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Honeywood #2
The Fiction Between Us
Some fairytales may be real, but ours is strictly fiction.
I’ve been Queen Bee at our theme park for ten glorious, uncomplicated years. I’m far better at creating fictional magic than real life miracles. So when Landon Arden, my best friend’s twin brother and my old high school bully, starts to work at Honeywood, I’m wishing for some gift from above to fix this mess.
Cue a worse situation.
After Landon falls on stage during one of our shows, the guests mistake him for a character in the park: Ranger Randy.
The problem isn’t when our manager asks him to perform as the bearded, tight tush, short shorts-wearing hero. No, my fairytale comes crashing down when we’re told that Queen Bee and Ranger Randy must appear as a couple.
Fine. Whatever. Ten years ago, my teenage crush for Landon may have been real, but I can fake a happy ending with Ranger Randy. I can sign autographs with him, have his arm around my waist, hold his hand, and… kiss him on stage?
I tell myself it’s all for show. We’re just characters in a theme park. And I won’t fall for true love’s kiss, even if I do want to try it one more time…
The Fiction Between Us is a stand-alone romantic comedy. This tale features fake dating (with a twist!), a grumpy/sunshine duo with a happy-go-lucky hero, lots of laugh-out-loud theme park shenanigans, and sizzling spice!
I’ve been Queen Bee at our theme park for ten glorious, uncomplicated years. I’m far better at creating fictional magic than real life miracles. So when Landon Arden, my best friend’s twin brother and my old high school bully, starts to work at Honeywood, I’m wishing for some gift from above to fix this mess.
Cue a worse situation.
After Landon falls on stage during one of our shows, the guests mistake him for a character in the park: Ranger Randy.
The problem isn’t when our manager asks him to perform as the bearded, tight tush, short shorts-wearing hero. No, my fairytale comes crashing down when we’re told that Queen Bee and Ranger Randy must appear as a couple.
Fine. Whatever. Ten years ago, my teenage crush for Landon may have been real, but I can fake a happy ending with Ranger Randy. I can sign autographs with him, have his arm around my waist, hold his hand, and… kiss him on stage?
I tell myself it’s all for show. We’re just characters in a theme park. And I won’t fall for true love’s kiss, even if I do want to try it one more time…
The Fiction Between Us is a stand-alone romantic comedy. This tale features fake dating (with a twist!), a grumpy/sunshine duo with a happy-go-lucky hero, lots of laugh-out-loud theme park shenanigans, and sizzling spice!
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2022
386 people are currently reading
11416 people want to read
About the author
Julie Olivia
29 books2,736 followersJulie Olivia writes cozy love stories filled with humor, spice, and close friend groups that feel like a warm hug. She is a roller coaster fan, avid romance reader, and rainy day enthusiast.
Julie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their very opinionated pets.
Sign-up for the newsletter for book updates, special offers, and VIP exclusives!: https://julieoliviaauthor.com/newslet...
She can be easily reached on Instagram at @JulieOliviaAuthor! Come say hi!
Visit her at JulieOliviaAuthor.com
Instagram: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Facebook: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2NbH7Jy
Julie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their very opinionated pets.
Sign-up for the newsletter for book updates, special offers, and VIP exclusives!: https://julieoliviaauthor.com/newslet...
She can be easily reached on Instagram at @JulieOliviaAuthor! Come say hi!
Visit her at JulieOliviaAuthor.com
Instagram: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Facebook: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2NbH7Jy
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 684 reviews
July 4, 2024
3.5 stars
This was a super cute and atmospheric read at a theme park. The heroine had a huge crush on the hero in high school, but she was bullied for it. Now she has to act like his girlfriend at the park when she's in characters. It was fun! A bit slow at times, but still cute!
I definitely want to check out some of Julie Olivia's newer books!
This was a super cute and atmospheric read at a theme park. The heroine had a huge crush on the hero in high school, but she was bullied for it. Now she has to act like his girlfriend at the park when she's in characters. It was fun! A bit slow at times, but still cute!
I definitely want to check out some of Julie Olivia's newer books!
