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Life #1
The Life That Mattered
Sex isn’t love.
Love isn’t sex.
And friendship is neither.
The son of a French Olympic skier and a Malaysian fashion designer, Ronin Alexander has lived the life of a nomad, traveling the world to find his next adventure.
Life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Evelyn, a beautiful scientist who owns a bath shop in Aspen, Colorado. They defy all the rules of relationships, falling hard and quickly in love.
Their world intertwines with Evelyn’s two best friends, the Governor and his soon-to-be wife. The four become close—very close.
When tragedy strikes, things from their pasts are unveiled—unimaginable truths and the grim realization that life will never be the same.
Jewel E. Ann steps into another dimension with this mind-bending thriller, a provocative story that pushes boundaries and tests the true meaning of love.
Love isn’t sex.
And friendship is neither.
The son of a French Olympic skier and a Malaysian fashion designer, Ronin Alexander has lived the life of a nomad, traveling the world to find his next adventure.
Life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Evelyn, a beautiful scientist who owns a bath shop in Aspen, Colorado. They defy all the rules of relationships, falling hard and quickly in love.
Their world intertwines with Evelyn’s two best friends, the Governor and his soon-to-be wife. The four become close—very close.
When tragedy strikes, things from their pasts are unveiled—unimaginable truths and the grim realization that life will never be the same.
Jewel E. Ann steps into another dimension with this mind-bending thriller, a provocative story that pushes boundaries and tests the true meaning of love.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2020
About the author
Jewel E. Ann
50 books9,028 followersJewel is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today best selling author with a quirky sense of humor. When she's not saving the planet one tree at a time, you can find her role modeling questionable behavior to her three boys, binge-watching Netflix with her husband, and writing mind-bending romance.
Her upcoming release is For Lucy, a contemporary romance/women's fiction.
Upcoming Projects: New duet in The Life Series fall/winter 2021.
Get a free book by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
Her upcoming release is For Lucy, a contemporary romance/women's fiction.
Upcoming Projects: New duet in The Life Series fall/winter 2021.
Get a free book by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
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February 22, 2020The Duet Is Now Complete!
FREE in KindleUnlimited
READ BOOK 1:
#Affiliatelinks
AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/383hH9Q
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/2SkSBN4
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/3bfaiWV
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2SfnX7u
READ BOOK 2:
AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2P4UCff
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/384d6nE
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2va9vpu
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2tBOlQU
What I can promise about this duet:
*So many twisted thoughts. So much obsession.
*It's sexy. Gripping. Frightening. Completely addictive!
*You will inhale this story. It's a page-turner on steroids.
FREE in KindleUnlimited
READ BOOK 1:
#Affiliatelinks
AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/383hH9Q
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/2SkSBN4
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/3bfaiWV
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2SfnX7u
READ BOOK 2:
AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2P4UCff
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/384d6nE
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2va9vpu
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2tBOlQU
What I can promise about this duet:
*So many twisted thoughts. So much obsession.
*It's sexy. Gripping. Frightening. Completely addictive!
*You will inhale this story. It's a page-turner on steroids.
September 12, 2022
"That's the thing about you, Evie... I had no idea I was waiting for someone until you arrived."
It's been forever and a day since I've felt words bubble up inside of me in a way where I need to review a book, rather than feeling obligated to do so. Coasting by on books that don't give you an urgency to discuss its contents with other bookworms isn't good for the soul, but I'm not sure it's all on the books that I've chosen. Sprinkle in a handful of worldwide pandemic and a dash of ever-changing interests, and you've got me, a reader who has created an entire brand around a specific genre of books she's trying to break free from, and is desperately trying to rediscover who she is and where she's going. At the end of the day I'd like to think that, instead of finding this book, that The Life That Mattered found me, but that's just a dramatic way of telling you that I really jived with this story.
"Hinder not the soul's intended path unto the light, lest the shards of darkness shed upon thee."
If you took the time to read the synopsis above, you'll notice that it is vague and brief, which is done purposefully. I highly recommend that you go into this book, and it's sequel The Life You Stole, completely blind. There will be no spoilers in this review, but I will put a note below in a spoiler tag that gives a little clarity on one aspect that might be a dealbreaker for some readers. Basically this is a story about 3 old friends + 1 new friend and the consequences of the choices that they make. There is romance and heartbreak, death and new life, plus a bit of mystery and suspense. Did I mention that the author does a great job of making the reader sweat and breaks your heart thoroughly? Just making sure.
"People with broken souls didn't have real smiles. They grimaced from the broken pieces of their soul impaling their heart."
Friends, I truly felt connected to these characters. Ann does such a fabulous job of making each character, rather central or brief in appearance, feel relatable to the point that upon closing the second book, I was anxious in saying goodbye to this cast I adored. There are some heavy subjects discussed in these books, like the loss of loved ones, abuse, mental health and depression. It's fair to note as well that this book does end on a major cliffhanger, but the good news is that part two, which is the conclusion, is already published and you can read these back to back like I did! If you choose to pick these up, I highly recommend reading with a buddy, because I had the best time discussing this duet with Jenn from Stories and Coffee. I cannot recommend these books highly enough, and if you read these and love them too, I'd love to chat about Evie, Ronin, Lila, and Graham with you!
It's been forever and a day since I've felt words bubble up inside of me in a way where I need to review a book, rather than feeling obligated to do so. Coasting by on books that don't give you an urgency to discuss its contents with other bookworms isn't good for the soul, but I'm not sure it's all on the books that I've chosen. Sprinkle in a handful of worldwide pandemic and a dash of ever-changing interests, and you've got me, a reader who has created an entire brand around a specific genre of books she's trying to break free from, and is desperately trying to rediscover who she is and where she's going. At the end of the day I'd like to think that, instead of finding this book, that The Life That Mattered found me, but that's just a dramatic way of telling you that I really jived with this story.
"Hinder not the soul's intended path unto the light, lest the shards of darkness shed upon thee."
If you took the time to read the synopsis above, you'll notice that it is vague and brief, which is done purposefully. I highly recommend that you go into this book, and it's sequel The Life You Stole, completely blind. There will be no spoilers in this review, but I will put a note below in a spoiler tag that gives a little clarity on one aspect that might be a dealbreaker for some readers. Basically this is a story about 3 old friends + 1 new friend and the consequences of the choices that they make. There is romance and heartbreak, death and new life, plus a bit of mystery and suspense. Did I mention that the author does a great job of making the reader sweat and breaks your heart thoroughly? Just making sure.
"People with broken souls didn't have real smiles. They grimaced from the broken pieces of their soul impaling their heart."
Friends, I truly felt connected to these characters. Ann does such a fabulous job of making each character, rather central or brief in appearance, feel relatable to the point that upon closing the second book, I was anxious in saying goodbye to this cast I adored. There are some heavy subjects discussed in these books, like the loss of loved ones, abuse, mental health and depression. It's fair to note as well that this book does end on a major cliffhanger, but the good news is that part two, which is the conclusion, is already published and you can read these back to back like I did! If you choose to pick these up, I highly recommend reading with a buddy, because I had the best time discussing this duet with Jenn from Stories and Coffee. I cannot recommend these books highly enough, and if you read these and love them too, I'd love to chat about Evie, Ronin, Lila, and Graham with you!
Shelved as 'lost-interest'
February 21, 2020Down below, you will see that I was undecided and hesitant about this duet at first.
Now, thanks to the information that came from my awesome friends Wil, Ceara, Mel and Hülya, I have made my mind up.
Here is the safety information about these books.
There is something akin to a threesome in Book 1 and also there is cheating in Book 2.
*********************************************
Please refer to these brilliant and brave reviews of my friends Ceara and Mel, to see how far the hero's cheating goes.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I am not going to read this duet because all these things that are mentioned above would definitely taint their love story in my eyes and it would be no romance but a farce in my opinion.
*********************************************
The part below was my review before knowing anything about this duet.
And I am glad that I have such awesome friends who have helped me to decide about these books.
My review as of 20.01.2020
Well, maybe... I don't know yet.
The blurb is vague.
The few reviews are vague.
I need solid reviews before I decide. I really don't have any idea what this book entails. It sounds intriguing but as Ms. Jewel is either a hit or a miss for me, I will wait for the reviews of friends...
And I will be very pleased if someone can explain to me WTF "The four become close—very close..." means...
A foursome, swingers, what?
Now, thanks to the information that came from my awesome friends Wil, Ceara, Mel and Hülya, I have made my mind up.
Here is the safety information about these books.
There is something akin to a threesome in Book 1 and also there is cheating in Book 2.
*********************************************
Please refer to these brilliant and brave reviews of my friends Ceara and Mel, to see how far the hero's cheating goes.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I am not going to read this duet because all these things that are mentioned above would definitely taint their love story in my eyes and it would be no romance but a farce in my opinion.
*********************************************
The part below was my review before knowing anything about this duet.
And I am glad that I have such awesome friends who have helped me to decide about these books.
My review as of 20.01.2020
Well, maybe... I don't know yet.
The blurb is vague.
The few reviews are vague.
I need solid reviews before I decide. I really don't have any idea what this book entails. It sounds intriguing but as Ms. Jewel is either a hit or a miss for me, I will wait for the reviews of friends...
And I will be very pleased if someone can explain to me WTF "The four become close—very close..." means...
A foursome, swingers, what?
