Official Review: Jeep Tour by Gail Ward Olmsted

katiesquilts · Post by **katiesquilts** » 02 Nov 2015, 12:28

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Jeep Tour" by Gail Ward Olmsted.]

4 out of 4 stars

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When I chose to review Gail Ward Olmsted’s novel Jeep Tour, I was expecting a light, romantic novel just like many of the books in the romance genre. The premise was simple enough – main character visits Arizona, falls in love with Jeep tour guide, and subsequently moves to Arizona for her chance at true love. Except it’s really not about that at all. What could have been the plot of an entirely different book is only the impetus for the real meat behind this story. While Jeep Tour is technically a romance novel, it also deals with many other types of relationships – friendships, family matters, and the most important of all, the relationship people have with themselves.

I have to admit, Jeep Tour had me fooled. I mean, the first page is the start of the fateful Jeep tour that our protagonist, Jax, finds herself on. On the second page, she gets a good look at the tour guide and realizes just how scrumptious he is. It was the typical set-up for a cheesy novel, but just as I was settling myself in for the second chapter, things changed. We got background stories, more characters, actual plot – and none of it revolved around the Greek God with a driver’s license. In fact, none of the plot revolved around him. It was purely about Jax, who used meeting him as a catalyst to thrust herself out into a world that she had previously hidden from. It was very much a story about growing up and challenging yourself, as well as letting go of the things that hold you back from doing such.

Obviously, what I liked most about the novel was that it was out of the ordinary. I picked up a romance novel and got not only romance, but also a plot that interested me and quite honestly inspired me. If I were in Jax’s shoes, I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to go through with all of the plans she made over the course of the book. Then again, she and I are very different people, with very different life experiences. I say this because we really do get to know Jax, from her family history to how she got to where she was in the beginning of the story, all the way back to past experiences that influence how she acts in the book. Jax is one of the most fully-fledged, well-written characters I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about in a romance novel. All of the characters are, in fact.

Despite the fact that Jax is so likeable, so sometimes tends to ramble on in her narrative. Also, this might be a generation problem, but she made a few references to things that I didn’t understand at all. It didn’t bother me too much, because they were just offhand comments, but there were some sections that were funnier than others. Other than Jax’s inner voice, I didn’t have any other complaints, except maybe the title. Like I said, the tour itself was the impetus for the entire book, but Jeep Tour makes the novel sound so cheesy, and I feel that it underwhelms the reader.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. It has so much depth to it, and all of the relationships are so important to the story. There are mentions of sexual relationships, but there’s never any vivid detail, so it’s suitable for just about anyone. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a short, raunchy read, this book isn’t for you.

Oh, and the ending? Best I’ve ever read! I was so pleased with the way the book ended; I literally could not have thought of a better way to wrap things up. Except the story itself isn’t ending, as the author has said herself about the upcoming sequel.

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Jeep Tour
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gali · Post by **gali** » 11 Nov 2015, 08:24

Sounds good. I like romances with depth that challenges and inspires like this one seems to do.

Thank you for the nice review.

Post by **gwolmsted** » 11 Nov 2015, 08:32

Wow- loved reading this review and the fact that you really 'got' my characters, especially Jax!! I am working hard on the sequel, which will be based in Ireland. Trust me, it won't be titled Jeep Tour 2!! Watch my Facebook page for more- gail olmsted author.

Post by **bookowlie** » 11 Nov 2015, 08:50

Nice review! I like that you mentioned the plot didn't focus about the main character meeting an Adonis-type, but instead used that as a springboard for challenging herself. The book sounds very interesting.

Post by **gwolmsted** » 11 Nov 2015, 09:00

I wanted Rick, the hunky tour guide, to be larger than life, but ultimately one-dimensional. I hope you enjoy it!!

zaynab_m · Post by **zaynab_m** » 11 Nov 2015, 13:32

The book sounds awesome. Thanks for the amazing review

Tanaya · Post by **Tanaya** » 24 Nov 2015, 14:38

I always enjoy when a book exceeds my expectations. Great review!

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 27 Nov 2015, 01:11

Sounds very interesting. I'm not much into cheesy stories, so , I would probably like this book. Nice review!

Sarah_Khan · Post by **Sarah_Khan** » 29 Dec 2016, 12:55

Great job on the review! After reading the sample I was quite honestly, underwhelmed but your review makes me think I should give this book a try anyway since you said it gets better in the second chapter.

Post by **Annelore Trujillo** » 29 Dec 2016, 13:01

I love when romance novels go deeper than just romance. It's always a great change from typical romance novels. Thank you for such a great review!

Post by **clmascolo** » 29 Dec 2016, 13:11

It's always hard to decide whether a romance novel is actually worth the time to read. Thanks for explaining why this one is, I will definitely check it out.

L_Therese · Post by **L_Therese** » 29 Dec 2016, 13:16

I'm glad this one goes a little deeper than your average romance novel. I didn't think much of the plot description, but the way you say the focus is on Jax's personal development and not on the tour guide is encouraging.

Kmbmrc88 · Post by **Kmbmrc88** » 29 Dec 2016, 13:18

This is a review that actually caught my interest and made me want to read the book. Good thing I could download it free! I am not at all into cheesy romance novels so I am pleased to hear that not only is the story about a woman meeting a man and falling in love but she met a man who gave her the inspiration to leave behind life as she knew it and take on something that is very hard for some- change. Not only does it sound like a story of many relationships "jax" has formed but most importantly the relationship she has with herself. Also, you didn't give away any important details of the story but at the same time made it so intriguing AND AS ALWAYS I am sooo happy to know that this good read comes with a good ending!! My biggest pet peeve is a great story with a horrible ending!!!! Thanks for sparking my interest...Jeep Tour officially has my attention. Nice pick for BOTD

tarafarah7 · Post by **tarafarah7** » 29 Dec 2016, 13:21

Yay! Great job on your review! I'm super excited to read this book! I'm not a huge sci-fi or fantasy fan, so this is a breath of fresh air for me! I also followed the author on Amazon! Without even reading it yet, I'm excited for the sequel! Hehee! I can't wait to join Jax and her journey of self-discovery. And, I love stories that are set in places I have never been...Gives me a glimpse into the world of travel and makes me feel like I, too, have been there!

jamesabr · Post by **jamesabr** » 29 Dec 2016, 13:47

I was sold by end of your review! The best part was the description of Jax. I'm glad this one was a fascinating read for you and I know that it will be the same for me.