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The Adventurers
"I laughed so much, swooned often, and the tender, hot love Joey and Kendall shared was electric." - Amazon Review "This book was so full of fun situations and dialogue, I was beaming from ear to ear even til the last page and line!" - Goodreads Review Joey Moore got her heart stomped on. At her engagement party. So, she does what any normal, completely rational 28-year-old would do — she moves to a new city with her dog to start a new life. Without much of a plan, it turns out. Kendall O’Hara doesn’t enjoy chaos — at 42-years-old, she has a stable job and two cats she likes more than most people. Okay, all people. She likes routine (and yelling the correct Jeopardy answers right before the contestants do). She’s not boring. She’s just protecting her still-healing heart decades later. When Joey and Kendall’s paths cross, a rocky start with an accidental laundry switch turns into an unlikely friendship. From there, the two friends make a pact to get out of their comfort zones, one piece of paper drawn from an “Adventure Jar” at a time. A growing mutual attraction leads them on an adventure that neither one might have expected…
252 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2020
318 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Bryce Oakley
24 books252 followersBryce grew up in the mountains of Colorado with a taste for adventure and a head full of clouds. She never grew out of either. She lives in Denver with her partner, two adorable rescue dogs, and a very opinionated cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
July 12, 2021
**'The essence of good storytelling is creating meaningful characters you as a writer might enjoy, love and frankly, eventually dislike...'
Okay read!
...
Okay read!
...
May 16, 2020
Kendall held out the laundry hamper to her. "I brought your thongs," she said with a smile.
Joey's mouth dropped in shock for a moment.
Kendall backpedaled as quickly as she could. "I mean things. Things!"
You never know, when you start a book by an author you have never read before, if you as a reader and they as an author will work out. Or, in other words, if you will like what they write about and how they write. Happily, I quite enjoyed both the writing style and story.
A 28 year old & a 42 year old woman meet in Denver. Become friends. Both find the other attractive but are not sure if they should pursue those feelings. Except brief hints here or there, the reluctance was not based on age differences.
Both of the leads have POVs, and are quite well written. The friends, Kendalls, and family, mostly Joey's sister, were also quite well formed.
A good solid story. I would recommend it.
Joey grinned at Kendall. “Well, let me paint the picture. It’s a Saturday night. It’s deserted. And Kendall was sitting in the corner talking to her bag.”
Five sets of eyes turned to look at Kendall. “That’s only half the story,”<\blockquote>
Rating: 5.0
May 16 2020
May 13, 2020
If you need a bit of a laugh, this is the book to read. A 4* 🙃🙂
June 5, 2021
A cute, fun read. Lots of light hearted humour, some reluctance by both Joey and Kendall to explain their feelings and actions and lots of kitties , doggoes and a memorable sex shop scene.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 25, 2021
A hilarious and fun kindle unlimited read I would recommend!
The book starts with The Worst Pizza Party Ever that was supposed to be an engagement party, which ended in a break-up.
Joey is devastated but willing to move on and find new adventure.
She meets Kendall a relationship shy veterinarian talking to her bag in a laundromat, and the two somehow switch laundry and end up meeting again hilariously after Joey's dog eats her sex-toy harness and needs an operation.
This book was so full of fun situations and dialogue, I was beaming from ear to ear even til the last page and line!
There was little to no real angst which was fine by me. If you're after a fun light read to make you smile and feel good, this is it!
The book starts with The Worst Pizza Party Ever that was supposed to be an engagement party, which ended in a break-up.
Joey is devastated but willing to move on and find new adventure.
She meets Kendall a relationship shy veterinarian talking to her bag in a laundromat, and the two somehow switch laundry and end up meeting again hilariously after Joey's dog eats her sex-toy harness and needs an operation.
This book was so full of fun situations and dialogue, I was beaming from ear to ear even til the last page and line!
There was little to no real angst which was fine by me. If you're after a fun light read to make you smile and feel good, this is it!
