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Falling in Somerset
I’ve loved Duke Maxwell forever.
Yes, he’s America’s favorite quarterback, but he’s my best friend. When Duke asks me to pose as his girlfriend on a wedding trip abroad, I reluctantly agree. But when his boyfriend act becomes too convincing, my heart won’t stop saying, “I do.”
As the plane touches down in England for a week-long wedding at a quirky Jane Austen resort, I step into my role as Duke’s pretend girlfriend. But hold your corsets, because Duke's kisses feel very real, and his heart-stopping secret has me wondering if his intentions might be more than a ruse. Isn't it a truth universally acknowledged that a librarian can never fit into a professional athlete's world?
Once upon a time, I'd told Duke we could only be friends. But holy smelling salts, I might've been wrong.
Yes, he’s America’s favorite quarterback, but he’s my best friend. When Duke asks me to pose as his girlfriend on a wedding trip abroad, I reluctantly agree. But when his boyfriend act becomes too convincing, my heart won’t stop saying, “I do.”
As the plane touches down in England for a week-long wedding at a quirky Jane Austen resort, I step into my role as Duke’s pretend girlfriend. But hold your corsets, because Duke's kisses feel very real, and his heart-stopping secret has me wondering if his intentions might be more than a ruse. Isn't it a truth universally acknowledged that a librarian can never fit into a professional athlete's world?
Once upon a time, I'd told Duke we could only be friends. But holy smelling salts, I might've been wrong.
119 pages, ebook
4 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
About the author
Jenny B. Jones
35 books2,225 followersFour-time Carol Award winner Jenny B. Jones writes contemporary romance with wit, sass, and Southern charm. Since writing for both women and teens leaves her with very little free time, she believes in spending her spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits, such as watching E!, going to the movies and inhaling large buckets of popcorn, and writing her name in the dust on her furniture. www.jennybjones.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 9, 2026
Falling in Somerset by Jenny B. Jones is a contemporary romance about best friends pretending to be more for the sake of love, friendship, and discovering what your heart has really wanted all along. It follows the narrator and Duke Maxwell, America’s favorite quarterback, as they agree to pose as a couple on a wedding trip abroad, only to find that playing pretend stirs deeply genuine feelings neither expected to face.
From the moment they land in England at a whimsical Jane Austen–themed resort, the chemistry between the characters is vivid, warm, and quietly electric, making the gradual shift from safety in friendship to the risk of love feel so very real. Jenny B. Jones writes with a light, humorous touch that had me smiling at the banter and aching with the tender moments when vulnerability peeked through.
The pacing felt just right for a novella length, giving enough room for emotional depth while still feeling delightfully breezy. I loved how Duke’s grounded kindness and the narrator’s reflective voice brought out themes of courage, longing, and the simple, profound joy of being seen by someone you trust. Even in its shortness, this story left me thinking about how the heart can surprise us when we stop shielding it and start listening instead.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. I’m giving it this rating because Falling in Somerset is a heartfelt, cozy romance that delivers genuine emotions and charming characters, even if some elements follow familiar tropes. It’s a read that still made me feel, reflect, and smile long after finishing.
From the moment they land in England at a whimsical Jane Austen–themed resort, the chemistry between the characters is vivid, warm, and quietly electric, making the gradual shift from safety in friendship to the risk of love feel so very real. Jenny B. Jones writes with a light, humorous touch that had me smiling at the banter and aching with the tender moments when vulnerability peeked through.
The pacing felt just right for a novella length, giving enough room for emotional depth while still feeling delightfully breezy. I loved how Duke’s grounded kindness and the narrator’s reflective voice brought out themes of courage, longing, and the simple, profound joy of being seen by someone you trust. Even in its shortness, this story left me thinking about how the heart can surprise us when we stop shielding it and start listening instead.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. I’m giving it this rating because Falling in Somerset is a heartfelt, cozy romance that delivers genuine emotions and charming characters, even if some elements follow familiar tropes. It’s a read that still made me feel, reflect, and smile long after finishing.
