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Body Check
To win it all, rivals will have to get dirty and play together
Fabiola Santos never expected to be back on Cutthroat Island, the reality competition show she lost six years earlier. But when the opportunity to redeem herself and win half a million dollars comes along, she can't pass it up. It's a decision she regrets the moment she sees Cameron—the woman who stole her prize and broke her heart once already.
All Cameron Herrera wants to do is rewrite history. Walking away from Fabiola was her biggest mistake in a long line of wrong choices. Now that she has a second chance to play with her, Cameron is determined to win Fab back.
Forced to compete as a team, Fabiola finds that her feelings for Cameron aren't in the past like she wished they were. The more they work together, the harder it is for Fabiola to focus on her anger and ignore their undeniable attraction.
Find out whether love gets a second chance in this slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, reality show romance where the games are hard and the nights are hot.
Contains mature themes.
Fabiola Santos never expected to be back on Cutthroat Island, the reality competition show she lost six years earlier. But when the opportunity to redeem herself and win half a million dollars comes along, she can't pass it up. It's a decision she regrets the moment she sees Cameron—the woman who stole her prize and broke her heart once already.
All Cameron Herrera wants to do is rewrite history. Walking away from Fabiola was her biggest mistake in a long line of wrong choices. Now that she has a second chance to play with her, Cameron is determined to win Fab back.
Forced to compete as a team, Fabiola finds that her feelings for Cameron aren't in the past like she wished they were. The more they work together, the harder it is for Fabiola to focus on her anger and ignore their undeniable attraction.
Find out whether love gets a second chance in this slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, reality show romance where the games are hard and the nights are hot.
Contains mature themes.
Audible Audio
Published April 25, 2023
190 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Arias
36 books1,235 followersHello! And thank you for finding me!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 5, 2023
Love and betrayal.
This is a romance novel on Kindle Unlimited that follows the journey of two women, who were previously in love, as they navigate their emotions on a reality TV show that is similar to Survivor. The plot centers around the two main characters, Fab and Cam, who reunite six years after a betrayal had caused their relationship to end. Fab, still nursing her broken heart, is hesitant to reconnect with Cam but they end up participating in a reality TV show where they must learn to trust each other again to win.
One of the strengths of this novel is its portrayal of the reality TV show. I thought Arias provided an authentic depiction of the challenges faced by the contestants, from physical challenges to psychological ones and it adds tension and drama to the story. However at the same time, for a romance novel, I thought the challenges took up a lot of time and even though each obstacle was a different one, the idea itself was repetitive.
Romance wise, I thought the chemistry between Fab and Cam was great and Arias did an excellent job of showcasing the emotional turmoil they go through due to their history together and the emotional rollercoaster that Fab goes through as she tries to forgive and trust Cam again, and this adds a layer of depth to the novel.
Overall, this is a good read that I think will appeal to fans of romance novels and reality TV shows.
This is a romance novel on Kindle Unlimited that follows the journey of two women, who were previously in love, as they navigate their emotions on a reality TV show that is similar to Survivor. The plot centers around the two main characters, Fab and Cam, who reunite six years after a betrayal had caused their relationship to end. Fab, still nursing her broken heart, is hesitant to reconnect with Cam but they end up participating in a reality TV show where they must learn to trust each other again to win.
One of the strengths of this novel is its portrayal of the reality TV show. I thought Arias provided an authentic depiction of the challenges faced by the contestants, from physical challenges to psychological ones and it adds tension and drama to the story. However at the same time, for a romance novel, I thought the challenges took up a lot of time and even though each obstacle was a different one, the idea itself was repetitive.
Romance wise, I thought the chemistry between Fab and Cam was great and Arias did an excellent job of showcasing the emotional turmoil they go through due to their history together and the emotional rollercoaster that Fab goes through as she tries to forgive and trust Cam again, and this adds a layer of depth to the novel.
Overall, this is a good read that I think will appeal to fans of romance novels and reality TV shows.
May 11, 2023
Great enemies to lovers story
January 12, 2023
I found the storyline some what lengthy in the middle but the character development from previously lovers - to enemies - to lovers again was very well written.
