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chuchireads's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sohcahtoa's review
I just could not get into the story after multiple chapters so gave up and started a new book.
lolloreads00's review
4.0
Crush in the cascades is a contemporary romance novel with an action-packed plot about a reality competition for 1 million dollars. I’m very competitive so the theme of the book worked really well for me. And it stands out from other romance books I’ve read in the past. The reality show aspect isn’t overwhelming at all. The amount of cameras are mentioned a lot but that’s about it.
I really enjoyed the characters. Easton the grumpy rock-climber from Colorado. A lovable MC that signed up for the competition to save his friend. And Amity is just to good for this world. She’s there to travel and experiencing the world. Their love hate relationship along with being competitors kept my interest up throughout.
I would definitely recommend this one, it’s a great read. It seems like there will be a sequel so definitely keep an eye out for that!
I really enjoyed the characters. Easton the grumpy rock-climber from Colorado. A lovable MC that signed up for the competition to save his friend. And Amity is just to good for this world. She’s there to travel and experiencing the world. Their love hate relationship along with being competitors kept my interest up throughout.
I would definitely recommend this one, it’s a great read. It seems like there will be a sequel so definitely keep an eye out for that!
oreolover15's review
3.0
Crush in the Cascades is a cute, mostly open door romance based in (you guessed it) the Cascades in Oregon where a new reality action-adventure TV show is busy pushing contestants to their limits in the great outdoors. Will the contestants win it all? Or give it all up for love?
While I definitely enjoyed the story overall there were a few things that left me wanting a bit more.
Let's start with what I loved:
1. A unique story that was a little bit The Amazing Race meets Survivor. I've never read a book that centered around a reality TV show. It was a fun plot that kept me engaged.
2. I actually really enjoyed the main Characters: Amity and Connor. They had personality and I enjoyed getting to know them better. I did have a few issues with Cooper (see below) but I felt like those issues were anomalies and not his actual persona.
3. The challenges they encountered through the show were a lot of fun. I wished I was actually watching them unfold on TV.
Things I didn't love:
1. The attraction between Connor and Amity felt a little too forced/intense at the beginning. It really didn't make sense to me to go from "Yeah, she's attractive, but I can't stand her" to ... the woodcutting challenge. I feel like that scene would make more sense after some forced proximity relationship building instead of the way it actually came to fruition.
2. The sex was a bit cringy for me. For me it would have been better with some fade to black and call it good.
3. Some of the plot fillers or the devices to move the plot forward felt too forced. I felt like I mostly understood Cooper but his bizarre efeelings and erratic actions toward Amity hindered the plot. It was just awkward to read those.
I feel like a bit more editing might find a way to smooth out these edges and make it an even more enjoyable read.
OVERALL it fell into the zone between "it was okay" and "I liked it" for me. Probably about 2.8 stars.
While I definitely enjoyed the story overall there were a few things that left me wanting a bit more.
Let's start with what I loved:
1. A unique story that was a little bit The Amazing Race meets Survivor. I've never read a book that centered around a reality TV show. It was a fun plot that kept me engaged.
2. I actually really enjoyed the main Characters: Amity and Connor. They had personality and I enjoyed getting to know them better. I did have a few issues with Cooper (see below) but I felt like those issues were anomalies and not his actual persona.
3. The challenges they encountered through the show were a lot of fun. I wished I was actually watching them unfold on TV.
Things I didn't love:
1. The attraction between Connor and Amity felt a little too forced/intense at the beginning. It really didn't make sense to me to go from "Yeah, she's attractive, but I can't stand her" to ... the woodcutting challenge. I feel like that scene would make more sense after some forced proximity relationship building instead of the way it actually came to fruition.
2. The sex was a bit cringy for me. For me it would have been better with some fade to black and call it good.
3. Some of the plot fillers or the devices to move the plot forward felt too forced. I felt like I mostly understood Cooper but his bizarre efeelings and erratic actions toward Amity hindered the plot. It was just awkward to read those.
I feel like a bit more editing might find a way to smooth out these edges and make it an even more enjoyable read.
OVERALL it fell into the zone between "it was okay" and "I liked it" for me. Probably about 2.8 stars.
ameserole's review
4.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Crush in the Cascades seemed a little familiar to me. Maybe it's because of the whole game show aspect and how I'm knee deep into Survivor. Either way, I was here for it all because of Easton and Amity. Now at first, they were definitely not into each other once they started speaking that is. Then the challenge started to happen, and they were getting closer and closer to one another.
