**Thank you so much NetGalley & Holly James for the opportunity to read this ARC! **
Typically, I’m not a fan of romance books. They’re usually too plain-Jane and boring to me without the threat of death or war in the background. However, in Name Your Price, Holly James created a hook that lured me in and kept me interested.
The explosive chemistry between Chuck and Olivia is so fun. Olivia has a rich family history (with themes that reminded me of Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo) that keeps her from going deeper than the sex and fights with Chuck. Chuck totally comes off as a (hot) arrogant prick but deep down is vulnerable and sweet, which is the best type of man to read about. When they get stuck in a house with rules for no physical contact, the chemistry between the 2 is even more nail-biting.

Overall, I loved this story and this book. If all romance books were this good I would probably read more of the genre. Who knows, maybe this will encourage me to pick up more romance novels.

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book. I thought the idea behind it was very interesting. Being forced to stay in a house for a month with your ex on a reality TV show is a fun idea. The main couple has amazing chemistry together and after seeing them being forced in the same house you can really see how good they are as a couple. I also really liked the side plots involving Olivia's parents and the reason behind Chuck's firing. It made for something else to be interested in besides their relationship.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC of this ebook; the comments are my own.*

First of all, I had gotten right to the end of writing my thoughts about this book when my phone slipped out of my hand and everything I had written was lost. Second attempts at reviews are never quite as good, so we'll see how this goes.

Life is short, and my to-read list is quite long. I used to force myself to finish reading any book I started, which means I've read quite a few books even after losing interest in them. Then several years ago, I gave myself permission to abandon any book that I wasn't invested in by 10%. I cannot think of a book I really started enjoying if I didn't care by 10%. But when I started reading ARCs, I felt obligated to provide a review for every request that was granted, which meant that I pushed myself to finish almost every book I started reading. (In the eight years I've been a member of NetGalley, I've opted to select Will Not Give Feedback for ten titles. Three of those were because I lost access to them after failing to download them prior to their archival dates. Five were because I encountered unexpected content that I didn't want to read about. One was because I realized it was a sample instead of the book. And the last one was because the book was not available for my ereader, which I didn't realize when I requested it.)

Then today I had an epiphany. Forcing myself to push through books that I don't enjoy only guarantees two things:

1) Time wasted reading something that I don't like.
2) An unfavorable review.

Since neither of those outcomes is good for anyone, I decided to abandon this book today at 37% and give feedback (I wish I could submit this without a star rating, but NetGalley doesn't give that option). But I recognize that not everyone has my reading preferences, and some readers might truly enjoy Name Your Price. For that reason, I will explain the things that did and did not work for me.

I did not like the characters, and since I am a very character-driven reader, this was a big deal for me. I found them both Chuck and Olivia to be selfish and self centered, motivated only by what they wanted as individuals. Yes, they each had their moments, but overall, they were both Me monsters. Since I didn't like either of them, it was a futile struggle to care enough to find out what happened to them.

Their relationship was unhealthy. They had exactly two modes (which Olivia noted): fight and make up (ie sex). I admit that this was fairly clearly stated in the book description, so that's on me--I failed to give heed to that red flag and clicked the Request button. But their relationship was so fueled by hate and lust that I couldn't root for them. I assume that by the end of the book, they each become less selfish, learn to see and understand each other differently, and transform their relationship into something better. But I'm not invested in either or both of them to push through the remaining 63% to find out.

Now it wasn't all bad. Olivia is genuinely caring and responsible when it comes to her aging grandmother. And her friendship with Mansi is notably good; I appreciate the (thus far) lack of the stereotypical stupid mean girl whose only purpose is to act as a foil to the female main character. (I hate that.) Plus, Olivia and Chuck do have some good moments when they look out for each other.

But it's not enough that I'm enticed to continue reading. If you're looking for a book with an explosive relationship, then maybe this book is for you.

N0te (to 37%): Swearing, including 1 f word. Semi-vague sex aftermath and recollections of past sex. An unhealthy relationship.