May 25, 2024
The first time they competed on Cutthroat Island, Fabiola Santos and Cameron Herrera made a deal, as secret as the romance that bloomed between them despite the ever present cameras of the reality show. The love story ended in betrayal, but six years later, Cameron is granted the opportunity to fix the worst mistake she’s ever made.
I’m not a reality TV fan but it can be a fun basis for romance. It is, here, even though the various challenges felt a tad repetitive. And over the top, but I guess that goes with the territory. I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine interactions, the MCs’ doubts and inner torments, the humour and the sexy banter.
Body Check is probably not J.J. Arias’s best book, nor Carrie Coello’s most inspired narration, but it’s entertaining and easy to listen to. And oh, so very hot. 3.5⭐️
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
January 12, 2024
The best part of this audiobook was the “survivalist “ style challenges. I’ve liked the other Arias books much more than this one. So I’ll keep reading.
May 13, 2024
This took a while to get into but it was so worth it in the end.
February 12, 2025
JJ Arias is easily one of my top three authors, so I went into Body Check with high expectations.
But sadly I just couldn’t get behind the MCs romance—Fab forgiving Cam so easily after what happened didn’t sit right with me. If I were in Fab’s shoes, I could never forgive Cam or trust her again.
The survival reality TV aspect was really engaging, and I was hooked while that part of the story was unfolding. But once the show ended, so did my interest, and the last few chapters felt like a chore to get through.
It’s well-written, as always, but this one just didn’t hit the mark for me.
But sadly I just couldn’t get behind the MCs romance—Fab forgiving Cam so easily after what happened didn’t sit right with me. If I were in Fab’s shoes, I could never forgive Cam or trust her again.
The survival reality TV aspect was really engaging, and I was hooked while that part of the story was unfolding. But once the show ended, so did my interest, and the last few chapters felt like a chore to get through.
It’s well-written, as always, but this one just didn’t hit the mark for me.
April 28, 2024
Cam and Fabiola are returning contestants on a reality game show. They had competed against each other in a past season, finishing first and second so understandably, they are still at odds which each other over how things went down. Betrayal and lies destroyed their secret romance back then. Six years later, they can barely be in the same room together. But the show has a surprise waiting for them.
The book is entertaining and I enjoyed listening to Carrie Coehlo’s narration which really captured each personality. I also liked the humor and the heat. The show’s challenges were fun to read and made me feel like I was watching the show. If you are a Survivor fan or even Fear Factor, then you will get a kick out Cutthroat Island. Not my favorite JJ Arias story but the audiobook is a fun listen.
The book is entertaining and I enjoyed listening to Carrie Coehlo’s narration which really captured each personality. I also liked the humor and the heat. The show’s challenges were fun to read and made me feel like I was watching the show. If you are a Survivor fan or even Fear Factor, then you will get a kick out Cutthroat Island. Not my favorite JJ Arias story but the audiobook is a fun listen.
October 12, 2022
When I was young and foolish I signed up to participate in a reality show where they drop you on a deserted island and you have to survive and compete with a dozen strangers for a month. I got the casting call, but didn’t end up going to the island. I used to love these shows. I recent years I’ve come to dislike them because of how staged and forced they are, more commercialised and people chosen for their marketability.
This book is exactly like one of those shows and I love it.
Our main characters, Fab and Cam, have competed in a previous season and are pitted as rivals with unfinished business. It’s shrouded in a bit of mystery why there is bad blood between the two. It’s fun to unravel. Fab is this extremely stoic character that is just a big old marshmallow, Cam has this bubbly always on personality. Something I usually dislike (in real life and in books), I don’t mind it in the least. It makes so much sense in this book.
I like how Arias describes the setting, competition elements and challenges. It makes me long for those survival programs when they just came on. If I have to point out something that was a bit hard to get over/around, it’s a trust thing. Something I can’t say too much about because of spoilers, I just didn’t like it and it dragged on a bit too long in my opinion.
This book is exactly like one of those shows and I love it.
