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Dukes and Dekes
Can a professional hockey player reform his rakish ways for a winning shot at his best friend’s guarded heart?
Nestled between rocks and mountains, the slumbering town of Chawton Falls, NH, blinks alive every autumn when the Wentworth Estate hosts the Jane Austen Regency Fair.
For event coordinator Aulie Desfleurs, fall is a dizzying season full of bonnets, muslin, bicorn hats—and, unfortunately, this year, playing the role of the foolish Lydia Bennet. A sensible woman to her core, she has no time to worry about her mysterious chronic illness or love life.
So what if a spicy photo of her best friend Jack Parker in a penalty box threatens to reignite a spark from years ago? If she maintains her distance—an easy feat during hockey season—she’ll be fine.
Jack Parker, the bad boy of the American professional hockey league, is suspended…again. Forced to flee to Chawton Falls, Jack comes face to face with a swell of repressed emotions…and a goat. Seeking a distraction, he soon finds himself in the fair cast as the infamous rake, George Wickham.
Wearing breeches isn’t exactly on brand, but after five years of harboring unrequited feelings for Aulie, Jack’s willing to sport the high-waisted pants if it means convincing her he can be the dashing hero she deserves.
With a less than stellar dating history, and a suspension deadline looming, Aulie knows falling for Jack would be foolish.
But when he kisses her like a man possessed, one day, and takes care of her like a saint, the next, Aulie’s forced to choose: either embrace Jane Austen’s signature truth, “we are all fools in love,” or risk living like the author without a happily ever after of her own.
“Dukes and Dekes” is a friends-to-lovers, brother’s best friend romance that deals with grief and chronic illness. It contains adult language and open-door intimate scenes that realistically depict endometriosis (i.e., no penetration).
Nestled between rocks and mountains, the slumbering town of Chawton Falls, NH, blinks alive every autumn when the Wentworth Estate hosts the Jane Austen Regency Fair.
For event coordinator Aulie Desfleurs, fall is a dizzying season full of bonnets, muslin, bicorn hats—and, unfortunately, this year, playing the role of the foolish Lydia Bennet. A sensible woman to her core, she has no time to worry about her mysterious chronic illness or love life.
So what if a spicy photo of her best friend Jack Parker in a penalty box threatens to reignite a spark from years ago? If she maintains her distance—an easy feat during hockey season—she’ll be fine.
Jack Parker, the bad boy of the American professional hockey league, is suspended…again. Forced to flee to Chawton Falls, Jack comes face to face with a swell of repressed emotions…and a goat. Seeking a distraction, he soon finds himself in the fair cast as the infamous rake, George Wickham.
Wearing breeches isn’t exactly on brand, but after five years of harboring unrequited feelings for Aulie, Jack’s willing to sport the high-waisted pants if it means convincing her he can be the dashing hero she deserves.
With a less than stellar dating history, and a suspension deadline looming, Aulie knows falling for Jack would be foolish.
But when he kisses her like a man possessed, one day, and takes care of her like a saint, the next, Aulie’s forced to choose: either embrace Jane Austen’s signature truth, “we are all fools in love,” or risk living like the author without a happily ever after of her own.
“Dukes and Dekes” is a friends-to-lovers, brother’s best friend romance that deals with grief and chronic illness. It contains adult language and open-door intimate scenes that realistically depict endometriosis (i.e., no penetration).
416 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2023
61 people are currently reading
1928 people want to read
About the author
Torie Jean
5 books199 followersTorie Jean's favorite memory growing up is the way her Memere's fingers flew over the keys of her two-tier electric organ, playing songs like "Singin' in the Rain", "I've Got Rhythm", and "What a Wonderful World". Her undying love and affection for the magic and charm of Gene Kelly and Audrey Hepburn followed her from childhood, to a seventh grade book report on a Gene Kelly biography, to studying abroad in Paris and finding "the den of thinking men." Torie is married to her high school sweetheart and is blessed with the best gaggle of nieces and nephews she could ask for. She has had endometriosis for over half of her life now, and hopes to raise more awareness of the disease with her writing, while providing the happily ever afters people with endo deserve.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
November 26, 2023
“We are all fools in love.”
4.5 stars ⭐️
Torie Jean is absolutely a new auto-read author for me, I adored this book and was completely emotionally invested from start to finish. I swear my heart has never felt more full than it did after finishing this book, Aulie and Jake's relationship was so beautifully authentic and both of their emotional and physical journeys were so well written that I did tear up a handful of times. The romance in this book is so so cute and these two are just perfect for one another, but please be mindful of the content warnings, as this book deals with the struggles and symptoms of Endometriosis, dismissive doctors and the long-term emotional effects of losing a loved one. Torie Jean handles these heavier topics with grace, adding a much more realistic layer to this story, and the undeniable chemistry that she wrote between these characters creates nothing short of the perfect, swoon-worthy romance.
When the leaves begin to turn brown in Chawton Falls, then begins the Jane Austen Regency Fair, and event organiser Aulie Desfleurs’ bonnet-filled preparation is in full swing, and ever sensible, Aulie has no time to worry about falling in love or her mystery chronic illness. That is until a spicy photo of her best friend Jake Parker in the penalty box threatens to reignite the spark that occurred years ago. Not helping the situation, Jake is suspended from hockey and is forced to flee back to Chawton Falls and face the feelings he has been harbouring for Aulie all these years. And he might just get somewhere, even if it means he has to put on a pair of breeches and play the infamous George Wickham. Anything for love, right?
Ugh, I just loved everything about this book, and I’m so glad I was put on this author, she is doing everything RIGHT. The endometriosis representation was fantastic, I definitely learned a few things and really showed the struggles that multiple people face when trying to get a diagnosis, including examples of medical gaslighting. Aulie is such a strong character and I’m sure so many people see themselves in her, she is the perfect example of light at the end of the tunnel. And Jake? He is the standard, the way he cares for Aulie is the dream for every romance reader everywhere, and seeing his emotional growth throughout this book brings a tear to the eye for sure. I actually added her other book to my TBR immediately after I finished this one and will be waiting in anticipation for any new releases, no pressure though ;)
・❥・Friends to Lovers
・❥・Brothers Best Friend
・❥・Endometriosis Rep
・❥・Care Taking
・❥・Small town
・❥・Hockey player MMC
4.5 stars ⭐️
Torie Jean is absolutely a new auto-read author for me, I adored this book and was completely emotionally invested from start to finish. I swear my heart has never felt more full than it did after finishing this book, Aulie and Jake's relationship was so beautifully authentic and both of their emotional and physical journeys were so well written that I did tear up a handful of times. The romance in this book is so so cute and these two are just perfect for one another, but please be mindful of the content warnings, as this book deals with the struggles and symptoms of Endometriosis, dismissive doctors and the long-term emotional effects of losing a loved one. Torie Jean handles these heavier topics with grace, adding a much more realistic layer to this story, and the undeniable chemistry that she wrote between these characters creates nothing short of the perfect, swoon-worthy romance.
When the leaves begin to turn brown in Chawton Falls, then begins the Jane Austen Regency Fair, and event organiser Aulie Desfleurs’ bonnet-filled preparation is in full swing, and ever sensible, Aulie has no time to worry about falling in love or her mystery chronic illness. That is until a spicy photo of her best friend Jake Parker in the penalty box threatens to reignite the spark that occurred years ago. Not helping the situation, Jake is suspended from hockey and is forced to flee back to Chawton Falls and face the feelings he has been harbouring for Aulie all these years. And he might just get somewhere, even if it means he has to put on a pair of breeches and play the infamous George Wickham. Anything for love, right?
Ugh, I just loved everything about this book, and I’m so glad I was put on this author, she is doing everything RIGHT. The endometriosis representation was fantastic, I definitely learned a few things and really showed the struggles that multiple people face when trying to get a diagnosis, including examples of medical gaslighting. Aulie is such a strong character and I’m sure so many people see themselves in her, she is the perfect example of light at the end of the tunnel. And Jake? He is the standard, the way he cares for Aulie is the dream for every romance reader everywhere, and seeing his emotional growth throughout this book brings a tear to the eye for sure. I actually added her other book to my TBR immediately after I finished this one and will be waiting in anticipation for any new releases, no pressure though ;)
・❥・Friends to Lovers
・❥・Brothers Best Friend
・❥・Endometriosis Rep
・❥・Care Taking
・❥・Small town
・❥・Hockey player MMC
April 6, 2024
I love everything Torie Jean writes. Dukes and Dekes follows a small-town girlie and her best friend who happens to be a famous hockey player! It takes place around a Jane Austen festival (which sounds so FUN??) and the heroine is basically the head event planner of the fair and now has to step up and take the part of Lydia Bennet in the festival because the last actors moved away lol. She also has to find a Wickham to play alongside with her... Good thing her best friend is returning home after getting suspended in the NHL.
