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Jess is Lost

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For 25 years Jess has been looking for a man worth loving. When she meets Jack on her birthday, it feels like her wish finally came true. He’s smart, handsome, successful and great in bed.

Their whirlwind romance leads them to Paris for a Valentine’s getaway, but their picture-perfect relationship is tarnished when Jack’s past comes back to haunt him. That’s when Jess meets Max, a wealthy, worldly, Italian playboy. Their flirtatious encounter becomes an inescapable connection that feels like fate.

But when Jack proves his devotion to Jess, she falls hard, finally believing she found the love she’d longed for. Still, she can’t seem to escape Max, in her thoughts and her life, and begins to question her feelings for both men.

Jess is lost when she realizes how dangerously similar love and lust can feel. Follow her journey across the globe as she decides which path to a predictable future with the man she loves, or an uncertain adventure with the one that makes her feel alive.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

8 people are currently reading
30 people want to read

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Jennifer Petrosky

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Amee.
840 reviews55 followers
December 17, 2025
Before you pick up Jess Is Lost and get sucked into her antics, know that Jess is a hot mess. She is going to make decisions you won’t understand, or like. She’ll put herself in the most impossible of circumstances, and all you’ll do is shake your head at how she gets herself out of it. But even after all that, I still loved her. She ingratiated herself to me one mistake at a time. Told in first person, Jess is our narrator torn between her new boyfriend Jack and Italian businessman Max. I definitely had a clear winner between the two, Max, but by the end I was left mouth open and cursing the cliffhanger I was left teetering on. Very spicy, there are many sex scenes and with both of the guys. There is OM/OW cheating, so if that’s a no-no in your fiction, probably best to pass. But if you like damaged characters trying to figure their stuff out, check this out. Authors writing was enjoyable and pacing on point.
Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC. As always these are my thoughts.
Profile Image for Denise DeJonge.
120 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2025
Jess is a workaholic who has been saving herself for the right person and the right time. Her strong friend group have been trying to get her to loosen up and just enjoy life as a mid 20’s woman. They sign her up for an app, Popping, and play roulette. She meets a guy and hits it off immediately. There is just something that has Jess questioning commitment, and always expecting betrayal. She meets Max in a hotel bar, and sparks fly. But there are complications involving the relationship between Max and Jack. Still, Jess is drawn to Max.

Jack meets Jess on an app and finds himself committed to her. But is he really? His family has expectations for him to continue his relationship with his ex, who has been a family friend since childhood. Jack and Jess are in a hotel and suddenly comes face to face with Max, the owner of the company Jack works for. Little does he know how intertwined his relationship is about to become.

Max, sees Jess in a hotel bar and instantly becomes enamored with her. Known as a playboy, Max suddenly finds himself traveling all over the world just to spend time alone with Jess. He knows there is something going on with Jack, one of his employees, but Max just puts that to the side. But does he?

This story is a good read. I want to just tell Jess to make up her mind and stick to it. I guess she really is lost in more ways than one. I enjoyed the character building and the humor that the writer gives us. I was left hanging…and coming to my own conclusions over what happened. I am ready for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
November 28, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down. I got so attached to the characters that I genuinely felt a little empty for days after finishing it. My friend read it too, and we ended up having so many conversations about it, the story leaves just enough space for interpretation in the best possible way.

It’s definitely spicy (and it gets there fast), but the plot is strong, layered, and completely addictive. I had never read anything by Jennifer before (I’m not even sure she has other books), but her writing style pulled me in immediately and kept me hooked the whole way through.

This book delivers an emotional, steamy, page-turning plot experience, it’s a modern romance done right. I really hope the next comes out soon!
132 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2026
Hello miss communication meet Jess you two will be best friends!

First off let’s just get the important info out of the way Jess is 25 and has not had a serious relationship, she is a workaholic and oh ya by the way still has her VCard. On her birthday she meets Jack and they hit it off instantly and their relationship takes off quickly. Jack and Jess go to Paris on a weekend trip together where he unknowingly takes her VCard. Right from the beginning she was hiding or omitting information from Jack.

After they have been intimate together things quickly get rocky while Jack isn’t being 100% honest with Jess about a phone call she jumps to conclusions and storms off to the hotel bar and meets Mr Lust.

I could not put this book down I was so wrapped up in what would happen next and what would come of the lack of communication between both Jack and Jess. Also let’s just say it, Jess is a hot mess she has not had a good role model for relationships and she herself has not had much experience with relationships couple that with her insecurities and her lack of self confidence and all that miss communication you will see how Jess keeps getting herself in these situations.

Mr. Lust is an Italian business man playboy that exudes sex appeal and says all the right things to get under Jess’s skin but is he more than his reputation?

I am so shocked by the cliffhanger ending that I am still struggling to come to terms with what happened and I need closure!!!!!

Thank you to the author Jennifer Pretrosky for the opportunity to be a part of the release of your book!!! Please tell me there will be a book 2?!?!? Or are we supposed to decide what we think ended up happening!!!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
201 reviews16 followers
January 6, 2026
4 ⭐️ ┇ BookstagramBookTok

This book had me in an absolute chokehold! I couldn't put it down—I was practically vibrating needing to know what happened next. The twists? Absolutely brilliant.

