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Albatross: Rookie Move
She’s his worst nightmare. He’s her ultimate fantasy. Let the games (and foreplay) begin.
Chrysanthemum Howard has been obsessed with the hit reality game show Albatross for years, but never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d make it on as a rookie contestant. Sweet, bookish, and anything but athletic, Chrys is as surprised as anyone to be selected—especially when she’s paired with Foster Nielsen, a brooding, inked-up veteran of the game and the star of all her fantasies. Foster is furious to be saddled with someone who looks like she couldn’t survive a hike, let alone a competition filled with grueling challenges. He’s here for one to win. But Chrys isn’t about to let him—or anyone else—write her off without a fight.
As the competition heats up, so does their banter, sparking rumors among other players that their fiery clashes are hiding something more. With every unexpected triumph, Chrys proves she’s more than just the underdog, and Foster begins to see there’s strength in her spirit. Behind his tough exterior, Chrys finds a man burdened by more than just the pressure to win. In the high-stakes chaos of reality TV, desire turns to something deeper, but when love and pride are on the line, the real challenge becomes whether they can trust each other enough to fight for something beyond the finish line.
Chrysanthemum Howard has been obsessed with the hit reality game show Albatross for years, but never in her wildest dreams did she think she’d make it on as a rookie contestant. Sweet, bookish, and anything but athletic, Chrys is as surprised as anyone to be selected—especially when she’s paired with Foster Nielsen, a brooding, inked-up veteran of the game and the star of all her fantasies. Foster is furious to be saddled with someone who looks like she couldn’t survive a hike, let alone a competition filled with grueling challenges. He’s here for one to win. But Chrys isn’t about to let him—or anyone else—write her off without a fight.
As the competition heats up, so does their banter, sparking rumors among other players that their fiery clashes are hiding something more. With every unexpected triumph, Chrys proves she’s more than just the underdog, and Foster begins to see there’s strength in her spirit. Behind his tough exterior, Chrys finds a man burdened by more than just the pressure to win. In the high-stakes chaos of reality TV, desire turns to something deeper, but when love and pride are on the line, the real challenge becomes whether they can trust each other enough to fight for something beyond the finish line.
- GenresForced Proximity
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2025
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hill
7 books57 followersSARAH HILL, lives in Idaho with her husband, 3 dogs and cat. When she isn't feeding, playing or doctoring one of her fur babies, you can find her watching a chick flick or favorite Hallmark movie, hanging with family and friends, reading or taking pictures (because photos are important!) Some of her favorite things include the world of Harry Potter, Mexican food, camping, playing pranks, laughing and kissing her husband.
Sarah continues to listen to the characters who find her and whisper their stories in her ear and plans to get their stories out to the world.
Sarah continues to listen to the characters who find her and whisper their stories in her ear and plans to get their stories out to the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 14, 2025
I could not put this book down! It was such a unique and fun way to tell this story. As a lover of reality tv and games, this one kept me interested the entire time. I loved the competition and the romance story peppered in. Loved the FMC so much! Now I need to read all of the other books by this author!
September 1, 2025
This has been one of the most original books I’ve read !! I’ve never read a book based on people in a reality tv show before. The challenges, the eliminations, the alliances- the “life at the house”, the fact they are all real people with real problems but are also very private due to cameras and media and careful to let people in.
Absolutely loved the FMC who is a tiny red headed badass named Chrys- she’s a rookie on the show and gets paired with Foster who is super handsome and she’s had a crush on him as long as she has watched the show - and never missed an episode of course.
10/10 recommend ! This is a fun read and action packed ! Also the banter ! Oof so good !
Absolutely loved the FMC who is a tiny red headed badass named Chrys- she’s a rookie on the show and gets paired with Foster who is super handsome and she’s had a crush on him as long as she has watched the show - and never missed an episode of course.
10/10 recommend ! This is a fun read and action packed ! Also the banter ! Oof so good !
