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Borrowed Spoons
Out of print.
- GenresRomanceScience Fiction
Paperback
Published October 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 17, 2025
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶.🫑 (1.5)
I can not think of an intro review line to hook you in. SO MAKE SURE YOU READ ALL OF THIS OR ILL CRAWL INTO YOUR BRAIN AND MAKE YOU (iykyk)
First of all, if you are thinking, "Oh some nice light alien smut," WRONG. THIS ISN'T THAT.
This is an absolutely epic Sci-Fi Romance that will blow your socks off.
The story follows Elle and Mack and their family to give you a present day idea of just how freaking perfect these beautiful babies are. You fall in love with them and the family dynamic. Some creepy shit happens that makes you a little anxious..followed by some worse nightmarish shit that really will fuck you up (NOTTTTT THE CHILDRENNNNNNNNN). Once you get emotionally ripped apart in the beginning (oh don't worry this is just the setup for the over arching plot) We then get the story of how Elle and Mack met and all the nitty gritty disgusto details of the baddies in this novel. Trust me it's gross...but I won't ruin the surprise because *makes gagging noise* I swear the surprise is worth it. Will I be forever worried about my ears.....yes.
There are spacemen who are basically humans but way smarter (mandatory vasectomies should totally be a real thing) and yes, THEY HAVE ALL THE GREEN FLAGS. I was really hoping this would be a why choose situation...but it's not....SO GET OVER THAT NOW and move on.
We are left on a devastating cliffy that truly should be illegal and is definitely not good for my mental or physical health (I ate cookies at 7am to feel something other than devastation)
Jenni hurry up. Gimme more *grabby hands*
You fucking genius.
Spice: 🌶.🫑 (1.5)
I can not think of an intro review line to hook you in. SO MAKE SURE YOU READ ALL OF THIS OR ILL CRAWL INTO YOUR BRAIN AND MAKE YOU (iykyk)
First of all, if you are thinking, "Oh some nice light alien smut," WRONG. THIS ISN'T THAT.
This is an absolutely epic Sci-Fi Romance that will blow your socks off.
The story follows Elle and Mack and their family to give you a present day idea of just how freaking perfect these beautiful babies are. You fall in love with them and the family dynamic. Some creepy shit happens that makes you a little anxious..followed by some worse nightmarish shit that really will fuck you up (NOTTTTT THE CHILDRENNNNNNNNN). Once you get emotionally ripped apart in the beginning (oh don't worry this is just the setup for the over arching plot) We then get the story of how Elle and Mack met and all the nitty gritty disgusto details of the baddies in this novel. Trust me it's gross...but I won't ruin the surprise because *makes gagging noise* I swear the surprise is worth it. Will I be forever worried about my ears.....yes.
There are spacemen who are basically humans but way smarter (mandatory vasectomies should totally be a real thing) and yes, THEY HAVE ALL THE GREEN FLAGS. I was really hoping this would be a why choose situation...but it's not....SO GET OVER THAT NOW and move on.
We are left on a devastating cliffy that truly should be illegal and is definitely not good for my mental or physical health (I ate cookies at 7am to feel something other than devastation)
Jenni hurry up. Gimme more *grabby hands*
You fucking genius.
September 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!! AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!! One of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE BOOKS EVER!! I am head over heels in love with all of the characters and can picture them vividly in my mind! Jenni does an amazing job of developing these characters and bringing the world of Borrowed Spoons to life! It does leave on a cliffhanger but it is the first book in a series so I expected that. This is one of those book that you will not want to put down once you pick it up, and you will surely stay up way too late reading. The only reason it took me longer to finish was because life happened and threw a curve ball; otherwise it would have been devoured in a day! Jenni Peck is very quickly becoming my favorite author to read! I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!!
September 14, 2024
One of my absolute favorite reads ever. Mack and Elle drew me into their story, making me feel like one of their bestest friends. The characters are vibrant and full bodied, the dialogue intelligent and witty. The scenes feel so real, fully constructed and unique. This is a book to read many times and with each read, discover another nuance. I'm so excited for book 2, I need to know how the story continues!
February 4, 2025
(I received an ARC copy from the author.)
Overall enjoyable and I am interested in book two because I want to know how this story ends. There’s a lot of unique concepts here that make for a very intriguing story—older married couple at the forefront, scifi adventure, time travel, aliens and other supernatural beings 👀.
