Canceled: Where Science, Ambition and Love Collide

by Jill Chandler

When brilliant chemist Evie Hartwell's career explodes and her relationship crashes in spectacular fashion, she does what any woman with nothing left to lose would do—she packs her life into a suitcase and flees to San Diego with only her razor-sharp mind, her shattered heart, and a best friend who refuses to let her give up.

Evie is done playing small and done letting men underestimate her. Armed with sheer determination and a makeshift lab in best friend’s tiny bathroom, she's going to crack the formula that's stumped the entire beauty a long-wear lipstick that actually delivers on its promises. No cracking, long lasting moisture, just revolutionary science—and maybe a little sweet revenge against everyone who counted her out.

Then she collides with Dr. Cruz Adler.

He's devastatingly handsome, wickedly intelligent, and laser-focused on developing cancer therapies that will save lives. Romance? Not happening. Relationships? Absolutely off-limits. But from the moment Evie storms into his perfectly controlled world, he's completely hooked. She's fearless, brilliant, and unlike any woman he's ever encountered. One heated glance becomes one unforgettable night. One night ignites a wildfire of sexual tension and emotional connection that threatens to destroy every wall he's built around his heart.

As Evie builds her beauty empire from nothing and Cruz fights a losing battle against his feelings, the chemistry between them becomes explosive. Boundaries dissolve, emotions reach a boiling point, and just when they think they have it figured out, tragedy strikes. When Cruz's carefully ordered world starts crumbling, Evie faces a play it safe or fight for the love that could change everything.

She didn't come this far to back down now. She's here to win—on her own terms, with her own rules. And love? That might just be the most dangerous formula she's ever attempted.

Addictive, empowering, and scorching hot—Canceled is the ultimate romance about brilliant women who refuse to settle, the men brave enough to match their fire, and the kind of chemistry that rewrites all the rules.

439 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Jill Chandler writes bold, witty, and unapologetically emotional romance where science, ambition, and love collide. Her debut novel, Canceled (The Saddle Bar Encounters, Book One), releases October 28, 2025—a STEM romance packed with tension, sharp dialogue, and the kind of chemistry that burns off the page. The series continues with Deleted (Winter 2026) and Ghosted (Spring 2026).

Jill lives in North County San Diego with her husband—a biotech entrepreneur who wisely never questions her towering TBR—and their two cats, who absolutely run the household. She has spent over two decades working in big pharma and biotech startups, experiences that inspire the high-stakes boardrooms, ambitious heroines, and complicated men in her books.

When she’s not working or writing, Jill is usually reading late into the night, plotting her next series, or laughing at the chaos of her cats.

Reviews

[Mari Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Canceled by Jill Chandler. Evie, the heroine, is a brilliant scientist whose journey reflects the real challenges women in STEM face. Despite the obstacles, she pursues her dreams with determination and resilience, making her a heroine worth rooting for.

Along the way, she meets Cruz, and what begins as skepticism on his part slowly grows into a romance full of sparks. At first, Cruz only notices Evie’s beauty and underestimates her intellect, but over time he comes to appreciate her sharp mind as much as her heart. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and the story delivers some very satisfying spicy scenes.

As an entrepreneur myself, I totally loved the fact that Evie has the passion to develope her own beauty product. Spoiler…it’s lipstick which is really fun during the spicy scenes.

The supporting cast is just as delightful—Evie’s best friend is an absolute hoot and adds so much heart to the story. I found myself smiling often at the banter, and if you’re looking for a feel-good romance, this one hits all the right notes!

[Nicolette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay i ARC read this so serious rating lets go 💪

This book was actually really good, I liked the plot and the characters (especially scarlet) the story was well paced, there was a good set of setbacks/ problems as well as some really good descriptions.

The only real critiques i have are a few pages had repetition of a line just said, and one sentence had a totally different font and was in what i assume was the wrong order? One last thing to critique is that though i love the idea for the cover , I’m pretty sure it’s AI that’s really my only problems.