June 13, 2021
Review of The Adventurers by Bryce Oakley, Audiobook narrated by AJ Ferraro
This was a light, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, age-gap romance with an original premise. I hadn’t read anything by this author before and this seemed a good place to start. I enjoyed it very much.
Joey Moore is recovering from a breakup at her engagement party. So she moves away from her small town to the city to start over. There she meets Kendall O’Hara, a veterinarian 14 years her senior, who is adamant about not getting involved in a serious relationship after a failed marriage. Together they will start an unlikely friendship in which both push each other out of their comfort zones and realise that maybe their chances at love weren’t that bad after all…
This was a very funny story, with an original premise of two very different women who decide to tackle their bucket list together. The book is overall light and entertaining with several laugh-out-loud moments starting with their meet cue, followed by an awkward visit to a sex shop, among others. Some situations were mostly ridiculous but work well with the overall light tone of the novel.
This story hits several tropes: age gap, friends to lovers, slow-burn romance, and opposites attract. Despite both main characters are well written and authentic, their chemistry together is OK but not off the charts. However, the experiences they share together make their bond special and fun to read. The cast of secondary characters, especially a cheeky dog and cute kittens make this story entertaining.
I’ve listened to the audiobook narrated by AJ Ferraro. She is a good voice actor but I admit that I’m not a fan of her voice. However, her performance was convincing enough and the tone of her narration was very good. I think this story would have been perfect for Lori Prince as her comedic timing is impeccable but Ms. Ferraro did a good job anyway. 4 stars.
Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins
This was a light, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, age-gap romance with an original premise. I hadn’t read anything by this author before and this seemed a good place to start. I enjoyed it very much.
Joey Moore is recovering from a breakup at her engagement party. So she moves away from her small town to the city to start over. There she meets Kendall O’Hara, a veterinarian 14 years her senior, who is adamant about not getting involved in a serious relationship after a failed marriage. Together they will start an unlikely friendship in which both push each other out of their comfort zones and realise that maybe their chances at love weren’t that bad after all…
This was a very funny story, with an original premise of two very different women who decide to tackle their bucket list together. The book is overall light and entertaining with several laugh-out-loud moments starting with their meet cue, followed by an awkward visit to a sex shop, among others. Some situations were mostly ridiculous but work well with the overall light tone of the novel.
This story hits several tropes: age gap, friends to lovers, slow-burn romance, and opposites attract. Despite both main characters are well written and authentic, their chemistry together is OK but not off the charts. However, the experiences they share together make their bond special and fun to read. The cast of secondary characters, especially a cheeky dog and cute kittens make this story entertaining.
I’ve listened to the audiobook narrated by AJ Ferraro. She is a good voice actor but I admit that I’m not a fan of her voice. However, her performance was convincing enough and the tone of her narration was very good. I think this story would have been perfect for Lori Prince as her comedic timing is impeccable but Ms. Ferraro did a good job anyway. 4 stars.
Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins
February 25, 2021
The book is entertaining and funny, and the overall premise was interesting enough. I liked that they agreed to go on adventures and try to experience things together. However, I honestly did not feel any chemistry between them. They were good as friends, and I liked their banter and adventures, but I don’t buy them being lovers.
Joey is always rushing things, while Kendall is too afraid to do anything. I felt like they didn’t really have much growth throughout the book. Yes, there were conflicts that forced them to confront their issues, but a lot of things were conveniently left out. There were some conflicts that seemed to have been resolved behind the scenes, like they weren’t okay at one moment, and then everything was already good the next.
There are really good slow-burn books out there, and this seemed to try, but it unfortunately missed the mark for me. Overall, it was a fun and light read. :)
Joey is always rushing things, while Kendall is too afraid to do anything. I felt like they didn’t really have much growth throughout the book. Yes, there were conflicts that forced them to confront their issues, but a lot of things were conveniently left out. There were some conflicts that seemed to have been resolved behind the scenes, like they weren’t okay at one moment, and then everything was already good the next.
