From the Jump by Lacie Waldon

Liv and her four college friends have been close for eleven years. They have a standing date every Thursday to get together and even vacation together once a year. But this year, Liv can't go. Overworked as a graphic designer, always doing what she should to try and fit in, she's finally had enough. On a whim she quits her job and joins her friends on safari in South Africa. After a long car ride and a shared hotel room with emotionally unavailable Lucas, she starts to see the man he really is, the one he hides from the world. But any kind of relationship between them could ruin the whole friendship group and they make a pact to stay apart. When they return from the trip, Liv discovers everything she owns is gone. Will she be able to honor the pact when Lucas is always around?

Liv started out so stiff and by-the-book it was no surprise that even her friends called her Ice Queen. I like how her confidence continues to grow throughout the book that she's finally able to go after what she wants. Lucas is the strong silent type I just love to read about. Pheobe and Will are awesome together and it was obvious from the start they'd end up together. Selina, however, is the character everybody loves to hate. Spoiled, jealous, and bitter, she lashes out when she doesn't get what she wants. I don't agree with Liv's decision to forgive her. I loved this sweet friends to lovers story and it would make the perfect beach read.

I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.