Look pretty, marry, produce an heir. It’s hard for Jessica Chatwin to remember she’s worthy of more when this is all she’s been told she’s good for. So, when her dad offers her hand in marriage to sweeten a deal, Jess doesn’t see a way out. That is, until a trip to Vegas when Julian Hadley, and only one bed, offers her a solution. “Tell your dad we’re together.” But how real is Julian being with her, and what happens when the man protecting you is also the man who wants to chase you through the woods and hunt you down?
Julian
Inherit the title, marry, produce an heir. Julian Hadley has always known what the future holds, but for the time being, he wanted to live a normal life. And that’s what he was doing until it crumbled around him. Now, he’s lost, denying his desires and ignoring his needs; that is until Jess Chatwin appears in his world and the primal urges inside him come clawing back to life. He’ll do anything to protect her, but in doing so, he lets his billionaire secret come to light and Jess runs. Only this time, he’s not the only one chasing her, and the other man won’t stop if she uses her safe word. Can Julian get to her in time, and will she ever believe that he wants her for more than the potential heirs she can give him?
This novel contains graphic scenes of a sexual nature and is not suitable for those under 18.
I am lucky to be a part of the Ali Fischer Street Team, so when I have receieved all the ARCS from all of her books I've always felt very special and privileged to have been given them.
This is by far my favourite out of The Book Club Series.
This book follows Julian & Jess. I don't want to say much as I'll end up spoiling is but all I can say is WOW and that Julian is now officially my book boyfriend.
A primal dom is not something I thought I would like but hell yes this book 🥵🔥
Jess is the most sweetest, kinkiest girl, she's just amazing. In fact all the characters are amazing and I can't pick a favourite (cough JULIAN cough)
I am so so sad this series has ended but I am so so proud of you Ali Fischer. What a series this is. So highly recommended!
Thank you again for letting me be part of your Street Team I am forever grateful 🥲
This is the fourth in the book club series and wow oh wow, if you are of an age where you feel your sex drive may have slipped down a gear or two and the lady garden seems to be a little dry all you need is one of Ali’s books ! Especially this one. You will soon be formula one ready with the addition of titanic flooding. The depths of kink research poor Ms fisher must have undertaken for this series must be John Wayne walk worthy.
Everything is written in the highest quality imaginable. The character development across all four books is outstanding. All I want now is to be called sunshine and run through the woods but let’s face it I think I would skip happily until caught by this fictional primal Dom and purr like a kitten. Ali has truly blown all expectations for her fourth book out of the water ! There are not enough stars in the galaxy to give this woman for her literary masterpieces.
This is the fourth and final book in The Book Club series and having read them all, I can say this is my favourite. Julian is a primal Dom who had a traumatic experience that has made him pull away from that side of himself while Jess' trauma makes her want to run free and enjoy being chased. Julian is everything you want in an MMC, strong and dominant but soft for his girl. I love the friendships and banter this series gives and the love between both couples and friends shines off the page.
Romance suspense has carved out a powerful niche in the literary world, captivating readers with its intoxicating blend of passion, tension, and intrigue. While steamy scenes are a major draw, it is the compelling storyline that keeps readers invested long after the heat of the moment fades. Striking the perfect balance between eroticism and narrative depth is essential to creating a romance suspense novel that resonates.
This is the fourth instalment of 'The Book Club Series'. If you take a look at any of my social media posts you will see how in love I am with these books. It can be read as a standalone, however I would HIGHLY recommend reading the other three first, as this is where you get to know each of the characters, their backgrounds and stories to what led them to where they are in Jess's story. If I'm actually being totally honest here, I'd say I'm obsessed. That's an understatement.
The narrative centres on Jessica, who has been conditioned throughout her life to believe in primary rules that she only has to 'look pretty, marry and produce an heir'. Faced with an arranged marriage orchestrated by her father, Jess seeks an escape. Can you imagine how exciting this book is just by reading that one sentence?
Not only is the spice levels in these books a raging chilli pepper of five, all the steam you need, the taboos and kinks. The plot is engaging, and has extremely compelling characters as always. There is an average rating of 4.87 out of 5 on GoodReads. Ali always manages to write so passionately with action, memorable characters and their romantic journeys, not only this but she portrays really important themes throughout each of her novels. Jess's story delves into themes of self-worth, societal expectations, complexities of real, meaningful love offering readers that captivating and emotionally resonant experience we all crave.