There are really good slow-burn books out there, and this seemed to try, but it unfortunately missed the mark for me. Overall, it was a fun and light read. :)
March 25, 2021
This is such a feel good story, you wouldn’t expect it with the way this book starts, but it’s fun.
Joey gets dumped by her fiancée right before their engagement party, as in right in front of the door of the pizza place where the party is supposed to be held. The party is now dubbed the The Worst Pizza Party Ever.
Joey moves from her home town to escape the pitying looks and the constant reminders and tries to set out on nee adventures.
While at a laundromat she meets Kendall. A seemingly crazy lady who talks to her bag. In some unknown weird way they switch laundry and Kendall has no idea to get it back. That is until luck would have Joey show up with her dog at the vet clinic Kendall works at. This situation is rather comical, sad for the dog, but comical because of the foreign object he consumed.
Basically the story sets out from here, more comical dialogue and fun situations. It’s worth reading it for yourself and not having me tell you what happens.
The adventure jar is such a great idea, I am stealing it and I hope we can set out to some adventures. Thank you Bryce Oakley!
Joey and Kendall are such lovely characters, and although their romance moves quickly I don’t get the vibe that it’s too quick or something. I feel like Joey’s backstory was more and better fleshed out than Kendall’s, this was the only negative for me. With more of Kendall’s backstory you’d understand her thinking and actions better. All in all it is just such a nice feel good read you shouldn’t pass on. It had me smiling a lot of the time and I was a little sad it was finished (luckily it finished with dialogue super fitting to the story).
Joey gets dumped by her fiancée right before their engagement party, as in right in front of the door of the pizza place where the party is supposed to be held. The party is now dubbed the The Worst Pizza Party Ever.
Joey moves from her home town to escape the pitying looks and the constant reminders and tries to set out on nee adventures.
While at a laundromat she meets Kendall. A seemingly crazy lady who talks to her bag. In some unknown weird way they switch laundry and Kendall has no idea to get it back. That is until luck would have Joey show up with her dog at the vet clinic Kendall works at. This situation is rather comical, sad for the dog, but comical because of the foreign object he consumed.
Basically the story sets out from here, more comical dialogue and fun situations. It’s worth reading it for yourself and not having me tell you what happens.
The adventure jar is such a great idea, I am stealing it and I hope we can set out to some adventures. Thank you Bryce Oakley!
Joey and Kendall are such lovely characters, and although their romance moves quickly I don’t get the vibe that it’s too quick or something. I feel like Joey’s backstory was more and better fleshed out than Kendall’s, this was the only negative for me. With more of Kendall’s backstory you’d understand her thinking and actions better. All in all it is just such a nice feel good read you shouldn’t pass on. It had me smiling a lot of the time and I was a little sad it was finished (luckily it finished with dialogue super fitting to the story).
July 19, 2020
Bryce Oakley is fast becoming one of the authors I enjoy reading the most. This had me laughing out loud many times and I really enjoyed all the one-liners and banter in this book, from all of the characters.
I thought the realities of Joey's breakup were written really well, and I loved how the characters first came together as friends. It's also always a bonus when you have interesting and cute animals written in. I also really appreciated the gender neutral secondary character of Taylor.
The only thing missing from this to make it a five-star book for me was I need more backstory about Kendall. Joey's story felt fleshed out and whilst we learned things about Kendall I felt I was missing some things about her prior relationships that would cause her to be the way she is. If I'm honest I also wanted a bit more time with the two of them after they went from friends to lovers, most of the being together part of the book was angsty and that was a shame.
I thought the realities of Joey's breakup were written really well, and I loved how the characters first came together as friends. It's also always a bonus when you have interesting and cute animals written in. I also really appreciated the gender neutral secondary character of Taylor.
The only thing missing from this to make it a five-star book for me was I need more backstory about Kendall. Joey's story felt fleshed out and whilst we learned things about Kendall I felt I was missing some things about her prior relationships that would cause her to be the way she is. If I'm honest I also wanted a bit more time with the two of them after they went from friends to lovers, most of the being together part of the book was angsty and that was a shame.
October 2, 2021
For some reason this book just didn't click for me. I loved the premise, enjoyed the characters, but as the 2nd of Joey's Adventure was picked, it started going downhill for me. The 1st of Joey's adventures while a bit out there was quite funny but the 2nd was ridiculous and not something anyone would put in a jar of adventures with their brand new friend of a couple weeks when they are supposed to be done together or with the others support. Might have been more believable if Joey had never been in a relationship or only had one instead of never being without a girlfriend since she started dating.
I also just never felt the connection between these two characters though I liked them both, I was told it happened between them about it but I never felt it, more lust than love. Hopefully, I'll enjoy her book a little more.
I also just never felt the connection between these two characters though I liked them both, I was told it happened between them about it but I never felt it, more lust than love. Hopefully, I'll enjoy her book a little more.
August 30, 2021
Loved everything about this book!
Read
October 1, 2021DNF@37%
I just couldn't connect with this story nor the characters. It seemed too plain and boring.
Based on title and front cover I expected totally different story.
I just couldn't connect with this story nor the characters. It seemed too plain and boring.
Based on title and front cover I expected totally different story.
May 29, 2021
This is the first time I've read something by this author, and her writing delightfully works for me.
The Adventurers is a nice story that started off slow with friends-to-lovers as the accompanying theme. I liked the pacing in the beginning, and I appreciate both women individually deciding not to try anything with the other and to stick to friendship only. But since this is romance, we all know how that works out 😂
While I did like the premise for the plot, I'm afraid the lack of excitement throughout got me unsettled. This is one of those stories where if you look closely, nothing's really wrong with it; yet as it is, there's nothing about it that's captivating either. The build-up was plainly too safe.
Weirdly enough, despite the seemingly slow pacing because of their new friendship, Joey and Kendall's romantic relationship on the other hand still moved at a quick stride. To explain this better, here are some facts about it:
- The entire story took place in roughly 3 months only.
- The interval between when they first acted on their attraction and when the first "I love you" was spoken was only 3 chapters. Yep, 3 short chapters. Not even 2 weeks in terms of the timeline, and it was so damn awkward to witness 🙈
Frankly speaking, Joey is the type of person I'll be careful about getting involved with 😅 She just gets waaay ahead of herself, and she drags her partner at a speed that teeters the relationship on the verge of unhealthiness. Thank goodness Sunny (her sister) called her out on it. And in the end, she seemed to have outgrown this flaw. TBH, I think this is the sort of story that would've ended better if the MCs didn't end up loving each other yet. Believe me, that's a surprising sentiment coming from me. LOL! Or maybe as a compromise, throw those three words in not soon before the epilogue? 🤷🏻♀️ Oh well. That's just my hot take.
Anyway, this was still fantastically written. It made me check out other books by this author, which made me notice the design of her book covers—I love how they stick to a certain theme that lets you immediately recognize it's a Bryce Oakley book. A lot of authors do this yes, but her cover theme is clean and modestly beautiful. Her choice of background photos are aesthetically pleasing, so thumbs up to that! 👍🏻
The Adventurers is a nice story that started off slow with friends-to-lovers as the accompanying theme. I liked the pacing in the beginning, and I appreciate both women individually deciding not to try anything with the other and to stick to friendship only. But since this is romance, we all know how that works out 😂
While I did like the premise for the plot, I'm afraid the lack of excitement throughout got me unsettled. This is one of those stories where if you look closely, nothing's really wrong with it; yet as it is, there's nothing about it that's captivating either. The build-up was plainly too safe.
Weirdly enough, despite the seemingly slow pacing because of their new friendship, Joey and Kendall's romantic relationship on the other hand still moved at a quick stride. To explain this better, here are some facts about it:
- The entire story took place in roughly 3 months only.
- The interval between when they first acted on their attraction and when the first "I love you" was spoken was only 3 chapters. Yep, 3 short chapters. Not even 2 weeks in terms of the timeline, and it was so damn awkward to witness 🙈
Frankly speaking, Joey is the type of person I'll be careful about getting involved with 😅 She just gets waaay ahead of herself, and she drags her partner at a speed that teeters the relationship on the verge of unhealthiness. Thank goodness Sunny (her sister) called her out on it. And in the end, she seemed to have outgrown this flaw. TBH, I think this is the sort of story that would've ended better if the MCs didn't end up loving each other yet. Believe me, that's a surprising sentiment coming from me. LOL! Or maybe as a compromise, throw those three words in not soon before the epilogue? 🤷🏻♀️ Oh well. That's just my hot take.
Anyway, this was still fantastically written. It made me check out other books by this author, which made me notice the design of her book covers—I love how they stick to a certain theme that lets you immediately recognize it's a Bryce Oakley book. A lot of authors do this yes, but her cover theme is clean and modestly beautiful. Her choice of background photos are aesthetically pleasing, so thumbs up to that! 👍🏻
May 30, 2021
This was such a cute/funny lesbian romance. 28-year old Joey was dumped at her own engagement party and decides to move about an hour away to create a little distance from her old life. She meets 42-year old town veterinarian Kendall and they strike up a friendship. The two decide to help each other complete small adventures and they get into some interesting situations together. The dialogue in this book was so amusing. Although there is some drama, it’s a romance that will make you smile.
July 3, 2020
Very good story!
This was a very good story. It was sweet, funny,the two main characters (Kendall and Joey) had a lot of chemistry and their quirky adventures created the development of ultimately falling in love. Loved Ozzie, Bacon and Eggs and the two little kittens. Overall, a very well done story.
This was a very good story. It was sweet, funny,the two main characters (Kendall and Joey) had a lot of chemistry and their quirky adventures created the development of ultimately falling in love. Loved Ozzie, Bacon and Eggs and the two little kittens. Overall, a very well done story.
May 16, 2021
Humorous romance story with an age gap, kittens and a dog, and a sister. Everything in the right order.
Mentioned kittens and a dog play huge role in the development of main characters’ love story. I’m starting to like those animal planet books. They contain a lot of warmth. Animals seem to neutralize any extreme emotions. They also make people get together, especially those with sophisticated personalities.
Right, Kendall, the older main character, has a complex personality. Her past experiences are still alive and present in her surroundings. At least some of them. Her background makes her an extremally attractive woman. However, the woman who does not want to get involved in any relationship due to the fear of being dumped (again). Thus, Joey has to overwork more than an average twenty-six-year-old to get through the walls that Kendall built around her heart.
So, Joey, lovely, young, hot-blooded, post engagement party ditched girl. Her situation is nothing to be envied. Having been dumped at own engagement party – just can’t imagine myself in her shoes. Yet still alive and kicking eager to conquer cold women’s hearts.
The sister, Sunny, another brave being always ready with reasonable advice and being a personal part-time body guard. It is great to have such a sister, a wise one.
Finally, the language which is witty and adds some levity to the story that could have been too dramatic without that dose of humour of Bryce Oakley. Authentically pleasant read.
Thanks for recommending😉
Mentioned kittens and a dog play huge role in the development of main characters’ love story. I’m starting to like those animal planet books. They contain a lot of warmth. Animals seem to neutralize any extreme emotions. They also make people get together, especially those with sophisticated personalities.
Right, Kendall, the older main character, has a complex personality. Her past experiences are still alive and present in her surroundings. At least some of them. Her background makes her an extremally attractive woman. However, the woman who does not want to get involved in any relationship due to the fear of being dumped (again). Thus, Joey has to overwork more than an average twenty-six-year-old to get through the walls that Kendall built around her heart.
So, Joey, lovely, young, hot-blooded, post engagement party ditched girl. Her situation is nothing to be envied. Having been dumped at own engagement party – just can’t imagine myself in her shoes. Yet still alive and kicking eager to conquer cold women’s hearts.
The sister, Sunny, another brave being always ready with reasonable advice and being a personal part-time body guard. It is great to have such a sister, a wise one.
Finally, the language which is witty and adds some levity to the story that could have been too dramatic without that dose of humour of Bryce Oakley. Authentically pleasant read.
Thanks for recommending😉
December 24, 2020
3 stars. A clever plot and a book that made me laugh out loud a few times and long for an adventure buddy. A younger new-to-town recently heartbroken girl moves to a bigger town and develops a friendship (and feelings) with her dog's vet. Neither have been big on adventures for themselves and they make a pact to write down a bucket list of sorts and put it in a jar, and then draw slips now and then to share experiences together.
I loved the animals and the adventures, although some of those adventures were a little unbelievable (would you really write "have a one night stand" on a slip and then act all surprised and embarrassed when it got drawn?). The writing craft was also a little lacking (having to read dialogue that included redundant over-explanations like "Sure," X teased, and "Yes," X joked... it got a little irksome).
Still, I had fun reading it and the animal characters (I LOVE Ozzy and LOVE that he was a main character) completely won me over with this read.
I loved the animals and the adventures, although some of those adventures were a little unbelievable (would you really write "have a one night stand" on a slip and then act all surprised and embarrassed when it got drawn?). The writing craft was also a little lacking (having to read dialogue that included redundant over-explanations like "Sure," X teased, and "Yes," X joked... it got a little irksome).
Still, I had fun reading it and the animal characters (I LOVE Ozzy and LOVE that he was a main character) completely won me over with this read.
May 19, 2020
Brilliant!!!
Joey and Kendall ... the way they met, played, shared adventures and loved. Such a wonderful journey! Joey’s lust for love and living was palpable and a gift. Their friends, co-workers, and family completed the picture of their lives. I heartily recommend this book and any other works by this author. Thank you. Peace
Joey and Kendall ... the way they met, played, shared adventures and loved. Such a wonderful journey! Joey’s lust for love and living was palpable and a gift. Their friends, co-workers, and family completed the picture of their lives. I heartily recommend this book and any other works by this author. Thank you. Peace
November 19, 2020
I was surprised by how funny this book is. I laughed out loud at several points, including when Joey’s sister punches someone out to defend her. It. Was. Glorious.
And yet, while it’s overall a fairly light story, it packs a few punches too when it comes to conflict. Like I mentioned above, Joey falls very hard and much faster than Kendall when they get together. The way that plays out feels realistic and true to their characters.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/adve...
And yet, while it’s overall a fairly light story, it packs a few punches too when it comes to conflict. Like I mentioned above, Joey falls very hard and much faster than Kendall when they get together. The way that plays out feels realistic and true to their characters.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/adve...
October 31, 2020
Good story, good fun - some bits made me laugh out-loud and the narrative bounced along as a jaunty rate. Bit surreal but lived though that. Recommended.
April 21, 2021
4.25 stars.
This book made me happy. It was a sweet, funny, entertaining story with very little drama, likable characters and a cute dog and some cats.
This book made me happy. It was a sweet, funny, entertaining story with very little drama, likable characters and a cute dog and some cats.
April 11, 2025
I loved this. It was a surprisingly quick read that flowed incredibly well and for the most part I enjoyed the entire experience. I loved the characters. The plotline was simple yet effective, and the events of the story flowed organically and believably. There was drama, which was messy and dramatic, but not too much such that it was over the top or interfered with the overall fun/sweet vibe of the novel. I noticed that this novel had a lot of content packed into every chapter, in a good way, and I think that is what helped it to be such a compelling and fast read. To put it simply, I liked this, and I would recommend it; particularly because it was so quick to read.
I loved the adventure jar. I want an adventure buddy to help challenge me to try new things.
When I said “for the most part” earlier I was referring to the fact that the ending was a bit rushed. I personally would have enjoyed if it was spread out over a few more chapters, and if the story had gone a bit farther after the chosen endpoint. That said, it was good enough the way it was, and I can see the value in a novel that doesn’t drag on.
I loved the adventure jar. I want an adventure buddy to help challenge me to try new things.