April 5, 2022
I absolutely adore Jenny B Jones! I never miss anything she writes. I love the way she has her characters banter, her amazing wit and just everything! Highly recommend this author.
April 26, 2022
This was just the sweetest, silliest story! I loved how you just jumped right in. So fun! Friends to lovers in the best way. I loved how much she felt they were too different and he helped her see that she was so wrong! This is sweet and clean with no religion. No alcohol. No swearing.
April 5, 2022
A librarian heroine is paired with a pro quarterback hero. It’s total opposites attract, friends-to-more, fake dating tropes all lightly dipped in Austenland-vibes. Loved it.
April 23, 2022
Super sweet, outrageous, and funny!
February 14, 2026
3.5 stars. JBJ is the most fun and I love her and anytime spent in Sugar Creek. (Or a castle in England!)
A fun novella to read on Valentine’s Day! 💗
A fun novella to read on Valentine’s Day! 💗
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January 20, 2024
The miscommunication ruined the little I liked about the book.
December 16, 2022
4.5 Stars. A delightful, cute read.
April 4, 2022
This was super cute!
Tillie and Duke have been friends for ages, but things change one New Years Eve when a friendly kiss turns into something more! Tillie runs from her feelings, worried about ruining their relationship. But Duke wants to move out of the friend zone.
Normally, friends-to-lovers isn't a favorite trope for me...but I really enjoyed it here! I thought the change from friends to lovers was natural and it helped that Duke was just yummy. Tillie and Duke have such a sweet relationship, total opposites but have so much love and respect for each other. You can't help rooting for them to figure things out.
I enjoyed the setting, characters and overall story. A fun way to pass the afternoon. The only thing is was missing was an epilogue!
Tillie and Duke have been friends for ages, but things change one New Years Eve when a friendly kiss turns into something more! Tillie runs from her feelings, worried about ruining their relationship. But Duke wants to move out of the friend zone.
Normally, friends-to-lovers isn't a favorite trope for me...but I really enjoyed it here! I thought the change from friends to lovers was natural and it helped that Duke was just yummy. Tillie and Duke have such a sweet relationship, total opposites but have so much love and respect for each other. You can't help rooting for them to figure things out.
I enjoyed the setting, characters and overall story. A fun way to pass the afternoon. The only thing is was missing was an epilogue!
April 25, 2022
I really enjoyed the writing but the plot was a disaster for me.
I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it - I refuse to settle for plots that are completely driven by lack of communication/miscommunication. It lacks depth and feels so silly especially when having good communication makes the story better.
Anyway in this Duke and Tillie have been friends for years. Remember this, Tillie and Duke have been best friends for years. Anyway they both have feelings for the other person but have struggled to make things more. This was where the first communication issues popped up. Tillie and Duke had kissed but Tillie's guard went up and she hid behind the friendship. And we never really got a good reason as to why. Duke likes Tillie but is afraid of rejection, but he decides to use his best friend Cade's wedding to draw closer to Tillie, since Cade is marrying his ex-girlfriend.
Anyway what follows is Cade's ex-girlfriend being really awful to Tillie and trying to talk to Duke, and Duke not reallly reassuring Tillie. This didn't really make any sense to the reader since we got both Tillie an Duke's POVs. So we knew that Duke was all in for Tillie, but his actions didn't always back this up. Which is incredibly stupid. But at this stage I really liked the reading so I was still on a serviceable 3 stars. But then the end run of the book started and I was completely incensed.
Duke and Tillie start a relationship but she still feels insecure because she's not completely sure that Duke isn't still into his ex (which made sense since he had done very little to reassure her). Anyway, Tillie overhears a conversation between Duke and his ex which leads her to believe that Duke is settling for her, so she loses it at the wedding and the truth comes out. Which is that Duke is leaving professional football and his ex is starting a sports agency and wants to represent him. Circle back to the fact that Duke and Tillie are best friends first, and Duke is in love with her. Which means that the plot of him not confiding any of this to Tillie in the first place makes ZERO sense. And because it made no sense it was not enjoyable to read at all. I went from liking the writing to being completely off board.