Our main characters, Fab and Cam, have competed in a previous season and are pitted as rivals with unfinished business. It’s shrouded in a bit of mystery why there is bad blood between the two. It’s fun to unravel. Fab is this extremely stoic character that is just a big old marshmallow, Cam has this bubbly always on personality. Something I usually dislike (in real life and in books), I don’t mind it in the least. It makes so much sense in this book.
I like how Arias describes the setting, competition elements and challenges. It makes me long for those survival programs when they just came on. If I have to point out something that was a bit hard to get over/around, it’s a trust thing. Something I can’t say too much about because of spoilers, I just didn’t like it and it dragged on a bit too long in my opinion.
October 4, 2022
An enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance set on a reality TV show set that's similar to Survivor?! Sign me up!
I loved this book. I haven't read a book set in a survivor-type reality TV show before but after reading this it made me want to look for more. I loved the adrenaline rush I got from reading the crazy stuff these two characters had to do in order to progress in the competition. I was legit on the edge of my seat during a few of the challenges. They were hardcore!
J.J. Arias is the absolute queen of slow-burn, steamy romance and this was no exception. Fab and Cam met during a previous season but things didn't end well. They meet again and there's some serious tension. I love when there's tension between characters because it makes it feel so much more realistic - Fab and Cam's relationship felt just like that. I couldn't help but want them to be together but also completely understood Fab's hesitation too.
Another great book by Arias and I can't wait to read what's next.
Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. I haven't read a book set in a survivor-type reality TV show before but after reading this it made me want to look for more. I loved the adrenaline rush I got from reading the crazy stuff these two characters had to do in order to progress in the competition. I was legit on the edge of my seat during a few of the challenges. They were hardcore!
J.J. Arias is the absolute queen of slow-burn, steamy romance and this was no exception. Fab and Cam met during a previous season but things didn't end well. They meet again and there's some serious tension. I love when there's tension between characters because it makes it feel so much more realistic - Fab and Cam's relationship felt just like that. I couldn't help but want them to be together but also completely understood Fab's hesitation too.
Another great book by Arias and I can't wait to read what's next.
Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2023
I have been watching a reality show like Cutthroat Island since I was a teen, except contestants are starving and can't shower. This was the sexy version and I admit I was hooked reading challenge after challenge. I was rooting really hard for what happened for the team and inside the team. The pair start with a Fabiola full of anger, hurt and resentment and a Cam full of guilt and seek for redemption. The way Arias slowly put them on path toward each other through hard challenges and forced proximity was great. Watching Fab tough exterior crack through the book and seeing her have the opportunity to heal was moving. Behind her stoic apparence, she is fiercely protective. If she doesn't get your heart, I don't understand. With a bubbly personality, Cam completes her perfectly.
With another fast pace romance, Arias really nailed the enemies to lovers trope again. She manages to write on very different themes, but always gives you what you came for : incredible tension, strong feelings and hot scenes.
With another fast pace romance, Arias really nailed the enemies to lovers trope again. She manages to write on very different themes, but always gives you what you came for : incredible tension, strong feelings and hot scenes.
September 28, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ - JJ Arias always writes consistently good romances and this is no exception. I think she did a good job balancing the romance and plot. I also think if you are a fan of shows like Survivor you will LOVE this one. Kindle Unlimited.
May 13, 2025
This book was so enjoyable. The way the author described the surroundings and all the competitions so in detail was amazing! Let me not forget to mention the chemistry between Fab and Cam 🔥 *fans face 😅 this must is a must read!!
July 7, 2025
2.75 ⭐
November 13, 2023
las quiero tanto xfa
August 18, 2023
love me a good lovers-to-rivals-to-lovers arc, but the premise made it sort of hard to take anything seriously because, well - a) they're on a reality tv show and b) losing just means that fabiola wouldn't be able to fulfill her dream of being a personal trainer. which isn't exactly a life or death consequence. but whatever it's a romance novel, it doesn't need high stakes. the characterization was fun and fairly consistent through out and arias is decent at creating tension but my real frustration was with CAMERON.