August 22, 2025
Wow!! I could NOT put this down! Such a fun, spicy, sweet love story. Loved both FMC and MMC! Chrys has watched and been a loyal fan of the game show Arbatross….. as well as Foster, the sexy vet champion of the show! Since the show is coming to her hometown Chrys applies to get on never thinking she would be chosen. When she is chosen to compete and not overly welcomed as a newbie by her teammate Foster, will she be sent packing early or have what it takes to stay in the competition and overcome some of her biggest fears? All while dealing with the sexual tension between her and her partner in the game?!
August 19, 2025
Thank you netgalley for the arc!
If you’re a fan of survival shows this is the book for you!!
Chrys has watched almost every, if not all season of this survival show “Albatross” & when they’re filming is in her hometown she signs up to give it a try as a rookie. Not thinking she’d actually get it, the first person she meets is Harlow, who shes watched play before, & they become friends. When the host starts assigning rooms Chrys is hoping to be partnered with her new friend but instead she gets paired with the only guy on the show Chrys has had a crush on since his first season.
This gave the banter & it was funny while also hooking you with the games & it was such an easy read to envision & follow along with!!
If you’re a fan of survival shows this is the book for you!!
Chrys has watched almost every, if not all season of this survival show “Albatross” & when they’re filming is in her hometown she signs up to give it a try as a rookie. Not thinking she’d actually get it, the first person she meets is Harlow, who shes watched play before, & they become friends. When the host starts assigning rooms Chrys is hoping to be partnered with her new friend but instead she gets paired with the only guy on the show Chrys has had a crush on since his first season.
This gave the banter & it was funny while also hooking you with the games & it was such an easy read to envision & follow along with!!
September 26, 2025
As the weather cools down, the heat turns up in Albatross: Rookie Move, the latest spicy romance from Sarah Hill!
This fast-paced, fun read is set against the backdrop of a competition-style reality TV show, where returning players are paired with rookies for a high-stakes season. Chrysanthemum, Chrys for short, has obsessively watched the show for years. So when she finds out it's filming near her hometown, she applies on a whim…never expecting to be chosen.
Thrown into a world of physical and emotional challenges, Chrys is pushed far beyond her comfort zone. Her partner? Foster, a series regular known for his intensity, his competitive edge, and good looks, has a strict “no romance” mindset for this new season after a previous failed relationship. He’s determined to win and needs the prize money more than ever. Getting paired with a rookie like Chrys? Definitely NOT part of the plan.
But sparks fly, and what starts as reluctant teamwork quickly becomes something deeper. With steamy chemistry, great banter, and emotional depth, Rookie Move delivers on all fronts.
If you're in the mood for a fall romance with plenty of heat, Albatross: Rookie Move, out now, should be at the top of your TBR!
This fast-paced, fun read is set against the backdrop of a competition-style reality TV show, where returning players are paired with rookies for a high-stakes season. Chrysanthemum, Chrys for short, has obsessively watched the show for years. So when she finds out it's filming near her hometown, she applies on a whim…never expecting to be chosen.
Thrown into a world of physical and emotional challenges, Chrys is pushed far beyond her comfort zone. Her partner? Foster, a series regular known for his intensity, his competitive edge, and good looks, has a strict “no romance” mindset for this new season after a previous failed relationship. He’s determined to win and needs the prize money more than ever. Getting paired with a rookie like Chrys? Definitely NOT part of the plan.
But sparks fly, and what starts as reluctant teamwork quickly becomes something deeper. With steamy chemistry, great banter, and emotional depth, Rookie Move delivers on all fronts.
If you're in the mood for a fall romance with plenty of heat, Albatross: Rookie Move, out now, should be at the top of your TBR!
September 8, 2025
It's not a new concept but it's new to me and I greatly enjoyed it. It felt like an adult version of the teen show Total Drama Island. Now, I know the adult version of Total Drama Island is in fact Survivor but that's not what I mean. There was so much drama that it was like Survivor and Jersey Shore rolled into one. It did get cringey at times and the main characters were often very childish even though they were supposed to be in their mid twenties but it was a fun little read. I do have to admit that there were TOO many spicy scenes that I had to just start skipping them to keep my sanity. It's not like I disliked them, it just gets to the point where the plot is lost and all it turns into is just smut. It didn't really change my opinion on it too much. There was a point where I was going to give it three stars because of that but I enjoyed the ending and I can't deny that I had an overall fun time reading it. I'd recommend this one if you're a fan of Total Drama Island, Survivor or anything along those lines and want to read it in book form!
