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The Madisons #2
Take On Me
Eldest Madison daughter Diana has always been "perfect".
And she's fine with that. In fact, she's proud of it. Contrary to what everyone seems to think, being perfect takes a lot of work, and in Di's case, meds. She's not ashamed. Anything that helps her maintain control is a good thing.
Unfortunately, Di's grip on perfection starts to slip when she finds herself forced to work with Felix Cayo. He's irreverent, juvenile, and obnoxious, even if he does look like a bit like David Beckham...
Take On Me is a charming enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity romcom with a neurodivergent main character, a sullen tween who won't go away, and a whole boatload of Prozac. Expect sparks to fly in this closed-door romance. This is book two in the series The Madisons (all installments of which can be read as stand-alone novels.)
And she's fine with that. In fact, she's proud of it. Contrary to what everyone seems to think, being perfect takes a lot of work, and in Di's case, meds. She's not ashamed. Anything that helps her maintain control is a good thing.
Unfortunately, Di's grip on perfection starts to slip when she finds herself forced to work with Felix Cayo. He's irreverent, juvenile, and obnoxious, even if he does look like a bit like David Beckham...
Take On Me is a charming enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity romcom with a neurodivergent main character, a sullen tween who won't go away, and a whole boatload of Prozac. Expect sparks to fly in this closed-door romance. This is book two in the series The Madisons (all installments of which can be read as stand-alone novels.)
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2022
56 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Olivia M. Jacques
4 books37 followersOlivia M. Jacques loves writing about neurotic, relatable heroines with humour and heart. She's a Canadian who started publishing while living in the USA, but still favours the “unnecessary u” in her spelling. When she’s not secretly writing “chick-lit” she’s busy being a mom and chewing on Chiclets in a sad attempt to mask her perpetual coffee-meets-night-cheese breath. Such is the life of a writer!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 25, 2022
Take on Me is a fast read through Diana's past and present. I could not put this ARC down! You will love Diana's story if you like novels by Jennifer Weiner and Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. The romance is sweet and despite the turmoil, Jacques gives us an HEA. The second chance love between enemies who become lovers is swoony and satisfying. Readers of Sally Thorne's The Hating Game will love this workplace drama. As part of a series, Diana's family plays a fun role as all of the Madisons do in Jaques' series. I cannot wait for more of this series! This is a story of friendships, growing up, and finding your place in the adult world.
June 19, 2024
I'm glad that this series can technically be read as a stand alone if desired, but coming from someone that has read the 1st book... It makes more sense to read this as a series. There is a lot of chaos and lack of structure throughout the book, so it's nice to know some of the characters and their back story. I'm not sure if the chaos is something that is conveyed on purpose... part of the Madison family dynamic?? Or of it's just Olivia's style. Either way it's a lot to take in at times.
Similar to the first book in the series, Take on Me covers some serious topics... Anxiety and OCD to name a few. I still think the book was enjoyable, because I could relate to Diana and her introvert ways. You get to watch Diana find herself a bit and fall in love... Orrrr admit that she was already in love?
I did give it a 3 star review, because it just didn't live up to the first book for me. Also, the crazy amount of spelling and punctuation errors were enough to make me want to scream. I was not reading an ARC.
I am still excited to read the series, and I'm eager to see which Madison sibling we meet next.
** Go read the first book... Cruel to be Kind!!!
October 2, 2024
This contemporary women's fiction rom com is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are witty, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with take on me, a sweet neurodivergent main character, drama family, siblings, friendship, college, workplace friends-to-lovers romance, humor, BFF ghosts Di, charming enemies-to-lovers forced proximity, an unexpected tween who won't go away, and a whole boatload of Prozac. Friendship and family drama about with heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this hilarious rom com that will leave readers laughing so hard they won't be able to catch their breath. This author is extraordinary and knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with take on me and a sweet nerurodivergent women's fiction rom com that will be sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly hilarious and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2025
Totally confusing
This book I was gonna stop reading after 4 chapters because of the writing. I was totally confused what was going on. I'm not normally an anxious person but this book had me questioning myself. My thought process is simular sometimes. The longer I read the more I understood but I think there was alot of fill in scrap that we didn't really have to know of her thought process.
This book I was gonna stop reading after 4 chapters because of the writing. I was totally confused what was going on. I'm not normally an anxious person but this book had me questioning myself. My thought process is simular sometimes. The longer I read the more I understood but I think there was alot of fill in scrap that we didn't really have to know of her thought process.
January 9, 2024
Enjoyable!
Good book and nice storyline, but the spelling and grammatical errors took away from the story. I'm still willing to read more from this author.
Good book and nice storyline, but the spelling and grammatical errors took away from the story. I'm still willing to read more from this author.
April 21, 2023
I had an amazing, long review typed up, and lost network connection.
I’m going to do my best to remember it all. I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. First of all, holy fecal matter. I love Diana. As someone with “spicy anxiety” (PTSD related) I REALLY felt that Diana was relatable. I wish I had as much success with medication as she did, but I’ll get there someday.
I have learned that Olivia’s Madison books start out chaotic. It really and truly puts you in the shoes of the character and as your frustrated and confused you get into their state of mind. Suddenly, without you fully realizing, things start to make sense and you are speeding through the book, fully invested in the characters and yearning for the ending.
Lou, clearly, is an awful friend. I really liked that most of the book was her cycling through the end of her friendship over and over. Di is clearly a very black and white person, but Lou was morally gray, and ghosting a lifelong friendship is clearly a gray area. The more she reminisces about her friendship with Lou we can see that Lou is toxic, narcissistic and clearly jealous of Di. I think Di finally starts to realize the tip of this giant toxic iceberg.
I enjoyed that most of the book is about Di, her mental health journey and the buildup/implosion of her friendship with Lou, with the romance aspects carefully woven in. Felix is a main character, but he’s second fiddle to the ghost of Lou and it WORKS. I loved that there isn’t a happy every after so to speak. Di and Felix are figuring themselves and their relationship (and partnership in the new boutique law firm!) but not everything is wrapped up nice, neat and tidy, just like real life.
Di deserves to know why Lou split, but she doesn’t get an answer, and neither do we, just the confirmation that we, the readers are correct, when her sister, brother-in-law and Felix all agree that she was toxic and awful. I liked that Claire and Adam (and the rest of the family) are still woven in, so we get snippets of their life after “Cruel to be Kind”.
I thought maybe the nod to the title, “Take On Me” would be related to her medication, but I was enamored with the addition of Isabel, but don’t want to spoil even more than I already have.
I’m going to do my best to remember it all. I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. First of all, holy fecal matter. I love Diana. As someone with “spicy anxiety” (PTSD related) I REALLY felt that Diana was relatable. I wish I had as much success with medication as she did, but I’ll get there someday.
I have learned that Olivia’s Madison books start out chaotic. It really and truly puts you in the shoes of the character and as your frustrated and confused you get into their state of mind. Suddenly, without you fully realizing, things start to make sense and you are speeding through the book, fully invested in the characters and yearning for the ending.
Lou, clearly, is an awful friend. I really liked that most of the book was her cycling through the end of her friendship over and over. Di is clearly a very black and white person, but Lou was morally gray, and ghosting a lifelong friendship is clearly a gray area. The more she reminisces about her friendship with Lou we can see that Lou is toxic, narcissistic and clearly jealous of Di. I think Di finally starts to realize the tip of this giant toxic iceberg.
I enjoyed that most of the book is about Di, her mental health journey and the buildup/implosion of her friendship with Lou, with the romance aspects carefully woven in. Felix is a main character, but he’s second fiddle to the ghost of Lou and it WORKS. I loved that there isn’t a happy every after so to speak. Di and Felix are figuring themselves and their relationship (and partnership in the new boutique law firm!) but not everything is wrapped up nice, neat and tidy, just like real life.
Di deserves to know why Lou split, but she doesn’t get an answer, and neither do we, just the confirmation that we, the readers are correct, when her sister, brother-in-law and Felix all agree that she was toxic and awful. I liked that Claire and Adam (and the rest of the family) are still woven in, so we get snippets of their life after “Cruel to be Kind”.
I thought maybe the nod to the title, “Take On Me” would be related to her medication, but I was enamored with the addition of Isabel, but don’t want to spoil even more than I already have.
July 7, 2022
Ridiculously Witty and Romantic
I read Olivia Jacques's books in slow motion on purpose, so I can savor every bit. I was really looking forward to Diana's story after Book 1 and this installment of the Madisons did not disappoint! The perfect beach read. Excellent, clever writing with heart.
I read Olivia Jacques's books in slow motion on purpose, so I can savor every bit. I was really looking forward to Diana's story after Book 1 and this installment of the Madisons did not disappoint! The perfect beach read. Excellent, clever writing with heart.
January 6, 2026
Oh Di. You were somehow soooo incredibly relatable to me.
Loved everything about this book and the progress Diana makes along the way.
What I don’t like is that we never find out what happened with Lou. She was such a shitty friend, but I still want to know where she disappeared off to and WHYYYY.
But overall good book.
Loved everything about this book and the progress Diana makes along the way.