Literally this book had me hooked from the first chapter! I’ve never seen a second chance romance set up like this and it made every second of this book filled with delicious tension and humor. Holly is such a gem of a writer!

✔️ Reality Show
✔️ Second Chance
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ One Bed
✔️ Opposites Attract

The premise was fun: after a video of their breakup goes viral, Chuck and Olive are given the chance to earn a million dollars if they can manage to stay in the same house without fleeing or touching each other. 😂

I loved both Chuck and Olive. They are terrible communicators but they are well-meaning, care about each other and have insane chemistry. I enjoyed their moments on the show so much - from them both one-upping each other, to protecting each other, to fighting their chemistry.

This was paced well too and there were a couple of reveals at the end that worked well as game changers (in a bad way at first but ultimately made it possible for a satisfying HEA). 5⭐️

Steam 🔥🔥
Banter 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
Swoon 💕💕💕💕💕

The undeniable chemistry between the two main characters were palpable. You could feel the vibrations between them flowing in the air. They ended with a really big fight that instead of tearing them apart bought them back together on reality tv.
Both Chuck and Olivia have ties to the entertainment industry in one way or another, but coming on a reality show like Name Your Price was not something they necessarily planned, especially after their very public viral break up.
The show was quite an experience, they would get deducted if they even touched. You can only imagine the scenarios they experienced without the ability to touch one another, especially with that much chemistry. But throughout the book not only did they realize things about themselves, but they realized things about each other. They couldn’t be more adorable together, more perfect together, stronger together.
The challenges were entertaining, and the book overall was just a great fun entertaining read. The story line flowed clearly and smoothly. The setting was fun and very moviesque. I enjoyed this and would recommend this author to anyone.

Name Your Price can best be described as reality television meets love story. Olivia and Chuck have great physical chemistry but can’t handle talking to each other. Then they are challenged to stay in a house together- but not touch each other! Which might be exactly what they need! They are genuinely nice people so you have to root for them.

Thank you to NetGalley, Holly James, and Penguin Group Dutton for this ARC!

This was a nice, quick romance with an interesting plot line. I really enjoyed the whole idea of the characters being in a reality tv show. The challenges were interesting, the stakes were pretty high, and the tension was definitely there. The writing of this book was really great and I think I would possibly enjoy other books by this author a little more than this one.

The characters were not my favorite at all. The fact that Olivia would like bolt at any moment was very frustrating and unpredictable. I found myself really annoyed with her. Chuck was lovely to Olivia and had his moments of vulnerability which I really liked. My problem with him was that I thought he was too into his appearance and diet. Those are just not my favorite character traits.

Even though I didn’t like the characters, I could still appreciate the writing, the unique plot, and the vulnerable moments that the main characters had together.

If you love second chance romance, characters with a strong physical connection, and romantic comedies, then I would recommend this book to you!

This one was juicy!! I was so excited to read Holly James' latest release as I loved The Deja Glitch. She really delivered with this story, the synopsis almost reads as a soap opera and though the story was certainly packed with dramatics, it does not come at the expense of the heart in the center. A perfect read for summer!

I loved seeing Olivia. She loved the saddest story over her head for her entire life. After this tragic childhood her boyfriend stands her up. This ensues the fight of the century. The fight ends in a viral video of a public breakup on a street that includes Olivia claiming that being together is not even worth a million dollars. Following the popularity of the video, that dollar amount is available to Olivia but at what cost!

Woo boy, the lust between these two characters! Olivia and Chuck find themselves strapped for cash and on everyone’s radar after a video of their breakup goes viral. So obviously the next best option is attempt a reality show to fix all of their problems.

A neat option for a book, this seems like exactly something that would happen today. Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for my unbiased opinion.

Sparks ignite as a pair of broke exes get locked in a house together on a reality show for a chance to win a million dollars, a second-chance romance that perfectly captures the absurd sincerity of made-for-TV love.