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op /CharlieBrown Books for this eARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op /CharlieBrown Books for this eARC.
September 11, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for this copy! I gave this book a 3 stars and here's why!
What I didn't like: The book started off quite slow in my opinion and until the 25 percent mark, I was contemplating whether I should DNF it. I'm the type of person to DNF quickly if I'm not interested but since this was an ARC, I kept on going.
What I liked: Then it got better, there was fun banter, humour and the FMC was very likeable. The whole athletic "vibe" felt really fun and all the challenges were great! I must say that I laughed a lot at the characters going through the challenges and all the obstacles. Especially with the dialogue making it shine a bit more! Also, this idea was SO original and I loved the whole TV show aspect! It was super refreshing to read something new.
I would've loved to feel more connected though. I didn't feel much connection with the story and I wanted to build a relationship with the characters. There are things I love that were included like humour, banter, etc but sometimes I can't connect to it if it doesn't start off right off the bat or maybe if it's not done how I** usually like it. Personally. I hope I don't seem harsh but I'm quite picky 😅
Overall, a good vibes read and I wish Sarah the best of luck with this book! All my opinions are simply MY thoughts and I'm sure others will disagree with me because at the end of the day, we all like different books. Thanks again to NetGalley!
What I didn't like: The book started off quite slow in my opinion and until the 25 percent mark, I was contemplating whether I should DNF it. I'm the type of person to DNF quickly if I'm not interested but since this was an ARC, I kept on going.
What I liked: Then it got better, there was fun banter, humour and the FMC was very likeable. The whole athletic "vibe" felt really fun and all the challenges were great! I must say that I laughed a lot at the characters going through the challenges and all the obstacles. Especially with the dialogue making it shine a bit more! Also, this idea was SO original and I loved the whole TV show aspect! It was super refreshing to read something new.
I would've loved to feel more connected though. I didn't feel much connection with the story and I wanted to build a relationship with the characters. There are things I love that were included like humour, banter, etc but sometimes I can't connect to it if it doesn't start off right off the bat or maybe if it's not done how I** usually like it. Personally. I hope I don't seem harsh but I'm quite picky 😅
Overall, a good vibes read and I wish Sarah the best of luck with this book! All my opinions are simply MY thoughts and I'm sure others will disagree with me because at the end of the day, we all like different books. Thanks again to NetGalley!
September 21, 2025
Loved the spice in this book! The storyline was so fun! The competition scenes were so good! Love Foster and Chrys and all the alliance teams!
August 11, 2025
I did enjoy reading this book! Did gave off Big Brother vibes with harder challenges. The attraction and the attitude were on point. It even had a heartfelt ending. I really liked Harlow and Cam. I was iffy on Newton. lol. But I loved the friendships that were created! The respect and loyalty were truly unbreakable.
Those challenges were brutal! Brandon is EVIL lol
All in all, it truly was a great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Those challenges were brutal! Brandon is EVIL lol
All in all, it truly was a great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
4🌟
4🌶️
i really loved this book a lot especially considering how different it was from most of the other romance books i read. the plot was straight out of survivor reality tv shows and it was FUN! there were a few emotional themes i wasn’t expecting and i didn’t necessarily feel it made much of a difference with the characters but i appreciated the attempt with such a delicate subject.
i’ve already begged several of my friends to add to tbr and ill keep doing exactly that 😋
4🌟
4🌶️
i really loved this book a lot especially considering how different it was from most of the other romance books i read. the plot was straight out of survivor reality tv shows and it was FUN! there were a few emotional themes i wasn’t expecting and i didn’t necessarily feel it made much of a difference with the characters but i appreciated the attempt with such a delicate subject.
i’ve already begged several of my friends to add to tbr and ill keep doing exactly that 😋
November 17, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Turns out I enjoy the reality tv game show setting as much as I enjoy trials in a fantasy. I really didn’t understand what the game was at first and then by chapter 9 I was completely hooked. It’s been a while since I found myself eager to get back to my book and making excuses for why chores needed to wait.
