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From the Jump
A chronic yes-woman finally admits to what—and who—she really wants in this unforgettable and heartfelt romantic comedy, by the author of The Layover.
Liv Bakersfield is used to living her life in “shoulds.” Be fit. Be financially responsible. Be your best self. An overworked graphic designer, she’s stretched so thin that she’s about to miss yet another vacation with her beloved group of college friends. But when Liv finally decides to start saying no, it feels good…good enough to leap straight into quitting her job and hopping on a plane to join them in South Africa.
Amid the exotic landscape and unforgettable sights, Liv expects sun and safari animals and an easy time with her best friends. But such close proximity makes everything more complicated, especially with the emotionally unavailable Lucas Deiss. Their friendship is the only thing in her life that's still solid, and she vows to do anything she can to keep the group together. But once they get back to L.A., Liv discovers that her leap of faith has become a freefall, sending her crashing into Deiss's arms. With the trust of the people she loves most on the line, Liv must decide between doing what she should … and risking everything for what she shouldn’t want.
Liv Bakersfield is used to living her life in “shoulds.” Be fit. Be financially responsible. Be your best self. An overworked graphic designer, she’s stretched so thin that she’s about to miss yet another vacation with her beloved group of college friends. But when Liv finally decides to start saying no, it feels good…good enough to leap straight into quitting her job and hopping on a plane to join them in South Africa.
Amid the exotic landscape and unforgettable sights, Liv expects sun and safari animals and an easy time with her best friends. But such close proximity makes everything more complicated, especially with the emotionally unavailable Lucas Deiss. Their friendship is the only thing in her life that's still solid, and she vows to do anything she can to keep the group together. But once they get back to L.A., Liv discovers that her leap of faith has become a freefall, sending her crashing into Deiss's arms. With the trust of the people she loves most on the line, Liv must decide between doing what she should … and risking everything for what she shouldn’t want.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2022
302 people are currently reading
28459 people want to read
About the author
Lacie Waldon
4 books1,057 followersLacie Waldon is a best-selling author with her head in the clouds--literally. A flight attendant based in Los Angeles, Waldon spends her days writing from the jump seat and searching the world for new stories. Her novels, THE LAYOVER, FROM THE JUMP, and THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN have received critical praise and been featured by USA Today, Buzzfeed, PopSugar, and Forbes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,737 reviews
February 6, 2022
sweet swoony and suuuuuuuper romantic 😍amazing story on the importance of trying to step out of our comfort zone, and of course, I loooove friends to lovers stories! super recommend!!
Disclosure: got an ARC from Putnam, the publisher!
Disclosure: got an ARC from Putnam, the publisher!
May 25, 2022
Hmm…
Pros: -the execution takes place in dreamy South Africa
-We’re witnessing the self growing of a woman who realizes she’s holding herself back by pleasing people, learning to say “no” and discovering new things for her life including the man she’s been yearning for 11 years!
-Slow burn romance, sweet banters between Deiss ( Lucas is his first name but Deiss suits him more) and Liv were extra sweet- heartwarming
Cons: dear Liv should differentiate between acquaintances and real friends because the friends she mentions as her family know nothing about her life and her true self. They don’t even care to arrange more affordable trips for years so she can easily join them. I wish the author develop more intense bond between those girls with back stories.
-At some parts I found Liv a little clueless, naive.
Overall: I mostly enjoyed this quick read but I found the relationship parts underdeveloped. It was still fun to have a visual trip to South Africa!
I loved the author’s previous book “Layover” and I’m still looking forward to read her future books as well.
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Pros: -the execution takes place in dreamy South Africa
-We’re witnessing the self growing of a woman who realizes she’s holding herself back by pleasing people, learning to say “no” and discovering new things for her life including the man she’s been yearning for 11 years!
-Slow burn romance, sweet banters between Deiss ( Lucas is his first name but Deiss suits him more) and Liv were extra sweet- heartwarming
Cons: dear Liv should differentiate between acquaintances and real friends because the friends she mentions as her family know nothing about her life and her true self. They don’t even care to arrange more affordable trips for years so she can easily join them. I wish the author develop more intense bond between those girls with back stories.
-At some parts I found Liv a little clueless, naive.
Overall: I mostly enjoyed this quick read but I found the relationship parts underdeveloped. It was still fun to have a visual trip to South Africa!
I loved the author’s previous book “Layover” and I’m still looking forward to read her future books as well.
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
July 19, 2022
Liv, Phoebe, Simone, Lucas and Mac
They became inseparable friends from the jump (the first time they met) but Liv did not grow up with the same affluent lifestyle as the rest of the group, so she can never quite believe that she is worthy of inclusion.
For this reason, she overcompensates by working too hard and being so financially responsible that she has never joined the others on their annual vacation until now.
She finally takes some time away, and impulsively joins her friends in South Africa, where they are already enjoying a Safari, but she has no idea how that one impulsive decision will change the whole course of her life.
Turns out that despite getting together every third Thursday, and surviving the six year relationship and breakup, between two in the group (Phoebe and Mac), they really don’t know as much about each other as you would expect them to after so many years of friendship.
None of them want to risk the dynamics of the group again, so much goes unsaid.
And, unresolved.
In the Layover (which resonated more with me because I am in the airline business) the author gave us the enemies to lovers trope, with witty banter and an armchair visit to Belize.
In this book, we have the friends to lovers trope, with a big focus on friendship and armchair travel to South Africa.
While I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as her debut, Lacie Waldon has given us a character to root for in Liv, and a very swoon worthy lover in Lucas Deiss-though this rom com is mostly rated PG.
I am looking forward to seeing which romance trope the author tackles next!