October 17, 2022
I devoured this and ADWY in approximately 12 hours and if that doesn’t tell you enough, I don’t know what to do with you. Absolutely delightful. Filled with joy top to bottom.
December 4, 2022
So stinking adorable. Loved this dual! She's the grump and he's the golden retriever.
November 10, 2022
i wish this were a real place 😭
October 25, 2022
2.5 Stars
Unfortunately, this just did not do anything for me.
I am going to give it the benefit of the doubt though and continue the series when the next book releases because I do think this may have been a case of ‘right book, wrong time’.
Unfortunately, this just did not do anything for me.
I am going to give it the benefit of the doubt though and continue the series when the next book releases because I do think this may have been a case of ‘right book, wrong time’.
September 21, 2022
There’s always a chance things don’t work out in life,” I say. “But you just have to place your bets on the ones that you enjoy and hope for the best.”
“I’d bet on you,”
I have always said it and will continue to say it.
Julie's books makes me feel so warm and fuzzy you have no idea.
Plot:
Landon is Quinn's.....well let's say not good friend because when young Landon was involved with the group that bullied Quinn. For what you ask? For Quinn liking Landon.
Now after all these years of sour feelings Landon returns as sunshine as ever and as in love with Quinn as he possibly could.
Quinn is also the Queen Bee of the park and performs on stage and all that.
One fumble on the stage led to Landon being a character of honeywood with Queen Bee who is apparently dating the queen.
Now it's just about enough time that they ...stop the "fake" dating and get to it like rabbits thank you.
“You are my undoing, Quinn Sauer.”
“And you are full of shit, Landon Arden.”
Tropes:
- sunshine hero/grumpy heroine
- fake dating
- best friend's twin brother
- lippy heroine
- small town theme park setting
- close-knit friend group
- also...a rain scene.
Mwah mwah so warm so nice
Also oh the Emory scraps i got 🤌
“You are the best annoyance,” I say.
He chuckles, low and husky and warm. “And you are my favorite misery.”
“I’d bet on you,”
I have always said it and will continue to say it.
Julie's books makes me feel so warm and fuzzy you have no idea.
Plot:
Landon is Quinn's.....well let's say not good friend because when young Landon was involved with the group that bullied Quinn. For what you ask? For Quinn liking Landon.
Now after all these years of sour feelings Landon returns as sunshine as ever and as in love with Quinn as he possibly could.
Quinn is also the Queen Bee of the park and performs on stage and all that.
One fumble on the stage led to Landon being a character of honeywood with Queen Bee who is apparently dating the queen.
Now it's just about enough time that they ...stop the "fake" dating and get to it like rabbits thank you.
“You are my undoing, Quinn Sauer.”
“And you are full of shit, Landon Arden.”
Tropes:
- sunshine hero/grumpy heroine
- fake dating
- best friend's twin brother
- lippy heroine
- small town theme park setting
- close-knit friend group
- also...a rain scene.
Mwah mwah so warm so nice
Also oh the Emory scraps i got 🤌
“You are the best annoyance,” I say.
He chuckles, low and husky and warm. “And you are my favorite misery.”
January 16, 2023
This review is for me and me only to remind myself never to waste time on this book again
I knew from the first page that this wasn’t good and I still kept going, naively clinging to the hope that it would get better
Reader, it got worse
There’s little to no plot, the main character is annoying and unlikeable, the love interest is boring and unattractive
Also cannot stand the whole depression storyline. She’s so self pitying, “woe is me I have depression I have to stay with my job that is only fit for a teenager and I’m scared I’ll be like my mom” listen. I get it. I have depression too but girl 💀 the only way we would’ve known she had depression was because she mentioned it a few times. No other indication of depression
Also, the big “reveals”? Stupid. Boring, uneventful. Landon finally realizing Quinn was bullied by his friends? That was like, one of the biggest plot points and I had to read it twice to make sure it actually happened and wasn’t just a buildup to the ACTUAL realization.
The reveal that Quinn was on bad terms w her mom because of her depression but suddenly because a man was Quinn’s life she was convinced people could change?
All the (slight) character development for her going to college and moving on from the amusement park just to show her at a slightly better job there? The place she’s worked since she was a teenager? You’re trying to convince me this is good character development?
