Book Review: The Fiction Between Us by Julie Olivia

Title: The Fiction Between Us
Author: Julie Olivia
Genre: Adult Contemporary / Romance
Publication Date: September 22nd, 2022
Publisher: Indie / Kindle Unlimited
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Some fairytales may be real, but ours is strictly fiction.
I’ve been Queen Bee at our theme park for ten glorious, uncomplicated years. I’m far better at creating fictional magic than real life miracles. So when Landon Arden, my best friend’s twin brother and my old high school bully, starts to work at Honeywood, I’m wishing for some gift from above to fix this mess.
Cue a worse situation.
After Landon falls on stage during one of our shows, the guests mistake him for a character in the park: Ranger Randy.
The problem isn’t when our manager asks him to perform as the bearded, tight tush, short shorts-wearing hero. No, my fairytale comes crashing down when we’re told that Queen Bee and Ranger Randy must appear as a couple.
Fine. Whatever. Ten years ago, my teenage crush for Landon may have been real, but I can fake a happy ending with Ranger Randy. I can sign autographs with him, have his arm around my waist, hold his hand, and… kiss him on stage?
I tell myself it’s all for show. We’re just characters in a theme park. And I won’t fall for true love’s kiss, even if I do want to try it one more time…” (Goodreads)

I’ve been looking forward to another book set at the amusement park ever since reading the first. It’s been such a fun setting and this time it was about the characters and amphitheater instead of the rollercoasters.

The book is told from two point-of-views and they come from Quinn and Landon. Quinn doesn’t have the best impression of Landon after some high school drama and since then she will do anything to keep her distance. She is the grump to his shine and I loved their dynamic!

The romance is a slow-burn with a bit of spice once you get around the halfway mark. They are very cute together and I liked seeing them both manage their feelings, especially Quinn. She has a chip on her shoulder when it comes to her mother and Landon so when it comes to love it isn’t easy. She does have people around her that want to see her soar and be happy, in a relationship and when it comes to work. Plus, fake dating. Need I say more?

I’m still obsessed with the friend group and there were some major plot twists when it came to them! I’m hoping that the third book is about Bennett. I want to know more about his weird relationship, haha.

Overall, this was a great read.

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Book Review: All Downhill With You by Julie Olivia

Title: All Downhill With You
Author: Julie Olivia
Genre: Adult Contemporary / Romance
Publication Date: May 26th, 2022
Publisher: Self Published / Kindle Unlimited
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

“The moment we meet, it’s all downhill.

My job is providing happiness and smiles at Honeywood Fun Park, and Emory Dawson is the frown our park didn’t ask for.

When our star roller coaster malfunctions with me on board, the manufacturer’s heir and lead engineer, Emory, vows to renovate the attraction. So instead of having a fun summer season as Marketing Manager for Honeywood, I’m now saddled with playing host.

Wonderful.

Emory is the opposite of a good time. He’s the grump that won’t stop grumping, and our arguments escalate quicker than my heart rate after a roller coaster’s fall.

He knows I can see right through his broody gaze and big ideas. Repairing the coaster? More like overhauling his own company’s reputation, regardless of whether it helps our local theme park.

But when our firm handshakes start lingering too long, or when his muscled thighs rest against mine under the table, I’m thrown for a loop.

Most roller coasters are fun, but I’d like to get off this emotional one, please.” (Goodreads)

I don’t usually find books on Kindle Unlimited that I like so props to this one for getting my attention and keeping it throughout!

The book is told from two point-of-views and they come from Lorelei and Emory. They definitely start off on the wrong foot since one is suing the other and working together isn’t always rainbow and sunshine. I liked the banter between and the sudden urge to get closer to one another. Nothing like the heat of an argument bring people together! Their love for rollercoasters is shown throughout the book and we get a sense of who they are through their interactions with family as well.

Their are plenty of side characters too! I did like Lorelei’s friend group and reminded me of others I have read before. They are also some of her coworkers so we see two different relationships from them. I like that they push her and also want to get the juicy gossip about Emory. Who wouldn’t?

The setting was a fun one and mostly takes place at an amusement park. It isn’t a busy one and Emory definitely makes his feelings clear that it is rundown, but Lorelei loves the park and will do anything to keep it around. I have only read one another book with this setting and it’s a setting that I keep enjoying.

I would say that as the relationship matures it becomes one of my least favorite things. It starts off slow but then moves rather quickly into the hanky panky. I do get why it happens as it also adds more drama into the plot but it’s just not my thing. I know others will find enjoyment out of it so don’t let this part sway you!

Overall, this was cute and I did like reading it. It does say that it’s the first in the series so I am looking forward to getting to know other characters better.