if i got romantically involved with my fellow contestant on a reality tv show and we promised to split the winnings if either of us won and then i won and instead of sharing, i TOOK THE MONEY AND GHOSTED MY GF FOR SIX FUCKING YEARS, i would be more contrite about it instead of acting cocky when i meet her at the next contest and being all "you can't deny what's between us. why can't you admit you still have feelings for me". GIRL. BECAUSE YOU HORRIBLY BROKE HER TRUST, ARE YOU FUCKING OBTUSE. there's not even a good reason why she did what she did or why she didn't bother explaining herself.
sort of hard to read a romance when you're rooting for one of them to get a restraining order against the other.
if i got romantically involved with my fellow contestant on a reality tv show and we promised to split the winnings if either of us won and then i won and instead of sharing, i TOOK THE MONEY AND GHOSTED MY GF FOR SIX FUCKING YEARS, i would be more contrite about it instead of acting cocky when i meet her at the next contest and being all "you can't deny what's between us. why can't you admit you still have feelings for me". GIRL. BECAUSE YOU HORRIBLY BROKE HER TRUST, ARE YOU FUCKING OBTUSE. there's not even a good reason why she did what she did or why she didn't bother explaining herself.
sort of hard to read a romance when you're rooting for one of them to get a restraining order against the other.
October 3, 2022
Another good one by one of my favorite authors. I haven't read many sports-romances, I would think it would be hard to write them because of the detailed descriptions needed. Arias really does pull it off. She is very descriptive so you can actually get an idea of what is happening as the scenes progresses. I honestly was never bored reading Body Check. 4 stars.
October 28, 2022
This was a delightful book, very entertaining and quite hilarious. Loved their arguments, bickering and consequent mending. Oh and boy did they have some sparks going on for them here?! I loved even more the fact that the typical conflict (ya know, that one about 70% or 80%) was basically inexistent, there was some tension, but that's the extension of it. And for me it was just the right choice, because they already were at odd for over half of the story, adding more heavy friction would have been just plain mean, IMHO, hahaha.
For those who don't like much sporty stories, but would like to give it a try, I think this one could be a hit. I mean, it doesn't quite take a back sit, but their relationships, the romance is really front and centre here. So fear not. For those like me who likes a good sporty book, then it's even better, there's romance and it's all seasoned with the MC being total bad-asses.
Totally recommend it.
p.s.: ngl, that first "Hola, mãe" got me thinking "oh no, here we go again with google translator Portuguese", but I'm glad I was proven wrong, I figured it was a deliberate choice by J.J. because everything else, even though sparse throughout the story, were on point and this kind of attention to details makes my little Brazilian heart happier.
For those who don't like much sporty stories, but would like to give it a try, I think this one could be a hit. I mean, it doesn't quite take a back sit, but their relationships, the romance is really front and centre here. So fear not. For those like me who likes a good sporty book, then it's even better, there's romance and it's all seasoned with the MC being total bad-asses.
Totally recommend it.
p.s.: ngl, that first "Hola, mãe" got me thinking "oh no, here we go again with google translator Portuguese", but I'm glad I was proven wrong, I figured it was a deliberate choice by J.J. because everything else, even though sparse throughout the story, were on point and this kind of attention to details makes my little Brazilian heart happier.
September 10, 2023
Once again, a JJ Arias book that I couldn’t put down. The author does her research - the challenges were so entertaining, and the behind-the-scenes details seemed spot on. I loved getting to know these two characters and wade through both of their deep vulnerabilities. I wish Netflix would pick this up because it’d be great to watch on TV! This romance was a total pleasure to read - great storyline, good chemistry, lots of steam, and all that good second chance angst and longing.
Short Summay: Fab returns to Cutthroat Island with a score to settle. She never expects to see the woman who edged her out, betrayed her and broke her heart- even less so that they have to work together to win. Cam wants to make amends. Fab won’t speak to her. Will the women make it to week two, let alone forever?
Short Summay: Fab returns to Cutthroat Island with a score to settle. She never expects to see the woman who edged her out, betrayed her and broke her heart- even less so that they have to work together to win. Cam wants to make amends. Fab won’t speak to her. Will the women make it to week two, let alone forever?
October 26, 2023
This was fun, sweet and light.
November 22, 2024
I’ve listened to the audio of Body Check. It’s not the most complicated story and, in my opinion, not J.J. Arias’s best work. It is pretty entertaining though and very steamy.