The characters all suck, the plot was poorly developed, the setting was pretty stupid and gave me the ick, the frequent mentions of Landon’s bears and the “light furiness on his chest that was all man” made me want to scream out of literal pain and frustration, the pizza boxers 🤮 it was trying to be cute and quirky and instead was gross and uncomfortable
It took me maybe an hour to read and I’m literally SHAKING with fury at the fact that an hour of my life was wasted with this book. I cannot explain to you how awful this was. I have read misspelled fanfiction better than this. I have never read a worse book in my life, not an exaggeration. And I’ve read plenty of stupid books (thanks booktok ur the worst I’m convinced half of u are illiterate because what in the world are those recommendations). There aren’t enough words in the English language to properly describe my utter hatred for this monstrosity. The fact that a tree was cut down to turn this book into paper is a precious waste of life. The idea that some computer memory somewhere is wasted on storing THIS combination of letters in THIS exact order is criminal. I just. I’m furious
Edit: after reading through the other reviews I am BEYOND SHOCKED how can this have any good reviews??? I’m convinced everyone in the review section is a wine mom who has as much spark in her marriage as a thick slab of rubber
I knew from the first page that this wasn’t good and I still kept going, naively clinging to the hope that it would get better
Reader, it got worse
There’s little to no plot, the main character is annoying and unlikeable, the love interest is boring and unattractive
Also cannot stand the whole depression storyline. She’s so self pitying, “woe is me I have depression I have to stay with my job that is only fit for a teenager and I’m scared I’ll be like my mom” listen. I get it. I have depression too but girl 💀 the only way we would’ve known she had depression was because she mentioned it a few times. No other indication of depression
Also, the big “reveals”? Stupid. Boring, uneventful. Landon finally realizing Quinn was bullied by his friends? That was like, one of the biggest plot points and I had to read it twice to make sure it actually happened and wasn’t just a buildup to the ACTUAL realization.
The reveal that Quinn was on bad terms w her mom because of her depression but suddenly because a man was Quinn’s life she was convinced people could change?
All the (slight) character development for her going to college and moving on from the amusement park just to show her at a slightly better job there? The place she’s worked since she was a teenager? You’re trying to convince me this is good character development?
The characters all suck, the plot was poorly developed, the setting was pretty stupid and gave me the ick, the frequent mentions of Landon’s bears and the “light furiness on his chest that was all man” made me want to scream out of literal pain and frustration, the pizza boxers 🤮 it was trying to be cute and quirky and instead was gross and uncomfortable
It took me maybe an hour to read and I’m literally SHAKING with fury at the fact that an hour of my life was wasted with this book. I cannot explain to you how awful this was. I have read misspelled fanfiction better than this. I have never read a worse book in my life, not an exaggeration. And I’ve read plenty of stupid books (thanks booktok ur the worst I’m convinced half of u are illiterate because what in the world are those recommendations). There aren’t enough words in the English language to properly describe my utter hatred for this monstrosity. The fact that a tree was cut down to turn this book into paper is a precious waste of life. The idea that some computer memory somewhere is wasted on storing THIS combination of letters in THIS exact order is criminal. I just. I’m furious
Edit: after reading through the other reviews I am BEYOND SHOCKED how can this have any good reviews??? I’m convinced everyone in the review section is a wine mom who has as much spark in her marriage as a thick slab of rubber
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
i can't believe i'm giving out two 5 star ratings back to back. unheard of for me personally.
thank you julie olivia for the arc! i am so grateful ♥️♥️♥️
this book was soooo sweet. i am a sucker for so many of the tropes in here, but the real kicker is - they all worked so well together!!!! they weren't shoved into a book where it didn't make sense. they all worked, they all fit, i had to much fun reading this. ice queen and the guy who defrosts her. best friend's brother. they've both been pining for a decade. so many things worked for me i feel insane.
i assume ruby is going to get her own book and i cannot wait to read that one too. <3
thank you julie olivia for the arc! i am so grateful ♥️♥️♥️
this book was soooo sweet. i am a sucker for so many of the tropes in here, but the real kicker is - they all worked so well together!!!! they weren't shoved into a book where it didn't make sense. they all worked, they all fit, i had to much fun reading this. ice queen and the guy who defrosts her. best friend's brother. they've both been pining for a decade. so many things worked for me i feel insane.
i assume ruby is going to get her own book and i cannot wait to read that one too. <3
October 9, 2022
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 4 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
this took me forever, but life just got in the way.