[Jessica Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started and finished this book TODAY! It was so good I couldn’t stop reading it! I loved how smart and strong the FMC is and I loved seeing her navigate through different changes in her life. I mostly liked the MMC but he definitely made some questionable choices (can’t elaborate or it would be a spoiler). I also just liked the dynamic of the friend group as well! HOWEVER, the ending drove me nuts(in a good way) I kept thinking I missed something but nope! I guess I have to wait until the next book to figure out more!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute blast from start to finish! Jill’s wickedly dirty mind kept me laughing (and sometimes blushing!) the whole way through. It’s the kind of fun, flirty read that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which made it so easy to sink into. The characters were such a joy to follow—I really connected with them, and the twins? Totally stole the show. They added just the right mix of charm, mischief, and chemistry to keep me hooked. If you’re looking for a cheeky, entertaining escape, this book is definitely worth picking up!

[Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from start to finish. I’ll admit, I even got a little aroused a couple of times. Jill’s writing is that vivid, especially when it comes to clothing and descriptive detail. I felt like I was right there with the characters, as if I knew them personally.

I also really appreciated Chad’s sincerity, his apology was so heartfelt that I wished he’d been given a little more redemption. Still, every character was beautifully written, and the emotional depth pulled me in.

Overall, this is a captivating, immersive read that I highly recommend. Jill’s storytelling is smart, sensual, and unforgettable.

[Amber Cheek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one thing I loved about this book was this was about a woman who proves how strong and tough she is. She leaves her old life with her boyfriend Chad. Years later, when she has a job that she gets promoted from years of hard work. She gets stabbed by her boyfriend. After all the years with him, only the job was taken from her, the way he treated her and he always tried to control her. I'm so glad that she decided to leave and go back to San Diego instead. Even though she hasn't talked to her best friend Scarlet in years. I'm glad Scarlet still welcomed her back with open arms and forgave her for her past actions. Evie had a fresh start in life. She had ideas for a make up product and after many job rejections, she finally landed a job she was looking for. Ever since Cruz saw her at the bar one night and then found out that she will work at his company, you tell he was a love struck puppy. He couldn't stop resisting her, and wanting her. He kind of reminded me of Mr. Darcy with his personality. He was mean to her in the beginning and misjudged her. I'm glad Evie didn't take any of his crap. Then sooner or later they both go crazy for each other, where they decide to date each other. When there were accusations at work against Evie, I was angry with Cruz for not getting down to the truth at first instead of just believing what he was reading about with evidence that was found about money being taken away from her company and then using it all on her company. He ruined her after, humiliating her in front of everyone, taking her job, and breaking her heart. I wanted to give him a good beating to the head. He needed to wait up and see all the wrongs he committed. I won't go into details about the real fraud and the one who framed Evie. Read the book and find out yourself. They both get their happy ending at the end. I'm glad Cruz did whatever it would take to be a better man for her and earn her love. A drama story with betrayal, steamy romance scenes, second chances at love, boss and employee romance relationship, and beach house romance vibes. If you enjoy those themes in a story then you must read . Also if you are like me who likes a strong female character in stories then you most definitely like the book. And one more thing I like to add about the book is, I enjoy the art she put on the pages and the chapters.The lipstick marks on the characters are pretty. I love it.

[Meg Bozarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you kidding me! This book was amazing! I absolutely could have read it in one sitting! However, life got in the way! But this book can be devoured very quickly!

First off these characters were so complex!! Some of their decisions drove me bonkers! I was like, “are you kidding me? Really your making that choice? “ the FMC was so strong and smart and I could see so much growth from her from beginning to end!!!

I found Cancelled to have a focus on the characters and their relationships and the plot revolved around them. And I never really read a book like that. Usually the plot is front and center. So I found this book really unique!

This book grabs your attention from the very beginning and then before you know it you are hooked! This book has humor sprinkled through it but the whole book is filled with different emotions!

The romance was full of bumps and sizzles and it had such a relatable feel throughout!!

Author Jill Chandler’s writing is PHENOMENAL! I cannot believe this is a debut novel! The writing style and ability to draw a reader in was at such a high level that I sometimes don’t even see from an authors 3 rd book! She is amazing and I cannot wait to read more from her!


Cancelled is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read for me! And I wish I could read it for the first time again!

I highly recommend this one!!