In our street team group chat, we have our 'favourite men'. When you read each of the books you think RIGHT, this is the one, you fall in love with the fictional idea of the men, but come with such positive values, not like the ones in the smut books that clearly are morally grey evil men, that everyone somehow falls in love with.
It's addictive. I can't say too much without spoilers, and we hate spoilers right?
But if you haven't read these yet, please do. You will never be able to put them down.
Ali always has offers on, and she deserves so much praise for the amount of hard work, marketing and genuine love for her writing, which as all of us who have read these will appreciate.
One warning though...
You will feel lost without these books, once you've finished it, you'll be wanting more. The characters feel like your friends and in the end, you won't stop thinking about them! There are trigger warnings and also playlists in every single novel, which is fantastic. I love listening to the music as I'm reading along.
Julian put up one hell of a fight to dethrone Cameron from Imogen’s Story as my favourite MMC in this series. If Cameron asks he’s still my favourite but wow! Julian is next level book boyfriend material. Not only is he a knight in shining armour swooping in at every opportunity to save our FMC but he’s one that will chase you through woods, declare that you’re his and never let you go. The swoon I swooned for this man!
Jess has spent so long being treated as a burden who’s only worth is how she can further her family’s connections. When she finally has someone who treats her with the respect and reverence she deserves it’s beautiful.
As ever Ali winds a suspenseful plot with a sinfully hot romance. A wonderful way to end the book club series.
Highly recommend this whole series!! Well written, sexy as heck and full of angst and action! All four girls stories were amazing and the men they fell in love with are all yummy, swoon worthy and literally the best book boyfriends to have ever!! My favourite will always be Cameron but I wouldn’t say no to any of them!! The women Ali writes about are always strong and fierce and so loving. Despite their hardships and what they go through they are still beautiful characters inside and out. Four friends I’d love to have in real life. Ali’s writing is always so descriptive that you genuinely feel like you are right there with them, the sights, sounds and even the scents. Ali herself is an awesome human being and this series needs to be read by everyone who loves a good, spicy, happily ever after. An auto buy and read author and I can’t wait to see what she does next!! 💜💜💜💜
What an amazing last book of this series! Don’t get me wrong I did enjoy book 1-3 but this 4th and last one of this series captivated me.. oh to be chased and claimed as “Mine.” You must read to understand where I am getting at.
Wow! This was stunning on so many levels. We have Jess who has family history/drama and her patents are trying to set her up into an unhappy arranged marriage and she has no way to fight them on it.
Julian is Cameron’s (Imogen’s husband) cousin and has always had an eye for Jess but he says his past is too dark for her so he has always kept his distance.
This story has it all: shminky romance, primal play, suspense, heartbreaking emotions from one end to the other. But I closed the last page with a happy heart.
I managed to get on board for an ARC! The first 3 books got 5 stars from me (and I'm tough to please) - this book is no different. It totally delivered! Each book seems to get better and better. I'm gutted that this series has ended. I really enjoyed the characters along the way and their banter with each other as their friendships grew. I keep threatening to go back and re-read them (Imogen's story is what got me out of not being able to read a book and thoroughly enjoy it for a decade); now the series has finished, I can binge-read the lot!
The only comment I paused long enough to write while I devoured this book was that by Chapter 6 "the pining is goooooood" - and it was! I love me a good bit of tension. So to write this review, I've had to go back over and skim some of the chapters to refresh my memory (I should have planned reviewing for an ARC better than this)
Jess and Julian are so HOT for each other, but think they aren't good enough for the other. Once they work out how to get out of their own ways, things soon heat up. The scenes in Vegas were HOT. How he caught her in the alleyway 🥵 and all the praise on their first encounter was fire🔥. "Primal Dom" is rather new to me, so I loved how this introduced the reader to it, by making it new to the character too, including how those who practise the kink (is this the right term?) would go about things indoors. There was just something so sexy about how Julian said "Run." and omg was inspired writing! I literally had to pause to fan myself - especially to Julian's reaction.
I enjoyed how well her parents were written - they weren't just 2D villians; and the storyline with Will was a good balance of drama. I want to adopt Julian's parents as well, they were sweet!
I loved at the end how
Thank you Ali for such a wonderful series. I'm so proud of what you set out to accomplish and even prouder for you achieving it!
Jess’s Story is book 4 in ‘The Book Club’ Series by Ali Fischer and it is the final book in this series.
Jess has spent her entire life being told she needs to look pretty, marry to produce an heir, keeping her mouth shut and do as she’s told. She doesn’t know her worth aside from being set up as someone’s property and this is made very clear when Jess overhears her father using her for one of his business deals. She can see no way out of her doomed future with arrogant ‘Little Willy’ that is until her and her friends take a trip to Vegas and she shares a bed with Julian and he offers her a way out. Julian however has a few secrets of his own, the question is how will Jess take them?
I am deeply sad this series has now come to an end but yet again Ali has truly outdone herself. I can’t explain how these books have changed the way I view myself and the empowerment I’ve felt after reading each and every book. These characters are fictional but I stronger feel they are so much more than simply that. I laughed and giggled, I screamed and shouted, I was sweating and blushing and I sobbed my heart and soul costing a fair bit in tissues. Ali has a beautiful and captivating way of writing, you feel these characters are your friends and you are taking each step with them. Jess’s Story like all the books in the series has some super sexy hot spice but it also contains some things readers might find triggering. It is suspenseful, well-structured, good pacing, action packed and just completely delicious! 5 Stars!! What a wonderful read from a wonderful series written by a wonderfully talented indie author.
*Ali Fischer also published a wee novella called ‘Grumpy Sunshine’ remember the girls (Imogen, Lucy, Sarah & Jess) had regularly book club meeting.. yeah? Well ‘Grumpy Sunshine’ is one of those books! DO NOT WASTE TIME… GET YOUR COPY!
I devoured this book in 1 day (I did have a 4.5hour coach journey which helped) and it was so good, I've been waiting for Jess & Julians story for what has felt like forever.
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC the same as I have all 3 previous books and honestly, I feel so lucky as this book and the whole Book Club series is brilliant.
Jess lives in a household that is so far back in its traditions that all it asks of the women born into it, is that they marry well, look pretty and produce children. Jess is a free spirit she has her own carer where she sources art for big clients, but she still feels a sense of duty to her parents even though they treat her like crap and have never given her any real love or support. Jess just wants to be free after feeling like she's just a caged pretty bird.
Julian is the owner of a restaurant, and he has a secret not many people know about who his family are, and he also has a desire he now keeps hidden scared of what could happen if he acts on his desires.
Julian meets Jess through their mutual friends the attraction is strong, and Julian can't help but want to act out his desires with Jess and she equally has these similar desires, but her parents keep dragging her back into their outdated world. Jess confides in Julian that her father has used her as part of a deal to get her father out of losing all his money. Julian vows to help her and he won't let anyone touch what is his.
The primal big D energy from Julian was just delicious and the tension between him and Jess was so good when they finally gave into their attraction it was worth the wait.
As always, this book feels relatable, and the characters are well formed. the spice is just perfection as all the books in this series are.
This book is a standalone, but it’s best enjoyed after reading the first three installments of The Book Club series to fully appreciate the development of Jess and Julian’s relationship and their relationship with all the other characters in the series. I love to read about previous couples in the other books.
Jess has always prioritized duty over her own desires. Her parents dictate every aspect of her life—from what she wears to whom she should marry—leaving her feeling trapped in a future that revolves solely around being a wife and mother. Yearning for independence, Jess dreams of a career in the arts, but her parents continuously pull her back into their expectations. In their minds, she doesn’t need a career as she will be a stay-at-home wife.
On the other hand, Julian is a solitary figure haunted by a traumatic past with his ex-girlfriend. He struggles with his feelings for Jess, aware that he’s not in a place for a serious relationship. Despite this, they are perfectly matched: Julian enjoys hunting while Jess finds joy in running.
The story unfolds like a rollercoaster, keeping you on the edge of your seat with unexpected twists. Ultimately, the book delivers a heartwarming happily ever after for Jess and Julian. It’s an excellent read, especially if you enjoy lots of spice in your romance.
Well, what an ending to the brilliant Book Club series! Jess's Story is the 4th and final book and I'm seriously gutted it's over!
I found this series of books by Ali Fischer just this year, and boy, am I glad I did!! I've never really been into reading, I find it hard to picture characters, I'm the type of person who has to re-read pages and I read so slow! Last year I decided I'd love to read more, so set out to try and figure out what type of books I like! I read a couple of duds before stumbling across Ali Fischer and the first 2 of the now 4 books! It turns out these are well and truly my type of books! I can picture every character and I've never read a book so fast in my life!! They are all full of romance, drama, and all the spice! I flew through the first 3 books as soon as I could, ended up on the ARC Team for book 4 (so so lucky!) and here we are with Jess! This could be my favourite book of the series, although I've thought that every time!!
Jess is downtrodden by her strict traditional family. Her only use to them is for her to marry well, produce children, stay home and be the perfect stepford wife. All Jess wants is freedom. She sees what all of her friends have and feels jealous and stuck! Julian has his own secrets too, I don't want to spoil anything! But the attraction between Jess and Julian is palpable, and it finally comes crashing together, with all the tension and spice we've come to know from these books! As with each book, I'm learning new things, a primal dom!! 🔥 I just love these two together!
Seriously, read this book, read all 4, you won't regret it! They are so sexy filled, with tension, you won't be able to put them down!
I can't wait to see what Ali does next, and if the Book Club series isn't made into a movie or tv show, then someone is missing a trick!
Thank you for these 4 strong, beautiful women and the 4 strong, supportive, and sexy as hell men! I actually can't wait to go back and read them all over again!
I read Ali's other books in this series and was so honoured to be able to arc read this, the what I'm hoping isn't the final installment of this series.
I've followed these sexy, well endowed men and these incredibly beautiful and strong women as they find their way in life and love.
They have all found their kink and men to match. They have formed beautiful friendships and become family.
This book is the final friend of Quiet Jess. Jess comes from a family, they come from superior social standing and expect Jess to be quiet, look pretty, to take a husband and birth and heir.
We all met Julian, Cameron's cousin who owns the restaurant. Well if his story and why he is so into his work and he quite quiet doesn't break your heart, then I don't know what will.
Like calls to like is evident in this case. They are more alike than they know.
Such a journey of love, hope, pain and self discovery. I don't want to say more as I will spoil it. But just wow and I'm actually really sad it has ended 😭...I want more.
Ali is an amazing author and not one of her books has disappointed 🥵 🥵.
When Ali reached out to me about her kink-club-based series... a story about four women with a spicy book club, where each book explores a different “kink”, I was immediately intrigued. This is so my wheelhouse. Being a huge fan of the Salacious Players Club and Eloide Hart’s books, I knew I was in for a treat. I decided to start with Jess’s Story, which focuses on primal play, one of my favorites.
Our FMC, Jessica, comes from an affluent English family, the type with their own strict rules and expectations. Even in 2025, she still has to navigate family obligations. Bored with the men her parents keep setting her up with, she’s craving something, or someone, different. Enter our MMC, Julian, a cousin of one of Jess’s friends. There’s clearly mutual attraction, but between Jess’s family drama and Julian’s deep-seated trauma from past relationships, it’s been nothing more than flirtation… until a party sparks something much more intense.
It doesn’t take long to uncover why Julian is so hesitant to let Jess in. And trust me... this “good girl” would not be turned off if she knew that her big, hunky hero is actually a semi-retired primal dom.
I absolutely loved how Ali handles this story. She explains kink, especially primal play, in a way that’s approachable for newcomers, almost like “explaining it to a five-year-old,” without ever being condescending. This makes it a fantastic starting point for readers who are curious about kink but not ready to dive into the heavier, darker primal romance books.
And Julian… my baby boy is such a vibe. He’s charming, protective, and layered with secrets and a painful past. I loved him, but he’s definitely not all that he seems.
This was such a fun read, and I can’t wait to explore the other books in the series. Each book is interconnected yet can be read as a standalone, so you don’t have to worry about reading them in order.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A beginner-friendly guide to kinky romance that’s still exciting and satisfying for fans of other kink-club series.
I have read the other 3 books in this series and I was super excited and proud to be picked to ARC read the 4th book in this series.
I won't give spoilers but DAMN!!!!! I Want Julian and I have to say this one is my fave out of the 4 🥰. The chemistry between jess and Julian is a mixture of sweetness, sexual, heartwarming.
This series follows 4 strong, independent women who form an unlikely bond in book club, but they all have a hidden naughty side 😉 and the lads they meet along the way have naughty sides too and each one matches really well with the ladies by either introducing them to a world of DOM, BDSM etc. And they form an unbreakable bond and turn into a mini family along the way. The lads in my head look bloody fine and by what I have read about each lad they read very well hung 😉.
If you haven't read this series you need to and in order too as all the lives of the book club ladies all interlink and the same with the lads.
Hats off to you ali fischer I can't wait to read more of your work
Jess’s story is part of the Book Club Novels by Ali Fischer and this is the first one I have read. As the characters were very well introduced I didn’t feel like it was crucial to read the others first. I picked this up as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and I REALLY enjoyed this book.