Sure, they bickered like crazy but damn that is my love language. Sarcasm and bantering - what a lovely duo to fall in love with. As for reality tv, eh, it was okay competition wise. I liked seeing them interacting with other contestants, but I was mostly here for their bantering. I'll admit, though, I wasn't a huge fan of everyone assuming the worst about someone or how they lived their lives before coming on the show to compete.
In a way, it worked out though because these two truly did fall for each other. Sure, Cooper was a douche canoe in the beginning, but he came around...eventually. Definitely excited for his sister to compete next. No idea who could be her potential love interest but I'm hoping for some great bantering!
Crush in the Cascades seemed a little familiar to me. Maybe it's because of the whole game show aspect and how I'm knee deep into Survivor. Either way, I was here for it all because of Easton and Amity. Now at first, they were definitely not into each other once they started speaking that is. Then the challenge started to happen, and they were getting closer and closer to one another.
Sure, they bickered like crazy but damn that is my love language. Sarcasm and bantering - what a lovely duo to fall in love with. As for reality tv, eh, it was okay competition wise. I liked seeing them interacting with other contestants, but I was mostly here for their bantering. I'll admit, though, I wasn't a huge fan of everyone assuming the worst about someone or how they lived their lives before coming on the show to compete.
In a way, it worked out though because these two truly did fall for each other. Sure, Cooper was a douche canoe in the beginning, but he came around...eventually. Definitely excited for his sister to compete next. No idea who could be her potential love interest but I'm hoping for some great bantering!
aldarakamey's review
4.0
This book was read thanks to NetGalley
They are part of a reality show, and at first they couldn't be more different, so they sort of become instant enemies, however I think that the author went a little too far with the enemies and make him kind of antagonize the lead character, due her being really girly, taking that, well the book is really enjoyable, and the idea of the reality show was amazing,
They are part of a reality show, and at first they couldn't be more different, so they sort of become instant enemies, however I think that the author went a little too far with the enemies and make him kind of antagonize the lead character, due her being really girly, taking that, well the book is really enjoyable, and the idea of the reality show was amazing,
lisa_ses's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.5
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
This was such a fun, enemies to lovers reality tv romance!!! I requested this book completely on a whim based on the cover and the description and it did NOT disappoint!! Amity and Cooper are two contestants on a Outdoorsy Amazing Race/Survivor style reality show where contestants have to work in pairs for a million dollar prize. Both MCs get off on the wrong foot and people continually underestimate Amity. I REALLY loved how scrappy and skilled she was and the way she just led with her heart. The romance was a bit too instalove form my tastes but I loved these characters too much to care. Recommended for fans of books like The charm offensive or One to watch. I can't wait for the sequel featuring Cooper's sister, Hannah. Much thanks to NetGalley and the author for an advance review copy!! I will definitely be buying a hard copy when the paperback editions become available!
booklovingmom_'s review
3.0
Crush in the Cascades by Lisa S. Gayle is the first in the new The Race for Riches or Romance series. In this romance, contestants are set up in the wilderness and expected to complete different tasks and challenges with their partner of the day in a race for two million dollars. From the start Amity and Easton Cooper are like oil and water rubbing each other the wrong way and clashing, but as the saying goes, there is a thin line between love and hate. As they race, Amity and Easton build a relationship, will it last beyond the games or not?
Crush in the Cascades reminds me very much of a combination of Survivor and Amazing Race and I enjoyed the element of the book. The plot was good and the race was intriguing, but I found the characters and romance to be a little lacking. I just couldn’t connect with the characters that much, I felt like there was a lot of jumping to conclusions and stereotyping without actually getting to know each other. The romance itself was your stereotypical romance book romance, full of cliches and paranoia. I would have liked to see Amity and Easton not jump to as many conclusions and give in to as many stereotypes as they did, but I did like them as a couple.
Overall, I liked the premise of this book but for me the romance was a little lacking or too expected. It was a fun read and I will definitely consider checking out the next romance in the series though.
Crush in the Cascades reminds me very much of a combination of Survivor and Amazing Race and I enjoyed the element of the book. The plot was good and the race was intriguing, but I found the characters and romance to be a little lacking. I just couldn’t connect with the characters that much, I felt like there was a lot of jumping to conclusions and stereotyping without actually getting to know each other. The romance itself was your stereotypical romance book romance, full of cliches and paranoia. I would have liked to see Amity and Easton not jump to as many conclusions and give in to as many stereotypes as they did, but I did like them as a couple.
Overall, I liked the premise of this book but for me the romance was a little lacking or too expected. It was a fun read and I will definitely consider checking out the next romance in the series though.