The story follows Jess, who meets Jack on her 25th birthday and falls into a beautiful romance. But during a Valentine’s trip to Paris, everything shifts. After a heated argument, Jess finds herself alone at a bar where she meets Max—a sexy, older Italian who is impossible to forget. As their paths continue to cross, the tension and yearning become deliciously unbearable.

I kept flipping back and forth between Team Jack and Team Max. I was solid Team Max for a while... until that ending. I am not okay. I’m officially Team Jess now, because she has some impossible choices ahead. I need the sequel yesterday!

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝓕𝓪𝓿 𝓠𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼

“There is nothing typical about you Jessa.”

“I walk toward the door, holding my breath. I need him to stop me. Give me a reason to stay. I'm almost to the door now.
Don't let me go.
He does.”

“It feels wrong to see you and not be able to touch you.”

“You are the only woman I want. But can’t have.”

“What is your favorite food?”
“Anything I can share with you.”

“There's something about you, Jessa. Something I can't let go of. Don't ask me to.”

Thank you Jennifer Petrosky for gifting me the book! This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Tales with Atticus.
91 reviews17 followers
January 7, 2026
Jess is a walking bundle of insecurity, longing, bad timing, and worse communication, and while she makes choices that had me shaking my head more than once, I never stopped rooting for her. This story understands that wanting love and wanting to feel alive are not the same thing… and that confusing the two can wreck you.

The love triangle is handled in a way that feels painfully realistic. Jack represents safety, devotion, and the future Jess thinks she’s supposed to want. Max is temptation, passion, and possibility.. the kind that makes you question everything you thought you knew about yourself. Neither dynamic is clean, and the emotional pull between love and lust is where this book really shines.

I appreciated how much of this story lives inside Jess’s head. Her self doubt, her fear of commitment, her tendency to assume betrayal all tracks, even when it leads her into chaos. She’s not written as a flawless romantic heroine, but as a woman trying to untangle years of expectations, inexperience, and desire.

Is it spicy? Yes. Is it emotionally complicated? Also yes. And that ending? Absolutely rude.
Profile Image for Amanda.
6 reviews
January 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review

Jess Is Lost by Jennifer Petrosky

I absolutely loved the premise of Jess Is Lost. At its core, this story asks the irresistible question: should Jess choose love… or lust? And the journey to that answer is packed with emotion, tension, and growth.

The FMC’s character development was beautifully done. Watching Jess evolve throughout the story — gaining confidence, independence, and clarity — was incredibly satisfying. By the end, she truly comes into her own.

The men in this book were exceptionally written. One had me constantly questioning his intentions, wondering just how good he really was and what secrets he might be hiding. The other? An Italian vision who felt almost too perfect — charismatic, alluring, and impossible to ignore.

All the little nuggets throughout the story — the emotional depth, internal conflict, and slow-building tension — were pure perfection. I devoured this book in under 24 hours because I simply couldn’t put it down.
And that cliffhanger… not nice at all 😩
I cannot wait for book two!
28 reviews
December 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars

Jess Is Lost by Jennifer Petrosky is a romance packed with emotion, tension, and plenty of unexpected twists. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, another turn pulled me right back in.

The characters were easy to connect with, and I especially loved watching Jess navigate her emotions while caught in the middle of a complicated love triangle. The struggle between heart and logic felt real, messy, and relatable, which made the romance even more compelling.

And that ending… wow. The book concludes on a massive cliffhanger that I truly did not see coming. I’m still in disbelief and immediately need answers. I cannot wait to see where the story goes in book two and how everything unfolds from here.

If you enjoy emotional romance with strong characters, twists you won’t see coming, and endings that leave you desperate for more, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Profile Image for nightlyreadingheather.
760 reviews98 followers
December 30, 2025
Our FMC, Jess, is 25 years old and has saved her V card for someone special. She is on the search for true love, "the one", her fairytale. She meets Jack in a bar one evening and has a connection. They fall fast and hard. After a few months, she feels like she has finally found what she has been searching for and gives Jack exactly what she has saved for him all her life.

While on a vacation with Jack, they have a disagreement, which leaves Jess in the hotel bar where she meets Max. Max is a little older, Italian, and a very smooth talker. Jess is left unable to get Max out of her head.

I would describe this book as a coming-of-age story of sorts. Jess tends to be immature when it comes to the opposite sex, which is a given with her age and the fact that she has never had a relationship. She is left trying to figure out if she should follow her heart through love or follow her mind through lust.

Left on a whopper of a cliffhanger, I am looking forward to seeing where these characters' stories go and if Jess will finally be found?
63 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2026
Jess, our FMC, is beautifully developed. Watching her evolve throughout the story—gaining confidence, independence, and clarity—was incredibly satisfying. Her growth feels authentic, and by the end, she truly comes into her own in a way that feels earned and empowering.

The men in this book were exceptionally well written. One had me constantly questioning his intentions, never quite sure how good he truly was or what secrets he might be hiding. The other? An Italian vision who seemed almost too perfect—charismatic, alluring, and impossible to ignore. The contrast between them kept the tension high and the stakes even higher.

All the little items woven throughout the story added depth and kept me fully invested, making this much more than just a choice between two men. Jess Is Lost is a compelling, emotionally rich read that will keep you guessing—and rooting for Jess—until the very end.
Profile Image for Jade Powell.
22 reviews
January 8, 2026
Jess is Lost is a contemporary romance that puts Jess right in the middle of two men who she can’t seem to decide between. Love triangle or just lustful thinking?

Love triangle 🙍🏼‍♂️🤦🏻‍♀️🙍🏻‍♂️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
World traveler 🧳 ✈️
Virgin FMC 🖤

Jess is a mess but we still love her. She saved herself until she met the right man and she thinks that’s Jack.

We like Jack, but do we really love Jack? He has a past that keeps popping back up and honestly I would have kicked him to the curb already but he always says the right thing at the right time.

Now every love triangle needs the 3rd person and that person is Max. We also like Max. He’s swoon worthy, he’s sophisticated, he always seems to show up at the wrong moment, but maybe actually the right moment, and we can’t get him out of our head.

The ending of this book has me in a chokehold. How will Jess decide??!! (I’m on Team Max so I hope he doesn’t let me down)
Profile Image for Angel aka BooksnCats007 .
307 reviews23 followers
January 19, 2026
Jess isn't just lost, she's a hot mess. A bit impulsive and chaotic, but in the middle of experiencing her first love/lust situation... which most can relate with.
I had a hard time deciding which MMC to root for and even after the end I'm still unsure!
The pacing was great! Finished in one sitting.
You will definitely need to enjoy spice to read this story 🔥🥵
My LOL and romance tabs were numerous.
That ending... FOR REAL! Aghhhh

This is my honest review after receiving the book from the author.

Favorite quotes:
"I'm falling for you, Jess-hell, who am I kidding? I'm not falling. I've already fallen."

"... Bring me back something? Sure! Anything in particular you want? Yes. You."

"I've never had a ripe Georgia peach for breakfast... it's f***ing fantastic."
10 reviews
December 21, 2025
Jenn is lost is a great love story for those who are self conscience about themselves on the outside and inside. Really love Jenn and how she over comes somethings then gets her self in more trouble then needed. Can't wait for book to. I have a love hate relationships with cliff hanger endings but this one is done so well that i will be waiting on the edge till book 2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gisela Marengo.
90 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2025
Jess Is Lost is an emotionally raw, character driven story that explores grief, identity, and the overwhelming feeling of being disconnected from the world around you. She is my all means not perfect but she is real in what she is feeling and going through. Her emotions raw and relatable.

This was given to me as an Arc and here is my honest and voluntarily review .
Profile Image for Bookish Venturess.
913 reviews17 followers
December 29, 2025
So Good

This was such a great story. I really hope we get to know what Jess decides as a lot happened at the end of this book. I love how Jess is someone you can relate to as far as her life and how she views herself. Overall I really enjoyed this story and need more. Also looking into the app Popping.
Profile Image for Bel.
1,040 reviews5 followers
December 30, 2025
Kindle unlimited

Good story bug the ending!! I’m not a fan of cliffhangers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for bry’s corner.
102 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2026
This is a great book especially if you are look for an emotional read. Jess can really get you sucked into her stuff.
Profile Image for Originalninja.
71 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2026
Not a bad book, there were somethings that were lacking. Communication was lacking a lot in the story. I understand that in some ways that was probably the point, but it was a little much.
Profile Image for Nicole Fox.
49 reviews
January 26, 2026
3.5⭐️ I don’t know how to put into words how I feel about this book but I don’t like how it ended and I don’t like how lost Jess actually is
Profile Image for Ale R. .
17 reviews
January 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chaotic, spicy, and emotionally unhinging (in the best way)

Reading about Jess—her messy life, her friends, her job, the absolutely unhinged Popping app roulette game, and that stress-inducing love triangle—was genuinely fun. The kind of fun where you’re giggling one minute and yelling at your phone the next.

Yes, the spice is VERY present 🌶️ but it’s written so well that it never feels like too much or thrown in just for shock value. It fits the story, it flows, and it adds to the chaos instead of overpowering it.

Jack?? Started as the perfect boyfriend, the obvious safe choice over Max—the stereotypical “fuck boy.” But wow did that trust evaporate FAST. I could not understand Jess’ move-in decision and Jack lost me completely.

Max, on the other hand? Consistently showed up. Took care of things. Protected Jess. Earned my trust over and over again until he fully owned my heart. No contest.

And THAT ENDING???
I’m still confused. I’m still spiraling. And I have ONE question:

WHERE THE F IS MAX?! 😭🔥

Jennifer Petrosky really said “emotional damage” and walked away. Immediate recommend—just be prepared to scream at the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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