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Girl Off the Grid
From USA Today bestselling author, Jillian Dodd, and her daughter, Kenzie Harp, comes a travel romance that will take you on the adventure of a lifetime.
NYC fashion blogger, Camille Caldwell, gets offered a dream job by her favorite magazine. They’re going to send her on an all-expenses paid eco-trip to Costa Rica. She doesn’t know what that means, but she assumes she’ll wear fabulous clothes, sip Piña Coladas on the beach, and have her photo taken “out in nature.” Really, the hardest part of the assignment will be giving up social media while she’s gone.
Going off social media is no big deal for London-based wildlife photographer, Adam Lloyd. The only reason he even has an account is to share his photos with the world. He’s thrilled when an international publication wants to hire him, until he finds out it’s a fashion magazine. He decides to take the job anyway—after all, it will be great for his portfolio. But the minute he sees Camille, he knows it was a mistake. She has too much luggage, is too high maintenance, and way too pretty.
When they meet, their feelings are mutual—they hate each other. Can these two stop fighting long enough to complete their assignment? Will Camille give up and go home when she discovers there’s nowhere to plug in her hair straightener?
Or will they both realize that sometimes you have to go off the grid to find yourself?
***10% of our profits will be donated to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. It is the oldest sea turtle research and conservation group. It was founded in 1959 by Dr. Archie Carr. Their headquarters are in Florida, but they have programs worldwide that work to conserve sea turtle populations through education, research, advocacy, and protection of natural habitats. They also have a research station in Tortuguero, Costa Rica which was one of the places they visited in the book.
NYC fashion blogger, Camille Caldwell, gets offered a dream job by her favorite magazine. They’re going to send her on an all-expenses paid eco-trip to Costa Rica. She doesn’t know what that means, but she assumes she’ll wear fabulous clothes, sip Piña Coladas on the beach, and have her photo taken “out in nature.” Really, the hardest part of the assignment will be giving up social media while she’s gone.
Going off social media is no big deal for London-based wildlife photographer, Adam Lloyd. The only reason he even has an account is to share his photos with the world. He’s thrilled when an international publication wants to hire him, until he finds out it’s a fashion magazine. He decides to take the job anyway—after all, it will be great for his portfolio. But the minute he sees Camille, he knows it was a mistake. She has too much luggage, is too high maintenance, and way too pretty.
When they meet, their feelings are mutual—they hate each other. Can these two stop fighting long enough to complete their assignment? Will Camille give up and go home when she discovers there’s nowhere to plug in her hair straightener?
Or will they both realize that sometimes you have to go off the grid to find yourself?
***10% of our profits will be donated to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. It is the oldest sea turtle research and conservation group. It was founded in 1959 by Dr. Archie Carr. Their headquarters are in Florida, but they have programs worldwide that work to conserve sea turtle populations through education, research, advocacy, and protection of natural habitats. They also have a research station in Tortuguero, Costa Rica which was one of the places they visited in the book.
323 pages, Paperback
First published June 27, 2017
About the author
Jillian Dodd
365 books6,766 followersJillian Dodd is a USA Today bestselling mother-daughter duo made up of Jill and Kenzie — two writers, one pen name, and a shared love for fun, binge-worthy YA romance.
With over fifty books and millions of happy readers, their stories range from small-town love in That Boy to glamorous adventures and swoony YA boarding school dramas in The Keatyn Chronicles, London Prep, Spy Girl, and beyond.
Jill lives in sunny Florida with her husband, while Kenzie lives in Scotland with her husband and family. When they’re not writing across time zones, you’ll find them planning their next adventure or dreaming up lovable stories readers can’t put down.
With over fifty books and millions of happy readers, their stories range from small-town love in That Boy to glamorous adventures and swoony YA boarding school dramas in The Keatyn Chronicles, London Prep, Spy Girl, and beyond.
Jill lives in sunny Florida with her husband, while Kenzie lives in Scotland with her husband and family. When they’re not writing across time zones, you’ll find them planning their next adventure or dreaming up lovable stories readers can’t put down.
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July 10, 2020
3.5 stars
Camille Caldwell is only 18, but she’s already achieved lots. She has a makeup/fashion blog on YouTube that is a huge success and gets a call from one of her favorite magazines, Fashion Forward, for a job. She has the opportunity to go to Costa Rica, but the catch is it’s an eco-trip and she has to be ‘off the grid’. She’ll have a photographer with her (Adam) but she will not have her phone *gasp* or access to any social media. Although that part sounds a little crazy, she can’t pass this opportunity up.
Adam is a bit more serious than Camille. He’s a photographer, and he isn’t sure about taking a job with Fashion Forward (it’s not his thing), but it’s a great opportunity and he loves adventure. So he goes. Camille and Adam but heads a bit when they first meet. Adam has these preconceived notions about who Camille is and what she likes. Slowly but surely, he starts to see the real her.
I love books where the H/h don’t get along at first but slowly start to come around. Camille and Adam go from tolerating each other, to friends, then to more. And as much as I loved the romance aspect of the book and their relationship, I really loved watching Camille’s journey more. I loved her growth and her sense of adventure!
I love Jillian Dodd’s writing. I was hooked on her YA when I read the first KC story. This is her daughters debut novel. Can I just say how much I love that the two of them wrote this book together? The flow of the story was fantastic and I couldn’t tell who wrote what- I love that in a co-written book. Also, they get kudos from me for bringing awareness to some environmental things. After reading this, I want to take an eco-trip!
If you’re looking for a fun YA read that will keep a smile on your face, grab Girl off the Grid!
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”Girl off the Grid was a fantastic YA book about finding adventure, finding love, and most importantly- finding yourself.
Camille Caldwell is only 18, but she’s already achieved lots. She has a makeup/fashion blog on YouTube that is a huge success and gets a call from one of her favorite magazines, Fashion Forward, for a job. She has the opportunity to go to Costa Rica, but the catch is it’s an eco-trip and she has to be ‘off the grid’. She’ll have a photographer with her (Adam) but she will not have her phone *gasp* or access to any social media. Although that part sounds a little crazy, she can’t pass this opportunity up.
Adam is a bit more serious than Camille. He’s a photographer, and he isn’t sure about taking a job with Fashion Forward (it’s not his thing), but it’s a great opportunity and he loves adventure. So he goes. Camille and Adam but heads a bit when they first meet. Adam has these preconceived notions about who Camille is and what she likes. Slowly but surely, he starts to see the real her.
I love books where the H/h don’t get along at first but slowly start to come around. Camille and Adam go from tolerating each other, to friends, then to more. And as much as I loved the romance aspect of the book and their relationship, I really loved watching Camille’s journey more. I loved her growth and her sense of adventure!
I love Jillian Dodd’s writing. I was hooked on her YA when I read the first KC story. This is her daughters debut novel. Can I just say how much I love that the two of them wrote this book together? The flow of the story was fantastic and I couldn’t tell who wrote what- I love that in a co-written book. Also, they get kudos from me for bringing awareness to some environmental things. After reading this, I want to take an eco-trip!
If you’re looking for a fun YA read that will keep a smile on your face, grab Girl off the Grid!
June 26, 2017
Just Another Book Bitch's SPOILER FREE Review
We meet Camille our New York fashionista hired by a popular magazine to take an eco-tour to Costa Rica and Panama and to document her travels daily. Part of the assignment is to be cut off from social media and truly immerse herself in her travels. Along for the trip is up and coming photographer Adam. Like many 18 yr olds, Camille has no idea about life, struggles, and the world that exists outside her New York bubble. Camille is a city girl to the bone, and is thrown into a world where no AC and no hot water begins her spiral into the world she couldn't possibly expect to fall in love with.
While our duo don't exactly get along in the beginning. They come to appreciate the other's differences. Camille's young fresh spirit to Adams old soul outlook gives us a fun and playful romance as the two try to understand each other and the conflicting points of view the other has on life.
While Adam can dish out some sound advice about taking a risk and encouraging Camille to step outside of her comfort zone, he soon realizes that while Camille needs to take the outward risks, he needs to risk the most important part of himself ... his heart. I really loved seeing the romance blossomed between Camille and Adam. While told in dual POV I especially enjoyed Adam's perspective, finding it refreshing, swoon-worthy and so romantic!
We all know that the reader can live a thousand lives through the pages of a book. This novel gives us, a beautiful sweet romance that's also very informative. I could imagine this book being used in a classroom to share information with a younger crowd that I'm sure they would enjoy. While it is a romance it brings light to so much of the world outside our own that I know many have never even thought about. The Beauty of Costa Rica and Panama came to life. The adventures right outside our door even the not so pleasant part of Camille's adventure seems like something the reader would gladly endure just for the taste of adventure Girl off the Grid provides.
The story about how this book came about is great and one that I think you should look into more, but should be mentioned that becasue of the adventures of co author Kenzie Harp 20% of the profits during release week (and 10% thereafter) will be donated to The Sea Turtle Conservancy.