My main problem is that the first 100 pages felt like a completely different book. It starts off almost like a teen romcom before taking a very intense turn and becoming more of what is in the blurb. It was so extreme that for a while in the beginning I worried that I was reading the wrong book.
The romance is very unique and I appreciated that the relationship “conflicts” were more external as opposed to internal within the relationship. I like those kind of romances, where the main characters have a solid relationship and navigate the world together. I also thought the “spoonie” aspect of Elle’s character was done very, very well.
Tone and pacing issues are preventing me from giving this five stars. I often got tonal whiplash and the chapters sometimes ended very abruptly. But none of my complaints are enough to prevent me from reading book two ❤️
Overall enjoyable and I am interested in book two because I want to know how this story ends. There’s a lot of unique concepts here that make for a very intriguing story—older married couple at the forefront, scifi adventure, time travel, aliens and other supernatural beings 👀.
My main problem is that the first 100 pages felt like a completely different book. It starts off almost like a teen romcom before taking a very intense turn and becoming more of what is in the blurb. It was so extreme that for a while in the beginning I worried that I was reading the wrong book.
The romance is very unique and I appreciated that the relationship “conflicts” were more external as opposed to internal within the relationship. I like those kind of romances, where the main characters have a solid relationship and navigate the world together. I also thought the “spoonie” aspect of Elle’s character was done very, very well.
Tone and pacing issues are preventing me from giving this five stars. I often got tonal whiplash and the chapters sometimes ended very abruptly. But none of my complaints are enough to prevent me from reading book two ❤️
November 18, 2024
This book... There is intrigue and mystery and all the fun sci-fi aspects. Then the emotional and human aspects. You will love the characters and then you will have every bit of emotion you think possible with those characters.
It is truly in my opinion a unique book that will keep you on your toes, keep you laughing and crying.
It is truly in my opinion a unique book that will keep you on your toes, keep you laughing and crying.
October 13, 2024
Her gaze was steady as she looked into his eyes and Mack feared what she saw, but she looked at him without hate.
Elle looked at him and there was something wholly unexpected in her eyes.
There was tenderness. Compassion was there, too. Warmth. Affection.
—
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 1/5
Mack and Elle Sideris have the perfect life: over 2 decades together and their love and passion for one another still burn as bright as ever. His business is going great and their four children are in their teenage years, close to leaving the family nest. Until a bad omen presents itself to Elle in a familiar form and it doesn’t take long before everything comes crashing down. The only solution is to turn back time. Literally.
To be honest, I didn’t know where the story was heading after the couple first chapters because the children and their friends seemed to be the focus. Then chapter 9 happened and I literally gasped. The last thing I expected was sob my eyes out not once, not twice, but THRICE by the end of the book.
The story was definitely more plot driven, but dear Jenni made me love the side characters as much as Mack and Elle. The structure of the storyline was cleverly done, what with time travel being involved, without being confusing. The Valerian lore was fascinating and this sci-fi romance as a solo debut for Jenni was a win for me.
This book ended on a cliffhanger, and spring 2025 couldn’t be here fast enough 😫
Elle looked at him and there was something wholly unexpected in her eyes.
There was tenderness. Compassion was there, too. Warmth. Affection.
—
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 1/5
Mack and Elle Sideris have the perfect life: over 2 decades together and their love and passion for one another still burn as bright as ever. His business is going great and their four children are in their teenage years, close to leaving the family nest. Until a bad omen presents itself to Elle in a familiar form and it doesn’t take long before everything comes crashing down. The only solution is to turn back time. Literally.
To be honest, I didn’t know where the story was heading after the couple first chapters because the children and their friends seemed to be the focus. Then chapter 9 happened and I literally gasped. The last thing I expected was sob my eyes out not once, not twice, but THRICE by the end of the book.
The story was definitely more plot driven, but dear Jenni made me love the side characters as much as Mack and Elle. The structure of the storyline was cleverly done, what with time travel being involved, without being confusing. The Valerian lore was fascinating and this sci-fi romance as a solo debut for Jenni was a win for me.
This book ended on a cliffhanger, and spring 2025 couldn’t be here fast enough 😫
April 6, 2025
3,5 ⭐️ rounded up maybe..
I’m not sure how to rate this books. This is probably my first SciFi read and I struggled a bit with the whole aliens aspect. However, I really enjoyed the story and the writing. I loved Elle as the FMC she felt so real with her strengths and weaknesses. I loved the depiction of parenting and family life, it was really spot on. Overall a good read and the only reason I didn’t rate it higher was purely because of personal preferences. If you like scifi I would definitely recommend it and if you’re new to it, this might still be a good place to start.
