This book came just when I needed her the most. Nothing was sticking to me in terms of reading and when the opportunity came to read this it just felt right. And it was so good.

3.5⭐️ rounded up.

Thank you to Netgalley, One More Chapter and Harper Collins UK for the arc of this one, in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was actually really enjoyable! It had a lot of Indiana Jones references, but it also really gave me National Treasure vibes - you know, that horrendous Nicholas Cage movie that I definitely have not watched at least a dozen times…

The banter was fun, the adventure was fun, there was longing and spice and fun side characters - in case you couldn’t tell, I had fun with this one.

Will I remember this book two years from now? Probably not. But that is perfectly fine - I was all in for the few hours I spent with this book, and I walked away from it feeling happy and content. As far as I’m concerned, Olivia Jackson did her job with her debut novel. I look forward to seeing what else she does in the future.

One last thing - I’m going to need someone to create a proper list of all the names William called Dr Andrew Jones throughout the book. It was impressive.

A fun adventure read! I enjoyed the forced proximity and banter. I would’ve loved more tension and character depth.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for providing this book!! 💖

2.75 ⭐️
The thing that drew me to Digging Dr. Jones was the setting and the whole expedition vibe—I’d never read a romance in this subgenre before, so I was excited to dive in. And honestly? The first half had me hooked. The setup was great, the slow build of Andrew and Adriana’s relationship was fun, and the descriptions of the locations were stunning.

But the second half? Not as strong for me.

As a Spanish speaker, I can be a bit picky about how the language is used in books, and some of the place and character names didn’t make much sense. On top of that, the lack of Colombian representation felt like a miss—just a bunch of white people hunting for treasure to stick in a British museum? Yeah… not really my vibe. I also totally thought Adriana was Colombian or at least Latina based on her name, but nope. That’s on me, I guess, but still.

As for the romance, I needed more tension and banter to really buy into them as a couple. The spice also felt a little forced into the story, and there was more of it than I expected for the plot. Plus, there were a few plot holes and unresolved details that left me scratching my head. 🤷‍♀️

Overall, it was a decent read! I enjoyed parts of it, but it didn’t blow me away.

I love a good adventure book! I thought there was great chemistry between the MC and Dr Jones. It was almost like a romantic Indiana Jones. Perfect and unique women’s fiction novel that stands out from it’s predecessor

If you know me, you know I didn't think twice before requesting this book on NetGalley from HarperCollins... and I was NOT disappointed! 🏴‍☠️👑🕸️

When Adriana Jones accidently opens a package meant for Andrew Jones after one too many tropical cocktails, 🍹 she ends up with a piece of priceless history in the form of a bracelet stuck on her wrist. Forced to accompany Dr. Jones on his quest, Adriana gets more than she signed up for on her vacation…

Opposites attract in this forced proximity rom-com! Lovers of Indiana Jones, The Lost City, and Romancing the Stone will adore this delightful adventure!!

This was an adventure - literally and figuratively. Trekking through jungles and crawling through crypts made for the perfect romance for Adriana and Andrew. 💎💰🔦 I actually think this story would've been really good as an enemies-to-lovers romance, but I also appreciated that it wasn't. Adriana ended up loving the adventure and history, which I enjoyed their shared passion for.

I was skeptical of William coming along, but I think he made for a great break from the romance while adding his own story to the mix. I do wish that there was more betrayal in this story… I felt like the betrayal that occurred was pretty significant but was never actually addressed and at the end I had no idea what that meant for Dr. Jones.

Overall, this was such fun and a quick read that has me itching for more stories just like it! 💞

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC!

Indiana Jones meets your favorite romantic comedy! This book was such an adventure in love and mystery. I couldn't put this down and devoured it! Andrew and Adriana have so much tension and chemistry too

This is what I'd call a fun romp of a story - I really enjoyed the adventure plot, the Indiana Jones/The Mummy/Goonies vibes, the banter, and the romance. As well as the central pairing of the two Joneses, I also loved Adriana's relationship with her brother, and it was good to see him get a HEA, too! I feel like this is the perfect book to take on a summer holiday and enjoy by the pool or beach, while daydreaming about adventures you *could* be going on if you felt like leaving the comfort of your lounger. It's often silly, the baddies are kind of one-dimensional, but I feel like that's also part of the 'matinee adventure' thing, so a feature rather than a bug. All in all, a fun, easy read with adventure, spice and humour, and I'd definitely read more from the author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for giving me the opportunity to read Digging Dr Jones in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ok let me start off by saying this book was the perfect debut! It was such a fun read. I was hooked from the first page. It had the banter, adventure, and just the right amount of spice.