This book tells the story of Jess our FMC and although she has grown up with a privileged lifestyle she is a very relatable and likeable character. The MMC was Julian a very sexy primal DOM. I loved the way the relationship developed between them and the spice was 🔥!!! I don’t want to give spoilers but this was a really great read and although there are some difficult situations the book ended beautifully and I will definitely be checking out more of this author’s work. Thank you for letting me read this!! I would definitely recommend this book 💜
I was so so lucky to receive this as an arc from Ali's street team. I am so grateful that Ali gave me this opportunity to read the 4th and final book in the book clubs novels, and it did not disappoint 🥵
If you are after a book boyfriend that literally offers everything we have touch her and d1e, protective, loving, caring, morally grey with a side of darkness then look no further than our primal dom Julian 🥵🥵 oh did i mention that Julian also comes with past trauma it literally couldn't get any better.
Struggling with her own mental abuse from a young age Jess decides its time to take control of her life and put herself first taking one of biggest risks with Julian in this fast paced, friends to lovers spicy romance.
Has Jess finally got it all?? Will her parents ever allow her to live her own life?? Or are Julian's secrets destined to tear them apart??
I'm absolutely gutted that this is the last book in The Bookclub series. Like the others this is beautifully written, super spicy and has characters that you'd want to be part of your circle of friends and have a night out with. Julian is delicious and naughty and loves the chase. Jess has spent years being controlled by her family and needs to learn how to spread her wings and run (and love it) but also love being caught by someone who values her above everything else. This book will make you laugh, smile, gasp so mad you want to thump something and cheer out loud. You 'could' read this book on it's own, but why would you when the other stories in this series are so deliciously naughty too
The series centers on a diverse group of friends who come together for their shared appreciation of literature in their book club, but as the story unfolds, their personal lives take center stage. Ali uses their interactions to explore themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and resilience, all while weaving in the magic of classic and contemporary literature.
What sets the series apart is Ali’s ability to make the reader feel like part of the club. The discussions about books within the story are rich and insightful, often inspiring readers to pick up the titles mentioned. Each character is distinct, with their own quirks and struggles, making them relatable and endearing. Ali’s writing is warm and engaging, with a knack for dialogue that feels authentic and often humorous.
Just when I thought it couldnt get better, Jess comes along. And she has a horse, which makes my horse-girl soul happy!
Julian is fit in all the right ways, and I am very intrigued about that tattoo...
This is another instalment where the darkest things happen, and yet the love and respect from the MMC is just so damn wholesome.
What I can tell you is that I need to join a book club.
If you are considering whether this series is for you, the answer is most definitely yes. Incredibly written, well researched, with some real drama and a whole lot of love!
I read this as part of the ARC team. What can I say I live Ali's style of writing. I love her characters arent 18 year olds with grown up problems. She knows how to write and really immerse you into their world. If you want some spicy reading with a gteat storyline this series is for you. I love this woman and all she writes. Forever a fan!!!!
This was a lovely quick read about Jess and Julian the last two in a friend group to get together. It’s flirty spicy and full of lovable characters. Julian is a perfect MMC and into primal play and Jess is really sweet but has a terrible family he rescues her from. They end up together after some drama and the journey is a worthy one.
Tropes: 💍 Primal 💍 Only one bed 💍 Arranged marriage 💍 Who did this to you? 💍 Mine
Main Characters: Jess & Julian
Stand out lines/quotes: “They’re the only tears you’ll cry when you’re with me. You’ll cry for me, sunshine, and only me…”
My Thoughts: I had been waiting for this book since I finished reading Sarah’s Story and Ali announced that Jess’s Story was next. Ali did not disappoint. I thought Sarah’s Story was my favorite but what can I say, I love a good primal play book and this one checked all the boxes for me. Julian was a total hottie, a dom but not just any dom he’s a primal dom master… I know right, SO. D*MN. HOT! Then we have Jess who is just so sweet and so likeable you can’t help but love her. The overall storyline is so good. A little messed up… ok ok it’s a lot messed up but I knew I could count on Ali to give me a good story with great spice and a HEA.
Read this book in 2 days and loved it. It was a great read Julian and Jess are made for each other. Julian is just amazing carrying round a pringles can 🥵 they both have trauma they need to grow from and yet there both there for each other. The 70% mark was a killer but so worth it I need to go back and read all the books in the series now