The Naked Book Club

by Jennifer Aline

Faced with postpartum depression, raising her daughter alone, and a looming apartment search, Nel is spiraling. With no help from her daughter’s father and little support from her family, she isn’t sure where to start or who to turn to.

Until her college roommate stumbles back into her life ten years after graduation.

Rosie didn’t expect to end up at her former roommate’s apartment after wallowing in shots of tequila. After discovering Rosie was kicked out of her burlesque troupe, Nel invites her to become her roommate, yet again, so they can save a few bucks and figure out their next steps.

Combining their love for romance novels and Rosie's flair for performance, the two launch The Naked Book Club—a livestream where they read steamy romance novels clad in lingerie...for money. But as their business grows, so do the pressures of their unresolved pasts. Family drama, toxic situationships, rekindling what could have been, and deep-seated trauma threaten everything they’ve built. As reality merges with their lives behind the camera, they must confront those pulling them back if they want to progress forward.

Trauma can’t hide behind lace masks and smutty scenes forever. But what—and who—is worth moving forward for…and at what cost?

THE NAKED BOOK CLUB celebrates self-empowerment, sex positivity, and the power of friendship, while also tackling tough topics like postpartum depression, codependency, and verbal and emotional abuse. If you enjoyed the steamy online energy in A PHOTO FINISH by Elsie Silver and the roommate banter in Fox’s NEW GIRL, this is the perfect book for you.

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2025

About the author

Jennifer Aline lives in Western New York with her twin daughters and grumpy Miniature Schnauzer. She owns way too many plants, has an unhealthy obsession with vintage typewriters, and is a self-titled coffee snob. As a longtime fan of romance and women’s fiction (with some romantasy sprinkled in), her stories combine steamy elements of romance with the raw realities of friendship and family-focused themes of women’s fiction.

Reviews

[Carrie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book. I recently just finished her first book, and dove right into the second. I will be thinking about this one for a while. Nel, and Rosie are my new favorite characters. As someone who recently had a child watching Nel’s journey to finding herself as a mom after years of trauma really hit home. Which contrasted Rosie who exudes confidence, while simultaneously repressing her own trauma. Their paths to healing while heartbreaking at times was so inspirational. Not to mention the nods to both her first book, and Greyport really sold it for me. I can’t wait to see where she goes with merlin heights, and I really hope we see Stef again.

[Lindsay Haentges · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about the reconnection of 2 college best friends, Nel & Rosie. You get to follow along with Nel going through postpartum and rediscovering herself after becoming a mom. You also get to see Rosie go through changes of figuring out what real love is and how she deserves to be treated.
It's a great story that can connect to anyone who may feel a little lost but knows their best friend is always there for them 🤎

[Alexis Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book from start to finish. I read it practically within 24 hours of starting it. I loved the characters and I think Jennifer did a fantastic job of building them up throughout the story. I found the story line relatable, especially around the struggles with adjusting to postpartum life.

I love that Rosie and Nel’s friendship seems natural, genuine and that they’re reunited again after they previously met in college and then went their separate ways. The story integrates themes of various trauma experiences and their healing journey’s. It was a strength based story with a HEA ending that moved you through places where they assessed and better aligned themselves with their values and goals. Throughout the story, the people and relationships became stronger and healthier. The characters found their voices and become more focused on being true to themselves.

It is a sex positive story that includes various degrees of sex work and sexual activity that was normalized snd empowering. I love that it provides LGBTQ representation as well, and acceptance around different types of relationships and sexual preferences. I loved the slow build of the relationship between Nel and Rosie’s brother given their previous attractions to each other. There was a great amount of romance and spice throughout the book. I also love the dual POV story telling technique.

I also LOVED loved loved the crossover between the small town book stories of Merlin Heights and Greyport. So many fun characters were introduced in this book, and I can’t wait to read the next book installment in the series!

[Bryanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally I didn’t think I would like this book as I couldn’t really to the FMC and took me a minute to connect with the book. HOWEVER, I actually grew to understand her and absolutely love all the characters. Rosie is my absolute favorite and by no means free of her personal flaws. They all added to the story and made it much more impactful. I enjoyed the way real life messy relationships were hashed out. There were serious tones with lighthearted banter. Jennifer Aline made you feel warm and fuzzy at the right times and by no means did she skip on the spice. Reading about college friends reconnecting and growing in friendship was another selling point coupled with family drama. I liked how complex dynamics were handled and appreciated the characters coming into their own! Worth the read

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite an enjoyable, uplifting read that hits you in all the feels! I was immediately drawn to the premise of this book, i mean single mum, burlesque, and smut all in one place... Yes, please! However, this was so much more than your typical romance. It's a whole journey of empowerment, friendship, and self-discovery. Told in dual POV, you follow Nel, a single mum, and her old college roommate, Rosie, as they create a saucy bookish themed live stream for some quick cash.

I loved Nel. She was a character who resonated quite deeply with me. As a lone parent myself with my own previous battles, I have walked in those shoes many times and have felt everything she does. It was lovely seeing her growth throughout the story. It's really not an easy cycle to break, but, gosh, when you do, it's like you've grown a whole new skin. Jude was sweet and a perfect cheerleader to have by her side. Everyone needs a Jude!! I did find Rosie a bit juvenile at times, but as her story progressed , it was hard not to like and admire her.

[Carly Dombkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read that celebrates women navigating life’s challenges with resilience and creativity. Rather than avoiding hardship, these characters face it head-on—often with inventive solutions like starting their own Naked Book Club. The story thoughtfully normalizes and empowers sex work in all its forms, offering a refreshing perspective that’s both bold and affirming.
The spicy scenes provide just the right kind of escape, but what really stood out was the depth of the family dynamics. Watching characters find their voices, stand up for themselves, and emerge stronger added an unexpected and welcome emotional layer—not always typical in a steamy read, and a truly satisfying surprise.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Rosie, Nel and The Naked Book Club! These main characters are going through it, but Jennifer deftly manages to dance between the serious and the lighthearted moments. While this isn't the classic romance story structure in that the POVs are from two BFFs, they each have a central romance running through the story and have well-earned HEAs. I'll call it romance with a twist. :)
My favorite things:
-The Dabbler nickname
-A goofy mandolin player
-On-page therapy
-Fun fictional romance stories
-JUDE

[NyssArt · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Wow, such a great book. I had a really hard time putting this book down, ended up reading it in 2 days.

I loved the body and sexual positivity this story portrayed. The emphasis on being yourself and not letting others "pull the strings" was great and such a relatable problem.

Not only did you get to follow a M/F relationship but also a F/F relationship and both were great. I loved all the characters in this book.

My only issue is that I want more of all of them but especially Nel and Jude, love them.

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something different from the norm I read, this book is mostly about friendship - finding, maintaining and keeping to be your family found. Emotional for sure, I'm pretty sure there were tears! BFFs Nel and Rosie working on their years old friendship and discovering love, not with each other, but together nonetheless. My first time reading this author and I'm off to explore more.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[Renee' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a refreshing read. I loved the characters and how the story unfolds for both FMC. It was a nice change of pace from traditional romance reads with alternating MMC and FMC. I loved that these two women were college roommates and reconnected years later! The touches of struggles with ppd and mom life hit home for me and it was nice to see it represented in a book. The banter kept me laughing and I fell in love with all the characters.

[Erin Pi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful book!! I took my sweet time reading this book because I never wanted to leave Nel and Rosie. Starting with a rekindled friendship from our main characters, who have a messy past and baggage to work through. The growth these ladies go though is so authentic. This book is so beautifully written with so many quotes that I will come back to. I cannot wait to see what's next from Jennifer 🤩

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts:
Yikes! Lots going on within the story!
Family drama
Trauma
Spice
Toxic relationships
Postpartum depression
Emotional and verbal abuse
I loved the friendship between Nel and Rosie. Their livestream steamy romance novels while wearing lingerie kept me intrigued for sure.
All opinions expressed are my own.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme

[Sara Straw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be part of the ARC team on this book. Aline knocked it out of the park! I absolutely loved this book. Nel and Rosie have such a great friendship. Nel’s postpartum depression and trying to find her identity outside of being a mom was so relatable. Nel and Jude’s relationship made me swoon all the way through this book. I loved that Aline brought in pieces of The Velvet Fix by Rachel Kaye it was a nice nod to that book. The spice was spicy! I didn’t want to put it down.

[Cara Niehoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read about two friends, one a single mom and the other a former burlesque dancer, who start a smutty online book club platform.
The cast of characters was great and my personal favorite was Seb! Each friendship was unique and served a different purpose in the book. The main romantic relationships were diverse as well.

Thank you to Book & Brew Creative for the ARC!

[Jenn Lockwood Editing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book club! So unique! And Jennifer always writes the most powerful friendships, putting them at the forefront of all her books:)
I was totally hooked on Nel’s and Rosie’s journeys and their immense growth and healing. This is a must-read!

[Nicole Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book was so good. The way the story just kept getting better the more pages turned.

There was incredible character development, second chance romance, found family and the spice….was spicing.

This was a great book that had a wonderful #lgbtqplus representation

[Maggie Beach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book

[Taylor Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a beautiful story of friendship, trauma, and forgiveness🩷

[A Red Headed Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘How would we get paid to sit around and talk about books?’

🤱🏽 Single/new mom
🪩 Burlesque Dancer
🤦🏻‍♂️Best Friends Brother
🌶️ Spice
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ + rep
🌶️ Smut
🏡 Family dynamics
🌶️ Sapphic spice

Did I mention smut?! 🥵- this book was hot!


Two best friends who get a little lost in life - end up back together and support each other to find themselves again.
Different to any Romantic Comedy I have read - and yes, although there is some serious topics there are some good one liners and I did laugh out loud a few times.
Women supporting women is so empowering and this book is a good example in the end - especially when them ever present difficult family dynamics are straightened out.
If you are a Romance Smut reader - 100% recommend!

[C.H. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in by the premise of this book! I mean #mumlife x burlesque x smut - perfection!! ... aaaaand this author DELIVERED!
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I found the characters relatable in different ways. as a mum, a lot of Nel's chapters really tugged at my heartstrings, and I totally felt for her. She was so easy to root for! And I adored Rosie's spunky attitude, how fiercely protective she is, but also how despite all her confidence, she didn't have her sh*t together either!
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I was rooting for both romances! (no spoilers here!)
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And (rather shockingly for me) this book made me cry!! - and one moment, with a certain character, made me want to throw my phone across the room!!
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This story really amps up at around the 75% mark, and became utterly impossible to put down.
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I would absolutely read from this author again.
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FIVE SMUTTY STARS!!!