February 2, 2020
5 SNOWY STARS ❄❄❄❄❄
I'll start from the end – I'M IN LOVE!!! 😍
This story had everything that made me fell in love with reading: loads of romance, humor, mystery, sexy chemistry and one PERFECT hero! 👑
But…
In the first chapters, something happened that I didn't like. I didn't understand what was it's purpose to the story… so I took a break. I even considered to stop reading. After a few days, I decided to try again. DAMN, I should've trusted Jewel because then...
My life was ruined.
I'm not kidding.
I READ NONSTOP. I was hiding in the toilet at work so no one would bother me (If my boss is reading this, I'M REALLY SORRY!!! I promise it won't happen again… well, at least until the second book comes out! Lol 😂😂😂)
📚 “𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗿. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂." 📚
34-year-old Evelyn went on vacation in Vancouver with her two best friends, Lila and Graham. She was always the third wheel in the bunch, but it never bothered her. There, she meets 35-year-old Ronin and their connection was immediate, until he left the day after. Two weeks later, Ronin and Evelyn meet again in the snowy Aspen, where she runs a bath and body shop (and makes all the produces herself) – and he starts his new job in the ski patrol. 🔥❄
Their story was sexy, romantic and mature (well, almost always 😬), Until… BOOM!!! 😱
📚 "𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹’𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗲." 📚
With great power comes great responsibility – either you can save the world or you can save yourself. How do you choose which life is more important than others …? 😱😱😱
I'm sure when Jewel created Ronin's character, she had no idea of all the catastrophic ovarian explosions all around the world… 🔥
He was a combination of Griffin (Transcend duet) and Jethro (Indebted) – only mature (35 years old 💪), romantic (except in the bed room. There, he wasn't a gentleman at all! 💥), hotter (he's half Asian for god's sake! 💙) and crazier (not in a dark way! 💣)
In other words: MY WET DREAM.
There's a lot to add about the plot, but I think this is one of those books that the less you know before you dive in, the better… Trust me! ❄
Yet, there were some things that didn't add up and hopefully will be resolved in the second book. For example, both heroes have siblings and everyone is in touch with them except for the heroes… So why were they mentioned so many times…? 😬
📚 "𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂… 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆.” 📚
Jewel wrote a brilliant story that melted my heart and played with my head – with a perfect touch of "unrealistic" element that I really enjoyed. 💙
As in all her books, the characters were human and well-developed, the writing was realistic and made me feel all the emotions and the plot was SO original! 👑
The first thing I did after the book ended, was to write Jewel a message that the ARC she sent me was probably damaged, because how could the book end like that?
Who does such a thing to their readers, Goddammit?!? 😱💔😭
However, if you're a true friend, you will read the book *NOW* and suffer with me until the second part comes out, because I'm totally counting the minutes until March… 🙏💙❄
*** 𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟 𝔸ℝℂ 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ***
▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️
📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: 🎉 https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/
I'll start from the end – I'M IN LOVE!!! 😍
This story had everything that made me fell in love with reading: loads of romance, humor, mystery, sexy chemistry and one PERFECT hero! 👑
But…
In the first chapters, something happened that I didn't like. I didn't understand what was it's purpose to the story… so I took a break. I even considered to stop reading. After a few days, I decided to try again. DAMN, I should've trusted Jewel because then...
My life was ruined.
I'm not kidding.
I READ NONSTOP. I was hiding in the toilet at work so no one would bother me (If my boss is reading this, I'M REALLY SORRY!!! I promise it won't happen again… well, at least until the second book comes out! Lol 😂😂😂)
📚 “𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝘃𝗲𝗿. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂." 📚
34-year-old Evelyn went on vacation in Vancouver with her two best friends, Lila and Graham. She was always the third wheel in the bunch, but it never bothered her. There, she meets 35-year-old Ronin and their connection was immediate, until he left the day after. Two weeks later, Ronin and Evelyn meet again in the snowy Aspen, where she runs a bath and body shop (and makes all the produces herself) – and he starts his new job in the ski patrol. 🔥❄
Their story was sexy, romantic and mature (well, almost always 😬), Until… BOOM!!! 😱
📚 "𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹’𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗲." 📚
With great power comes great responsibility – either you can save the world or you can save yourself. How do you choose which life is more important than others …? 😱😱😱
I'm sure when Jewel created Ronin's character, she had no idea of all the catastrophic ovarian explosions all around the world… 🔥
He was a combination of Griffin (Transcend duet) and Jethro (Indebted) – only mature (35 years old 💪), romantic (except in the bed room. There, he wasn't a gentleman at all! 💥), hotter (he's half Asian for god's sake! 💙) and crazier (not in a dark way! 💣)
In other words: MY WET DREAM.
There's a lot to add about the plot, but I think this is one of those books that the less you know before you dive in, the better… Trust me! ❄
Yet, there were some things that didn't add up and hopefully will be resolved in the second book. For example, both heroes have siblings and everyone is in touch with them except for the heroes… So why were they mentioned so many times…? 😬
📚 "𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂… 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆.” 📚
Jewel wrote a brilliant story that melted my heart and played with my head – with a perfect touch of "unrealistic" element that I really enjoyed. 💙
As in all her books, the characters were human and well-developed, the writing was realistic and made me feel all the emotions and the plot was SO original! 👑
The first thing I did after the book ended, was to write Jewel a message that the ARC she sent me was probably damaged, because how could the book end like that?
Who does such a thing to their readers, Goddammit?!? 😱💔😭
However, if you're a true friend, you will read the book *NOW* and suffer with me until the second part comes out, because I'm totally counting the minutes until March… 🙏💙❄
*** 𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟 𝔸ℝℂ 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ***
▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️▪️▫️
📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: 🎉 https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/
January 10, 2021
Jewel E. Ann can write!
I gobbled this up in one sitting. That prologue kept my on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I felt maybe it actually did a too effective a job of casting the dread/doubt on me because I didn’t feel their chemistry as much as I felt I should have. Like my mind is so fixated on that revelation from that prologue and distracted from all the sparks or whatever.
Don’t get me wrong, it was hot when it needed to be. Just the whole flirting thing and I don’t particularly find their banter that cute. Not as heart-racing as in, say, End of Day, another book I read by Jewel E. Ann.
⚠️ personal grumble ⚠️
Plus, Ronin’s got nothing on my Luke. Oh sorry not sorry, he’s sweet and all but he’s no Luke. And Evie is dandy and everything but she’s certainly no Jessica.
I gobbled this up in one sitting. That prologue kept my on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I felt maybe it actually did a too effective a job of casting the dread/doubt on me because I didn’t feel their chemistry as much as I felt I should have. Like my mind is so fixated on that revelation from that prologue and distracted from all the sparks or whatever.
Don’t get me wrong, it was hot when it needed to be. Just the whole flirting thing and I don’t particularly find their banter that cute. Not as heart-racing as in, say, End of Day, another book I read by Jewel E. Ann.
⚠️ personal grumble ⚠️
Plus, Ronin’s got nothing on my Luke. Oh sorry not sorry, he’s sweet and all but he’s no Luke. And Evie is dandy and everything but she’s certainly no Jessica.
March 17, 2022
Gaaaaaaaaah, why would you cliff hang like that?!
Should the sequel fail to drop in 12 days, someone better tell Jewel Ann that I'll just burst into tears. Yep
February 22, 2020
I've treasured each and every story from Jewel, but this story has reached up and touched the sky for me. It should be a hard act to follow.........for any other author.
But jewel will keep raising the sky it seems, like a personal challenge she sets for herself with every novel. She's competing with herself story after story
As always, Her prose is vibrant and lively. It billows and rumbles, pregnant with possibilities and jewel is a sailor and explorer. Moving from one trope to another, adventurous and curious
With a pickaxe and pen she goes digging deep into human soul and brain, chronicling her findings, marvelling at the what she discovers hidden between layers of our psyches
Had she not been a successful writer, she'd have made a brilliant psychologist, I'm sure
She keeps folding the story into an origami masterpiece, till we end up with a 4 dimensional POV.
There's her side, characters' side, readers side and the truth.
Her plot, character's reaction, our perspective and the Phenomenon of truth (you'll get it when you read it!!)
The plot is unbelievable because its uncharted territory for me. I've never read anything like this before. But as always I don't doubt, I don't ask, I don't choose & pick from the menu.
Whatever she feeds me, I Chew and savour.
Why she gives a particular twist, I dont question.
My trust in her ability is complete and total!
So when she declares that her next Book touches something intangible and obstruse...I say with my thudding heart- Bring. It. On!!
she has made me question the events unfolding in front of my eyes.
"Hinder not the soul’s intended path unto light, lest shards of darkness shed upon thee. "
I wonder if all superheroes face the same dilemma?
Is it all WORTH IT?
With great power comes great responsibility.- Either you save the world or save yourself.
A beautiful romance set in Picturesque Aspen. Her capacity for empathy seeps down on the pages, she's grabbed my heart in her hands and squeezed tight, at some scenes I was Breathless, at some dumbstruck, at some weeping and howling, till the acute pain was too much to handle............ #Flatlined
It's complex and well rounded, impeccably polished and consummately narrated story. jewel has explored the entire spectrum from softly romantic to heartwrenching sadness...with loads of funny in between. Her tone is snappy, dialogues crisp but the feels...OMG THE FEELS, they just render you stupid. I felt attacked from all sides, sharp barbs piercing my heart every chapter.
There's Evelyn Taylor- Science Geek, Evie the Chemist of Saponification, surrounded by perfumes and scents, soaps and scrubs, cleansing the world one soap bar at a time
The meet cute with Ronin Alexander the Book Nerd skier, happens in a Vancouver bar, where she's the third wheel tugged by her best friends Graham & Lila.
"Hot buns. Yummy bubble tea. Sunny and fifty-five degrees in beautiful Vancouver. And an Asian Frenchman who liked saving lives. Short of Graham giving Lila a dozen orgasms … there’s no way Lila’s day beat mine. "
They're getting married and she's here to keep Lila company.
Was it fate..destiny..serendipity? who knows, but they end up in Aspen, Colorado together and the connection purifies and distills in the pristine snow resort town.
"I felt like we were a fact—the sky was blue, water was wet, the wind blew. Ronin and Evelyn just were."
And then as they come closer, the tiny details of life gets clearer. All the truths, tainted and stark seem to crawl into the periphery moving towards the center.
“Every lie is actually a truth in a parallel universe.”
Their love is already set up for some unconquerable & invisible challenges. It demands tremendous amount of faith and trust against indescernible. A sequence of events unfold like a domino effect, one thing leads to the other until Evie is demanding answers.....and so was I. What happens next dropped my JAW TO THE FLOOR!!
Things get tough all around but the brunt of the collapsing world falls on Evie the hardest, she's wounded the most and looking at the CATASTROPHIC ending....she's going to be curling on the floor to weep until she dies......why should I be the only one wallowing in misery and grief!!
After all these books, you'd think I'd be used to Jewel pulling the ground beneath my feet. But like a sucker,I fall for it EVERYTIME
I wish I could've said more, revealed some plot secrets but Jewel would get pissed and demote me, so come suffer with me in CryFest, I'll provide wine!!
5 stars for “Unexplainable phenomena and unprovable ideologies.”
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But jewel will keep raising the sky it seems, like a personal challenge she sets for herself with every novel. She's competing with herself story after story
As always, Her prose is vibrant and lively. It billows and rumbles, pregnant with possibilities and jewel is a sailor and explorer. Moving from one trope to another, adventurous and curious
With a pickaxe and pen she goes digging deep into human soul and brain, chronicling her findings, marvelling at the what she discovers hidden between layers of our psyches
Had she not been a successful writer, she'd have made a brilliant psychologist, I'm sure
She keeps folding the story into an origami masterpiece, till we end up with a 4 dimensional POV.
There's her side, characters' side, readers side and the truth.
Her plot, character's reaction, our perspective and the Phenomenon of truth (you'll get it when you read it!!)
The plot is unbelievable because its uncharted territory for me. I've never read anything like this before. But as always I don't doubt, I don't ask, I don't choose & pick from the menu.
Whatever she feeds me, I Chew and savour.
Why she gives a particular twist, I dont question.
My trust in her ability is complete and total!
So when she declares that her next Book touches something intangible and obstruse...I say with my thudding heart- Bring. It. On!!
she has made me question the events unfolding in front of my eyes.
"Hinder not the soul’s intended path unto light, lest shards of darkness shed upon thee. "
I wonder if all superheroes face the same dilemma?
Is it all WORTH IT?
With great power comes great responsibility.- Either you save the world or save yourself.
A beautiful romance set in Picturesque Aspen. Her capacity for empathy seeps down on the pages, she's grabbed my heart in her hands and squeezed tight, at some scenes I was Breathless, at some dumbstruck, at some weeping and howling, till the acute pain was too much to handle............ #Flatlined
It's complex and well rounded, impeccably polished and consummately narrated story. jewel has explored the entire spectrum from softly romantic to heartwrenching sadness...with loads of funny in between. Her tone is snappy, dialogues crisp but the feels...OMG THE FEELS, they just render you stupid. I felt attacked from all sides, sharp barbs piercing my heart every chapter.
There's Evelyn Taylor- Science Geek, Evie the Chemist of Saponification, surrounded by perfumes and scents, soaps and scrubs, cleansing the world one soap bar at a time
The meet cute with Ronin Alexander the Book Nerd skier, happens in a Vancouver bar, where she's the third wheel tugged by her best friends Graham & Lila.
"Hot buns. Yummy bubble tea. Sunny and fifty-five degrees in beautiful Vancouver. And an Asian Frenchman who liked saving lives. Short of Graham giving Lila a dozen orgasms … there’s no way Lila’s day beat mine. "
They're getting married and she's here to keep Lila company.
Was it fate..destiny..serendipity? who knows, but they end up in Aspen, Colorado together and the connection purifies and distills in the pristine snow resort town.
"I felt like we were a fact—the sky was blue, water was wet, the wind blew. Ronin and Evelyn just were."
And then as they come closer, the tiny details of life gets clearer. All the truths, tainted and stark seem to crawl into the periphery moving towards the center.
“Every lie is actually a truth in a parallel universe.”
Their love is already set up for some unconquerable & invisible challenges. It demands tremendous amount of faith and trust against indescernible. A sequence of events unfold like a domino effect, one thing leads to the other until Evie is demanding answers.....and so was I. What happens next dropped my JAW TO THE FLOOR!!
Things get tough all around but the brunt of the collapsing world falls on Evie the hardest, she's wounded the most and looking at the CATASTROPHIC ending....she's going to be curling on the floor to weep until she dies......why should I be the only one wallowing in misery and grief!!
After all these books, you'd think I'd be used to Jewel pulling the ground beneath my feet. But like a sucker,I fall for it EVERYTIME
I wish I could've said more, revealed some plot secrets but Jewel would get pissed and demote me, so come suffer with me in CryFest, I'll provide wine!!
5 stars for “Unexplainable phenomena and unprovable ideologies.”
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow me on:
BookBistroBlog@gmail.com
https://Twitter.com/BookBistro
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February 22, 2020
*****4.5 STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
Evelyn made me feel more vulnerable than I ever thought humanly possible. She was the beginning and the end, the mother of my children, the keeper of my heart, the reason my lungs took breaths, my absolute favorite…everything. Wanting her felt like an honor. Needing her felt like a failure.
Leave it to Jewel E Ann to write another spell-binding and captivating story. The prologue left me with a feeling of unease that stayed with me throughout the entire book. I already had my mind set on how the plot was going to unfold and I found myself not trusting and also strongly disliking the pair of secondary characters who are key players in the ”Life Duet”. This had me questioning the intelligence of the heroine, Evie, but, I couldn’t stop myself from loving Ronin. He’s extremely charismatic and a true scene-stealer. His truths are heartbreaking and other worldly. My mind was blown by his revelation, and I should have known that there’s no way that Jewel would write a predictable story.
Book one ends with a huge cliffhanger, but the release date of ”The Life You Stole” has been bumped up to February 20th!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”THE LIFE THAT MATTERED” releases on February 6th!
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
Evelyn made me feel more vulnerable than I ever thought humanly possible. She was the beginning and the end, the mother of my children, the keeper of my heart, the reason my lungs took breaths, my absolute favorite…everything. Wanting her felt like an honor. Needing her felt like a failure.
Leave it to Jewel E Ann to write another spell-binding and captivating story. The prologue left me with a feeling of unease that stayed with me throughout the entire book. I already had my mind set on how the plot was going to unfold and I found myself not trusting and also strongly disliking the pair of secondary characters who are key players in the ”Life Duet”. This had me questioning the intelligence of the heroine, Evie, but, I couldn’t stop myself from loving Ronin. He’s extremely charismatic and a true scene-stealer. His truths are heartbreaking and other worldly. My mind was blown by his revelation, and I should have known that there’s no way that Jewel would write a predictable story.
Book one ends with a huge cliffhanger, but the release date of ”The Life You Stole” has been bumped up to February 20th!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4
Plot: 4.5
Angst: 4
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”THE LIFE THAT MATTERED” releases on February 6th!
February 22, 2020
I feel like I’ve run a marathon after finishing The Life That Mattered. Out of breath and high on adrenaline. Jewel E. Ann delivers the good stuff. The angst, the suspense and the romance.
The main characters are Evelyn and Ronin. Evelyn is best friends with Graham and Lila who’s getting married. That’s all I’m going to give away cause I don’t want to spoil anything.
What I loved about TLTM was the different dynamics between these couples. Evelyn shares a lot of history with Graham and Lila which also shows in their friendship and their dynamics. It’s a friendship but not without a price.
Evelyn and Ronin were freaking amazing together. Their courtship and friendship. My swooning heart enjoyed every moment of these two together.
I’m a huge fan of a dialogue heavy story and Jewel E. Ann is a master at that. She weaves a beautiful and complex story added with brilliant and humorous dialogue and my reader heart was on cloud nine. This is a fantastic character driven story that left me questioning which direction it and its characters were headed. It’s a puzzle game and I can’t wait to figure out the rest of the pieces to this spectacular plot and story. Go into this book with an open mind and be amazed. Brava!
5 Probably Stars
The main characters are Evelyn and Ronin. Evelyn is best friends with Graham and Lila who’s getting married. That’s all I’m going to give away cause I don’t want to spoil anything.
What I loved about TLTM was the different dynamics between these couples. Evelyn shares a lot of history with Graham and Lila which also shows in their friendship and their dynamics. It’s a friendship but not without a price.