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
AVAILABLE NOW! ❤️
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid
They became inseparable friends from the jump (the first time they met) but Liv did not grow up with the same affluent lifestyle as the rest of the group, so she can never quite believe that she is worthy of inclusion.
For this reason, she overcompensates by working too hard and being so financially responsible that she has never joined the others on their annual vacation until now.
She finally takes some time away, and impulsively joins her friends in South Africa, where they are already enjoying a Safari, but she has no idea how that one impulsive decision will change the whole course of her life.
Turns out that despite getting together every third Thursday, and surviving the six year relationship and breakup, between two in the group (Phoebe and Mac), they really don’t know as much about each other as you would expect them to after so many years of friendship.
None of them want to risk the dynamics of the group again, so much goes unsaid.
And, unresolved.
In the Layover (which resonated more with me because I am in the airline business) the author gave us the enemies to lovers trope, with witty banter and an armchair visit to Belize.
In this book, we have the friends to lovers trope, with a big focus on friendship and armchair travel to South Africa.
While I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as her debut, Lacie Waldon has given us a character to root for in Liv, and a very swoon worthy lover in Lucas Deiss-though this rom com is mostly rated PG.
I am looking forward to seeing which romance trope the author tackles next!
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
AVAILABLE NOW! ❤️
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid
July 24, 2022
I was super drawn to this book by the beautiful cover!! I enjoyed reading this book and found it to be an easy, light-hearted, quick read. I think it would make for the perfect poolside/vacation read. I subtracted a star because I would love to have felt more chemistry and steam from Liv and Diess. I was left wanting more from them and their relationship. I also did not like Simone’s character at all, her telling Diess’ secret was very low and unforgivable plus all the nasty things she said. I don’t like how she was so easily forgiven from the rest of the group after that. Overall, it is a very fun read that I would recommend! I have Lacie’s first novel, The Layover, in my TBR pile and I’m looking forward to reading that one!
Thank you Net Galley, and Putnam books, for an ARC in return for my honest review.
Thank you Net Galley, and Putnam books, for an ARC in return for my honest review.
November 15, 2021
I wrote this!! Honestly, I have no idea if it's any good, but I'm giving it five stars because I worked hard on it. Also, I wrote it during Covid and it was super fun to create a group of friends to hang out with. (And I'm in love with Deiss, so he gets all the stars.)
September 5, 2022
It's official that my summer romance winning streak has ended.💔
From the Jump is my first book by Lacie Waldon. When I saw the gorgeous cover and read the synopsis of a getaway romance to South Africa, I quickly cross-check with Goodreads and saw that my friends rated it highly, so it was a no-brainer to give it a try.
I'm left disappointed that it didn't work for me. I struggled to finish this but because I had so many DNF as of late, I didn't want to add another one to the pile. From the Jump is a contemporary friends-to-lovers romance and marketed as a rom-com. The story follows a group of decade-old college friends with a pact not to date one another. Their group vacation in South Africa which was only 30% of the story kind of changed some of that!
I find the friends somewhat shallow and juvenile. Are they even close after all these years? Liz, the MC is insecure and while she's part of this group, she's constantly walking on eggshells. It's hard to relate to or appreciate the romance when I can't connect with these characters. I was completely disconnected from the story that I missed out on the funny parts.
What I like was the message that Liz eventually discovers, to love herself and not try to be perfect to meet other people's expectations.
**Mild spoiler**
It took her over 94% of the book to figure it out. *screams into pillow* 2.5⭐
🎧💚Narrated by Brittany Pressley.
From the Jump is my first book by Lacie Waldon. When I saw the gorgeous cover and read the synopsis of a getaway romance to South Africa, I quickly cross-check with Goodreads and saw that my friends rated it highly, so it was a no-brainer to give it a try.
I'm left disappointed that it didn't work for me. I struggled to finish this but because I had so many DNF as of late, I didn't want to add another one to the pile. From the Jump is a contemporary friends-to-lovers romance and marketed as a rom-com. The story follows a group of decade-old college friends with a pact not to date one another. Their group vacation in South Africa which was only 30% of the story kind of changed some of that!
I find the friends somewhat shallow and juvenile. Are they even close after all these years? Liz, the MC is insecure and while she's part of this group, she's constantly walking on eggshells. It's hard to relate to or appreciate the romance when I can't connect with these characters. I was completely disconnected from the story that I missed out on the funny parts.
What I like was the message that Liz eventually discovers, to love herself and not try to be perfect to meet other people's expectations.
**Mild spoiler**
It took her over 94% of the book to figure it out. *screams into pillow* 2.5⭐
🎧💚Narrated by Brittany Pressley.
January 14, 2022
3.5*
Are you still friends with your College mates?
Liv was extremely fortunate. On her first day attending college, she found what turned out to be her lifelong friends. A group of five who couldn’t have been more different. Yet together they managed to overcome their many differences, remaining in close touch throughout the years.
Each year the friends take an exotic trip together. That is, all but Liv. She happens to be the cautious, responsible one. She can’t just pick up and fly across the world! Absurd! But this year is different. She plans on joining the group in Africa!
At this stage of their lives can friendships survive? If so, could that same friendship morph into something more? Or are they destined to crash and burn?
A sweet, friends-to-lovers rom-com. With just the right amount of chemistry to keep me engaged.
My first read by this author and plan to reach back to read her previous book, The Layover.
A rom-com weekend buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam
Are you still friends with your College mates?
Liv was extremely fortunate. On her first day attending college, she found what turned out to be her lifelong friends. A group of five who couldn’t have been more different. Yet together they managed to overcome their many differences, remaining in close touch throughout the years.
Each year the friends take an exotic trip together. That is, all but Liv. She happens to be the cautious, responsible one. She can’t just pick up and fly across the world! Absurd! But this year is different. She plans on joining the group in Africa!
