I was really excited for this book based on the blurb, but I just couldn’t get into it. The first chapter was so long and clunky and not what I was expecting. I did not like the characters. I skipped to the smut parts and they were smutty. Not really my thing I did have the DNF.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing the ARC.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately I felt like there were too many issues for me to look past.

The pacing for this book is wildly inconsistent. You start the book kind of getting thrown into Adriana's backstory. There's a business deal gone south, although it is not explained right off the bat. You don't have a lot of time to get to know Adriana and her brother before you're already enmeshed in her meeting Andrew. And before the end of the first chapter, she has already agreed to travel to a foreign country with the man she just met. Conversely, the rest of the book drags on and it feels like an absolute slog to get through the story.

Adriana and Andrew are two very different characters that seem to go together about as well as oil and water. I was never sold on their love story and their interactions seemed forced. It didn't help that Adriana came across as very immature for her age, which, when offset by Andrew's rigidity, did not paint her in a good light. Andrew was also incredibly uptight, and he reads as boring and stiff. These two together don't make a convincing couple.

Overall, some people will like the adventure romance in this book, but I had a hard time with the pacing and the characters to really enjoy it.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This was a fun one! I loved the adventure, treasure hunt, exotic places, the sibling relationships, and the romance. Indiana Jones fans will enjoy this one.

3 stars for Digging Dr. Jones! This was a cute little adventure romcom that was well paced and very enjoyable. While I never really clicked with the main character I enjoyed her portrayal and character arc enough that it made the romance cute. I personally was not a fan of the brother as a side character, I felt he didn't add much to the plot but I did really dig Dr. Jones. He was well written, thoughtful and just a handsome hunk. I think this is a really solid debut and I look forward to seeing what else this author writes!

It’s a bit cutesy and slightly cheesy in style, which isn’t always for me, but it was also a fun and easy romance with a bit of heart and humor to it… so just depends on what you’re in the mood for.

I enjoyed the quest across various South American locales complete with sweltering and green atmosphere. The search for clues and ancient treasure drove this story at a steady and engaging pace. The (somewhat) opposites attract romance eventually paid off after some real conversations but Adriana’s constant up and down mental fixation on Andrew grew tiresome. And, possibly just not my interests, Adriana’s business venture sounded boring and not particularly lucrative. So hearing about it multiple times felt uninspiring and so at odds with the high stakes adventure they were currently in.

As for secondary characters, William was both fun and frustrating. He really did feel like an awkward third wheel at times and I thought he would exit the story at some point. But he also helped maintain the upbeat vibe of the book and added some key cheesy moments (again, if that’s your sort of romance, you’ll love it).

The ending is a lot of fun. The whole story builds to the action filled conclusion and eventually a decent, if idealistic, happily ever after. I’d still call it solid summer read, perfect for vacations in hot locations.

When Adriana Jones takes a package that was meant for Dr. Andrew Jones by mistake she doesn't expect to have an ancient bracelet on her wrist that can open an ancient treasure which she can't take off no matter how much she tries.

The quiet vacation she was having with her brother to help her recuperate after her business ended before it even begun is about to take a whole different turn while they are following Andrew in the search of a treasure while the bad guys are hot in their tail.

This book was so much fun, I enjoy the treasure hunt and all the the shenanigans they got into. The characters were all to the point, a great mix of good and bad.

And of course the romance was incredible! I love how the slow burn brought all the heat which I didn't expected but loved all for the more for it.

Adriana and Andrew were perfect together, I loved how they connected and completed each other, they worked so beautiful as a team and it was a true joy to follow their journey.



* I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

When I read the first chapter, I almost didn’t want to continue the book. I felt that Jackson’s writing style left me feeling like I was reading a stereotypical romance book filled with cliche after cliche. However, once I took a step back and actually let myself take off my critical lenses, I had a phenomenal time reading this adventure filled book! With her short chapters that leave on a cliffhanger to the playlist at the beginning, I became enamored in Adriana and Andrew’s world! I loved their banter, tension, and open communication once they finally admitted their feelings and began to explore their relationship! They both made each other more confident in themselves and with one another. There were times I felt like I was Andrew saying, “DONT YOU SEE ALL THE GOOD QUALITIES YOU POSSESS?” to Adriana because I, too, wanted her to see how amazing she is. She’s so fixated on the mistakes of her past that it took her while to come around to their relationship that it was so frustrating at times — But then I remember I have to step back and think about myself and how dating and being vulnerable with men is terrifying but can also be wonderful, so I get it. Jackson did a beautiful job of showing how wonderful a relationship can be with the right person. I’m so glad Adriana and Andrew stayed together and that there wasn’t a third act breakup!! (I also will tell you that this is a semi-slow burn: once they do get together, they are bountifully hot and heavy!)

Along with their blossoming romance, the adventure in Colombia was a phenomenally, fast-paced, action packed adventure! You want to root for them to find the treasure before Richard and his crew. It was so thrilling from beginning to end. I most certainly recommend this to be your next summer read! I can’t wait for it to be officially released on May 2nd!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC! ✨

Digging Dr Jones by Olivia Jackson
4🌟🌟🌟🌟
3🌶🌶🌶

An Indiana Jones inspired adventure romcom? Sign me up! I loved this story! The main characters are ridiculously funny, and while it felt a bit "insta-love," it still kept me entertained. Their meet cute was absolutely hilarious if a bit disastrous, but that made it memorable! Once the spice starts in the book, it definitely stays spicy as well! I usually give a more detailed review, but I don't want to spoil any of this hilariously amazing ride!

Thank you to Netgalley free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Unfortunately, I have chosen to DNF this book at 33%. I simply kept forgetting I was reading it, it didn't have the suspense to keep me wanting to read another chapter. The FMC felt a bit too flightly and silly for my taste. I also just couldn't get past the fact that within pages of the start of the book, she had agreed to go immediately to Columbia with an entire stranger she had just met. There were so many red flags going up in my mind, that it immediately disconnected me from the characters. At 33% we were still repeating some of the same formula - travel, explore, hotel, travel explore hotel. I wished that we had possibly removed some of this but spent more time developing the connections and the plot BEFORE she got on a sketchy plane with someone she met less than 24 hours earlier.

I had high hopes for this book, because I like many others watched the Mummy growing up and got ideas of epic adventures in archaeology and love, but this was not that. It lacked the yearning build up to love and sort of felt like just an oh this guy is here, now I love him. The writing is good, but the plot just needed more planning and development.

What a fun take on an archeologist's adventure. The characters are so lovable, funny, and relatable. The setting is so well described and immersive. The plot that is both unbelievable and captivating kept me clicking through the pages faster and faster. Definitely something to recommend to my fellow readers.

✨ Spicy Adventure Rom-Com
✨ 30s MCs
✨ Opposites Attract
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Fish Out of Water
✨ Vacation Romance
✨ Slow Burn
✨ LGBTQ Rep
✨ Perfect for fans of Indiana Jones and The Lost City

4.5 ⭐/ 3 🌶

I was straight vibing with this treasure seeking, adventure rom-com. If you're a fan of Indiana Jones or any treasure-seeking movies/books, then you'll greatly enjoy this one! Adriana Jones is on vacation in Costa Rica when she receives a mysterious bracelet to her hotel room. Only to find out that the bracelet was not intended for her, but Dr. Andrew Jones instead. A tiny problem...she can't get the bracelet off. She agrees to go to Colombia with Dr. Jones (with her brother in tow) as the bracelet is a key part to finding a long-lost treasure.

I was cackling through out this book! Adriana's inner monologue, her banter with her brother, and her brother overall, had me in stitches. Was it somewhat cheesy at times? Yes, but I love cheesy humor and dad jokes! I loved that all the characters in this book were in their 30s and relatable. Adriana is going through a hard time and on vacation to take her mind off of life. Queue the irresistible and utterly gorgeous Dr. Andrew Jones as a welcome distraction, despite the whole tromping through the jungle aspect. Their relationship is a slow burn but is straight spicy when it gets there! I also greatly enjoyed the historical aspect of the story and the puzzles they had to solve while seeking out the long lost treasure. Indiana Jones would be proud of them.

Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK/ One More Chapter for the advanced copy! 🖤

Adriana Jones is on vacation and unexpectedly receives a bracelet that was meant for Andrew Jones, who is on an expedition to find a lost treasure. Of course, he needs the bracelet so Adriana is "forced" to tag along for the adventure. What could go wrong?

Well, a lot, actually... If you were looking for a spicy romantic adventure, Digging Dr. Jones definitely elevated the spice level, but for me, it was a bit too much. I get there being romance and steaminess, but this was not very romantic, almost as if the lead characters' encounters seemed forced. The sex scenes were way over illustrated, and I found myself skipping over them. Adriana has family issues, specifically with her father, and most of the book centered on her lamenting about said issues.. Other supporting characters felt forced, as well, as if they were there just to fill a quota.

I love adventure books and movies, but I could not picture this unfolding on a big screen. It would not be something I would pay to see.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Digging Dr. Jones by Olivia Jackson is a fun and spicy romcom with a classic adventure twist. Adriana Jones accidentally gets her hands on a magical bracelet meant for archaeologist Andrew Jones, leading them on a wild journey through jungles in search of lost treasure. The chemistry between the leads is playful and flirty, and the humorous banter adds to the charm. The adventure vibe reminded me of The Mummy and Indiana Jones, with a mix of romance and lighthearted action. Though the characters, especially Adriana and Andrew, felt a bit underdeveloped at times, the story is still enjoyable and full of fun moments. Adriana’s brother, William, plays a key role in keeping the plot moving and adds some extra humor. Overall, it's an entertaining, escapist read—perfect for anyone looking for adventure, romance, and a little bit of cheesy fun.

Digging Dr Jones follows a classic adventure premise - a priceless artifact that's the key to a massive secret treasure ends up in the hands of a beautiful woman (Adriana) instead of the handsome archeologist (Andrew). As a result, the two must work together to find the treasure before the other evil archeologist beats them there. Along for the ride is Adriana's brother and his 12 step skincare routine. The story felt very reminiscent of The Mummy Returns, which is one of my favorite movies for romance adventure, but beyond that it felt a bit flat. I think the writing style wasn't for me. I didn't care for Adriana as a person, and Andrew's personality felt a bit forced. I think one of the things that bothered me were the references to Atlanta. Adriana lives in Roswell, a suburb outside of Atlanta, and when she tells Andrew about coming to visit her she says she wants to take him to her favorite places - Savannah (4 hours south of Atlanta) and the Biltmore Estates (4 hours north of Atlanta in another state). I know Atlanta doesn't exactly have archeological finds that Andrew might find interesting, but we can't even go to Sweetwater Creek or Panola?
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review, 2.5 stars

3.5 Stars

Digging Dr. Jones is a fun, easy adventure romance with big Indiana Jones / National Treasure vibes — but way spicier and funnier. It follows Adriana Jones, who accidentally opens a package meant for the very attractive (and mildly grumpy) archaeologist Dr. Andrew Jones. Inside? A mysterious bracelet. Naturally, she tries it on (because honestly, who wouldn’t?), and naturally, it won’t come off. Turns out it’s a key to a long-lost treasure, and now she’s stuck — with the bracelet and the hot professor — on a treasure hunt through the Colombian jungle.

The setting was great: hot weather, tropical plants, and just enough shady caves to make you wonder if you should have stayed home. I loved the sense of adventure, even though treasure-hunting stories aren’t usually my thing. This one leaned pretty hard into the romance (with plenty of spice), but honestly, the sibling dynamic between Adriana and her brother William ended up being my favourite part.

The plot’s easy to follow, and even though the bad guys were a little flat, it didn’t really bother me. This book just delivers on the vibes it promises: fun, steamy, adventurous.

Thank you to Olivia Jackson, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was such a fun, chaotic adventure! Told through a wildly entertaining first-person perspective, it’s full of hilarious moments (one standout line: “the dildo of consequences rarely arrived lubed”) that had me laughing out loud. I absolutely loved Andrew, he’s a giant walking green flag who says the sweetest things. Their chemistry, especially with the forced proximity trope (hello cozy hotel room clue-hunting scenes!), was adorable and kept me hooked.

Is it archeologically accurate? Not really. Is it packed with clichés and a bit cheesy? Definitely. But honestly, I didn’t mind. I came for the vibes, the laughs, and the romance, and it delivered exactly that.

I’d recommend this book to romance lovers who aren’t bothered by historical or archeological accuracy and are looking for a swoony, green-flag MMC, chaotic energy, and a good time.

After reading the book and the other reviews, the one person who did not get enough recognition as super important to the story is the brother, William. The whole story centers around him breathing live back into his sister who is down on her luck and kinda down with men. After some confusion between Ms Jones and Dr Jones, William once again intervenes to throw the three into an adventure. I remember a line about the linchpin being crucial to a team and for me William was that linchpin holding the story together. Was it not for his cleverness, the adventure would have never gotten off the ground. The humor the not so meet cute and the magical bracelet add levity to the adventure of transpiring around the world. The obvious parallel is Indiana Jones but I see a bit more of a Lara Croft or Romancing the Stone or maybe even Relic Hunter in the story. However, the story may draw that parallel but the author made it all her own mixing a small burn romance and spice into an adventure that leads our team into the jungles hunting treasure. The story allows the "Joneses" to find more than they were looking for. The adventure helped Adriana find her faith and her life and her dream again including the requisite hot guy. The "magical" bracelet added that little touch of the paranormal that works so well in the movies (shows) above. Writing about something familiar but making it all your own is the mark of a good story. This book was good fun and the perfect book when you simply want to unplug and laugh.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this ARC

A fun and adventurous romance full of jungles, tombs and priceless artefacts. I enjoyed the treasure hunt element in this, with clues hidden in different places which had the characters testing their mettle once or twice! The relationship between Adriana and Andrew doesn't begin smoothly, and though I wouldn't say they're enemies, there's certainly some tension there. It was great to see how their relationship changed through the story as the pair get to know one another. It's a bit of a slow burn, but just the right amount.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

After a name mixup, an ancient bracelet is delivered to Adriana Jones instead of Dr. Andrew Jones when they’re staying at the same resort. Adriana puts on the bracelet, and when the name mixup is revealed and she tries to give it back, she finds that she can’t remove it. Andrew convinces Adriana (by way of paying her) to come with him to Colombia where the bracelet will serve as a key to finding a lost treasure that Andrew hopes to secure for a museum. Naturally, their trip is not as simple as they’d hoped, and the two end up spending far more time together than planned. They, of course, fall for each other in this forced proximity, adventure romance.

While I really enjoyed parts of this book, there were others that I didn’t quite love. The insertion of fake dictionary entries, which seemed kind of random since they were not frequent enough or consistently placed enough to feel like a real part of the writing style, did not really work for me. I also found Adriana to be a bit shallow, seeming to fall for Andrew mostly because he’s hot. I did have fun reading Digging Dr. Jones, and is great for fans of romance that involves adventure and a bit of mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter for the ARC!