What I don’t like is that we never find out what happened with Lou. She was such a shitty friend, but I still want to know where she disappeared off to and WHYYYY.
But overall good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2022
*I got an ARC from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.*
This is my first book by Olivia, and I’m honestly surprised by the immense potential of her as a writer. It took me some time to get into the book (the first 30 percent of it didn’t captivate me enough), but then the story really took off.
I really liked the main character, Diana and the efforts she was putting in to take care of her mental health. I also appreciated that this book dealt with the concept of ‘broken friendships’ and not heartbreak in the usual, romantic sense. I loved seeing the main character come to terms with her broken friendship, and also appreciated the parts that showed how difficult it was for her to move on from this, and that too, so candidly. I also liked the dynamic between her and her therapist, and the honesty in their conversations. It was refreshing. Diana, herself, was refreshing as a character. I couldn’t relate to her most of the times, but I understood her. And that shows the author’s potential.
The reason I’m giving this 3 stars is because some things felt unresolved:
1. I wanted to see Diana appreciate her sister, Claire and finally acknowledge that she wasn’t always fair to her (not to herself, but to Claire because I felt she deserved that apology).
2. The slow-burn romance between her and Felix was so good, and I was waiting for them to get somewhere with their relationship, and I felt robbed towards the ending (🥲) I also really liked Isabel and Diana’s dynamics, and wanted to see more of it.
3. I also would’ve appreciated an Epilogue that could’ve given us some details on their business venture as well, and would’ve also appreciated the reveal behind the whole ‘merger scheme’ as it was discussed so many times in the book.
4. I also would’ve appreciated seeing something, some explanation or maybe an idea as to why Lou did what she did! I mean, yes, we gather that she wasn’t a very good friend, but why? Why did she start the friendship all those years back? I was very curious, because it came up a lot.
But overall, I really enjoyed the book. I liked a slightly different, not-so-peppy female MC, and I also really liked Felix’s character. Diana, as I said above, was absolutely refreshing! The story was paced well, and the side characters’ roles were doled out perfectly - not too little, and too much!
I’m really excited to see what Olivia writes next, and I would love to see if there are any further instalments in this series. Kudos to the author ✨
This is my first book by Olivia, and I’m honestly surprised by the immense potential of her as a writer. It took me some time to get into the book (the first 30 percent of it didn’t captivate me enough), but then the story really took off.
I really liked the main character, Diana and the efforts she was putting in to take care of her mental health. I also appreciated that this book dealt with the concept of ‘broken friendships’ and not heartbreak in the usual, romantic sense. I loved seeing the main character come to terms with her broken friendship, and also appreciated the parts that showed how difficult it was for her to move on from this, and that too, so candidly. I also liked the dynamic between her and her therapist, and the honesty in their conversations. It was refreshing. Diana, herself, was refreshing as a character. I couldn’t relate to her most of the times, but I understood her. And that shows the author’s potential.
The reason I’m giving this 3 stars is because some things felt unresolved:
1. I wanted to see Diana appreciate her sister, Claire and finally acknowledge that she wasn’t always fair to her (not to herself, but to Claire because I felt she deserved that apology).
2. The slow-burn romance between her and Felix was so good, and I was waiting for them to get somewhere with their relationship, and I felt robbed towards the ending (🥲) I also really liked Isabel and Diana’s dynamics, and wanted to see more of it.
3. I also would’ve appreciated an Epilogue that could’ve given us some details on their business venture as well, and would’ve also appreciated the reveal behind the whole ‘merger scheme’ as it was discussed so many times in the book.
4. I also would’ve appreciated seeing something, some explanation or maybe an idea as to why Lou did what she did! I mean, yes, we gather that she wasn’t a very good friend, but why? Why did she start the friendship all those years back? I was very curious, because it came up a lot.
But overall, I really enjoyed the book. I liked a slightly different, not-so-peppy female MC, and I also really liked Felix’s character. Diana, as I said above, was absolutely refreshing! The story was paced well, and the side characters’ roles were doled out perfectly - not too little, and too much!
I’m really excited to see what Olivia writes next, and I would love to see if there are any further instalments in this series. Kudos to the author ✨
April 11, 2025
I Was Distracted
I took forever to finish this one because it was so dry, I found myself bored and correcting the many spelling and grammar errors instead.
I took forever to finish this one because it was so dry, I found myself bored and correcting the many spelling and grammar errors instead.
