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I’ve fallen for my best friend, but my past might drive him away.

I messed up, and something horrible happened, but I’ve done what I could to make things right. I’ve cared for the ogre injured by my actions, and now Jarrn and I are best friends. This sweet, burly guy is easy to love.

When he’s offered a job on an interstellar cruise ship performing in Monsters in Review, he invites me to go with him.

We didn’t know they’d put us in the same cabin.

The fun we share spending our free time together during the day is far surpassed at night when I drool in the audience as Jarrn thrusts his hips on stage—wearing almost nothing. When we share our tiny bed, it’s all I can do to keep my hands to myself.

Too bad Jarrn only sees me as a friend. I’d rather have that than nothing.

Just when I think he's developing feelings for me, my past catches up. Will it separate us forever?

Jarrn is a standalone monster romance set in the Monster on Board world written by USA TODAY bestselling authors Alana Khan and Ava Ross. Expect steamy hijinks, humor, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2023

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About the author

Ava Ross

198 books795 followers
AVA ROSS fell for men with unusual features when she first watched Star Wars, where alien creatures have gone mainstream. She lives in New England with her husband (who is sadly not an alien, though he is still cute in his own way), her kids, and assorted pets, including a yorkie pup and three cats.

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5 stars
163 (52%)
4 stars
83 (26%)
3 stars
51 (16%)
2 stars
11 (3%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
784 reviews11 followers
May 27, 2023
If you want a sweet friends to lovers romance, look no further! Right from the start, you fall in love with Jarrn, the firefighter who is scarred and can no longer do the physical job he so loves. He has to pay his rent so he decides to become an exotic dancer on a cruise line. His best friend Delia accompanies him and with one small room between them, things begin to spark. I thought this book has a creative plot with yummy characters you so don’t want to put it down. Download and enjoy ❤️❤️❤️❤️
272 reviews6 followers
June 11, 2023
This was an awesome story, a sexy orc firefighter injured during a fire. Due to the injury he becomes a sexy stripper in a monster review. Wow an amazing idea and I loved every single page. I loved both Jarrn and Delia. Its a very original story that will keep you reading every single page. Pick up a copy you will be very glad you did.
199 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2025
This book is part of a series of interconnected standalones. It can totally be read on its own!

I loved this friends-to-lovers story! Jarrn is so sweet, and Delia is super likeable. I liked how their relationship evolved as they both discovered they had deeper feelings than friendship! It's a short read, perfect as a palate cleanser after some darker read...

I strongly recommend this book and the whole series if you like alien romance. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Goddess of Chaos.
2,893 reviews12 followers
June 15, 2023
"Everything that’s happened since the first moment I laid eyes on Delia has been a disaster."

Jarrn is headed off on a 3 month contract, and persuades his friend Delia to tag along... it turns out being friendzoned is hard, discovering you accidentally friendzoned yourself? That's brutal!

This done in one kindle unlimited quick read is a great story about how we see ourselves, how that influences how we assume others see us, and how changes in our thinking can impact what we see. With just the right touch of 'we're our own worst critics', this was a page turner that built up to an ending that fit beautifully, in multiple ways.
843 reviews6 followers
June 11, 2023
Love this author! I’ve read nearly all her work and truly enjoy this newer series! Love the stories, characters, and the spiciness!
Profile Image for Vedece Barnes.
688 reviews8 followers
May 28, 2023
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But what if you don't see what the beholder sees?
Growing up, Jarrn had dreams just like anyone else. He wanted to be a vid star but he knows what he is. He's a monster. The only one he wants is Delia and he would never try with her so he just stays in the "friend zone".
Delia has deep feelings for her friend and when she looks at him, she doesn't see a monster, just a beautiful soul.
When he asks her to join him for his new job as a dancer in "Monsters in Review" on a cruise ship, she agrees to support him in any way she can. Due to a mix up, they find out that they now have to share a room, a small room, with one bed, for three months!
After seeing him "shake his money maker", neither one of them wants anything between them. Literally.
Will a chance comes up that would make all his dreams come true, will the lovers sacrifice everything for the dream?
There's enough pining between these two to fill a forest but oh the revealing joy of mutual understanding! Delia described their first interaction as "wild and feral" and ah. I totally agree!
I really love that these two have a friendship from the beginning of the book (even though both wanted more) before they went to the next level of their relationship (with fiery intensity).
I am SO loving this series!
Profile Image for Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha.
1,067 reviews16 followers
June 1, 2023
Dellia and Jarrn
When we think we have a problem and don't do anything to Change it, we start thinking it's worse and worse until its unberable. The acará aren't just fisical they are also emotional and we must heal emotionaly to move forward. That is what this book is Abou and I loved it. That and the very talented Jarrn with his very hot moves. Fantastic, this series never frases to amaze me.
107 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2023
A fun, quick read with the hero/heroine being friends to lovers. Low on angst and high on spicy/sexy times! Would recommend.
Profile Image for Grey Story.
391 reviews22 followers
July 5, 2023
I skipped ahead straight to Jarrn for the friends to lovers. It was short, fun, enjoyable, and scratched the friends to lovers itch a little bit. Only a little, since they actually ended up as lovers quite fast.

Della and Jarrn were both cute and I appreciated that they both had some character development. Della deals with her guilt over the event that led to Jarrn's injury while Jarrn has to learn some self love and acceptance for his facial scarring.

Like the previous stories in this series, some things are a little over the top to feel realistic ().

I also thought that Della's "my past catches up" note from the blurb was going to be a way bigger thing than it really was.
Profile Image for La'Jacinth.
2,012 reviews
March 21, 2025
Beauty in tge Eye of the beholder

Delia is filled with guilt and love for Jarrn, whereas Jarrn is filled with shame and love. Neither is not quite sure of the other but wanting each other.

This book covers several tropes (monster, friends to lovers, and galactic travels) that seem to not mesh, but you don't realize the significance until it is blaring you in the face. What I took away from the book is no matter how you look, your heart will always shine through. Your looks are not what people are drawn to but your spirit. And guilt distorts things, so dont trust it blindly.

Thank you, Ava & Alana!!!! You both make writing a pleasure to read. Besides, I couldn't expect anything less...your both my favorite authors.
1,394 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2023
Delia has a lot of guilt and she just can’t seem to let it go. Jarrn sees his scars and broken horn as ugly and making him a monster. No one else seems to think as he does. His scars just adds character. It may make him look scary, but he’s actually very gentle. Neither will admit their attraction for different reasons.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,366 reviews88 followers
April 2, 2023
A fun "friends-to-lovers" sci-fi romance.. I enjoyed it,, Funny, spicy/sweet, with some misunderstandings and lots of loyalty..
976 reviews9 followers
May 23, 2023
Jarrn was a fire fighter and was severely burned in a fire. He can’t return to that profession so as a stop gap measure he takes a job on the Jeweled Empress as part of the Monsters in Review Dance Troupe for three months. At least he will be able to pay his rent and bills when he is done. His best friend, Delia, is furious that he see’s himself as a monster, just because of his scars. She carries a lot of guilt because she feels responsible for the fire that injured him. But he convinces her to come with him because he is allowed to bring a friend along with all expenses paid. But of course, there is a snaffoo and they are both assigned to the same room.

Delia has been in “lust” with Jarrn since she met him in the hospital, but he seems determined to keep her in the “friend zone”. Jarrn is practically in love with Delia but he thinks she is only hanging with him because she feels guilty.

Perhaps this space cruise is just what they need! A great book with lots of laughs and a little intrigue!
Profile Image for TigiOma.
75 reviews
June 19, 2023
Can Jarrn get past his mental scars to accept Delia's love? Can Delia release her guilt and reveal her true feelings to Jaarn? Or will their scars -- and some shady shenanigans by a sleazy booking agent -- keep them apart? Sweetness, sexiness, steaminess and a little silliness ensue as Jarrn and Delia sort things out.

Jarrn is a former firefighter who is scarred not just physically, but mentally.
Delia is emotionally scarred with guilt because Jarrn is severely injured saving Delia's mother from a burning house and Delia blames herself because she believes her actions caused the fire. She's been in love with this gentle Ogre giant since she met him while visiting him in hospital while he recovered from his burns.

Jarrn is now working as an exotic dancer with "Monsters in Review" on an interstellar cruise ship because he can't continue working as a firefighter. She's a screenwriter and can work from anywhere so she goes to keep him company. Due to a booking mistake, Jarrn and Delia are forced to share a room on the Jeweled Empress.
3,125 reviews18 followers
June 19, 2023
“Monsters in Review” Romance!!

Jarrn is an Orc; and friends with Delia who is human. Jarrn was a fire fighter who is now scarred and on disability. Hurt on the job, when Delia’s mom’s home caught on fire. Delia gave her mom the candle that caused it all.

Jarrn has a new job - entertainment on an interstellar cruise ship. Mixed messages, friends to lovers - if someone is willing to make the first move. Entertaining.

