to their relationship.

The main problem is the dialogue, it’s clunky, it’s cheesy and not in a cute rom com way. It’s written in such a way that it doesn’t read like real speech.

For example “It was so hard to lie to you that i didn’t fancy your backside. You have the nicest one I’ve ever seen.” Made me laugh out loud, and not in a good way unfortunately.

I also beg anyone writing brits to please have a British person in the editing stage. It’s not just this book that has this issue, but we don’t talk like this.

The plot had some good ideas, but it got a touch convoluted at the end. I think it needs some further rounds of editing before release to make it flow better as the premise, even though it’s bordering on ridiculous, is fun!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All thoughts are my own and are no way manipulated. Unfortunately this book just fell flat for me. I loved the idea of going on an adventure in a jungle. While following a hunky expedition guide. However, I found myself putting this book down every few chapters. Here’s why

1. The characters backstories were overdone. Adriana comes from a sad upbringing. Her parents weren’t there for her, she was poor, and it was up to her brother to care for her. Due to this upbringing she comes off judgmental as heck. Constantly bringing up financial differences to the MMC Andrew. To the point I rolled my eyes everytime she mentioned it. There’s ways to intertwine a characters backstory, and not repeating it multiple times.
2. Immaturity and just lack of character. All the characters were very meh. The only one I kind of enjoyed was William the FMC brother. Adriana’s only personality trait was being horny. Again tension can be done really well and have you begging for a kiss. The tension didn’t do that it just got annoying. We don’t get anyone else’s POV, but I would have loved to see Andrew’s.
3. This is just a personal comment. I thought there was too much going on. Trying to keep up with all the new locations, new adventures, clues, and the like made me lose interest. This is a romcom so I didn’t expect there to be so much detail. Now if you want to go on an Indiana Jones adventure. You might really be into this book. It was just more complex than I was expecting is all.
4. Once the main character finally get physical. That becomes the main focus for a bit. To the point I was like really again.

Tropes
-rich Vs poor
-grump Vs realist
-adventure
-teacher and treasure seeker MMC
-wine sommelier FMC
-LGBTQ+ rep
-fake marriage
-spice
-mental health rep

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Okay, first of all, the Playlist at the start of the book is epic! 🎸

Think Indiana Jones meets National Treasure bundled up into a Romcom 🫢😍

The banter and flirting in this book was divine, but don't expect a quick romance! This was a slow burn but just over halfway in the book it picks up! Unfortunately the MFC left much to be desired, but the MMC really carried the book through right until the very end making it a 4 star read for me!

I really enjoyed this read, and I would recommend as a 2025 must read if you are looking for a light adventurous Romcom! 😊

Um, excuse me. Where can I find a man who will pay me to follow him around? I get car sick but I will be there.

This is a fun rom com influenced my Indiana Jone. (Maybe Schitts creek. William needs his own story)
I did enjoy the adventure and travel throughout the book. I loved our FMC's brother William and all of his nicknames he's given out to our MMC.

This book did take a while to get into. I started really enjoying it at the 20% mark. Though I feel pacing is off because from there it was up and down how much I really enjoyed it.

All of the characters felt flat. Our FMC is dealing with some past trauma and brings it up repeatedly through out the book.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book!

I think the premise of this book was fun I mean who doesn’t love Indiana jones and national treasure! There were so aspects that felt kinda flat, I think it would have really benefited from being dual pov. Either way it was a fun and quick read!

A fun light hearted adventure romance, this novel will satisfy every fan of National Treasure or The Mummy. I loved the Jones’s!

💌Review: Digging Dr. Jones

💗Rate: 5 Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🧁Praise: What an adventurous and sexy ride! Andrew and Adriana are couples goals!! I definitely needed this thrilling palette cleanser! A book that didn't have toxic characters or harsh emotional moments. This book definitely made me happy!! Life isn't going well for our character Adriana! She is such an upbeat and down to earth lady and had the world ripped out from under her. Her dreams of owning her own business or squash last minute when her partner took her money!

⛱️ Her brother takes her on a beautiful vacation! (By the way he is seriously so fabulous!! ) There they both encounter a man named Andrew who claims Adriana put on a piece of jewelry a beautiful bracelet that actually belongs to him! She can't get the bracelet off and now she is convinced to go with him to get it taken off so he can rescue some artifacts that belong in a museum!

☀️Andrew is Indiana Jones and Darcy and a touch of Henry Cavill swag!! The banter between them had me literally giggling and kicking my feet! He is a charmer who is a sweetheart. Adriana is a witty diamond with a soft kindness. Both have been through their equal share of emotional issues. They definitely help each other believe in the magic of finding someone and living in the moment again!

🌹Characters: All the characters are absolutely oscar-worthy! If they were all desserts I would not know where to start! The way Olivia Jackson writes her characters makes it so easy to follow along I never had to put down the book to take a moment and understand. I only kept going with an energy because I wanted more!

🍰Extra/Tropes: The cover is beautiful! The characters were created romantically! And now the author is on my list to buy every book from her! Thank you Olivia and Netgalley!

🍪Romance
🍪Adventure
🍪Strong and sweet FMC and MMC
🍪Side characters Oscar worthy!
🍪Must Read!
🍪Indiana Jones and The Mummy vibe with Spice!