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Bachelorette Number Twelve
At a singles auction where no one was bidding on love, a warmhearted ER nurse finds herself dating a prickly doctor in this enemies-to-lovers lesbian romance.
Ellie Fisher loves most things about being a nurse in the emergency department…just not working with Regina Novak, an icy attending physician who acts as if she’s God’s gift to medicine.
The dislike is completely mutual. Regina thinks Ellie is a starry-eyed romantic with a sentimental attitude that has no place at work.
When Regina gets talked into volunteering at a singles auction, Ellie accidentally bids on her—and ends up winning. Oops!
Since the money raised is for a good cause, they reluctantly decide to go through with the dates.
Thanks to a baking class that turns into a competition and a hot-as-hell road trip snack incident, the ice between them starts to thaw. Is it possible the ER isn’t the most unromantic place on earth after all?
Ellie Fisher loves most things about being a nurse in the emergency department…just not working with Regina Novak, an icy attending physician who acts as if she’s God’s gift to medicine.
The dislike is completely mutual. Regina thinks Ellie is a starry-eyed romantic with a sentimental attitude that has no place at work.
When Regina gets talked into volunteering at a singles auction, Ellie accidentally bids on her—and ends up winning. Oops!
Since the money raised is for a good cause, they reluctantly decide to go through with the dates.
Thanks to a baking class that turns into a competition and a hot-as-hell road trip snack incident, the ice between them starts to thaw. Is it possible the ER isn’t the most unromantic place on earth after all?
376 pages, ebook
Published January 3, 2024
163 people are currently reading
2,873 people want to read
About the author
Jae
99 books3,549 followersJae is the author of twenty-four award-winning romances between women. She lives in the sunniest city of Germany, near the French and Swiss borders. The writing bug bit her at the age of eleven.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
January 10, 2024
Bachelorette Number Twelve is a really great, slow burn sapphic romance between an uptight, unpersonable doctor and a very friendly nurse she works with. The doctor is roped into a date auction to raise money for the hospital and the nurse accidentally bids on her. So begin the required dates that turn into an unexpected romance with quite a bit of emotional depth as the doctor slowly thaws and unpacks her baggage from the past.
It was a tiny bit heavy on the medical elements, which makes sense given the profession of the characters but medical romances aren't my favorite. That said, I think this is a very well-written slow-burn romance with a couple of more explicit steamy scenes, but not a lot of them. It's more focused on the emotional development of the relationship. I also appreciated that while this is a lesbian romance, it includes lines that are explicitly inclusive of non-binary and bisexual identities as valid parts of the LGBT community.
The audio narration is well done. I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
It was a tiny bit heavy on the medical elements, which makes sense given the profession of the characters but medical romances aren't my favorite. That said, I think this is a very well-written slow-burn romance with a couple of more explicit steamy scenes, but not a lot of them. It's more focused on the emotional development of the relationship. I also appreciated that while this is a lesbian romance, it includes lines that are explicitly inclusive of non-binary and bisexual identities as valid parts of the LGBT community.
The audio narration is well done. I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
November 20, 2024
2.75⭐️ The story was charming, but as I continued reading, it felt pretty familiar. I have read two other books by Jae, and I liked those much more Wrong Number, Right Woman and Damage Control 🙃
January 13, 2024
Loved this book - a class Jae tale, and so good to hear more about Holly and ‘Leo,’ - which I read in one elongated sitting. Highly recommended.
January 16, 2024
Jae's latest has a warm romantic in Nurse Ellie and a chilly Doctor Regina. Oh the attraction is there but it takes a fund raising auction, last minute bachelorette and unintentional bidder paddle waving to get things going. Ellie pays a steep price but wins 4 dates with doctor icy - enough said!
From her chilly focus to distraction creeping in, Regina's structured life is slowly upended by Ellie's warmth. Silly Regina rules and Ellie's over protective sister add bumps in the romance road and they both have to tackle family misperceptions before a happy end.
The writing of various emergency scenarios and how nurses and doctors actually complement one another (they see things from different perspectives) enhanced the storyline. I liked the unlikely touch and reason for the stuffed cow on Regina's bedside table and learning about disc golf. There's humor, innuendo, a touch of angst, warm understanding and heat all nicely wrapped in this Jae romance. Another easy but satisfying read from the author.
