The premise of this book is one of the more unique ideas I’ve seen for a meet-cute.

Unfortunately, that’s kind of where the stuff I liked ends.

It sounds like it’d be the perfect setup for either a) badass girl that’s totally underestimated or b) plucky heroine that learns to adapt and kickass. And you’d be… sort of right. Amity is not only annoying as hell, but all of the male characters are misogynistic as hell. Amity is never given a chance to fully explain herself, while Cooper is given ample opportunities to do so AND he takes every one of them.

As a rule, I don’t ever fully support insta-love situations, but I feel like this one crosses the line into unbelievable. Amity and Cooper both change their minds about each other out of the blue with no real reason other than they’re too damn attracted to each other.

This one was a miss for me.

The premise of this book was so promising: an outdoorsy reality show with a multimillion-dollar prize and blooming romances. However, I was a little disappointed.

The writing was okay and kept me engaged, but the characters just kind of fell apart for me. First, the constant misogyny throughout the book became tiring. While this is certainly a real-world thing, it was something that popped up in almost every chapter and made it a constant argument about how a character defies the stereotypes people perceive her as throughout the whole book. It just felt overdone and made the conversations kind of recycle a lot. I thought Amity was pretty cool, but I was disappointed to not see more of her and less of her obsession with Cooper/Easton. While I understand this is a rom-com and that takes up a large part of the plot, I just felt like Amity didn't get enough time to shine on her own that wasn't overshadowed by her crush or misogyny. The two main characters had a fun, if not dramatic, relationship throughout the book, but the characters themselves just felt a little flat to me. I also was a little startled by how quickly their relationship progressed (from hating each other to that epilogue in a matter of weeks was a little unrealistic feeling). Also for any "spicy" rom-com fans, this one is pretty tame with the more intimate scenes almost a little awkward, although they were a little funny sometimes.

I did find the book to be a breeze to read through and liked the spotlight on the outdoors (even if some of the challenges were a little odd for the setting), but it just didn't wow me as I had hoped. I might still pick up the next book since I did like Hannah as a side character and think what I've seen of her few appearances so far provides for a better read with a more developed storyline.

Survivor meets enemies-to-lovers romance. Easton Cooper and Amity Rose are contestants on a reality TV show in a race for riches or romance.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and it definitely kept me on my toes. I loved the premise of the book as it was different than a lot of the books I've read before. It was an interesting take on a romance novel, incorporating an intense wilderness competition. The relationship between Amity and Easton was really cute, but I could not get over what Easton did. I absolutely loved Amity. She was the best character, along with Bria. She showed humility, selflessness, and relatability. I liked that both Amity and Easton were able to develop friendships inside the competition, Amity with Bria and Easton with Justin.

Amity’s first impression is of a girly, rich beauty queen, which leads Easton to automatically assume she wasn’t meant to be there and that she wasn’t a serious contestant. Easton starts and ends the competition with the stereotypical judgment of Amity, even though time and time again she proved that she belonged and that she had the smarts and skills to get the job done. He continuously underestimated her and was surprised when she pulled through. I loved that their relationship developed from enemies to friends to lovers, and I thought that they had gotten to the point where he fully trusted in her and her abilities, but he proved otherwise. I felt the same emotions as Amity at his betrayal, because it was so shocking that after everything they’ve been through he would do that. Especially after he had Amity promise that she would not do what he did. I wanted him to grovel a little bit more than he did at the end because she gave up a lot for him, but I appreciate him trying to make it up to her. Overall, this was a great read. I just felt a little betrayed at the end. I’m excited for the second part of this series.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to read this book.

What a fun sweet contemporary romance involving a game show with the forced proximity. Was not a big fan of the MMC. His actions in the first half of the book are like an emotionally unintelligent fool that doesn't know how to speak to someone he is attracted to.

When I first read what the story was about I was completely interested. I'm a survivor and amazing race junky and reality TV is fun.
I think the author had a great idea and story line but I could not get into it. I felt at times it was a little dry and i caught myself becoming bored with it. I think Cooper and Amity are great characters and the ending was to be expected.

Just because I did not 100% enjoy it does not mean that someone else won't. It was a good quick read.

Again this was great idea for a book but I don't think it was well executed. I would be willing to read the next in the series because maybe it's a little different.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for my copy of this book!

This is an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romance. It's also a reality TV show romance, in case that too piques your interest. Now this was a fairly fun read, however, it wasn't my favorite romance I've read. I found it a little painful at times to read (I really wasn't a fan of Easton from the beginning). The first impression I got from Easton judging the women of the competition based on appearance, was a bit off-putting and clung to me throughout the book. There were some times that I wanted to DNF this, but I persevered until the end.

Overall, I gave this 3 stars.

I enjoyed the idea of the book of having a fun reality tv show spin - it was different and a lot of fun (and it's a refreshing change in style)! Unfortunately, despite the banter and obvious chemistry between our leads, I couldn't really connect with the characters and I defnitely had issues with Easton's subtle misogyny!

Crush in the cascades by Lisa S. Gayle had me hooked from the summary. I loved the idea of a couple falling in love while competing in a reality TV show. I really only have one complaint about this book, I didn’t like Eastons character very much. I found him to be very rude, sexist, and undeserving of everything Amity did for him. On that note I rate this book as a 4 out of 5 stars. It made me want to continue reading to see what the outcome would be!

A cute and light novel, maybe a little too light for me, too superficial in some aspects. With an involving and fluid writing, with well-done descriptions and a well-structured plot and chapters with balanced length, breaks and change of point of view.
Because the story revolves around a reality show, we have a good variety of characters, but they fall a bit short in terms of development, in my opinion. Even the two main characters, Easton and Amity, although interesting characters, I felt their personalities lacked more depth. The unfolding of the relationship of these two was strange to say the least, lacking a certain naturalness in the development of their feelings and attraction to each other. The plot is quite original, I, who am not the biggest fan of reality shows, was surrendered, it provides a great time, but its pace is not consistent, we have moments that are too slow that become even slightly boring and others that are too rushed. Some events and dialogues are a bit strange too, but not necessarily in a negative way, it really reminds me of a true reality show.
Overall, a good read and a book that I don't regret at all having started with an original plot and a touch of enemies-to-lovers that is worth giving a chance despite everything!

Plot | ⭐⭐⭐
Characters | ⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Read | ⭐⭐⭐
Quality of Writing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall | ⭐⭐⭐,25

Review to be soon published on my bookstagram account @direadsomebooks!

Crush in the Cascades is a fun enemies to lovers story set in a reality tv setting. The reality tv aspect was unique especially since technically the characters are being filmed almost the entire time you're reading about them. I also enjoyed seeing the banter between all the other contestants and seeing alliances formed like you would any other reality tv romance drama.

Amity and Cooper, the main characters, are likeable but not the most favorite characters I've read about. I think because they made so many assumptions so quickly I viewed them as quite shallow-- and I know the reality tv aspect plays into why they think or act a certain why but I still wasn't the biggest fan of some of their actions or inital thoughts about each other.

Overall this was an easy and quick read. Perfect for anyone who enjoys watching shows like Amazing Race or Survivor with a touch of romance.

3,5/5 ⭐️

A romance, based on an imaginary reality TV show, in the nature? The premise was different from every other romance you can find now.

It follows Easton Cooper and Amity Rose during a competition where team needs to complete challenge in the nature, use their muscles and brains. If Easton is a nature guy, Amity is far from it. But she has other asset. The winner take one million dollars home. If they find romance along the way? Great, it makes better drama for television!

It's not that I didn't like the story, it has the usual tropes that you kinda expect (and wants) in a romance. The enemies to lovers is the main one. I enjoyed the dual pov but it didn't help rooting for Easton, even knowing why he wanted to win the money, he was a jackass for the most part of the book. It's a book that some people are gonna love, but I had a bit of trouble getting into it. Too much description in the first part of the book for my taste, I wasn't really into it until a good half of it.

A light novel, quick to read and with all the ingredients for a good laugh.

Who doesn't love a beautiful enemies-to-lovers?!
Easton and Amity are like the dog and the cat, but not everything is as it seems.

I really liked the concept of the reality show and the dynamics of the plot. There were some slower and slower moments, but overall it was a good read.
Ideal for those who want a light, fun, adventure-filled and very romantic read.

I thought this was such a clever and unique contemporary romance. I've never read a romance that was set during a survivalist reality TV show and I really enjoyed the concept. I loved all the characters that the author brought to life, with my favorites being Easton (obviously), Amity, and Bria. I thought the author set up the plot really well and developed each of the "challenges" that were a part of the show really well. It did get a little slow at some parts near the 3/4 mark of the book because *slight spoiler* I felt like the character's had completed their romance arc already. That being said, the ending was great and the author beautifully set up and HOOKED ME on her next book! I'm hoping the next book will revolve around Easton's sister Hannah, who I absolutely love and can't wait to see more of.

I received an ARC of this delightful book from Netgalley, thank you!

I didn’t go into this book with any expectations and the beginning was a little rough around the edges, not gonna lie. I disliked both main characters and it took me awhile to get into the whole reality TV atmosphere but let me tell you: it blew my mind!
I ended up rooting for not only the main couple but also the side characters! The race was super fun and I loved to be surprised by the challenges.
This is the perfect summer romance with fluffy plot and lovely characters, I can only recommend this.
And extra points for the incredible scenery of the book: The Pacific Central Trail, a beautiful setting with mountains, lakes, woods and fun racing. This is not your standard romance! I honestly cannot wait for the next book in this fun series!!

I ended up DNF-ing at 20%. The writing wasn’t a fit for me (unnecessarily descriptive and repetitive) and I didn’t like either of the main characters. It may have gotten better, but Cooper rubbed me the wrong way from the start.

Crush in the Cascades is a tale of Man meets Woman while competing on an Action Adventure Reality Show.
Cooper and Amity have that chemistry from the beginning, with angst and tension throughout.

The character interaction lifts this book. You keep you wondering what will happen next and championing for your favorite characters to progress through the challenges and fall in love. I kept reading to see who would win each round and stay in the competition. 

An easy read, rom-com perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey and Emily Henry.

QOTD: Do you watch survival/fitness style reality shows?
My A: Yes! I grew up watching The Real World and then of course, Road Rules and The Challenge. Diem 😇 and CT will forever have my heart.
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Speaking to the people of Goodreads... DID YOU GUYS EVEN READ THE BOOK? I'm pretty positive half of the negative reviews on GR are just copy and paste from one single review. People too lazy to actually read the book themselves, because I can't think of any other reason this book has so many harsh reviews??? I loved this book!!
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A fun and flirty romance set in the mountains, where a group of people are being filmed for a reality TV show while fighting to win 2 million dollars. The ultimate Enemies to Lovers, this book is packed with witty banter, true enemies and a unique setting! It was clear that Lisa S. Gayle put a lot of work into the layout of the challenges and I lOVED rooting for the badass under dog, Amity. The MMC, Easton, seems to be getting the brunt of the hate from readers, and to that I say wahh. He's broody and grumpy and honestly just a guy. He's emotionally unaware but underneath he's such a softy and I was cheering him on while he suffered through getting his crap together.
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This was such a fun read and I'm looking forward to book #2 in The Race for Riches or Romance series!
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BLURB:
For Easton Cooper, everything—except a chance at one million dollars. Desperate for cash, he’ll even compete on an outrageous action-adventure reality show, and he hates reality TV. As luck would have it, he’s thrust into his element, a series of outdoor challenges in the Oregon Cascade Mountains. But there’s a catch—he’s staring across the meadow at his partner—a tan, hot, out-of-place California girl, wearing heels and a formal dress in the middle of freaking nowhere—and she will not bring him down! Even if he has to drag her across the finish line.

Amity Rose wants an adventure. No one told her that “dress accordingly” meant deck out in hardcore mountain gear. So she wore strappy heels and a fancy dress to the opening scene. So she hates bugs, cold air, tents, campfires—must she go on? Now all the contestants think she’s a pampered princess—and to add to her bad luck, her partner is the worst—a gangly, overconfident, know-it-all mountain trail guide. Did the directors just add a romantic twist to the drama? Sure, why not? Maybe she’ll leave the race with something more valuable than money. Just not with him!

This book was an extremely fun enemies to lovers romance with an enthralling plot. I loved the way the characters were developed throughout the book. This was such a quick read for me. I can not wait to see what the author does with the next installment in the series.

The Bachelor meets survivor in this heart pumping enemies to lovers romance. Easton practically lives outdoors. As he reluctantly joins a reality show in a desperate attempt to win a million dollars, Easton could not be more thrilled to discover it is a mountainous
adventure he is about to embark on. Amity is a city girl who lands herself in the wilderness in a floor length dress and heels. What ensues in the six week journey to follow is charming banter filled story, packed with heart.

Thank you NetGalley and Lisa S. Gayle for letting me read this ARC!

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I do not think Amnity and Cooper should have ended up together. The insta-love was very superficial and I felt like Cooper sold Amnity short every time. I know Cooper said he would move to California, but I don’t realistically see them lasting :(

Crush in the Cascades is a fun and easy book to read. I really enjoy the enemies to lovers trope, so I highly recommend this title for lovers of contemporary romance.