I’m not sure how to rate this books. This is probably my first SciFi read and I struggled a bit with the whole aliens aspect. However, I really enjoyed the story and the writing. I loved Elle as the FMC she felt so real with her strengths and weaknesses. I loved the depiction of parenting and family life, it was really spot on. Overall a good read and the only reason I didn’t rate it higher was purely because of personal preferences. If you like scifi I would definitely recommend it and if you’re new to it, this might still be a good place to start.
January 31, 2025
This book is the literal definition of "rewrite the stars."
Borrowed Spoons is a wild ride full of love, heartbreak, and resilience. Right from the start, I just had to know who and what the mysterious figure was. But I digress!
As the story unfolds, we follow Elle fighting to save her family while her husband, Mack, tries to make his way back to her. The dual timelines make the story even more interesting. In the present, we see Elle and Mack as a happy married couple with kids, just living their lives. In the past, we get to watch how they met, built friendships, and learn more about the advanced humans and aliens in their world. There are a lot of different POVs, but they’re all easy to follow and add so much depth to the characters.
Jenni doesn’t hold back. There’s no slow buildup or traditional story arc. She just throws us right into the chaos, and somehow, it works perfectly.
Borrowed Spoons is a wild ride full of love, heartbreak, and resilience. Right from the start, I just had to know who and what the mysterious figure was. But I digress!
As the story unfolds, we follow Elle fighting to save her family while her husband, Mack, tries to make his way back to her. The dual timelines make the story even more interesting. In the present, we see Elle and Mack as a happy married couple with kids, just living their lives. In the past, we get to watch how they met, built friendships, and learn more about the advanced humans and aliens in their world. There are a lot of different POVs, but they’re all easy to follow and add so much depth to the characters.
Jenni doesn’t hold back. There’s no slow buildup or traditional story arc. She just throws us right into the chaos, and somehow, it works perfectly.
September 24, 2024
This book was so unlike my typical read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love Elle and Mack’s story so much and I cannot wait for the next installment to come out. I laughed, I cried on a multiple occasions, I even sat my husband down to tell him about his book twice because the concept was blowing my mind. The characters are extremely likeable and relatable. Highly recommend this book!!
October 17, 2024
“ℐ𝒻 𝓉𝑜𝓃𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓌𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓁𝓉𝓏 𝒾𝓃 𝒽𝑒𝓁𝓁, 𝓈𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒶 𝒹𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝑒.”
I adored this story! This was a big departure from the usual darker genres I read, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I love sci-fi romance now. The MCs reminded me of Jamie & Claire from Outlander, but add spaceships, Atlantis, aliens and meddlesome gods! 👽
Mack is one of the best green-flagged MMCs I’ve ever read. In the flashback portion, I genuinely loved how quickly his and Elle’s emotional connection progressed. Their banter and intimacy were beautifully written. Top-tier adoration for each other that brought me to tears! 😭
I especially appreciated the chronic illness rep in this story. After dealing with various health issues of my own, Elle’s journey with her flare-ups was very relatable and heartfelt.
The Sideris teenagers were fun to read. I especially loved Theo and Mattie. My only critique was that the transitions between the different POVs were slightly jarring initially. The beginning of the book felt slightly disjointed and left me needing more clarification. However, the alien twist remedied this and I was hooked! I didn’t expect to be so creeped out by alien hijacking! That was so clever. I felt the urge to cover my ears while reading!