Adriana puts on a bracelet thinking it’s for her but actually it’s for Andrew next door. And now it won’t come off. Andrew works for the Archeological Department of Cambridge and is not about to let her mistake cost him his career. He needs that bracelet to find a lost pirate treasure and she’s coming with him.

Fans of The Mummy, Indiana Jones, and The Lost City will definitely enjoy this one!

Grab a glass, pour in a generous helping of The Mummy, then a splash of Indiana Jones, a few drops of Lara Croft, finish with a wedge of National Treasure, and add a bit of spice, and you have Digging Dr Jones.

This lighthearted, action-packed romcom had me belly laughing, gasping, and ordering a fedora. I was hooked from the moment our main character, Adriana, put on the fancy gold bravely and realised it wasn’t coming off. I love a good adventure story and this one did not disappoint, it felt as if I was with them trekking around Colombia. I drooled over Dr Andrew Jones, and I am not ashamed!

I couldn’t quite understand the seemingly random definitions that were peppered throughout. I didn’t feel they added anything to the story, and instead took me out of the moment.

Overall, I think this book is going to be a romcom hit this summer and I can’t wait for this to be on shelves so I can grab a few copies for friends.

There were elements of this book I really enjoyed. I'm a huge fan of both Indiana Jones and The Mummy and this was fun romp inspired by both movies with lots of flirty banter.

Unfortunately, I wasn't the biggest fan of our blundering FMC. She came across as very immature and pouty. I also found her early infatuation with Andrew a little off putting considering she thought he was married in the first few chapters.

The constant pop culture references were quiet jarring and there was very little character development throughout. William was the stereotypical comic relief along for the ride and poor Andrew came across as quite boring.

This was really fun and a good palate cleanser from my recent heavier books. I always enjoy books featuring treasure hunting and this one didn't disappoint. The banter and spice were done well and I found myself easily invested in their adventures. Definitely read this if you want forced proximity, adventure, snark, and spicy chemistry.

Digging Dr Jones was such a fun refreshing read, I had the best time laughing along with Adriana, he brother, and Andrew.

It was quite a slow starter, but around the midway point I found myself really enjoying the budding relationship between Adriana and Andrew.

This book was more on the insta-love side with the romance, but it works so well with the story and the forced proximity that I personally think it works wonders. There is spice, it's not overpowering and it doesn't take anything away from the plot which is nice.

Overall, a cute disastrous romantic adventure. I'd definitely try reading other books from Olivia!

Thank you to Harper Collin’s UK, OneMoreChapter, NetGalley and Olivia Jackson for this ARC.

Digging Dr Jones is a sweet,funny and steamy treasure adventure that is fast paced and leaves you wanting more!!

If you are obsessed with all things treasure hunting related, but enjoy the romance element as well you will not be disappointed! I am indeed digging Dr Jones! 🔥 I was hooked all the way through - you get forced proximity when Adriana accidentally puts on a bracelet that is also a key, which will only release to a certain treasure chest meaning she has to accompany Dr Jones on his journey, and the story just plays out seamlessly from there! Sometimes it can be a little bit predictable but this was such a fun read that had me giggling and laughing so much it didn’t bother me.

Think Uncharted x Indiana Jones x National Treasure 💎

This was a fantastic palette cleanser from my high fantasy reads!

Such a cool premise, and one I've not really encountered in a book before! The writing style was a bit underdeveloped and I think the characters were a little flat, but it was a fun story and I would not hesitate to recommend as a fast and easy read.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Adriana is not in a good place, single with an almost failing business, she went on a vacation with her brother, who is also her best friend.

One mistaken delivery later, she is stuck with a bracelet she can't take off, and is asked on an adventure of a lifetime with a hot Indiana Jones-like scientist.

