Jade & Jess

by C.J. McKnight

There is that saying about how small town life is in your blood and, once you know it, it is hard to leave. Jade grew up in a small town in Wisconsin. During high school she planned on graduating, going to college, and moving far far away. The first one happened, but not the other two. She did move, just from her family farm to living in town. She worked as a waitress and rarely ever saw someone come in she could see herself dating. However, she was getting irritated by her parents always asking her about a boyfriend whenever she visited home. Valentine's Day was coming and it just felt right to try out an app she found called Rightly Swept. Jess also had parents that wouldn't stop asking if he found someone for marriage. He lived near his college's campus just so it saved time traveling to classes and his internship at the nearby hospital. Between studying and working, it didn't leave much free time, let alone enough to build a lasting relationship. Complaining to another intern after his parents teased him on Christmas, they took his phone and created a quick profile on Rightly Swept. Once Jess sees Jade's profile show up in his reel, he feels like he has known her forever. Before he knows what he is doing, he swipes right for a meet up. Maybe if she accepts and things work out, they'll have dates by their family's Easter dinners.

Genres: Contemporary

41 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2023

Reviews

[Liz Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a novella I downloaded during a SYKD, and I was really excited to read a short story about two people who met and connected on a dating app, mostly because they may not have ever met otherwise.

Unfortunately, this was a bit of a let down for me. It felt like a very rough draft, with no character development or editing. I think the premise and ideas were there, especially when you consider that instant connection between the two just from talking so much, but it needed a few more rounds of revision of reworking. There were a lot of grammatical errors, with even a time when the wrong name was used for a character, which made it difficult to enjoy the story.

[Lisa Stanbridge · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a cute short story, but not executed well.

The author, I think, may be quite an inexperienced writer. There was so much telling, very little showing, and the story itself lacked substance. Jade and Jess only want to find someone to date to appease their families. They meet on a dating app, fall in love, and are engaged in a very short time. I think it was about two weeks, but I can't remember.

I won't read anymore from this author.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could use a few edits. On several occasions, Jade was referred to as Jess, even in the first chapter where Jess hadn't even been introduced as a character yet. There was a lot of telling, not a lot of showing. We got so many explanations and minute details that felt unnecessary.

Spoilers below!!!!

Why would they get engaged after 3-4 weeks? They hadn't even kissed yet until right before and had seen each other only once in person. Super unrealistic!

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an ok short story.

[Anna Hardesty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure this has potential, but it needs a ton of work.

[Helm · Rating 2 out of 5]

It felt rushed and incomplete.

[Kristen Malkemus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good palette cleanser but reads like it was written by a middle schooler

[Lillie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75

This book was fine, it was quick, but it felt like it needed more time to develop the characters and the story overall.

[Alexandra Trachsler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out so cute. Two people with busy lives who’s parents nag them about being single so they end up on a dating site and they meet. They meet up one time and text for 2 weeks. Then she tells him she loves him but texts it as “I luv u” cringeee. First off texting it instead of saying it in person🫣 second off they’ve only known each other for 2 weeks and only met up one?🫡 whatever he tells her he “luvs” her too. He surprises her at work for Valentine’s Day with a huge bear and dinner and stuff and gives her a ring and she asks if he’s asking her to marry him?? Then they get engaged. HUH?🤣🫣 Just felt very cringe and high school/middle school to me lol. They hadn’t even kissed or really spend time together then got engaged. Crazyyyy. Was not a fan of this one lol.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.