I love books for a cause and found this novel and easy read that many light hearted individuals will enjoy. Pick up your copy below and let me know what you think!
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
iBooks
Find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
"Life is made up of moments. Moments that define you, change you, and test you. You choose these moments. And I am choosing this moment to let go. Not to overcome my fear, but at least face it head on.""
We meet Camille our New York fashionista hired by a popular magazine to take an eco-tour to Costa Rica and Panama and to document her travels daily. Part of the assignment is to be cut off from social media and truly immerse herself in her travels. Along for the trip is up and coming photographer Adam. Like many 18 yr olds, Camille has no idea about life, struggles, and the world that exists outside her New York bubble. Camille is a city girl to the bone, and is thrown into a world where no AC and no hot water begins her spiral into the world she couldn't possibly expect to fall in love with.
While our duo don't exactly get along in the beginning. They come to appreciate the other's differences. Camille's young fresh spirit to Adams old soul outlook gives us a fun and playful romance as the two try to understand each other and the conflicting points of view the other has on life.
"Life's about breaking through those barriers within ourselves"
While Adam can dish out some sound advice about taking a risk and encouraging Camille to step outside of her comfort zone, he soon realizes that while Camille needs to take the outward risks, he needs to risk the most important part of himself ... his heart. I really loved seeing the romance blossomed between Camille and Adam. While told in dual POV I especially enjoyed Adam's perspective, finding it refreshing, swoon-worthy and so romantic!
We all know that the reader can live a thousand lives through the pages of a book. This novel gives us, a beautiful sweet romance that's also very informative. I could imagine this book being used in a classroom to share information with a younger crowd that I'm sure they would enjoy. While it is a romance it brings light to so much of the world outside our own that I know many have never even thought about. The Beauty of Costa Rica and Panama came to life. The adventures right outside our door even the not so pleasant part of Camille's adventure seems like something the reader would gladly endure just for the taste of adventure Girl off the Grid provides.
The story about how this book came about is great and one that I think you should look into more, but should be mentioned that becasue of the adventures of co author Kenzie Harp 20% of the profits during release week (and 10% thereafter) will be donated to The Sea Turtle Conservancy.
I love books for a cause and found this novel and easy read that many light hearted individuals will enjoy. Pick up your copy below and let me know what you think!
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
iBooks
Find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
June 15, 2020
Girl off the Grid is a mix of non-fiction and fiction, relying heavily on the former. NYC fashion blogger Camille Caldwell and London-based wildlife photographer Adam Lloyd are on an all-expense eco-trip to Costa Rica thanks to a famous magazine.
I want to say I was bugged by Camille and her attitude towards a lot of things but when you realize that she has lived in her little bubble and had never travelled before this trip, you get a whole new perspective on her reactions. What I liked seeing was, that, even though she was uncomfortable you couldn't tell. She trudged through everything like a champ.
Adam comes off a too judgemental towards Camille. He judged her from the minute he looked her up on the internet as soon as he accepted the assignment. He was a hot and cold character; sometimes he was cute sometimes you just want to hit him on the head.
The author gives us information over information about Costa Rica and every adventure our leads were on. The overload of information leads to zero development between Camille and Adam as individuals. If the goal was to show them come about as a couple, I'm sorry to say that just didn't happen.
I didn't enjoy the book like I thought I would. I would have loved to see a balance between both the genres.
I know a lot of people would love the information regarding the ecological systems of Costa Rica and how the locals are going about to preserve their environment while making it open so that they can benefit from the tourism industry.
Also, this novel does not qualify under Romance, it more along the lines of a Young Adult Experience. So if you were under the impression that there would some kind of budding love, there is not. Although Adam and Camille both claim at the end that they fell in love.
2 Stars! Well, because this was an okay-ish read for me. /b>
I want to say I was bugged by Camille and her attitude towards a lot of things but when you realize that she has lived in her little bubble and had never travelled before this trip, you get a whole new perspective on her reactions. What I liked seeing was, that, even though she was uncomfortable you couldn't tell. She trudged through everything like a champ.
Adam comes off a too judgemental towards Camille. He judged her from the minute he looked her up on the internet as soon as he accepted the assignment. He was a hot and cold character; sometimes he was cute sometimes you just want to hit him on the head.
The author gives us information over information about Costa Rica and every adventure our leads were on. The overload of information leads to zero development between Camille and Adam as individuals. If the goal was to show them come about as a couple, I'm sorry to say that just didn't happen.
I didn't enjoy the book like I thought I would. I would have loved to see a balance between both the genres.
I know a lot of people would love the information regarding the ecological systems of Costa Rica and how the locals are going about to preserve their environment while making it open so that they can benefit from the tourism industry.
Also, this novel does not qualify under Romance, it more along the lines of a Young Adult Experience. So if you were under the impression that there would some kind of budding love, there is not. Although Adam and Camille both claim at the end that they fell in love.
2 Stars! Well, because this was an okay-ish read for me. /b>
June 27, 2017
Camille is offered the job of a lifetime by her favourite fashion magazine to go away for one week to Costa Rica and record daily video blogs about her travel experiences. She has this vision in her head of staying at a beautiful resort, sipping cocktails and having a fabulous time. Therefore she packs accordingly, carefully choosing her outfits for each day she is there, making sure she has the right accessories to go with them, all her beauty products and of course her hair straightener.
A similar thing happens to Adam, he is a wildlife photographer who is asked to take up the job of following Camille around and capturing all the moments of her experience. Adam is initially reluctant to even do this as it's not really in his plans to do travel photography but Costa Rica could also give him some great work for his portfolio so he decides to go.
Camille was chosen for this assignment as she has a huge social media following on her fashion blog, this means some great exposure for this project. I should mention that this is an eco-tourism trip so spa treatments and cocktails may be hard to find...
Before Adam even meets Camille he is convinced she will be a pain in his ass. She is a city girl who is all about fashion and materialistic. His mind was made up before he even got to Cost Rica. To be fair his assumptions are somewhat true but when you take someone out of their comfort zone and place them in a completely different environment, it is surprising to see how they can quickly adapt.
To say that Camille is out of her depth on this trip would be an understatement. However, although reluctant to try things at times, she really does make the most of her time in Costa Rica. Her positive and happy disposition is something that Adam finds himself liking more each day. She is a genuinely lovely person and Adam loves the experiences they are having together, especially seen through her eyes. I loved the brutal honesty in her daily videos, she didn't sugar coat anything she was feeling or experiencing.
When you spend so much time in close proximity and share such incredible experiences, it is natural to form a bond with them. There is a simmering attraction building between these two that seems to get stronger each day. Adam lives in London and Camille in New York so the attraction between them is never going to be able to be explored but it wouldn't hurt to have harmless a little kiss right?
I loved this slow building story about really appreciating nature and how much more there is to see when you take away technology and switch off from the online world. Most young people I know couldn't comprehend not having their mobile phone or the internet for an hour, let alone a whole week. I was also so impressed with the level of information in this story, it was so interesting to hear about the history of Costa Rica and the environmental issues they are currently facing. This was just as much an educational journey for me as it was a fun romance story. I also love that this was a collaboration between Jillian and her daughter Kenzie.
A similar thing happens to Adam, he is a wildlife photographer who is asked to take up the job of following Camille around and capturing all the moments of her experience. Adam is initially reluctant to even do this as it's not really in his plans to do travel photography but Costa Rica could also give him some great work for his portfolio so he decides to go.
Camille was chosen for this assignment as she has a huge social media following on her fashion blog, this means some great exposure for this project. I should mention that this is an eco-tourism trip so spa treatments and cocktails may be hard to find...
Before Adam even meets Camille he is convinced she will be a pain in his ass. She is a city girl who is all about fashion and materialistic. His mind was made up before he even got to Cost Rica. To be fair his assumptions are somewhat true but when you take someone out of their comfort zone and place them in a completely different environment, it is surprising to see how they can quickly adapt.
To say that Camille is out of her depth on this trip would be an understatement. However, although reluctant to try things at times, she really does make the most of her time in Costa Rica. Her positive and happy disposition is something that Adam finds himself liking more each day. She is a genuinely lovely person and Adam loves the experiences they are having together, especially seen through her eyes. I loved the brutal honesty in her daily videos, she didn't sugar coat anything she was feeling or experiencing.
When you spend so much time in close proximity and share such incredible experiences, it is natural to form a bond with them. There is a simmering attraction building between these two that seems to get stronger each day. Adam lives in London and Camille in New York so the attraction between them is never going to be able to be explored but it wouldn't hurt to have harmless a little kiss right?
I loved this slow building story about really appreciating nature and how much more there is to see when you take away technology and switch off from the online world. Most young people I know couldn't comprehend not having their mobile phone or the internet for an hour, let alone a whole week. I was also so impressed with the level of information in this story, it was so interesting to hear about the history of Costa Rica and the environmental issues they are currently facing. This was just as much an educational journey for me as it was a fun romance story. I also love that this was a collaboration between Jillian and her daughter Kenzie.