At this stage of their lives can friendships survive? If so, could that same friendship morph into something more? Or are they destined to crash and burn?
A sweet, friends-to-lovers rom-com. With just the right amount of chemistry to keep me engaged.
My first read by this author and plan to reach back to read her previous book, The Layover.
A rom-com weekend buddy read with Susanne.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam
February 22, 2023
This is a Contemporary Friends to Lovers Romance Fiction. This book was so much fun to read. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I loved getting to see the main character, Liv learn to really live. I loved the romance in this book. The romance was slow moving, but it was so cute and fun. The ending was the normal romance book ending, but I enjoyed it. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (G.P. Putnam's Sons) or author (Lacie Waldon) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
December 30, 2022
Lacie Waldon’s sophomore novel strikes a perfect balance between romance, friendship, family and discovering who we all are once we drop our carefully crafted facade.
Liv sets out to live a life completely unlike her mother. She’s determined not to be perceived as weak, needy, or emotional by anyone including her very closest friends who fondly refer to her as the Ice Queen. Her goal is to control everything around her and to achieve the idea of perfection all her various self-help books seem to subscribe to. Then one day, instead of her usual yes, she says no, and inadvertently changes the entire course of her life and the world around her. From the vacation she takes to South Africa with her tight knit group of friends, to a new apartment, and a new career, things in her life suddenly improve (granted with a bit of stress and anxiety and a whole lot of entertainment) as she finds herself wanting to be happy far more than she wants to be perfect.
With multidimensional characters, witty dialogue and a fun, fast plot that at times can make you swoon, and then the next second cry, Waldon’s latest book is a must read. A definite 5 stars and one I’ll be adding to my yearly reading list!
Liv sets out to live a life completely unlike her mother. She’s determined not to be perceived as weak, needy, or emotional by anyone including her very closest friends who fondly refer to her as the Ice Queen. Her goal is to control everything around her and to achieve the idea of perfection all her various self-help books seem to subscribe to. Then one day, instead of her usual yes, she says no, and inadvertently changes the entire course of her life and the world around her. From the vacation she takes to South Africa with her tight knit group of friends, to a new apartment, and a new career, things in her life suddenly improve (granted with a bit of stress and anxiety and a whole lot of entertainment) as she finds herself wanting to be happy far more than she wants to be perfect.
With multidimensional characters, witty dialogue and a fun, fast plot that at times can make you swoon, and then the next second cry, Waldon’s latest book is a must read. A definite 5 stars and one I’ll be adding to my yearly reading list!
July 12, 2022
This was an easy breezy summer read. There were lots of things I liked about it:
1) Liv Bakersfield is buttoned up and ripe for a shake up
2) Lucas Diess is a dreamy enigma
3) The variety of personalities in the circle of friends
4) A trip to South Africa -- safari!
5) Also set in a record store -- retro and hip
6) Cats named Cat Stevens and Fluff Daddy
7) A sweet HEA
Included are discussion questions, so get some reading buddies and jump right in. Readers who loved The Layover will want to read this one as well. If you haven't a Lacie Waldon book yet, you are missing out.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
1) Liv Bakersfield is buttoned up and ripe for a shake up
2) Lucas Diess is a dreamy enigma
3) The variety of personalities in the circle of friends
4) A trip to South Africa -- safari!
5) Also set in a record store -- retro and hip
6) Cats named Cat Stevens and Fluff Daddy
7) A sweet HEA
Included are discussion questions, so get some reading buddies and jump right in. Readers who loved The Layover will want to read this one as well. If you haven't a Lacie Waldon book yet, you are missing out.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2022
2.5- 3 stars
There was nothing wrong with this book, it just didn’t hold my attention. I liked the writing well enough, but to be honest it just bored me. I see a lot of great reviews for it so I think it may just be me/my mood. Not a bad book, just not for me at this time
There was nothing wrong with this book, it just didn’t hold my attention. I liked the writing well enough, but to be honest it just bored me. I see a lot of great reviews for it so I think it may just be me/my mood. Not a bad book, just not for me at this time
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: Brittany Pressley
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 9h 18m
January 11, 2022
Review posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Light & Sweet!
Besties since college, five friends are basically inseparable and even vacation together. Truth be told, these guys consider their friendship to be wholly sacred!
Liv is the only one who has lived her entire life on the straight and narrow….never taking a chance, until now. Joining all of her friends on a trip to South Africa everything changes and by everything I mean her relationship with the one and only Lucas Deiss… and that spells trouble for “the friendship.” Upon her return to Los Angeles, Liv needs a place to crash after disaster strikes. Of course, it’s Lucas to the rescue in more ways than one, and try as hard as they might, these two can’t fight those loving feelings.
For Liv and Lucas, these two have to figure out what’s more important, love or friendship, unless of course, they can figure out how to have both.
A light, cute, and wholly predictable rom-com that kept me entertained throughout.
3.65 Stars
A buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnum/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
Light & Sweet!
Besties since college, five friends are basically inseparable and even vacation together. Truth be told, these guys consider their friendship to be wholly sacred!
Liv is the only one who has lived her entire life on the straight and narrow….never taking a chance, until now. Joining all of her friends on a trip to South Africa everything changes and by everything I mean her relationship with the one and only Lucas Deiss… and that spells trouble for “the friendship.” Upon her return to Los Angeles, Liv needs a place to crash after disaster strikes. Of course, it’s Lucas to the rescue in more ways than one, and try as hard as they might, these two can’t fight those loving feelings.
For Liv and Lucas, these two have to figure out what’s more important, love or friendship, unless of course, they can figure out how to have both.
A light, cute, and wholly predictable rom-com that kept me entertained throughout.