From her chilly focus to distraction creeping in, Regina's structured life is slowly upended by Ellie's warmth. Silly Regina rules and Ellie's over protective sister add bumps in the romance road and they both have to tackle family misperceptions before a happy end.
The writing of various emergency scenarios and how nurses and doctors actually complement one another (they see things from different perspectives) enhanced the storyline. I liked the unlikely touch and reason for the stuffed cow on Regina's bedside table and learning about disc golf. There's humor, innuendo, a touch of angst, warm understanding and heat all nicely wrapped in this Jae romance. Another easy but satisfying read from the author.
February 12, 2025
I have not read many Jae books but damn this book was good. Ellie Fisher, an Emergency Room nurse, accidentally bids on and wins a few dates with one of the ER doctors, Regina Novak. They don’t particularly get along but the singles auction is for charity so they agree to fulfill their romantic duties for the cameras. The first part of the story follows them on preset activities like ice skating which is all very hilarious. Ellie as sunshine and Regina as a grump, both smart and witty, make for good dueling partners. The second part of the book is the couple morphing into a genuine relationship. The quiet moments are tender and the intimate scenes are hot. Both characters are well drawn. Lori Prince is at the top of her game on narration. I really enjoyed this one.
January 27, 2024
Wow this was great, super author Jae has outdone herself with this very witty and charming book. I listened to the audio and Lori Prince took some getting used to at first but by the end I felt she was perfect for these two characters.
Dr Regina or “Dr McIcy” as the staff calls her behind her back is cold, aloof and very unfriendly. Nurse Elle is the complete opposite. On accident Elle has the winning bid at the annual charity auction to raise money for the children’s wing of the hospital. Winning the bid for Bachelorette Number Twelve, means four dates with Dr. Regina. And so begins the endless hilarious banter and competition between the two women.
Besides the comedy there are some very serious parts to the book and both characters are developed fully.
This book was 5 ⭐️ for me because:
- The setting was in KC, MO where I live and Jae’s depiction of all local places was perfect. She’s has to have an inside source!
- References of her two past books that were set in Missouri. Also favs of mine.
- Disc golf at a course I know all about :)
- St Patrick’s Day Parade and our roller coaster weather
- The warm fuzzies it gave me
- The Grand Gesture was excellent 🥰
Highly recommended and the audio is on Hoopla.
Dr Regina or “Dr McIcy” as the staff calls her behind her back is cold, aloof and very unfriendly. Nurse Elle is the complete opposite. On accident Elle has the winning bid at the annual charity auction to raise money for the children’s wing of the hospital. Winning the bid for Bachelorette Number Twelve, means four dates with Dr. Regina. And so begins the endless hilarious banter and competition between the two women.
Besides the comedy there are some very serious parts to the book and both characters are developed fully.
This book was 5 ⭐️ for me because:
- The setting was in KC, MO where I live and Jae’s depiction of all local places was perfect. She’s has to have an inside source!
- References of her two past books that were set in Missouri. Also favs of mine.
- Disc golf at a course I know all about :)
- St Patrick’s Day Parade and our roller coaster weather
- The warm fuzzies it gave me
- The Grand Gesture was excellent 🥰
Highly recommended and the audio is on Hoopla.
January 13, 2024
An icy doctor and a sunshine nurse? Sign me up!
Batchelorette Number Twelve is a sweet rom-com with many funny moments and heartfelt passages.
If you are in search of a feel-good and low angst novel, this is perfect.
Batchelorette Number Twelve is a sweet rom-com with many funny moments and heartfelt passages.
If you are in search of a feel-good and low angst novel, this is perfect.
February 4, 2024
One of the main characters was unlikable and her constant hot and cold treatment was frustrating, taking the entire book to fix that problem.
February 2, 2024
I think fans of Jae's writing will really like this. Me? It read like most of Jae's novels (for me) in that it's cute, the angst is relatively low, but it's all a little lacklustre, a little benign. I love a good slow burn, but a slow burn has to provide sizzling chemistry with some sort of will-they/won't-they angst to keep me going. And this was basically a series of forced dates where I didn't really feel that chemistry between the characters. Where's the passion, you know? I definitely don't think Lori Prince aided in the experience either.