June 21, 2017
3.5 Stars!
Camille Caldwell is an 18 yr. old fashion blogger who just finished her first year of college. She lives in New York & has a large following on her blog & YouTube channel called Effortlessly Camille. She is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity by her favorite fashion magazine Fashion Forward. The editor calls and offers her a dream job where she would write an article for their magazine that will be featured over the summer. They want to send Camille and her own personal photographer on an all expense paid eco-trip to Costa Rica. The magazine is rebranding & focusing on the young women of the world. Camille will be going on adventures & documenting it all for her article. She can't wait to start on this exciting journey.
Adam Lloyd is a 20 yr. old wildlife photographer from London. His father is a world-renowned photographer & Adam is following in his footsteps. When Adam is offered the job to work alongside a fashion blogger he is not thrilled to take photos for what he considers to be a teen magazine. His parents think it would be a great way to expand his portfolio, so he decides to take the job. Even though he doesn't do fashion, he decides he can't pass up the chance to take photos for an international publication. His only concern is teaming up with the fashion blogger. She looks high maintenance & he's worried she'll be superficial and full of drama. As expected, when they meet they clash from the start. They can't hardly quit fighting long enough to complete their assignment.
As Camille & Adam spend more time together they end up having a great time. They share all these new experiences in a beautiful place & bond. Adam now thinks Camille is fun & genuine. He realizes he's really going to miss her when the both return home. She went from frustrating him to completely captivating him.
Camille has stepped way out of her comfort zone on this trip. She's embraced the culture & a new part of herself she didn't know existed. She also fell hard for Adam & doesn't know how she'll ever be able to say goodbye to him.
This was a great young adult story about two people who are opposites that find love in a beautiful place. You feel like you are there experiencing all the adventures in gorgeous Costa Rica.
Camille Caldwell is an 18 yr. old fashion blogger who just finished her first year of college. She lives in New York & has a large following on her blog & YouTube channel called Effortlessly Camille. She is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity by her favorite fashion magazine Fashion Forward. The editor calls and offers her a dream job where she would write an article for their magazine that will be featured over the summer. They want to send Camille and her own personal photographer on an all expense paid eco-trip to Costa Rica. The magazine is rebranding & focusing on the young women of the world. Camille will be going on adventures & documenting it all for her article. She can't wait to start on this exciting journey.
Adam Lloyd is a 20 yr. old wildlife photographer from London. His father is a world-renowned photographer & Adam is following in his footsteps. When Adam is offered the job to work alongside a fashion blogger he is not thrilled to take photos for what he considers to be a teen magazine. His parents think it would be a great way to expand his portfolio, so he decides to take the job. Even though he doesn't do fashion, he decides he can't pass up the chance to take photos for an international publication. His only concern is teaming up with the fashion blogger. She looks high maintenance & he's worried she'll be superficial and full of drama. As expected, when they meet they clash from the start. They can't hardly quit fighting long enough to complete their assignment.
As Camille & Adam spend more time together they end up having a great time. They share all these new experiences in a beautiful place & bond. Adam now thinks Camille is fun & genuine. He realizes he's really going to miss her when the both return home. She went from frustrating him to completely captivating him.
Camille has stepped way out of her comfort zone on this trip. She's embraced the culture & a new part of herself she didn't know existed. She also fell hard for Adam & doesn't know how she'll ever be able to say goodbye to him.
This was a great young adult story about two people who are opposites that find love in a beautiful place. You feel like you are there experiencing all the adventures in gorgeous Costa Rica.
June 30, 2017
// I received an advance readers edition in exchange for an honest review //
"Always question things.
Learn about the planet.
Get out and travel.
Go on crazy adventures.
Don't be afraid to fall in love.
Never hold back.
Make your dreams come true."
The writing style of this book was actually pretty good if you ask me. It isn't boring.
But the plot was just not unique enough for me and not enough characters for me to exactly be head over heels for it.
Though, I did love the few characters I was given when I was reading this book. The female MC did annoy me in a way though hehe. The character development was really really good.
Adam and Camille here were just so adorable. MY HEART !!! *fangirls* *screams* *rolls on the floor*
*sigh*
Their relationship was just so cute and adorable even though I found it so dramatic and corny at times. I was turned into complete trash by these two. Peace.
The theme and the mood is another thing I really liked since it really made the book feel a tad n=bit more different than to other books in a way that you won't be able to explain.
I think the word "refreshing" is the best way to describe this book.
"Always question things.
Learn about the planet.
Get out and travel.
Go on crazy adventures.
Don't be afraid to fall in love.
Never hold back.
Make your dreams come true."
The writing style of this book was actually pretty good if you ask me. It isn't boring.
But the plot was just not unique enough for me and not enough characters for me to exactly be head over heels for it.
Though, I did love the few characters I was given when I was reading this book. The female MC did annoy me in a way though hehe. The character development was really really good.
Adam and Camille here were just so adorable. MY HEART !!! *fangirls* *screams* *rolls on the floor*
*sigh*
Their relationship was just so cute and adorable even though I found it so dramatic and corny at times. I was turned into complete trash by these two. Peace.
The theme and the mood is another thing I really liked since it really made the book feel a tad n=bit more different than to other books in a way that you won't be able to explain.
I think the word "refreshing" is the best way to describe this book.
June 27, 2017
Girl off the Grid by Jillian Dodd
4 stars!!
Jillian Dodd and Kenzie Harp transport the reader to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica with visceral scene setting, wildlife and their habitats all while delivering an informative lesson on eco-tourism and…who can forget one enticing slow burn romance in this stunning YA novel. I want to go there and see it for myself! While this is YA and obviously absent is the hot and steamy the crux of this book is pushing your boundaries, be adventurous and out of your comfort zone but most importantly of finding yourself.
Camille Caldwell is an eighteen year old fashion blogger from New York, she has built up a huge following on YouTube and once she has finished her studies wants to work in the industry. When she is approached by one of her favourite fashion magazines to do an editorial in Costa Rica she jumps at the chance. Camille is immediately thinking high end fashion and hotels but what the deal actually entails is an eco-tourism trip and she has to stay “off the grid.” At one with nature is not at the top of her priority list but with her own photographer and only a once a day video upload to the magazine allowed Camille embarks on the trip of a lifetime.
Adam Lloyd is a London based wildlife photographer, following in his father’s footsteps. Adam is just embarking on his career and this is an incredible opportunity to get himself established, however a prissy, high maintenance fashion blogger is not the baggage that he intended to take but unfortunately, they come hand in hand. Adam is an outdoors man, he has the experience and his parents have brought him up around wildlife all his life, this is second nature to him, unlike Camille.
Being chalk and cheese Adam and Camille do not hit it off in the first instance, so there is definitely that love/hate aspect at the very beginning. However, as Camille’s wildlife adventure continues, Adam starts to see a different side to Camille and it just goes to show that first impressions and prejudices can be extremely misleading. From hate to friendship to more it was great to see these two blossom, however, their story is a delicious sub plot, this is all about the journey.
Even though this a co-written book, it flowed seamlessly and effortlessly and as I said above I was transported to Costa Rica along with Adam and Camille. The environmental issues addressed were interesting and I found this book incredibly informative and it never once felt like a lecture. This is a holiday I would never have dreamt of taking, however, seeing it from these authors eyes makes me want to do just that.
As I said above, this is not heavy on the romance at all, shy of some horsing around and some cute and tender make out sessions, however, having become so invested in them as a couple I was desperate for an epilogue. When I turned that final page and that was it…I was like NO! I need more!! That is always a good thing though. While I appreciate that the crux on this story was to bring awareness of the environmental issues, I do think an epilogue would have given us readers closure on the Adam and Camille aspect too. Anyhow, I loved it!!
www.theromancecover.com
4 stars!!
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” ~ Neale Donald Walsch
Jillian Dodd and Kenzie Harp transport the reader to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica with visceral scene setting, wildlife and their habitats all while delivering an informative lesson on eco-tourism and…who can forget one enticing slow burn romance in this stunning YA novel. I want to go there and see it for myself! While this is YA and obviously absent is the hot and steamy the crux of this book is pushing your boundaries, be adventurous and out of your comfort zone but most importantly of finding yourself.
“Life is made up of moments. Moments that define you, change you, and test you. You choose these moments. And I am choosing this moment to let go. Not to overcome my fear, but at least face it head on.”
Camille Caldwell is an eighteen year old fashion blogger from New York, she has built up a huge following on YouTube and once she has finished her studies wants to work in the industry. When she is approached by one of her favourite fashion magazines to do an editorial in Costa Rica she jumps at the chance. Camille is immediately thinking high end fashion and hotels but what the deal actually entails is an eco-tourism trip and she has to stay “off the grid.” At one with nature is not at the top of her priority list but with her own photographer and only a once a day video upload to the magazine allowed Camille embarks on the trip of a lifetime.