Also, if you have a thing about eyeballs HIGHLY recommend skipping one of the challenges. You’ll know which one. I was gagging and laughing the whole time. It was almost painful how descriptive that all was.
I’m not entirely convinced that this couple will make it for the long haul but that doesn’t mean they aren’t great together right now.
There were a couple edits I think it needed to make some of the shifts feel less aggressive. There were a couple plot jump scares that we could have eased into more (for example, the bathroom 180. I thought it was a dream or something idk)
Also, if you have a thing about eyeballs HIGHLY recommend skipping one of the challenges. You’ll know which one. I was gagging and laughing the whole time. It was almost painful how descriptive that all was.
I’m not entirely convinced that this couple will make it for the long haul but that doesn’t mean they aren’t great together right now.
There were a couple edits I think it needed to make some of the shifts feel less aggressive. There were a couple plot jump scares that we could have eased into more (for example, the bathroom 180. I thought it was a dream or something idk)
September 25, 2025
Albatross Rookie Move by Sarah Hill was such a fun ride! 😂🔥 I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down.
Chrysanthemum is obsessed with a reality game show and applies on a total whim—never expecting to actually get picked. But when she does, she’s paired with Foster, the hottest, most athletic guy there. 🏋️♂️ Meanwhile, Chrys isn’t exactly athletic herself 😅 but she knows how to hold her own.
The banter between Chrys and Foster had me laughing out loud the whole time 🤭 and the chemistry? So good! The two of them are complete opposites but somehow make the perfect pair.
This book is hilarious, spicy, and just one of those reads you’ll want to finish in one sitting. 📖✨ If you’re looking for a romcom that’s equal parts laughs and swoon, this is it!
Thank you so much to Sarah Hill for letting me read this book 💕 Can’t wait for more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Chrysanthemum is obsessed with a reality game show and applies on a total whim—never expecting to actually get picked. But when she does, she’s paired with Foster, the hottest, most athletic guy there. 🏋️♂️ Meanwhile, Chrys isn’t exactly athletic herself 😅 but she knows how to hold her own.
The banter between Chrys and Foster had me laughing out loud the whole time 🤭 and the chemistry? So good! The two of them are complete opposites but somehow make the perfect pair.
This book is hilarious, spicy, and just one of those reads you’ll want to finish in one sitting. 📖✨ If you’re looking for a romcom that’s equal parts laughs and swoon, this is it!
Thank you so much to Sarah Hill for letting me read this book 💕 Can’t wait for more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 21, 2025
**ARC read** Solid 4.5 stars to me this was such an amazing story. I really loved the growth between the two characters and would love to see another book with some of the other co-stars. I do wish the ending didn’t feel as rushed but holding out hope there is another book that we can see more from this couple in.
Thank you so much for such a great read.
Thank you so much for such a great read.
September 26, 2025
Big fan!! I love reality shows that have action in them and this was perfect. Lots of fun and action! Fear Factor and MTV The Challenge vibes with great banter, character growth and spice. Chrys and Foster are great together and I liked the sub-characters as well. I’ve never read a book like this before and I’m so glad I did. Fast paced with a great plot.
September 15, 2025
What a ride! This book was so well written I feel like “I” just finished the Albatross competition. Which was definitely challenging at times. The gag reflex was close. I thoroughly enjoyed Foster and Chrys’ journey. Foster was quick to judge Chrys’ size as a drawback to the competition but Chrys proves she can hold her own and actually help in certain areas. Together they prove they navigate the course and make friends and romance along the way. I enjoyed getting to know many of the players and most were very likable. I’m assuming Cam and Harlow will eventually get their own story. In the meantime this one is a great read that will keep you turning pages to find out what next diabolically disgusting test Gregory has plotted to throw the competitors off the game. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2025
Lately I have been a Romantasy Reader, but when I heard Sarah Hill had a new book out, I dropped everything to read it and I am SO GLAD I did!