[Pà · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Evie was such a strong, smart heroine, and I admired how she never gave up on her dreams even with all the obstacles in her way. She was funny, confident, and determined. Cruz was broody at first, and he made some mistakes, but watching him slowly open his heart to Evie was so satisfying. Their chemistry was electric and the romance was spicy and slow burn at the same time. The story was fast paced and immersive, I finished it in one day and couldn’t stop thinking about the characters. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review

[Lucinda Vermeulen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canceled is a smart, emotionally charged debut that blends ambition, science, and sizzling romance into a story that feels both modern and deeply human. Jill Chandler’s writing is confident and full of wit, capturing the complexity of love when careers, pride, and second chances collide. The dialogue crackles, the characters are magnetic, and beneath the humor and heat lies a raw exploration of redemption and trust.

This isn’t just a love story, it’s a story about growth, resilience, and the courage to face one’s past while daring to imagine a future. Canceled is bold, addictive, and heartfelt.

[Crystal Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. I actually felt like I was in the book. I don't get that feeling very often. The twisted about 3/4 of the way into the book threw me for a loop. I was definitely not expecting it. There is a little spice but it was too bad. I would definitely recommend.

[Leina Ussin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved Evie and the confidence she had in herself. The storyline was perfection! It was so easy to get wrapped up in the characters and root for them along the way! Would definitely read more from this author in the future!

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong, smart, and in control of life FMC. Grumpy sunshine MMC. This is an enjoyable read about Evie (Chemist) developing her own lipstick. Cruz is her boss. There are some ups and downs. Plenty of banter and drama. A great book that will keep you entertained.

[Elizabeth Penter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re craving a romance that delivers both heat and heart, Canceled won’t disappoint. From the very first chapter, the chemistry between the leads crackles off the page—equal parts slow-burn tension and fiery passion. Jull Chandler masterfully balances sensuality with emotional depth, creating a love story that feels as addictive as it is intimate.

[Don Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Chandler’s debut novel, Cancelled: Where Science, Ambition, and Love Collide, is a thrilling, fast-paced read that captivates from start to finish. The story follows driven young professionals navigating a whirlwind of friendship, romance, corporate greed, and disruptive bio-pharma startups. All interwoven with moments of wanton debauchery. Set against the backdrop of San Diego landmarks, Chandler masterfully blends local flavor with universal themes of ambition and human connection. I highly recommend this book.

[DGL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read a book in ages, but I really enjoyed this one. With my biotech background, so many details felt familiar (even if a bit exaggerated at times), which made it extra fun. Loved the characters and Jill’s writing style!

[Marleen Guess]

I loved it! A fun, smart guilty pleasure.

[Jessica Kowalkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a quick read - mainly because I could not put it down! It was so easy to fall in love with Evie and cheer her on. Watching Cruz grow throughout the book from a cold, calculated CEO to someone worthy of girl boss Evie was a treat! I found myself feeling a range of emotions while reading and I truly cannot wait to read again when it comes out in October.

[Sierra James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canceled was a really good book, Evies a strong fmc she struggles a lot in the book but seems to come out on top.
Evie and Cruz are adorable even when problems arise, Scarlett is the perfect best friend, the story has its ups and downs and a juicy amount of spice, definitely worth the read!

[Steph Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and spicy read! With ambition, love, betrayal, suspense, and, of course, those spicy times, this book sucked me in from the Prologue.

Written with humor and intelligence, it is the perfect summer beach read, or anytime read. Although all the characters are so relatable and well developed, I loved the best friend, Scarlett. So loyal, fierce, and hilarious. I feel like everyone needs a Scarlett!

To top it off, there’s an interesting little twist at the end. I can’t wait to start book 2 to see what happens next!

[Bennett Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this title as an ARC, it attracted me because of the STEM aspect.

This review is based on my usual system of 'stars awarded for stuff', it wasn't my usual type of read, and I can only assume a romance reader would probably have given more.

🌶️ There were chillies but I have no clue whatsoever how to give those as a rating.


Why 3⭐s?

⭐ Canceled was low on errors, there were less than a handful that I noticed - which (in my books) is pretty solid for a first edition.

⭐ Chandler presents some great reflections when it comes to relationships, love, and sacrifice. For some reason, I didn't expect this depth/emotional intelligence from a lighthearted romance novel.