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
160 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2023
Jarrn by Ava Ross and Alana Khan is the next installment in the Monsters on Board series and does not disappoint! It is a quick, easy read with a HEA. Jarrn and Delia are best friends who each secretly wish they were more, but each holds back due to either lack of confidence or misplaced guilt. This was such a fun and different read, with plenty of laughs, lots of steam, and even an appearance from Xurek (from the first book).
Profile Image for Cynkris.
618 reviews
June 6, 2023
Hoowee Jarrn is HOT! This is a very steamy, very yummy friends to lovers Novella. As with the other Monster On board books by the team of Ava Ross and Alana Khan the storyline is fun and entertaining. The characters are world class. And the world building out of this world. I think that Jarrn and Delia are my favorite couple yet! This story is so much fun and the sexy times are melt your kindle hot. This is a great way to spend a few hours without regret. 5+ stars
696 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2023
Money is running out and Jarrn has been accepted to dance in Monsters in Review. And he can bring a friend with on the cruise ship through the stars. But one room with one small bed. How will their friendship survive? Delila goes to his first show and she so wants him and has since she met him. He's been scarred in an accident and knows no one will ever want him. Right? Such a great story, especially the cooking class.
Profile Image for Stefany.
41 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2023
This is a fun little departure while we see the main characters on a working holiday of sorts. I love this author's portrayals of less than perfect male leads and how they are shown as being concerned over their perceived flaws. This one has the sweet romance we've come to expect from this series and Jarrn is, of course, very sweet about realizing his feelings and being able to show them. Definitely recommend this book and overall series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
519 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2023
After getting injured as a fireman, he gets a job as a stripper on a cruise ship and drags his best friend along as his plus one. They both have feelings for each other but haven't shown it. His is fear of how he looks. Hers is fear of the fact she got him scarred and thinks he would never love her because of it. So many things throwing them together on this long cruise that you get a good laugh as well as your heartstrings pulled. Loved it!!
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.4k reviews8 followers
May 10, 2024
The fourth story in the Monster on Board, Jarrn believes he is a monster after a accident when he was a firefighter and Delia feels responsible for it. They have become best friends but she wants so much more. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. I would say this was my favorite in this series. I will be reading these stories again. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,622 reviews22 followers
June 3, 2023
Exotic dancing on a star cruiser is an interesting start for Jarrn and Delia. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change as more of the inner layers of self-doubt peeled away. Opportunity is always waiting, sometimes just around the next corner – so true!

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,510 reviews72 followers
June 8, 2023
Jarrn and Delia get the next story in this highly entertaining series and I love how this one unfolded. These two were friends from page one but really wanted more ;) When they finally act on their chemistry, it's hot and steamy ;P I'm really enjoying everything about this series with the unique storylines, humour and fab romance :D
Profile Image for Wanda Jewell.
938 reviews4 followers
July 4, 2023
Alana Khan has done it again. She has written a love story with characters who have issues, yet are able to love and have a happily ever after. I love this book. It is a little Magic Mike mixed with Orcs and other monsters. Best friends to lovers is always a good story. I loved the book and would recommend it.
89 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2023
Can a friendship that is based on guilt survive, let alone lead to more? Twists and turns in the storyline lead to moments of misunderstanding, humor and hope. Wonderful characters and great world building deliver an enjoyable read.
543 reviews6 followers
June 9, 2023
Another great addition to this series of books by two great authors. I highly recommend you check this book and the whole series out. This is a very good ogre romance. Best friends discover true love.
Profile Image for Joy.
304 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2023
This author duo does it again. Forced proximity, sharing one bed, friends to lovers trope, who overcome their fears while chasing their dreams. This is a fantastic entertaining quick read with spicy moments. I highly recommend this cute monster romance.
Profile Image for Michele.
2,122 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2023
Jarrn is a scared former firefighter who always dreamed of being a star. Delia blames herself for his scarring and inability to obtain his dreams. These two characters are perfect together- they love and support each other as they face various situations. Great read, fantastic characters.
1,930 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2023
The Jeweled Empress!

Jarrn is a sweet, sweet love story. While it is heart touching, the chemistry between the main characters, Jarrn and Delia, is off the charts! Entertaining read.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Chappell.
1,444 reviews21 followers
August 13, 2023
Cute, sweet forced proximity romance with “monster alien”. In this story of the series of stand-alones the main man is an orc. This is a quick read suitable for the beach or pool. HEA is guaranteed and sweet romance. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews