If you have a love for summer reality TV, this book capture the quirky, eyebrow raising, and heartwarming antics of watching one. It was such a fun read from start to finish and if you are a fan of books with hilarious moments, lovable side characters, and romance-you need to pick this up!

A good read overall, but one star deducted for lack of full closure. I feel like an epilogue is needed. How do they resolve their location situation? How do they integrate their lives? Do they both move to the Lehigh Valley PA and then commute to Philly and NYC (yes, LOADS of people do that)? I need answers!

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘊𝘰-𝘰𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

could change her life. At first, her eyes are on the money, which will help her get her life back on track after a fiasco with her broken-down food truck. She doesn't anticipate the people she meets while on the show, especially Wes, who has her wondering if maybe she's not just here for the money.

After Emmy's life fell apart, she and her friend drunkenly submitted an application for BWLA. After getting picked, she ends up on the show and enjoys her time spent in paradise, away from the reality of her life at home. We were able to connect to the other contestants and hear their stories. I liked how we saw the characters progress through the show and how the experience changed their lives. I love the found family trope presented in this book but you'll definitely have to read this book for yourself to understand which characters I love more than others.

When Emmy and Wes first meet, they feel like they have a connection right away but in the beginning, they don't get many chances to be together. I think that the concept of this book was great but the execution fell a little flat for me. Their relationship felt very pushed and didn't feel natural to me. It was definitely a slow burn with little moments building up.

A year ago, Emmy got ditched at the altar which ruined her life. All her friends and his friends took his side which left Emmy to feel alone and heartbroken. Everyone around her was telling her that she was not a victim in the situation. We didn't get to see Emmy's parents much but she described them as unhappy with her. I think it would have added more if we got to see her parents' reaction after the show.

What a cute read! I'm not really someone who watches reality shows, but Keyes does such a fantastic job bringing the characters to life, and does a phenomenal job showcasing the protagonist - Emmy's - personal development through the course of the story, that now I'm questioning my own decisions in television viewing. It's impossible to not get swept up by the story, the lovely cast of characters, and the Big Wild Love Adventure itself.

The only thing I had wished we had seen more of was the development of Emmy's romance throughout the course of the show experience. Keyes does such an amazing job bringing the show to life, as well as showcasing the friendships that Emmy develops that I found the romantic buildup to fall a little flat.

Overall, I would highly recommend this title for those looking for a cute summer / vacation read!

Absolutely adored this read. As someone who loves the bachelor and other reality garb like naked and afraid, this book covered all my bases.

I really enjoyed the FMC, her story and her incredible perseverance with anything thrown at her.
All the side characters were also very cute, each with their own personality. Each character really helped breathe a lot of life into this book.

This story was more fluff than it was spice, and frankly, with the plot and games being so interesting and who the main character is, I didn’t feel like I was craving it.

Overall Big Wild Love Adventure was witty, well rounded and had great details. The plot twist kept me on my toes. I felt as if I was in the jungle playing along with the cast. Will be recommending this to all of my bookish friends!

I don’t read many reality show themed books but I thought this storyline was very unique, a big wild love adventure.

And with that being said, this book was more about Emmy. Emmy escaping her reality by going onto this reality show to find herself again, learning how to laugh and smile again after the year she’s had.

During the first half of the book, you could kind of feel Wes and Emmy’s chemistry but with other contestants on the show and this book being written in Emmy’s POV, you couldn’t really tell what Wes intentions were until almost halfway through the book. Their first real kiss also didn’t happen until the 45% mark.

Although this book was good and enjoyable, I personally felt like there wasn’t enough romance in the book. I was so focused on the show and Emmy that in the end I couldn’t really feel her and Wes’s connection.

I do love the friendships Emmy has found on the show. I also ended up loving Tad and I can’t wait for his book.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC for my honest review.

Big Wild Love Adventure by Julianna Keyes is a spirited, humorous, and heartwarming novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and unexpected romance. Emmy Shaw, the protagonist, finds herself at the lowest point in her life after being ditched at the altar. Her heart is as broken as her food truck, and she’s grappling with debt, eviction, and a tarnished reputation. In a desperate and slightly inebriated bid for a fresh start, she applies for a new dating-adventure reality show, never imagining she would be selected.

The novel kicks off with Emmy’s arrival in a remote jungle, clad only in a bathing suit and carrying a backpack. Her immediate regret and apprehension about joining the show are palpable, making for a relatable and engaging beginning. Keyes masterfully combines humor with the gravity of Emmy's situation, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

As Emmy meets her fellow cast members, including the enigmatic and attractive Wes, the dynamics of the reality show start to unfold. Wes’s character adds an intriguing layer to the story, serving as both a romantic interest and a catalyst for Emmy's personal growth. The chemistry between Emmy and Wes is electric, and their flirtation provides a delightful counterpoint to the physical and emotional challenges of the jungle.