Jenni’s imagery took me on an incredible sensory journey through time and space. I was so impressed by her attention to detail. Her characters were so mature when they were faced with challenges. That cliffhanger was so intriguing! 😮💨 This was a beautiful adventure, and I can’t wait for book two! 🙌🏼
Thank you, Jenni Peck for the arc of this book! 💫
4.5 ⭐️ 1.5🌶️
🥄 𝗌𝖼𝗂-𝖿𝗂 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
🥄 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗅
🥄 𝗀𝗋𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝖿𝗅𝖺𝗀 𝖬𝖬𝖢
🥄 𝖬𝖢𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝟦𝟢𝗌
🥄 𝗐𝗁𝗂𝗋𝗅𝗐𝗂𝗇𝖽 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
🥄 𝖼𝗁𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗂𝖼 𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗋𝖾𝗉 (𝗌𝗉𝗈𝗈𝗇𝗂𝖾 𝖥𝖬𝖢)
🥄 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗉𝖺𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝖺 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗋𝖼𝖺𝗌𝖾
🥄 𝖺𝗅𝗂𝖾𝗇𝗌 + 𝖺𝗍𝗅𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗌👽
🥄 𝗌𝗍𝖾𝖺𝗆𝗒 𝗌𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾
I adored this story! This was a big departure from the usual darker genres I read, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I love sci-fi romance now. The MCs reminded me of Jamie & Claire from Outlander, but add spaceships, Atlantis, aliens and meddlesome gods! 👽
Mack is one of the best green-flagged MMCs I’ve ever read. In the flashback portion, I genuinely loved how quickly his and Elle’s emotional connection progressed. Their banter and intimacy were beautifully written. Top-tier adoration for each other that brought me to tears! 😭
I especially appreciated the chronic illness rep in this story. After dealing with various health issues of my own, Elle’s journey with her flare-ups was very relatable and heartfelt.
The Sideris teenagers were fun to read. I especially loved Theo and Mattie. My only critique was that the transitions between the different POVs were slightly jarring initially. The beginning of the book felt slightly disjointed and left me needing more clarification. However, the alien twist remedied this and I was hooked! I didn’t expect to be so creeped out by alien hijacking! That was so clever. I felt the urge to cover my ears while reading!
Jenni’s imagery took me on an incredible sensory journey through time and space. I was so impressed by her attention to detail. Her characters were so mature when they were faced with challenges. That cliffhanger was so intriguing! 😮💨 This was a beautiful adventure, and I can’t wait for book two! 🙌🏼
Thank you, Jenni Peck for the arc of this book! 💫
4.5 ⭐️ 1.5🌶️
🥄 𝗌𝖼𝗂-𝖿𝗂 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
🥄 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗅
🥄 𝗀𝗋𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝖿𝗅𝖺𝗀 𝖬𝖬𝖢
🥄 𝖬𝖢𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗋 𝟦𝟢𝗌
🥄 𝗐𝗁𝗂𝗋𝗅𝗐𝗂𝗇𝖽 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
🥄 𝖼𝗁𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗂𝖼 𝗂𝗅𝗅𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗋𝖾𝗉 (𝗌𝗉𝗈𝗈𝗇𝗂𝖾 𝖥𝖬𝖢)
🥄 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗉𝖺𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝖺 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗋𝖼𝖺𝗌𝖾
🥄 𝖺𝗅𝗂𝖾𝗇𝗌 + 𝖺𝗍𝗅𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗌👽
🥄 𝗌𝗍𝖾𝖺𝗆𝗒 𝗌𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾
July 27, 2025
Wow. What a ride. When I picked up Borrowed Spoons, I was expecting a time travel romance of some sort, and while it certainly delivered, it was so much more. There were mythical and fantasy elements, suspense, action, and even a healthy dose of sci-fi space opera. Needless to say, the narrative kept me guessing and left me yearning for more.
The story follows Elle Sideris, a loving mother of four who lives with her husband in Savannah, Georgia. She has it all…until strange forces, both mystical and alien, begin to burn down everything she’s ever loved. The only way to survive and salvage a fraction of her previous life is to invoke an ancient power and turn back the clock, but is it possible for destiny’s lightning to strike the same place twice?
As a fan of sci-fi, I’ve always been a sucker for time travel scenarios, and the concept of going into the past with my present knowledge and trying to recreate my future is such a heart-wrenching and relatable challenge. I really felt for these characters and found myself screaming at the book more than once when the waters got turbulent. The mash-up of sci-fi and fantasy was interesting as well, creating a sense of scale and wonder to the book’s universe.
As for characters, I loved Elle’s scrappiness and realistic vulnerabilities. A great example of a strong female character who doesn’t have to single-handedly KO 300-lb men on the regular to prove it. The spacemen in the story were all hilarious as well. Great humor and chemistry. My favorite though would have to be Mack. He’s such a pillar of strength, both physically and emotionally. He makes a solid argument for growing a beard too.
Overall, the book provided a compelling rollercoaster that ended far too soon. Needless to say, I’ll be jumping on the sequel, Only Knives, post haste.
The story follows Elle Sideris, a loving mother of four who lives with her husband in Savannah, Georgia. She has it all…until strange forces, both mystical and alien, begin to burn down everything she’s ever loved. The only way to survive and salvage a fraction of her previous life is to invoke an ancient power and turn back the clock, but is it possible for destiny’s lightning to strike the same place twice?