I had never read a Reality TV trope, but it was really well done and it wasn’t too confusing to follow, even with 24 different contestants (Just follow the main crew and the “villians”). The story follows unexpected contestant Chrys as she competes on her favorite reality TV show with other rookies and veterans of the show. She meets her heroes and her late night fantasy man, Foster. As she competes and goes through the competition, you find yourself laughing at her fiery attitude and inner monologue, all while cheering her on! Sometimes the trials get a little…icky…But man, when the sparks fly, they FLY! The spicy scenes are ***chefs kiss*** and hot, hot, HOT!! The ending isn’t what you expect either, but it still leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling! The epilogue is also EXACTLY what is needed to wrap up a wonderful story!
I absolutely loved this book!! I can’t wait to see what else Sarah Hill writes next!!
I had never read a Reality TV trope, but it was really well done and it wasn’t too confusing to follow, even with 24 different contestants (Just follow the main crew and the “villians”). The story follows unexpected contestant Chrys as she competes on her favorite reality TV show with other rookies and veterans of the show. She meets her heroes and her late night fantasy man, Foster. As she competes and goes through the competition, you find yourself laughing at her fiery attitude and inner monologue, all while cheering her on! Sometimes the trials get a little…icky…But man, when the sparks fly, they FLY! The spicy scenes are ***chefs kiss*** and hot, hot, HOT!! The ending isn’t what you expect either, but it still leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling! The epilogue is also EXACTLY what is needed to wrap up a wonderful story!
I absolutely loved this book!! I can’t wait to see what else Sarah Hill writes next!!
September 21, 2025
This is one of those stories that will either have you laughing out loud or saying the competition is just too much. Chrys can't believe she's got a place on the show, let alone it's in her hometown. Although she is a massive fan, she is no athlete. If anything, she just can't help making silly mistakes. Finding out that this year pairs with a former contestant, just who will she end up with. Foster is focused on winning, and when he notices the fumbling redhead, he just hopes she stays clear of him. Now, not only paired together but also sharing a room, this isn't going to go well. Both main characters are brilliantly written. But with Chrys being a novice and totally interested in Foster, who's built and handsome. The chemistry is certainly noticeable. But can Foster keep everything professional.
September 26, 2025
This book was so much fun! The characters were well written and the premise was one I had never read before. It is a sweet mix of sexy romance and intense action and drama.
I enjoyed it so much and am excited to read the next in the series!
I enjoyed it so much and am excited to read the next in the series!
October 3, 2025
3.5 ⭐ 2.5🌶️ ARC E-book Dual POV First Person
Foster and Chrys aka Chrysanthemum
I love the idea of following participants on a reality show and getting to see behind the scenes. The premis of this show wasn't fully explained, but did seem to be a mash up of some actual shows out there. I would have liked to see more of the MMCs after the show.
Foster and Chrys aka Chrysanthemum
I love the idea of following participants on a reality show and getting to see behind the scenes. The premis of this show wasn't fully explained, but did seem to be a mash up of some actual shows out there. I would have liked to see more of the MMCs after the show.
August 22, 2025
I loved this, The spark between the 2main characters is undeniable. I love the setting and sub characters too. can't wait for the rest of the series.
October 3, 2025
Well Sarah has done it again. I couldn’t put it down. She got a little spicy this time, which was new for her but was well done. Great story, wonderful characters. I don’t want to say too much, but a fun read.
August 19, 2025
I loved this book!! It's like fearfactor meets big brother. I laughed so times. Opposite do attract. Loved the spice. I loved how Foster loved his mom.
August 12, 2025
This book was absolutely a 6 ⭐️ read for me! The tropes, the action, the chemistry!! This book was a mix of Fear factor, Survivor, and a romcom. There were enemies to lovers and grumpy/sunshine tropes. Foster and Chrys had undeniable chemistry from the beginning and the slow burn that this book had was 100% worth it. The spice was perfect and I loved how descriptive the challenge scenes were. It made me feel like I was involved and watching a real tv show! I hope there is a second book to this because I will snag it up SO quick!!