If you love books where the hero is oBSESSED IN LOVE with the heroine for years, give this a chance. They really are fools in love like the cover says lmaoo because both of them have been so in love with each other for years but neither has said anything and they feel like the other doesn't feel the same and don't want to lose that friendship. But hello? This time is different because they now have to act as Lydia and Wickham and things get adorable and close and the temptation to finally say "fuck it" is right there.
So, give this a go! You won't be disappointed <3
If you love books where the hero is oBSESSED IN LOVE with the heroine for years, give this a chance. They really are fools in love like the cover says lmaoo because both of them have been so in love with each other for years but neither has said anything and they feel like the other doesn't feel the same and don't want to lose that friendship. But hello? This time is different because they now have to act as Lydia and Wickham and things get adorable and close and the temptation to finally say "fuck it" is right there.
So, give this a go! You won't be disappointed <3
November 3, 2023
I was invested in Aulie and Jake's love story right from the start 🤩 I was gushing and squealing so much because these two are so freaking adorable! Torie Jean sure knows how to write a swoon worthy romance!
Dukes and Dekes is a very sweet book, but it does deal with some pretty heavy themes of grief and the struggles that come with endo. I love the care Torie had for these themes and it made me appreciate this book even more. My heart felt SO full after I finished Dukes and Dekes 🥹 I found both Aulie and Jack's journeys really beautiful. I honestly cried a couple of times because of how emotional this book made me 😭 Torie, please keep doing what you've been doing!
If you're a lover of all things regency and Jane Austen with a dash of swoon worthy romance, I highly recommend this book for you 🩷
***
SO EXCITED FOR THIS 🤩
Dukes and Dekes is a very sweet book, but it does deal with some pretty heavy themes of grief and the struggles that come with endo. I love the care Torie had for these themes and it made me appreciate this book even more. My heart felt SO full after I finished Dukes and Dekes 🥹 I found both Aulie and Jack's journeys really beautiful. I honestly cried a couple of times because of how emotional this book made me 😭 Torie, please keep doing what you've been doing!
If you're a lover of all things regency and Jane Austen with a dash of swoon worthy romance, I highly recommend this book for you 🩷
***
SO EXCITED FOR THIS 🤩
November 5, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨️Friends to lovers
✨️Unrequited love
✨️Grumpy x sunshine
✨️Brother's best friend
I love Torie Jean's writing; she creates love stories while also addressing heavy topics, bringing a more realistic aspect to the story.
The chemistry between Aulie and Jake is evident from the early chapters. This is a 'friends to lovers' story that was very well-developed. The fear of opening up to each other and potentially ruining their friendship, the incredible tension. And all the practicing. 🤭
I really identified with Aulie; she's amazing. Jake is perfect. The way he cares for Aulie, not to mention how deeply in love with her he's been from the beginning.
One thing I loved about 'Finding Gene Kelly' and 'Dukes and Dekes' is the representation of endometriosis. We follow Aulie's journey to discover what is happening to her. And I have to say, I was furious with every dismissive doctor who didn't diagnose her.
💞I loved every minute I was reading this book. Tori Jean managed to write another wonderful book. 💞
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, but all opinions are my own.
Thank you so much, Torie Jean, for sending me this ARC.
✨️Friends to lovers
✨️Unrequited love
✨️Grumpy x sunshine
✨️Brother's best friend
I love Torie Jean's writing; she creates love stories while also addressing heavy topics, bringing a more realistic aspect to the story.
The chemistry between Aulie and Jake is evident from the early chapters. This is a 'friends to lovers' story that was very well-developed. The fear of opening up to each other and potentially ruining their friendship, the incredible tension. And all the practicing. 🤭
I really identified with Aulie; she's amazing. Jake is perfect. The way he cares for Aulie, not to mention how deeply in love with her he's been from the beginning.
One thing I loved about 'Finding Gene Kelly' and 'Dukes and Dekes' is the representation of endometriosis. We follow Aulie's journey to discover what is happening to her. And I have to say, I was furious with every dismissive doctor who didn't diagnose her.
💞I loved every minute I was reading this book. Tori Jean managed to write another wonderful book. 💞
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, but all opinions are my own.
Thank you so much, Torie Jean, for sending me this ARC.
January 20, 2024
If Finding Gene Kelly made Torie Jean an instant favorite author, then Dukes and Dekes cemented that status. I did not think it was possible for me to love this more than her debut, and yet Dukes and Dekes outshone FGK in every possible way.
Told in dual-POV, Dukes and Dekes follows Aulie, who runs a Jane Austen reenactment faire, and Jack, a notorious hockey player. It’s friends to lovers, brothers best friend, he falls first—and oh my gosh Jack is so completely head over heels for Aulie I am completely obsessed with it. Also, there’s a troublemaking goat named Gio who I am completely in love with.
While this is a romance that is sugary sweet and will make you giddy with love, it also delves into harder, emotional topics. Both Aulie and Jack are dealing with grief over the loss(es) of their loved ones (all prior to the start of the book). You can really feel the care and emotion that Torie poured into these portrayals. Jack and Aulie grieve and process their grief in very different ways, but both portrayals are equally and authentically explored.
My favorite part of the book (surprising no one) was the chronic illness/disability representation. Like in Finding Gene Kelly, the FMC of this book has endometriosis. Unlike in FGK, Aulie does not start off the book with a diagnosis. The experience of going through the process of getting a diagnosis, going from undiagnosed to diagnosed is so singular and isolating, and yet it is an aspect of chronic illness that I think is underrepresented in media. I cannot express how powerfully Aulie’s story resonated with me. I don’t have endo, but so many facets of Aulie’s experiences are universal to being a woman (or anyone perceived as such) trying to find answers for chronic pain and chronic illness.
When I reached the point of the story where Aulie is finally, finally taken seriously in her pain I quite literally started sobbing. I actually had to set the book down because I couldn’t see the pages. I was wrecked by how seen I felt in that moment and how impactful and healing it was to read. I think a solid 1/3 of that chapter is highlighted in my ARC, and I can’t wait until the book is out so I can start sharing quotes. Torie, through Aulie, so perfectly portrays all of the emotions that you go through in that situation—the relief, the fear, the doubt, the confusion, the anger, and so many more that I couldn’t put a name to if I tried. I found myself so overwhelmingly angry at every doctor who had dismissed Aulie—and every doctor who dismissed me—and every doctor who has dismissed any patient—while simultaneously overcome with how completely seen I felt by Aulie in that moment, and many preceding and after. Chronic illness and chronic pain is often so lonely, but reading books like this one lend a lot of comfort in showing you that you are not alone.
This scene was, of course, not the only place where Aulie’s chronic illness is portrayed. It’s there from the very first chapter to the very last. It touches every aspect of the story and every aspect of Aulie’s character. It’s woven in masterfully and every mention of it, from a single sentence to multiple pages, resonates in a way that is so raw and genuine. This is the kind of representation that you can only get from #ownvoices authors. That said, Torie Jean’s ability to portray the realities of chronic illness is beyond even that. She is one of the—if not the—best authors out there at doing so. And I think that’s because she’s such a skilled and talented writer as a whole.
The level of detail in the writing of this book made me feel as if I was right there in every moment with Jack and Aulie. I was falling in love right alongside them. I felt so connected to them as characters and everything they were going through, emotionally, but I also felt as if I was physically there. I could vividly picture their small town in New Hampshire and the faire and Gio the goat. I was transported, and it’s rare for a book to do that to me as completely as Dukes and Dekes did.
I cannot wait until everyone can read this book, because I know it will be a new favorite for so many (as it is for me). I also know that this book and this representation has the potential to change people’s lives. And I can’t wait to see that happen.
Spice level: 1.5/5
CW (as provided by author in the book): heavy discussions of grief and mourning as a central theme; family member whose death was a result of battling cancer; accurate endometriosis rep including chronic pain, on page vomiting, blacking out, on page narcotics use post surgery), medical gaslighting (including a rough pelvic exam); incorrect internal dialogue as a direct result of ableism and gaslighting; emergency surgery; sexual content including two open door sex scenes
Told in dual-POV, Dukes and Dekes follows Aulie, who runs a Jane Austen reenactment faire, and Jack, a notorious hockey player. It’s friends to lovers, brothers best friend, he falls first—and oh my gosh Jack is so completely head over heels for Aulie I am completely obsessed with it. Also, there’s a troublemaking goat named Gio who I am completely in love with.
While this is a romance that is sugary sweet and will make you giddy with love, it also delves into harder, emotional topics. Both Aulie and Jack are dealing with grief over the loss(es) of their loved ones (all prior to the start of the book). You can really feel the care and emotion that Torie poured into these portrayals. Jack and Aulie grieve and process their grief in very different ways, but both portrayals are equally and authentically explored.
My favorite part of the book (surprising no one) was the chronic illness/disability representation. Like in Finding Gene Kelly, the FMC of this book has endometriosis. Unlike in FGK, Aulie does not start off the book with a diagnosis. The experience of going through the process of getting a diagnosis, going from undiagnosed to diagnosed is so singular and isolating, and yet it is an aspect of chronic illness that I think is underrepresented in media. I cannot express how powerfully Aulie’s story resonated with me. I don’t have endo, but so many facets of Aulie’s experiences are universal to being a woman (or anyone perceived as such) trying to find answers for chronic pain and chronic illness.
