Book Review: Leap of Faith by Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed

Netflix's Love is Blind is peak trashy reality television. Every season we know we'll see tears, drama, fighting, and wonder why the contestants didn't have someone water their plants while they were in the pods. However, there's another reason I love the show - those moments where we see magic happen. And Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed were the true magic of season one.

Despite the show being around for years, Cameron and Lauren are still the standard that couples on the show are being held to. And for good reason! It was clear from the moment the couple started talking on the show they were actually falling in love - not just the manufactured love we see on most romance competition shows.

So I was overjoyed to find out they wrote a book about their experience. I have always been a fan of interesting memoirs, and as Love is Blind is my second favorite reality show (as the first is The Circle), I knew that any chance I would have to learn about what happens behind the scenes on this show was one I needed to take.

My favorite thing about the book is that both of their voices shine through just like they did on the show. They present a united front, which emphasizes they are still in lockstep about their relationship - and I enjoyed seeing how they perceived their relationship through their own eyes. Their love for each other is obvious on every single page, and it was interesting seeing them comment on how the show edited their relationship and things they think should have been brought in that were filmed.

I also enjoyed the fact they included relationship advice in the book. it wasn't only about Love is Blind - which it easily could have been. Instead, they talked about things they do to keep the love in their relationship. From there, there were tips others could easily add to their own love lives such as having hard conversations, planning a date night everyone will enjoy, or figuring out how to make sure you truly know your partner.

There were a lot of interesting behind-the-scenes moments I learned about filming the first season of Love is Blind. But I think what I appreciated the most was that even though we were learning about the process, the cameras, and everything we didn't see, never once did they talk about any of the other contestants. It would have been easy to comment on feuds, gossip about the others on the show, or even start drama - as many memoirs do. However, as usual for Cameron and Lauren, they choose to take the high road. It's a refreshing take, staying away from the drama, and it shows the kind of people they are - emphasizing again why the fans love them.

Overall, this book is perfect for any fan of Love is Blind, especially in the earlier seasons. It gives insight into how the show is run, a personalized look at what we didn't see on the screen when it comes to our favorite couple, and ideas on how to make a strong relationship even stronger. The storytelling is strong, but the love Cameron and Lauren have for each other is even stronger - leaving them the inspiration fans have always believed they are.

Leap of Faith is available through Simon & Schuster