3.65 Stars
A buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnum/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter.
February 15, 2022
"A compelling story about how friendships, family, love and dreams evolve with this adventure we call life, and how all it takes is one brave step to change our lives for the better. With gorgeous transportive prose, witty banter, and swoon-worthy chemistry, From the Jump is a perfect vacation must-read!"
July 24, 2022
this book was screaming for a dual pov. it needed one so badly. it was good but like not bc it just didn’t seem thought out idk
November 30, 2021
OH MY HEART! If Lacie Waldon ever stops writing books I am going to stop reading. (Okay that's a bit dramatic but like, I need these books in my life.)
.
From the Jump is pure delight and I enjoyed every single page. I am SO picky when it comes to romance novels, but Waldon has a way of hooking me and investing me deeply in her characters - and that character connection is what I love the most. I found all the characters in this book, even Simone, to be likable and relatable. The chemistry is so well done and aptly flushed out, and this chemistry is what made it hard for me to put down her first book, The Layover, and now her second book, From the Jump. Waldon also gives me a dose of wanderlust, and I love being able to travel in these stories and live vicariously through the characters.
.
This story has some of my favorite tropes, found family, forced proximity, and friends-to-lovers. I am a sucker for friends-to-lovers and the romance and rapport between Liv and Lucas is spot on and gave me all the feels. Honestly, I just had to finish this book ASAP - I didn't want to spend time doing anything else (and isn't that the best feeling when you're reading??).
.
Folks, for a light-hearted, swoony sweet read, don't pass this one up. Thank you to Putnam for the e-arc, this book releases July 19, 2022!
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From the Jump is pure delight and I enjoyed every single page. I am SO picky when it comes to romance novels, but Waldon has a way of hooking me and investing me deeply in her characters - and that character connection is what I love the most. I found all the characters in this book, even Simone, to be likable and relatable. The chemistry is so well done and aptly flushed out, and this chemistry is what made it hard for me to put down her first book, The Layover, and now her second book, From the Jump. Waldon also gives me a dose of wanderlust, and I love being able to travel in these stories and live vicariously through the characters.
.
This story has some of my favorite tropes, found family, forced proximity, and friends-to-lovers. I am a sucker for friends-to-lovers and the romance and rapport between Liv and Lucas is spot on and gave me all the feels. Honestly, I just had to finish this book ASAP - I didn't want to spend time doing anything else (and isn't that the best feeling when you're reading??).
.
Folks, for a light-hearted, swoony sweet read, don't pass this one up. Thank you to Putnam for the e-arc, this book releases July 19, 2022!
February 15, 2022
From the wild, wonderful landscapes of South Africa to the sun-soaked streets of Southern California, From the Jump captivates with its true-to-life friendships, empowering journey of self discovery, and a swoon-worthy romance that left me grinning for days. Lacie Waldon delivers yet another heart-tingling delight!
July 16, 2022
4.5/5 stars
I absolutely loved the author's debut novel The Layover. So I was very excited to read From The Jump. I would categorize this book as somewhere between a contemporary romance and a rom-com with a big focus on friendship.
The narrator is Olivia/Liv (1st person POV). In college Liv becomes part of a friend group that includes her, Phoebe, Simone, Mac and Deiss. This group becomes super important to her.
The story takes place in both South Africa and Los Angeles. And I loved both of these settings.
I enjoyed Olivia because she seemed so real. I enjoyed the dynamic of the friend group. And I really liked the romance. I do wish that the book had spent more time in Africa. But overall I really liked this book and I thought that the end was really well done!
Thank you to edelweiss and Putnam books for allowing me to read this book.
I absolutely loved the author's debut novel The Layover. So I was very excited to read From The Jump. I would categorize this book as somewhere between a contemporary romance and a rom-com with a big focus on friendship.
The narrator is Olivia/Liv (1st person POV). In college Liv becomes part of a friend group that includes her, Phoebe, Simone, Mac and Deiss. This group becomes super important to her.
The story takes place in both South Africa and Los Angeles. And I loved both of these settings.
I enjoyed Olivia because she seemed so real. I enjoyed the dynamic of the friend group. And I really liked the romance. I do wish that the book had spent more time in Africa. But overall I really liked this book and I thought that the end was really well done!
Thank you to edelweiss and Putnam books for allowing me to read this book.
Read
August 27, 2022Not only is Lacie Waldon a dear friend, but she is also a great author!! If you haven’t read this one yet, put it on your TBR as fast as you can! Her first book The Layover was also another five-star read for me!! You are going to love the story!!!
· This was a fun-filled friends to lover's romance/rom-com read. This week, Deiss is my new book boyfriend (I’ll share him with Liv, but only this week)!! I loved everything about Deiss & Liv and was rooting for them from the beginning!!
· I think Liv appeals to so many people. So many of us can relate to living a life of “shoulds” and maybe some of us still do, so in this book we can escape into Liv’s life for a while and watch her setting boundaries, letting her guard down and beginning to live the life she finally wants!!
· The characters were likeable and very realistic. I really enjoyed the friendship dynamics within the group and it brought back some good memories of time spent with friends in high school/college and of course, the drama that goes along with that!
· If you’ve ever dreamed of going to South Africa, you’ll enjoy the storyline and if you haven’t, you’ll want to go there after reading the book!!
· Great summer read. With a total of 351 pages, you can easily read this in one sitting (hopefully in a hammock, on the beach or maybe even in South Africa)!! I highly recommend!!
· In the end, From the Jump is about friends that are so much more than just friends and learning how to take some risks and embrace life!!!
· This was a fun-filled friends to lover's romance/rom-com read. This week, Deiss is my new book boyfriend (I’ll share him with Liv, but only this week)!! I loved everything about Deiss & Liv and was rooting for them from the beginning!!