The adventure aspect of the novel is well-executed, with cave treks, jungle hikes, and impromptu talent shows that keep the pace lively and the reader engaged. These activities are not just plot devices but integral to Emmy's transformation. Each challenge she faces in the jungle mirrors her internal struggles, and her gradual rebuilding of confidence is both believable and inspiring.

Keyes excels in depicting Emmy’s growth. The jungle, initially a symbol of her escapism, becomes the backdrop for her journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. The show's premise forces Emmy to confront her fears and insecurities head-on, and her evolution from a heartbroken and insecure woman to someone who can embrace her flaws and strengths is deeply satisfying.

The supporting cast members are also well-drawn, adding depth and diversity to the narrative. Their interactions with Emmy, along with the reality show format, create a dynamic and often hilarious ensemble story. The camaraderie, rivalries, and unexpected friendships that develop among the contestants add richness to the novel.

Big Wild Love Adventure is more than just a romance or a comedy; it’s a story about finding oneself in the most unexpected places. Julianna Keyes has crafted a novel that is both funny and heartfelt, filled with moments of introspection, joy, and genuine connection. Emmy’s story is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the wildest adventures lead us to exactly where we need to be.

For readers looking for a blend of humor, romance, and personal growth set against an adventurous backdrop, Big Wild Love Adventure is a perfect pick. Keyes’s witty writing, relatable characters, and engaging plot make this novel a thoroughly enjoyable read that will leave you rooting for Emmy and believing in the transformative power of adventure and love.

After being ditched at the altar, Emmy Shaw’s heart, like her dented food truck, is definitely not open for business. Deeply in debt to her parents and evicted from her apartment, she takes a friend’s drunken dare and fills out an application for a new dating-adventure reality show. She never expects to be chosen—or to get a chance at the show’s huge cash prize, which could put her life back on track.

But when she’s abandoned in the middle of the jungle two months later wearing only a bathing suit and a backpack, she questions if being on the show might be even worse than the #emmytrashtruck hate brigade she left back home. Then she meets her fellow cast members—including sexy, inscrutable Wes—and starts to reconsider, wondering if maybe money’s not all she stands to gain from this experience.

Fun beach read! I love reality TV dating shows and I'm a long-time Survivor fan, so this was totally up my alley. These tropes don't always translate well into romance novels, but this author did a wonderful job. There was so much going on here that I didn't even miss the lack of spicy scenes. I enjoyed watching the romance grow. Tons of places that had me snorting to myself or outright laughing. Definitely would recommend this for the summer!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

So, this was fun. Not even going to lie- I was lured in by the promise of reality show adventure and romance. While I’m not one to watch reality shows on television, I do love me some reality show shenanigans in my romance.

Emmy Shaw is a food truck baker who has fallen on hard times, and that is before she wrecks her food truck, gets lambasted on social media for failing to provide baked goods to an influencer’s wedding, and ends up sleeping in her parents’ basement. After a drunken night with her assistant laughing and filling out applications for a dating reality show, she’s shocked to find out she has been accepted as a contestant on Big Wild Love Adventure. She’s not in it to find love though, she needs the prize money to get back on her feet financially.

And that starts the adventure of a lifetime where she’ll meet lifelong friends, rediscover herself, and maybe, just maybe fall in love.

This was a quick, easy read. Low stakes, fun challenges, a group of contestants that turn out to be friends, and a sweet romance. If you are looking for super angsty drama, this book isn’t for you. It’s not hot and heavy, there is only one closed door love scene, but the romance is delightful. It’s easy to root for Emmy, she’s kind and thoughtful with a dry, sarcastic sense of humor that shines through even in trying circumstances. I really enjoyed her relationships with the other contestants, and that they all quickly and easily formed this friends’ group that supported and encouraged each other.

The romance is quiet, yet you feel her and Wes’s chemistry. There is a HFN ending, and I was satisfied with the way this author left this couple. This is the perfect summer beach read. If you are looking for something quick, fun this maybe just what you need.

"Big Wild Love Adventure" by Julianna Keyes is an engaging romantic comedy that combines reality TV excitement with heartfelt moments. The story follows Emmy, who joins a reality show to win money and change her chaotic life, and Wes, a brooding thinker. The characters are well-crafted, and the challenges they face are entertaining and over-the-top. Though the writing has its rough patches, the book is a delightful escape full of humor and romance. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Julianna Keyes' "Big Wild Love Adventure" is a wonderful, touching romantic story. The plot chronicles the journey of a group of individuals on an adventure mission, where they find love and self-discovery. Keyes' writing is interesting and humorous, making for an entertaining read. The characters are well-developed and approachable, and the plot is both enjoyable and emotionally gratifying. If you want to read a light and uplifting romance, this is the book for you.