When I reached the point of the story where Aulie is finally, finally taken seriously in her pain I quite literally started sobbing. I actually had to set the book down because I couldn’t see the pages. I was wrecked by how seen I felt in that moment and how impactful and healing it was to read. I think a solid 1/3 of that chapter is highlighted in my ARC, and I can’t wait until the book is out so I can start sharing quotes. Torie, through Aulie, so perfectly portrays all of the emotions that you go through in that situation—the relief, the fear, the doubt, the confusion, the anger, and so many more that I couldn’t put a name to if I tried. I found myself so overwhelmingly angry at every doctor who had dismissed Aulie—and every doctor who dismissed me—and every doctor who has dismissed any patient—while simultaneously overcome with how completely seen I felt by Aulie in that moment, and many preceding and after. Chronic illness and chronic pain is often so lonely, but reading books like this one lend a lot of comfort in showing you that you are not alone.
This scene was, of course, not the only place where Aulie’s chronic illness is portrayed. It’s there from the very first chapter to the very last. It touches every aspect of the story and every aspect of Aulie’s character. It’s woven in masterfully and every mention of it, from a single sentence to multiple pages, resonates in a way that is so raw and genuine. This is the kind of representation that you can only get from #ownvoices authors. That said, Torie Jean’s ability to portray the realities of chronic illness is beyond even that. She is one of the—if not the—best authors out there at doing so. And I think that’s because she’s such a skilled and talented writer as a whole.
The level of detail in the writing of this book made me feel as if I was right there in every moment with Jack and Aulie. I was falling in love right alongside them. I felt so connected to them as characters and everything they were going through, emotionally, but I also felt as if I was physically there. I could vividly picture their small town in New Hampshire and the faire and Gio the goat. I was transported, and it’s rare for a book to do that to me as completely as Dukes and Dekes did.
I cannot wait until everyone can read this book, because I know it will be a new favorite for so many (as it is for me). I also know that this book and this representation has the potential to change people’s lives. And I can’t wait to see that happen.
Spice level: 1.5/5
CW (as provided by author in the book): heavy discussions of grief and mourning as a central theme; family member whose death was a result of battling cancer; accurate endometriosis rep including chronic pain, on page vomiting, blacking out, on page narcotics use post surgery), medical gaslighting (including a rough pelvic exam); incorrect internal dialogue as a direct result of ableism and gaslighting; emergency surgery; sexual content including two open door sex scenes
November 10, 2023
rating: 3.75
tropes:
- friends to lovers
- playboy (ish) hockey player
- endo / disability rep
- fall vibes
- delicious foodie descriptions
- familial love/grief
- jane austen references / regency
- fake dating (ishhhh, as characters)
this started strong with fall vibes, yearning & pining, and all the great food descriptions. this makes me want to cozy up in the northeast with some delicious cider & wander cobblestoned main streets. if i was more familiar with jane austen's books this would have resonated even more, but unfortunately that was all lost on me lol. the jane austen fans will probably delight over it though!
things i liked:
- great endo rep. as someone who doesn't have much knowledge of it, i feel like i learned a lot, esp from the perspective of someone experiencing it and finally getting diagnosed for it. she also deals w the disbelief and failings of doctors in regards to women's pain and general health.
- foodie vibes: so many great descriptions. now i need to find vegan poutine so i can experience it for myself. i very much recommend having some good munchies on hand for this reading experience.
- family & grief: aulie & jack both dealing w their respective family grief. i think it was really well done without being overwhelming or too dark for a fluffier contemp book imo
things i think could've been improved:
- the length. sooo long, i think it could've done w editing down 100 pages.
- the veronica character esp near the end
- why does aulie have so many nicknames lol
overall, i would def rec this for fans of contemp who like a little sports and fall vibes thrown in!
i would really love a book on grady and bridget hehe
tropes:
- friends to lovers
- playboy (ish) hockey player
- endo / disability rep
- fall vibes
- delicious foodie descriptions
- familial love/grief
- jane austen references / regency
- fake dating (ishhhh, as characters)
this started strong with fall vibes, yearning & pining, and all the great food descriptions. this makes me want to cozy up in the northeast with some delicious cider & wander cobblestoned main streets. if i was more familiar with jane austen's books this would have resonated even more, but unfortunately that was all lost on me lol. the jane austen fans will probably delight over it though!
things i liked:
- great endo rep. as someone who doesn't have much knowledge of it, i feel like i learned a lot, esp from the perspective of someone experiencing it and finally getting diagnosed for it. she also deals w the disbelief and failings of doctors in regards to women's pain and general health.
- foodie vibes: so many great descriptions. now i need to find vegan poutine so i can experience it for myself. i very much recommend having some good munchies on hand for this reading experience.
- family & grief: aulie & jack both dealing w their respective family grief. i think it was really well done without being overwhelming or too dark for a fluffier contemp book imo
things i think could've been improved:
- the length. sooo long, i think it could've done w editing down 100 pages.
- the veronica character esp near the end
- why does aulie have so many nicknames lol
overall, i would def rec this for fans of contemp who like a little sports and fall vibes thrown in!
i would really love a book on grady and bridget hehe
Read
May 12, 2024DNF at 50%
I liked how well the author portrayed the Endometriosis representation and the cover is cute.
........................................
-The constant referral to Jane Austen's books made sense at times considering the plot but It became overkill.
-This has a weirdly similar blueprint to The Cheat Sheet by Sara Adams. I don't think the author copied Sara, but this sport dynamic, two friends who go 5 years without telling the other of their feelings, cringy inner-monologuing and refusal to communicate has been done before.
-Pretending to be "in character" while not rehearsing on the stage was embarrassing and I felt like I was watching Juveniles and not adults.
- Dropping book tropes was also unnecessary and most people will have no idea what they mean.
- The exaggerated lusty attraction was unbearable.... "Maybe when I'm gone, she whispers incantations over my long-lost organ and that's why nothing I ever try will release me from her grip."
- Why is there a Goat? Those animals are unstable.
I liked how well the author portrayed the Endometriosis representation and the cover is cute.
........................................
-The constant referral to Jane Austen's books made sense at times considering the plot but It became overkill.
-This has a weirdly similar blueprint to The Cheat Sheet by Sara Adams. I don't think the author copied Sara, but this sport dynamic, two friends who go 5 years without telling the other of their feelings, cringy inner-monologuing and refusal to communicate has been done before.
-Pretending to be "in character" while not rehearsing on the stage was embarrassing and I felt like I was watching Juveniles and not adults.
- Dropping book tropes was also unnecessary and most people will have no idea what they mean.
- The exaggerated lusty attraction was unbearable.... "Maybe when I'm gone, she whispers incantations over my long-lost organ and that's why nothing I ever try will release me from her grip."
- Why is there a Goat? Those animals are unstable.
January 26, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
Honestly, more like 4.25 ✨
This was adorable. Absolutely adorable. To say I loved the aesthetics of this book is an understatement...
What more could you really want in a book? WE HAD A TATTED HOCKEY HOTTIE, WE HADE JANE AUSTEN REFERENCES, WE HAD SMALL TOWN COZY VIBES, WE HAD A MAN WHO WILL DO ANYTHING FOR HIS GIRL, AND we had a really cute book that did a fantastic job with representing endometriosis.
And you might be wondering why not a 5 star rating then? I'll get to that towards the end.
Within the first 5 minutes, I was already getting emotional. Jack talking about his father and how much he misses him and wanting to succeed for him was was basically where we started and I just knew then that I'd fall in love with him.
I really enjoyed Jack's character. He was this "playboy hockey hottie" but I feel like I saw right through that real quickly. The moment he reunites with Aulie during the college days, I just knew he was going to be a softie. I loved watching him go crazy with his feelings for Aulie. He tried so hard to block it out but boy, that was never going to happen. He's a charming and beautiful man who also has a sweet soul and struts his tatts around and willing to be a part of a regency fair for his "friend" he loves? He's the whole damn package and yeah, I'd definitely be unsure if this man liked me too...
Aulie was a really awesome character. I genuinely felt so bad for her and her struggle with her health and family. I loved how Tori Jean tackled her disease and how she dived into the "it's not all in my head" thing. I just feel like that was so important and it has the ability to make more people aware that this is a thing that people don't commonly talk about.
I love how supported Aulie is. She has her brother, her best friend, and Jack...but I also felt like there were so many people willing to help her and be there for her. I just loved how quickly they jumped into help; it really shows what kind of person she is. She was sweet and caring and took on the role of so many people. It was endearing.
Jack and Aulie together were adorable. Them "practicing" and then being like "oh is this in my head? They can't like me." DON'T EVEN. I could feel the tension from outside the damn book. No friends are going to willingly "practice" making out for the sake of a play...PUH-LEASE. I love how much they loved each other. I love how aware everyone else was of them refusing to own up to it, too. The whole damn town knows guys...c'mon now. Although, I do love a good slow burn and so...check!
I really enjoyed the side characters as well. I loved Emy and Gus and Grady. They just added the comic relief we needed and I was totally here for whatever they did. I kind of want a whole book dedicated to Grady. I'm a sucker for golden retriever energy, especially in a hockey guy.
Like I said before, I loved the overall aesthetic and vibe of this book. It was perfect for fall and I just loved the Jane Austen vibes because I feel like we don't get that a lot. Can we talk about the cover for this book??? OMG.
I love that this made me laugh and get teary eyed. There were so many references that characters would make that just made me go "aw" and even the simple acts that Jack showed just had me really feeling single AF.
Now. The reasons I didn't give this 5 was mainly because I felt like there were moments where things felt kind of filler or not needed. There were some parts that felt either too long and I just wanted to get to the good stuff. The whole Veronica thing towards the end kind of felt unnecessary and immature. Also Jack's mom going to the apple picking felt weird and we stopped hearing about Jack's family towards the end. There was just something missing for me with the writing. I kind of just felt like I needed more info about Jack and hockey and the whole debacle towards the end, if that makes sense.
OH ALSO. I WANTED MORE OF THEM REENACTING.
But this was way too cute of a concept and story AND characters to not recognize that at all. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. I loved the representation. I love how this ended. I LOVED the epilogue (may have teared up with the last thing Jack said). I also really enjoyed that we got song titles at the start of each chapter that would go along with the theme of the chapter, that was cute too!
Thank you so much to Tori Jean for the ARC copy!
Honestly, more like 4.25 ✨
This was adorable. Absolutely adorable. To say I loved the aesthetics of this book is an understatement...
What more could you really want in a book? WE HAD A TATTED HOCKEY HOTTIE, WE HADE JANE AUSTEN REFERENCES, WE HAD SMALL TOWN COZY VIBES, WE HAD A MAN WHO WILL DO ANYTHING FOR HIS GIRL, AND we had a really cute book that did a fantastic job with representing endometriosis.
And you might be wondering why not a 5 star rating then? I'll get to that towards the end.
Within the first 5 minutes, I was already getting emotional. Jack talking about his father and how much he misses him and wanting to succeed for him was was basically where we started and I just knew then that I'd fall in love with him.
I really enjoyed Jack's character. He was this "playboy hockey hottie" but I feel like I saw right through that real quickly. The moment he reunites with Aulie during the college days, I just knew he was going to be a softie. I loved watching him go crazy with his feelings for Aulie. He tried so hard to block it out but boy, that was never going to happen. He's a charming and beautiful man who also has a sweet soul and struts his tatts around and willing to be a part of a regency fair for his "friend" he loves? He's the whole damn package and yeah, I'd definitely be unsure if this man liked me too...
Aulie was a really awesome character. I genuinely felt so bad for her and her struggle with her health and family. I loved how Tori Jean tackled her disease and how she dived into the "it's not all in my head" thing. I just feel like that was so important and it has the ability to make more people aware that this is a thing that people don't commonly talk about.
I love how supported Aulie is. She has her brother, her best friend, and Jack...but I also felt like there were so many people willing to help her and be there for her. I just loved how quickly they jumped into help; it really shows what kind of person she is. She was sweet and caring and took on the role of so many people. It was endearing.
Jack and Aulie together were adorable. Them "practicing" and then being like "oh is this in my head? They can't like me." DON'T EVEN. I could feel the tension from outside the damn book. No friends are going to willingly "practice" making out for the sake of a play...PUH-LEASE. I love how much they loved each other. I love how aware everyone else was of them refusing to own up to it, too. The whole damn town knows guys...c'mon now. Although, I do love a good slow burn and so...check!
I really enjoyed the side characters as well. I loved Emy and Gus and Grady. They just added the comic relief we needed and I was totally here for whatever they did. I kind of want a whole book dedicated to Grady. I'm a sucker for golden retriever energy, especially in a hockey guy.
Like I said before, I loved the overall aesthetic and vibe of this book. It was perfect for fall and I just loved the Jane Austen vibes because I feel like we don't get that a lot. Can we talk about the cover for this book??? OMG.
I love that this made me laugh and get teary eyed. There were so many references that characters would make that just made me go "aw" and even the simple acts that Jack showed just had me really feeling single AF.
Now. The reasons I didn't give this 5 was mainly because I felt like there were moments where things felt kind of filler or not needed. There were some parts that felt either too long and I just wanted to get to the good stuff. The whole Veronica thing towards the end kind of felt unnecessary and immature. Also Jack's mom going to the apple picking felt weird and we stopped hearing about Jack's family towards the end. There was just something missing for me with the writing. I kind of just felt like I needed more info about Jack and hockey and the whole debacle towards the end, if that makes sense.
OH ALSO. I WANTED MORE OF THEM REENACTING.
But this was way too cute of a concept and story AND characters to not recognize that at all. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. I loved the representation. I love how this ended. I LOVED the epilogue (may have teared up with the last thing Jack said). I also really enjoyed that we got song titles at the start of each chapter that would go along with the theme of the chapter, that was cute too!
Thank you so much to Tori Jean for the ARC copy!
November 6, 2023
“I’ve got you, Dessy. Always have.”
5⭐️! This is the perfect fall book, it felt like such a warm hug. I enjoyed reading this book so much, it was funny, heart-warming and it definitely had me giggling and kicking my feet!
I love a good friends to lovers book and this was just perfect. I fell in love with the characters and their stories almost immediately. Aulie and Jack are the sweetest, most adorable couple and I love them so much. Their friends and families are also so supportive and loving, it was so heart-warming. I love how Torie perfectly balances their adorable love story while also addressing heavier themes such as grief, chronic illness (endometriosis) and medical gaslighting.
If you love the friends to lovers, brother’s best friend trope, goats, jane austen and regency fairs - this is for you! 🍂💗⛲️🐐🏒
Thank you so much Torie Jean for sending me an ARC copy!
5⭐️! This is the perfect fall book, it felt like such a warm hug. I enjoyed reading this book so much, it was funny, heart-warming and it definitely had me giggling and kicking my feet!
I love a good friends to lovers book and this was just perfect. I fell in love with the characters and their stories almost immediately. Aulie and Jack are the sweetest, most adorable couple and I love them so much. Their friends and families are also so supportive and loving, it was so heart-warming. I love how Torie perfectly balances their adorable love story while also addressing heavier themes such as grief, chronic illness (endometriosis) and medical gaslighting.
If you love the friends to lovers, brother’s best friend trope, goats, jane austen and regency fairs - this is for you! 🍂💗⛲️🐐🏒
Thank you so much Torie Jean for sending me an ARC copy!
November 6, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
CW: endometriosis, dismissive doctors, chronic illness symptoms, injury, blood
Thank you so much to BookFunnel and Torie Jean for trusting me with an eARC of this beautiful piece of work.
The first and most important thing to note is that while it was so difficult to see Aurelie be dismissed and gaslit by her doctors and bear the symptoms of her undiagnosed endometriosis alone, it’s a super important conversation to be had and Torie, being an own voices writer, portrayed this perfectly.
As a chronically ill person, I know all too well that this is unfortunately very common across our community. Please, you know your body best and no degree can overshadow the experience you’ve had in it. If something feels wrong and you aren’t being listened to, get a second (or third or fourth or…) opinion. Early detection could save your life.
I really enjoyed the writing style. The dual POV was great and having both Aurelie and Jack get a couple chapters before switching really helped me connect to them better. It was also laced with funny banter and references to old romance films and literature. Very sweet.
Aurelie’s character was complex. It made me so sad to see her so dismissive of herself and insecure, but of course I couldn’t blame her given the reasons presented. Still, she was beautiful, strong, and had a great sense of humour despite it all.
Jack was complex too. He was also dealing with grief but in a completely different way, but remaining kind and compassionate to the people who mattered. Also can we talk about romantic??? Oh my gosh. New book boyfriend for sure.
The oooonnllyyy thing that doesn’t make this 5 stars is the lack of communication oh my goosshhh. It drove me crazy! They’re both feeling things but both too afraid to say things out loud and assuming things about the other that are sooooo far from the actual truth. Waaaaay too in their heads and I just wanted to scream “TALK IT OUT ALREADY!!”
Dukes and Dekes comes out on November 7 and I would 1000% recommend you all read it. Especially my able-bodied people. It gives you just a glimpse into how painful, ridiculous and hard that being chronically ill can be.
CW: endometriosis, dismissive doctors, chronic illness symptoms, injury, blood
Thank you so much to BookFunnel and Torie Jean for trusting me with an eARC of this beautiful piece of work.
The first and most important thing to note is that while it was so difficult to see Aurelie be dismissed and gaslit by her doctors and bear the symptoms of her undiagnosed endometriosis alone, it’s a super important conversation to be had and Torie, being an own voices writer, portrayed this perfectly.