This story did not feel organic at all. It didn't feel like people making organic decisions bur rather like a bunch of plot devices acting upon the characters in the story.
So nope, not a fan.
I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it - I refuse to settle for plots that are completely driven by lack of communication/miscommunication. It lacks depth and feels so silly especially when having good communication makes the story better.
Anyway in this Duke and Tillie have been friends for years. Remember this, Tillie and Duke have been best friends for years. Anyway they both have feelings for the other person but have struggled to make things more. This was where the first communication issues popped up. Tillie and Duke had kissed but Tillie's guard went up and she hid behind the friendship. And we never really got a good reason as to why. Duke likes Tillie but is afraid of rejection, but he decides to use his best friend Cade's wedding to draw closer to Tillie, since Cade is marrying his ex-girlfriend.
Anyway what follows is Cade's ex-girlfriend being really awful to Tillie and trying to talk to Duke, and Duke not reallly reassuring Tillie. This didn't really make any sense to the reader since we got both Tillie an Duke's POVs. So we knew that Duke was all in for Tillie, but his actions didn't always back this up. Which is incredibly stupid. But at this stage I really liked the reading so I was still on a serviceable 3 stars. But then the end run of the book started and I was completely incensed.
Duke and Tillie start a relationship but she still feels insecure because she's not completely sure that Duke isn't still into his ex (which made sense since he had done very little to reassure her). Anyway, Tillie overhears a conversation between Duke and his ex which leads her to believe that Duke is settling for her, so she loses it at the wedding and the truth comes out. Which is that Duke is leaving professional football and his ex is starting a sports agency and wants to represent him. Circle back to the fact that Duke and Tillie are best friends first, and Duke is in love with her. Which means that the plot of him not confiding any of this to Tillie in the first place makes ZERO sense. And because it made no sense it was not enjoyable to read at all. I went from liking the writing to being completely off board.
This story did not feel organic at all. It didn't feel like people making organic decisions bur rather like a bunch of plot devices acting upon the characters in the story.
So nope, not a fan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2022
Brief synopsis: Tillie and Duke have been best friends since tenth grade, but their relationship has been strained since a sudden New Year’s Eve kiss. Tillie has been avoiding Duke since because she doesn’t want to lose his friendship, even though the kiss rocked her world. Duke convinces Tillie to attend a teammate’s wedding with him in Bath, hoping a week together at a Jane Austin-esque venue will help Tillie realize that the two of them are meant to be.
Another novella I got from the Prolific Works promo for free and another novella I have absolutely adored. I wanted to slap some sense into Tillie because girl how can you not see that Duke is head over heels for you?!?! This little novella was so adorable. The conflict also wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be, and I enjoyed that. This was my first book by Jenny B. Jones and I’ve already added her other Sugar Creek and Lost Bookshop novels to my TBR!
💗Sweet clean romance
Another novella I got from the Prolific Works promo for free and another novella I have absolutely adored. I wanted to slap some sense into Tillie because girl how can you not see that Duke is head over heels for you?!?! This little novella was so adorable. The conflict also wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be, and I enjoyed that. This was my first book by Jenny B. Jones and I’ve already added her other Sugar Creek and Lost Bookshop novels to my TBR!
💗Sweet clean romance
February 4, 2025
"Falling in Somerset" by Jenny B. Jones? Absolute perfection. Picture this: a swoony quarterback, a bookish and adorably clumsy librarian, and a week-long Austen-themed wedding in England. I was already hooked, but throw in fake dating and a friends-to-lovers storyline? Say no more.
Tillie and Duke have this sweet, opposites-attract vibe that just works. And Duke? Oh, he’s been head-over-cleats in love from the jump, and honestly, who wouldn't be? He's charming, persistent, and makes a professional football career look like just a side hustle to being the ultimate book boyfriend.