What a wild, big, lovely adventure this book was!
It’s been on my radar and I was fortunate enough to receive a copy from Netgalley and Victory Editing.

This book satisfied my reality tv loving heart and the premise of the show translated well into this novel.

I laughed, I cried, I giggled and I sighed!
I loved Emmy, whose life was a dumpster fire and she used going on this show to reset and win some money to fix her financial woes.
Wes was a silent broody over thinker and I loved him too.
I needed a bit more sexy time between them I think.

Tad was the highlight! I loved that character haha

This is truly a rom com that had me laughing!

Such a fun read! It's Love Island meets Amazing Race. When Emmy takes a friend's dare, she turns in her application to be part of a new reality show Big Wild Love Adventure. She quickly finds herself + many others in the middle of the jungle competing to find love and win $250,000.00.

I loved the mc Emmy and how she was true to herself throughout the game. The challenges were silly and over the top - exactly what you would expect on a reality love game show. The rest of the participants were fun too. I love Tad and how we got to see snippets of his character come out.

Thank you to NetGalley, Julianna Keyes and Victory Editing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book is FUN! So much fun, basically my secret love of Reality TV dating shows like the Bachelor, Farmer wants a Wife, Married at First Sight and many others was satisfied while reading this delightful book.

Wes & Emmy are great lead characters and the story that Julianna Keyes has written is fabulous.

Love, laugh, and all of the drama! WE LOVE DRAMA!

Read this book!

Sure, the writing isn't always smooth, and the dialogue sometimes feel like they're trying too hard. But, the story's got heart, and it's nice to mix it up a little bit with game show.

The characters feel real, flaws and all, and their journey is sweet to follow along with, even if the writing occasionally trips over itself and you know where the story is going.

So yeah, this might not win any literary awards for its prose, but it's nice and a fun, easy sweet read. If you're in the mood for a feel-good romance that doesn't take itself too seriously, give this one a shot. It may not be perfect, but it's not a bad way to spend an afternoon!

Julianna Keyes is a great writer and you feel like you are watching a reality show while reading. Big Wild Love Adventure is just that, and adventurous reality show with some wild characters. I read this in one day and would recommend it to all by friends.
While I did enjoy this book, it is not for my students. I also found that I enjoyed all of the other characters more than the MC's.

Thank you netgalley for an arc of Big Wild Love Adventure by Julianna Keyes

I watch Survivor and am a fan of reality game shows. This book combined that love with self-discovery and I thought it was a hopeful story. I liked Keyes style of writing. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is such a fun, summer read! It truly is a rom-com, in that I laughed out loud several times throughout the story. However, there were also deeper moments of Emmy finding herself and the building romance between Emmy and Wes was enjoyable as well. I enjoy shows like Bachelor, so I loved the Reality TV show aspect, and I thought the author did a great job of building that show for her story, without it sounding exactly like a reality tv show that’s already out there. It’s definitely one I would watch! Overall, I loved this story, and hope to read more of Julianna Keyes’ books in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A quick and fun romance filled with crazy TV antics, awesomely wild adventures, and of course, love. After a disaster of a year, Emmy is the owner of a totaled food truck, a mattress on the floor in her parents' laundry room, and some not so great online PR #EmmyTrashTruck. When her assistant shows up with a bottle of sambuca and a reality TV application, Emmy soon finds herself a contestant on Big Wild Love Adventure, a new reality TV dating-adventure (think Survivor meets Are You the One?). Over the coming weeks, Emmy and her fellow contestants will battle it out to win cash prizes and maybe even a shot at love.

First off, Julianna Keyes perfectly captured the truly insane nature of adventure and dating reality shows, and I could absolutely see someone pitching BWLA. Although it took a bit for me to really develop any feelings towards the other contestants, I was impressed by how invested I was in the outcome each "week." The relationship/dating aspect of the story was entertaining, but I also love that Emmy never forgot why she was really there - to fund her dreams. Overall, a delightful read, perfect for the summer!

Honestly. Holy moly I loved this book. Down on your luck girl. Chance of a lifetime. Bachelor in paradise meets amazing race meets survivor. It was a wild ride. Emmy was a fantastic lead and broke my heart. Debated how I felt about Wes for a bit but I will say Tad Forever. It was incredible to watch someone down on her luck find a found family. That is sort of a fantastic trope and worth its weight in gold.