August 6, 2024
This is the best book I’ve read in a long time! And one of the best books by Jae. Her last two books didn’t grab me. But this one I didn’t want to put it down. It had chemistry, it was funny without it being overly funny, it was sexy and the sex was 🔥.
This is a more than 5 stars book for me.
July/august 2024 Started listening to the audible/audio version but stopped because Lori’s voice and way of speaking ruined it for me.
This is a more than 5 stars book for me.
July/august 2024 Started listening to the audible/audio version but stopped because Lori’s voice and way of speaking ruined it for me.
June 18, 2024
4,5 stars
I had fun with this. I liked both Ellie and Regina, and while I'm no expert at medical stuff, I liked the medical side of it too. Thankfully it never went too deep into details.
The romance was exactly what was advertised on the tin, and the writing was good, so I got exactly what I wanted when I opened it.
I had fun with this. I liked both Ellie and Regina, and while I'm no expert at medical stuff, I liked the medical side of it too. Thankfully it never went too deep into details.
The romance was exactly what was advertised on the tin, and the writing was good, so I got exactly what I wanted when I opened it.
November 22, 2024
Wonderful! Maybe Jae's best to date :).
It's like drinking the smootheset, most velvety version of Ellie's hot chocolate ... in front of the log fireplace with a pet beside you, softly snuggled against you, while the world outside shrinks to just you and the audiobook excelletly performed by Lori Prince.
It's like drinking the smootheset, most velvety version of Ellie's hot chocolate ... in front of the log fireplace with a pet beside you, softly snuggled against you, while the world outside shrinks to just you and the audiobook excelletly performed by Lori Prince.
January 12, 2024
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. Jae’s books are an automatic buy for me and I have never been disappointed. This book had great characters, was funny and full of warmth. Nice setting too. That is was well written is a given. Though I think that Regina was a bit stuck in her rules and slow to realise that. That sometimes made the story a little too slow for me.
Recommend.
I really enjoyed this book. Jae’s books are an automatic buy for me and I have never been disappointed. This book had great characters, was funny and full of warmth. Nice setting too. That is was well written is a given. Though I think that Regina was a bit stuck in her rules and slow to realise that. That sometimes made the story a little too slow for me.
Recommend.
January 20, 2024
3.5⭐️
A slow burn workplace sapphic romance with some grumpy sunshine action. I liked it but something was missing for me.
A slow burn workplace sapphic romance with some grumpy sunshine action. I liked it but something was missing for me.
February 12, 2024
Bachelorette Number Twelve is a slow-burn sapphic romance that centres around a Valentine's Day auction that leads to two very different co-workers going on three dates.
As Ellie and Regina's journey unfolds, their interactions often circle back to a pattern of attraction acknowledged with qualifiers, such as remarks on each other's attractiveness that, while affirming their mutual interest, become tediously repetitive. Regina's hot-and-cold demeanor, marked by dismissive comments and a seeming disregard for Ellie's feelings, casts a shadow over their budding relationship. Despite Regina's efforts to amend her harsh words, the cycle of hurtful remarks followed by apologies left me frustrated by their dynamic. This, coupled with Ellie's persistent but often disregarded attempts at friendship, paints a portrait of a relationship fraught with imbalance and miscommunication. Scenes meant to show growth or understanding, such as Regina's thoughtful gestures or moments of vulnerability, were overshadowed for me by a lingering sense of Ellie's diminishing self-worth in the face of Regina's inconsistency. Due to this, I didn't connect with their romance at all and wasn't particularly fond of either character.
The novel, while capturing the slow and hesitant steps towards intimacy between an icy doctor and a sunny nurse, drags its narrative feet, extending far beyond the initial auction dates into a prolonged dance of two steps forward, one step back. This pacing issue, alongside the underdeveloped secondary storylines and the emergency department's background role, suggests that a more condensed narrative could have sharpened the focus on the evolving relationship without losing the story's heart.
I listened to the audiobook and will admit that at times, I was a bit lost with Lori Prince's narration as her voices for the two main characters would sometimes interlace.