August 15, 2025
I got this as an ARC and I absolutely love it!! Reminded me of the t.v show fear factor with the games they had to do and eliminations, mixed with falling in love with your partner!!
August 31, 2025
If you are a fan of MTV’s The Challenge then this is the book for you! The details of the daily challenges, to the final, to the behind the scenes strategizing.
It follows Chrys…a Super-fan of the show who is so ready to compete and prove everyone wrong!
And then there’s Foster…the broody, touch-her-and-die MMC who needs to win this season.
When they get paired up as partners AND roommates it’s about to get interesting…their chemistry is undeniable both in the game and behind closed doors.
This book is spicy, fast-paced, hilarious, and the side characters are just perfect!
It follows Chrys…a Super-fan of the show who is so ready to compete and prove everyone wrong!
And then there’s Foster…the broody, touch-her-and-die MMC who needs to win this season.
When they get paired up as partners AND roommates it’s about to get interesting…their chemistry is undeniable both in the game and behind closed doors.
This book is spicy, fast-paced, hilarious, and the side characters are just perfect!
August 6, 2025
This was such a nice easy read.
The chemistry between Foster and Chrys was sizzling from the get go.
It gives love island/im a celeb vibes and I really enjoyed the combination of the two.
Foster comes across as this macho man when really he’s just a big softy falling for the fiery red head Chrys - where he finally realises what people mean of “you just know”.
The spicy scenes were *chefs kiss* - with the earlier ones leaving you wanting more from the pair!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The chemistry between Foster and Chrys was sizzling from the get go.
It gives love island/im a celeb vibes and I really enjoyed the combination of the two.
Foster comes across as this macho man when really he’s just a big softy falling for the fiery red head Chrys - where he finally realises what people mean of “you just know”.
The spicy scenes were *chefs kiss* - with the earlier ones leaving you wanting more from the pair!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2025
This books reads like a love letter to fans of MTV’s The Challenge! Full of fun challenges, a great cast of characters, and the perfect amount of tension, this book is a great escape from the monotony of everyday life.
Chrys is a massive fan of the tv show Albatross so when the filming is in her hometown, she decides to apply. As a girl from small town Idaho, she never anticipated getting selected for the show. But when she shows up, she realizes she not only is on the show but is partnered with one of the front runners.
Foster is a front runner to win this season of Albatross. When he learns that he is partnered up with the tiny redhead, he sees his chance to win disappearing. Though he tries, he can’t seem to push away the feisty redhead at his side.
Through trials and challenges, the two come together not just as partners in the game but also as friends. As time goes on and chemistry heats up, they decide to give it a go beyond that. This spicy tale of two people who find each other in the most unconventional of circumstances will have you on the edge of your seat, laughing, and cheering them on in this absolutely delightful story!
Chrys is a massive fan of the tv show Albatross so when the filming is in her hometown, she decides to apply. As a girl from small town Idaho, she never anticipated getting selected for the show. But when she shows up, she realizes she not only is on the show but is partnered with one of the front runners.
Foster is a front runner to win this season of Albatross. When he learns that he is partnered up with the tiny redhead, he sees his chance to win disappearing. Though he tries, he can’t seem to push away the feisty redhead at his side.
Through trials and challenges, the two come together not just as partners in the game but also as friends. As time goes on and chemistry heats up, they decide to give it a go beyond that. This spicy tale of two people who find each other in the most unconventional of circumstances will have you on the edge of your seat, laughing, and cheering them on in this absolutely delightful story!
August 25, 2025
A steamy TV competition!
Wow the sexual attraction between Chrys and Foster was so steamy and the anticipation of them getting together was enjoyable. I also liked the competitions the TV show offered, which could have been described even more for my taste.