· I think Liv appeals to so many people. So many of us can relate to living a life of “shoulds” and maybe some of us still do, so in this book we can escape into Liv’s life for a while and watch her setting boundaries, letting her guard down and beginning to live the life she finally wants!!
· The characters were likeable and very realistic. I really enjoyed the friendship dynamics within the group and it brought back some good memories of time spent with friends in high school/college and of course, the drama that goes along with that!
· If you’ve ever dreamed of going to South Africa, you’ll enjoy the storyline and if you haven’t, you’ll want to go there after reading the book!!
· Great summer read. With a total of 351 pages, you can easily read this in one sitting (hopefully in a hammock, on the beach or maybe even in South Africa)!! I highly recommend!!
· In the end, From the Jump is about friends that are so much more than just friends and learning how to take some risks and embrace life!!!
August 16, 2022
From the Jump was not on my radar until my friend Ashlee told me it was a friends to lovers romance. And then immediately it was all I wanted to read.
From the Jump is about a group of friends who through some miracle have stayed a close knit group for years. Some of dated, some have wished they were dating but ultimately things mostly stay the same. When our main character, Liv decides to stop living her life in "shoulds" and starts living her life in spontaneity...a trip to Africa with her friend group changes everything.
This is a friends to lovers book full of self discovery and learning that the only way to live your life is for yourself. Liv's relationship with the emotionally elusive Lucas in their group is really great. It involves...one bed, shared living quarters, and the breaking down of barriers on both sides. Liv finds that the only solid place to land is Lucas' friendship and that is really what make this book shine.
I also really enjoyed the side characters. Mac and Phoebe are bright colorful characters that add that extra dimension to the story that make it even more fun and relatable.
It's a slow burn but gives you just enough to keep hanging on. I really thought it was such an easy quick and engaging read in the best of ways, and I definitely will go on to read more from this author.
From the Jump is about a group of friends who through some miracle have stayed a close knit group for years. Some of dated, some have wished they were dating but ultimately things mostly stay the same. When our main character, Liv decides to stop living her life in "shoulds" and starts living her life in spontaneity...a trip to Africa with her friend group changes everything.
This is a friends to lovers book full of self discovery and learning that the only way to live your life is for yourself. Liv's relationship with the emotionally elusive Lucas in their group is really great. It involves...one bed, shared living quarters, and the breaking down of barriers on both sides. Liv finds that the only solid place to land is Lucas' friendship and that is really what make this book shine.
I also really enjoyed the side characters. Mac and Phoebe are bright colorful characters that add that extra dimension to the story that make it even more fun and relatable.
It's a slow burn but gives you just enough to keep hanging on. I really thought it was such an easy quick and engaging read in the best of ways, and I definitely will go on to read more from this author.
July 29, 2022
I hadn't yet read a book by Lacie Waldon, so when there was going to be a discussion for From the Jump on Bookstagram (where I'm hosting #TheYearOfNetGalley) I knew this was my opportunity. I instantly fell in love with Waldon's humor and writing, and it also helps that these were some amazing characters! The banter between Liv and Lucas was on point, and the taste of the African safari they go on with their group of friends was just icing on the cake. I honestly would have loved even more of the book set in this location, and I thought there was going to be more based on the synopsis. Alas, there wasn't really that much, but it was fun while it lasted! I enjoyed the way Waldon brought both South Africa and LA to life, and it was nice having the dual settings.
And don't worry romance readers, From the Jump may look and sound like a romcom, but there is most definitely some steam in there as well! I always think it is weird listening to steam in audiobooks, but when the narrator is Brittany Pressley, I can accept it. Pressley is in the top 5 of my list of favorite narrators, and just like always she did an exceptional job with the audio. She was the perfect person to be the voice of Liv and I think she may have made me love her even more. Liv is a really great character and I loved seeing her go from the ultimate yes-girl to being willing and able to say no sometimes. This may be a romance, but it is also so much more, and I highly recommend it to all the romcom and romance readers out there.
I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
And don't worry romance readers, From the Jump may look and sound like a romcom, but there is most definitely some steam in there as well! I always think it is weird listening to steam in audiobooks, but when the narrator is Brittany Pressley, I can accept it. Pressley is in the top 5 of my list of favorite narrators, and just like always she did an exceptional job with the audio. She was the perfect person to be the voice of Liv and I think she may have made me love her even more. Liv is a really great character and I loved seeing her go from the ultimate yes-girl to being willing and able to say no sometimes. This may be a romance, but it is also so much more, and I highly recommend it to all the romcom and romance readers out there.
I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 4, 2023
I loved The Layover.
But I really disliked FROM THE JUMP.
This romance revolves around a small group of friends, who met their freshman year of college, and are still best friends 11 years later.
There are two issues here:
(1) This friend group is toxic in many ways. I hated most of them.
(2) These characters are written as if they are 18 years old and not in their 30s. This book is written in then-and-now format and all of these people act exactly the same way in both time frames. They are immature, petty, jealous, and needy. I wish I were joking when I say that they still sometimes speak in the secret language they made up in college. They are business owners and professionals now and they talk in code with each other. Nooooo.
Of the much too large cast of characters in this book, there was literally only one that I liked. Every other character actively annoyed me. It was just hard to read.
FROM THE JUMP might have worked if the timeline was condensed and it was billed as a YA novel, but as it is I just can't recommend it.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past homelessness, identity theft/robbery
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
But I really disliked FROM THE JUMP.
This romance revolves around a small group of friends, who met their freshman year of college, and are still best friends 11 years later.
There are two issues here:
(1) This friend group is toxic in many ways. I hated most of them.
(2) These characters are written as if they are 18 years old and not in their 30s. This book is written in then-and-now format and all of these people act exactly the same way in both time frames. They are immature, petty, jealous, and needy. I wish I were joking when I say that they still sometimes speak in the secret language they made up in college. They are business owners and professionals now and they talk in code with each other. Nooooo.
Of the much too large cast of characters in this book, there was literally only one that I liked. Every other character actively annoyed me. It was just hard to read.
FROM THE JUMP might have worked if the timeline was condensed and it was billed as a YA novel, but as it is I just can't recommend it.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past homelessness, identity theft/robbery
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
October 21, 2024
DNF
I am so sad and surprise that From the Jump by Miss Waldon did not hot the spot. I try. I really am. I pushed it until half but I give up.
The characters and the plot are not easy to understand.
2 stars
I am so sad and surprise that From the Jump by Miss Waldon did not hot the spot. I try. I really am. I pushed it until half but I give up.
The characters and the plot are not easy to understand.
2 stars
January 23, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc. This was a joy to read. I absolutely adored Lucas Deiss, and while it took me a bit to warm up to the main character, Liv, I loved her by the end and I couldn’t help but root for her. This book truly exemplifies the human capability for change, and it really inspired me. Liv’s growing friendship/relationship with Deiss really helped shape her new journey, but it was ultimately her determination that allowed her to succeed and find happiness. I love friends-to-lovers and this certainly didn’t disappoint. Liv and Deiss have a slow-burning romance with a massive amount of tension that builds over time. However, my biggest issue with this book is it’s view of years’ long friendships. I feel that it falsely portrayed forgiveness and implied that you owe something to friends that you’ve known for a long time. I was hesitant about the group dynamic for the majority of the book, but by the end I was ready for the group as a whole to move on from the people that hurt them. It displayed a level of unhealthiness that I’ve experienced in my real-life friendships and I’d hate it if the situation in the last few chapters influenced someone to wrongly forgive a friend that’s done irrevocable damage. College friendships are very important but you’re not required to remain in them once you’ve outgrown each other. Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed Liv and Deiss’s relationship and I’d have loved to read a time jump epilogue about them.
July 20, 2022
3.5 rounded up.
This sophomore romance was one of my MOST anticipated summer reads! It started off strong and was AMAZING on audio narrated by my fav Brittany Pressley. I loved the dual timeline structure as we follow Liv Bakersfield a loner who only found her friend family in college and only years later does she finally start to take some risks instead of playing things safe and doing what's always been expected.
Perfect for fans of Nothing but the truth - I found a LOT of similiarities between these two summer releases. I did enjoy the banter between Liv and her college buddy Dice, as they travel to Africa with their friends and end up forced together A LOT. Not wanting to disrupt the group dynamics, the two try to resist their undeniable chemistry with mixed results.
I found the first half of the book really strong but it lost a little steam in my opinion, after everyone returned home to LA and Liv and Dice start working together. The dreaded third act break up rears its ugly head after a secret from Dice's past is revealed, testing these two in ways they weren't prepared for. Obviously they do make it to their HEA but it felt a bit forced for me tbh.
Overall, just an okay read for me. I loved the friendship, the banter, the forced proximity steam but things definitely tapered off in the second half and I was left wanting more. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
This sophomore romance was one of my MOST anticipated summer reads! It started off strong and was AMAZING on audio narrated by my fav Brittany Pressley. I loved the dual timeline structure as we follow Liv Bakersfield a loner who only found her friend family in college and only years later does she finally start to take some risks instead of playing things safe and doing what's always been expected.
Perfect for fans of Nothing but the truth - I found a LOT of similiarities between these two summer releases. I did enjoy the banter between Liv and her college buddy Dice, as they travel to Africa with their friends and end up forced together A LOT. Not wanting to disrupt the group dynamics, the two try to resist their undeniable chemistry with mixed results.
I found the first half of the book really strong but it lost a little steam in my opinion, after everyone returned home to LA and Liv and Dice start working together. The dreaded third act break up rears its ugly head after a secret from Dice's past is revealed, testing these two in ways they weren't prepared for. Obviously they do make it to their HEA but it felt a bit forced for me tbh.
Overall, just an okay read for me. I loved the friendship, the banter, the forced proximity steam but things definitely tapered off in the second half and I was left wanting more. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 7, 2022
4.5 Stars
Lacie absolutely knocked this friends-to-lovers out of the park for me. This typically isn't a favorite trope of mine as it leads to a lot of miscommunication and burying down of feelings in order play nice. The whole "I-can't-ruin-our-friendship" thing usually bugs me. I will forever love the way Lacie sidestepped all of my preconceived notions on how this trope usually plays out. The chemistry and emotional development was outstanding between Liv and Deiss.
Liv is very much in control of her life, whether it's pandering to her mother, friends, or coworkers. She plays nice to any and all, refusing to cause a ripple. Saying "no" for the first time leads Liv to try a bunch of unexpected "what if" scenarios, including flying to Africa to meet with her friends for their annual trip she has never agreed to go on before. Friendship dynamics shift and Liv questions her feelings especially for Deiss.
There were a couple of tiny little minutiae that I gave a little side-eye too - I don't get the title at all, for example - but my overall enjoyment was such that I don't much care about them. I liked The Layover. I loooooved From the Jump. I haven't been this enamored over a book in a couple of months and I cannot wait for her next book, The Only Game in Town.
Thank you to Putnam for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Lacie absolutely knocked this friends-to-lovers out of the park for me. This typically isn't a favorite trope of mine as it leads to a lot of miscommunication and burying down of feelings in order play nice. The whole "I-can't-ruin-our-friendship" thing usually bugs me. I will forever love the way Lacie sidestepped all of my preconceived notions on how this trope usually plays out. The chemistry and emotional development was outstanding between Liv and Deiss.
