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thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Grief
Moderate: Medical content, Drug abuse, and Violence
Minor: Homophobia
yepdatjj's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of my new favorite enemies-to-lovers. A well written, funny, feel-good story, with witty banter wrapped up in a medical romance. It has a dash of spice, some choice food foreplay, and great dialogue. Enjoyed the slow burn building of their relationship and Regina's character arc.
Now excuse me while I find some lava cake. You'll understand after you read it.
Now excuse me while I find some lava cake. You'll understand after you read it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Addiction
Minor: Drug use, Drug abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
scarlettereads's review
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and Jae for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Story: ⭐️⭐️✨✨ Two point seven-five stars
Audio: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ Four and a half stars
Total: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Three stars
Bachelorette Number Twelve by Jae follows cinnamon-roll hopeless romantic Ellie Fisher, an emergency department nurse, and no nonsense ice queen Regina Novak, an attending in the same ED.
At work Ellie and Regina don't see eye to eye. You might say they're rivals of a sort. Their dislike for each other is mutual, and while they try to avoid each other at work, a mishap at the hospital's annual singles auction fundraiser brings them together despite both women's wishes—Ellie accidentally bid on a date package with bachelorette number twelve, Dr. Regina Novak, who was forced to volunteer in place of a colleague.
Now, for better or worse, the two women are bound together for the span of four dates in the name of a good cause, and for the sum of nine-hundred dollars.
From Ellie teaching Regina how to ice skate, to a baking class turned competition, and from axe throwing to a very flashy (and disastrous) dinner, the nurse and doctor get to know each other and they find that the conclusions they'd drawn about one another couldn't be more misguided, and that their attraction to each other is worth fighting for.
For most of Bachelorette Number Twelve I felt like the book could've been two-thirds, or even half as long as it is. The pacing was a bit off for where I could see the story was going, but the last few hours of the book—let's not forget that it's a thirteen and a half hour long audiobook—really picked up and in total were much more interesting than the prior chapters.
I felt like the story dragged on a little too much for just four dates when not much of the time between was actually spent at the hospital. I expected the emergency department to be a bit of a character in itself. I didn't expect this book to serve up Grey's Anatomy realness, but I went into it thinking it would have at least some of the drama of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The only thing it had in common with <i>Grey's</i> at all was that there were lesbians that just so happened to work in a hospital, and there was flirting via coffee cart and hot beverages. That part was actually pretty cute, and very, very sweet.
While there were secondary plot lines for both Ellie and Regina I think they took too much of a back seat. Both were only truly explored in the last quarter of the book (right where the story picked up and held my interest), but they were resolved super quickly—and after too little angst on Ellie's part. While I found Regina's background story and subsequent trauma compelling it was wrapped up too seamlessly for me. For the length of the book I feel like it could've been explored more thoroughly.
I enjoyed the inclusion of queer pop-star Jenna Blake and Ellie's adoration of her, but I think it was a missed opportunity not to have her be involved in Regina's efforts to win Ellie over after their misunderstanding. I think it was a waste to have Regina mention on the fourth date that she tried to get Jenna to play at the restaurant for Ellie but there was too much red-tape to allow for that, when if that hadn't been mentioned then there would be nothing stopping Regina from organising such a grand gesture for the big redo date. Would it have been believable? Probably not. But this is fiction and can you imagine how romantic gesture it would have been for Ellie's favourite musician to play a private concert for them? Huge missed opportunity.
In terms of the audiobook, I love a good Tantor Audio read, and I love Lori Prince as a narrator, but the true letdown of this book is that Prince pronounced "ugh" as "UGG" which really took me out of the moment. Other than that the audio performance was wonderful.
Bachelorette Number Twelve was an enjoyable read towards the end, but it just didn't do enough for me to warrant the length of the book. Had it contained the same core plot but been even three-quarters of the length I'd no doubt have enjoyed it more, but as it is I really needed the story to be a bit meatier in the way of drama and backstory. Give a bit more time to Ellie's relationship with her parents, have Ellie talk to her sister about her blossoming romantic relationship with Regina. Have her sister talk more about her not-a-relationship relationship—which I imagine might be where book two is headed, so a bit more of a build-up would've been delightful. If for some reason the inclusion of disc golf is truly integral to the plot of this book then give Regina at least one solid friendship with a fellow sportsperson. They were certainly trying to win her over. Had that been a side-plot I'd have found the focus on such a specific sport to make more sense in the long run.