As a fan of sci-fi, I’ve always been a sucker for time travel scenarios, and the concept of going into the past with my present knowledge and trying to recreate my future is such a heart-wrenching and relatable challenge. I really felt for these characters and found myself screaming at the book more than once when the waters got turbulent. The mash-up of sci-fi and fantasy was interesting as well, creating a sense of scale and wonder to the book’s universe.
As for characters, I loved Elle’s scrappiness and realistic vulnerabilities. A great example of a strong female character who doesn’t have to single-handedly KO 300-lb men on the regular to prove it. The spacemen in the story were all hilarious as well. Great humor and chemistry. My favorite though would have to be Mack. He’s such a pillar of strength, both physically and emotionally. He makes a solid argument for growing a beard too.
Overall, the book provided a compelling rollercoaster that ended far too soon. Needless to say, I’ll be jumping on the sequel, Only Knives, post haste.
September 19, 2024
I am so happy to have gotten an ARC for this. This book is so different from anything I've read lately. I had no idea where this book was going to go in the first 25% of it. The world-building is wonderful and you fall in love with her characters so fast. I was enthralled but also easily able to put the book down for a few minutes to tend to my life and then pick it back up a few hours later. I adore the romance between Elle and Mac - all green flags and super sweet between the two of them. And how Elle interacts with his friends - the banter and teasing is top notch.
Only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is that AGAIN, this book is not the entire story. You have to read the 2nd book to finish out the main plot points. And while this book starts out with Elle as a 45 yr old mom and badass, 95% of the story is her and Mac's origin story where they're 24 and 27. The last 5% of the book gets back to Elle in her mid-30s. So I wouldn't say this part of the story is really about MCs post-30 and in established relationships. That was a big let-down for me. I wish the author would have published this and book 2 together so you can get the whole story and not this weird TV-show style where you have to stay tuned for the next episode to finish it.
Am I going to read #2? Absolutely.
Only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is that AGAIN, this book is not the entire story. You have to read the 2nd book to finish out the main plot points. And while this book starts out with Elle as a 45 yr old mom and badass, 95% of the story is her and Mac's origin story where they're 24 and 27. The last 5% of the book gets back to Elle in her mid-30s. So I wouldn't say this part of the story is really about MCs post-30 and in established relationships. That was a big let-down for me. I wish the author would have published this and book 2 together so you can get the whole story and not this weird TV-show style where you have to stay tuned for the next episode to finish it.
Am I going to read #2? Absolutely.
September 24, 2024
I received an ARC of Borrowed Spoons in exchange for my honest review.
I almost never read SciFi, it's just not my thing normally but a friend spoke so highly of the book that I had to read it!
Borrowed Spoons turned out to be one of my favourite reads of the year. I think that just goes to show how amazing Jenni's writing is!
The book has such an original, creative plotline that completely drew me in. It has a lot of big concepts and world building that I thought was introduced at the perfect pace - I never felt overwhelmed with too much information. Jenni is amazing at putting little details in that seem insignificant at the time, but are a big part of another scene later. Everything was just so well thought out.
The romance was absolutely amazing, I love reading about characters who are just so perfect for each other. I really connected with Elle and Mack, and enjoyed reading about a MMC with so many green flags!
Honestly I still haven't recovered from the ending, and don't think I'll recover for a while. I'm going to have to read something light next because the book hangover is real.
I almost never read SciFi, it's just not my thing normally but a friend spoke so highly of the book that I had to read it!
Borrowed Spoons turned out to be one of my favourite reads of the year. I think that just goes to show how amazing Jenni's writing is!
The book has such an original, creative plotline that completely drew me in. It has a lot of big concepts and world building that I thought was introduced at the perfect pace - I never felt overwhelmed with too much information. Jenni is amazing at putting little details in that seem insignificant at the time, but are a big part of another scene later. Everything was just so well thought out.
The romance was absolutely amazing, I love reading about characters who are just so perfect for each other. I really connected with Elle and Mack, and enjoyed reading about a MMC with so many green flags!
Honestly I still haven't recovered from the ending, and don't think I'll recover for a while. I'm going to have to read something light next because the book hangover is real.