Bachelorette Number Twelve weaves a narrative that's quintessentially Jae—a cute romance featuring mild angst. It did leave me wanting more though - more depth, more drama, and more of an edit.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Tandor Audio for a copy of this audiobook. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
As Ellie and Regina's journey unfolds, their interactions often circle back to a pattern of attraction acknowledged with qualifiers, such as remarks on each other's attractiveness that, while affirming their mutual interest, become tediously repetitive. Regina's hot-and-cold demeanor, marked by dismissive comments and a seeming disregard for Ellie's feelings, casts a shadow over their budding relationship. Despite Regina's efforts to amend her harsh words, the cycle of hurtful remarks followed by apologies left me frustrated by their dynamic. This, coupled with Ellie's persistent but often disregarded attempts at friendship, paints a portrait of a relationship fraught with imbalance and miscommunication. Scenes meant to show growth or understanding, such as Regina's thoughtful gestures or moments of vulnerability, were overshadowed for me by a lingering sense of Ellie's diminishing self-worth in the face of Regina's inconsistency. Due to this, I didn't connect with their romance at all and wasn't particularly fond of either character.
The novel, while capturing the slow and hesitant steps towards intimacy between an icy doctor and a sunny nurse, drags its narrative feet, extending far beyond the initial auction dates into a prolonged dance of two steps forward, one step back. This pacing issue, alongside the underdeveloped secondary storylines and the emergency department's background role, suggests that a more condensed narrative could have sharpened the focus on the evolving relationship without losing the story's heart.
I listened to the audiobook and will admit that at times, I was a bit lost with Lori Prince's narration as her voices for the two main characters would sometimes interlace.
Bachelorette Number Twelve weaves a narrative that's quintessentially Jae—a cute romance featuring mild angst. It did leave me wanting more though - more depth, more drama, and more of an edit.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Tandor Audio for a copy of this audiobook. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2024
An exciting new, slow-burn, medical (workplace) romance from Jae. Ellie works as a nurse in the ER of a Missouri hospital. She is personable, kind and caring of her patients. An ER doctor, Regina, has worked there less than a year coming from a major hospital in California. Regina is professional, but aloof. She is sort of an ice-queen, not used to explaining her actions or trying to make friends. At a charity auction for the hospital Ellie accidentally bids on a few dates with Regina.
Ellie tries slowly to get to know Regina and encourages her to let down her built up guards. I thought there was a nice balance of getting to know you conversations on dates mixed with workplace interactions where Regina insists there is no fraternizing. Regina is a bit of a mess being flirty one minute, she has Twinkie skills, and pulling back into professional mode the next. It feels like Ellie is endlessly patient letting Regina open up to her.
I was doubly pleased to see Ellie and Regina visit Fair Oaks and interact briefly with the main characters of two previous books by Jae, Perfect Rhythm (Sept 2017) and Not the Marrying Kind (April 2019). I have only recently read them. I think it is a treat for the fans of authors when they have worlds where characters from other books can interact or meet up. If I hadn’t read the previous books, it was still a nice location to go for a fun date activity.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Lori Prince. She never disappoints although sometimes I hear her voice and think of other characters she brought to life with a similar sound. This is flirty, and fun, but be prepared, it takes a while to get to the first kiss. But if you hang in there you won't be disappointed. (4.5 Stars)
Ellie tries slowly to get to know Regina and encourages her to let down her built up guards. I thought there was a nice balance of getting to know you conversations on dates mixed with workplace interactions where Regina insists there is no fraternizing. Regina is a bit of a mess being flirty one minute, she has Twinkie skills, and pulling back into professional mode the next. It feels like Ellie is endlessly patient letting Regina open up to her.
I was doubly pleased to see Ellie and Regina visit Fair Oaks and interact briefly with the main characters of two previous books by Jae, Perfect Rhythm (Sept 2017) and Not the Marrying Kind (April 2019). I have only recently read them. I think it is a treat for the fans of authors when they have worlds where characters from other books can interact or meet up. If I hadn’t read the previous books, it was still a nice location to go for a fun date activity.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Lori Prince. She never disappoints although sometimes I hear her voice and think of other characters she brought to life with a similar sound. This is flirty, and fun, but be prepared, it takes a while to get to the first kiss. But if you hang in there you won't be disappointed. (4.5 Stars)
January 8, 2024
Content warnings: hospitals (main setting/plot point), blood, references to drug addiction (past, minor character), sibling death (past, referenced),
Rep: Ellie (MC) is cis, white, and lesbian. Regina (MC) is cis, white, and lesbian. side queer characters, minor nonbinary character.