...I kind of hated this book LOL. But not as much as other horrible romances (*cough cough* Sally Thorne books), so I will give this one 2 stars versus just the 1.

The characters were both unbearable and should have stayed broken up, the plot was so silly, and the rules to the game show were NOT consistent. You're telling me that there's a no touching rule that they're worried about breaking, but then they'll grab each other's hands and not worry? And that they're so incredibly horny that they can't last for 30 days to get a million dollars?? Maybe I'm just not as sex-crazed as the average person, but that seems totally doable and worth it for me. Chuck (why would anyone go by Chuck over Charlie as a sexy heartthrob??) was basically sabotaging the both of them because he couldn't keep it in his pants and it infuriated me.

Olivia was better but not by much. I just couldn't find it in me to root for either of these characters to get back together, so I ended up finishing it begrudgingly. Don't waste your time on this one unless you truly have nothing else in your TBR.

it was ok. Not so much to tell. it ´s a really cliche book, and I´ve had fu but I think other books are similar and with a better writing.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

I have loved other books by Holly James. This one just didn't work as well for me. I think our main characters didn't feel truly in love as much as in lust. As volatile as their relationship was, I'm not sure you could call it a healthy relationship. Their public breakup (toxic!) is what led Chuck and Olivia to the TV show and the chance at a million dollars. Also, the way the media was persecuting Olivia for her parents (supposed illicit affair!) relationship as if she had any choice in the matter.

Some aspects of the book I enjoyed, especially the moments when our couple became vulnerable and real. There just wasn't enough of that or true character growth.

I will still look forward to this author's next work!

3 stars

I did not finish this one - I tried to push through, it just wasn’t for me unfortunately. I can see why others love it, I just couldn’t get into it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Olivia and Chuck have amazing chemistry! Major sexual tension and then explosive arguments. When someone videotapes their dramatic fight in the street, it goes viral. A reality show, Name Your Price, offers them each a million dollars to live in the house together for one month. Olivia needs the money and Chuck just wants to win Olivia back. Can they follow the rules including no touching, to win?

This was such a cute idea for a book. I thought it was an adorable and fun read. I loved Olivia and Chuck together! Plus this had two of my favorite tropes, forced proximity and second chance romance. Such a good book and I definitely recommend reading it!

📘: Name Your Price by Holly James
🗓️: July 30, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley, Holly James, and Penguin Group Dutton for this ARC!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Reviewed on NetGalley, Amazon, and Goodreads.

I didn’t hate this but I also didn’t love it. I think the start of the story but decent but towards the middle it just felt so very unbelievable. I wish there was more backstory involving Olivia’s parents and how that came to me. Overall not terrible but not my favorite.

I was not the target audience for this book. Miscommunication is just not for me. It drives me crazy. The miscommunication in this book was just absolutely unnecessary.

Chuck and Olivia have a relationship perfect for reality TV. And when one of their explosive, passionate fights spills onto the street with people recording them reality show producers take notice. As this argument ends with them breaking up Olivia names her price for them getting back together. The producers at the reality show Name Your Price are given the perfect scenario to get them on their show. Because Olivia has the responsibility of taking care of her aging grandma she can't say no and Chuck agrees since he also needs money after just being fired from his latest movie. The situation they are put into offers many fun and tense moments to create a perfect dramatic reality show.
Even though the reality show is a big part of this book, it is not what makes Chuck and Olivia's story worth reading. The chemistry between these characters is undeniable and it creates so many heartwarming and heartbreaking moments that keep things interesting. The things Olivia has been through in her life have made her a very skeptical of anything related to love. But as things are revealed to her the more she realizes things are not always what they seem.
The growth of these characters throughout this book is realistic and kept me turning the pages to find out if things will finally work out for the best. A wonderfully written story with so much heart and depth. I highly recommend this entertaining and heartwarming book!
I am extremely grateful to Penguin Group - Dutton Books for the opportunity to read a digital copy of this book through Netgalley. All of the thoughts in this review are my own and not influenced by any outside sources.