⭐ For bringing CRISRP-based gene edits into my world, and my google history.


What hit me:
The characters' vibes.

Scarlet: debatably borderline misandristic at times, but a solid friend anyone would be lucky to have (everyone needs a Scarlet), and as I've already confirmed she's not a real person, I'm comfortable to say - potentially even a book crush (Move over Nombeko Mayeki).

Cat-Dog: what an absolute legend.

Mrs. Patterson: In the short time she was there, she gave such a good energy, I wish she had more page time.

Cruz: a beautifully flawed and layered character.


What didn’t sit well:
Evie, she was pretty much flawless, I think I would have liked this character more if she had a few cracks.

I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book the most, the ending didn't sit well with me. I expect this is the way modern romances generally work, I really don't have a clue what's going on here, as I've only got Wuthering Heights to compare this to.


Takeaway:
A nice introduction into the genre of STEM romance.
At the end of the day - Chandler has talent, valuable life experience, and a good imagination.

[MyStephBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, the minute I picked this up, I was intrigued—and it hooked me right in. I’m not even sure why, but I needed to know where Evie’s story was going. The book has the perfect mix of banter, brains, and chemistry, especially between Evie and Cruz. I loved that the story has a science background; I honestly haven’t read many romances that lean into that, and it made this one feel fresh.

Cruz comes in overly confident, a little cold, and definitely skeptical about relationships, but once he sees Evie at a bar, he’s basically a goner. Their dynamic is fun, smart, and full of tension in the best way.

Now, I will say the big moment toward the end between Evie and Cruz wasn’t my favorite. I wanted to smack Cruz over the head for his choices. Yes, he makes things right, and his intentions were good, but it still felt extreme—and I really think he should have asked Evie what she wanted. It was a huge, life-changing thing, and it should’ve been a mutual decision.

Also, toward the end of the book, there were repeated sentences and wording issues that made some parts confusing. I’m assuming these were fixed before the final release, since I received an advance copy.

Overall, though, this was engaging, unique, steamy, and full of heart—and I enjoyed the ride.

Thank you to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandra Lonergan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie had me rooting for her from the start. Smart, ambitious, and impossible not to love. Chad was such a jerk, but honestly so was Cruz at times. I still can’t believe what he did to try and redeem himself. The push and pull between him and Evie kept me hooked. And Scarlet? Absolutely hilarious. She stole every scene, and I really hope she’s the lead in book 2 because I need more Scarlet. Canceled made me laugh, got me mad, and even made me cry. It’s sharp, sexy, and unforgettable. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This one gets four spicy peppers instead of stars because wow — it is SPICY! 🔥
The chemistry between the two main characters is the kind that would make Sarah J. Maas proud.

Evie is a young entrepreneur with big dreams who lands a job at a biotech company… and her world completely flips upside down after a few unforgettable run-ins with the CEO.

I absolutely fell in love with all the characters (and seriously — where can I find a best friend like Scarlet?). Such a feel-good romance packed with witty banter, heart, and strong female characters! 💕

[Jeralyz Claudio De Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start — Evie? Total lady boss energy. 👑
Cruz may have tested my patience (more than once 😤), but wow did he redeem himself. Their story had the perfect mix of love, chaos, and redemption — and let’s not forget… the spice was spicing 🌶️🔥

That ending though? I did not see it coming, but I loved every second of it. 😭💞
If you’re into strong heroines, emotional rollercoasters, and a hero willing to fight for love — this one’s for you. 💋📚

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting plot! Love the characters and can't wait to read more!!

[Justine (JD) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smart, spicy, and overall a feel good story.

I liked Canceled it’s got brains, banter, and just the right amount of steam. Evie totally won me over. She’s a scientist chasing her dreams and I loved watching her rebuild her life and confidence.

Then there’s Cruz 😏. He starts off kinda skeptical and overly confident, but you can tell he’s doomed the second he meets Evie. Their chemistry is so good flirty, stubborn, and spicy.

Only thing I’d call out is the at little bumpy at tthe end, but overall this was such a fun read that still had heart.

If you’re into:
💋 STEM heroines
💄 Second chances
🔥 Boss/employee tension
💞 Smart women & men who finally catch up