I was so kindly able to listen to the audiobook copy of this through Netgalley, and was more than excited when I realised that Lori Prince, one of my favourite narrators, was the one narrating this book!
The book is largely set in and around hospitals, as Ellie is a nurse in the Emergency Department, and Regina is a doctor there, too.
Every single interaction between Ellie and Regina was so brilliantly done. From their amazing banter, to their very real feelings being developed over the course of the book.
The plot was fantastic, the characters entertaining and very well developed. I adored every single thing about this one.
I feel like this is pretty close to being my favourite Jae novel! Nothing will beat Perfect Rhythm, but this is a close second!
Speaking of Perfect Rhythm - MY HEART!! It did a little happy dance at not only Leo and Holly making an appearance in this book, but Ashley and Sasha as well. I loved this addition, it was just perfection.
While this book is set predominately in and around a hospital, it doesn't let the intensity of that take away from the connection between Ellie and Regina.
I'll definitely be recommending this one to anyone who wants a new, heartfilled lesbian romance in their life.
Rep: Ellie (MC) is cis, white, and lesbian. Regina (MC) is cis, white, and lesbian. side queer characters, minor nonbinary character.
I was so kindly able to listen to the audiobook copy of this through Netgalley, and was more than excited when I realised that Lori Prince, one of my favourite narrators, was the one narrating this book!
The book is largely set in and around hospitals, as Ellie is a nurse in the Emergency Department, and Regina is a doctor there, too.
Every single interaction between Ellie and Regina was so brilliantly done. From their amazing banter, to their very real feelings being developed over the course of the book.
The plot was fantastic, the characters entertaining and very well developed. I adored every single thing about this one.
I feel like this is pretty close to being my favourite Jae novel! Nothing will beat Perfect Rhythm, but this is a close second!
Speaking of Perfect Rhythm - MY HEART!! It did a little happy dance at not only Leo and Holly making an appearance in this book, but Ashley and Sasha as well. I loved this addition, it was just perfection.
While this book is set predominately in and around a hospital, it doesn't let the intensity of that take away from the connection between Ellie and Regina.
I'll definitely be recommending this one to anyone who wants a new, heartfilled lesbian romance in their life.
January 20, 2024
Review of the audiobook.
Regina can be a bit hard to love at first. She is arrogant, closed off but behind her mask and that great wall of China, is hiding a woman hurt by grief and guilt. I couldn't wait for Ellie to come wreak that wall Miley's Cyrus style , and Jae did that perfectly. Ellie is warm, very understanding and so intuitive over Regina's feelings ; she is very lovable. At first Regina and Ellie are in a confrontational relationship and, date after date, we watch that dynamic being more and more diluted with sweetness then totally replaced by tenderness. Jae writes these sweet moments with small gestures from the ice queen that shows she cares. You can trust Jae with swoony scenes where one character takes care of the other in a moment of emotional distress and it's even better when it comes from an aloof character.Watching Regina slowly surrender to her feelings and fighting her defense mechanisms when she realizes she is hurting the person she loves was so satisfying.
The emotional side of the book is well balanced with the light side. It's low angst thanks to a lot of funny banters, though I admit the food innuendos were a bit too much for me sometimes...Some of them made the interactions less natural to me, but it's probably because they aren't my thing or the narration made it sound a bit like an erotica movie in my ears. But don't mistake yourself, I loved the Twinkie scene!
Overall, this book felt like a warm blanket that left me with a smile on my face. Perfect for the season.
Regina can be a bit hard to love at first. She is arrogant, closed off but behind her mask and that great wall of China, is hiding a woman hurt by grief and guilt. I couldn't wait for Ellie to come wreak that wall Miley's Cyrus style , and Jae did that perfectly. Ellie is warm, very understanding and so intuitive over Regina's feelings ; she is very lovable. At first Regina and Ellie are in a confrontational relationship and, date after date, we watch that dynamic being more and more diluted with sweetness then totally replaced by tenderness. Jae writes these sweet moments with small gestures from the ice queen that shows she cares. You can trust Jae with swoony scenes where one character takes care of the other in a moment of emotional distress and it's even better when it comes from an aloof character.Watching Regina slowly surrender to her feelings and fighting her defense mechanisms when she realizes she is hurting the person she loves was so satisfying.
The emotional side of the book is well balanced with the light side. It's low angst thanks to a lot of funny banters, though I admit the food innuendos were a bit too much for me sometimes...Some of them made the interactions less natural to me, but it's probably because they aren't my thing or the narration made it sound a bit like an erotica movie in my ears. But don't mistake yourself, I loved the Twinkie scene!
Overall, this book felt like a warm blanket that left me with a smile on my face. Perfect for the season.
February 24, 2024
Another good book from Jae! This was well written, and both Ellie and Regina were lovely characters to follow. I enjoyed their romance, from the mistaken auction bid right through to the real dates at the end. The whole auction thing was quite an inventive way to get the MC's together and I really enjoyed it.
There wasn't a third act break up! Yaaaay! They acted like the adults they were and talked through their issues. Fantastic!
There was an overabundance of exclamation marks, which I found initially distracting and ultimately irritating. But that's the only really negative thing I have to say about this book.
It was nice seeing Leo and Holly again. Not only was Perfect Rhythm the first ever book I read by Jae, but it was also the first ever sapphic book I read. So it was lovely seeing them again!
There wasn't a third act break up! Yaaaay! They acted like the adults they were and talked through their issues. Fantastic!
There was an overabundance of exclamation marks, which I found initially distracting and ultimately irritating. But that's the only really negative thing I have to say about this book.
It was nice seeing Leo and Holly again. Not only was Perfect Rhythm the first ever book I read by Jae, but it was also the first ever sapphic book I read. So it was lovely seeing them again!
January 26, 2024
I am behind on my reviews and will give this the proper attention it deserves soon. BUT until that happens, I'll just say I loved it. Classic Jae right in her sweet spot.
There's something about these books she sets in Missouri (this time Kansas City) that just have a lovely, sweet, romantic feel to them. She always gets the details right and you'd never know she's not someone who lives there or visits the state on a regular basis.
I can't spoil things for those who haven't read it yet, but there's a most beautiful gift in this story. How I wish the LAD (Legendary Angela Dawe) had narrated the audiobook! For reasons. *sigh*
Great main characters with lots of chemistry, humorous dialogue, and just all around entertaining. And I'm THRILLED because this is the first in a Medical Romance Series?! IN.
There's something about these books she sets in Missouri (this time Kansas City) that just have a lovely, sweet, romantic feel to them. She always gets the details right and you'd never know she's not someone who lives there or visits the state on a regular basis.
I can't spoil things for those who haven't read it yet, but there's a most beautiful gift in this story. How I wish the LAD (Legendary Angela Dawe) had narrated the audiobook! For reasons. *sigh*
Great main characters with lots of chemistry, humorous dialogue, and just all around entertaining. And I'm THRILLED because this is the first in a Medical Romance Series?! IN.
March 13, 2024
I had mostly a lot of fun with this one. I liked both MCs, and I enjoyed their dynamic. I found the handling of Regina not wanting the ppl she works with a little annoying, bc like… lol, girl I can relate. I don’t want ppl I work with in my business either. And I found everyone’s reactions to her a little harsh, but overall I had a good time. I’ll listen to Lori Prince read me anything, and Jae is a solidly reliable author for me, this goes into the pile with more of my favs/on the higher end of her reads, for me.
January 4, 2024
The first half of this book was simultaneously a bit insta-lust but also slow-moving for me. I can't explain it, it feels like the characters are already extremely attracted to each other but don't act on it for ages. The mandatory dates for the auction go by very slowly and there's a LOT of one person unthinkingly saying something that is hurtful to the other.
The second half of this book picked up a bit and bumped up my rating to 3.75 (rounded up for GoodReads). I appreciate the character growth but it happens very slowly (and doesn't bear out the natural progression since the main characters are attracted to each other from the very start).
Anyway, I enjoy Jae's other books a lot more, so this one was a little bit less fun but still solid.
The second half of this book picked up a bit and bumped up my rating to 3.75 (rounded up for GoodReads). I appreciate the character growth but it happens very slowly (and doesn't bear out the natural progression since the main characters are attracted to each other from the very start).
Anyway, I enjoy Jae's other books a lot more, so this one was a little bit less fun but still solid.
January 7, 2024
Detailed score: 4.5/5
Love me a wounded ice queen that slowly lets down her walls story.
Great pacing. The leads actually communicate. Hot pwwwoooaaarrr scenes but not too many. Show not tell. Tick tick tick.
Missing that extra something that makes a book really memorable and worthy of the full 5 stars but definitely recommend this one
Love me a wounded ice queen that slowly lets down her walls story.
Great pacing. The leads actually communicate. Hot pwwwoooaaarrr scenes but not too many. Show not tell. Tick tick tick.
Missing that extra something that makes a book really memorable and worthy of the full 5 stars but definitely recommend this one
January 18, 2024
I loved this story and Regina's progression. Once I'm done with "Buy Nothing 2024" I'll be buying the ebook so I can reread it.
I borrowed the audiobook from Hoopla because no ebooks or physical copies were available from the library. I knew I'd struggle with Lori Prince's narration. And I did for about the first half of the book. Her secondary character voices tend to be shrill, over-the-top, have weird intonations, or some combination of all of those and make it difficult to stay in the story. But once we get to the parts of the book that are primarily between only Regina and Ellie, her narration shines. She does a great job of acting out the dialogue and bringing the characters to life. Credit where it's due, her performance of scenes containing only our two main characters kept me engaged and helped me to fall in love with them. So if you have the same problems as I do with Ms. Prince's narration work, try to stick it out and you'll feel better about the experience. I promise.
I still have Audible Premium (Audible Plus?) for another week so I'm listening to Not the Marrying Kind because I couldn't remember anything about it and those characters (along with Leo and Holly) make appearances in this one.
Let me also say how appreciative I am when wlw authors and publishers have their books available in public libraries. It makes my life - and the lives of so many others - more enjoyable to be able to read books that represent our experiences and our community even when we can't always afford to buy books. Thank you!
I borrowed the audiobook from Hoopla because no ebooks or physical copies were available from the library. I knew I'd struggle with Lori Prince's narration. And I did for about the first half of the book. Her secondary character voices tend to be shrill, over-the-top, have weird intonations, or some combination of all of those and make it difficult to stay in the story. But once we get to the parts of the book that are primarily between only Regina and Ellie, her narration shines. She does a great job of acting out the dialogue and bringing the characters to life. Credit where it's due, her performance of scenes containing only our two main characters kept me engaged and helped me to fall in love with them. So if you have the same problems as I do with Ms. Prince's narration work, try to stick it out and you'll feel better about the experience. I promise.
I still have Audible Premium (Audible Plus?) for another week so I'm listening to Not the Marrying Kind because I couldn't remember anything about it and those characters (along with Leo and Holly) make appearances in this one.
Let me also say how appreciative I am when wlw authors and publishers have their books available in public libraries. It makes my life - and the lives of so many others - more enjoyable to be able to read books that represent our experiences and our community even when we can't always afford to buy books. Thank you!
January 20, 2024
I absolutely enjoyed this sapphic, medical field romance, but I do want to point out that this is not an enemies to lovers romance...I wouldn't even call it rivals to lovers to be honest.
Ellie and Regina were both fantastic characters and showed how they could be complementary while also being polar opposites. Ellie is a lively and compassionate ER nurse that will do anything for her patients, but she shoulders her family's disappointment of not completing medical school. Regina is closed off ER doctor and unliked by the majority of her colleagues at the hospital, but she blames herself for the death of a loved one.
I also really liked Ellie and Regina trying to go through these dates for charity and grow from the dates being a chore to being excited about surprising each other on date ideas. It was just super cute.
Thank you Tantor Audio for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are own.
Ellie and Regina were both fantastic characters and showed how they could be complementary while also being polar opposites. Ellie is a lively and compassionate ER nurse that will do anything for her patients, but she shoulders her family's disappointment of not completing medical school. Regina is closed off ER doctor and unliked by the majority of her colleagues at the hospital, but she blames herself for the death of a loved one.
I also really liked Ellie and Regina trying to go through these dates for charity and grow from the dates being a chore to being excited about surprising each other on date ideas. It was just super cute.
Thank you Tantor Audio for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are own.
