Lacie Waldon pulls through for me again! The last month has been a major slog in reading for me, but this week I’ve found SO many good books to devour. Finding a book I can add to my favorites list is always a heart fluttering moment for me, and From the Jump takes its rightful place on that shelf!
Olivia and Deiss are slow burn on excellence! Aloof friends to lovers?? An Ice Queen and a Too Cool for School player?? It truly delivers.
Watching the two of them slowly open up about their pasts with each other and watching as they relearn who they really are was sooo gratifying. They’re two people who learn how to live fully, together, for the first time in their lives.
Lacie Waldon just knows how to write hot books with very little spice- a master of tension and emotional intimacy.
There is also a large friend group with very distinct personalities that work off each other expertly. I’m a sucker for a wacky friend group and this delivers.
Lacie Waldon is solidified as an insta-buy author for me now.
Thank you Putnam Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

I was a huge fan of The Layover, so getting approved for an ARC of From The Jump was very exciting. And guys—this was a one-sitting read for me. I only put the book down for quick breaks but finished in a few hours.

The book had three main areas of focus (at least IMO): individual growth, friendships, and romance. As expected, all were entwined to tell the whole story that had me hooked. Liv was not a character I (or many others, I imagine) could relate to. Every day, every decision was so methodical all for the purpose of achieving perfection. Shortly after the book starts, she gets a major wake up call that has her saying no, quitting her job, and jumping on a plane to travel for the first time (internationally, no less!). Side note: huge admiration! While these are all big changes, Liv doesn’t become a new character overnight. She still has to struggle with her past and present issues, figure out her future, and generally seek direction. It was very empowering but in a more untraditional sense. In essence, this was one of the best character developments I’ve read in awhile.

Liv belonged to a friend group that she labeled as more of a family. Again, it was difficult to relate to this group because although she considered them family, no one ever really opened up to each other (at least at first 😉). I struggled for a long time to figure out why she actually considered them family. Until it hit me. You can choose your friends, but your family? Those are the people you’re stuck with for life. Each person was so different, but they stuck with each other, something I found to be heartwarming and valuable.

Finally, the romance. This has got a few great tropes: friends-to-lovers, forbidden love, one bed, etc. It was beautiful. From the glimpses to their past and then the present interactions, I instantly found myself rooting for Liv and Deiss. He helped to contribute so much to Liv’s story, but it was never in an intrusive, controlling way. Some of the dialogue hit me straight in the heart.

Overall? This is not a book to miss out on! Pick it up when it comes out next July!

It’s easy to feel like you’re living life how you should, instead of how you want - this book serves as that reminder to figure out what you want and go for it, even if you experience a few hiccups (or your whole life falling apart, or maybe even falling together?) like Liv. This was a really fun read (so much so that I made myself stop when I knew it was about to take a turn bc I wasn’t mentally ready), and it has plenty of chemistry between Liv and Deiss that has you rooting for them the whole way! The characters in this book were so fun - I caught myself wishing I was apart of this friend group and laughing out loud to the dialogue and their jokes as if I were in on them! It did feel like everything rushed together a bit with the ending which took some of the fun out of it for me, and I really wanted an epilogue to see what happened to the group but I unfortunately wasn’t so lucky. Overall a really colorful read ideal for anyone on a beach trip or just looking for an escape from their dreary reality (like Liv)!

Ok. One, I love love love this books! I love how Waldon portrayed the characters and had that build up. It was a medium to slow burn, friends to lovers, roomates, book. I’m not gonna lie at first I was a little hesitant but then I really got to reading it and I love how Lucy Walden helped show how live got outside of her comfort zone and how she changed and grew as a person. The character development within this book was astronomical and I absolutely love it I have not been able to find a great book with amazing character development that is obvious and this book had that. I will totally read this book 5 stars and recommend it to all of my friends which I probably will end up doing. However I would have liked to see more of Mac and Phoebe‘s relationship but I love how she did portray it.

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.