She reluctantly agrees to go, especially since there is payment involved and she desperately needs money... but all that running around, solving puzzles together and constant danger pulls them together.

Andrew desperately needs the bracelet and the only way to get it is to take the girl wearing it with him... but his mission is a dangerous one, without a snarky sidekick, and her brother.

They have mad chemistry and the romance that develops is just the cutest (there are lots of spicy moments too :)). I love the adventure part the most, it was like reading an Indiana Jones novel, but better.

Highly recommend it to anyone who likes spicy romance with a side of adventure. :)

From the moment I saw the title reveal for this book, I knew I was going to be a goner… and after finishing?? IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!

Following Adriana’s perspective, the journey starts in Costa Rica where her brother, William, took her on a vacation after her life *temporarily* fell apart. She received a mysterious package one morning with an emerald bracelet and decided to slap the beauty on.

Adriana works hard, but karma works harder and shortly after latching the gorgeous bracelet on, she runs into Andrew Jones, the actual person the package was supposed to be opened by.

After being unable to remove the bracelet, Andrew propositions Adriana to join him on what is essentially the treasure hunt of a life time, offering compensation (which helps with that whole life falling apart situation) to travel with him for said treasure hunt.

Not only was this a fun and entertaining read but it also discussed harder topics surrounding anxiety and fear.

I absolutely loved every single adventurer referenced made and throughly enjoyed reading about a FMC that wasn’t short and petite.

Pub Date May 2 2025

ARC provided by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley. Thank you.

review posted to NetGalley & Goodreads

My new favorite rom-com!

Olivia Jackson had me at the 1st line. That was all I needed to know that I would love Digging Dr Jones.

The story follows Adriana Jones, who mistakenly receives a bracelet intended for Dr. Andrew Jones (Don't worry, they are in no way related!). She puts on the bracelet thinking it was for her, without knowing it would set off the chain reaction for the adventure of a lifetime she didn't even ask for.

This book had me smiling, kicking my feet happy. It 100% boosted my mood and I never wanted to put it down. I loved the movie references, the back and forth banter, the spice and more. The only thing I didn't like was that it ended.

This is a must read for anyone looking for a book to brighten their life, make them smile, and for lovers of an adventure romance.

Olivia Jackson has a new fan and I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK, One More Chapter for the chance to read this early.

Digging Dr Jones by Olivia Jackson 💰🪲💀

‘A stupid grin grew on my face.
“Tell me,” I said, leaning forward in my seat, “do you own a whip?”

If Schitts Creek and Indiana Jones had a baby, it’d be this book. Adriana and her brother, William, find themselves in the middle of a high-stakes treasure hunt, where Andrew Jones (mmc) offers to pay them for their assistance and cooperation after Adriana accidentally inserts herself in the quest.

I found this book a little slow to get into. Adriana (the fmc) and William (her brother) have an extremely codependent relationship and if I’m being completely honest, I found them both a little insufferable at first. But their character growth was extremely satisfying and I grew to love them by the end of the book.
Dr Andrew Jones, however, is an Angel that could do no harm. Man’s the personification of a golden retriever - sweet, kind, curious, and always up for an adventure - I love him.

The imagery was excellent, the smut was hot as hell, and the adventure was super reminiscent of Indiana Jones, which I loved. This book really grew on me and I’m super excited to read more of Olivia’s work going forward.

Digging Dr Jones by Olivia Jackson comes out on the 2nd of May 2025 ✨🤩

Thank you @netgalley @onemorechapterhc @harpercollinsuk for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶️ 2.5/5

I'm always up for an adventure romcom!

What’s to love…
- adventure & Indian Jones vibes
- forced proximity
- fast-paced & action-packed
- brother-sister relationship/ family forward side plot
- disastrous meet-cute (I love when they meet under ridiculous circumstances)

What’s not to love…
- Some might find this a bit insta-love
- a little lacking in the angst and tension for my taste
- the characters were pretty flat and I had a hard time caring about the FMCs background
- I found the humor and some of the prose to read a bit cheesy at times.

🌶️ - Ch. 21, 23, 24, 25 (explicit scenes) - Once the spice starts it pretty much doesn't stop. Its also discussed in other chapters

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK (One More Chapter) for the eARC. All opinions are my own.