As a chronically ill person, I know all too well that this is unfortunately very common across our community. Please, you know your body best and no degree can overshadow the experience you’ve had in it. If something feels wrong and you aren’t being listened to, get a second (or third or fourth or…) opinion. Early detection could save your life.
I really enjoyed the writing style. The dual POV was great and having both Aurelie and Jack get a couple chapters before switching really helped me connect to them better. It was also laced with funny banter and references to old romance films and literature. Very sweet.
Aurelie’s character was complex. It made me so sad to see her so dismissive of herself and insecure, but of course I couldn’t blame her given the reasons presented. Still, she was beautiful, strong, and had a great sense of humour despite it all.
Jack was complex too. He was also dealing with grief but in a completely different way, but remaining kind and compassionate to the people who mattered. Also can we talk about romantic??? Oh my gosh. New book boyfriend for sure.
The oooonnllyyy thing that doesn’t make this 5 stars is the lack of communication oh my goosshhh. It drove me crazy! They’re both feeling things but both too afraid to say things out loud and assuming things about the other that are sooooo far from the actual truth. Waaaaay too in their heads and I just wanted to scream “TALK IT OUT ALREADY!!”
Dukes and Dekes comes out on November 7 and I would 1000% recommend you all read it. Especially my able-bodied people. It gives you just a glimpse into how painful, ridiculous and hard that being chronically ill can be.
November 12, 2023
"My little sorceress, do you know the magic you hold within you?"
✨friends to lovers
✨caretaking
✨fall vibes
✨forced proximity
✨hockey player
✨small town
If you love anything and everything Jane Austen, you have to pick this one up!
Jack and Aulie have been best friends for the past few years, but have both been secretly crushing on each other. And things get a little more complicated when Jack stays with Aulie during an unfortunate hockey suspension. And on top of that, he ends up filling in the role of Whickam in a local fair all about Jane Austen. Aulie is of course playing Lydia, and their acting goes off course and their real feelings might slip out!
This was such an atmospheric read! I lovedddd the fall vibes and the love for Jane Austen! The things that Aulie goes through with her endo are so relatable. I don't have endo, but I do have a chronic illness and have experienced much of the same medical gaslighting. The doctor at the end of the book left me teary eyes with relief.
I was sent an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
REP: Endometriosis (Own Voices)
TW: grief, medial gaslighting, chronic pain, hospitals
MEMORABLE QUOTES
🤍"How many times will I have to go through this before someone listens to me and figures out what’s wrong?" (this one hit me harddddd)
🤍"Because part of me is in a constant state of torture. I’m tired and frustrated. And I am tired of being frustrated. If this pain isn’t a big deal, why can’t I overcome it? What’s wrong with me that everyone around me seems unfazed by the day-to-day while I’m demolished by normalcy?"
🤍"If you were mine, I’d worship you like the f*cking queen you are.”
🤍"I swear, this woman owns every ounce of me. She’s unearthed the ugliest parts—the ones that haven’t seen the light of day in years—and now, whether she wants them or not, they’re hers."
✨friends to lovers
✨caretaking
✨fall vibes
✨forced proximity
✨hockey player
✨small town
If you love anything and everything Jane Austen, you have to pick this one up!
Jack and Aulie have been best friends for the past few years, but have both been secretly crushing on each other. And things get a little more complicated when Jack stays with Aulie during an unfortunate hockey suspension. And on top of that, he ends up filling in the role of Whickam in a local fair all about Jane Austen. Aulie is of course playing Lydia, and their acting goes off course and their real feelings might slip out!
This was such an atmospheric read! I lovedddd the fall vibes and the love for Jane Austen! The things that Aulie goes through with her endo are so relatable. I don't have endo, but I do have a chronic illness and have experienced much of the same medical gaslighting. The doctor at the end of the book left me teary eyes with relief.
I was sent an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
REP: Endometriosis (Own Voices)
TW: grief, medial gaslighting, chronic pain, hospitals
MEMORABLE QUOTES
🤍"How many times will I have to go through this before someone listens to me and figures out what’s wrong?" (this one hit me harddddd)
🤍"Because part of me is in a constant state of torture. I’m tired and frustrated. And I am tired of being frustrated. If this pain isn’t a big deal, why can’t I overcome it? What’s wrong with me that everyone around me seems unfazed by the day-to-day while I’m demolished by normalcy?"
🤍"If you were mine, I’d worship you like the f*cking queen you are.”
🤍"I swear, this woman owns every ounce of me. She’s unearthed the ugliest parts—the ones that haven’t seen the light of day in years—and now, whether she wants them or not, they’re hers."
November 8, 2023
JACK PARKER 😭🥹😍🫶🏻 but seriously this book was so so good. Friends to lovers (which I’m a sucker for), brother’s best friend, a bunch of Jane Austen references (and cosplaying) and this was such a cozy (and sometimes cheesy) fall read. I’ve got a thing for hockey players and Jack Parker was no different. The family dynamic of his team really hit me in the heart. While Aulie reminds us all that kindness can be a strength but it’s just as important to stand up for yourself. Please make sure to familiarize yourself with the triggers (which the author does an incredible job describing on her page). As someone who also has problems processing grief this was a very comforting read to remind you you’re probably not alone in feeling that way. Absolutely recommend!!
**I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much to Torie Jean and BookFunnel**
**I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much to Torie Jean and BookFunnel**
July 11, 2024
SO CLOSE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I was very close to giving this five stars, but the more I thought about it, the more a few things bugged me (I would definitely still recommend this book though!!).
I AM ABSOLUTELY GONE FOR MEN WHO HAVE FALLEN HARD. The mutual pining in this book was off the dang charts. I loved it so much. I loooved that Jack was this grump of a hockey player who every time you got to his POV you saw this blushing man trying to work up the courage to confess his feelings. STOP IT. MY FAVORITE.
And I adored Aulie too. Her health battles and journey brought tears to my eyes. I loved the endo rep and the knowledge this book brought about the struggles and how this effects every aspect of your life.
There were lots of cute and saucy moments between Jack and Aulie. I thought the spice level was great and brought more to the story rather than take it over.
What I didn’t love/find necessary was the ex drama. I thought that was done with and causing ridiculous internet nonsense added more pages, but not more to the plot. I also feel like I have a few background questions that didn’t get answered??
Anyways, I will definitely be reading the next book in this series! I do love the way Torie Jean writes. And if it’s the couple I’m thinking of I love it already.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Sports Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 2 brief open door
- Violence: low-moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: bad doctor experiences (including misdiagnosis), endometriosis rep, loss of a father to cancer (recounted), grief depiction, loss of family members
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I was very close to giving this five stars, but the more I thought about it, the more a few things bugged me (I would definitely still recommend this book though!!).
I AM ABSOLUTELY GONE FOR MEN WHO HAVE FALLEN HARD. The mutual pining in this book was off the dang charts. I loved it so much. I loooved that Jack was this grump of a hockey player who every time you got to his POV you saw this blushing man trying to work up the courage to confess his feelings. STOP IT. MY FAVORITE.
And I adored Aulie too. Her health battles and journey brought tears to my eyes. I loved the endo rep and the knowledge this book brought about the struggles and how this effects every aspect of your life.
There were lots of cute and saucy moments between Jack and Aulie. I thought the spice level was great and brought more to the story rather than take it over.
What I didn’t love/find necessary was the ex drama. I thought that was done with and causing ridiculous internet nonsense added more pages, but not more to the plot. I also feel like I have a few background questions that didn’t get answered??
Anyways, I will definitely be reading the next book in this series! I do love the way Torie Jean writes. And if it’s the couple I’m thinking of I love it already.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Sports Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 2 brief open door
- Violence: low-moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: bad doctor experiences (including misdiagnosis), endometriosis rep, loss of a father to cancer (recounted), grief depiction, loss of family members
November 11, 2023
Thank you so much to Torie Jean for sending me an ARC of Dukes & Dekes. I have loved her writing and I was super pumped for this one. This will have minor spoilers so be aware! 💛
This has everything you could want in a romance!! Fake dating, “bad boy”, fall vibes, Jane Austen references everywhere, cute animals, little bit of spice, chronic illness rep, and everything in between! Jack is SO SWEET to Aulie and their romance is chefs kiss😙🤌🏼. My heart breaks for Aulie and all the pain she has gone through with her undiagnosed endometriosis. It was also so relatable and really validated my experience. There was also something so refreshing about seeing her get a diagnosis. 👩🏼⚕️I was highlighting quotes in this book like CRAZY because no one ever knows what a chronic illness feels like until you live it.
I’m so grateful to see such accurate details about endometriosis. Even if you don’t suffer from endo, i’m sure you know someone who does- diagnosed or not. I applaud Torie Jean for writing such a beautiful and funny book. I can’t wait for the next books in this series!😍 GO READ THIS🎗️🤍
This has everything you could want in a romance!! Fake dating, “bad boy”, fall vibes, Jane Austen references everywhere, cute animals, little bit of spice, chronic illness rep, and everything in between! Jack is SO SWEET to Aulie and their romance is chefs kiss😙🤌🏼. My heart breaks for Aulie and all the pain she has gone through with her undiagnosed endometriosis. It was also so relatable and really validated my experience. There was also something so refreshing about seeing her get a diagnosis. 👩🏼⚕️I was highlighting quotes in this book like CRAZY because no one ever knows what a chronic illness feels like until you live it.
I’m so grateful to see such accurate details about endometriosis. Even if you don’t suffer from endo, i’m sure you know someone who does- diagnosed or not. I applaud Torie Jean for writing such a beautiful and funny book. I can’t wait for the next books in this series!😍 GO READ THIS🎗️🤍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2023
honestly if u give me un cb que represses his feelings y se pone nervioso cada vez que esta cerca del amor de su vida I WILL FOLD!!!!!!! ella era tan chula dudando todo y el tratando de no cagarla 😭 luv them pero env esto empezó a calentar como al 20% i was like when is this gONNA PLAY
April 18, 2025
So this is a slow burn Romance set in a small town where the mmc is a hockey player and fmc is a small town girl & they are best friends who both have crushes on each other but don’t know it . he gets suspended for hurting a player on the opposite team and goes back to his hometown ( where the fmc is) it’s also brothers best friend too. There’s also a little bit of an age gap ( like 4 years )
THE fmc has endo ( not diagnosed ) for most of the book because of medical gaslighting - especially by male doctors & she’s been in pain for a lot of her life . Because of this there are no sex scenes ( no penetration via dick & vagina) and only 2 spicy scenes . The author chose to do this because of the fact Endometriosis in many women make sex extremely painful .
BECAUSE SHE undiagnosed , it means that she basically isn’t receiving treatment for it . ALSO , because she’s been gaslit by doctors over the years , this means that she genuinely isn’t aware that SHE truly has pain - she’s been told it’s in her head. This means like many women and girls living with endo she’s suffering not knowing what she has !!!
The relationship between Jack and Aulie is so cute . However, it’s sad that for most of this book she genuinely isn’t aware of how attractive she is & compares herself to jack ex . Her belief is she’s not pretty enough for him ( when in reality she’s his dream girl ) AND I LOVE THAT. I love a mutual pining she falls first but he ultimately falls harder book!!!
One thing to add is Jack and AULIE are in like a play for a fair in the town ( pride and prejudice) and they are playing Lydia and the guy she gets with ( MR GEORGE WICKHAM).
THE fmc has endo ( not diagnosed ) for most of the book because of medical gaslighting - especially by male doctors & she’s been in pain for a lot of her life . Because of this there are no sex scenes ( no penetration via dick & vagina) and only 2 spicy scenes . The author chose to do this because of the fact Endometriosis in many women make sex extremely painful .
BECAUSE SHE undiagnosed , it means that she basically isn’t receiving treatment for it . ALSO , because she’s been gaslit by doctors over the years , this means that she genuinely isn’t aware that SHE truly has pain - she’s been told it’s in her head. This means like many women and girls living with endo she’s suffering not knowing what she has !!!
The relationship between Jack and Aulie is so cute . However, it’s sad that for most of this book she genuinely isn’t aware of how attractive she is & compares herself to jack ex . Her belief is she’s not pretty enough for him ( when in reality she’s his dream girl ) AND I LOVE THAT. I love a mutual pining she falls first but he ultimately falls harder book!!!
One thing to add is Jack and AULIE are in like a play for a fair in the town ( pride and prejudice) and they are playing Lydia and the guy she gets with ( MR GEORGE WICKHAM).
June 28, 2024
5⭐️
thank you torie for sending me a copy of your book baby 🫶🏻
rep: endometriosis, non binary sc
oh my god, this book was delightful. torie says it’s not a romcom since it deals with some harder topics and has a very real focus on disability/chronic illness and medical trauma regarding doctors dismissing your pain. however, despite that fact, this book has the essence of a feel good, 2000s romcom and will have you feeling all the feels: screaming, giggling, kicking your feet, tearing up. there is something about torie’s writing that is so unique and heartwarming, it truly feels like home
i adored the characters SO MUCH and omfg jack my sweet broken pining baby and aulie my softie with a heart of gold 😭🫶🏻
my only complaint (it’s not really) was I WANTED TO SEE MORE DOG CONTENT. HOW DARE U TORIE (jk i love you and your brain)
thank you torie for sending me a copy of your book baby 🫶🏻
rep: endometriosis, non binary sc
oh my god, this book was delightful. torie says it’s not a romcom since it deals with some harder topics and has a very real focus on disability/chronic illness and medical trauma regarding doctors dismissing your pain. however, despite that fact, this book has the essence of a feel good, 2000s romcom and will have you feeling all the feels: screaming, giggling, kicking your feet, tearing up. there is something about torie’s writing that is so unique and heartwarming, it truly feels like home
i adored the characters SO MUCH and omfg jack my sweet broken pining baby and aulie my softie with a heart of gold 😭🫶🏻
my only complaint (it’s not really) was I WANTED TO SEE MORE DOG CONTENT. HOW DARE U TORIE (jk i love you and your brain)
September 25, 2024
⭐️: 4.5/5
🌶️: 2/5
In short: OH MY GOD THIS BOOK IS SO CUTE
In long: This book is just so wonderful. I was giggling and smiling and blushing the entire way through
Jack is so sweet and loving, even if he is a little bit bumbling. I just want to give Aulie the biggest hug
Plus, I love the Endo representation! I learned so much about this disease from this book and hearing Torie’s story. Awareness is so important, and this book is definitely doing its part there
Overall, I absolutely this book, its characters, the story, EVERYTHING. Just the PERFECT fall romance
🌶️: 2/5
In short: OH MY GOD THIS BOOK IS SO CUTE
In long: This book is just so wonderful. I was giggling and smiling and blushing the entire way through
Jack is so sweet and loving, even if he is a little bit bumbling. I just want to give Aulie the biggest hug
Plus, I love the Endo representation! I learned so much about this disease from this book and hearing Torie’s story. Awareness is so important, and this book is definitely doing its part there
Overall, I absolutely this book, its characters, the story, EVERYTHING. Just the PERFECT fall romance
November 16, 2024
This started out cute enough, but good lord I could not take the constant back and forth and insecurities between these two. Also, there were so many editing mistakes throughout the book that just absolutely killed me.
January 27, 2024
More of a 4.5 star, but absolutely worth the rounded up rating. Pour one out for every woman or trans person who has had a doctor's appointment that left them crying in their car afterwards. The medical field is truly a minefield, and we're tied together with a ball and chain trying to navigate it without being blown up. 🥲
TW: medical gaslighting, grief, anxiety, past death of a parent (cancer), parental abandonment, cheating ex, vomiting
If you like Chloe Liese I think you will love Torie Jean. The banter, the disability rep, and the absolutely drool-worthy love interests are all characteristics of both. I usually cry, or come very close. I frequently revisit passages to fall in love all over again.
Torie's writing is also gorgeous. Some of the best writing is hidden in indie books and fanfiction, which is a damn shame. She deserves to win awards for her prose.
Now, onto the book itself. DUKES & DEKES has the reformed bad boy trope, which isn't usually my favorite, but I loooved Jack. I love him and the way he pined for Aulie for literally years. Smitten men are the only acceptable type of men. He's a hockey player and we do see some of that on-page. He also has some trauma from his dad passing, and his grief interwoven with Aulie's grief (which is a LOT, poor thing has lost basically everyone) tied them together so beautifully.
Aulie is so badass. She has undiagnosed endometriosis and basically runs her small town's tourism industry. Set in New Hampshire during the fall (AKA tourist season), Chawton Falls basically recreates Jane Austen's novels every week, completely interactive. And Aulie plans it BY HERSELF. Jack volunteering to perform alongside her was *chef's kiss* forced proximity. And that's before he lives in her house for a bit. GIVE IT TO MEEEE.
And, of course, we have to talk about the mutual caretaking that occurs. Because Torie knows how much I love it and she also loves it and so she FEEDS those of us who eat that trope up like it's the only chocolate dessert at a buffet. However, one of my critiques for this book ties into the caretaking trope.
Before the events of the book Aulie takes care of Jack for an entire summer after a hockey injury. The events of that summer are referenced frequently, and are a main proponent of their friendship forming outside of Jack simply being Aulie's brother's best friend. BUT WE DO NOT SEE ANY OF THOSE SCENES?? Why must we be deprived of that golden content??
There are also sooo many side characters, most of whom we see for like two scenes that could have been with any other character. And the book itself is a bit long, maybe 50 pages too many. Maybe if some of those side characters were cut down or summarized we could replace those pages with flashbacks to the summer and see their early friendship and feelings form?
But also, I wrote in my notes (yes, I took notes for once, pls be proud) that some scenes were summarized that were between main characters that I wanted to actually see on page. So maybe a little give and take in the editing process would have made this a perfect 5-star book.