The setting was dreamy, and Tillie trying to rock 19th-century mannerisms while nursing a broken ankle had me laughing out loud. But the real magic? Watching her realize that maybe, just maybe, being Duke’s girl isn't such a bad idea after all.
It’s witty, warm, and pure joy in novella form. If you’re in the mood for a light, romantic read with plenty of laughs—grab this one. Trust me.
Tillie and Duke have this sweet, opposites-attract vibe that just works. And Duke? Oh, he’s been head-over-cleats in love from the jump, and honestly, who wouldn't be? He's charming, persistent, and makes a professional football career look like just a side hustle to being the ultimate book boyfriend.
The setting was dreamy, and Tillie trying to rock 19th-century mannerisms while nursing a broken ankle had me laughing out loud. But the real magic? Watching her realize that maybe, just maybe, being Duke’s girl isn't such a bad idea after all.
It’s witty, warm, and pure joy in novella form. If you’re in the mood for a light, romantic read with plenty of laughs—grab this one. Trust me.
April 10, 2022
Can a librarian fall in love with a pro football player? Tillie and Duke are best friends since a young age, and have always been friends. However a few months ago a New Year's Eve party included a heart-stopping kiss. Tillie doesn't want to talk about it.
When Duke's teammate and good friend is getting married in England, he asks Tillie to accompany him. It's a Jane Austin theme wedding, but Tillie is the only one dressing in authentic period dress for the wedding and a very modern boot encasing her broken ankle!
What started as a fake relationship is a struggle as intense feelings grow. The characters were fun and believable as the impossible happens. Wonderful descriptions of the pre-wedding activities that will mean a lot to Austin fans, and are interesting for all. And Tillie can be so unintentionally funny! A terrific book.
When Duke's teammate and good friend is getting married in England, he asks Tillie to accompany him. It's a Jane Austin theme wedding, but Tillie is the only one dressing in authentic period dress for the wedding and a very modern boot encasing her broken ankle!
What started as a fake relationship is a struggle as intense feelings grow. The characters were fun and believable as the impossible happens. Wonderful descriptions of the pre-wedding activities that will mean a lot to Austin fans, and are interesting for all. And Tillie can be so unintentionally funny! A terrific book.
May 19, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! If you’re a fan of Austenland then you’ll love this book as well. Jenny B. Jones is now one of my favorite authors, and I cannot wait to read more books by her.
This novella had me laughing and snorting in a very unladylike manner. I cannot express my love for this book and the joy it brought to me enough. Seriously this book is the perfect pick-me-up that you can easily read in a day.
Tillie and Duke were such great main characters and I adored their friends to lovers journey. Who wouldn’t love a smart and adoringly dorky librarian heroine and a teasing, hunky, sweet football player hero?
This book is perfection for whoever wants a short, *hilarious* and swoony romance read to brighten their day.
This novella had me laughing and snorting in a very unladylike manner. I cannot express my love for this book and the joy it brought to me enough. Seriously this book is the perfect pick-me-up that you can easily read in a day.
Tillie and Duke were such great main characters and I adored their friends to lovers journey. Who wouldn’t love a smart and adoringly dorky librarian heroine and a teasing, hunky, sweet football player hero?
This book is perfection for whoever wants a short, *hilarious* and swoony romance read to brighten their day.
April 5, 2022
Falling in Somerset is a cute and sweet romance from Jenny B. Jones. I loved getting to know the bookish heroine and the sports-loving, totally a catch hero, Duke. This little novella combines a friends-to-lovers situation with a little bit of a fake-dating scenario AND a trip to Bath, England, with all kinds of nods to Jane Austen through a “cultural” experience that turns hilarious. I especially liked how Duke is head-over-heels from the very beginning and how Tillie learns a little more about her best friend and a lot about her own strengths over the course of the story.
May 5, 2022
What a fun story, set in a delightful setting.
I loved all the “Austen” theme stuff and the sweet romance!
Whenever I read a Jenny B. Jones book, I know I’ll enjoy it. Her books always have characters who are sassy. The characters you will come to love and enjoy. All her books are full of fun dialogue that will make you chuckle and keep you reading!
I highly recommend you pick this book up for a fun, delightful book that’s easy to read.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved all the “Austen” theme stuff and the sweet romance!
Whenever I read a Jenny B. Jones book, I know I’ll enjoy it. Her books always have characters who are sassy. The characters you will come to love and enjoy. All her books are full of fun dialogue that will make you chuckle and keep you reading!
I highly recommend you pick this book up for a fun, delightful book that’s easy to read.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 29, 2022
Cute but definitely a rocky start. The writing was really lovely and fun but I felt the plot could have used just a bit more. It was really hard to get into at first and goodness Jordyn was just over the top and made me want to slap her and not finish the book. I'm glad I finished it, but her character for most of it made it difficult to have any desire too, just a bit too much drama for my taste
BUT that's all just personal preferences and nothing the author did poorly, the author did an amazing job and it was still a fun story.
BUT that's all just personal preferences and nothing the author did poorly, the author did an amazing job and it was still a fun story.
March 14, 2023
Loved this story about Tillie and Duke. Best friends to lovers, fake dating, so many cute things. I loved that Tillie and Duke had a comfortable relationship from the beginning, even though the fake dating definitely added some complexity to their relationship! I also loved that Tillie was awkward because A) it's endearing and B) so *relatable* amiright?
Such a fun read. Definitely would recommend giving this book a try!
Such a fun read. Definitely would recommend giving this book a try!
April 19, 2022
A librarian and a pro football player attend the football player's ex-girlfriend and best friend's wedding...which is an Austen themed week of festivities set in England. Oh, and even though they did share that kiss on New Years and are definitely not dating, the bridal party all thinks they are. What could possibly go wrong? A great novella with lots of rom-com vibes.
April 24, 2022
Cute, sweet, short novella with a friends to lovers trope. I relate to Tillie in so many ways so I enjoyed this story. Only complaint is that I need an epilogue! Since this is a Sugar Creek story, maybe Tillie and Duke show up in the other books but novellas are so short anyway, an epilogue wraps it up nicely.
July 25, 2024
Love the fake dating, besties to lovers, celebrity and normal person tropes! This was adorable. But I wish there was more from Duke's POV! He's such a cinnamon roll. Poor Tillie, she was just trying to get out of her own head. Yes, miscommunication is overrated but it always happens. I thought the same as Tillie so I don't blame her! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
April 7, 2022
This was such a fun way to try out a new author. I was unsure if anyone could pull off friends to lovers, fake relationship and a few other random cliches in one story, but Jenny B Jones did it delightfully! I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
May 12, 2022
If you like witty banter, this one has it in spades. So many great one liners. As readers, I think many of us can relate to Tillie, which makes her fish-out-of-water complex all the funnier. This is a fun, lighthearted romance full of sarcasm at its finest. :)
December 31, 2022
I liked this novella a lot. The general dynamic between the main couple was great.
Buuut then the drama that unfurled did not work for me at all. It made me for frustrated than anything (hello miscommunication).
Otherwise, it was cute. Loved the setting. Some good swoony moments and kisses.
Buuut then the drama that unfurled did not work for me at all. It made me for frustrated than anything (hello miscommunication).
Otherwise, it was cute. Loved the setting. Some good swoony moments and kisses.
April 3, 2022
So sweet! Loved it!
April 7, 2022
I received an ARC copy for my honest review....
Sweet story....
Sweet story....
April 9, 2022
Love me a good friends to lovers trope! This one was short, fun, and sweet. Excited to read others books from this new-to-me author!
April 12, 2022
Tillie & Duke have good chemistry, and hilarious dialog. This was an entertaining read.
I’ll be looking for more from Jenny B Jones!
I’ll be looking for more from Jenny B Jones!
August 28, 2022
I was so tempted to give it four stars until I got to the end. The drama was off the charts.
October 7, 2022
it was very cute. I loved Duke and Tllie
4,5/5
4,5/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews