this was a fun concept. I enjoyed a lot of the action scenes, and am always up for a good enemies to lovers story. I really liked Amity and her backstory, and I would definitely read a book with Bria as the MC. Easton Cooper as the male lead didn't totally do it for me. He was kind of a sexist pig throughout, labeling Amity and other female contestants in looks alone. I REALLY don't get how a male romantic lead is meant to be thought of as attractive when he described as 'spindly' , and having 'spidery arms'. that just plain creeps me out. it brought me totally out of the story. Sure, a lanky fellow can be appreciated, but almost all his physical descriptors were NOT appealing.
Overall, I enjoyed the story for what it was, a light romcom, and would read Hannah's story, as well.

Survivor meets Bachelor meets the Amazing Race in this race through the glorious Cascades, riches and romance propelling 20 contestants through a series of mental and physical challenges. But, only one partnership can be dubbed the winner. Alliances will be tested, hearts even more so. Is this the sort of reality show that could become my next guilty pleasure? With its beautiful landscapes and mountains of drama, you betcha!


The tension between Cooper and Amity blazed immediately, their forced proximity sparking an enemies to lovers premise that sold me. And boy do they nail the enemies part! The lust, blindsides, and high energy captured within each scene was thrilling, and there were no shortages of laughter or groans as everything played out. Despite the short timeframe that Gayle worked with, the pacing for the majority of the book was spot on, the challenges playing out perfectly before my eyes, the other contestants relentless as they stoked the embers and brought an extra layer of tension and dimension to this setting. This was so unlike the books I’ve read before and I really wanted to love this.

Unfortunately, as much as I loved the moments of vulnerability in which the gloves were off and Amity and Cooper’s budding affair stole the show, the romance pushed between them was a little hard to buy into it, largely due to the constant miscommunication and omissions of truth that would rekindle unnecessary theatrics. I admired both of their reasons for competing and wanted to cheer each of them on as the author revealed a lot about both their hearts, but I just didn’t understand why they continually refused to tell their truths, while allowing the other to misjudge (and at times demean) them under these false pretences. It’s not often I am relieved to see a relationship temporarily dissolve, but in this instance, I’d have been disappointed if it hadn’t. I was equally relieved that things weren’t immediately resolved between them once the cameras were turned off. Amity was undoubtedly a favourite of mine, and I admired that even in her heartache, her commitment and heart were on display as she stole the show by her actions in that final leg of the race - I could’ve watched that on repeat and still wouldn’t have stopped cheering and grinning!

Fast-paced, fresh and fun, Crush in the Cascades is the reality show transcript you didn’t know you wanted.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the advanced copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC, in exchange for my review.

While I was really excited to read this and love the concept of a romance on an Amazing Race meets Survivor-type reality show, unfortunately the story and writing just didn’t do it for me.

This is billed as enemies to lovers - but the main characters hated each other for exactly 3 minutes before they fell in instant love. They told each other exactly nothing about themselves or their true motivations before deciding they were “boyfriend/girlfriend” - words they kept repeating approx 1000 times. I really wanted to love this and did like the competition aspect, unfortunately I just didn’t care about a single one of the characters and the entire romance felt forced and uninteresting to me.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

There were many things to like about this book: the descriptions of the locations made me want to visit one day, the main character Amity was likable and I wanted to learn more about her, the premise of the story and the challenges were interesting.

Unfortunately, I did not like the other main character, Cooper was horrible and he definitely did not grow on me, on the contrary, I think I liked him better at the very beginning when he was just a random jerk. His inner thoughts were probably the worst part about him but then again, his behavior was equally as bad.

There was no character building, no depth, no redemption for me. I also found the relationship between the mains unbelievable, too quick and unrealistic. Also I just hated Cooper too much to believe Amity would love him so.

It was a quick read but one I’m not sure if I would recommend. 2.5 stars.

Crush in the Cascades follows Amity Rose and Easton Cooper, as they compete on an adventure reality show to try and win a million dollars. While they definitely don't hit it off in the beginning, they do get better in time.

I liked the main character Amity. I like how the relationship grew over time and how they also how they misunderstood each other. It kept the book interesting. I did not, on the other hand, liked Easton. He was very annoying and seemed like the kind of person I would want to hit in the face (not at all my type).

I had some issues also with some of the dialogues and I don't know if I will a 100% recommend this one but if you are willing to take the risk, be my guest.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

I'm from the PNW, so the title and setting for this book immediately pulled me in. I was also drawn to the concept: fun rom/com with an adventure reality tv show twist between two very opposite people.

Turns out, the beautifully described environment was the only part of this book that I enjoyed. The author did a wonderful job painting lovely scenes in my favorite part of the country.

This is what ruined everything else for me:
- the insta-love trope...way too hard, way too fast, based on ZILCH!
- how fast they got physical, knowing they were being filmed for national tv the whole time
- highly unlikely for adults this age to neglect to share even the most basic bits about their lives back home/background
- the characters were underdeveloped, flat, and undefined - so confusing
- the cringey sex scenes paired with their overall lack of communication and lack of emotional connection

Overall, I had to force myself to finish it and just cannot recommend this one.

I want to thank the author, Lisa S. Gayle, the publisher, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to review this Romance book that will be published on May 2nd 2022. The review will be posted on my Instagram @disfordoom and on my Goodreads profile.

I am a super fun of romances and this one came to give me a brand new experience. Reading a book that has such a unique setting, really offered me a unique experience. Reality shows, especially the ones with the element of survival in tents and whatsoever, have always been my guilty pleasure.

Let me start with a feeling I got after finishing the book; Amity and Easton were two characters that I’ll miss after all. Cooper made it hard for me to sympathize with him, he was a bit dense toward the way he viewed Amity. I felt like most contestants were easy to label each other, and the two main characters were the ones who did it the most, which is something that annoyed me. Truth be told, that’s something we see a lot happening in reality tv, and I find it a bit sad. So, definitely, the book is very realistic as far as reality tv shows go.

What made me give 4 stars instead of 5 is the fact that I wanted to see more depth in the personality of both main characters and I would have liked to see more about Amity’s family.

Id definitely recommend this book to a friend, it’s such a fun read, it’s definitely worth their time,

Started out good and interesting and then just got boring and fell flat. Their relationship made no sense and couldn't stand the guy.

a fun book with reality show mixed in. I was hooked on this from the start. good book and look forward to reading more from this series.

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book, but I was not able to finish this book so my review is only based on the first few pages. The characters were annoying and superficial. I didn't care for the writing style. I feel bad for not being able to finish a book that I requested to read, but this book was a disappointment.

Enemies to lovers, this book isn't in my typical reads but I enjoyed it overall. Follow Easton Cooper and Amity Rose as they compete in a wilderness adventure reality show. The book is fun and entertaining and for me had the right amount of romance. I did find the dialogue a little cheesy at times which is why I didn't rate this one higher. Would make a fun summer read in the sunshine! I will recommend this book to others!

I always feel bad about dnfing an arc but I could not finish this book. between a mix of how much I disliked the book and the main character and also how I'm currently more excited to be reading other books. The reviews on NetGalley seem split, but looking on Goodreads is when I felt more validated to dnf. Cooper is rude and insanity targets Amity as dumb, annoying, etc, etc because she wore a dress to the premier of the reality romance/challenge show. No other words for him than misogynistic. A good enemies to lovers needs valid reasons to be enemies instead of just, he hated her because she was a girl but then he realize maybe this one girl is just okay.

This is a contemporary take on enemies to lovers and I think it’s brilliant!! Being contestants on a reality show is such a unique idea that I’d yet to read before this book! I found that the plot moved at a fast pace and really enjoyed the love story between Easton and Amity. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

This book had a unique storyline, some likable characters, and was well written. However I did feel like at times it dragged and lacked some action, so it didn't quite do it for me. Where most chapters went into long, drawn out detail, I felt like the ending was rushed. Maybe if it had been either equal or flipped it might haven't me more satisfied with the book.

This story follows a group competing for one million dollars as they hike along the Pacific Northwest trails. Through a wide variety of competitions, pairs of contestants are eliminated until the remaining pair walks away with the prize. Specifically following the experiences of Amity, a California girl seeking adventure, and Easton, a professional mountain tour guide, this story is about their relationship as it develops from begrudging partners to falling in love. The concept for this story reminded me of "Survivor" and "The Hunger Games" but through a more light-hearted lens. When I read the description of this story, I was intrigued by this concept of an action-adventure competition because it's a refreshing setting for a love story. The descriptions of the scenery made me long to hike the PNW which would not typically be a trip that ranks highly on my bucket list. If I had the opportunity to participate in a competition like this, I would jump at the chance after reading this novel.

My one complaint about this book is that it missed an opportunity for a good slow burn. An enemies-to-lovers story with a good slow burn is my all-time favorite trope. Easton’s and Amity’s relationship began on rocky ground. But it doesn’t take much for them to become obsessed with each other, and I’m not sure that sharp turn from enemies fully made sense to me. I would love to see more competition between the two main characters because the premise of the book sets up for it perfectly. But on the other hand, the fast progression did help establish a more fully developed relationship in a limited number of pages.

I did enjoy how well their relationship developed. The author did a great job establishing the two characters as polar opposites, but still their relationship works. Their individual strengths and unique perspectives help make the other a stronger competitor. Throughout their journey, they struggle a lot with miscommunications and false assumptions. There were some moments that felt a little forced, but in general their progression towards understanding each other and helping the other succeed was enjoyable to read. I look forward to continuing this series in the future!

this was a really fun read that I enjoyed so much!! It felt different from other romcoms I’ve read but it was still a good read. I love the way Cooper and Amity meet and their banter😭 Amity’s character was intriguing to get to know and reading her pov was interesting just like Cooper’s. They have great chemistry and I enjoyed their moments together.

This is my first read by this author and I can’t wait to get to the other books!

This is such a cute book with a unique premise! Enemies to lovers competing in a reality tv show was an awesome backdrop to this romance. This was a quick and enjoyable read and I'm excited to read more from this author!

This book was a really fun read! It’s just like a guilty pleasure such as the reality tv shows are, but then in a way better format: a book! I emjoed the way Cooper wasn’t in it for himself, but for his friend Dominic. As well as how Amity, despite the first impressions she gives off, was in it for the experience amd not the money despite being "dirt poor" as she calls it. My main piece of critique is that the contestants did not get sunscreen, that would be dangerous! (So please remember to put on sunscreen, even if it is not sunny, you don’t want to get burned like Miles) In those moments I was transported back from the book into the real world, kind of a shame. For that reason I give it 4 stars. Looking forward to the second book!

Enemies to lovers troupe that centers around a mountain man and a perceived girly girl. I wanted to be a fan of this but overall I cannot get onboard. I felt really thrown into the story with a lack up up front development of the characters or relationship. There were some major red flag for me with the main characters, with many childish words selected and communication skills. It was an entertaining and easy story to read, but overall the plot and characters just left me disappointed.

Absolutely loved this fun, quick read! I read a lot of rom-coms, but enjoyed how this was written a little differently in the third person point of view. The story is about a group of people on a reality TV show that resembles both the Amazing Race and Survivor, with a romantic twist added in. I love enemies to lover novels and this did not disappoint between the humor, romance, and adventure it described. I feel like it got a tad repetitive, with the love interests thoughts being stated in the same way over and over. I also wish the burn had been a little slower, and the main characters relationship progressed a little too fast for it to be believable. It also introduced a lot of secondary characters at once and I had trouble remembering who was who. Also, I disagree with the other reviews that say the male romantic interest was too much of a jerk. If you’re on a reality TV show trying to win money, you aren’t going to be nice to everyone you meet!!
It was still a very fun, unique romantic book with the reality TV show angle and I would recommend it!

Spice level 🌶🌶 🌶🌶/5 pretty spicy! Not appropriate for teens to read.
Language/cussing level: 🤐🤐/5 mild cussing in my opinion, there were a lot of instances where a cuss word is implied but not said