October 21, 2024
*got to read this book in it's beta stages (this review is entirely my opinion)*
Not only is Jenni an incredible author (seriously, her turn of phrases are so beautiful!), she’s also a phenomenally talented storyteller! She consistently manages to surprise me with the places she takes her narrative but in a way that, looking back, make complete sense to the parts of the story she had already revealed.
The level of research she does on the smallest details is awe-inspiring to me! She cares so freaking much, and it shows in every plot point, in every character, in every single word!
Also, I need EVERYONE to read it so you all understand my endless love for Theo (and Nicky (and everyone else)).
This book manages to be amazingly unique in both premise and storytelling and it kept me hooked from start to finish.
I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with all the characters, but especially with Elle and Mack's incredible connection.
Yes, it's sci fi, and romance, but it's so much more and there's really no way to fully explain what this book is - you just have to read it for yourself!
Can't wait to grab book 2 as soon as it's out!
Not only is Jenni an incredible author (seriously, her turn of phrases are so beautiful!), she’s also a phenomenally talented storyteller! She consistently manages to surprise me with the places she takes her narrative but in a way that, looking back, make complete sense to the parts of the story she had already revealed.
The level of research she does on the smallest details is awe-inspiring to me! She cares so freaking much, and it shows in every plot point, in every character, in every single word!
Also, I need EVERYONE to read it so you all understand my endless love for Theo (and Nicky (and everyone else)).
This book manages to be amazingly unique in both premise and storytelling and it kept me hooked from start to finish.
I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with all the characters, but especially with Elle and Mack's incredible connection.
Yes, it's sci fi, and romance, but it's so much more and there's really no way to fully explain what this book is - you just have to read it for yourself!
Can't wait to grab book 2 as soon as it's out!
May 27, 2025
Wow, just wow. What a journey Borrowed Spoons by Jenni Peck took me on. At first, I was unsure where the story would go, as I hadn't read many Sci-Fi romances before, but I was invested in the story from the beginning. Once the story took a huge left turn, I was fully invested in the characters and storyline, and I had difficulty putting this one down. Jenni's writing, character development, and interconnected plot lines are top-tier. I don't think I have ever read a story similar to Borrowed Spoons. There were so many twists and turns, but honestly, I would go into this book blind because you are taken on quite an epic journey as the reader. Just be ready to carve out some reading time because you will not want to put this down. I felt every possible emotion from pure joy to holding my breath to utter heartbreak while reading this story, sometimes within one chapter. I am so happy I have the next book to dive into immediately, so I can see how Mack and Elle's story continues. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Sci-Fi, epic adventure, swoon-worthy romance, and an emotional rollercoaster ride.
October 21, 2024
I have no idea how to write this review. I just finished this book, and I am out of words. I feel a bit heartbroken—no, scratch that—I AM a LOT heartbroken.
This was not what I expected at all, not that I truly knew what to expect. Jenni has woven an intricate sci-fi love story that spans across universes and lifetimes.
I love Elle and Mack to pieces, I can't imagine a world where they are not together. I loved that the story starts with the present time, and then goes back to how it all started. It was precious to see the little nods that Elle and Mack made to the significant people of their past through their children.
This story consumed me, and I don't know how I'll live now that I have to wait for book 2.
Also, I will never look at a cockroach the same again, and of fvcking course they are evil creatures! *shudders*
If you enjoy SciFi romance, time travel, space shenanigans, MCs that are over 20, and chronic illness rep, you should add this book to your TBR.
*I received an early copy of this book to review*
This was not what I expected at all, not that I truly knew what to expect. Jenni has woven an intricate sci-fi love story that spans across universes and lifetimes.
I love Elle and Mack to pieces, I can't imagine a world where they are not together. I loved that the story starts with the present time, and then goes back to how it all started. It was precious to see the little nods that Elle and Mack made to the significant people of their past through their children.
This story consumed me, and I don't know how I'll live now that I have to wait for book 2.
Also, I will never look at a cockroach the same again, and of fvcking course they are evil creatures! *shudders*
If you enjoy SciFi romance, time travel, space shenanigans, MCs that are over 20, and chronic illness rep, you should add this book to your TBR.
*I received an early copy of this book to review*
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July 30, 2025
🌌 Borrowed Spoons 🥄
📚 Valerian Lore #1
✍🏼 Jenni Peck
5 ⭐
I've never read a book like this one, it was so unique but still managed to include nearly all of my favourite elements. It has witty banter, lovable side characters, heartbreak 💔, swoony romance, and mind blowing plot twists 🤯.