Adam Lloyd is a London based wildlife photographer, following in his father’s footsteps. Adam is just embarking on his career and this is an incredible opportunity to get himself established, however a prissy, high maintenance fashion blogger is not the baggage that he intended to take but unfortunately, they come hand in hand. Adam is an outdoors man, he has the experience and his parents have brought him up around wildlife all his life, this is second nature to him, unlike Camille.
“I’ve gotten to experience a lot of things in my life so far, but I think that moment is one I will always cherish.”
Being chalk and cheese Adam and Camille do not hit it off in the first instance, so there is definitely that love/hate aspect at the very beginning. However, as Camille’s wildlife adventure continues, Adam starts to see a different side to Camille and it just goes to show that first impressions and prejudices can be extremely misleading. From hate to friendship to more it was great to see these two blossom, however, their story is a delicious sub plot, this is all about the journey.
“I read a lot of romance novels, and I love happy endings. I wish I could write myself one, but I can’t. Because I don’t have any idea how this is going to end. I just hope that I get to see him again. That the distance between us won’t matter. That we'll figure things out. Because I think I fell in love in the jungle too.”
Even though this a co-written book, it flowed seamlessly and effortlessly and as I said above I was transported to Costa Rica along with Adam and Camille. The environmental issues addressed were interesting and I found this book incredibly informative and it never once felt like a lecture. This is a holiday I would never have dreamt of taking, however, seeing it from these authors eyes makes me want to do just that.
As I said above, this is not heavy on the romance at all, shy of some horsing around and some cute and tender make out sessions, however, having become so invested in them as a couple I was desperate for an epilogue. When I turned that final page and that was it…I was like NO! I need more!! That is always a good thing though. While I appreciate that the crux on this story was to bring awareness of the environmental issues, I do think an epilogue would have given us readers closure on the Adam and Camille aspect too. Anyhow, I loved it!!
www.theromancecover.com
June 26, 2017
Refreshingly different!
I was a little hesitant about reading this book as it was almost marketed as something sitting in between fiction and nonfiction. There are a lot of factual events and locations which provide readers with a great deal of background around conservation projects in Costa Rica and this is told alongside the story of two characters brought together by a fashion magazine in order to report on the many fascinating and diverse aspects of this wonderful country.
We first meet blogger Camille Caldwell who has a large social media following based around her love for fashion. When she receives a phone call from a well-known fashion magazine offering her the trip, and opportunity, of a lifetime, she jumps at it. Camille is to share her adventure with wildlife photographer Adam Lloyd, who takes an instant dislike to Camille and everything she portrays. Putting his concerns aside though, Adam sees this trip as a way to raise his own profile, even if it means take girly fashion photos! When Adam finally meets Camille meet though, he finds her sweet and bubbly, although at times frustratingly ignorant, or so he thinks.
As the pair explore Costa Rica through a series of pre-planned trips, Camille finds herself roughing it a lot more than she expected and at this point, she does become a little whiny, both for readers and Adam alike. That said, she’s young and whilst the story causes you to forget her age at times, her personality soon settles down into an altogether more loveable character, which Adam also finds.
From forests to beaches, butterflies to sea turtles, this story takes readers on a voyage of discovery whilst watching Adam and Camille grow close. However, whilst they do grow close, please do not expect anything more than a gentle affection towards each other as their romance develops. This book is not heavy on the romance, with the exception of some kissing and youthful fun and games. That didn’t bother me, what had me totally frustrated and the main reason this story is a 3 star read was the ending. I turned over the last page, enjoying the conclusion to the story only to see that it had ended, with no epilogue. I’m not the biggest fan of forced and occasionally unnatural epilogues but to end this story where it did was simply a crime. I appreciate that the conservation projects were probably the main focus of this book but still, this ending left me feeling flat and wanting that little bit more.
Whilst a new writing partnership, mother and daughter, this was a well-written book and one which people will enjoy if only to experience all that Costa Rica has to offer.
This ebook was kindly provided by the author, publisher and Netgalley prior to release date in return for an honest and unbiased review.
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July 18, 2023
3 stars!
That was a cute read.
I had my sister randomly pick a book and this is the one she picked. It’s been a joy reading through their time away.
But I wasn’t a fan of how whiny she was or how horrible he could be. The back and forth whilst fun was also not that enjoyable at times.
Then the ending..did she not have any reaction to what her boss did?? Because honestly, I’d be fuming as I’m sure anyone would be??
Anyway, I liked it.
That was a cute read.
I had my sister randomly pick a book and this is the one she picked. It’s been a joy reading through their time away.
But I wasn’t a fan of how whiny she was or how horrible he could be. The back and forth whilst fun was also not that enjoyable at times.
Then the ending..did she not have any reaction to what her boss did?? Because honestly, I’d be fuming as I’m sure anyone would be??
Anyway, I liked it.
June 10, 2025
A predictable romance novel set in Costa Rica. The nature/conservation information is what kept my interest. The romance seemed to be built more on physical attraction than anything else, so I wasn't very invested in that storyline. But I did enjoy learning about some different aspects of the Costa Rican wilderness, so that brought it to 3 stars for me.
April 29, 2018
Life is made up of moments. Moments that define you, change you, and test you.
* *
2 / 5
I'm a blogger, so occasionally I read books about bloggers. With a character like Camille Caldwell, rich girl, fashion vlogger, and "anti-nature" person, I knew a book like Girl Off The Grid could either be well-researched, nuanced, and interesting, or it could be fluffy, cute with the world's most predictable romance, and Camille could be annoying as hell. I hoped for the former but got the latter; if that's your kind of book, then go you, but it wasn't mine.
Camille is a rich girl in New York, on summer break from university where she studies university and spends her time with people who have names like Lexington. In her spare time she runs a video blog centred around makeup and fashion; unfortunately, there's not a lot of time devoted to her blog, which I would have been interested in reading more about. For some reason, she's selected by a famous fashion blog to go on an all expenses paid trip to Costa Rica, and produce some sort of fashion/tourism/environment article at the end.
"I'm not afraid of her. I just hate everything she embodies, if that's even possible."
Adam Lloyd wants to be a wildlife photographer but hesitantly accepts the job to take photos for Camille's article after advice from his parents. He thinks taking photographs for a fashion magazine is degrading and doesn't think he'll be able to stand Camille because she's pretty and like clothes. I didn't like him from about two pages in. Their relationship is a very predictable dislike to kiss progression - he instantly dislikes her because she brings a massive suitcase on the trip, then starts waxing lyrical about how beautiful she is. She thinks he's gorgeous but stuck up and oogles him all the time, blah blah blah.
The book flicks between Adam and Camille's points of view and I found them both equally irritating; they're supposed to be around twenty, I presume being university aged, but act like fifteen year olds with a first crush. What time isn't devoted to their romance is on the trip; I don't know anything about Costa Rica but Dodd seems to have done her research. Perhaps too much. Whilst I liked hearing about mangrove trees and turtle nesting habits, I didn't want to hear a lecture on the subject. Some pages read like informative exhibits at a zoo or museum, lines of facts about animals and the environment.
"Oh my gosh. It's my first day here and I hate it! Don't get me started on the freaking photographer I was assigned. He's rude, his hair is a mess, and he has this ridiculous scruff I mean, okay, so even though he is not my type, he did have a nice tan chest"
The travel aspect of the book was fun and I liked the little bits about Adam's experiences as a photographer and how Camille ran her blog. But I couldn't stand either character; Camille was such a cliche: loves her hair, screams at bugs, hates camping and mud, and she was so variable. She'd have a great day of hiking and enjoy meeting people and then in her nightly video log would cry about how much she hates Costa Rica and the food is horrible and how much her life sucks, it was bizarre. Adam isn't much better.
I'd genuinely recommend Girl Off The Grid to the younger teen looking for a quick, light read. Camille's a nice girl, she's just not an interesting character, and Adam's the typical romance boy. But there's hardly any depth here, in terms of character or plot or considerations about ecotourism or nature or anything the book might have critically examined.
My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC of this book.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://atlasrisingbooks.wordpress.co...
* *
2 / 5
I'm a blogger, so occasionally I read books about bloggers. With a character like Camille Caldwell, rich girl, fashion vlogger, and "anti-nature" person, I knew a book like Girl Off The Grid could either be well-researched, nuanced, and interesting, or it could be fluffy, cute with the world's most predictable romance, and Camille could be annoying as hell. I hoped for the former but got the latter; if that's your kind of book, then go you, but it wasn't mine.
Camille is a rich girl in New York, on summer break from university where she studies university and spends her time with people who have names like Lexington. In her spare time she runs a video blog centred around makeup and fashion; unfortunately, there's not a lot of time devoted to her blog, which I would have been interested in reading more about. For some reason, she's selected by a famous fashion blog to go on an all expenses paid trip to Costa Rica, and produce some sort of fashion/tourism/environment article at the end.
"I'm not afraid of her. I just hate everything she embodies, if that's even possible."
