This book was adorable! I loved it so much. was a quick, easy read, without the writing style or plot feeling basic. The romance wasn't immediate (which I appreciate), and the build-up was well-paced and really sweet. This was such a cute, fun read! I would recommend this to a friend.

And thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an early copy of this book!!

Is it for FANS of Indiana Jones, the Mummy, Romancing the Stone, Uncharted, or any other adventure film with a splash of romance? No. If you're a sunday enjoyer of these, then maybe?

At first, I thought it would be five stars - easy. The premise sounded nice, the cover looked not bad, there's not much that can go wrong with the idea. Then I began reading it, and had to adjust my expectations. 3 stars sounded fair. It has its "faults", but I'm still picking it up. It can't be that bad, but it could, and it was.

Adriana
At first, she was whatever, but as the story progressed, I liked her less and less. Her personality was being a failure, having daddy issues (which were brought up way to many times), and being poor. And women and women crimes in the last 25% of the book? Honestly, I couldn't see what made Andrew fall for her. Wasn't sold on the romance at all, but more about it later.

Andrew
He's got no personality. If your standards for book men are just him being hot, having a big cock, and being obsessed with the fmc for no apparent reason, then you're going to like him. Me, personally, I like my men with a personality.

Romance
I wasn't sold on it. Before they got together we got some "quirky" sexy moments which to me seemed forced. Author was trying too hard and it showed and it spoilt it for me altogether. And I mean here stuff like, if you have to crawl through a tunnel and there's human bones, you don't accidentally straddle it. Any normal person would either push the bones to the side or crawl around it. Do you get what i'm saying?

Then let's discuss smut. We've got four or five scenes, which all were kinda average (at best)? It was described in a very methodical way, no passion, no emotion. I almost fell asleep. And don't get me wrong. I love smut in my books, but it gotta be good. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. And it really wasn't.

William
He's Adriana's gay brother. Idk he was portrayed in a very stereotypical way that was 9/10 times there just to say stuff like "yess queen slay" and "go fuck him (Andrew)" and to supply condoms for the main couple. Atp, if his character was given a proper shot, his plotline would be more interesting to read about. Not by a long shot, but he's got more chemistry with brandon, than andrew with adriana.

The adventure plot was interesting in the beginning, but the more I read, the fewer fucks I gave. Maybe it would benefit the story if they spent less time in hotels and more exploring.

British vs American English
It's established early on that Andrew is British, but honestly I quickly forgot about it. And at random points, he'd say words like: bloody, or loo, or knickers that would take me out of the story. The distinction between the two is more than just few random words, and it's more than just a few words here and there, so I consider this element failed.

Ryan Raynolds jumpscare - what are we doing in 2025 putting him in our books as the pinnacle of male attractiveness. I suppose it's not too late to change it, at least to a different Ryan.

Product placement, I see you apple watch and iphones.

But overall, it was easy and quick to read, and it didn't drag on too much. But maybe lower your expectations a few points.

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC!

"I don't know what third base means but I hope it means sex."

Can we first take a moment to appreciate this gorgeous cover for Digging Dr Jones by Olivia Jackson. Just stunning. Andrew is hot!

This was a very fun and escapist adventure rom com! I enjoyed the fast paced action and the banter, with some really top notch spice. Andrew was the archeology professor everyone would have a crush on. But Adriana's brother, William, was my favourite character. He was just hilarious. Loved the sibling banter between him and Adriana.

I went into this book expecting the kind of lightness that The Lost City has and wasn't disappointed (& also ended up rewatching The Lost City as a result the other night).

If you enjoy romance, comedy, action, adventure mashed up together in a smile and laugh out loud inducing story, this one's for you!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an eARC.

As someone who grew up watching "The Mummy", "Relic Hunter" and movies about Indiana Jones, "Digging Dr Jones" immediately caught my attention. This being said, my expectations might’ve been set too high. And because it’s a romcom, I probably hoped for something like Emily Henry’s “People We Meet on Vacation”, but it was more of “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” which unfortunately didn’t hit the mark for me.

