4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I have never hit pre-order so quickly after finishing a book in my LIFE! Earlier this year, I read the Layover by the same author, and I liked it but didn't love it; this one I enjoyed so much more. From the Jump follows Liv, a total perfectionist trying to live up to her mother's standards for her until one day, she has finally had enough. Liv quits her job and joins her four best friends on a trip to Africa, which ends up being a catalyst to Liv discovering herself and who she truly wants to be. I liked Liv as the main character. I understood her to need to protect her friend group and many of the things she was dealing with throughout the book. I also really loved Deiss, the main love interest was so sweet, and honestly, everyone deserves to have a Deiss in their lives. Some of the events that took place did seem a little unrealistic to me, so that's why I ended up rating it lower than 5! I can't wait to reread this book when it comes out in July!

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

From the Jump by Lacie Waldon was a delight! I loved The Layover and was excited to see she had a new book out! This one follows a group of friends from college. Liv has always followed a plan and played by the rules but it’s gotten her work she hates and a life that feels uncomfortably tight like her unforgiving suits. One day things go sideways and she decides to join her friends on a trip to Africa after all. I loved seeing the two parts of this book: travel and friends to lovers upon return. This book would pair perfectly with the beach, a cup of tea or a glass of wine! I love that it includes discussion questions making it an easy book club choice!

✨BOOK REVIEW✨

Read this book if:

✨You've ever wanted a cat named Cat Stevens
✨You've ever mixed alcohol and ice cream
✨You've ever taken a spontaneous trip to Africa

✨Brief Summary✨
Liv is a perfectionist to the very core. She eats the right foods, says the right things, and saves the right money. Until one day she decides to say no to her boss. Liv puts in her notice and follows her friends across the world on a trip to Africa. When she returns, the one no she gave turns her entire world upside down. She returns home to find she has lost her money, her home, her job, and even her cat. At least she had her college friends to keep her company. Lucas Deiss generously allows Liv to stay with him until she gets on her two feet again. But will she ever return to the yes woman she was before?

✨My Thoughts✨

This was a sweet friends to lovers romance novel. I liked the budding romance between Liv and Deiss. I was rooting for them from the very beginning of their sparring in Africa. I thought the forced proximity also added a nice element to the story.

I also enjoyed how close the college group of friends were. It kind of reminded me of In My Dreams I Hold a Knife in a strange way. I liked that we got to see the characters develop by witnessing their college days and the present.

Unfortunately, some of the items in this novel were completely unrealistic. Who buys a plane ticket to Africa and jumps on a plane the very next day? Who says no to their boss and quits their job on a whim? And how does one lost cat lead to Liv losing all her money and her furniture? I know it was a romance novel, but the events that took place were pretty far fetched.

I think it was worth the read despite some of the unbelievable events that took place. I'd recommend adding to your TBR list for Summer 2022 for a light hearted beach read!

Have you read The Layover?

Honestly, this was just okay for me. The main character was pretty annoying and I don't think there was a clear reason that the love interest would be harboring such intense feelings for her -- and there really wasn't a clear reason why he kept those feelings to himself for so long and suddenly decided now was the time to do something about it. That being said, I did like the dialogue and witty banter between the friends.

Lacie Waldron hits it out of the park again with From the Jump! This is such a sweet read with funny moments that just have you laughing and laughing. I enjoyed the light banter between the characters. Overall a great read!

Thank you @netgalley @putnambooks and @allaboutthat_lace for this eARC in exchange of my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Liv Bakersfield has a pretty set plan for her life. One she’s put into place to ensure that she doesn’t wind up like her mother. One that goes up in flames the day she finally decides to tell her boss no, quits her job and hops on a plane to meet her group of best friends in Africa. Including her emotionally unavailable friend, Lucas Deiss.

When they return from their trip, Liv finds her life completely turned upside down. She finds herself questioning her choices and relying on Deiss. For the first time in their eleven year friendship, she even sees him opening up, and it leaves her feeling things she knows she shouldn’t. Will falling for him tear their group apart and wind up with her heartbroken?

First of all, can I join this group? The banter between the characters in this was so much fun to follow! This was just the lighthearted read I needed. In fact, I read it in one sitting. I loved following along with Liv and Deiss as they got to know one another. It happened so organically and never seemed forced. If you like a funny and lighthearted rom-com, then this is for you!

From the Jump publishes in July 2022!

This review will also be posted to www.goodreads.com/blissfullyread

I have really loved Waldon in the past, but this book didn't do it for me in the way that I hoped it would. I liked our main character, but there were times when I felt like she was distant from the reader. I wanted more from her as a main character than she was giving.

A group of five friends have stayed connected for years and formed a bond of closeness. The story is about two of them, Lucas ( Deiss) and Liv who finally find themselves in a relationship that has a chance to thrive if it does not break up the friends’ bond first. Creatively written with extremely interesting characters and plot.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.

From the Jump by Lacie Waldon is a sweet, friends to lovers romance. However, the best part was really watching Liv come out of her shell and realizing how to live for herself rather than other people. If you enjoyed Waldon's first title, The Layover, you should also read this one- Waldon is excellent at putting a bit of adventure in her books, as well as developing her characters in a meaningful way.

The one sticking point in this came at the end. I recognize that forgiveness is important, but was it really deserved? I don't want to spoil anything, but once you read the book you will understand what I am getting at.

4.5 ✩ // Book Preview: Liv, is a perfectionist and an achiever, but when she starts saying “no” instead of “yes,” she discovers a thrill of excitement! She also discovers some underlying feelings for one of her friends, but she cannot imagine ruining her friend group’s dynamic by acting on those feelings.

My Thoughts: Originally, I was drawn to the cover, and after reading the synopsis, I knew this would be a book I would enjoy. From the Jump is the first book I’ve read by the author, Lacie Waldon, but it certainly won’t be my last.

I relate to Liv because I’m an enneagram 1, which is the “perfectionist” or “reformer.” I strive to be my best self, and I can easily become caught up in the “I shoulds” instead of the “that sounds fun” activities, just like Liv.

The romance side of this story is one of my favorites! I enjoyed the banter and flirting so much, and the slow burn was very well written. I would recommend this book to any of my friends who are looking for a cutesy, contemporary romance. I think it would make the perfect beach read too.

Playlist:
Atlas: One, Sleeping at Last
This is Me Trying, Taylor Swift
comethru, Jeremy Zucker
Roses, Genevra Munoa
If I Didn’t Have You, BANNERS
I Think He Knows, Taylor Swift
Love You Like That, Dagny

Format: ebook
Trigger Warnings: homelessness, body dysmorphia, eating disorders

Thank you again, NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam. A small preview of my thoughts along with the playlist will be posted on my bookstagram in the upcoming week (https://www.instagram.com/bookish.life.of.hal.mcclain/).

As requested, my full review will be publicly posted near publication date. The full review will be posted on my Goodreads page (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/39047855-halle-mcclain) and on my bookstagram (https://www.instagram.com/bookish.life.of.hal.mcclain/).

Read this if you:
*met some of your best friends day 1 of college
*take trips with said friends
*chronically say “yes” to things because it’s what you *should* do
*are a rule follower & love your routine, but at the same time feel stuck in your routine & not happy with it

I read the Layover by this author last year & really enjoyed it. THIS BOOK KNOCKED ME OFF ME FEET. I read this in a matter of hours. Definitely tied for my top rom-com of the year. Holy cow. The characters were relatable & I could see myself in Liv, the MC. There is just something so freaking adorable about long-time friends to lovers that gets me every time. A re-read if this will be in my future & I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

Thank you NetGalley & Putnam for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: July 19

3 ⭐ A standard contemporary romance

This story had some enjoyable moments, but it's only been a day after I finished, and I'm having a tough time remembering what even happened. Be right back. I'm going to look over my kindle highlights and notes.

*10 minutes later*


Okay, so with that refresher, here are my thoughts . . .


I enjoyed the found family trope. Liv, Deiss, Phoebe, Mac, and Simone seemed to make up the perfect little group of friends. They each have their own unique personalities that don't seem to go together at first, but they make it work. It was fun seeing them bond in college during the flashbacks and their interactions during the present.

However . . .

I honestly don't get why anyone is friends with Simone. Even during college, she was the most random addition to the group. She's rich, spoiled, and unaware, and just an unlikeable character. I was confused but accepted her place in the group at the beginning, but after Simone reveals Deiss' secret, I am dumbfounded and pissed off. If I were them, I'd drop her. I was shocked that the friend group just swept Simone's betrayal under the rug.

Also, did she or did she not have a crush on Deiss??? I still don't know.


I liked Liv and Deiss, but I wanted more. This is a classic friends-to-lovers story, but where was the lovers part? After 70% of this book and loads of sexual tension, Liv and Deiss FINALLY have sex only for the author to skip right over it. Um, WHAT??? Deiss is HOT and I needed to see him rock Liv's world! I live for the spice, so leaving out the dirty little details pains me. And after this one almost-spicy scene, there's no more. So if you're interested in a steamy romance, this is not it.


There were so many different plot points that had me confused as to where the story was headed.

- Liv learns to say the word 'no' and changes her life plan/career.
- The pact not to hook up with anyone in the friend group.
- Background drama between Phoebe and Mac. Will they or won't they get together?
- Liv's life financially gets flipped upside down.
- Liv and Deiss tiptoe around their feelings for one another until they finally cave in.
- Deiss' secret past.
- Liv also struggles with her past.
- Simone betrays Deiss and Liv.

These were just a few of the major events that happened in the story, and as you can see, it was a lot to digest. Also, the story tended to jump into the next drama-filled moment, quickly patching up the previous conflict or leaving it unresolved. I think this is part of why I don't feel attached to the characters or the story.


Overall, this was a relatively fun contemporary romance. I love the travel aspect and the found family trope, but the idea that you should forgive your friends for anything is a terrible message. There should have been a bit more to the ending and dealing with Simone.


Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.

Wow! I read this book in one sitting! This book hooks you in from chapter one and doesn’t let you go until it’s done! Not only is the slow burning romance so well written but the comedic relief in some parts had me laughing out loud! I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone and will be buying a physical copy for my shelf when it comes out!

Honestly, overall a super sweet and super attaching romance. I’ve read this authors previous romance and it was perfect. I really enjoyed it and got attached to the characters. 5/5 stars

Olivia "Liv" is about to be shoved off the cliff of her 'life plan.' She's not had much stability growing up, so her entire adulthood has been focused on following a carefully researched (she reads a lot of advice books) plan to ensure success and well, overall stability. A comment from a friend followed by another from a co-worker sets her on a life-changing course that is way, way, way off from what she thinks she should be doing. There is a complicated friend group - 3 girls, 2 guys. Of course both of the guys are hot as hell. Heck, the women are all hot and successful too. One pair has coupled off, but broken up, but the friend group has endured. So as Liv's world spins out of control and Lucas "Dice" Diess steps in and helps ground her. They both worry about what their developing feelings mean for the group, which they both hold in the highest regard.
I enjoyed the story, watching Liv really LIVE and while realistically, I can imagine someone wouldn't be able to let go of their trauma without a little therapy, I could buy into the way these two opened up to each other and their evolution.
I felt like the end was a little abrupt and convenient. Pheobe is a total villain and I wished someone had taken her down a notch..
Thanks so much for the ARC!

Friends to lovers has got to be one of my favourite tropes, and so its not unusual for me to have some quite high expectations (guilty), but did i get disappointed? Absolutely not!!!
This book was such a great escape for me from the real world, I loved being in it. It also made me feel “sonder” for some inexplicable reason. It was quite easy for me to get into this book. I really loved the writing, and the pace. the relatable characters, the simple language, the voice of the heroine, the banter, the angst, the chemistry, the sweeping romance and the way individual character growth and development has been heavily focused.

This book follows a group of 5 that meet and become friends when they were in college. Olivia the main character had a rough childhood so she had come to think that she has to follow set rules in order to live a successful adult life. When her cubicle friend at work convinces her that things won’t fall apart if she says no every once in a while she decides to try it out. She says no to her boss and then everything goes down hill. In the end she learns that everything she thought was terrible is actually what she wanted and she’s tired of living life by the book so to speak.

I was invested in the characters right from the beginning, I could not put this book down. I would definitely recommend this book to friends.

I read this over the course of a day; it was such a great escape. I loved the group of friends and their dynamic. It felt almost like I was a part of it. I loved the guys more than any of the girls though. They were just so authentically themselves and laid back all the time. God, I wish I could be like that.

Liv and her group of friends from college are close. They clicked right away and even Phoebe and Mac dating for six years and breaking up somehow didn't destroy their group. They get together the third Thursday of each month after graduation and it's Liv's favorite day. As the group sets out to embark upon a trip to South Africa, Liv is a little sad that once again she won't go with them. She will miss out like she always does because she is extremely rigid and career driven. Heaven forbid she use her vacation time. But when she's subject to yet another boring work project, she decides to break free and go join her friends. What's the worst that could happen? Liv is about to find out that she's been missing out on a lot of things and sometimes a vacation can change everything.

Despite having an unlikable main character in Liv, I ended up really enjoying this. She was just SO rigid and boring. I couldn't stand how perfect she always needed to appear. Nothing about her felt real until she ended up drunk and then in South Africa. I did appreciate her loosening up as time went on and by the end, she actually seemed like a person you might want to be around.

Thank you so much to both Putnam Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Lacie Waldon set the standards high in The Layover, and I'm happy to say that she's done it again with From the Jump.

Following a close knit friend group from college, From the Jump is a heavily addicting friends-to-lovers rom-com full of all the witty, sarcastic banter of your hearts desires. Olivia's Type-A personality and constant need to strive for perfection was at times infuriating only because of how deeply, deeply relatable she was. My only complaint is that I grew to love Olivia, Deiss, Phoebe, Mac, Simone, and Elena, and I wanted to hang out with them for a few chapters longer.

(P.S. I like to imagine Ava and Jack from The Layover worked their flight either to or from South Africa and you cannot convince me otherwise!)

I found Liv to be entirely unlikeable. The plot was enjoyable but she was not fun to read. She came across whiny and immature. Nothing about her felt genuine.