I went into this book completely blind and I highly recommend doing it that way! The beginning 25% of the book had me equal parts perplexed and intrigued. Seeing things slowly come together and make sense was so satisfying. I audibly gasped "NO!" at multiple points. I don't want to elaborate too much because again I think the best way to read this is by knowing very little going in.
If you have watched Doctor Who (specifically the new generations), you will love this! The romance was giving me 10th Dr and Rose vibes. The villain in this book could also be included with the scariest Who villains!
PLEASE read this book!! Even if you don't normally read sci-fi, I'm confident that you will still find something (or multiple things) to love in this story!
📚 Valerian Lore #1
✍🏼 Jenni Peck
5 ⭐
I've never read a book like this one, it was so unique but still managed to include nearly all of my favourite elements. It has witty banter, lovable side characters, heartbreak 💔, swoony romance, and mind blowing plot twists 🤯.
I went into this book completely blind and I highly recommend doing it that way! The beginning 25% of the book had me equal parts perplexed and intrigued. Seeing things slowly come together and make sense was so satisfying. I audibly gasped "NO!" at multiple points. I don't want to elaborate too much because again I think the best way to read this is by knowing very little going in.
If you have watched Doctor Who (specifically the new generations), you will love this! The romance was giving me 10th Dr and Rose vibes. The villain in this book could also be included with the scariest Who villains!
PLEASE read this book!! Even if you don't normally read sci-fi, I'm confident that you will still find something (or multiple things) to love in this story!
September 18, 2024
This book put me through the ringer. I've been confused, excited, laughed out loud, fell in love, screamed, and had my heart completely obliterated. Would I do it all again? Absolutely, the story was (quite literally) out of this world!
It packs in so much - love, family, legends, aliens, time travel, and meddling gods/entities. Not to mention some nightmare inducing stuff that I can't tell you about because it'll spoil the surprise!
I completely lost my heart to the characters and was glued to the pages throughout the entire story. If you're hoping for a HEA, I'm sorry to say you won't get it... not yet anyway. The good news is there is a 2nd book in the works. The wait will be torture!
It packs in so much - love, family, legends, aliens, time travel, and meddling gods/entities. Not to mention some nightmare inducing stuff that I can't tell you about because it'll spoil the surprise!
I completely lost my heart to the characters and was glued to the pages throughout the entire story. If you're hoping for a HEA, I'm sorry to say you won't get it... not yet anyway. The good news is there is a 2nd book in the works. The wait will be torture!
October 4, 2024
Elle Sideris is living a really good life with her loving husband and her four teenage kids. When she gets visited by a familiar omen, everything is about to change With the lives of their family at stake, Elle and Mack must do what they swore to never do again. Bend time itself....
This was a wild journey!! And I loved every second of it. We're traveling through time and space, get to know a younger version of Elle and Mack and watch them fall in love. Learn about the threats that are about to destroy their happiness in the presence and are left with a cliffhanger that makes you want to know more right now 😅
If you like strong FMCs, protective MMCs, older MCs (big love from me for that!!), wild adventures through space and time, then put "Borrowed Spoons" on your TBR!!
This was a wild journey!! And I loved every second of it. We're traveling through time and space, get to know a younger version of Elle and Mack and watch them fall in love. Learn about the threats that are about to destroy their happiness in the presence and are left with a cliffhanger that makes you want to know more right now 😅
If you like strong FMCs, protective MMCs, older MCs (big love from me for that!!), wild adventures through space and time, then put "Borrowed Spoons" on your TBR!!
October 22, 2024
What an amazing story of love, heartbreak, and resilience. I was intrigued from the beginning by the being that kept appearing before Elle wondering why it was there. We later get to see the reason and embark on the journey of Elle trying to save her family while her husband Mack tries to find his way back to her. I loved that we got to see two timelines the present and the last. In the present we got to witness them as a married couple with kids just enjoying life. While in the past we get to see how they met, their friendships( connections), and get more details on the advance humans and aliens. This story is captivating and it keeps the readers attention. Sad about the story ending in a cliffhanger but excited to see where the second part picks up.
October 18, 2024
The magic of Borrowed Spoons is that it effortlessly weaves together some of our most treasured themes of love and strength and resiliency - and does so in a way we’ve never seen before.
The allure of Elle and Mack’s love is just as enthralling as the charm and humor of their kids, and is matched by the action adventure chapters that take us through their origin story. If this were a movie I’d tell you there’s no good time to go pee because it’s ALL good, and it’s ALL important.
