Plain Jane: The Awakening

by Jaclyn Bales

Plain The Awakening
Book One of the Soul Lineage Trilogy

Jane Agatha Fontenot has never felt like she fit in—not with her curvy frame, her neurodivergent mind, or the flickers of magic that have sparked throughout her life without ever fully taking hold. Her grandma Agatha still calls her “Janey” with love, and her best friend just calls her “J,” but the rest of the world? They’ve mostly written her off.

They have no idea who she really is.

Born under a blood moon that took her mother’s life, Jane carries the reincarnated soul of a powerful witch who lived centuries ago—a soul that, when paired with her bloodline, unlocks a magic not seen in generations. And now, as Jane approaches her thirtieth birthday—the first blood moon since her birth—that dormant power is waking.

Along with it come the memories…

The magic…

And him.

Lurking just beyond the veil of the ordinary world is the man her soul has loved across lifetimes—finally drawn back to her after centuries apart. But not everyone welcomes her return. As old enemies stir and long-buried secrets rise, Jane must embrace who she was to survive who she is becoming.

She thought she was plain.

She was never plain.

She was chosen.

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros: I loved the photos for each chapter. They were beautiful and added to the feel of the story. I think the language used throughout was truly poetic and graceful. It made for vivid descriptions and scenes I could see/smell/feel myself. Some of the figurative language made me stop and say, “ooh!”

I think the main character is incredibly relatable. Just a normal girl not into being anything she’s not, with a touch of crippling anxiety. She is all of us.

Cons: I feel like this book was fast-paced, which some people probably really like. I myself found myself needing more. I wanted more background and character building in the beginning. The characters in her friend group all had differences, but they seemed to all approach Jane with the same “I’m super supportive, always here, be yourself,” attitude which made it a little bit difficult to really feel like they were different people. I also wanted more buildup to the spice. I felt like it came too soon and then again much too soon after the first encounter.

Questions: When the group set out from the shop to the cemetery, it said their 6 shadows moved together (or something like that). I couldn’t figure out who the 6th person was or if that was meant to reference a sort of hidden character alongside or within Jane?

Overall a good story and one that keeps you interested. I think I’d have liked this book to be triple the length so that I could swim in that beautiful language more and get to know each friend relationship more distinctly.

[Dylan Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked to this right away. Every word is like a painting and you know exactly what is happening and how it’s happening and it sucks you in. With a few twists and turns that I didn’t expect would happen. If you love dark fantasy mixed with some spicy romance then check out this book. I’m not just saying all this because I’m friends with the author btw.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review...
This book is a perfect mix of the vampire, witch, werewolf shows/movies in all the good ways possible, plus some spice!
I loved every character and the relationships within this group is truly beautiful. Chosen family, love triangle, ancient magic....just a few of the things you have to look forward to when reading this book!! I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for it to be on my bookshelf!

[Jules unmuted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical Magic vibes… yes ma’am

I love the fact that she seems real with real insecurities and issues. Jane is both insecure and secure in herself. It’s a blend that I think a lot of people will connect with.

The best friends group gives all the very best that you could want in a best friend group. They support each other 💯, and it’s wonderful to read about.

The love 🔺 (could be a reverse harem 🤞🏻) is really giving love 🔺 in the best “I want to throw something way”. It leaves you wanting answers, but not such a cliffhanger that I want to throw something.

Can’t wait to read book 2!

[Alexis J · Rating 4 out of 5]

wish there was a 4.5 star rating. we'll written and immersing without being long winded. the story of Jane, B, and other characters dives into a culture in New Orleans that tv shows, books, and movies have shown us for years but it feels new and fresh. a different take on the witchcraft and magic that flourishes there. excited to read book 2 once it's available. I gotta know if Alexander knows or if hes going to be blindsided too!

[Amber Lorraine Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Neurodivergent person, I have often found that a few chapters into the book I am reading, I can guess the ending or whatever the plot twist is supposed to be. Plain Jane kept me guessing. There were unexpected twists and turns that kept me turning the pages until I had consumed its entirety. It made me want to know more about Jane’s story, and the stories of the other characters. Jaclyn’s writing is poetic and beautiful and descriptive in a way that makes you feel as if you are experiencing all the little nooks and crannies of the world she has created first-hand. Having never been to New Orleans, it makes me want to go so badly! The characters’ personalities reminded me of some people I know in my personal life, as well as people friends of mine know. It was very relatable.

It is a must read!

[My_Books_In_Nooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review off ‘Plain Jane’

This is the debut of this author, and it is a lovely book!
It read smooth, storyline flowed nice, nit too many inner dialogues (which I like), no side distractions on the story flow. It was really well paced!

The characters felt like a tight knit group, found family, being there for each other through thick and thin.
Plain Jane is such a sweet person, has her head steady on her shoulders.
Her chemistry with Alexander and Maurice is like a push and pull.
Who will she choose? Maybe no need to choose?🤣🫣
The 🌶️ is very nicely written, no nonsense, straight to the point, not OtT, which made the 🌶️ part reads fun🥰

Overall really enjoyed this book
Great debut!
5/5⭐️

[Candee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Such a fast pace book. If you love supernatural elements and all things witchy this book is for you. I definitely got some twilight Edward and Jacob vibes when reading this book which I was living for. Definitely gets you hooked and want to know what’s going to happen next. The ending definitely hooks you. Has some spice to it to so if that’s not what you like I would read another book. I loved it.

[Mel Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book on TikTok and devoured all 154 pages in under 12 hours. This was my first read with an almost-30 FMC, and the relatability hit hard—so many moments felt deeply personal. The vibes are The Originals meets A Discovery of Witches with cozy Practical Magic energy and a hint of Twilight nostalgia. Short, immersive, and incredibly addictive.

[CozyDevourer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrator’s voice draws the reader in; almost as if a spell has been cast to keep the reader’s attention. The past and the future collide. Power rises within Jane on the night of the Blood Moon. An ancient love and a newly discovered mate bond leave Jane confused and desiring two men. A captivating read that leaves the reader hungry for the next book in the series.

[Eloise Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plain Jane: The Awakening was such a pleasant surprise. I really connected with Jane and loved watching her come into her own. The writing is warm and engaging, and the story feels honest and relatable without trying too hard. It's the kind of book that quietly sticks with you and makes you reflect on your own journey. A great read if you enjoy character driven stories about growth and self discovery.
This 100% deserves a place on your tbr!!

[Rebecca Remer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I didn’t cry when I was rejected from Rupaul’s Drag Race and I won’t cry now”
This book is romantic (🌶️: 10/10), funny, and mournful at all the right moments. It almost reminds me of an adult version of Shadow Falls by C. C. Hunter, in the best way. I’m also a sucker for when novels reference other forms of media that I love; whoever wrote this has great taste. My only complaint is there isn’t more of it! #TeamAlexander

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stepping Stone into romance, good intro into a larger series.Lots of twists in a shorter story.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain Jane: The Awakening by Jaclyn Bales is a delightful surprise, a perfect blend of Twilight and Practical Magic that brings together witches, vampires, and werewolves in a captivating world. I really enjoyed how the story explored how these supernatural beings live and interact, giving a fresh and believable twist to a familiar theme.The romance element was handled beautifully. It’s present and meaningful without being overdone or explicit, something I truly appreciated. The love scenes feel purposeful, adding depth to the characters and story rather than distracting from them.If I had one small wish, it’s that the book could’ve gone on a few more chapters, I wasn’t ready to leave this world yet! Even so, I loved how the story wrapped up, leaving me both satisfied and eager for more. Plain Jane: The Awakening is a strong start to what I hope becomes a larger series.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fact that I didn’t completely guess the ending or anticipate every twist and turn is honestly refreshing. I was kept guessing and hooked!

[Jessica Ungar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain Jane The Awakening by Jaclyn Biles is a captivating fantasy read that takes place in New Orleans. Jaclyn has clearly done her research on New Orleans and accurately describes locations used in the story. This book is a short read and a great for around Halloween. If you enjoy fantasy, and reading about witches, werewolves, and vampires, then I would recommend giving this book a read.

[Kathy Shih · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read, but it was very good. I couldn’t put it down. It really gives a vampire diaries/original’s vibe mixed in with Crescent City!! I really loved how the book gave visual art of each character so you can kind of envision it in your head. I can’t wait for the next one!!

[Jennifer Loschiavo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know if i like how old the main character is…. Thats a lot of power to get control of and use properly in that amount of time. I did enjoy the magic system that was built. The visuals are great. Wonderful, descriptive writing style! It was greatly appreciated and i loved being able to have a movie going in my head while reading this.

[ariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this whirl wind of a story. I thought it was to the point, the writing was enjoyable, and the setting was one of my favorites. I liked the contrast of MMCs as well. I think my only complaint is that it appears to use AI images (atleast in the ARC I received)

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun and fast read! Goodreads really needs to add 1/2 stars, because I'd give one. I loved the blend of witches, werewolves, and vampires, and the New Orleans setting really elevated the story. The magic felt vibrant and alive, especially with the sense that something ancient and powerful is being reawakened.

The bonds between the characters—and that growing chosen family feeling—gave the story emotional weight beyond the romance. Jane’s relationships with a unique group of friends helped me quickly invest in her journey.

The love triangle is just getting started, but in the best way. It’s set up with enough tension and intrigue that I’m already itching to see where Jane ends up in the next installment. The slow-burn energy and romantic uncertainty worked really well here.

If I had one wish, it would be more. The book felt too short for how much potential this world and these relationships have. A few times I felt I had to 'catch up' to how quickly things progressed. I wanted more time with the friendships, more depth in the chosen-family bond, and more of the spicy romance and tension between the FMC and her possible love interests. I also would have loved more descriptive detail around the magic system and how it’s awakening—it’s such an exciting concept.

I’m not usually a “spicy romance” reader, but I genuinely enjoyed this one. This was a strong debut and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book to see what happens next.

[Heather H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful journey of self-discovery that resonates through its honest portrayal of personal transformation. The novel centers on a FMC who, at first glance, might seem unremarkable, but quickly draws readers in with her authentic voice and relatable struggles. It blends emotional vulnerability with moments of unexpected strength, allowing the main character’s awakening to feel both poignant and inspiring.
The relationships woven throughout the story add further depth, providing insight into the FMC evolving sense of self and the challenges she faces. The author’s careful attention to character growth ensures that every triumph and setback is felt deeply, making the journey even more rewarding for readers.
Fans of contemporary fiction that explores inner change and emotional resilience will find much to appreciate in Plain Jane: The Awakening. A story that is both touching and uplifting, promising a memorable reading experience for anyone seeking inspiration and genuine character development.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little fantasy romance novel. Great for a quick binge. Plenty of plot twists and fun characters to enjoy.

[Jessica Penley · Rating 4 out of 5]

❣️In this captivating narrative, a powerful journey of self-discovery unfolds with profound intimacy and emotional resonance.
❣️At its core is a protagonist who, despite appearing unassuming, reveals a depth of character that is both captivating and relatable.
❣️Through her eyes, readers experience a poignant exploration of personal growth, marked by moments of vulnerability and unexpected strength.
❣️ The author's nuanced handling of character development ensures that every triumph and setback is deeply felt, rendering the protagonist's journey both inspiring and memorable.
❣️The relationships woven throughout the story add layers of depth, illuminating the protagonist's path towards self-realization and empowerment.
❣️For readers who appreciate stories of inner transformation and emotional resilience, this novel offers a compelling and uplifting experience.