We follow Indiana, my apologies, Adriana Jones, who’s staying in a fancy resort with her brother, William, where a simple clerical error changes their lives forever and for the better. It’s a lighthearted story full of adventures, romance and your favourite clichés! It’s a story about two people who lost their faith in humanity and gave up any hope on finding true love. The relationship between Andrew and Adriana is the spotlight of the story. Everything that occurred in the book served the purpose of them ending up together.

This book was trying to follow “The Mummy” (1999) example, but it didn’t quite succeed. Why is that? Let’s dig into that (pun intended). Rick O'Connell is brave and loyal, but his tongue and sense of humour often gets him in trouble. Evelyn Carnahan is intelligent, but very stubborn, a true lady, but a very clumsy one.

On the other hand, Adriana Jones is immature, a little whiny and a tiny bit annoying. She’s not a bad person, but if you ask me what are her good qualities I would struggle to answer and that says something. Her attention and desire for Andrew, especially in the first part of the book, made me a bit uncomfortable. It felt as an obsession. I understand he’s a catch, but girl, keep your hands to yourself.

Andrew Jones is great. Andrew is amazing. Andrew is too damn good. He’s perfect. I just couldn’t picture a guy like that. He had scars and that supposed to make him less attractive, but in fact made the heroine fall harder. And occasionally inserting words like “twat”, “bullocks” and “bloody asshole” don’t make one British, the whole book was full of American colloquialisms.

With romantic comedies the characters are often someone you can relate to, and although we know it’s a book or a movie, but on the back of our minds we think “what if”, “what there’s such a person somewhere waiting for me”. With “Digging Dr Jones” there is no “what if”, it’s a pure fiction. And I’m saying this with the utmost respect to the author. Because maybe it was intended, maybe she wanted to create that perfect guy image. And that’s fine, but it’s just not for me.

What I was trying to say is that it's hard to cheer for characters with zero real flaws. Even the heroine’s background felt so distant and unrealistic that I found it difficult to believe and care.

Anywho, I’m sure this book will do well, I keep seeing it popping up here and there and the majority of the readers seem to like it. The book has a few pop culture references to break the fourth wall and to connect with readers on a deeper level.

If a synopsis of this book sounds like something you’d enjoy, if you want a Colombian romantic getaway, and you’re up for a lighthearted, relaxing, adventurous book with some spice in it, check it out on May 2, 2025 💐

P.S.
Why is it necessary to specify that the heroine is using an “IPhone” or an “iPad” and she's going to the “App Store” to download “Photoshop”? I found these details irrelevant and a bit distracting. In the Epilogue, by the way, we’re suddenly back to calling it a “phone”.

Digging Dr. Jones is a fast-paced, outlandish adventure that blends archaeology, romance, and humor into one thrilling read. When an archaeologist stumbles upon a woman on vacation, chaos—and chemistry—ensue. With secret treasure, a chase through the Colombian jungle, and plenty of spice, this book delivers on action and romance in equal measure.

Loosley inspired by Indiana Jones, this story is packed with laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected twists, making it impossible to put down. It stands out as one of the most unique romances I’ve read this year, and I sincerely hope the author has more books on the way!

Definite Lost City vibes but there’s glimpses of the original Indiana Jones in there too!
This is pure fun treasure hunting romantic escapades.
I think it may have not been off to the best start for me but isn’t anything I could pinpoint and probably more about me. I did find some of Andrew’s, our MMC, dialogue a little too over the top, to the point it was just too sweet but I’m not really a fan of cinnamon roll in my MMCs.
This was fun adventure with romance thrown in and I got engrossed quickly and had to see not just how the HEA played out but was there treasure and who got to it first.

I received this book as an ARC and provide an honest review.

This was a good fast paced debut! Adriana and Andrew had good chemistry and I enjoyed their banter but I wish there was a bit more tension. The adventure aspect kept me intrigued throughout the book. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing an arc for my honest review! Digging Dr. Jones will be released May 2nd, 2025!

I received a free copy of, Digging Dr. Jones, by Olivia Jackson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Adriana Jones, puts on a bracelet that is not hers, and can not get it off. Andrew Jones is actually the owner of the bracelet. Andrew is an archaeologist and needs the bracelet to solve a clue, to find the treasure. I found this book to be a little silly at times.

I absolutely loved this! It gave very cosy romance vibes for me which I loved. It was funny, loveable characters, character development was brilliant!

Digging Dr Jones by Olivia Jackson Publishing on May 02 2025 with HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

It gives Rom-com Indiana Jones vibes. If that's your thing I'm sure you'll like this book. It does have some spicy scenes as a warning if you like or to keep in mind incase you don't. I was really hopeful but it felt dragging me along and more being told things. I also wasn't a fan of the amount Adriana was down on herself and other parts I personally wasn't a fan of the character. I did like Andrew [he's a good guy] and Adriana's brother William was entertaining to some comedy relief. It's hard when you like only one of the lead characters. The bad people weren't that great and some silly drama and pointless bits. The idea had potential but was a miss for me so I wouldn't be recommending it to others.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest opinion.

Thank you Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and Netgalley for an arc copy to complete this review.

LIGHT Spoilers Ahead.

Whoops. For a destination adventure romcom based on archaeology, a lot of the book sure takes place within a hotel room.

I was so excited for this story as I love Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, the Mummy, and all the tropes listed as selling points for this book, but…

I dnf’d at 76% as I found myself unable to actually care about the adventure as there are very little consequences for Adriana and Andrew to actually follow up on the quest. I feel like this could have been explored more deeply, and handled more carefully, though as someone with an archaeology degree I feel I may be biased in its portrayal and use of the profession. I suppose it was interesting enough for a while there, to get me to read 76%.

While the characters have interesting backstories, it felt Iike there was too much telling and not enough showing. The story takes place over a couple days, but Adriana is so heavily focused on one aspect of her past, that she repeats soooo many times throughout the book, that she felt like a one dimensional character with no growth or other aspects to care about.

All in all, the book was alright, but I can’t see myself finishing, at least not in the immediate future. I will, however, still be suggesting it to people who want something cheesy romantic with a ~sprinkle~ of archaeology, but not to expect something adventurous and exciting.

Digging Dr. Jones was such a fun book to spend my day getting lost in. The plot was fun and unique. I don't typically read quest or adventure themed books, but loved the Indiana Jones vibes and couldn't help but be instantly captivated by Andrew and Adriana.

Andrew and Adriana had instant chemistry and I loved their banter. The burn between them was slow, yet intense. I loved all the will they/won't they moments. These two kept me on my toes and certainly steamed up the pages.

If you're looking for an entertaining read filled with great characters, adventure, and lots of steam, you won't want to miss Digging Dr. Jones. This book was just the escape I was looking for and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I was looking for a fun rom-com with a unique plot, and when I started reading this book I knew it was the one! It felt like Indiana Jones meets spicy fun romantic comedy, and the two "genres" balanced perfectly. The writing was amazing and it kept me HOOKED from the first page. It's honesly such a perfect read for summer, fun and intriguing at the same time!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4-4.5/5 🌶️🌶️ 2.5/5

💎 Forced Proximity
💎 Opposites Attract
💎 He falls first
💎 Treasure Hunting

This book for me was giving nostalgic romcom X Indiana Jones ( big uncharted vibes) and I ate it up (the 3am finish was 100% worth it).

The chemistry between Adriana and Andrew was enjoyable despite it feeling a little rushed, but paired with the fast paced treasure hunting, i found myself invested.

“Your brilliance is limitless” (Andrew was so down bad)

The second half of the book felt a lot stronger and changed my opinion/rating to a 4-4.5/5 due to really enjoying the character development and the interactions between the main characters and side characters, especially during the final treasure hunting endeavour (so hard not to reveal spoilers but it’s great).

For Olivia Jackson’s debut novel this was phenomenal and really established her as a romance author to follow/ look out for, I for one will be reading her next book. I really enjoyed the treasure hunting aspect and the development of the research explored during the quests and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

A big thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter & NetGalley for the ARC I will be buying a physical copy because that cover art? Beautiful. absolutely no notes.

National Treasure + The Lost City makes a romance novel great for fans of Meghan Quinn and Christina Lauren!

This book would be a great beach/pool read this summer for any fan of light hearted rom coms and adventure. If you're looking for an easy read that'll give you a good time, this one is for you! The treasure hunt & adventure scenes were entertaining. The romance fell a little flat for me, and the dialogue was a bit too cheesy for my taste, but it was still an enjoyable read. Overall, I just didn't really connect with the characters, and felt it to be a little too hallmark movie-esque for me to love it.

I was in the mood for a good romance rom com but I was a little disappointed. The plot sounded amazing and fun but it went slow. The FMC was very much a woe is me, I was poor so no one can love me type. While also being a I’m so not pretty but actually is. I hate those people in real life, so in fiction I don’t like it either.
The biggest problem I had was at the beginning of the book was she thought the MMC was married, while she told herself that he was married she continued to flirt with him and think how attractive he was, and think about him in a sexual way. As a married woman this isn’t something I enjoy. I’ve read books about infidelity but this wasn’t the right way to do it.
There were a lot of cliches. Like a lot.

The good news is it has a cute plot and is a decent romance. It’s not super funny but it has great Temple of the lost heart vibes.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the arc.
This was an arc and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I tend to really enjoy adventure romances, and while there wasn’t anything necessarily wrong with this (I liked the story and the couple well enough), two things brought my rating down. The first being the MFC’s attitude about not falling in love because she felt she wasn’t good enough was a bit overdone and frustrating, and the second being it felt like there was a lot of bouncing around/disconnectedness in the events that progressed the story forward.

Overall, a middle of the road title

I adored this book. It was so so cute! It had adventure, romance and some spice. What's there not to love. Would definitely recommend as a cute beach read this year!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this!

First off, thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

HOLY COW! Okay, I loved every second of this book from the first page to the last. The banter between Adriana and William is so fun, the romance with Andriana and Andrew (NOT ANDY) is swoon worthy.

Now, I might be a bit bias because my soon to be husband is an Archeologist, but I love these classic romance books with a hint of adventure and history. Also, can we just appreciate that there is no miscommunication troupe in this?!?!?!?! Like they actually talk to each other like adults! Also, no third act break up?!?!

I adore this book, and Olivia's writing, I cannot wait for more <3

If you like your romcoms with adventure, sizzling chemistry, and just a tiny bit of life-threatening danger, Digging Dr. Jones is the perfect read for you. It’s The Lost City meets Romancing the Stone with a sprinkle of National Treasure—and trust me, you’ll want to book a vacation (or maybe an archaeology degree) after reading it.

Adriana Jones planned on a relaxing getaway, but instead, she accidentally handcuffs herself (well, sort of) to a grumpy, ridiculously attractive archaeologist named Andrew Jones. One cursed bracelet and one very urgent treasure hunt later, she’s trudging through the jungles of Colombia, dodging danger, and falling hard for the man who definitely did not sign up for this level of chaos.

The tropes? Chef’s kiss. Forced proximity, opposites attract, and a fish-out-of-water heroine who somehow thrives under pressure (and looks great doing it). Andrew is peak “reluctant hero with a heart of gold,” and their banter? Top-tier. Also, we need to talk about Adriana’s brother, William—scene-stealer, comedic gold, and quite possibly my new favorite fictional sibling.

This book is fast-paced, fun, and full of spice (both the romantic and near-death-experience variety). Whether you’re lounging on a beach or just dreaming of one, Digging Dr. Jones is the perfect escape.