Liv is very much in control of her life, whether it's pandering to her mother, friends, or coworkers. She plays nice to any and all, refusing to cause a ripple. Saying "no" for the first time leads Liv to try a bunch of unexpected "what if" scenarios, including flying to Africa to meet with her friends for their annual trip she has never agreed to go on before. Friendship dynamics shift and Liv questions her feelings especially for Deiss.
There were a couple of tiny little minutiae that I gave a little side-eye too - I don't get the title at all, for example - but my overall enjoyment was such that I don't much care about them. I liked The Layover. I loooooved From the Jump. I haven't been this enamored over a book in a couple of months and I cannot wait for her next book, The Only Game in Town.
Thank you to Putnam for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
May 19, 2022
Liv definitely in the live to work camp, which makes complete sense after her tough childhood. She's missed out close relationships, vacations with friends, and in general fun.
But one day, she decides she's done, takes a leave of absence, and hops a plan to join her friends (including mysterious, long-time friend Lucas Deiss) on an Africa safari. In that moment, her life is never the same again. Full of roadblocks along the way, Liv is reminded sometimes you need to just jump and trust everything is going to be ok.
Falling under the "friends-to-lover" trope, 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙅𝙪𝙢𝙥 is a heartfelt romantic comedy that is PERFECT for summer reading. Add it to your beach bag. Deiss is everything you want in a "book boyfriend" and will leave you rooting for them to work out.
___________________
Thank you to @PutnamBooks for an advance copy. It is out on 7/19/2022!
But one day, she decides she's done, takes a leave of absence, and hops a plan to join her friends (including mysterious, long-time friend Lucas Deiss) on an Africa safari. In that moment, her life is never the same again. Full of roadblocks along the way, Liv is reminded sometimes you need to just jump and trust everything is going to be ok.
Falling under the "friends-to-lover" trope, 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙅𝙪𝙢𝙥 is a heartfelt romantic comedy that is PERFECT for summer reading. Add it to your beach bag. Deiss is everything you want in a "book boyfriend" and will leave you rooting for them to work out.
___________________
Thank you to @PutnamBooks for an advance copy. It is out on 7/19/2022!
July 22, 2022
Review of From the Jump by Lacie Waldron
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this book so much I flew through it in about a (busy) day. The settings were fun and I am always drawn to stories with a group of best friends. I love shows and books that feature a close group of friends as I had that in high school and wish I still did. Also this book features my favorite romance trope. But mostly I just loved how the main character, Liv, took huge changes and transforms her life into what she truly wants. She’s a great character. You definitely want to pick this one up and it just came out three days ago.
Quick synopsis: Liv is a graphic designer but is stuck in an office that doesn’t feed her passion. One day she impulsively decides to take off and join her four best friends on their trip to Africa. There she is forced to room with one of the male friends named Deiss (last name). They become closer and she must fight her physical attraction to him. Upon returning home to LA she finds herself out of a home when she had been robbed completely snd her bank accounts drained. Cue Deiss again who generously offers her a room in his place. Liv embarks on many new adventures and figures out what she really wants out of her life along the way.
Thank you so much to @netgalley and @putnambooks as well as the author for the ecopy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed this book so much I flew through it in about a (busy) day. The settings were fun and I am always drawn to stories with a group of best friends. I love shows and books that feature a close group of friends as I had that in high school and wish I still did. Also this book features my favorite romance trope. But mostly I just loved how the main character, Liv, took huge changes and transforms her life into what she truly wants. She’s a great character. You definitely want to pick this one up and it just came out three days ago.
Quick synopsis: Liv is a graphic designer but is stuck in an office that doesn’t feed her passion. One day she impulsively decides to take off and join her four best friends on their trip to Africa. There she is forced to room with one of the male friends named Deiss (last name). They become closer and she must fight her physical attraction to him. Upon returning home to LA she finds herself out of a home when she had been robbed completely snd her bank accounts drained. Cue Deiss again who generously offers her a room in his place. Liv embarks on many new adventures and figures out what she really wants out of her life along the way.
Thank you so much to @netgalley and @putnambooks as well as the author for the ecopy.
July 18, 2022
Liv relentlessly sought perfection as means to the stability she never had in her past, however, with one decision, that life she had built began to unravel. That first “no” may have seemed like disaster, but it set Liv on a path of change which might actually lead her to the future she was seeking.
Waldron’s previous book, The Layover, was a solid read for me, but this, this was a runaway hit. I started and finished this book the same day which is a good indicator to how much I loved this story. I devoured it! Furiously flipping those pages, eager to see how it would work out, and all the while, wearing a smile on my face.
One of my favorite elements of this story was the friendship shared between these five people. It’s precious the way they met when they were in college, as well as the way they worked to maintain their friendship. But even after all these years, there was room for improvement. This whole journey for Liv was also a journey for this group, and it was wonderful to see them come out stronger in the end.
And seriously, it was about time Liv took a hint from her name and actually LIVED! She spent so much time trying to be perfect, saving for a rainy day, and working towards goals she didn’t really desire, that she was missing out on a lot. It was a beautiful thing to see her let loose and share some incredible experiences with her friends. The trip to South Africa was so much fun. I mean, it was usually a lot of fun to be around this group, but I loved see Liv be an active part of it. She found many opportunities throughout the story to find her joy, her love, her purpose, and I just couldn’t help but be swept away by it all.
The romance was of the slow burn variety, but it didn’t bother me the way most slow burns do. I think it’s because I reveled in the friendship between Lucas and Liv, and their growing attraction made me giddy. There were also a bunch of other great subplots to keep me happy as I waited for these two to finally act on their feelings.
I was elated about so many things that happened in this book that my face cracked in half from the perma-grin I was wearing. Liv’s personal journey was a standout part, and it was so satisfying to see her come to the realizations about perfection and happiness.
Overall, this book offered the perfect blend of friendship, romance, and personal growth. The story was told with humor and warmth, and it was just a tremendously feel-good tale.
*ARC provided by publisher
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Waldron’s previous book, The Layover, was a solid read for me, but this, this was a runaway hit. I started and finished this book the same day which is a good indicator to how much I loved this story. I devoured it! Furiously flipping those pages, eager to see how it would work out, and all the while, wearing a smile on my face.
One of my favorite elements of this story was the friendship shared between these five people. It’s precious the way they met when they were in college, as well as the way they worked to maintain their friendship. But even after all these years, there was room for improvement. This whole journey for Liv was also a journey for this group, and it was wonderful to see them come out stronger in the end.
And seriously, it was about time Liv took a hint from her name and actually LIVED! She spent so much time trying to be perfect, saving for a rainy day, and working towards goals she didn’t really desire, that she was missing out on a lot. It was a beautiful thing to see her let loose and share some incredible experiences with her friends. The trip to South Africa was so much fun. I mean, it was usually a lot of fun to be around this group, but I loved see Liv be an active part of it. She found many opportunities throughout the story to find her joy, her love, her purpose, and I just couldn’t help but be swept away by it all.
The romance was of the slow burn variety, but it didn’t bother me the way most slow burns do. I think it’s because I reveled in the friendship between Lucas and Liv, and their growing attraction made me giddy. There were also a bunch of other great subplots to keep me happy as I waited for these two to finally act on their feelings.
I was elated about so many things that happened in this book that my face cracked in half from the perma-grin I was wearing. Liv’s personal journey was a standout part, and it was so satisfying to see her come to the realizations about perfection and happiness.
Overall, this book offered the perfect blend of friendship, romance, and personal growth. The story was told with humor and warmth, and it was just a tremendously feel-good tale.
*ARC provided by publisher
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
March 17, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lacie Waldon’s sophomore novel strikes a perfect balance between romance, friendship, family and discovering who we all are once we drop our carefully crafted facade.
Liv sets out to live a life completely unlike her mother. She’s determined not to be perceived as weak, needy, or emotional by anyone including her very closest friends who fondly refer to her as the Ice Queen. Her goal is to control everything around her and to achieve the idea of perfection all her various self-help books seem to subscribe too. Then one day, instead of her usual “yes”, she says “no”, and inadvertently changes the entire course of her life and the world around her. From the vacation she takes to South Africa with her tight knit group of friends, to a new apartment, and a new career, things in her life suddenly improve (granted with a bit of stress and anxiety and a whole lot of entertainment) as she finds herself wanting to be happy, far more than she wants to be perfect.
With multidimensional characters, witty dialogue and a fun fast plot that at times can make you swoon, and then the next second cry, Waldon’s latest book is a must read. A definite 5 stars and one I’ll be adding to my yearly read list!
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group and Putnam for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Lacie Waldon’s sophomore novel strikes a perfect balance between romance, friendship, family and discovering who we all are once we drop our carefully crafted facade.
Liv sets out to live a life completely unlike her mother. She’s determined not to be perceived as weak, needy, or emotional by anyone including her very closest friends who fondly refer to her as the Ice Queen. Her goal is to control everything around her and to achieve the idea of perfection all her various self-help books seem to subscribe too. Then one day, instead of her usual “yes”, she says “no”, and inadvertently changes the entire course of her life and the world around her. From the vacation she takes to South Africa with her tight knit group of friends, to a new apartment, and a new career, things in her life suddenly improve (granted with a bit of stress and anxiety and a whole lot of entertainment) as she finds herself wanting to be happy, far more than she wants to be perfect.
With multidimensional characters, witty dialogue and a fun fast plot that at times can make you swoon, and then the next second cry, Waldon’s latest book is a must read. A definite 5 stars and one I’ll be adding to my yearly read list!
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group and Putnam for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
July 26, 2022
Well that was a fun read. This is the author's sophomore novel (I loved her first, The Layover) and is about a group of friends that meet in college and stick together as friends into their early 20s. It has "Friends" show vibes, but set in California. The group vacations together every year, minus Liv because she is just too serious and "on the right track" to head all over the world with her friends Phoebe, Mac, Simone and Deiss.
In one moment, she decides to exercise her right to say no, unfortunately, it's to her boss during a staff meeting, so she finds herself with an extended amount of time off. So, she throws caution to the wind and flies to catch up with her friends in South Africa a day after they've left.
Once there, she ends up sharing a hotel room with Deiss, and things seem to escalate. Except, Phoebe has made them all swear not to engage in romantic gestures with each other as she doesn't want to wreck the group. The fivesome barely survived Phoebe and Mac's breakup after a seven year romance.
I loved the author's character development and the way we got to see the backstory of Liv and why she works so hard, as well as her journey to grow her creative side and pursue the possibility of love.
In one moment, she decides to exercise her right to say no, unfortunately, it's to her boss during a staff meeting, so she finds herself with an extended amount of time off. So, she throws caution to the wind and flies to catch up with her friends in South Africa a day after they've left.
Once there, she ends up sharing a hotel room with Deiss, and things seem to escalate. Except, Phoebe has made them all swear not to engage in romantic gestures with each other as she doesn't want to wreck the group. The fivesome barely survived Phoebe and Mac's breakup after a seven year romance.
I loved the author's character development and the way we got to see the backstory of Liv and why she works so hard, as well as her journey to grow her creative side and pursue the possibility of love.
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