If you love adventure, love stories, super hero like FMC’s, and characters you can’t help but fall in love with, you will love Borrowed Spoons.
The allure of Elle and Mack’s love is just as enthralling as the charm and humor of their kids, and is matched by the action adventure chapters that take us through their origin story. If this were a movie I’d tell you there’s no good time to go pee because it’s ALL good, and it’s ALL important.
If you love adventure, love stories, super hero like FMC’s, and characters you can’t help but fall in love with, you will love Borrowed Spoons.
September 19, 2024
I was allowed to read an ARC edition of this book, here is my honest review: Oh my goodness, this book is so good and I CANNOT WAIT until I can have this book in hand, as well as the next (and as many books as Ms. Jenni Peck includes in this series)!! The best way I can describe this book without spoilers is that it is a sci-fi romance that isn't too spicy, but is an older (in their 40's) married couple that is still very much in love and they have a beautiful family/life... Until some things happen to change things. You know what, just read it because I'll never be able to do it justice! 😁
October 13, 2024
This was a ride.
It was completely different to my recent reads! Admittedly I spent probably the first 20ish percent of the book confused of where it was going but then it kind of clicked into place.
I loved the explanation about the Spoons and now the title makes all the more sense! LOL
I'm not the biggest fan of 3rd person but I can admit Elle and Macks story is beautifully done.
The twists and turns this book takes you on is epic and the last part of the book had me reeling!
I need the rest of their story asap!
It was completely different to my recent reads! Admittedly I spent probably the first 20ish percent of the book confused of where it was going but then it kind of clicked into place.
I loved the explanation about the Spoons and now the title makes all the more sense! LOL
I'm not the biggest fan of 3rd person but I can admit Elle and Macks story is beautifully done.
The twists and turns this book takes you on is epic and the last part of the book had me reeling!
I need the rest of their story asap!
October 5, 2024
Wow. This is a freaking cool book. A unique epic sci-fi romance. First in a duet, and yes there’s a brutal cliffhanger!
A story that spans time and space! Galaxy wide lore, action, aliens, advanced humans, humor, some spooky parts, light spice, family, heart wrenching moments—this book has it all! I absolutely loved all of the main characters.
What a fun reading experience — many thanks to the author for an eARC!
A story that spans time and space! Galaxy wide lore, action, aliens, advanced humans, humor, some spooky parts, light spice, family, heart wrenching moments—this book has it all! I absolutely loved all of the main characters.
What a fun reading experience — many thanks to the author for an eARC!
October 17, 2024
Loved this book! Romance and sci-fi are not my usual genres, but I was immediately drawn in by the three-dimensional characters and unique plot. Add in a strong female main character, natural/witty dialogue, and a healthy romance (with intergalactic and supernatural obstacles) and you've got yourself a great book. I read this much faster than I normally do and it got me out of a print reading slump. Highly recommend! Can't wait for more from the series.
November 7, 2024
Incredible writing. Complex storyline. When you’re required to do life responsibilities (ie. dishes, cooking dinner, going to work) you’re left thinking about what you’ve been reading, with a hunger for ‘gahh, whats next?’
This is definitely a book where you must trust the author to pull you through and deliver the many questions that are presented with along the way!
This is definitely a book where you must trust the author to pull you through and deliver the many questions that are presented with along the way!
October 17, 2024
I AM SO NOT OKAY
This book is the best ride - action, young love, established love, spaceships, gods playing with mortals. My gosh.
Do be prepared to be screaming, crying and have shaky hands. Just me? Because I am SHOOK and I will be DEVOURING book two when it is ready.
This book is the best ride - action, young love, established love, spaceships, gods playing with mortals. My gosh.
Do be prepared to be screaming, crying and have shaky hands. Just me? Because I am SHOOK and I will be DEVOURING book two when it is ready.
October 20, 2024
Oh Jenni Jenni Jenni 🙂↔️🙂↔️🙂↔️ how very dare you ma’am! How dare you make me care about these amazing characters and leaving me on a cliffhanger again!!!!!! Ma’am what!!!!
10/10 would and will always recommend! What a lovely story.
10/10 would and will always recommend! What a lovely story.
October 29, 2024
Wow! What a great read! I am so looking forward to reading the rest of Mack and Elle’s story!!
April 23, 2025
Incredible!
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