Adam Lloyd wants to be a wildlife photographer but hesitantly accepts the job to take photos for Camille's article after advice from his parents. He thinks taking photographs for a fashion magazine is degrading and doesn't think he'll be able to stand Camille because she's pretty and like clothes. I didn't like him from about two pages in. Their relationship is a very predictable dislike to kiss progression - he instantly dislikes her because she brings a massive suitcase on the trip, then starts waxing lyrical about how beautiful she is. She thinks he's gorgeous but stuck up and oogles him all the time, blah blah blah.
The book flicks between Adam and Camille's points of view and I found them both equally irritating; they're supposed to be around twenty, I presume being university aged, but act like fifteen year olds with a first crush. What time isn't devoted to their romance is on the trip; I don't know anything about Costa Rica but Dodd seems to have done her research. Perhaps too much. Whilst I liked hearing about mangrove trees and turtle nesting habits, I didn't want to hear a lecture on the subject. Some pages read like informative exhibits at a zoo or museum, lines of facts about animals and the environment.
"Oh my gosh. It's my first day here and I hate it! Don't get me started on the freaking photographer I was assigned. He's rude, his hair is a mess, and he has this ridiculous scruff I mean, okay, so even though he is not my type, he did have a nice tan chest"
The travel aspect of the book was fun and I liked the little bits about Adam's experiences as a photographer and how Camille ran her blog. But I couldn't stand either character; Camille was such a cliche: loves her hair, screams at bugs, hates camping and mud, and she was so variable. She'd have a great day of hiking and enjoy meeting people and then in her nightly video log would cry about how much she hates Costa Rica and the food is horrible and how much her life sucks, it was bizarre. Adam isn't much better.
I'd genuinely recommend Girl Off The Grid to the younger teen looking for a quick, light read. Camille's a nice girl, she's just not an interesting character, and Adam's the typical romance boy. But there's hardly any depth here, in terms of character or plot or considerations about ecotourism or nature or anything the book might have critically examined.
My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC of this book.
Read this review and more on my blog: https://atlasrisingbooks.wordpress.co...
June 28, 2017
4 out of 5 stars
Sometimes I think we are all too absorbed with social media, our phones and having an online presence. I blog so I kind of have to be online pretty frequently, but occasionally I find myself just needing to detox. Girl Off The Grid does a really great job highlighting the need for all of us to just get outside, push our boundaries and really experience life outside the realms of technology.
Camille Caldwell is a relatively famous You-Tube fashion blogger who is offered a "dream job" of contributing on an article with a very popular fashion magazine. Her assignment - travelling on an Eco-Trip to Costa Rica and writing an article on her experiences upon her return. It probably would have been helpful if Camille had done a little research on what an eco-trip is because then she would have known it entailed more third world conditions than luxury. To say Camille is out of her comfort zone is putting it mildly!
Adam Lloyd, is a photographer trying to make his way in the world. Adam did not have a typical childhood and spent a lot of time traveling the world with his parents, so living off the land and roughing it is pretty standard for him. While Camille loves all things trendy, fashionable and luxury, Adam turns his nose up at consumerism in general.
Camille and Adam are polar opposites and have a hard time connecting at first - well other than the initial physical attraction neither really understands. Camille can be a bit of a diva at times and Adam can be a little judgmental as well. However, when we let our guards down and take off our judgmental glasses we oftentimes find we have more in common than initially thought. This sentiment rings true with Adam and Camille and before long they realize their differences lead to a lot of ways they can work together to promote the things they both believe in such as the environment.
I did enjoy this book, it had less drama and more environmental awareness than I anticipated, but it is YA, and a major force behind it's publication is for the book to be used as a tool to bring awareness to causes and concerns near and dear to the authors hearts. I definitely feel like I know way more information on Costa Rica and it's environment now than I did before I read the book. There is a lot of good info weaved into this story. I truly enjoyed the romance element of this book but for me the ending felt a little rushed and too quickly wrapped up. In conclusion, Camille and Adam's story is very sweet and endearing and if you like fun, lighthearted reads, give Girl off the Grid a try - not to mention a portion of every sale is being donated to the Sea Turtle Conservatory, and what's better than reading for a cause!
http://www.romancerewindblog.com/2017...
Sometimes I think we are all too absorbed with social media, our phones and having an online presence. I blog so I kind of have to be online pretty frequently, but occasionally I find myself just needing to detox. Girl Off The Grid does a really great job highlighting the need for all of us to just get outside, push our boundaries and really experience life outside the realms of technology.
Camille Caldwell is a relatively famous You-Tube fashion blogger who is offered a "dream job" of contributing on an article with a very popular fashion magazine. Her assignment - travelling on an Eco-Trip to Costa Rica and writing an article on her experiences upon her return. It probably would have been helpful if Camille had done a little research on what an eco-trip is because then she would have known it entailed more third world conditions than luxury. To say Camille is out of her comfort zone is putting it mildly!
Adam Lloyd, is a photographer trying to make his way in the world. Adam did not have a typical childhood and spent a lot of time traveling the world with his parents, so living off the land and roughing it is pretty standard for him. While Camille loves all things trendy, fashionable and luxury, Adam turns his nose up at consumerism in general.
Camille and Adam are polar opposites and have a hard time connecting at first - well other than the initial physical attraction neither really understands. Camille can be a bit of a diva at times and Adam can be a little judgmental as well. However, when we let our guards down and take off our judgmental glasses we oftentimes find we have more in common than initially thought. This sentiment rings true with Adam and Camille and before long they realize their differences lead to a lot of ways they can work together to promote the things they both believe in such as the environment.
I did enjoy this book, it had less drama and more environmental awareness than I anticipated, but it is YA, and a major force behind it's publication is for the book to be used as a tool to bring awareness to causes and concerns near and dear to the authors hearts. I definitely feel like I know way more information on Costa Rica and it's environment now than I did before I read the book. There is a lot of good info weaved into this story. I truly enjoyed the romance element of this book but for me the ending felt a little rushed and too quickly wrapped up. In conclusion, Camille and Adam's story is very sweet and endearing and if you like fun, lighthearted reads, give Girl off the Grid a try - not to mention a portion of every sale is being donated to the Sea Turtle Conservatory, and what's better than reading for a cause!
http://www.romancerewindblog.com/2017...
June 26, 2017
4.5 stars
Wow, Girl off the Grid was such an inspiring read.
From the beginning you are sucked in to Camille and Adams lives. Both completely from different worlds, Camilla, a fashion blogger from New York and Adam, a photographer from London.
When these two are put together for a weeks eco-trip in Costa Rica neither know what to expect. First impressions are that Camille is a stuck up, fashion loving, drama queen, and Adam is an a**e. Rightly or wrongly, these two don’t find the first day or so easy with them kind of first impressions but they get stuck in.
As this book develops not only do you root for these characters but you also fall in love with everyone they meet, from the Johnsons (especially Jimmy) to Diego. Each character just keeps the book alive.
The best part was getting to live alongside them throughout their journey. Every day they experienced something so magical, that you can’t help but wish you was doing it with them. You're kind of looking forward to reading what they see and experience. I also really looked forward to the blog records and seeing where this eco-trip was leading.
This book should be read by everyone, young and old. It has left me feeling like I want to see more of the world and help where possible! I believe Girl off the Grid will really inspire so many people to want them to do better, be better and go on an adventure.
Brilliant book, I highly recommend it!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
Wow, Girl off the Grid was such an inspiring read.
From the beginning you are sucked in to Camille and Adams lives. Both completely from different worlds, Camilla, a fashion blogger from New York and Adam, a photographer from London.
When these two are put together for a weeks eco-trip in Costa Rica neither know what to expect. First impressions are that Camille is a stuck up, fashion loving, drama queen, and Adam is an a**e. Rightly or wrongly, these two don’t find the first day or so easy with them kind of first impressions but they get stuck in.
As this book develops not only do you root for these characters but you also fall in love with everyone they meet, from the Johnsons (especially Jimmy) to Diego. Each character just keeps the book alive.
The best part was getting to live alongside them throughout their journey. Every day they experienced something so magical, that you can’t help but wish you was doing it with them. You're kind of looking forward to reading what they see and experience. I also really looked forward to the blog records and seeing where this eco-trip was leading.
This book should be read by everyone, young and old. It has left me feeling like I want to see more of the world and help where possible! I believe Girl off the Grid will really inspire so many people to want them to do better, be better and go on an adventure.
Brilliant book, I highly recommend it!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
June 19, 2017
This book was AMAZING!!!!! I had a whirlwind of emotions while reading this. I literally couldn't put it down. The details in this book were amazing... I could see everything in my head. I got to see and experience another country through this book. I feel in love in the jungle.
June 22, 2017
Such a fun, easy summer read. This book makes you feel like you are on a Costa Rica adventure with Camille and Adam. It was fun to watch these two characters grow into bright, young adults during the story. A young adult book that girls (or boys) of any age would enjoy.
June 26, 2017
3.5 Stars
Girl Off The Grid by Jillian Dodd and Kenzie Harp is a mother and daughter collaboration about a young college student, Camille Caldwell taking a step out of her comfort zone a little unwittingly.
Camille is a modern fashion-conscious college student who is looking for her big break. She is making a name for herself as a fashion blogger with a YouTube channel, Effortlessly Camille, that teaches other young women some of her unique style techniques. Camille is interested in an internship and gets a call from a top fashion magazine to write an article after going on an eco-trip to Costa Rica. Since they are also sending a photographer, Camille doesn’t focus on the eco part of the trip and plans on a lot of fashion shoots. Why wouldn’t she think that since it is her YouTube presence that got her in the door?
Adam Lloyd is the young photographer who is selected to go on the trip with Camille. He is given the job based on the recommendation of his father who is a famous photographer, Oliver Lloyd. Oliver shared Adam’s portfolio with the magazine editor, Janet Hall. Adam doesn’t want this gig, but his father explains that it could be just the exposure he needs to begin to make his name in the big leagues.
Adam and Camille couldn’t be more different. Adam has spent most of his life a loner traveling with his parents. They go on photo shoots with his dad and anthropology expeditions with his mom. Camille is a New York City girl. She has a very limited experience outside of the City. Adam loves nature. Camille loves fashion and material things. No doubt they will butt heads.
Girl Off The Grid is a cute story that brings two very different young people together to learn that they can relate to a lot of the same things, especially the environment. At the end of the book, the authors mention that they selected this age because of the perspective and willingness of the young to see the world uniquely at this age.
While I understand the reasoning, Camille seems a little too immature not so much for the excursion and the learning experience but the romance and an unchaperoned trip. Truthfully, I expected Janet to have a hidden agenda. Also, I wanted to feel some more chemistry between Adam and Camille. There is a lot of time dancing around their relationship and not moving it forward.
It is evident that this mother-daughter writing team is environmentally aware and have a passion for the cause. I enjoyed the geographical and wildlife information about the Costa Rica and Panama landscape more than the romance part of the story. In fact, the romance often feels like an afterthought or forced at times.
Overall, Girl Off The Grid is a book with a real environmental message and a sweet, young love story. Some of the profits from the book will go to the sea turtle conservatory so in addition to a reading adventure you are helping a good cause. There is a lot of useful information about Costa Rica and the Central American terrain to glean from the read too.
Girl Off The Grid by Jillian Dodd and Kenzie Harp is a mother and daughter collaboration about a young college student, Camille Caldwell taking a step out of her comfort zone a little unwittingly.
Camille is a modern fashion-conscious college student who is looking for her big break. She is making a name for herself as a fashion blogger with a YouTube channel, Effortlessly Camille, that teaches other young women some of her unique style techniques. Camille is interested in an internship and gets a call from a top fashion magazine to write an article after going on an eco-trip to Costa Rica. Since they are also sending a photographer, Camille doesn’t focus on the eco part of the trip and plans on a lot of fashion shoots. Why wouldn’t she think that since it is her YouTube presence that got her in the door?
Adam Lloyd is the young photographer who is selected to go on the trip with Camille. He is given the job based on the recommendation of his father who is a famous photographer, Oliver Lloyd. Oliver shared Adam’s portfolio with the magazine editor, Janet Hall. Adam doesn’t want this gig, but his father explains that it could be just the exposure he needs to begin to make his name in the big leagues.
Adam and Camille couldn’t be more different. Adam has spent most of his life a loner traveling with his parents. They go on photo shoots with his dad and anthropology expeditions with his mom. Camille is a New York City girl. She has a very limited experience outside of the City. Adam loves nature. Camille loves fashion and material things. No doubt they will butt heads.
Girl Off The Grid is a cute story that brings two very different young people together to learn that they can relate to a lot of the same things, especially the environment. At the end of the book, the authors mention that they selected this age because of the perspective and willingness of the young to see the world uniquely at this age.
While I understand the reasoning, Camille seems a little too immature not so much for the excursion and the learning experience but the romance and an unchaperoned trip. Truthfully, I expected Janet to have a hidden agenda. Also, I wanted to feel some more chemistry between Adam and Camille. There is a lot of time dancing around their relationship and not moving it forward.
It is evident that this mother-daughter writing team is environmentally aware and have a passion for the cause. I enjoyed the geographical and wildlife information about the Costa Rica and Panama landscape more than the romance part of the story. In fact, the romance often feels like an afterthought or forced at times.
Overall, Girl Off The Grid is a book with a real environmental message and a sweet, young love story. Some of the profits from the book will go to the sea turtle conservatory so in addition to a reading adventure you are helping a good cause. There is a lot of useful information about Costa Rica and the Central American terrain to glean from the read too.
June 25, 2017
I begin by saying that I love a double-written book, especially when they are mother and daughter with a good relationship as they show and the fact that they wrote a YA's book about wild life protection and the fact that it was an experience that the daughter herself had, attracts even more by showing real sites.
Camille is the type of girl who did not have to battle hard in life, coming from a rich and wealthy family, always interested in the fashion world she makes a success with a blog of fashion tips and makeup. Upon receiving the proposal to go to Costa Rica, she convinces the parents that everything will be simple and very good for her until the moment she is faced with the unglamorous reality that awaited her.
Adam, on the other hand, is a wildlife photographer who accepts his father's proposal to increase his portfolio and give prominence to his work. He knows exactly what awaits him and is outraged at having to put up with Camille.
The book brings a light writing with first person chapters alternating the point of view of each protagonist and shows well the dynamics of this type of tourism with its natural and rustic appeal and without the facilities of modern life. The book has been entertaining almost a juvenile chicklit with a beautiful background romance plus having an air of reality show because of the daily videos that Camille needs to record about her feelings while traveling.
Both characters needed to get out of their comfort zone and their friendship grows in a dynamic and cute way and they end up breaking the prejudices that each one has over the other. The way each one conveys what they feel on each ride made me feel there and live with them all.
I loved the way the parents participated in each one's decision and the way Adam shows how his parents' love happened.
I loved the cover and the title, very well chosen passing the fun and adventurous atmosphere of the plot.
What did not make me favorite was the way the writers developed the ending. I had a great expectation when I realized how everything was going on and as I drew to a close I hoped for a better explanation for one of the situations mentioned by Camille in her video at the moment when the plot point of the book occurred, in addition I expected an epilogue or a less Abrupt end .
Anyway, in general I liked it too much and worth the reading and because of the end I hope the writers write other books showing more the couple and other adventures.
4/5 stars
Kisses, Myl
Camille is the type of girl who did not have to battle hard in life, coming from a rich and wealthy family, always interested in the fashion world she makes a success with a blog of fashion tips and makeup. Upon receiving the proposal to go to Costa Rica, she convinces the parents that everything will be simple and very good for her until the moment she is faced with the unglamorous reality that awaited her.
Adam, on the other hand, is a wildlife photographer who accepts his father's proposal to increase his portfolio and give prominence to his work. He knows exactly what awaits him and is outraged at having to put up with Camille.
The book brings a light writing with first person chapters alternating the point of view of each protagonist and shows well the dynamics of this type of tourism with its natural and rustic appeal and without the facilities of modern life. The book has been entertaining almost a juvenile chicklit with a beautiful background romance plus having an air of reality show because of the daily videos that Camille needs to record about her feelings while traveling.
Both characters needed to get out of their comfort zone and their friendship grows in a dynamic and cute way and they end up breaking the prejudices that each one has over the other. The way each one conveys what they feel on each ride made me feel there and live with them all.
I loved the way the parents participated in each one's decision and the way Adam shows how his parents' love happened.
I loved the cover and the title, very well chosen passing the fun and adventurous atmosphere of the plot.
What did not make me favorite was the way the writers developed the ending. I had a great expectation when I realized how everything was going on and as I drew to a close I hoped for a better explanation for one of the situations mentioned by Camille in her video at the moment when the plot point of the book occurred, in addition I expected an epilogue or a less Abrupt end .
Anyway, in general I liked it too much and worth the reading and because of the end I hope the writers write other books showing more the couple and other adventures.
4/5 stars
Kisses, Myl
June 27, 2017
Storyline: 5
Angst: 1
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 4
Over All Rating: 4.25 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley
Reviewed by Robin
Camille Caldwell is a NYC fashion blogger who is offered an eco-trip to Costa Rica by a fashion magazine. When wild-life photographer Adam Lloyd from London is offered to accompany her for the week, he initially has no interest. The two of them clash from day one but have to learn to get along. They have a job to do but can they get along long enough to complete their assignment?
“I’m sure it’s always a balancing act between being present for your significant other, providing for one another, and doing what you love.”
“Finding that balance is important, as is finding that special someone to be your partner in life and to love and support all you do. It's a beautiful thing.”