July 19, 2024
Far too long than necessary, but decent drama. I thought homegirl didn't deserve to be forgiven...Couldn't justify it with it being soo long since she decided to woman up and address it.
February 18, 2023
Our family has one television show that all four of us (my mom, dad, brother, and I) all enjoy, and watch together when we can: “Survivor.” Apart from the whole…weirdness of buying (?) or renting —or whatever — locations for filming, and the occasional-to-frequent appropriation and etc., as well as a ton of sexism, misogyny, etc…
Let me start again: my family loves “Survivor” despite its flaws, and we very much enjoy trying to strategize or out-strategize from the comfort of houses and apartments and air conditioning.
As far as a personal taste in literature goes, all it would take is a glance at my read books / my reading challenge to know what books I seek out.
All that to say: a sapphic romance set in a “Survivor”-esque reality show? With second chance lovers to enemies to lovers? Exceptional. Exquisite.
I loved the Fab’s growth through this; her journey to trusting Cameron again is well-done and seemingly realistic. Her pain is warranted, feeling betrayed by the one she believed loved her. Situations like this *would* force you to communicate (or be eliminated), so their progression from enemies (at least, in Fab’s mind) and regrets (in Cam’s mind, but in the sense that she regrets her actions hurting Fab) feels natural.
If anything, the entire game of “Cutthroat Island” is a metaphor for their relationship. They rescued it from a precarious point, stumbling through the dark (literally, in their trysts both past and present) and figuratively while navigating an unknown relationship (mending something broken, but not quite, in this setting).
I must mention: Janette (spelling?) is a particular brand of cruel and sadistic. She should be fired after that season.
Let me start again: my family loves “Survivor” despite its flaws, and we very much enjoy trying to strategize or out-strategize from the comfort of houses and apartments and air conditioning.
As far as a personal taste in literature goes, all it would take is a glance at my read books / my reading challenge to know what books I seek out.
All that to say: a sapphic romance set in a “Survivor”-esque reality show? With second chance lovers to enemies to lovers? Exceptional. Exquisite.
I loved the Fab’s growth through this; her journey to trusting Cameron again is well-done and seemingly realistic. Her pain is warranted, feeling betrayed by the one she believed loved her. Situations like this *would* force you to communicate (or be eliminated), so their progression from enemies (at least, in Fab’s mind) and regrets (in Cam’s mind, but in the sense that she regrets her actions hurting Fab) feels natural.
If anything, the entire game of “Cutthroat Island” is a metaphor for their relationship. They rescued it from a precarious point, stumbling through the dark (literally, in their trysts both past and present) and figuratively while navigating an unknown relationship (mending something broken, but not quite, in this setting).
I must mention: Janette (spelling?) is a particular brand of cruel and sadistic. She should be fired after that season.
September 22, 2023
This book is everything I wanted in a reality TV romance, rivals-to-lovers, second chances, and tension filled challenges. Excuse while I go check out everything she's written.
It's been 6 years since Fabiola Santos came in 2nd place on Cutthroat Island, in a devastating final challenge where she lost not only $250,000 but the woman she had fallen in love with, but now she's back for a redemption season to take the half a million dollar prize. However, like in every reality show theres always a catch.
When the show host announces this season's theme is Rivals Cameron Herrera walks back in to her life. Forced to partner with the woman who broke her heart and stole her money, can Fab get over it before they are ejected from the competition?Cameron has one goal for this competition, make amends for the biggest mistake of her life by helping Fab win the game and beg for a second chance with the woman she still loves.
J.J. Arias does a fantastic job blending the 1:1 moments between Fabiola and Cameron and the high intensity moments of the show. Every challenge is described so clearly you feel like you're watching it on TV, but the moments between the women feel intimate and quiet. The angst and yearning (if you're in to that) is perfect. Fabiola had every right to be upset with Cameron, but she is just so impossible to dislike. I felt myself agreeing almost immediately that Fab was being hard headed, it was only a matter of time.
It's been 6 years since Fabiola Santos came in 2nd place on Cutthroat Island, in a devastating final challenge where she lost not only $250,000 but the woman she had fallen in love with, but now she's back for a redemption season to take the half a million dollar prize. However, like in every reality show theres always a catch.
When the show host announces this season's theme is Rivals Cameron Herrera walks back in to her life. Forced to partner with the woman who broke her heart and stole her money, can Fab get over it before they are ejected from the competition?Cameron has one goal for this competition, make amends for the biggest mistake of her life by helping Fab win the game and beg for a second chance with the woman she still loves.
J.J. Arias does a fantastic job blending the 1:1 moments between Fabiola and Cameron and the high intensity moments of the show. Every challenge is described so clearly you feel like you're watching it on TV, but the moments between the women feel intimate and quiet. The angst and yearning (if you're in to that) is perfect. Fabiola had every right to be upset with Cameron, but she is just so impossible to dislike. I felt myself agreeing almost immediately that Fab was being hard headed, it was only a matter of time.
July 13, 2025
I absolutely loved Body Check. It’s easily one of JJ Arias’s best books — an unputdownable blend of swoon-worthy romance and heart-pounding competition that had me grinning from the first page.
As a long-time Survivor fan (the French version, which I’ve followed religiously for 20 years!), the premise of this book was a dream come true. Arias takes the exhilarating world of a televised competition and uses it as the perfect backdrop for a high-stakes, slow-burn romance. It’s a setting that adds layers of tension and intrigue without ever overshadowing the emotional heart of the story.
And what a heart it is. I’m a sucker for second-chance romances, but they’re notoriously tricky to pull off — and this? This was a masterclass. The lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers arc is executed with precision and emotional depth. Arias creates a palpable tension from the outset, so well-crafted that you can feel the weight of their shared history even before it’s revealed. Every glance, every moment of friction, feels loaded with unspoken backstory.
Add in the voyeuristic thrill of cameras watching their every move and the adrenaline of the competition itself, and you’ve got a setup that’s fresh, dynamic, and brimming with chemistry. Honestly, I could read ten more books set in this same universe — it would make for an absolutely addictive series.
As a long-time Survivor fan (the French version, which I’ve followed religiously for 20 years!), the premise of this book was a dream come true. Arias takes the exhilarating world of a televised competition and uses it as the perfect backdrop for a high-stakes, slow-burn romance. It’s a setting that adds layers of tension and intrigue without ever overshadowing the emotional heart of the story.
And what a heart it is. I’m a sucker for second-chance romances, but they’re notoriously tricky to pull off — and this? This was a masterclass. The lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers arc is executed with precision and emotional depth. Arias creates a palpable tension from the outset, so well-crafted that you can feel the weight of their shared history even before it’s revealed. Every glance, every moment of friction, feels loaded with unspoken backstory.
Add in the voyeuristic thrill of cameras watching their every move and the adrenaline of the competition itself, and you’ve got a setup that’s fresh, dynamic, and brimming with chemistry. Honestly, I could read ten more books set in this same universe — it would make for an absolutely addictive series.
June 20, 2024
Realistically this is probably a 3 or a 4 but I gave it 5 stars because it had me blushing. And not just because they have steamy parts.
I did listen to the audiobook version (which, very well narrated) so I can’t really comment on grammar or pacing since I tend to change the speed around so it never feels slow. But the character development was good. I wouldn’t really say this enters the enemy to lovers trope since it’s a lot more complicated than that, but it is fun watching Cam try to win over Fab’s heart.
Having this be a reality show added to the suspense of the relationship but also demonstrating the creativity of the author. I loved seeing the challenges they had to overcome.
As mentioned, they do have some steamy scenes and JJ is not afraid of getting poetic and graphic with it so….that can either be a pro or a con depending on what you’re into.
The reason I mentioned it should have been a 3 or 4 is because the world building was lacking a bit. Cam’s reasoning for her original betrayal was unsatisfactory. And the plot twist at the end was extremely predictable. Still, none of that took away from enjoying the story so….5 stars it is!
I did listen to the audiobook version (which, very well narrated) so I can’t really comment on grammar or pacing since I tend to change the speed around so it never feels slow. But the character development was good. I wouldn’t really say this enters the enemy to lovers trope since it’s a lot more complicated than that, but it is fun watching Cam try to win over Fab’s heart.
Having this be a reality show added to the suspense of the relationship but also demonstrating the creativity of the author. I loved seeing the challenges they had to overcome.
As mentioned, they do have some steamy scenes and JJ is not afraid of getting poetic and graphic with it so….that can either be a pro or a con depending on what you’re into.
The reason I mentioned it should have been a 3 or 4 is because the world building was lacking a bit. Cam’s reasoning for her original betrayal was unsatisfactory. And the plot twist at the end was extremely predictable. Still, none of that took away from enjoying the story so….5 stars it is!
August 9, 2025
I'm a zero tolerance bitch when it comes to broken trust, but you do you ;)
Review breakdown:
Writing: the final 25 minutes of the audiobook could (should) have been an epilogue; otherwise, writing was fine
Characters: I didn't particularly care for either, but I don't have to date them!
Plot: former reality show rivals ~with history~ are forced to work together as partners in world's most oddly dangerous reality competition. naturally, they fall in love. tbh, they must have fallen in love in their previous competition because this one felt more like learning to tolerate each other more than falling in love, but it was fine.
What would make this an extra star read for me: all the good conversations and interactions that had them fall in love all happened off-screen and was referenced. we see the results of them now knowing each other, but there wasn't a lot of learning about each other now.
Vibes: this was a solid read, and the competition was interesting. I just couldn't get past the broken trust thing.
Review breakdown:
Writing: the final 25 minutes of the audiobook could (should) have been an epilogue; otherwise, writing was fine
Characters: I didn't particularly care for either, but I don't have to date them!
Plot: former reality show rivals ~with history~ are forced to work together as partners in world's most oddly dangerous reality competition. naturally, they fall in love. tbh, they must have fallen in love in their previous competition because this one felt more like learning to tolerate each other more than falling in love, but it was fine.
What would make this an extra star read for me: all the good conversations and interactions that had them fall in love all happened off-screen and was referenced. we see the results of them now knowing each other, but there wasn't a lot of learning about each other now.
Vibes: this was a solid read, and the competition was interesting. I just couldn't get past the broken trust thing.
October 30, 2024
Omg this had me so hooked I literally didn't read the last chapter for two days because I didn't want it to be over!!! The chemistry was so fun with Fab being a more strong headed realistic counterpart to Cam who was dreamier but equally as stubborn. I don't really read much second chance romance but they got me with this one!!! There was no unnecessary conflicts, nothing dumb and stupid that didn't make any sense and the characters actually talked to each other (even with Fab being standoffish in the beginning). They were mature and had such genuine feelings I was genuinely convinced they would be amazing together as they balanced each other out so well in each challenge.
I craveeee a longer epilogue to really get a glimpse of their domesticity because I know they would be so cute in every day life. I am so happy to have stumbled across J.J. Arias, will be checking out some of their other works.
I craveeee a longer epilogue to really get a glimpse of their domesticity because I know they would be so cute in every day life. I am so happy to have stumbled across J.J. Arias, will be checking out some of their other works.
June 26, 2024
I really really enjoyed this sapphic romance!!!! It is definitely a long slow burn BUT if you love reality TV like survivor and all of those MTV Challenge shows, you will love the vibes of this book!!
These 2 ladies have hooked up on this reality show before but one of them took the money and left the other with nothing. Now they are back on the show together and have to compete together as partners despite being enemies. There are multiple challenges they compete in that are described in detail and made it feel like I was watching an episode of one of those shows!! The tension built up throughout the competition and it just made it that much sweeter when they finally got together!!
The audiobook is a single narrator by Carrie Coello and she did a fantastic job! I really enjoyed her voice for this one and just made it so easy to listen to!
These 2 ladies have hooked up on this reality show before but one of them took the money and left the other with nothing. Now they are back on the show together and have to compete together as partners despite being enemies. There are multiple challenges they compete in that are described in detail and made it feel like I was watching an episode of one of those shows!! The tension built up throughout the competition and it just made it that much sweeter when they finally got together!!
The audiobook is a single narrator by Carrie Coello and she did a fantastic job! I really enjoyed her voice for this one and just made it so easy to listen to!
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