When I said “for the most part” earlier I was referring to the fact that the ending was a bit rushed. I personally would have enjoyed if it was spread out over a few more chapters, and if the story had gone a bit farther after the chosen endpoint. That said, it was good enough the way it was, and I can see the value in a novel that doesn’t drag on.
September 25, 2020
I was going to give it a four but after that last laugh in the epilogue it deserves a five. Anything that makes me laugh like this deserves a five!!
May 25, 2024
I'm a sucker for age gap romances and this one was truly lovely. Both Joey and Kendall were interesting characters and I enjoyed their story.
August 25, 2021
7/10
I mean there’s a dog.
I found this book funny and enjoyable so if you’re into light, non-angsty fun romance reads this is the one for you.
The MCs, Joey and Kendall, are very likable and I enjoyed reading their story. They had chemistry and I liked their interaction way more in the beginning since it was very believable compared to after 2/3 where stuff just went downhill for me, honestly, and the characters fell into their roles in the formula packed so swiftly I felt like the author just want to be done with this project already.
Ozzy, the Prince of Barkness, is the best character ever of course. I really found myself laughing at some of the jokes or silly stuff that’s in the book.
I didn’t mind much Kendall’s friends but I wasn’t the biggest fan of them either, they were mostly annoying, sometimes sweet but always just there. Her techs were awesome, though, and I liked Joey’s sister.
What I found myself disliking in this book is the fact that everything really is too light, too easy. Stuff just happens because it’s supposed to (angsty and romantic moments towards the end) I mean it’s the formula amirite and what didn’t help with the better more natural flow of the story is the length of the book. I feel like it’s at least 100 pages too short. It would need a bit of real backstory and a bit of serious moments between the MCs for me to really believe in it all happening. That would also help with the feel of Kendall not being older than Joey at all, I really felt like they were both 28 or whatever.
I liked this book in the beginning so much and was sad to see it get a bit worse as it went on since I loved the idea for it very much.
The first book by Bryce Oakley I’ve read but I’ve put more in my to read shelf.
I mean there’s a dog.
I found this book funny and enjoyable so if you’re into light, non-angsty fun romance reads this is the one for you.
The MCs, Joey and Kendall, are very likable and I enjoyed reading their story. They had chemistry and I liked their interaction way more in the beginning since it was very believable compared to after 2/3 where stuff just went downhill for me, honestly, and the characters fell into their roles in the formula packed so swiftly I felt like the author just want to be done with this project already.
Ozzy, the Prince of Barkness, is the best character ever of course. I really found myself laughing at some of the jokes or silly stuff that’s in the book.
I didn’t mind much Kendall’s friends but I wasn’t the biggest fan of them either, they were mostly annoying, sometimes sweet but always just there. Her techs were awesome, though, and I liked Joey’s sister.
What I found myself disliking in this book is the fact that everything really is too light, too easy. Stuff just happens because it’s supposed to (angsty and romantic moments towards the end) I mean it’s the formula amirite and what didn’t help with the better more natural flow of the story is the length of the book. I feel like it’s at least 100 pages too short. It would need a bit of real backstory and a bit of serious moments between the MCs for me to really believe in it all happening. That would also help with the feel of Kendall not being older than Joey at all, I really felt like they were both 28 or whatever.
I liked this book in the beginning so much and was sad to see it get a bit worse as it went on since I loved the idea for it very much.
The first book by Bryce Oakley I’ve read but I’ve put more in my to read shelf.
October 29, 2021
I’m somewhere between 3 and 4 stars on this.
Joey thinks her life needs a drastic reboot after her fiancée breaks up with her at their surprise engagement party, so she sells her furniture and packs her dog to move an hour away from home. [Okay, I’m mocking this a bit. An hour? That’s an everyday drive where I live. This is not the big deal that Joey makes it out to be.] So now she’s in the city without a sofa and without any friends and her job is remote. All this explains why she’s at the laundromat on a weekend night, where she sees a really hot woman talking to her bag. City life, eh?
When Joey’s dog gets sick, she quickly finds a vet. Turns out the new vet is the crazy woman talking to her bag, Kendall. There’s banter, there are jokes, there’s laundry to exchange. And somehow Joey has a new friend. A really wonderful and hot friend, who according to Kendall’s friend is perpetually single by choice. So turns out Kendall has some baggage too.
This is a really cute novel. Joey and Kendall come together in what feels like a really organic way and decide they’re going to have big and small adventures together—things they’ve been putting off or scare them but that they want to do anyway. I liked their journey. I enjoyed going on their adventures with them. I liked watching two people who challenge and support each other fall in love.
A solid 3.5 that I’m rounding up just because.
Joey thinks her life needs a drastic reboot after her fiancée breaks up with her at their surprise engagement party, so she sells her furniture and packs her dog to move an hour away from home. [Okay, I’m mocking this a bit. An hour? That’s an everyday drive where I live. This is not the big deal that Joey makes it out to be.] So now she’s in the city without a sofa and without any friends and her job is remote. All this explains why she’s at the laundromat on a weekend night, where she sees a really hot woman talking to her bag. City life, eh?
When Joey’s dog gets sick, she quickly finds a vet. Turns out the new vet is the crazy woman talking to her bag, Kendall. There’s banter, there are jokes, there’s laundry to exchange. And somehow Joey has a new friend. A really wonderful and hot friend, who according to Kendall’s friend is perpetually single by choice. So turns out Kendall has some baggage too.
This is a really cute novel. Joey and Kendall come together in what feels like a really organic way and decide they’re going to have big and small adventures together—things they’ve been putting off or scare them but that they want to do anyway. I liked their journey. I enjoyed going on their adventures with them. I liked watching two people who challenge and support each other fall in love.
A solid 3.5 that I’m rounding up just because.
October 31, 2020
This is my first book of Bryce Oakley’s and I am thoroughly in love with her writing.
The main characters are vastly different yet balance each other perfectly. The slow boil romance fits their characters perfectly as they have both been burned in love. But it is the idea of the adventure jar that makes this a five star read. Brilliant idea!
There are moments in the book that are laugh out loud, long and hard then share the laugh with your significant other and laugh some more.
Ozzy the dogs full name is priceless.
I had such joy in reading this novel and that my friends is priceless.
5⭐️
The main characters are vastly different yet balance each other perfectly. The slow boil romance fits their characters perfectly as they have both been burned in love. But it is the idea of the adventure jar that makes this a five star read. Brilliant idea!
There are moments in the book that are laugh out loud, long and hard then share the laugh with your significant other and laugh some more.
Ozzy the dogs full name is priceless.
I had such joy in reading this novel and that my friends is priceless.
5⭐️
May 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this book!
I love a good age-gap romance and I really liked the two main characters and how their story came together. I’m so used to the enemies-to-lovers plot in a lot of age-gap romances but this story was really different and I loved that the characters started off as friends.
Joey and Kendall had so much chemistry and this book was filled with lots of really great humor. This was just what I needed this weekend! I’d definitely recommend!
I love a good age-gap romance and I really liked the two main characters and how their story came together. I’m so used to the enemies-to-lovers plot in a lot of age-gap romances but this story was really different and I loved that the characters started off as friends.
Joey and Kendall had so much chemistry and this book was filled with lots of really great humor. This was just what I needed this weekend! I’d definitely recommend!
June 22, 2025
2.75 ⭐
May 19, 2020
This was such a good book! It's the second one of Oakley's I've read, and I'll definitely be reading more. The characters in this book are really strong - the mains and the side characters. Out of the mains, I actually can't decide which one I liked more because both Kendall and Joey were equally amazing and they play off each other really well. Their banter made me laugh quite a few times, and I was grinning for the majority of the book. I love the whole concept of The Adventure Jar. Age gaps aren't always (read: hardly ever) my favorite trope, but it worked here. And the animals! They were so cute; I wanted to snuggle them all. This was a really adorable book from the mains to the critters, everything about it worked for me. I'll definitely be checking out more from this author!
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