Evelyn and Ronin were freaking amazing together. Their courtship and friendship. My swooning heart enjoyed every moment of these two together.
I’m a huge fan of a dialogue heavy story and Jewel E. Ann is a master at that. She weaves a beautiful and complex story added with brilliant and humorous dialogue and my reader heart was on cloud nine. This is a fantastic character driven story that left me questioning which direction it and its characters were headed. It’s a puzzle game and I can’t wait to figure out the rest of the pieces to this spectacular plot and story. Go into this book with an open mind and be amazed. Brava!
5 Probably Stars
February 6, 2020
I just knew going into this story, that it was gonna wreck me. This amazing author has shown me her "shock-factor" abilities before so, I figured I was prepared for anything... I was wrong though, I was not prepared for this story and I was definitely not prepared for that cliffhanger!!
Now, I am going to keep my review as vague as possible, because this story should be read with as little spoilers as possible. Just jump in blind ... you won't be sorry.
All I can say is that this isn't your typical "love story". Even though the main characters Evie and Ronin are oh so awesome, this story involves more than just 2 people... ... Two couples entwined, connected through their past and the future.
There is plenty of romance and friendship, humor and love... but there is more as well...
It was different from any story I have read before and that was actually really refreshing. It also kept me intrigued until the very end.
The prologue grabbed me by the throat and I just knew I was gonna pull an all-nighter to finish it because there was no way in hell I would be able to take a break.
I still got stuck with that mother of a cliffy though, which I have to be honest, really pisses me off. Thankfully I got the awesome news that the release date for the second book has been pushed forward by a month, and so it won't be long until all will be revealed... Let's hope time flies because I really need some answers!!!
Well played Jewel E Ann ... very well played ...
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
February 7, 2020
FAVORITE
5 STARS
Wow I don't know what to say, I finidhed this one and still thinking about it!This is so different , this is unique, this is like nothing I have read and omg it was so addictive! I loved every minute of it , so many emotions!It was brilliant.
I was hooked from the prologue and I was so intrigued. Once I start it I couldn't put it down and now I want more.I went to this one blind and what a ride!It has a little bit of everything. It was romantic , mysterious, a little bit crazy . The relationship between the characters is intense , unique and you can feel everything.
I'm speechless right now and waiting for next book !I have read many books by Jewel E Ann and I'm going to tell you this is a must read!!I highly recommend it, if you are looking for a refreshing story, unique and brilliant plot this is what you need!
5 STARS
Wow I don't know what to say, I finidhed this one and still thinking about it!This is so different , this is unique, this is like nothing I have read and omg it was so addictive! I loved every minute of it , so many emotions!It was brilliant.
I was hooked from the prologue and I was so intrigued. Once I start it I couldn't put it down and now I want more.I went to this one blind and what a ride!It has a little bit of everything. It was romantic , mysterious, a little bit crazy . The relationship between the characters is intense , unique and you can feel everything.
I'm speechless right now and waiting for next book !I have read many books by Jewel E Ann and I'm going to tell you this is a must read!!I highly recommend it, if you are looking for a refreshing story, unique and brilliant plot this is what you need!
February 22, 2020
That end! Ugh I need 2nd book ASAP! :(
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. ❤
The Life that Mattered (1st book)
Releasing February 6th
-Cover Revealed-
BLURB:
Sex isn’t love.
Love isn’t sex.
And friendship is neither.
The Life Duet, an all-new mind-bending and romantic duet from Jewel E. Ann is coming February 6th, and we have the gorgeous covers!
The Life that Mattered (1st book)
Releasing February 6th
The son of a French Olympic skier and a Malaysian fashion designer, Ronin Alexander has lived the life of a nomad, traveling the world to find his next adventure.
Life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Evelyn, a beautiful scientist who owns a bath shop in Aspen, Colorado. They defy all the rules of relationships, falling hard and quickly in love.
Their world intertwines with Evelyn’s two best friends, the Governor and his soon-to-be wife. The four become close—very close.
When tragedy strikes, things from their pasts are unveiled—unimaginable truths and the grim realization that life will never be the same.
Jewel E. Ann steps into another dimension with this mind-bending thriller, a provocative story that pushes boundaries and tests the true meaning of love.
Add The Life That Mattered to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2QUyoN5
------------------------
The Life You Stole
Releasing February 20th (2nd book)
Add THE LIFE YOU STOLE to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2SZijss
Be Notified FIRST when The Life Duet is live: http://bit.ly/2SYacw1
Cover Designed by: Kerry Ellis, Covered by Kerry
About Jewel
Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.
With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.
After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.
When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.
Connect with Jewel Facebook: http://bit.ly/2Qzj2iq Twitter: http://bit.ly/2urUQG0 Instagram: http://bit.ly/2ZZwpLD BookBub: http://bit.ly/2s4ftr1
Stay up to date with Jewel by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2FpGXdA http://www.jeweleann.com
February 5, 2020
There are simply not enough words to describe what this author does to her readers when we experience her stories. There’s this sense of loss because we’ve read those dreadful words “The End" or the flood of emotions and racing heart that we feel when she literally takes us over the edge with her no apologies cliffhanger. As fans and readers, we’re left to pick up the pieces because what we just went through? What our hearts had to endure? Again…. There are no words..
This story is very different and I cannot stress that enough. It was unconventional in a sense but to the core of it, we still had the soul crushing consuming love, lifelong friendships and the making of something so beautiful, it will hurt to write about. I love that this author does things her own way and she gives us these types of characters that are unique in their own right. I was wrapped up in every single one of them and I felt their pain, their joy, the sadness, acceptance to the now and most of all, I felt their love.
I know that I’m being extremely vague in this review but I honestly feel that in order to experience this story as it was meant to and connect with these characters, you have to go into this blindly. The element of surprise and witnessing these characters falling in love, is what makes story so special. Now with that being said, the only thing that I would like to mention right now is the cliffhanger. WTF was that????? No seriously… my heart is still trying to get it’s normal rhythm back and I can’t even describe what I’m feeling right now. What are we supposed to do in the mean time?!
If you’re looking for a book that is going to consume you and make you fall in love? Then this one is for you.
March 5, 2020
This author, she knows exactly how to suck me in!!! Her writing just captures my attention and I'm all in. Like literally don't put the book down, or else.....
My emotions were on a roll with this book. Hard to explain but if you have read this amazing author before, you know what I am saying. If you haven't read her stories, DO IT!!! You'll definitely be outta breath at times, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, keep going you'll definitely love the cliffy
My emotions were on a roll with this book. Hard to explain but if you have read this amazing author before, you know what I am saying. If you haven't read her stories, DO IT!!! You'll definitely be outta breath at times, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, keep going you'll definitely love the cliffy
April 9, 2021
Evelyn. Ronin.
Lila. Graham.
Those are the four people this duet is about.
Evelyn starts telling us the story. She and Ronin are the main couple. At least I guess they are.
I just got started with the story.
The prologue was six years in the future. Very confusing, sad, weird.
And then we go back a few years. Evelyn tells us how she's been besties with Lila since kindergarten and how Graham joined their circle in college and fell in love with Lila.
After that Evelyn was always their third wheel and best friend.
And then - a little while before Graham and Lila got married and Graham went on to become governor ... Evelyn met Ronin in a café in Vancouver.
It was mega insta interest/attraction/love between Evelyn and Ronin. And as fate would have it ... Ronin would leave for his new job in Aspen the next day. Aspen, Colorado - where Evelyn runs her own bath and body shop.
But that's not yet our happily ever after ... not by a long shot ...
What will happen with Evelyn & Ronin & Lila & Graham?
Will there be a HEA?
READ THE BOOK(s) TO FIND OUT! ☺
══════════════════
Oy!
Well, that was ... something!
I had NO idea what to expect when I started reading. From the cover I expected some kind of snow-accident-gone-missing-wilderness-adventure-psycho-suspense! LOL. From the blurb ... no idea ... a romance with a bit of suspense and a foursome?? NO idea what I was expecting, or what I was wanting it to be.
Then I got a very weird and strange and sad prologue and still didn't know much more!
And then the story starts. And we kinda love it - it's all fun and sexy and ski-ish and romance-ish and falling-in-love-ish and very mature (we're mid-thirties! Even though from the way they act - everybody could be in their twenties!). But we all know that the real story hasn't even started yet!
And yes, we're a bit scared of whatever might happen ...
But still - everything is going great. We're in Aspen. It's sexy and funny and adorable. Time goes by.
I think Jewel wants us to feel safe and happy ... for now. I just know the BAM will come!
There was this tiny line at the 18% mark that worried me a bit. (Because of my dislike of religion and spiritual crap and also because I just don't much love supernatural stuff in my romances!)
And now I just keep on reading expecting .... I don't know what to happen. LOL!
But I enjoy doing that. I love reading this story. Ronin is a perfect hero!
I haven't been scared away yet!
But I'm sure it's coming! It has to get really bad for the second book to make it all perfect again - but maybe we won't get any perfects at all. Oy. Now I'm even more scared.
And I'm also sure it will be HELL to have to wait for book 2 to arrive!
THE LIFE THAT MATTERED was such a beautiful story. Funny, aorable, sexy, mysterious, wintery, heartbreaking. I need book #2 asap!!
Run to your nearest amazon for your own Ronin - this one is MINE!☺
💜
💜
February 8, 2020
SIGNED PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY: http://bit.ly/2utkjPI
REVIEW: 5 STARS
"Don't ever tell me what you can show me."
Double edged sword: I never want my JEA recommendation to be lost in a sea of glowing reviews because I want to share with you WHY one of her books did what it did to me and why you should read it. But then, there is obviously a very good reason I will get buried in all those reviews: she is an amazing storyteller full of life and unbelievable love that undoubtedly always makes me think. However, don't let her sweet self fool you, she’s brutal. She can wrestle your emotions quicker long before you would ever begin to realize. Trust me.
I can repeat myself, over and over every time I read one of her books, about how amazing her stories are. How they make me feel. How her writing is transcendent. Or that she tells an amazing story....blah blah blah. Right? Today, I want to be your reason. I want to share with you why this is the book you need in your life right now. She gives me moments. Moments I’m falling in love. Moments I’m laughing. Moments I’m swooning. Moments I’m anxious. She fills her books with my favorite moments. But sometimes, moments are filled with the desperate times. So very ... hard times.
Jewel always gives me a heroine with so much reality infused into her character; not perfect, but real . Living life, giving a love to this character that is unparalleled with any other book. Clearly Evelyn had a certain something to her. She was a very easy loving, clean living, good gal. I loved her demeanor and her personality. She was strong in her beliefs and didn't let anything sway her opinion. However, with the weight of the world on her shoulders, she'll inevitably crumble. The question is, does she have the right person to pick up the pieces and put her back together?
"Fate in perfect form."
Well, I personally believe that her Ronin is just that man. Perfection at every turn. He is the stuff book boyfriends are made of. Even though there is something going on with him, something that's unexplainable, something incomprehensible - it pulls at me, at my conscience,/i> to recognize his good in every light. To understand solid, indescribable love beyond any inconceivable doubt - he knows how to love with his whole being. And my gosh, does he show it and does she feel it. They were simply delicious together. Seriously sooooo sexy, the two of them.
Their love was absolute. While I can pinpoint when their love started, in the whole scheme of things, there was no end and no beginning - it just was. Infinity. That love makes me sigh. That love makes me smile, my heart flutter - it allows for an easy read. But you know that's not the end of it, right? Noooo. Jewel isn't going to make it easy on us. Ever. Everrrr. And that is exactly why I love her writing. Their love was not without its own set of issues, and they had real, everyday issues. I love that she made them so relatable and put us in their shoes every.single.day. With the highs came the lows, with the easy came the hard, with the happy came the angry. Not only was this one so very different than her other stories, she made it signature Jewel with her angst and her truth. THAT is what I love about her stories. The journey is always a means of discovery.
I hate always using the same words for books - you know, the emotional, perfectly fitting ones? But Jewel can always make me feel a book more than anything. It’s a friend sitting on the couch with me. It’s a lover biting on my earlobe and giving me the chills up and down my arms. It’s a whisper that raises the hair on the back of my neck. Jewel gives me everything I need in a book - and puts me IN the space between the covers. She sets me up and feeds me the halted breath I need to understand the emotion at hand.
With this book, she set me up....and now I have so many questions! Being able to feel what I feel each time I read one of her books is always a pleasure, whether it’s ripe with pain, agony, joy, or exhilaration. But I aways know I’m guaranteed a love worth swooning over. A love worth fighting for til the bitter end. She always gives me that. But the ending of this one gives me a very scary feeling.....and I know I’m in for a rude awakening when I jump into the next book. There is going to be some damage control.
So not only did she give me a story that had me excited to see what the next page held, she has me now questioning everything I read. I have more questions than answers at this point and I’m questioning my own logic!
This was very hard for me to read. It hit very close to home and was very emotional. I closed the book with tears in my eyes. But, knowing that I have the next book to make it through as well, I know that my uphill battle isn’t over yet....yet. Because she's bound to put me through the wringer even more, making me hurt that much more. I'm looking forward to it! I seem to find this happens more often than not with a Jewel E Ann book, and for good reason. Her books never follow a straight line. She never does anything twice. She's original in her thinking and every time she brings me to my knees.....even with her epic cliffhangers.
MOMENT TO LOOK FOR: Firewood has never been so sexy. You're welcome.
"Wanting her felt like an honor."
~BEE
"Evelyn made me feel more vulnerable than I ever thought humanly possible. She was the beginning and the end, the mother of my children, the keeper of my heart, the reason my lungs took breaths, my absolute favorite....everything."
Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2ur2sJ2
Affiliate Link
SIGNED PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY: http://bit.ly/2utkjPI
REVIEW: 5 STARS
"Don't ever tell me what you can show me."
Double edged sword: I never want my JEA recommendation to be lost in a sea of glowing reviews because I want to share with you WHY one of her books did what it did to me and why you should read it. But then, there is obviously a very good reason I will get buried in all those reviews: she is an amazing storyteller full of life and unbelievable love that undoubtedly always makes me think. However, don't let her sweet self fool you, she’s brutal. She can wrestle your emotions quicker long before you would ever begin to realize. Trust me.
I can repeat myself, over and over every time I read one of her books, about how amazing her stories are. How they make me feel. How her writing is transcendent. Or that she tells an amazing story....blah blah blah. Right? Today, I want to be your reason. I want to share with you why this is the book you need in your life right now. She gives me moments. Moments I’m falling in love. Moments I’m laughing. Moments I’m swooning. Moments I’m anxious. She fills her books with my favorite moments. But sometimes, moments are filled with the desperate times. So very ... hard times.
Jewel always gives me a heroine with so much reality infused into her character; not perfect, but real . Living life, giving a love to this character that is unparalleled with any other book. Clearly Evelyn had a certain something to her. She was a very easy loving, clean living, good gal. I loved her demeanor and her personality. She was strong in her beliefs and didn't let anything sway her opinion. However, with the weight of the world on her shoulders, she'll inevitably crumble. The question is, does she have the right person to pick up the pieces and put her back together?
"Fate in perfect form."
Well, I personally believe that her Ronin is just that man. Perfection at every turn. He is the stuff book boyfriends are made of. Even though there is something going on with him, something that's unexplainable, something incomprehensible - it pulls at me, at my conscience,/i> to recognize his good in every light. To understand solid, indescribable love beyond any inconceivable doubt - he knows how to love with his whole being. And my gosh, does he show it and does she feel it. They were simply delicious together. Seriously sooooo sexy, the two of them.
Their love was absolute. While I can pinpoint when their love started, in the whole scheme of things, there was no end and no beginning - it just was. Infinity. That love makes me sigh. That love makes me smile, my heart flutter - it allows for an easy read. But you know that's not the end of it, right? Noooo. Jewel isn't going to make it easy on us. Ever. Everrrr. And that is exactly why I love her writing. Their love was not without its own set of issues, and they had real, everyday issues. I love that she made them so relatable and put us in their shoes every.single.day. With the highs came the lows, with the easy came the hard, with the happy came the angry. Not only was this one so very different than her other stories, she made it signature Jewel with her angst and her truth. THAT is what I love about her stories. The journey is always a means of discovery.
I hate always using the same words for books - you know, the emotional, perfectly fitting ones? But Jewel can always make me feel a book more than anything. It’s a friend sitting on the couch with me. It’s a lover biting on my earlobe and giving me the chills up and down my arms. It’s a whisper that raises the hair on the back of my neck. Jewel gives me everything I need in a book - and puts me IN the space between the covers. She sets me up and feeds me the halted breath I need to understand the emotion at hand.
With this book, she set me up....and now I have so many questions! Being able to feel what I feel each time I read one of her books is always a pleasure, whether it’s ripe with pain, agony, joy, or exhilaration. But I aways know I’m guaranteed a love worth swooning over. A love worth fighting for til the bitter end. She always gives me that. But the ending of this one gives me a very scary feeling.....and I know I’m in for a rude awakening when I jump into the next book. There is going to be some damage control.
So not only did she give me a story that had me excited to see what the next page held, she has me now questioning everything I read. I have more questions than answers at this point and I’m questioning my own logic!
This was very hard for me to read. It hit very close to home and was very emotional. I closed the book with tears in my eyes. But, knowing that I have the next book to make it through as well, I know that my uphill battle isn’t over yet....yet. Because she's bound to put me through the wringer even more, making me hurt that much more. I'm looking forward to it! I seem to find this happens more often than not with a Jewel E Ann book, and for good reason. Her books never follow a straight line. She never does anything twice. She's original in her thinking and every time she brings me to my knees.....even with her epic cliffhangers.
MOMENT TO LOOK FOR: Firewood has never been so sexy. You're welcome.
"Wanting her felt like an honor."
~BEE
"Evelyn made me feel more vulnerable than I ever thought humanly possible. She was the beginning and the end, the mother of my children, the keeper of my heart, the reason my lungs took breaths, my absolute favorite....everything."
Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2ur2sJ2
Affiliate Link
SIGNED PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY: http://bit.ly/2utkjPI
February 16, 2021
I don't think I can explain what I felt while reading this story.
It was strange and uncomfortable, but not for the usual reasons. There was nothing wrong, depraved or taboo.
It was the atmosphere surrounding the story, a strong unsettling vibe that I couldn't shake off.
Turning the page was scary.
This story was written in a code my brain couldn't grasp.
I'll need to think about my rate.
June 27, 2023
3.5 stars
This book was wild. I'm not sure how to rate it or even what genre to put it in. Jewel E. Ann always writes outside of the box and I love her writing style. I liked both of the main characters and I found the twist so interesting. I'm curious to see what happens in the next book and I'll definitely be picking it up soon. The story line with her two best friends though... I'm not sure how I feel about that. Every time one of those scenes came up it took me out of the story. I can see why so many people loved it, but it was a middle of the road read for me.
This book was wild. I'm not sure how to rate it or even what genre to put it in. Jewel E. Ann always writes outside of the box and I love her writing style. I liked both of the main characters and I found the twist so interesting. I'm curious to see what happens in the next book and I'll definitely be picking it up soon. The story line with her two best friends though... I'm not sure how I feel about that. Every time one of those scenes came up it took me out of the story. I can see why so many people loved it, but it was a middle of the road read for me.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Andi Arndt & Paul Woodson
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: I have no idea...
Length: 8h 38m
August 16, 2022
Re read with CC & War! I didn’t realized how much support you need reading this book 😆, don’t know how I survived it by myself the first time around. 😒😳😆
Evelyn Taylor never thought she will ever find true love, after giving up on love she focused on her business. As a small business owner she decided to make the best doing what she loves doing, creating soaps, bath bombs, scrubs, etc for her clients. Her family believe in marriage and kids at a young age so when she surpassed their expectation she just stopped carrying about what they thought.
Ronin Alexander meets Evelyn in a small coffee shop and found her interesting and refreshing. Ronin has a past that keeps him from getting attached to anyone but Evelyn was different. When life keeps putting them together they just didn't excepted to fall so hard so fast but their connection was amazing I truly chipped these couple so hard.
This book opens up with some deep deep words and It got my attention from the very start. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but one thing is for sure this author keeps surprising me. I absolutely loved the location of the story, the side characters made the story interesting but Ronin won me over and melt my heart over and over. I feel readers need to just dive in without expectation and enjoy the wild ride.
Overall; The Life That Mattered is a very touching story about love, loss, life, and family. Readers looking for a unique story with some supernatural elements will find this book appealing.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
4.5★★★★Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Type: Book 1 of 2 in the Life Duet
POV: First Person – Dual
"When forced to choose what really matters, it all became so clear. This moment. The only moment."
Evelyn Taylor never thought she will ever find true love, after giving up on love she focused on her business. As a small business owner she decided to make the best doing what she loves doing, creating soaps, bath bombs, scrubs, etc for her clients. Her family believe in marriage and kids at a young age so when she surpassed their expectation she just stopped carrying about what they thought.
"Sometimes it happened slowly, and other times it took off. And all you could do was go with the momentum and hope you didn't fall too hard."
Ronin Alexander meets Evelyn in a small coffee shop and found her interesting and refreshing. Ronin has a past that keeps him from getting attached to anyone but Evelyn was different. When life keeps putting them together they just didn't excepted to fall so hard so fast but their connection was amazing I truly chipped these couple so hard.
"Her smile, an effortless light that couldn't be dimmed. It grew as we made eye contact, and it felt like she acknowledged something unspoken between us."
This book opens up with some deep deep words and It got my attention from the very start. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but one thing is for sure this author keeps surprising me. I absolutely loved the location of the story, the side characters made the story interesting but Ronin won me over and melt my heart over and over. I feel readers need to just dive in without expectation and enjoy the wild ride.
"Somewhere along the way she'd woven a piece of her heart-a fragment of her soul-into me."
Overall; The Life That Mattered is a very touching story about love, loss, life, and family. Readers looking for a unique story with some supernatural elements will find this book appealing.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 10, 2020
4 Stars ⭐️
Shelved as 'fck-no'
February 7, 2020Can someone please tell me what the plot is all about ? Blurb is vague. And all the reviews right now are ARC and they are all f*cking sweetshit. I don’t believe them. So please can I get the basic plot from some non arc reviewer? Is there foursome or couple swapping (not my thing) ? Any trigger?
UPDATE -
I got my answer in the comment.
This book is a big NO.
Hats off to you ARC reviewers. You can sell even a broken table. 😁
UPDATE -
I got my answer in the comment.
This book is a big NO.
Hats off to you ARC reviewers. You can sell even a broken table. 😁
February 6, 2020
***5 "Probably!!!" stars***
IT'S LIVEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
"Falling in love tomorrow is such a waste of today."
Is it possible for a book to wreck you even from the prologue???
To make you squirm all the damn time and to wait in every turn of the events, the other shoe to drop???
This woman and her writing skills are driving me crazy!!!
I'm craving her stories and I loathed them at the same time... Cause after their endings, i might never be the same again...
This story, right here, wrecked me in a very emotional way!!!!
Jewel took my heart and she stomped upon her and i don't know if i can get over it soon!!!
"When you loved someone-truly loved them- you didn't take their smile.
People with broken souls didn't have real smiles.
They grimaced from the broken pieces of their soul impaling their heart."
The only sure thing is that i need the second part of this story like a mad woman...
The author teased us from the first moment with that prologue and i didn't really took my answers... I'm just haven't even more after the last chapter and that damn cliffy...
What will happen after all??? What was happening all the time??? What had happened that made me feel uneasy, even though i have no clue of what really happened???
Darn... I'm heartbroken and i really don't know the reasons why i feel that way, yet!!! I just feel it deep inside my bones!!!
I'm not really sure, if i can't handle it, cause the possibilities are endless in my head and they're hurting me...
"Life was about breaths and heartbeats.
A smile.
A wink.
The squeeze of a hand.
Sunrises and sunsets.
The rest... it was all extra.
When forced to choose what really matters, it all became so clear. This moment. The only moment."
Well... Honestly, I don't know what actually can say about this story...
There was a woman that one day, she met a man...
They became each other's world...
Add to that her two best friends that they were a couple...
Something really strange is existing between them... A weird connection that i still can't grab my head around it!!!!
Secrets, lies, hidden feelings, strange situations, unspeakable things are about to tear them apart...
Will they survive at the end??? Will their lives and hearts stay unbroken???
Well, good luck with that!!!
I'm afraid that nothing will be the same at the end...
“For me, I felt like we were a fact—the sky was blue, water was wet, the wind blew.
Ronin and Evelyn just were.”
"That day in Vancouver, it felt like so much more than a stop along my way. It felt like I had arrived."
"That's the thing about you, Evie... I had no idea I was waiting for someone until you arrived."
I loved Evelyn and Ronin so much....
From the beginning, there were a big connection between them... Chemistry... Unspoken big words...
She used logic, he used impulsive actions...
They were perfect with so many imperfections!!!!
They built something great and solid together, but the walls are starting to tremble around them...
I'm afraid of them and i really don't want for them to be... broken!!!
I love them!!!
"One hit.
I was an Evelyn addict from one hit.
Every day felt borrowed... Every minute felt like the first and the last.
Right then Evelyn became my beginning and my end -origin and destination. And maybe... if the impossible could find a way to be possible, she could be everything in between."
He loved me. And I loved him.
It had never been said, but it was always there...
"It's too late... It's too big for words now. Don't belittle it with a four-letter word. It's too intangible. Too undefinable. Don't ever tell me what you can show me."
And then there was Graham and Lila...
Two people important for Evelyn that i never got their intentions...
What is happening with the two of them??? I don't see something solid there...
It's anarchy and secretly ways... I don't feel them right... Not between them and not for Ronin and Evelyn...
They are making me feeling uneasy and i don't like it at all...
What are their end games???
I have theories on my head, but I really can not tell them out loud... I don't want to spoil you...
“We dragged each other through the trenches, held each other up. That was my relationship with Lila. Had been. Was then. Always would be.”
“You’re on loan … from me. Wedding vows or not, he knows the deal that was made.”
“So if he breaks the deal, you get me back?”
“Yes.”
This story, as every story by Jewel E. Ann, was perplexed and heartbreaking, but in a way, it was so beautiful...
She managed to grab me from the first page, and even though i went through the last one, I'm still craving her words and the weird way that her mind is working...
I just need more... and more... and more...
Please, enter the magnificent place that is her mind... It's a place that you don't want to miss!!!
"This is our world."
"It is."
"My mom is dying."
"Yes. I'm so sorry, Evie."
"I can't let it shatter our world."
"It won't. I'll hold it together. I'll hold YOU together."
***I received an advanced copy of this book for the exchange of an honest review. Thank you so much!***
IT'S LIVEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
"Falling in love tomorrow is such a waste of today."
Is it possible for a book to wreck you even from the prologue???
To make you squirm all the damn time and to wait in every turn of the events, the other shoe to drop???
This woman and her writing skills are driving me crazy!!!
I'm craving her stories and I loathed them at the same time... Cause after their endings, i might never be the same again...
This story, right here, wrecked me in a very emotional way!!!!
Jewel took my heart and she stomped upon her and i don't know if i can get over it soon!!!
"When you loved someone-truly loved them- you didn't take their smile.
People with broken souls didn't have real smiles.
They grimaced from the broken pieces of their soul impaling their heart."
The only sure thing is that i need the second part of this story like a mad woman...
The author teased us from the first moment with that prologue and i didn't really took my answers... I'm just haven't even more after the last chapter and that damn cliffy...
What will happen after all??? What was happening all the time??? What had happened that made me feel uneasy, even though i have no clue of what really happened???
Darn... I'm heartbroken and i really don't know the reasons why i feel that way, yet!!! I just feel it deep inside my bones!!!
I'm not really sure, if i can't handle it, cause the possibilities are endless in my head and they're hurting me...
"Life was about breaths and heartbeats.
A smile.
A wink.
The squeeze of a hand.
Sunrises and sunsets.
The rest... it was all extra.
When forced to choose what really matters, it all became so clear. This moment. The only moment."
Well... Honestly, I don't know what actually can say about this story...
There was a woman that one day, she met a man...
They became each other's world...
Add to that her two best friends that they were a couple...
Something really strange is existing between them... A weird connection that i still can't grab my head around it!!!!
Secrets, lies, hidden feelings, strange situations, unspeakable things are about to tear them apart...
Will they survive at the end??? Will their lives and hearts stay unbroken???
Well, good luck with that!!!
I'm afraid that nothing will be the same at the end...
“For me, I felt like we were a fact—the sky was blue, water was wet, the wind blew.
Ronin and Evelyn just were.”
"That day in Vancouver, it felt like so much more than a stop along my way. It felt like I had arrived."
"That's the thing about you, Evie... I had no idea I was waiting for someone until you arrived."
I loved Evelyn and Ronin so much....
From the beginning, there were a big connection between them... Chemistry... Unspoken big words...
She used logic, he used impulsive actions...
They were perfect with so many imperfections!!!!
They built something great and solid together, but the walls are starting to tremble around them...
I'm afraid of them and i really don't want for them to be... broken!!!
I love them!!!
"One hit.
I was an Evelyn addict from one hit.
Every day felt borrowed... Every minute felt like the first and the last.
Right then Evelyn became my beginning and my end -origin and destination. And maybe... if the impossible could find a way to be possible, she could be everything in between."
He loved me. And I loved him.
It had never been said, but it was always there...
"It's too late... It's too big for words now. Don't belittle it with a four-letter word. It's too intangible. Too undefinable. Don't ever tell me what you can show me."
And then there was Graham and Lila...
Two people important for Evelyn that i never got their intentions...
What is happening with the two of them??? I don't see something solid there...
It's anarchy and secretly ways... I don't feel them right... Not between them and not for Ronin and Evelyn...
They are making me feeling uneasy and i don't like it at all...
What are their end games???
I have theories on my head, but I really can not tell them out loud... I don't want to spoil you...
“We dragged each other through the trenches, held each other up. That was my relationship with Lila. Had been. Was then. Always would be.”
“You’re on loan … from me. Wedding vows or not, he knows the deal that was made.”
“So if he breaks the deal, you get me back?”
“Yes.”
This story, as every story by Jewel E. Ann, was perplexed and heartbreaking, but in a way, it was so beautiful...
She managed to grab me from the first page, and even though i went through the last one, I'm still craving her words and the weird way that her mind is working...
I just need more... and more... and more...
Please, enter the magnificent place that is her mind... It's a place that you don't want to miss!!!
"This is our world."
"It is."
"My mom is dying."
"Yes. I'm so sorry, Evie."
"I can't let it shatter our world."
"It won't. I'll hold it together. I'll hold YOU together."
***I received an advanced copy of this book for the exchange of an honest review. Thank you so much!***
February 7, 2020
This is a must read!
Another wonderful book by Jewel E. Ann. This was such a well written story. You get swept in from the prologue all the way to the end. And the ending will leave you impatiently waiting for the conclusion!
This at heart is a beautiful love story between two people, Evelyn and Ronin that seem fated from the moment they meet. The story spans a few years and you see how this relationship evolves through good times and bad times. There’s some strong secondary characters woven into the story that play huge parts throughout the book, especially Evelyn’s best friends Graham and Lila. There’s a suspenseful aspect through the story and you definitely wonder what is going on at some points.
This is definitely one of those books that you need to read and experience for yourself as anything I could say could spoil the story. The writing is just amazing and exquisite, in true Jewel E Ann, the dialogue between the characters is just so strong and essential. I have so much highlighted I can’t even! I’m shook,and I can’t freaking wait to read the conclusion to this amazing duet!!!
Another wonderful book by Jewel E. Ann. This was such a well written story. You get swept in from the prologue all the way to the end. And the ending will leave you impatiently waiting for the conclusion!
This at heart is a beautiful love story between two people, Evelyn and Ronin that seem fated from the moment they meet. The story spans a few years and you see how this relationship evolves through good times and bad times. There’s some strong secondary characters woven into the story that play huge parts throughout the book, especially Evelyn’s best friends Graham and Lila. There’s a suspenseful aspect through the story and you definitely wonder what is going on at some points.
This is definitely one of those books that you need to read and experience for yourself as anything I could say could spoil the story. The writing is just amazing and exquisite, in true Jewel E Ann, the dialogue between the characters is just so strong and essential. I have so much highlighted I can’t even! I’m shook,and I can’t freaking wait to read the conclusion to this amazing duet!!!
February 22, 2020
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR)
Evelyn Taylor is a chemist who loves science, and owns a bath shop called Clean Art in Aspen, Colorado where she makes body products. She gets a much needed vacation when she tags along on a business trip to Vancouver with her best friend and her fiancé. While there she crosses paths with a gorgeous man that looks like he should be on a billboard somewhere. Ronin Alexander is the son of a French Olympic skier, and a Malaysian fashion designer. He’s funny, charming, and she finds him absolutely irresistible, and wants to get to know him better.
Ronin is a bachelor who loves his life traveling, and finding his next adventure. He’s never felt the urge to settle down, and then he meets a stunning woman who turns his world upside down. Evie is everything he never knew he wanted. She’s kind and flirty with a playful personality he’s drawn to instantly.
Ronin and Evie fall hard and fast. A whirlwind, intense relationship evolves into something extremely special that defies all the rules. As their lives intertwine with best friends Lila and Graham, and the four of them grow closer things increasingly get more complicated. When unexpected tragedy and truths are revealed, will their love be able to survive?
-"I had no idea I was waiting for someone until you arrived."
-Evelyn became my beginning and my end- origin and destination. And maybe... if the impossible could find a way to be possible, she could be everything in between.
-For me, I felt like we were a fact- the sky was blue, water was wet, the wind blew. Ronin and Evelyn just were.
-Ronin smiled at me. One look was all it took. One look was all it ever took. We were so much greater than any words.
The Life That Mattered by Jewel E. Ann is book one in the Life Duet. It’s an all new, unique, thought provoking novel filled with suspense, intrigue, friendship, chemistry, love, and soulmates. A book about a beautiful once in a lifetime connection that has romance, emotion, and angst. I completely fell in love with this story and this couple. I’m addicted, and can’t wait for more in book 2, The Life You Stole!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2Oy0EFa
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR)
Evelyn Taylor is a chemist who loves science, and owns a bath shop called Clean Art in Aspen, Colorado where she makes body products. She gets a much needed vacation when she tags along on a business trip to Vancouver with her best friend and her fiancé. While there she crosses paths with a gorgeous man that looks like he should be on a billboard somewhere. Ronin Alexander is the son of a French Olympic skier, and a Malaysian fashion designer. He’s funny, charming, and she finds him absolutely irresistible, and wants to get to know him better.
Ronin is a bachelor who loves his life traveling, and finding his next adventure. He’s never felt the urge to settle down, and then he meets a stunning woman who turns his world upside down. Evie is everything he never knew he wanted. She’s kind and flirty with a playful personality he’s drawn to instantly.
Ronin and Evie fall hard and fast. A whirlwind, intense relationship evolves into something extremely special that defies all the rules. As their lives intertwine with best friends Lila and Graham, and the four of them grow closer things increasingly get more complicated. When unexpected tragedy and truths are revealed, will their love be able to survive?
-"I had no idea I was waiting for someone until you arrived."
-Evelyn became my beginning and my end- origin and destination. And maybe... if the impossible could find a way to be possible, she could be everything in between.
-For me, I felt like we were a fact- the sky was blue, water was wet, the wind blew. Ronin and Evelyn just were.
-Ronin smiled at me. One look was all it took. One look was all it ever took. We were so much greater than any words.
The Life That Mattered by Jewel E. Ann is book one in the Life Duet. It’s an all new, unique, thought provoking novel filled with suspense, intrigue, friendship, chemistry, love, and soulmates. A book about a beautiful once in a lifetime connection that has romance, emotion, and angst. I completely fell in love with this story and this couple. I’m addicted, and can’t wait for more in book 2, The Life You Stole!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2Oy0EFa
February 22, 2020
“For me, I felt like we were a fact—the sky was blue, water was wet, the wind blew. Ronin and Evelyn just were.”
4,5 “Jewel is evil” stars
This story opens up on a dramatic prologue and ends on an evil cliffhanger! So that’s no wonder that I wrote “Jewel is evil”.
I can hear her sadistic laugh all the way from Colorado to Belgium!
Just say it Jewel: you love torturing your readers!
Because when WE are all left wondering what happens to them, how she will survive AND reconcile this with the prologue (I still have no clue) YOU are comfortable doing some video where you express your (false) concern about our state of mind while YOU already know how it ends!!! So unfair! I WANT MY MONEY BACK!
Kidding, kidding! You can take all my money if you promise to send me the sequel the second you get paid.
Sorry guys, I just had to vent and let some steam lose before writing a seemingly intelligent review.
Now let’s get back to business!
The Life that Mattered is as you’ve guessed book one in a duology. So expect a cliffy.
It’s about love, life and friendship.
Evie is best friend forever with Lila and Graham, who tagged along later in their life.
As Evie said about Lila and her:
“We dragged each other through the trenches, held each other up. That was my relationship with Lila. Had been. Was then. Always would be.”
Graham joined their duo in college, befriending Evie first and falling in love with Lila.
Their relationship is …unique. I feared for one moment that Jewel would take me to a dreaded path but at the last minute, we veered off course.
Yet I feel that this chapter is not closed forever and already am apprehensive for what’s to come in book two!
But I digress.
When on a trip with their friends to Vancouver, Evie will meet handsome and charming Ronin.
Right from the start, there is something special.
Here comes the love story.
And it was a damn gorgeous love story!
Like in a Hallmark movie but better. Because you have life throwing many curve balls at Evie and Ronin. And they’ll have to weather the storm. Together.
I loved these characters!
Evie is strong, funny, vivacious, loyal and loving. Like Ronin said:
“I wanted to roll around in her positivity like a child in a pile of crisp leaves.”
Ronin, Roe, is charming, heroic, selfless and a devil in bed. He also sure knows how to woo a girl and has the most romantic speeches I have ever read!
There is also the "best proposal scene" and the best "marriage vows" scene. I'll keep these for my end of the year "Best of" challenge in December!
Also Jewel has some fantastic quotes and analogies as usual. Some that inspired me like "the birth and the sock". It does sound like a crazy book title right?
Well the exact quote is:
“The midwife remained in chill mode with a smile on her face and her soothing voice repeatedly reminding me to “open up.” It’s not like I was trying to close my vagina. It didn’t have an actual door with hinges. It was like trying to put a toddler’s sock on an adult’s foot. Sure … it could possibly stretch that far, but probably not without tearing it. And the sock would never be the same.”
Yet this story is also about secrets.
Lila and Graham together are ...complicated. We didn't scratch the surface in this book and we are left with many questions.
Evie feels there is something going on and she will be fiercely protective of Lila! Because it's a story of unbreakable friendship.
“You’re on loan … from me. Wedding vows or not, he knows the deal that was made.” “So if he breaks the deal, you get me back?” “Yes.”
Ronin also harbors a secret. Something he hasn’t told Evie… Something that I tried to guess for a long time!
“Mine. Could she be mine if I didn’t give her all of myself?”
And when life will strike, he”ll hide other things from Evie risking so many things!
"“You’re so damn smart, and it was wrong of me to act like you wouldn’t know exactly what was happening. I was … I am so ashamed that I let it happen to me.” Ronin blew out a slow, shaky breath. “But it did. And I hate that you had to find out like you did. I hate that I was too weak to ask for help. I hate that in my attempt to show so much strength, I bared my biggest weakness.”
That’s one of the parts where you realize that there are things out of your control. That you might lose people you love.
But also, that no matter what, you have to survive because others count on you. And they have to be enough for you to carry on.
"I felt dead inside. So tired of trying to control … everything."
Jewel also knows how to do tragic and write dramatic scenes. Cue the female character, running wildly through an enormous estate, desperate to hide her sadness and crumbling under the weight of ...life and its ordeals.
So this is a romance and a mystery. A contemporary fiction with a hint of paranormal. A story of friendship and of life getting messy. Written with Jewel’s usual finesse it will make you swoon, laugh, cry and eat all your nails (don’t plan on a mani pedi before reading but rather after you’re finished as a rescue mission).
Should you read it? Of course!
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
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January 25, 2020
I’m going to put it out there - I read this story in mere hours. Planted myself in a chair and didn’t move until the last page. I’m not going to pretend I can write any kind of review that will adequately praise what I just finished.
The prologue was ominous. The meet-cute totally sweet and fun. The rest of the story? A thrilling rollercoaster ride!
JEA takes me to places I never dreamed of going and delves into relationships that I want to be a part of no matter the circumstances. She gives me a story that I can sink into and where everything else falls away. She gets my heart pumping and my mind racing. She makes me feel so much, so very much. I’m reeling!
Her characters are complex and utterly human. Their feelings were my feelings. The plot beyond intriguing. This story! This story! I read non-stop. I have no adequate or elegant words to describe everything this story did to me. It is phenomenal. I think I may be repeating myself, but it’s worth repeating! And go in blind! Don’t read any review that even remotely gives away spoilers. You don’t need them.
To me, Jewel E Ann is the ultimate mind-bending romance storyteller.
The prologue was ominous. The meet-cute totally sweet and fun. The rest of the story? A thrilling rollercoaster ride!
JEA takes me to places I never dreamed of going and delves into relationships that I want to be a part of no matter the circumstances. She gives me a story that I can sink into and where everything else falls away. She gets my heart pumping and my mind racing. She makes me feel so much, so very much. I’m reeling!
Her characters are complex and utterly human. Their feelings were my feelings. The plot beyond intriguing. This story! This story! I read non-stop. I have no adequate or elegant words to describe everything this story did to me. It is phenomenal. I think I may be repeating myself, but it’s worth repeating! And go in blind! Don’t read any review that even remotely gives away spoilers. You don’t need them.
To me, Jewel E Ann is the ultimate mind-bending romance storyteller.
January 27, 2020
Lately it's been taking me days, sometimes weeks, to finish a book, fitting in reading when I can. Oftentimes, I choose to turn off my mind and stare at a 30 minute sitcom I've seen a thousand times, rather than concentrate on a book. This one, however, had me engrossed from the Prologue straight through to the end. I wasn't sure what I was reading. Where was Jewel E. Ann taking me? But you know what? I knew no matter where I ended up, it was going to be one hell of a ride. So, I strapped in and let the story carry me away. I laughed, I swooned, I swore, I fretted. I went back and read the Prologue at least five times, trying to get clues as to where this was going as I was so very impatient. As I turned the last page, I cursed all humanity because now I'd have to wait for more answers. Generally, I don't like cliffhangers because by the time I get around to the conclusion, I've forgotten what I previously read. I'm not a re-reader, so by the time I get to book 2 or 3, I feel like I've lost so much, and it takes my forever to get back into it. I won't have that problem with this one though - because I'm not likely to forget anything about Ronin and Evie. I absolutely love these two - individually, but especially together. Their connection is the thing from which fairy tales are made.
And for those of you who I have seen express concern that this is a book about cheating, or threesomes or foursomes, please trust me when I say that is so NOT what this is about. Ronin and Evie's tale delivers romance, a few sexy times, intrigue, and a tiny touch of paranormal (which is really not the right word for it, but it's all I've got). I think this is Ms. Ann's best work yet, and I can hardly stand to wait for book 2.
And for those of you who I have seen express concern that this is a book about cheating, or threesomes or foursomes, please trust me when I say that is so NOT what this is about. Ronin and Evie's tale delivers romance, a few sexy times, intrigue, and a tiny touch of paranormal (which is really not the right word for it, but it's all I've got). I think this is Ms. Ann's best work yet, and I can hardly stand to wait for book 2.
May 10, 2020
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a good start to a mysterious duet! I even went back and tried to read the synopsis to see if my predictions were right, but nope! It starts with a bang with super mysterious prologue that holds promise of an upcoming epic train wreck. I kept on thinking back to that and making predictions about what was going to happen — as I’m sure the author had intended to do to her readers! I was a little frustrated with the pacing in the middle as it seemed to slow down, but it very well could be my issues with duets in general tarnishing my perception. I’m not going to use my usual template for reviews because I do feel it is important to go in blind like I did. So far it’s safe IMO. If you feel you really need to know spoilers — pm me. On to the next!
Overall Opinion: This was a good start to a mysterious duet! I even went back and tried to read the synopsis to see if my predictions were right, but nope! It starts with a bang with super mysterious prologue that holds promise of an upcoming epic train wreck. I kept on thinking back to that and making predictions about what was going to happen — as I’m sure the author had intended to do to her readers! I was a little frustrated with the pacing in the middle as it seemed to slow down, but it very well could be my issues with duets in general tarnishing my perception. I’m not going to use my usual template for reviews because I do feel it is important to go in blind like I did. So far it’s safe IMO. If you feel you really need to know spoilers — pm me. On to the next!
May 2, 2022
“I promise to find you in every life … in every universe.”
Y’all. I don’t know what I feel about this one. The prologue let’s you know what’s to eventually come so I legit just spent this entire book trying not too fall too far in love with the characters in case I need to dislike them greatly later. Agh. The blessing and the curse that is Jewel E Ann the author. She knows how to write the stories that break your heart and mend it too. The cliffhanger is… yeah. I think I might need a minute before I pick up book two, because wow.
So anyway. Great read, definitely recommend 😂
Y’all. I don’t know what I feel about this one. The prologue let’s you know what’s to eventually come so I legit just spent this entire book trying not too fall too far in love with the characters in case I need to dislike them greatly later. Agh. The blessing and the curse that is Jewel E Ann the author. She knows how to write the stories that break your heart and mend it too. The cliffhanger is… yeah. I think I might need a minute before I pick up book two, because wow.
So anyway. Great read, definitely recommend 😂
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