While Bachelorette Number Twelve isn't a five star read for me it's definitely worth a read if you're dipping your toe into the glittering waters of the queer contemporary romance genre. At the end of the day it's a book by a sapphic author, about sapphic characters, and for sapphic readers. And it's a great one to include if you're doing this year's Sapphic Book Bingo or I Heart Sapphfic Reading Challenge.
Story: ⭐️⭐️✨✨ Two point seven-five stars
Audio: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ Four and a half stars
Total: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Three stars
Bachelorette Number Twelve by Jae follows cinnamon-roll hopeless romantic Ellie Fisher, an emergency department nurse, and no nonsense ice queen Regina Novak, an attending in the same ED.
At work Ellie and Regina don't see eye to eye. You might say they're rivals of a sort. Their dislike for each other is mutual, and while they try to avoid each other at work, a mishap at the hospital's annual singles auction fundraiser brings them together despite both women's wishes—Ellie accidentally bid on a date package with bachelorette number twelve, Dr. Regina Novak, who was forced to volunteer in place of a colleague.
Now, for better or worse, the two women are bound together for the span of four dates in the name of a good cause, and for the sum of nine-hundred dollars.
From Ellie teaching Regina how to ice skate, to a baking class turned competition, and from axe throwing to a very flashy (and disastrous) dinner, the nurse and doctor get to know each other and they find that the conclusions they'd drawn about one another couldn't be more misguided, and that their attraction to each other is worth fighting for.
For most of Bachelorette Number Twelve I felt like the book could've been two-thirds, or even half as long as it is. The pacing was a bit off for where I could see the story was going, but the last few hours of the book—let's not forget that it's a thirteen and a half hour long audiobook—really picked up and in total were much more interesting than the prior chapters.
I felt like the story dragged on a little too much for just four dates when not much of the time between was actually spent at the hospital. I expected the emergency department to be a bit of a character in itself. I didn't expect this book to serve up Grey's Anatomy realness, but I went into it thinking it would have at least some of the drama of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The only thing it had in common with <i>Grey's</i> at all was that there were lesbians that just so happened to work in a hospital, and there was flirting via coffee cart and hot beverages. That part was actually pretty cute, and very, very sweet.
While there were secondary plot lines for both Ellie and Regina I think they took too much of a back seat. Both were only truly explored in the last quarter of the book (right where the story picked up and held my interest), but they were resolved super quickly—and after too little angst on Ellie's part. While I found Regina's background story and subsequent trauma compelling it was wrapped up too seamlessly for me. For the length of the book I feel like it could've been explored more thoroughly.
I enjoyed the inclusion of queer pop-star Jenna Blake and Ellie's adoration of her, but I think it was a missed opportunity not to have her be involved in Regina's efforts to win Ellie over after their misunderstanding. I think it was a waste to have Regina mention on the fourth date that she tried to get Jenna to play at the restaurant for Ellie but there was too much red-tape to allow for that, when if that hadn't been mentioned then there would be nothing stopping Regina from organising such a grand gesture for the big redo date. Would it have been believable? Probably not. But this is fiction and can you imagine how romantic gesture it would have been for Ellie's favourite musician to play a private concert for them? Huge missed opportunity.
In terms of the audiobook, I love a good Tantor Audio read, and I love Lori Prince as a narrator, but the true letdown of this book is that Prince pronounced "ugh" as "UGG" which really took me out of the moment. Other than that the audio performance was wonderful.
Bachelorette Number Twelve was an enjoyable read towards the end, but it just didn't do enough for me to warrant the length of the book. Had it contained the same core plot but been even three-quarters of the length I'd no doubt have enjoyed it more, but as it is I really needed the story to be a bit meatier in the way of drama and backstory. Give a bit more time to Ellie's relationship with her parents, have Ellie talk to her sister about her blossoming romantic relationship with Regina. Have her sister talk more about her not-a-relationship relationship—which I imagine might be where book two is headed, so a bit more of a build-up would've been delightful. If for some reason the inclusion of disc golf is truly integral to the plot of this book then give Regina at least one solid friendship with a fellow sportsperson. They were certainly trying to win her over. Had that been a side-plot I'd have found the focus on such a specific sport to make more sense in the long run.
While Bachelorette Number Twelve isn't a five star read for me it's definitely worth a read if you're dipping your toe into the glittering waters of the queer contemporary romance genre. At the end of the day it's a book by a sapphic author, about sapphic characters, and for sapphic readers. And it's a great one to include if you're doing this year's Sapphic Book Bingo or I Heart Sapphfic Reading Challenge.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse and Addiction
queerafictionado's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Oh my gosh, this book! I was hooked from start to finish. I love a good opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine story and Jae did not disappoint with this one. Plus it was narrated by one of my favorite audiobook narrators! It was sweet and funny and dripping with sexual tension…HO-LY SMOKES!
The playful, flirtatious banter that they can’t seem to keep from slipping out any time they are together. The unintentional sexual innuendos. The vulnerability and tenderness. The mutual pining. Regina’s icy walls slowly melting, but only for Ellie. The hopefulness, and longing, and growing desire to protect. That first kiss… And OH MY GOD! I will never look at a twinkie or lava cake the same way ever again!! 👅I absolutely loved every part of this story and the way Lori brought these characters to life was perfection. So many feels!
Regina is the new doctor in the ER, an ice queen who skips the niceties and leaves everything but work outside the hospital. Ellie is a nurse in the ER. She’s bubbly and warm and the kind of person who hangs paper hearts in the hospital for Valentine’s Day. So things get interesting when the two are thrust together for four dates after Ellie accidentally (it was a big fly after all 😂…iykyk) bids on Regina at the hospital’s fundraiser. If it were up to Regina the dates would have never happened. But luckily, the hospital wants photos of these outings and the two are stuck seeing it through.
As the dates progress, the dynamics begin to shift between them in subtle ways. Ways that neither of them are quite ready to admit. Regina may be icy, but her story will touch your heart. The grief and despair and shame that she carries are part of why she built such strong walls to protect herself. But being in Ellie’s presence somehow has her repeatedly letting those walls down without warning. Not gonna lie…I definitely teared up at times while listening.
I love that Ellie never lets Regina get away with things. She makes her talk to her and answer her questions. She always seems to know where that line is for Regina and never forces her or pushes her to go farther than she’s comfortable. But she makes Regina own up to what she does and why. And she holds Regina’s story with the utmost care.
Ahh!! I just freaking love these two, okay? They are truly made for each other and bring out all the best parts of each other. This is just a phenomenal story. I highly recommend it!
🏳️🌈Rep: Lesbian MCs, minor non-binary SC
📝Tropes/Themes: Doctor, Nurse, Workplace Romance, Rivals to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Ice Queen, Opposites Attract, Slow Burn, Cute Dog
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and Tanor Audio. This is my honest review.
The playful, flirtatious banter that they can’t seem to keep from slipping out any time they are together. The unintentional sexual innuendos. The vulnerability and tenderness. The mutual pining. Regina’s icy walls slowly melting, but only for Ellie. The hopefulness, and longing, and growing desire to protect. That first kiss… And OH MY GOD! I will never look at a twinkie or lava cake the same way ever again!! 👅I absolutely loved every part of this story and the way Lori brought these characters to life was perfection. So many feels!
Regina is the new doctor in the ER, an ice queen who skips the niceties and leaves everything but work outside the hospital. Ellie is a nurse in the ER. She’s bubbly and warm and the kind of person who hangs paper hearts in the hospital for Valentine’s Day. So things get interesting when the two are thrust together for four dates after Ellie accidentally (it was a big fly after all 😂…iykyk) bids on Regina at the hospital’s fundraiser. If it were up to Regina the dates would have never happened. But luckily, the hospital wants photos of these outings and the two are stuck seeing it through.
As the dates progress, the dynamics begin to shift between them in subtle ways. Ways that neither of them are quite ready to admit. Regina may be icy, but her story will touch your heart. The grief and despair and shame that she carries are part of why she built such strong walls to protect herself. But being in Ellie’s presence somehow has her repeatedly letting those walls down without warning. Not gonna lie…I definitely teared up at times while listening.
I love that Ellie never lets Regina get away with things. She makes her talk to her and answer her questions. She always seems to know where that line is for Regina and never forces her or pushes her to go farther than she’s comfortable. But she makes Regina own up to what she does and why. And she holds Regina’s story with the utmost care.
Ahh!! I just freaking love these two, okay? They are truly made for each other and bring out all the best parts of each other. This is just a phenomenal story. I highly recommend it!
🏳️🌈Rep: Lesbian MCs, minor non-binary SC
📝Tropes/Themes: Doctor, Nurse, Workplace Romance, Rivals to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Ice Queen, Opposites Attract, Slow Burn, Cute Dog
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and Tanor Audio. This is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Minor: Drug abuse
Mention of sibling death numerous times, happens off page before the start of the bookthalitacarvalho's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I received a review copy of the audiobook edition via NetGalley, all opinions are my own. This review contains spoilers.
Bachelorette Number Twelve is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, medical romance by Jae.
Regina Novak is an uptight doctor, who doesn't like interacting with her coworkers beyond what is needed to get their jobs done. Ellie Fisher is a romantic sunshine nurse who has no trouble interacting with her coworkers, the exception being Regina. When Regina gets roped into volunteering for a singles auction to raise money for sick children, Ellie accidentally bids on her and wins a series of dates with the unapproachable doctor. For the sake of the auction and the children the money helps, they decide to go through with the pre-arranged date activities while a photographer registers everything to attract more people to the next event.
During their dates, they slowly get to know each other and realize how their previous opinions were misguided. Jae does a wonderful job of gradually revealing each character's layers, especially Regina. Once she opens up about her past to Ellie, she understands the doctor's complicated relationship with her co-workers and hospital gossip. Ellie doesn't judge Regina but instead tries to help her see a different side to the events that took place when her brother died.
Their romance is slow, with both characters denying the attraction they feel. The book has many funny moments, filled with Regina's dry humor and hers and Ellie's inside jokes. Jae does a wonderful job of showing the slow change in the main character's feelings for each other. It becomes obvious to the reader that they are falling in love, even if they take a long time to notice it. The relationship develops without any major angst, although Regina's past contains some angst and heavy situations. Jae deals with the heavy themes gently and respectfully.
There is no third-act breakup in this book, which makes it perfect for a comfort reading. Bachelorette Number Twelve is a well-written, feel-good romance that will have you laughing at some moments and swooning at others. It's worth reading. Lori Prince's narration on the audiobook is perfect. She manages to convey the full range of the character's emotions while giving each their unique voice. The audiobook version certainly makes the book even more appealing due to Prince's narration. I give this book a 4.5 rating out of 5.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse and Death
formerbookclubpresident's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
3.5
I’m going to start off with what i liked in this book:
-the premise?!? love
- the logic for the forced proximity felt solid
- lesbian doctor so hot
- lesbians?!?? hello?!??
- really great characters building for the mc outside of the love story
- the trauma Regina experiences feels like the stakes are actually really important
over all, i felt like this book was cute and cheesy but not something I’d personally revisit. the love interests dropped the enemies to lovers bit almost immediately and they have no chemistry on the page besides being told they liked eachother. Regina was a weird one for me because lesbian doctor???? love. but she was oddly mean but full of herself but so self conscious about what people said about her which felt contradictory to what we’re learning about her. also the audiobook narrator dropped the ball with distinguishing the voices of the two women which is often a challenge in wlw audiobooks but it really hurt the book overall. i would happily check out more stuff by this author but this is a naur for me.
-the premise?!? love
- the logic for the forced proximity felt solid
- lesbian doctor so hot
- lesbians?!?? hello?!??
- really great characters building for the mc outside of the love story
- the trauma Regina experiences feels like the stakes are actually really important
over all, i felt like this book was cute and cheesy but not something I’d personally revisit. the love interests dropped the enemies to lovers bit almost immediately and they have no chemistry on the page besides being told they liked eachother. Regina was a weird one for me because lesbian doctor???? love. but she was oddly mean but full of herself but so self conscious about what people said about her which felt contradictory to what we’re learning about her. also the audiobook narrator dropped the ball with distinguishing the voices of the two women which is often a challenge in wlw audiobooks but it really hurt the book overall. i would happily check out more stuff by this author but this is a naur for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse
rakhya's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
A well written book, with likeable characters (yes, even Dr. McIcy) and its fair share of funny moments.
A good read that meets the quality level I've come to expect from Jae, despite my inability to form a special connection with it.
A good read that meets the quality level I've come to expect from Jae, despite my inability to form a special connection with it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug abuse and Addiction
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