Shaken to the Core (audiobook) by Jae
Description
In this lesbian historical romance two young women of different social classes try to survive the Great Earthquake and Fires in San Francisco in 1906.
Kate Winthrop, the only child of a wealthy shipping magnate, has the course of her life charted for her by her parents. She’s expected to marry well and produce a successor to the Winthrop empire. But Kate has a very different path in mind. Her true passion lies with photography—and with women.
Alone in the city after losing her brother, Sicilian immigrant Giuliana Russo starts working for the Winthrops as a maid. Despite their different social status, Kate and Giuliana become friends, much to the dismay of Kate’s parents.
As the connection between the two women grows, a devastating earthquake hits San Francisco and ignites fires that sweep through the city for three days and nights.
Will the disaster shatter their tentative feelings for each other, or will they find the courage to save each other’s lives—and their hearts?
Join Kate and Giuliana on a journey of danger and discovery in the action-packed historical romance Shaken to the Core, set against the backdrop of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
Additional information
| Publication Date | April 2020 |
|---|---|
| Length | 13 hrs and 49 mins |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Ylva Publishing |
1 review for Shaken to the Core (audiobook) by Jae
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listener15 – :
Stars: 5 Stars
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Samantha Cook
Series: Stand Alone (for now)
Steam Level: Not Steamy
I was the selection for my book club in April 2025 and for the I Heart Sapphic 2025 Reading Challenge for the prompt Slow Burn.
CW: natural disaster, death, death of children, racism, sexism, violence
The reason I say this is a Stand Alone for now is that the author has stated that she does plan to eventually write Lucy’s book but it will require a lot of research and she hasn’t gotten to it yet.
Quick Thoughts:
– First let me say that as someone who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I learned the real history behind the 1906 earthquake and not the propaganda that came from officials or how entertainment portrayed it, so I can confirm that this book was incredibly well researched
– If you are looking for a sex scene in this book you will be disappointed, there isn’t any and honestly it makes sense why there isn’t since half the book deals with the earthquake
– Lucy (side character) mentions her family up north. They are from The Oregon Series but you don’t need to know anything about that series to enjoy this (it really is just a passing mention)
– Beware of scandalously short dresses that almost show ankles!
– The mere thought of having to go up and down California Street everyday like Giuliana does makes me want to fling myself into the bay
– Kate is one of those fun characters that feel very modern but at the same time fits wonderfully in the time period she lives in
– I loved Giuliana and enjoyed watching her learn and grow as a person
– I always picture Kate as Katie McGrath in Dracula and Giuliana as Jessica Leccia in Guiding Light. I don’t usually do fan castings but for some reason I did with this book
– I wanted to shake Kate’s parents but mostly out of annoyance. They weren’t evil people just horribly misguided and frustrating. I did want to smack Biddy upside the head
– Even with it being the umpteenth time I’ve read this book, I still felt the tension and horror of the earthquake and its aftermath
– This probably has one of the best first kisses I’ve ever read. I routinely read this scene and usually start my book reread from here
– I thought it was perfect how Lucy helps Kate with her pictures in a way that doesn’t go against her morals
– No third act break up!
– Great ending but dang, I wish this book was twice as long. I genuinely adore these characters
– Samantha Cook did an EXCELLENT job narrating this. I remember the first time I listened to this book and worried her narrating Giuliana’s character would feel off/wrong but she does a great job without it feeling cringy. I honestly don’t think I’ve listened to anything else by her and I need to fix that
Overall this book continues to be wonderful and I still enjoy reading it. This is in my top 5 favorite Jae books. I always keep this one downloaded on my phone so I can read random scenes whenever I want. I’m so glad I convinced my book club to give this a shot so I could reread it AGAIN. Hope they enjoy it.