February 21, 2024
8/10
this was actually very cute and id enjoyed listening to the audiobook
this was actually very cute and id enjoyed listening to the audiobook
January 8, 2024
4.5 stars
A great book to start the new year with! I love the enemies-to-lovers trope, and I'm starting to discover that I really love medical romances.
Regina starts off as such an ice queen (which earns her the nickname "McIcy" lol), but Ellie really peels back her layers. Warning that Regina really is a jerk at the start, but she slowly gets better as she spends more time with Ellie. Despite Regina's initial frostiness, she does take good care of Ellie. I like that they are aware of each other's hangups and help each other heal.
I've been anticipating this book since April of last year after I read a teaser blurb in Jae's newsletter. And it lived up to expectations! There were plenty of fun/funny moments that had some trope-y-ness going on, and Regina and Ellie have great banter.
I also appreciated that the story extends beyond them getting together and shows how they work out the kinks (no pun intended) in their relationship. I found the ending to be really satisfying and wholesome.
Perhaps my only reservation is that the first part of the book sometimes felt repetitive with Regina and Ellie often denying their attraction to/feelings for the other person. It didn't detract too much from the story, but it did make me roll my eyes a couple times. You can only lie to yourself for so long... But sometimes that's the way the enemies-to-lovers trope goes.
cw: mentions of emergency medical injuries, patient death, sibling death, drug use/addiction (side character)
A great book to start the new year with! I love the enemies-to-lovers trope, and I'm starting to discover that I really love medical romances.
Regina starts off as such an ice queen (which earns her the nickname "McIcy" lol), but Ellie really peels back her layers. Warning that Regina really is a jerk at the start, but she slowly gets better as she spends more time with Ellie. Despite Regina's initial frostiness, she does take good care of Ellie. I like that they are aware of each other's hangups and help each other heal.
I've been anticipating this book since April of last year after I read a teaser blurb in Jae's newsletter. And it lived up to expectations! There were plenty of fun/funny moments that had some trope-y-ness going on, and Regina and Ellie have great banter.
I also appreciated that the story extends beyond them getting together and shows how they work out the kinks (no pun intended) in their relationship. I found the ending to be really satisfying and wholesome.
Perhaps my only reservation is that the first part of the book sometimes felt repetitive with Regina and Ellie often denying their attraction to/feelings for the other person. It didn't detract too much from the story, but it did make me roll my eyes a couple times. You can only lie to yourself for so long... But sometimes that's the way the enemies-to-lovers trope goes.
cw: mentions of emergency medical injuries, patient death, sibling death, drug use/addiction (side character)
January 10, 2024
4.5⭐
El libro roza casi la perfección, es lento, pero no aburrido, divertido sin exagerar, con una reina de hielo, encantadora que te derrite por dentro, Regina es, uffff! Y Ellie es el amor personificado. Los personajes secundarios son la hostia, y la historia en general esta muy bien balanceada con su drama justo, mi única queja es que el final fue un pelin decepcionante.
El libro roza casi la perfección, es lento, pero no aburrido, divertido sin exagerar, con una reina de hielo, encantadora que te derrite por dentro, Regina es, uffff! Y Ellie es el amor personificado. Los personajes secundarios son la hostia, y la historia en general esta muy bien balanceada con su drama justo, mi única queja es que el final fue un pelin decepcionante.
January 24, 2024
This was a sweet, low angst book. I am usually not a fan of Lori Prince, but for two feminine characters it's okay. I liked the narration. Regina is such a lovely ice queen. However I felt a slight imbalance. Regina adapted so much and I saw next to no development in Ellie. Also, Ellie feeling hurt so often for basically no reason wasn't my so much thing .
December 26, 2024
Fast keine Miscommunication, gut ausgearbeitete Hauptcharaktere, ein interessanter Plot und kein ewig langsames Abwickeln der Ereignisse - und trotzdem slow burn. Im Krankenhaus. Lovely. Bissl viel doctor shaming und nurse jubeln wie üblich, aber insgesamt einfach süß. Das Cover ist illegal unpassend und viel mehr würden dieses Buch lesen, wenn dieses nicht so aussehen würde als wärs von AI hingeknallt, plus schauen die Frauen darauf null aus wie die Charakterbeschreibungen.
4/5 für das Buch
1/5 für das Cover
4/5 für das Buch
1/5 für das Cover
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