October 19, 2024
I did not know much about this and only decided to pick up it because it has neurodivergence rep with the heroine, Diana (She has OCD and GAD). She is thirty three years old and is a partner - lawyer at a boutique firm. But the company has been bought over by a large corporate and she comes face to face with an old flame, Felix Cayo. Her family, the Madisons are an odd bunch and she is seen as the perfect one thought she talks alot in her head about how she is not and has to act like she is.
She also mentions openly that she takes anxiety medication which has been a big help to her. There is alot of rumination about how she does not get social cues and often struggles to be like most people.
I liked the anxiety rep and normalising of seeking therapy as well as medicine. The heroine's arc is long and messy but she ends up at a nice place by the end of the book (personally, professionally and romantically), I liked the focus on her as opposed to the romance.
I did not like how the author was trying to convince me to like the hero even though he was unlikeable because the heroine feels a "zing" for him. There were some grammar and spelling errors too. The flash backs were confusing because they felt random. The heroine keeps obsessing over why her best friend ghosted her when on reflection, her best friend does not seem like a real friend nor a good fit for her. The heroine tends to ramble but I did like her dry humour and matter of fact thoughts at times. Did anyone notice that the author typed O as "0" and 0 as "O"?
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, single father
She also mentions openly that she takes anxiety medication which has been a big help to her. There is alot of rumination about how she does not get social cues and often struggles to be like most people.
I liked the anxiety rep and normalising of seeking therapy as well as medicine. The heroine's arc is long and messy but she ends up at a nice place by the end of the book (personally, professionally and romantically), I liked the focus on her as opposed to the romance.
I did not like how the author was trying to convince me to like the hero even though he was unlikeable because the heroine feels a "zing" for him. There were some grammar and spelling errors too. The flash backs were confusing because they felt random. The heroine keeps obsessing over why her best friend ghosted her when on reflection, her best friend does not seem like a real friend nor a good fit for her. The heroine tends to ramble but I did like her dry humour and matter of fact thoughts at times. Did anyone notice that the author typed O as "0" and 0 as "O"?
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, single father
July 15, 2022
‘Cruel To Be Kind’ the first of ‘The Madisons’ series had been the most refreshing book I read this year. I was eagerly waiting for the sequel.
I love this writing style. Even though the past and present was being told simultaneously it didn’t feel chaotic. I need to say this again, both these books are so wonderfully well written. The thoughts of our protagonist are presented in such a manner that even if I do not directly relate to them it is very easy to understand the mental processes behind their actions.
Especially when describing the past, it is so well narrated that I can vividly see it all happening and also empathize with the feelings that come with looking back upon such memories. Even though I could gather that Louisa was not a good friend, something made me have faith in Diana’s belief of her. I really enjoyed the ‘Question’, ‘Evidence’ and ‘Answer’ part of these chapters.
I do think this book took a long time to craft everything to bring it to the climax point in the present time. No complaints on that but I wish there was more closure for Diana and Louisa, even though I understand that it might have been less realistic. The dynamics of her relationship with Felix from pre-law to present time was conveyed and handled flawlessly.
All in all, I enjoyed the writing, the plot entertained me and I adore the characters. I would without doubt recommend this book(series) to anyone looking for chick-lit drama with well written characters.
I love this writing style. Even though the past and present was being told simultaneously it didn’t feel chaotic. I need to say this again, both these books are so wonderfully well written. The thoughts of our protagonist are presented in such a manner that even if I do not directly relate to them it is very easy to understand the mental processes behind their actions.
Especially when describing the past, it is so well narrated that I can vividly see it all happening and also empathize with the feelings that come with looking back upon such memories. Even though I could gather that Louisa was not a good friend, something made me have faith in Diana’s belief of her. I really enjoyed the ‘Question’, ‘Evidence’ and ‘Answer’ part of these chapters.
I do think this book took a long time to craft everything to bring it to the climax point in the present time. No complaints on that but I wish there was more closure for Diana and Louisa, even though I understand that it might have been less realistic. The dynamics of her relationship with Felix from pre-law to present time was conveyed and handled flawlessly.
All in all, I enjoyed the writing, the plot entertained me and I adore the characters. I would without doubt recommend this book(series) to anyone looking for chick-lit drama with well written characters.
March 30, 2024
ARC Review ✨️
☆A fast-paced, easy to enjoy story☆
The writing in this book made the story flow seamlessly🖤🙌 I loved the relatable aspects and all of the emotions that came with reading this story!
☆A fast-paced, easy to enjoy story☆
The writing in this book made the story flow seamlessly🖤🙌 I loved the relatable aspects and all of the emotions that came with reading this story!
July 17, 2022
Olivia Jaques has done it again!!