I loved this!! This series is such a comfort place for me, I love everyone so much🥺🥺🥺
tropes:
✨best friend’s brother
✨enemies-to-lovers
✨forced proximity
✨fake dating
✨H’s been pining over h for years
I felt all the butterflies and I had this grin on my face every time Landon thought or said something sweet. I had the best time and I’m really excited for the rest of the series!!!
this took me forever, but life just got in the way.
I loved this!! This series is such a comfort place for me, I love everyone so much🥺🥺🥺
tropes:
✨best friend’s brother
✨enemies-to-lovers
✨forced proximity
✨fake dating
✨H’s been pining over h for years
I felt all the butterflies and I had this grin on my face every time Landon thought or said something sweet. I had the best time and I’m really excited for the rest of the series!!!
╭─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╮
• Honeywood Series •
All Downhill With You #1 — 4 stars
The Fiction Between Us #2 — 4 stars
╰─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╯
September 24, 2022
Landon and Quinn were my most anticipated couple in the series after the first book and I loved their story!
It was so fun going back to Honeywood and Cedar Cliff! I love this series. Quinn was the kind of heroine I love the most. After a rough childhood she doesn’t trust easily, and it’s even worse when it comes to Landon after the mess with her diary and the bullying in high school, even though she didn’t know everything about it. I loved their nighttime readings when they were teens, but I loved the present time milkshakes and dinner dates more… because let’s be real, meeting to go through lines was a biiiig excuse!
Quinn’s growth in this book was amazing. She was my favorite part of the story and I can’t wait to see how she’s doing in future books. And of course, I want to see more of her with Landon! I can’t wait to know more of this group. I need to know what’s going on between Ruby and Bennett, especially after a big scene that happens in this book that I obviously won’t spoil!
TW: Bullying (past), depression
ARC provided by the author. Opinions are my own!
It was so fun going back to Honeywood and Cedar Cliff! I love this series. Quinn was the kind of heroine I love the most. After a rough childhood she doesn’t trust easily, and it’s even worse when it comes to Landon after the mess with her diary and the bullying in high school, even though she didn’t know everything about it. I loved their nighttime readings when they were teens, but I loved the present time milkshakes and dinner dates more… because let’s be real, meeting to go through lines was a biiiig excuse!
Quinn’s growth in this book was amazing. She was my favorite part of the story and I can’t wait to see how she’s doing in future books. And of course, I want to see more of her with Landon! I can’t wait to know more of this group. I need to know what’s going on between Ruby and Bennett, especially after a big scene that happens in this book that I obviously won’t spoil!
TW: Bullying (past), depression
ARC provided by the author. Opinions are my own!
Read
June 22, 2025soft dnf op 35%, ik voel gewoon geen enkele vorm van interesse voor de twee hoofdpersonen 😭
September 19, 2022
"You are the best annoyance," I say.
"And you are my favorite misery."
Do you hear that? That high-pitched, obnoxious sound?
That's just me, screaming about how much I adored this book.
Okay but for real, being back in Honeywood was an absolute treat. I adore this cast of characters, and spending more time with Landon and Quinn was truly a blast. The bantering, the sarcastic barbs and fighting, the sassy nicknames, the silly little jokes and conversations, all of it just wrapped me up like Quinn in her blanket cocoon and I never wanted to leave.
And look, I know Quinn might be a little difficult for some readers, as she is a bit of a grumpy firecracker, but as someone who saw a liiiiiiiittle bit more of herself in Quinn than she would have liked (ha), I can say that I get it. I understand her, I understand (some of) what she's dealt with and her struggle, and I really hope she gets some grace and love from readers, like the kind she receives from Landon.
These characters are silly and sweet, the burn was deliciously slow, and we love a smiley golden retriever hero matched up with a snarly bulldog heroine in this house so, literally, all of my boxes were checked. I'm convinced Julie Olivia doesn't know how to write a bad book. Honestly. I will revisit Honeywood Park as many times as she invites me back.
I laughed (a lot), I cried (it was unexpected), and I just truly truly loved this. These books make me so darn happy I could vomit.
[I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]
"And you are my favorite misery."
Do you hear that? That high-pitched, obnoxious sound?
That's just me, screaming about how much I adored this book.
Okay but for real, being back in Honeywood was an absolute treat. I adore this cast of characters, and spending more time with Landon and Quinn was truly a blast. The bantering, the sarcastic barbs and fighting, the sassy nicknames, the silly little jokes and conversations, all of it just wrapped me up like Quinn in her blanket cocoon and I never wanted to leave.
And look, I know Quinn might be a little difficult for some readers, as she is a bit of a grumpy firecracker, but as someone who saw a liiiiiiiittle bit more of herself in Quinn than she would have liked (ha), I can say that I get it. I understand her, I understand (some of) what she's dealt with and her struggle, and I really hope she gets some grace and love from readers, like the kind she receives from Landon.
These characters are silly and sweet, the burn was deliciously slow, and we love a smiley golden retriever hero matched up with a snarly bulldog heroine in this house so, literally, all of my boxes were checked. I'm convinced Julie Olivia doesn't know how to write a bad book. Honestly. I will revisit Honeywood Park as many times as she invites me back.
I laughed (a lot), I cried (it was unexpected), and I just truly truly loved this. These books make me so darn happy I could vomit.
[I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review]
October 26, 2022
3.5 stars
Definitely a cute read but idk the ending was not enough justice for me-
Definitely a cute read but idk the ending was not enough justice for me-
August 10, 2025
"I feel for Quinn the way you feel the change in seasons. Nothing tells you it’s autumn, but suddenly, you need a sweater, you want everything pumpkin-flavored, and horror movies demand to be watched."
Landon my man is obsessed obsessed🫶🏻 the love he had for quinn 🥹 (god its me again)
also quinn oh you have no idea how much i love her i didn't realise how much tears i let out when reading about her struggles it hit close to home. When you had something happened in the past and it somehow damaged who you are today and when you had this "secure" bubble that you were scared to leave.... like ma'am don't call me up like that 😭🥹
this was my first book by julie olivia, definitely will read the rest of the series now ❤️
4,5⭐
Landon my man is obsessed obsessed🫶🏻 the love he had for quinn 🥹 (god its me again)
also quinn oh you have no idea how much i love her i didn't realise how much tears i let out when reading about her struggles it hit close to home. When you had something happened in the past and it somehow damaged who you are today and when you had this "secure" bubble that you were scared to leave.... like ma'am don't call me up like that 😭🥹
this was my first book by julie olivia, definitely will read the rest of the series now ❤️
4,5⭐
September 24, 2022
Light and easy
Lighthearted fun, this was just as bingeable as the first book in the series, with plenty of sparring that felt like sparks of attraction. It's low angst and easygoing, featuring a theme park princess and her best friend's brother - the one who infuriates her by existing. These two had great chemistry, and it was easy to see all of the ways they were perfect together. Plus, the hero is a cinnamon roll sweetheart, a giant teddy bear of a man who is irresistibly adorable. Pair that with a fun friend group and the perfect setting for this interconnected series of rom coms, and I had no trouble devouring it in one sitting. My only issues are very minor - it could've dug a little deeper - so I have no qualms about giving this an easy 5-star rating.
The story follows Quinn, a woman who spends her days playing a queen at a theme park. She's gotten comfortable in the role, despite the fact that her real life disposition isn't always sunny. Unfortunately, the bane of her existence - her best friend's brother, Landon - started working as a security guard at the park recently. So when Landon accidentally crashes Quinn's performance and the tourists mistake him for the queen's beau, it complicates Quinn's life. Landon's appearance was so popular that the obvious next step is to make it a regular thing, but that means spending more time with the man who made Quinn's high school life unbearable. But as the two spend more time putting on a show, Quinn realizes that she might've misjudged Landon... and that reality might be a little closer to the fiction they've been creating.
Easy to read as a standalone, but more fun if you've read the first book in the series, this was exactly what I was hoping for - a light, sexy rom com with just a hint of angst. In this case, Landon is the sunshine and Quinn is the grump, which made for a great dynamic. And I loved the history between them, which made the fast-moving (but slow burn) story work. It's obvious that there are still messy feelings between them that have been lingering since their budding friendship in high school was quickly cut short, and I thought they made a good couple. Landon was super cute, and his determination to make things work was a win. I will say that this could've delved deeper into a few things, particularly Quinn's battle with depression, but that might detract from the low angst, bingeable quality. I've got no complaints though; this was cute with a little bite of sizzle.
Lighthearted fun, this was just as bingeable as the first book in the series, with plenty of sparring that felt like sparks of attraction. It's low angst and easygoing, featuring a theme park princess and her best friend's brother - the one who infuriates her by existing. These two had great chemistry, and it was easy to see all of the ways they were perfect together. Plus, the hero is a cinnamon roll sweetheart, a giant teddy bear of a man who is irresistibly adorable. Pair that with a fun friend group and the perfect setting for this interconnected series of rom coms, and I had no trouble devouring it in one sitting. My only issues are very minor - it could've dug a little deeper - so I have no qualms about giving this an easy 5-star rating.
The story follows Quinn, a woman who spends her days playing a queen at a theme park. She's gotten comfortable in the role, despite the fact that her real life disposition isn't always sunny. Unfortunately, the bane of her existence - her best friend's brother, Landon - started working as a security guard at the park recently. So when Landon accidentally crashes Quinn's performance and the tourists mistake him for the queen's beau, it complicates Quinn's life. Landon's appearance was so popular that the obvious next step is to make it a regular thing, but that means spending more time with the man who made Quinn's high school life unbearable. But as the two spend more time putting on a show, Quinn realizes that she might've misjudged Landon... and that reality might be a little closer to the fiction they've been creating.
Easy to read as a standalone, but more fun if you've read the first book in the series, this was exactly what I was hoping for - a light, sexy rom com with just a hint of angst. In this case, Landon is the sunshine and Quinn is the grump, which made for a great dynamic. And I loved the history between them, which made the fast-moving (but slow burn) story work. It's obvious that there are still messy feelings between them that have been lingering since their budding friendship in high school was quickly cut short, and I thought they made a good couple. Landon was super cute, and his determination to make things work was a win. I will say that this could've delved deeper into a few things, particularly Quinn's battle with depression, but that might detract from the low angst, bingeable quality. I've got no complaints though; this was cute with a little bite of sizzle.
July 19, 2023
4.5 Stars!!!!!!!
Spice: 1.5
Tropes:
- Dislike to like to love
- Childhood crush
- He falls first, and HARDER
- Male sunshine, Female "Grumpy"
- Small town romance
- Fake dating
The Fiction Between Us in book 2 in the Honeywood Fun Park interconected series. This one follows the story of Quinn, our "grumpy" heroine and Landon, her complete opposite childhood crush turned nemesis. After a series of even that involves very tight pants and a disaster on stage, Landon and Quinn are forced to work together and act as if they were in a relationship, as Queen Bee and Randy Ranger, two important characters of the Honeywood Theme Park.
With that brief synopsis out of the way, here are my thoughts. I'm starting to sense a pattern with these books. I loved, ADORED All Downhill with you (book 1 of the series), so much so that I had to order the series as paperback because I knew deep in my heart, that I would love it. And now with book 2, I just know I made the right financial decision in getting them all. I loved this book so much. The banter, the pining, the chemistry between our main characters is phenomenal. Quinn is so relatable, and Landon, is SUCH A CUTIE PIE. I want to protect him from everything ugly in this world. I loved how their story develops and the slow burn was beautifully executed. That men fell HARD for Quinn, he was completely done since day 1, and loved her for who she was. More than anything I truly appreciated that although the book had a lot of the "miscommunication trope" it was done right, IMO. I could see it happen in real life, it was not overly complicated or convoluted. Side characters, just like the first book, phenomenal.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars, is because I've would've loveeeee to see more of Landon, his story was so interesting and his determination to go to culinary school was inspiring. But other than that, I enjoyed the book a lot.
NOW, the mental health representation on this book, really tugged on my heart-stings. Getting into Quinn's mind as she describes her depression, how she felt and how she got help was very real. I felt connected to her and her struggles, and I really think that it was very well portrayed. I loved how it didn't shy away from talking about the importance of therapy and forgiveness, not only to others but to yourself as well. I really wish I could give Quinn a hug, but since I have a feeling that she wouldn't love it, I settle with a pat in the back, and tell her that "Everything is going to work out!"
Can't wait for the next book!!!
Spice: 1.5
Tropes:
- Dislike to like to love
- Childhood crush
- He falls first, and HARDER
- Male sunshine, Female "Grumpy"
- Small town romance
- Fake dating
The Fiction Between Us in book 2 in the Honeywood Fun Park interconected series. This one follows the story of Quinn, our "grumpy" heroine and Landon, her complete opposite childhood crush turned nemesis. After a series of even that involves very tight pants and a disaster on stage, Landon and Quinn are forced to work together and act as if they were in a relationship, as Queen Bee and Randy Ranger, two important characters of the Honeywood Theme Park.
With that brief synopsis out of the way, here are my thoughts. I'm starting to sense a pattern with these books. I loved, ADORED All Downhill with you (book 1 of the series), so much so that I had to order the series as paperback because I knew deep in my heart, that I would love it. And now with book 2, I just know I made the right financial decision in getting them all. I loved this book so much. The banter, the pining, the chemistry between our main characters is phenomenal. Quinn is so relatable, and Landon, is SUCH A CUTIE PIE. I want to protect him from everything ugly in this world. I loved how their story develops and the slow burn was beautifully executed. That men fell HARD for Quinn, he was completely done since day 1, and loved her for who she was. More than anything I truly appreciated that although the book had a lot of the "miscommunication trope" it was done right, IMO. I could see it happen in real life, it was not overly complicated or convoluted. Side characters, just like the first book, phenomenal.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars, is because I've would've loveeeee to see more of Landon, his story was so interesting and his determination to go to culinary school was inspiring. But other than that, I enjoyed the book a lot.
NOW, the mental health representation on this book, really tugged on my heart-stings. Getting into Quinn's mind as she describes her depression, how she felt and how she got help was very real. I felt connected to her and her struggles, and I really think that it was very well portrayed. I loved how it didn't shy away from talking about the importance of therapy and forgiveness, not only to others but to yourself as well. I really wish I could give Quinn a hug, but since I have a feeling that she wouldn't love it, I settle with a pat in the back, and tell her that "Everything is going to work out!"
Can't wait for the next book!!!
Want to read
September 23, 2022carly we gotta read this it’s a romance between theme park actors
October 20, 2022
four stars! ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ i have never wanted to be a part of a fictional friend group more than i do the quesadilla crew, oh my lord. everyone is literally so supportive and genuinely and happy and jesus, do friendships like that really exist??
this was a pretty phenomenal sequel/companion novel, and i loved that we got to see more of the character aspect of honeywood parks! again, this whole setting is literally the absolute cutest and i would totally visit the parks if they existed today.
i really enjoyed the dynamic in this one, too, with the whole best friends brother/dislike to love kinda stuff. my only big issue was that once quinn and landon finally did get together, i just wasn’t as invested for some reason. i guess i was kind of expecting more? idk, i kinda felt like everything fell a little short with them. i still really enjoyed the novel though, and i related to quinn’s character hella hard, especially with where i’m at in life right now (i.e, i dropped out of college because of my depression, i’m back at a job that i worked at when i was 16, and i also haven’t talked to my mom in 6 months. so…. you could literally call quinn and i twins) and landon’s character was like the epitome of golden retriever energy. he was genuinely so sweet and funny and ugh, prince charming material for real. they were indeed super cute together, but something felt missing and i’m just not 100% sure what it is.
if anything, this book made me much, much more excited for bennett and ruby’s novel because the angst that’s already happening between them is just so delicious and i want like 400 pages of it rn. i really, really, really hope their book is the next coming out!
this was a pretty phenomenal sequel/companion novel, and i loved that we got to see more of the character aspect of honeywood parks! again, this whole setting is literally the absolute cutest and i would totally visit the parks if they existed today.
i really enjoyed the dynamic in this one, too, with the whole best friends brother/dislike to love kinda stuff. my only big issue was that once quinn and landon finally did get together, i just wasn’t as invested for some reason. i guess i was kind of expecting more? idk, i kinda felt like everything fell a little short with them. i still really enjoyed the novel though, and i related to quinn’s character hella hard, especially with where i’m at in life right now (i.e, i dropped out of college because of my depression, i’m back at a job that i worked at when i was 16, and i also haven’t talked to my mom in 6 months. so…. you could literally call quinn and i twins) and landon’s character was like the epitome of golden retriever energy. he was genuinely so sweet and funny and ugh, prince charming material for real. they were indeed super cute together, but something felt missing and i’m just not 100% sure what it is.
if anything, this book made me much, much more excited for bennett and ruby’s novel because the angst that’s already happening between them is just so delicious and i want like 400 pages of it rn. i really, really, really hope their book is the next coming out!
January 2, 2023
cute but needed more smut
May 21, 2024
I'm loving this Honeywood romcom series by indie author, Julie Olivia and I'm so glad it's finally coming out on audio! The second book in the series was a fun, forced proximity love story set at a fictional amusement park that has two employees having to act together for a new story arc. It was steamy with relatable characters and great mental health (depression) rep and I really, really enjoyed it! Bring on the next book ASAP please!
January 31, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4.25 stars)
Julie Olivia delivered me another charming romance and I found myself enjoying this one just a bit more than book one!
What I like more was the touch of realism in this book. There were more real-life problems woven into the story, making it feel a bit more grounded and relatable. I appreciated that aspect, as it added depth to the characters and their journey.
Of course, the romance was just as engaging, and the spice? Once again, absolutely on point!
Julie Olivia delivered me another charming romance and I found myself enjoying this one just a bit more than book one!
What I like more was the touch of realism in this book. There were more real-life problems woven into the story, making it feel a bit more grounded and relatable. I appreciated that aspect, as it added depth to the characters and their journey.
Of course, the romance was just as engaging, and the spice? Once again, absolutely on point!
September 22, 2022
I received an ARC copy from Julie (thank you so much!!) in exchange for an honest review, and may I just say. I LOVED this book! The romance was so good. And it had all of my favorite tropes! Enemies to lovers (but secretly mutually pining), best friend’s brother, AND it’s set at an amusement park?! Quinn was so relatable, and Landon was definitely swoon-worthy. Such a perfect rom-com!
September 22, 2022
So thankful to have been able to obtain a second ARC from Julie Olivia. As much as I loved the first book, I think this one tops it. Didn’t expect to love Quinn and Landon as much as I did but holy shit their story is so good. Read the whole book in one night. Can’t wait for the rest of this series!!! 🍯🎢
September 1, 2023
loved this!!! when a book accurately describes your experience with mental health >>> i feel seen
October 24, 2022
3.5/5 ☆
October 3, 2022
i finished a book!! of my own accord!! whooo hoooo! this was such a cute concept and read and it definitely got me back to fully wanting to read so that alone makes it worthy of at least 4 stars
February 10, 2024
Sometimes you just need to bring a book to a bar and read for 2.5 hours while listening to music. That’s just the way it is
October 14, 2022
hi i’m obsessed with this series! THESE CHARACTERS ARE SO GOOD! so so cute and the slow burn again….phenomenal
January 18, 2023
3.5 ⭐
The fake dating + their dynamic really did it for me. Waited 60% of this book for them to kiss but worth it 'cause it was so good. Finished it at 4am and I will regret it in the morning. Honeywood made me very happy through the whole book. It was very very cute.
The fake dating + their dynamic really did it for me. Waited 60% of this book for them to kiss but worth it 'cause it was so good. Finished it at 4am and I will regret it in the morning. Honeywood made me very happy through the whole book. It was very very cute.
January 14, 2024
3.5 stars because it was cute but at the end of the day i didnt really care...... oops
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