The fictional Albatross TV show was an interesting mix of Survivor, Big Brother, Temptation Island and Gladiators. I would definitely like to read more about the other pairings in the Albatross competition.
Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | CharlieBrown Books for the early review copy.
Wow the sexual attraction between Chrys and Foster was so steamy and the anticipation of them getting together was enjoyable. I also liked the competitions the TV show offered, which could have been described even more for my taste.
The fictional Albatross TV show was an interesting mix of Survivor, Big Brother, Temptation Island and Gladiators. I would definitely like to read more about the other pairings in the Albatross competition.
Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | CharlieBrown Books for the early review copy.
September 24, 2025
This is the second book that I have read by Sarah Hill, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I loved the first book that I read just under a year ago. It was one of those unexpected books that I went into blind and came out loving it. I was hoping for the same reaction with this book, and while I did enjoy it, I also have to say that it wasn't anything memorable for me. I'm going to say that it was middle-of-the-road for me.
This book is a mix of reality TV and reality competition shows. Think "The Amazing Race" meets Love Island or Big Brother. I've never really been a fan of reality TV or competition shows other than "The Amazing Race," which is why I think I didn't connect with this book so much. If I had been a fan of Survivor or one of those types of shows, maybe this would have received a higher rating for me.
The story follows Foster, a veteran player on the competition show"Albatross" and Chrys, a rookie but huge fan of the show. They are paired together as a team and must compete with eleven other teams in the house. Half of the participants are veterans, like Foster, and the other half are rookies like Chrys. While they don't originally get along, there is an attraction between them that they act on soon after entering the house.
Because this is a competition show, strategies and alliances are important, and new bonds start to form amongst the contestants.
As far as the competition portion goes, which is the part that I knew I was going to enjoy, I think we started out with too many characters to keep them all straight. On an actual television show, it's not difficult because you are matching faces with names, but when it is a book, it is too difficult to keep straight the twenty-four participants, trying to memorize which twelve are veterans and which twelve are rookies, and who has been paired together to make up the teams. Not only that, you then have to keep straight who is hooking up with who, because, let's not forget that this is also a reality show, so obviously, twenty-something year olds have the hormones of teenagers. If you are going to do this, please add to a page at the beginning of the book with the photos and mini-resume of each contestant. You know, similar to a board of "Who's Who".
The challenges of the competitions...again, this would be something that I absolutely love to watch, but not necessarily read. It's too elaborate in detail to follow when reading. What a weird critique, right? I mean, normally, I would love to get all the details, but truthfully, when you are already pushing yourself to read the book, it just slows down the pace, especially when you have so many teams. It wasn't a problem as the competition wore on and more and more people were eliminated, but in the beginning, as a reader, I just wanted to get to the plot of the relationships between the characters, not so much the details of the challenges. And, truthfully, some of the food challenges were disturbing to read. If the characters were gagging, I was gagging as a reader. Not going to lie, I had to skip the last food challenge and skim the paragraphs because I just couldn't stomach it.
Then the relationship between Foster and Chrys. It was obvious they had an attraction, but there were some moments that gave me whiplash between these two. Chrys is inexperienced, yet when she was in the moment, you could have fooled me. She acted like she was shy or lacking confidence; however, she immediately switched the flip and did a 180. Her tantrums and mood swings were a little disorienting as well. Foster too...did he want her, did he not want her in the beginning? Then, once he said he did, he seemed to be all in and made declarations of love. It wasn't instalove, but it was fast and intense. Maybe it is because they had to spend 24/7 with each other in an enclosed space, so proximity forced them to come together faster, but it took me a while to actually connect with their relationship.
And, while I won't give spoilers, I am going to assume this is the first book of a series because there were some open-ended questions left about other contestants and possible couples. Or do we learn about them in the bonus content?
I enjoyed the book for what it was, but this is a one-and-done for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is a mix of reality TV and reality competition shows. Think "The Amazing Race" meets Love Island or Big Brother. I've never really been a fan of reality TV or competition shows other than "The Amazing Race," which is why I think I didn't connect with this book so much. If I had been a fan of Survivor or one of those types of shows, maybe this would have received a higher rating for me.
The story follows Foster, a veteran player on the competition show"Albatross" and Chrys, a rookie but huge fan of the show. They are paired together as a team and must compete with eleven other teams in the house. Half of the participants are veterans, like Foster, and the other half are rookies like Chrys. While they don't originally get along, there is an attraction between them that they act on soon after entering the house.
Because this is a competition show, strategies and alliances are important, and new bonds start to form amongst the contestants.
As far as the competition portion goes, which is the part that I knew I was going to enjoy, I think we started out with too many characters to keep them all straight. On an actual television show, it's not difficult because you are matching faces with names, but when it is a book, it is too difficult to keep straight the twenty-four participants, trying to memorize which twelve are veterans and which twelve are rookies, and who has been paired together to make up the teams. Not only that, you then have to keep straight who is hooking up with who, because, let's not forget that this is also a reality show, so obviously, twenty-something year olds have the hormones of teenagers. If you are going to do this, please add to a page at the beginning of the book with the photos and mini-resume of each contestant. You know, similar to a board of "Who's Who".
The challenges of the competitions...again, this would be something that I absolutely love to watch, but not necessarily read. It's too elaborate in detail to follow when reading. What a weird critique, right? I mean, normally, I would love to get all the details, but truthfully, when you are already pushing yourself to read the book, it just slows down the pace, especially when you have so many teams. It wasn't a problem as the competition wore on and more and more people were eliminated, but in the beginning, as a reader, I just wanted to get to the plot of the relationships between the characters, not so much the details of the challenges. And, truthfully, some of the food challenges were disturbing to read. If the characters were gagging, I was gagging as a reader. Not going to lie, I had to skip the last food challenge and skim the paragraphs because I just couldn't stomach it.
Then the relationship between Foster and Chrys. It was obvious they had an attraction, but there were some moments that gave me whiplash between these two. Chrys is inexperienced, yet when she was in the moment, you could have fooled me. She acted like she was shy or lacking confidence; however, she immediately switched the flip and did a 180. Her tantrums and mood swings were a little disorienting as well. Foster too...did he want her, did he not want her in the beginning? Then, once he said he did, he seemed to be all in and made declarations of love. It wasn't instalove, but it was fast and intense. Maybe it is because they had to spend 24/7 with each other in an enclosed space, so proximity forced them to come together faster, but it took me a while to actually connect with their relationship.
And, while I won't give spoilers, I am going to assume this is the first book of a series because there were some open-ended questions left about other contestants and possible couples. Or do we learn about them in the bonus content?
I enjoyed the book for what it was, but this is a one-and-done for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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November 9, 2025I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I like the story line.
How this popular television show now allows fans to enter.
Chrysanthemum is a girl that definitely lacks some confidence in herself and her abilities. She is much stronger and fit that she thinks - she compares herself to the rest - instead of believing in herself - which she definitely should.
Chrysanthemum has to share a room with Foster - one she has had a crush on forever.
They are also a team and to begin with Foster definitely does not like that he has been pared with her.
However they complement each other and ends up showing the others that they are a strong team.
We follow the internal struggle of Chrysanthemum - how she feels like an imposter, how she realises that she is good at many things - how she falls in love with Foster.
I enjoyed reading this story and could definitely see a second book, as there are still some secrets to be discovered.
I can recommend reading this book.
I like the story line.
How this popular television show now allows fans to enter.
Chrysanthemum is a girl that definitely lacks some confidence in herself and her abilities. She is much stronger and fit that she thinks - she compares herself to the rest - instead of believing in herself - which she definitely should.
Chrysanthemum has to share a room with Foster - one she has had a crush on forever.
They are also a team and to begin with Foster definitely does not like that he has been pared with her.
However they complement each other and ends up showing the others that they are a strong team.
We follow the internal struggle of Chrysanthemum - how she feels like an imposter, how she realises that she is good at many things - how she falls in love with Foster.
I enjoyed reading this story and could definitely see a second book, as there are still some secrets to be discovered.
I can recommend reading this book.
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