But those minor critiques aside, this book is perfect autumn vibes, endo rep, he falls first, mutual caretaking, small town charisma, and sizzling chemistry. It's such a fun time.
Rep: main character with endometriosis, minor character who uses they/them pronouns, side character with endometriosis
Thank you Torie for the early copy of your book in exchange for an honest review.
TW: medical gaslighting, grief, anxiety, past death of a parent (cancer), parental abandonment, cheating ex, vomiting
If you like Chloe Liese I think you will love Torie Jean. The banter, the disability rep, and the absolutely drool-worthy love interests are all characteristics of both. I usually cry, or come very close. I frequently revisit passages to fall in love all over again.
Torie's writing is also gorgeous. Some of the best writing is hidden in indie books and fanfiction, which is a damn shame. She deserves to win awards for her prose.
Now, onto the book itself. DUKES & DEKES has the reformed bad boy trope, which isn't usually my favorite, but I loooved Jack. I love him and the way he pined for Aulie for literally years. Smitten men are the only acceptable type of men. He's a hockey player and we do see some of that on-page. He also has some trauma from his dad passing, and his grief interwoven with Aulie's grief (which is a LOT, poor thing has lost basically everyone) tied them together so beautifully.
Aulie is so badass. She has undiagnosed endometriosis and basically runs her small town's tourism industry. Set in New Hampshire during the fall (AKA tourist season), Chawton Falls basically recreates Jane Austen's novels every week, completely interactive. And Aulie plans it BY HERSELF. Jack volunteering to perform alongside her was *chef's kiss* forced proximity. And that's before he lives in her house for a bit. GIVE IT TO MEEEE.
And, of course, we have to talk about the mutual caretaking that occurs. Because Torie knows how much I love it and she also loves it and so she FEEDS those of us who eat that trope up like it's the only chocolate dessert at a buffet. However, one of my critiques for this book ties into the caretaking trope.
Before the events of the book Aulie takes care of Jack for an entire summer after a hockey injury. The events of that summer are referenced frequently, and are a main proponent of their friendship forming outside of Jack simply being Aulie's brother's best friend. BUT WE DO NOT SEE ANY OF THOSE SCENES?? Why must we be deprived of that golden content??
There are also sooo many side characters, most of whom we see for like two scenes that could have been with any other character. And the book itself is a bit long, maybe 50 pages too many. Maybe if some of those side characters were cut down or summarized we could replace those pages with flashbacks to the summer and see their early friendship and feelings form?
But also, I wrote in my notes (yes, I took notes for once, pls be proud) that some scenes were summarized that were between main characters that I wanted to actually see on page. So maybe a little give and take in the editing process would have made this a perfect 5-star book.
But those minor critiques aside, this book is perfect autumn vibes, endo rep, he falls first, mutual caretaking, small town charisma, and sizzling chemistry. It's such a fun time.
Rep: main character with endometriosis, minor character who uses they/them pronouns, side character with endometriosis
Thank you Torie for the early copy of your book in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2023
Another wonderful book by the fantastic Torie Jean. Torie’s books always give me hope that as someone with endometriosis, my fairytale is still out there waiting to happen and that the disease can’t rob me of everything. Us endo girlies deserve our romance too!
Aulie and Jack’s story hooked me from page one and I inhaled this book. The natural banter and emotional vulnerability that Torie’s characters have is always captivating. I found myself getting emotional alongside Aulie as she battled her mystery chronic illness all the way through diagnosis and saw so much of myself in her journey. How many of us endo warriors were told that we are emotional and hysterical and it’s all in our heads? How many of us had to see countless doctors to get diagnosed and had that bittersweet moment of finding out our pain has been valid all along? It’s a journey that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone but too many endure daily. Torie’s books help bridge the gap and spark conversation around a topic that many deem taboo (and shouldn’t because it’s hurting women).
I absolutely loved the cozy fall setting, the Jane Austen-inspired regency fair, the hockey aspect, and the troublesome goat. Aulie and her take-charge attitude is me in a nutshell (and also having the tendency to overdo it and not ask for help. oops). I adored Jack and how gone he was for Aulie from the first moment in the fountain and the fun little reveal towards the end about a connection with a certain poem. These two had me smiling like a goon with their fun banter and lots of cute moments. They often felt like they weren’t good enough for each other and you could feel each other’s pain as they navigated their feelings and Aulie’s diagnosis. I adored all the side characters and the sort of sneak peak we get of who the next book in the series could be about.
I’m as obsessed with this book as Aulie and Jack are with each other. It’s full of fight, hope, and vulnerability that will leave you a mess by the end and wanting your happily ever after. This brothers best friend hockey romance with some caretaking in it is a must for any romance TBR and I can’t recommend it enough!
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Aulie and Jack’s story hooked me from page one and I inhaled this book. The natural banter and emotional vulnerability that Torie’s characters have is always captivating. I found myself getting emotional alongside Aulie as she battled her mystery chronic illness all the way through diagnosis and saw so much of myself in her journey. How many of us endo warriors were told that we are emotional and hysterical and it’s all in our heads? How many of us had to see countless doctors to get diagnosed and had that bittersweet moment of finding out our pain has been valid all along? It’s a journey that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone but too many endure daily. Torie’s books help bridge the gap and spark conversation around a topic that many deem taboo (and shouldn’t because it’s hurting women).
I absolutely loved the cozy fall setting, the Jane Austen-inspired regency fair, the hockey aspect, and the troublesome goat. Aulie and her take-charge attitude is me in a nutshell (and also having the tendency to overdo it and not ask for help. oops). I adored Jack and how gone he was for Aulie from the first moment in the fountain and the fun little reveal towards the end about a connection with a certain poem. These two had me smiling like a goon with their fun banter and lots of cute moments. They often felt like they weren’t good enough for each other and you could feel each other’s pain as they navigated their feelings and Aulie’s diagnosis. I adored all the side characters and the sort of sneak peak we get of who the next book in the series could be about.
I’m as obsessed with this book as Aulie and Jack are with each other. It’s full of fight, hope, and vulnerability that will leave you a mess by the end and wanting your happily ever after. This brothers best friend hockey romance with some caretaking in it is a must for any romance TBR and I can’t recommend it enough!
Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 5, 2023
4.25 stars
Finding Gene Kelly was one of my favorite books of 2022, and my first foray into independent authors, so I was very excited to be able to check out Dukes and Dekes early. You can always count on Torie Jean to put together an extremely thoughtful and careful outline of what to expect in her stories, which do contain multiple triggers, so if you are sensitive to the topics of endometriosis or death of parent/grandparents, make sure to read through the content warnings before starting.
Jack Parker is an NHL hockey bad boy, who has been in love with his best friend's sister, Aulie Desfleurs, since meeting her again in college. Having avoided returning to their hometown of Chawton Falls, NH, since the death of his father, he finds himself forced back after receiving a lengthy suspension after a fight during a game. The timing coincides with the Jane Austen festival that Aulie puts on every year, and having just lost the actors who played the characters of Lydia Bennett and Mr. Wickham, the two step into the roles themselves. Jack is eager to help Aulie while rehabilitating his public image, and Aulie is thrilled to get to pretend they are married, even if it is just an act. As Aulie's mysterious pains and fainting episodes increase, threatening her ability to put on the fair, Jack steps in as her caretaker. This was a sweet Fall read that placed you firmly in that small town, New England lifestyle, with a nice cast of side characters to explore later in the series. It had found family, friends to lovers, caretaking, best friend's sister/brother's best friend tropes, and thoughtful representation. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series, and hoping the next story will devolve around Grady and Bridget.
🧡 Thank you so much to Torie Jean jean for a copy of Dukes and Dekes to review!
Finding Gene Kelly was one of my favorite books of 2022, and my first foray into independent authors, so I was very excited to be able to check out Dukes and Dekes early. You can always count on Torie Jean to put together an extremely thoughtful and careful outline of what to expect in her stories, which do contain multiple triggers, so if you are sensitive to the topics of endometriosis or death of parent/grandparents, make sure to read through the content warnings before starting.
Jack Parker is an NHL hockey bad boy, who has been in love with his best friend's sister, Aulie Desfleurs, since meeting her again in college. Having avoided returning to their hometown of Chawton Falls, NH, since the death of his father, he finds himself forced back after receiving a lengthy suspension after a fight during a game. The timing coincides with the Jane Austen festival that Aulie puts on every year, and having just lost the actors who played the characters of Lydia Bennett and Mr. Wickham, the two step into the roles themselves. Jack is eager to help Aulie while rehabilitating his public image, and Aulie is thrilled to get to pretend they are married, even if it is just an act. As Aulie's mysterious pains and fainting episodes increase, threatening her ability to put on the fair, Jack steps in as her caretaker. This was a sweet Fall read that placed you firmly in that small town, New England lifestyle, with a nice cast of side characters to explore later in the series. It had found family, friends to lovers, caretaking, best friend's sister/brother's best friend tropes, and thoughtful representation. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series, and hoping the next story will devolve around Grady and Bridget.
🧡 Thank you so much to Torie Jean jean for a copy of Dukes and Dekes to review!
Read
November 12, 2023I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I am grateful to the author because her instagram profile has been very useful to me as I got diagnosed with endo both for useful information and emotional support, but unfortunately this book wasn't for me.
I won't be rating it because it's not bad but I could not finish it. On paper it has a lot of things I like: autumn setting, a Jane Austen festival and endo rep. On this: the endometriosis representation was very good, I really liked it and needed it on some level, but the love story and the humor just fell short for me.
I got at over 70% into this but then I gave up because the miscommunication between the characters was killing me. I feel like few romance books whose plot revolves mainly around miscommunication work and this didn't for me. It had some good romantic scenes that I liked: the dinner, the Pride and Prejudice recital and so on. My problem was that these good moments were constantly sandwiched between awkard and cringey moments and most of them were not doing anything for the plot: every time the characters as a couple took a step forward they either puke, fall into a fountain or go to the hospital and we would see the stream of consciousness of "I am not enough for the other person" and I get it but this cannot be the whole plot.
All in all, I think I'm just in a very different headspace and I would not say this is a bad book at all but you have to be into the narrative register (I wasn't).
I won't be rating it because it's not bad but I could not finish it. On paper it has a lot of things I like: autumn setting, a Jane Austen festival and endo rep. On this: the endometriosis representation was very good, I really liked it and needed it on some level, but the love story and the humor just fell short for me.
I got at over 70% into this but then I gave up because the miscommunication between the characters was killing me. I feel like few romance books whose plot revolves mainly around miscommunication work and this didn't for me. It had some good romantic scenes that I liked: the dinner, the Pride and Prejudice recital and so on. My problem was that these good moments were constantly sandwiched between awkard and cringey moments and most of them were not doing anything for the plot: every time the characters as a couple took a step forward they either puke, fall into a fountain or go to the hospital and we would see the stream of consciousness of "I am not enough for the other person" and I get it but this cannot be the whole plot.
All in all, I think I'm just in a very different headspace and I would not say this is a bad book at all but you have to be into the narrative register (I wasn't).
November 6, 2023
4.25⭐️
Rep: endometriosis
Thank you so much Torie for the ARC and for letting me be a part of your ARC team!
I really enjoyed Finding Gene Kelly, and while I think that’s still my favorite, this was great too and so sweet!
I loved Aulie and Jack together and I loved seeing them get their happy ending🫶🏻
The chronic illness rep was great, and I really appreciated the spotlight on not only Aulie’s chronic illness and being chronically ill, but the process of getting a diagnosis after years of medical gaslighting. It’s crazy, but this is something that happens to so many people, especially women, and I loved that Torie addressed this journey! To see her get a diagnosis towards the end was emotional but relieving and it’s something that I’ve personally felt too🫶🏻
The Jane Austen aspect to the story/plot was so fun, and pretty different from anything I’ve seen in your typical romance!
The fall vibes in this book were SO GOOD and this is definitely a great, cozy fall read!!🍂
My only drawbacks were that it did feel a little bit slow at times, and while sweet, Aulie and Jack having so much inner monologue about thinking the other could never like them did get a bit repetitive.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, and thank you so much to the author again!
digital copy out on KU 11/7, print out 11/27!!
Rep: endometriosis
Thank you so much Torie for the ARC and for letting me be a part of your ARC team!
I really enjoyed Finding Gene Kelly, and while I think that’s still my favorite, this was great too and so sweet!
I loved Aulie and Jack together and I loved seeing them get their happy ending🫶🏻
The chronic illness rep was great, and I really appreciated the spotlight on not only Aulie’s chronic illness and being chronically ill, but the process of getting a diagnosis after years of medical gaslighting. It’s crazy, but this is something that happens to so many people, especially women, and I loved that Torie addressed this journey! To see her get a diagnosis towards the end was emotional but relieving and it’s something that I’ve personally felt too🫶🏻
The Jane Austen aspect to the story/plot was so fun, and pretty different from anything I’ve seen in your typical romance!
The fall vibes in this book were SO GOOD and this is definitely a great, cozy fall read!!🍂
My only drawbacks were that it did feel a little bit slow at times, and while sweet, Aulie and Jack having so much inner monologue about thinking the other could never like them did get a bit repetitive.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, and thank you so much to the author again!
digital copy out on KU 11/7, print out 11/27!!
November 4, 2023
Torie Jean has once again written a fantastic novel. While I could go on and on about the actual romance aspect - Jack is everything OF COURSE - I want to touch on another aspect of the book. The very raw, very real, depiction of endometriosis. Endo warriors have an unfortunate truth, which is that our disease is usually incorrectly described in media. Here’s looking at you Virgin River. But anyway. To have an author who is able to show the truth of this disease and show it in a respectful way, is unique. Torie Jean makes me feel seen. And she writes good kisses.
What more could you ask for, really?
Disclaimer: I was given a free ARC copy. My review was not compensated or even asked for. This is my honest and genuine opinion.
What more could you ask for, really?
Disclaimer: I was given a free ARC copy. My review was not compensated or even asked for. This is my honest and genuine opinion.
October 31, 2023
I give this book a 4.5 rating, I truly adored it so much! Finding Gene Kelly is one of my favorite books ever so I was so excited to read this and it didn't disappoint me! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves friends to lovers & jane austen because this is the perfect book for that. It also has the perfect fall vibes. It's just such a romantic, sweet and sexy story. I also loved the talk about endometriosis in this book, I can't relate personally but I definitely get the medical gaslighting. I cannot wait for the next book! Thank you so much to Tori Jean for the ARC copy!
October 26, 2023
At this point I’ll read anything written by this author. I completely fell in love with this book and the characters and story. While I don’t have endometriosis, I could heavily relate to the medical gaslighting, and the cry of relief of finally being affirmed that the pain is real. The journey of this story was beautiful and joyful, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Now I need the next book STAT.
July 17, 2024
The only redemptive thing about this book were the parts about the main character's endometriosis. Being gaslighted for years by doctors and then finally getting a diagnosis from a hospital specialist after collapsing and being brought in for emergency surgery plus her mental reaction to all this made interesting reading for me who knew nothing about this disease which apparently affects lots of people. The best line in the book was: "One in ten people assigned female at birth have the disease." (p.390)
However, these parts were only a small percentage of what professes to be a het romance with switching povs. I'm afraid I could work up no interest in the characters' doings, found them to have zero chemistry, found the meandering dialogue uninteresting and the writing clichéd. ("her long black eyelashes fluttered, faling to rest across her cheek"). Your mileage may vary and if you enjoy small-town US-American settings with ice hockey and Jane Austen references, and a "and then, and then" timeline, if you're unbothered by people making tea with microwaved water and a teabag dunked in afterwards, if you don't mind a person's womb being referred to as her "stomach", then you might like this too-long-for-a-romance, cinnamon-roll no-conflict novel.
Alas, it was not for me. I chose it for the diversity reading challenge prompt: chronic illness. The author has endometriosis and this came highly recommended on "chronic illness" lists.
However, these parts were only a small percentage of what professes to be a het romance with switching povs. I'm afraid I could work up no interest in the characters' doings, found them to have zero chemistry, found the meandering dialogue uninteresting and the writing clichéd. ("her long black eyelashes fluttered, faling to rest across her cheek"). Your mileage may vary and if you enjoy small-town US-American settings with ice hockey and Jane Austen references, and a "and then, and then" timeline, if you're unbothered by people making tea with microwaved water and a teabag dunked in afterwards, if you don't mind a person's womb being referred to as her "stomach", then you might like this too-long-for-a-romance, cinnamon-roll no-conflict novel.
Alas, it was not for me. I chose it for the diversity reading challenge prompt: chronic illness. The author has endometriosis and this came highly recommended on "chronic illness" lists.
October 12, 2025
I loved this... ardently!
Jack and Aulie were just so endearing. Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorites. I loved the nods in Jane Austen in both aspects of the plot and some of the characters. I'm going to use "Lady Catherine De Bourgh" as a verb now!
If you've been looking for a story with representation of endometriosis, this story did it so well. Aulie's journey through misdiagnosis was very emotional and I learnt so much through reading her character's experience.
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
💐 Jane Austen fair
🏑 MMC on suspension
💛 FMC with undiagnosed endo
🐐 One cheeky goat
🌶️ 0.5-1
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jack and Aulie were just so endearing. Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorites. I loved the nods in Jane Austen in both aspects of the plot and some of the characters. I'm going to use "Lady Catherine De Bourgh" as a verb now!
If you've been looking for a story with representation of endometriosis, this story did it so well. Aulie's journey through misdiagnosis was very emotional and I learnt so much through reading her character's experience.
❤️ Friends-to-lovers
💐 Jane Austen fair
🏑 MMC on suspension
💛 FMC with undiagnosed endo
🐐 One cheeky goat
🌶️ 0.5-1
⭐⭐⭐⭐
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