The details…
- Title: Bachelorette Number Twelve
- Author: Jae
- Publisher: Ylva Publishing
- Publication date: January 10, 2024
- Available formats: ebook, paperback, audiobook
- File size: 1296 KB
- Print length: 360 pages
- Audiobook: 13 hours, 26 minutes; narrated by Lori Prince; produced by Tantor Audio
- Genre: contemporary romance
- Themes: falling in love, women loving women, sapphic romance, learning to trust, overcoming emotional trauma, learning to let go of past hurts, embracing friendships, learning to love
- Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance, enemies-to-lovers, ice queen, doctor/nurse, dislike-to-love
The blurb from the publisher…
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?
My thoughts…
Bachelorette Number Twelve by Jae is a well-crafted, feel-good story that skillfully intertwines humor and vulnerability to deliver a slow-burn, annoyed-coworkers-to-lovers romance. Jae is in her element with this tale and it shows. She handily portrays the complexities of life and its impact on the human spirit with authenticity and sensitivity, all while creating meaningful relationships amongst her characters. This book, just like her others, showcases her versatility and insight as an author, underscoring why she is one of the most talented sapphic writers around today.
The story idea for Bachelorette Number Twelve combines a couple of different notions from popular television: 1) the showcasing of single, eligible people for a chance at love with one lucky winner, and 2) a hospital ER filled with the kind of beautiful faces and colorful personalities one would find on Grey’s Anatomy. Jae takes these ideas and centers them around two fantastic characters—Regina Novak, an uptight and chilly ER physician, and Ellie Fisher, a warm-hearted, kind nurse.
Regina and Ellie’s relationship is initially characterized by mutual disagreements and eye-rolling clashes on nearly everything under the sun. All of that begins to change though after a hospital charity bachelor/bachelorette auction where Ellie ends up accidentally casting the winning bid for Regina. Since the money raised is for a good cause, the two reluctantly decide to go through with the planned three dates and social media promotions. However, as they spend more time together, they find themselves developing feelings for one another despite their initial animosity.
Jae expertly crafts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities and backgrounds. They all work to provide depth and dimension to the storytelling. Yet, it’s these two main characters that really make the story shine. Regina is a strong and independent woman who struggles with vulnerability, trust, and control issues; she’s built a wall around her heart to protect herself. However, Regina’s defenses begin to slowly crumble in the presence of Ellie’s charm and charisma. It’s through their newly developing relationship that she learns to confront her past and trust in the goodness of people. Funnily enough, Ellie learns things about herself too as she draws closer to Regina. Together they discover that being vulnerable changes everything, especially when love is involved.
Regina and Ellie’s journey resonates with readers for several reasons. As Regina—dubbed Doctor McIcy—is gradually melted by Ellie’s warm support, and friendship, readers begin to see Regina for who she really is. Most importantly though, Ellie begins to see her for what she really is, and she can’t help but fall in love with that person. Their path to HEA is emotional, well-developed, and touching. As vulnerabilities are explored and love is discovered, readers can’t help but be heartwarmed. Their romance is root-worthy in every way.
Besides friendship, trust, and love, this novel also tackles some serious themes. But, just as one would expect, Jae handles them with finesse. As Regina and Ellie’s vulnerabilities are explored, she employs her gentle humor, softening heavy moments with heartwarming scenes and smile-worthy banter. These well-penned exchanges add depth and authenticity to the storytelling, making Regina and Ellie’s interactions more engaging and meaningful. This is why Jae remains a standout: her timely and tender humor is not only beautifully applied, it’s praiseworthy.
Final remarks…
Readers will appreciate this well-written, slow-burn romance. Designed around likable, strong-willed women, Bachelorette Number Twelve is filled with lighthearted humor, heartwarming scenes, and deliciously romantic moments. It offers a perfect balance of love, humor, and angst, making it a wonderful read. The audiobook version, narrated by Lori Prince, offers sapphic romance lovers another way to enjoy this fantastic story. Her performance is top shelf, capturing the tone and feel of the narrative splendidly; her voice makes the storytelling come alive. The characters are portrayed with the grace of a true artist. Bottom line—ebook, paperback or audiobook—this heartfelt, grumpy/sunshine romance needs to be on your reading list.
Strengths…
- Well-written
- Touching and tender
- Humorous
- Likable characters
- Delicious romantic moments
- Great chemistry between the leads
- Highly recommend
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A bit about the author…
Jae is the author of twenty-four award-winning lesbian romances.
She lives in the sunniest city in 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 lesbian books, indulges her ice cream and stationery addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
Connect with the author…
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