This story was different than many I've read lately. Camille has to go off the grid and avoid social media to immerse herself to experience the nature of Costa Rica. Adam is young photographer who's looking for more experience taking wildlife pictures but not for a fashion magazine. These two have pretty much nothing in common. Adam was raised with a family that valued conservation, nature and helping people in underdeveloped countries. Camille has lived in New York, vacationed in the Hamptons and stayed at five star hotels...she just hasn't been exposed to saving the earth and reducing waste, etc. Living without basic luxuries is a slap in the face for her, and we get to see Camille wake up to the world around her. In this book, we learn about endangered species and environments while Camille and Adam go from barely tolerating one another to friends to feeling an attraction. It's a cute story while bringing important issues to light. Hopefully readers will take some of the lessons Camille learned to heart and become more socially aware. Even if they start with just unplugging from social media for a week. We can all benefit from doing something small and being the change we want to see in the world. Try something new!
I had fun googling different exotic birds and animals as I read this story. I haven’t read too many travel romances so this was something new for me and I’m always open to learning new things. I found this story fun to read and an escape from so much materialism. I pictured myself visiting volcanoes and hot springs. I think I need to plan an eco-trip myself!
Angst: 1
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 4
Over All Rating: 4.25 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley
Reviewed by Robin
Camille Caldwell is a NYC fashion blogger who is offered an eco-trip to Costa Rica by a fashion magazine. When wild-life photographer Adam Lloyd from London is offered to accompany her for the week, he initially has no interest. The two of them clash from day one but have to learn to get along. They have a job to do but can they get along long enough to complete their assignment?
“I’m sure it’s always a balancing act between being present for your significant other, providing for one another, and doing what you love.”
“Finding that balance is important, as is finding that special someone to be your partner in life and to love and support all you do. It's a beautiful thing.”
This story was different than many I've read lately. Camille has to go off the grid and avoid social media to immerse herself to experience the nature of Costa Rica. Adam is young photographer who's looking for more experience taking wildlife pictures but not for a fashion magazine. These two have pretty much nothing in common. Adam was raised with a family that valued conservation, nature and helping people in underdeveloped countries. Camille has lived in New York, vacationed in the Hamptons and stayed at five star hotels...she just hasn't been exposed to saving the earth and reducing waste, etc. Living without basic luxuries is a slap in the face for her, and we get to see Camille wake up to the world around her. In this book, we learn about endangered species and environments while Camille and Adam go from barely tolerating one another to friends to feeling an attraction. It's a cute story while bringing important issues to light. Hopefully readers will take some of the lessons Camille learned to heart and become more socially aware. Even if they start with just unplugging from social media for a week. We can all benefit from doing something small and being the change we want to see in the world. Try something new!
I had fun googling different exotic birds and animals as I read this story. I haven’t read too many travel romances so this was something new for me and I’m always open to learning new things. I found this story fun to read and an escape from so much materialism. I pictured myself visiting volcanoes and hot springs. I think I need to plan an eco-trip myself!
June 23, 2017
**3.5, almost 4 Traveled Filled Stars**
We all know by now Jillian is one of my go to authors and I was excited to see a new book from her and her daughter Kenzie. This book is everything we would expect out of Jillian. I am not sure how the writing took place in this book but I can say the collaboration was flawless.
The best thing about this book was the message it sent to facing your fears no matter how inconsequential they may seem to others and living life to the fullest. Going on adventures you normally wouldn't. Talking to people who you would pass by on the street in your haste to get to your next, planned out destination. Taking chances. Both characters in this book went way out of their comfort zones and found that life isn't always bad when you do that. In fact, it might just be the adventure you need to add a little spark to your life and perhaps make you do a little soul digging into your own life.
The descriptions the authors were able to put in this book about Costa Rica make me want to plan a trip there. Makes me yearn for the simple life these people live but yet find such joy in. It makes me want to unplug like Camille had to for a few days and just remember the beauty that surrounds us every day if we just look hard enough. I also learned so many things from this book about conservation and the things needed to help our planet keep thriving and that was only in a very small part of the entire world. Jillian and Kenzie made me believe that little ole me could help just by doing small things.
I will say the only issue I had with this book was the believing the relationship between Camille and Adam was true love by the end. Why? Because for most of the book they were absolutely annoyed with each other and they were only together for a week. Jillian is the queen of writing tension and true love in my eyes and this one just fell a little short compared to her other books. I could have believed a real friendship, but love? Just not buying it. But maybe, just maybe we will get to see Camille and Adam on another adventure and they will change my mind.
Even with that little issue I had I would still highly recommend this book for a great summer read! It's full of fun adventures and the descriptions are so detailed you can't help but imagine you being in Costa Rica right along with all the characters. So go pick this one up! And by doing so you will also help donate to the Sea Turtle Conservatory so it's a win not only for you but for the environment!
June 26, 2017
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and It had exceeded my expectations. I'm not surprised at all. When I first read the blurb, I will be honest. I was a bit hesitant because I have always loved Jillian's writings and all her other books, but this one just sounded so different and not like the other books I normally read. I went in with an open mind and this book definitely, once again, did not disappoint. I am not an outdoorsy girl at all. My idea of any type of travel is very similar to Camilles - hotel's, air conditioning, all that. But to see her grow. To learn about Costa Rica and just be able to have this clear picture in my mind of everything she and Adam are going through and seeing was incredible especially being unplugged from Social Media for a week. I liked the fact that someone who is on social media constantly, like most of us, it was nice to see that it can be done. Jillian and her daughter co-wrote this book and it makes this book that much more special. They both did a fantastic job together on this book. I was able to visualize what things looked like. The detail in everything was incredible. I loved the way you both have with the words you chose to make me feel as if I was on this journey with them. Its a great way to escape a thing called life sometimes. Make you feel that the world around you has stopped for just one minute and you just emerge yourself in a great book.
June 23, 2017
The Girl Off The Grid was a beautiful piece by Jillian and Kenzie.
Who wouldn't want to read about a young Fashion Blogger & Youtuber living in New York? We met 18 years old Camille, who just finished her first year of college. She gets an offer of a lifetime...to write an article for a well known fashion magazine. She's sent on a trip to Costa Rica and gets to live an adventure and experience what it's like to live off the grid for a week. We will also meet Adam, who is a 20 year old photographer who lives in London. With the help of his dad, he was offered a job to be the photographer on Camilles' trip. During that time, she has to document what she does every day and take notes to help her prepare to write her article. Before the trip, Adam watches Camille's blog and offers his instant opinion of her, which is a strong dislike.
Adam and Camille basically hate each other from the start. Camille, in my opinion is very immature at times. I also kept in mind that she is only 18 years old. Adam, being only 20, has more of a sense of living (based on his background).
I was really excited for this book. But, it was hard to look passed Camille's immaturity at times. I love how we get to live (through reading) the adventure with Camille and Adam and watch them grow as friends. The most important thing we as readers get to experience is a young girl learning that life isn't always rainbows and roses. After learning all information in this book, I hope it will impact other's lives besides just the main character!
Who wouldn't want to read about a young Fashion Blogger & Youtuber living in New York? We met 18 years old Camille, who just finished her first year of college. She gets an offer of a lifetime...to write an article for a well known fashion magazine. She's sent on a trip to Costa Rica and gets to live an adventure and experience what it's like to live off the grid for a week. We will also meet Adam, who is a 20 year old photographer who lives in London. With the help of his dad, he was offered a job to be the photographer on Camilles' trip. During that time, she has to document what she does every day and take notes to help her prepare to write her article. Before the trip, Adam watches Camille's blog and offers his instant opinion of her, which is a strong dislike.
Adam and Camille basically hate each other from the start. Camille, in my opinion is very immature at times. I also kept in mind that she is only 18 years old. Adam, being only 20, has more of a sense of living (based on his background).
I was really excited for this book. But, it was hard to look passed Camille's immaturity at times. I love how we get to live (through reading) the adventure with Camille and Adam and watch them grow as friends. The most important thing we as readers get to experience is a young girl learning that life isn't always rainbows and roses. After learning all information in this book, I hope it will impact other's lives besides just the main character!
July 17, 2017
3.5 Stars
Camille is a blogger who gets a call from a fashion magazine to go on a one week adventure in Costa Rica and document her trip. Adam is hired to go along and photograph the trip.
I enjoy a good YA book and I did like the story line as it was a bit different. I also enjoy learning about new places and things.
Cami is a fairly spoiled fru fru girl. This opportunity, at such a young age (18), is amazing and gets Cami her dream job before she even goes to college if it goes well.
Adam was rasied completely different than Cami and has lived an adventure filled life with his parents traveling the world. He doesn't think he could be interested in this high maintenance city girl.
They both grow and learn on this trip. I laughed more than once. This one was a bit over descriptive on the animals, food and plants of the region. Some situations were a bit inconsistent.
Overall I think this is a great young adult romance.
I was gifted a copy for an honest review.
Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks
Camille is a blogger who gets a call from a fashion magazine to go on a one week adventure in Costa Rica and document her trip. Adam is hired to go along and photograph the trip.
I enjoy a good YA book and I did like the story line as it was a bit different. I also enjoy learning about new places and things.
Cami is a fairly spoiled fru fru girl. This opportunity, at such a young age (18), is amazing and gets Cami her dream job before she even goes to college if it goes well.
Adam was rasied completely different than Cami and has lived an adventure filled life with his parents traveling the world. He doesn't think he could be interested in this high maintenance city girl.
They both grow and learn on this trip. I laughed more than once. This one was a bit over descriptive on the animals, food and plants of the region. Some situations were a bit inconsistent.
Overall I think this is a great young adult romance.
I was gifted a copy for an honest review.
Reviewed by Becky for JoandIsaLoveBooks
June 18, 2017
(Thanks to the Authors, Publisher, and Netgalley who sent me an advance e-copy of this book)
Girl off the Grid by Jillian Dodd, and her daughter, Kenzie Harp, is a YA and travel book about Camille- a youtuber, and Adam- a photographer. Both of them are going to Costa Rica for an eco- tourism trip and when they meet, they hate each other. But as they spend the following days together, they realize they are falling in love not only with the country but also with each other.
In the first half of the book, I honestly disliked the characters. Camille grew up in a city and complains a lot about how her trip is not what she thought it would be. I understand that the authors want to show the readers how she learns and eventually enjoys the trip as she struggles to live outside of her comfort zone but I think I would've liked her better if she's less fretful and childish. Although she can be annoying, I liked how cheerful and genuine she is when it comes to children and animals, and how her character develops in the story. While Adam, he hates Camille and there's always a but to his every good opinion of her which was frustrating but I admired how deep and passionate he is when it comes to his love of nature and photography.
Even though the romance between Camille and Adam did not entirely excite me, I loved their travel in Costa Rica. It felt like I was also on the trip with them and I learned tons about the country and its animals, volcanoes, and a lot more. It almost felt like my trip was over and it's time to go back home when I finished reading it.
If you love nature, animals, and traveling, you'll enjoy this book!
Girl off the Grid by Jillian Dodd, and her daughter, Kenzie Harp, is a YA and travel book about Camille- a youtuber, and Adam- a photographer. Both of them are going to Costa Rica for an eco- tourism trip and when they meet, they hate each other. But as they spend the following days together, they realize they are falling in love not only with the country but also with each other.
In the first half of the book, I honestly disliked the characters. Camille grew up in a city and complains a lot about how her trip is not what she thought it would be. I understand that the authors want to show the readers how she learns and eventually enjoys the trip as she struggles to live outside of her comfort zone but I think I would've liked her better if she's less fretful and childish. Although she can be annoying, I liked how cheerful and genuine she is when it comes to children and animals, and how her character develops in the story. While Adam, he hates Camille and there's always a but to his every good opinion of her which was frustrating but I admired how deep and passionate he is when it comes to his love of nature and photography.
Even though the romance between Camille and Adam did not entirely excite me, I loved their travel in Costa Rica. It felt like I was also on the trip with them and I learned tons about the country and its animals, volcanoes, and a lot more. It almost felt like my trip was over and it's time to go back home when I finished reading it.
If you love nature, animals, and traveling, you'll enjoy this book!
June 21, 2017
This story was different than many I've read lately. A fashion blogger gets invited to go on an eco trip to Costa Rica for a fashion magazine after her freshman year of college. Camille has to go off the grid and avoid social media to immerse herself in the experience. Adam is young photographer who's looking for more experience taking wildlife pictures but not for a fashion magazine. These two have pretty much nothing in common. Adam was raised with a family that valued conservation, nature and helping people in underdeveloped countries. Camille has lived in New York, vacationed in the Hamptons and stayed at five star hotels...she just hasn't been exposed to saving the earth and reducing waste, etc. Living without basic luxuries is a slap in the face for her and we get to see Camille wake up to the world around her. In this book, we learn about endangered species and environments while Camille and Adam go from barely tolerating one another to friends to feeling an attraction. It's a cute story while bringing important issues to light. Hopefully readers will take some of the lessons Camille learned to heart and become more socially aware. Even if they start with unplugging from social media for a week. We can all benefit from doing something small and being the change we want to see in the world. Try something new!
July 6, 2017
I enjoyed the descriptions of Costa Rica's scenery the most from this novel. That was the most fun to read.
Overall, I found the characters of Adam and Camille to be inconsistent and I didn't believe in them. For example, Adam is supposed to be this world traveler but gets his mind blown by pineapple salsa. Camille is an educated girl from NYC but doesn't know what a manatee is. I feel that just as either Adam or Camille were developing, they'd say or do something that was in line with how their characters began, and so there wasn't much that kept me interested in them towards the end, around the time they were at the luxury hotel. The dialog tended to feel forced and/or fake, while the narration was more enjoyable.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book
Overall, I found the characters of Adam and Camille to be inconsistent and I didn't believe in them. For example, Adam is supposed to be this world traveler but gets his mind blown by pineapple salsa. Camille is an educated girl from NYC but doesn't know what a manatee is. I feel that just as either Adam or Camille were developing, they'd say or do something that was in line with how their characters began, and so there wasn't much that kept me interested in them towards the end, around the time they were at the luxury hotel. The dialog tended to feel forced and/or fake, while the narration was more enjoyable.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book
June 17, 2017
This book was fantastic and I recommend it highly as these authors are my favorites and are very talented in making the reader feel something!
This book is about Camille, who is 18 and has a very famous blog about fashion. She gets a call from Fashion Forward, a magazine working to change its audience, and they want her to go to South America and write an article about her adventure. The catch is: no electronics.
This book is also about Adam, a 20 year old photographer who dreams of being the next feature in National Geographic or something relating to his photos on animal and plant life in the wild, but no. He gets a call from Fashion Forward and they want him to follow around some blog princess and take photos of her journey and what you see. He wants to say no, but it's a start to his goal, so he accepts.
When they first meet, they hate each other. One thinks she's too self absorbed and high maintenance. The other thinks he's a jerk and thinks he's all high and mighty and knows everything. But, is it true what they say about how there is a fine line between love and hate?
Just finished Girl Off the Grid at 1:38 a.m and it was fantastic! The romance was sweet and filled with hilarious banter! So many funny moments were in that story that I will never forget! I laughed so hard my mom thought something was wrong with me! I also learned so much about South America and their culture that I wouldn't have before. I learned about being green and eco-friendly, protecting our wildlife, and going out of your comfort zone!
ARC provided by authors and in no way was I bribed or asked for this raving review.
This book is about Camille, who is 18 and has a very famous blog about fashion. She gets a call from Fashion Forward, a magazine working to change its audience, and they want her to go to South America and write an article about her adventure. The catch is: no electronics.
This book is also about Adam, a 20 year old photographer who dreams of being the next feature in National Geographic or something relating to his photos on animal and plant life in the wild, but no. He gets a call from Fashion Forward and they want him to follow around some blog princess and take photos of her journey and what you see. He wants to say no, but it's a start to his goal, so he accepts.
When they first meet, they hate each other. One thinks she's too self absorbed and high maintenance. The other thinks he's a jerk and thinks he's all high and mighty and knows everything. But, is it true what they say about how there is a fine line between love and hate?
Just finished Girl Off the Grid at 1:38 a.m and it was fantastic! The romance was sweet and filled with hilarious banter! So many funny moments were in that story that I will never forget! I laughed so hard my mom thought something was wrong with me! I also learned so much about South America and their culture that I wouldn't have before. I learned about being green and eco-friendly, protecting our wildlife, and going out of your comfort zone!
ARC provided by authors and in no way was I bribed or asked for this raving review.
June 26, 2017
What a fun and easy YA read by the amazing Jillian Dodd
Camille is a blogger who finds her self getting an amazing deal to do a article for a big time magazine...the catch no posting, phone of social media for the trip cuz she gets Adam (an up and coming photographer) who is there to capture all her journey! Adam finds himself annoyed by her the minute they meet and he is regretting taking the job but as they are on the journey they both find themselves enjoying each others company. But reality is they both are gonna have to say goodbye and they both don't want to...click and read to find out what happens
-FMR BOOK GRIND REVIEWER
Camille is a blogger who finds her self getting an amazing deal to do a article for a big time magazine...the catch no posting, phone of social media for the trip cuz she gets Adam (an up and coming photographer) who is there to capture all her journey! Adam finds himself annoyed by her the minute they meet and he is regretting taking the job but as they are on the journey they both find themselves enjoying each others company. But reality is they both are gonna have to say goodbye and they both don't want to...click and read to find out what happens
-FMR BOOK GRIND REVIEWER
April 9, 2021
Final Rating: 3 Stars
July 29, 2023
I had a good time reading this book but I found it predictable and the ending was not the most satisfying. But all in all, if you love reading about travels, it is very interesting !
September 3, 2017
2.5 stars. I was excited about this book, but it left me feeling dissatisfied.
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