In the first Madison book, she perfectly encapsulated the experiences and struggles of being the dreaded middle child, a chronic people pleaser, and highly emotional without knowing how to set boundaries. Claire was delightful and I felt so seen reading her story.
This second book follows her older sister Diana, the eldest, the perfect one. Struggling with OCD and a few other mental health issues, Di has worked incredibly hard to get through law school, make logical decisions, and still struggles with social cues
Having recently gotten in medication for my own OCD, which can be impossible to explain to people who don't have it, I felt SO SEEN reading about Di's struggles, getting her diagnosis, finding a good fit with a therapist, and getting onto meds.
This is such a lovely emotional story about a very real, relatable, flawed human trying to get by in life. And how easy it is to be misunderstood or have your struggles disregarded, even by those closest to you.
In the first Madison book, she perfectly encapsulated the experiences and struggles of being the dreaded middle child, a chronic people pleaser, and highly emotional without knowing how to set boundaries. Claire was delightful and I felt so seen reading her story.
This second book follows her older sister Diana, the eldest, the perfect one. Struggling with OCD and a few other mental health issues, Di has worked incredibly hard to get through law school, make logical decisions, and still struggles with social cues
Having recently gotten in medication for my own OCD, which can be impossible to explain to people who don't have it, I felt SO SEEN reading about Di's struggles, getting her diagnosis, finding a good fit with a therapist, and getting onto meds.
This is such a lovely emotional story about a very real, relatable, flawed human trying to get by in life. And how easy it is to be misunderstood or have your struggles disregarded, even by those closest to you.
June 26, 2022
Contrary to what everyone seems to think, being perfect takes a lot of work, and in Di's case, meds. She's not ashamed. Anything that helps her maintain control is a good thing.
Unfortunately, Di's grip on perfection has started to slip. First, she's ghosted by her BFF and she doesn't know why. The most significant relationship in her life, just gone, with no explanation. How could that happen? She's off her game. Then, to make matters worse, Di finds herself forced to work with Felix Cayo. He's irreverent, juvenile, and obnoxious, and he belongs in the past, even if he does stir something deep inside her, even if he does look like a bit like David Beckham...
This is a really enjoyable romance book I totally recommend I really want to read more books from Olivia m. Jacques now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a really enjoyable romance book I totally recommend I really want to read more books from Olivia m. Jacques now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2023
I loved the storyline and the little nuances of the main character, Di. I thought the writing from a neurodivergent main character was done splendidly. The character had depth & ran into common issues that happen to people in their 30’s. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Di’s thought process when she was answering a question or making a decision. Sweet story line with a sweet ending.
August 8, 2024
Loved the story, but.... I couldn't give it a full four stars because the EDITING is SO BAD!!!! There are SO many typos!! 😡
Just as I would lose myself in the story again, another error would take me right out of it again. Did anyone else notice this or is it just because I'm an English teacher?
(Note - did NOT notice this in book #1)
Just as I would lose myself in the story again, another error would take me right out of it again. Did anyone else notice this or is it just because I'm an English teacher?
(Note - did NOT notice this in book #1)
June 25, 2022
I loved this book! It was so good to read another int he Madison series! Diana's story is troubled and redeeming, the romance is sweet, and the workplace drama reminds me of The Hating Game.
May 8, 2024
This is book two of the Madison series but can be read as a standalone novel. If you are drawn to forced proximity enemies to love stories, this is the book for you. Jacque's drama is very well written with unique characters. The female lead, Diana, is neurodivergent, which in my vast reading experience I have never encountered. The author includes family dynamics into her storyline, as well as a friend gone rogue, which is awesomely done. Diana also encounters an old boyfriend and the story begins. Again, well written and kudos to the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2025
This was not a story I expected. It was very different and very reflective of a lawyer and a neurodivergent person. I am so glad that Diana and Felix found their way back and learned about their misunderstandings. This was a good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2023
Captivating, page-turner, witty and swoon worthy!
Can I also mention that I love enemies to Lovers?!
A fantastic read by an amazing author!
Can I also mention that I love enemies to Lovers?!
A fantastic read by an amazing author!
Read
June 23, 2024That was a hot mess.
August 16, 2024
'Acceptance doesn't mean the hurt dissolves.' (p. 419)
August 13, 2024
I liked this one just a teeny bit less than Cruel to be Kind because I found Diana Madison a little harder to relate to than younger sister Claire. Still, by the end I really loved her. This is a light romance that is more about relationships in general and especially friendships, but I loved that. It can be so hard to maintain adult friendships once people’s life circumstances diverge with children and jobs and such so that was very realistic. I am very excited to read more from this author. The books are available on Amazon rather than in the shops. I got a really nice paperback.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews