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If This Is Love
He's mine ... don't ever forget that.
Milo lives in the barn, a cowboy through and through.
I live in a castle, but I'm not a princess.
When the only person who loves me dies, Milo's there.
As I get older, I no longer look at Milo like a big brother. I look at him like the man God made just for me.
With the first glimpse of freedom from my pathetic excuse for a father, I imagine a future with Milo. I dream of the day when we won't have to hide our feelings.
But Milo has a secret. He is not free.
The man I love is marrying the woman I hate.
Milo lives in the barn, a cowboy through and through.
I live in a castle, but I'm not a princess.
When the only person who loves me dies, Milo's there.
As I get older, I no longer look at Milo like a big brother. I look at him like the man God made just for me.
With the first glimpse of freedom from my pathetic excuse for a father, I imagine a future with Milo. I dream of the day when we won't have to hide our feelings.
But Milo has a secret. He is not free.
The man I love is marrying the woman I hate.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2023
1007 people are currently reading
9284 people want to read
About the author
Jewel E. Ann
55 books10.6k 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 newest release is I Thought of You, a contemporary romance/women's fiction.
Upcoming Projects: Sunday Morning, book 1 in the Sunday Morning Series coming in Sept. 2024.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
Her newest release is I Thought of You, a contemporary romance/women's fiction.
Upcoming Projects: Sunday Morning, book 1 in the Sunday Morning Series coming in Sept. 2024.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,157 reviews
March 25, 2023
If this is love, I do NOT want it.
I listened to the audiobook (as it was released early), and all I can say is that I am extremely disappointed and sad that he had a kid with Jolene. If I was Indie, I would run, not walk away from that situation. I don’t care how it went about, it still makes me so upset that he has a child with another woman. I kept hoping that it wasn’t his child, but I was left severely dissatisfied and disappointed. Nothing worse than sharing a child with a woman you hate and are related to (for clarification, I mean Indie and Jolene). Just gross. It should have been only Indie and Milo having a child together. Even in the epilogue it only shows that they have the child he shares with Jolene. Sickening. I’m really sad because I was so excited for this book too, just to be let down. I know I will be in the minority here, but I can’t be the only one that hates this. The hero was a coward, and all of this could have been avoided if he truly loved the heroine. The baby was a slap in the face and felt like a betrayal. Is this really what authors think us ladies deserve in a man? Someone’s leftovers?
I wish there was a trigger warning about this, because I hate that trope so much. It ruined the whole book for me.
I wish Indie got to experience that first, but instead, Jolene gets all of the major firsts: first engagement, first marriage and first kid.
I know at the end of the day this is just a book, but this really upset me because it was the one book I was really looking forward to reading (especially after a really shitty couple of months).
I listened to the audiobook (as it was released early), and all I can say is that I am extremely disappointed and sad that he had a kid with Jolene. If I was Indie, I would run, not walk away from that situation. I don’t care how it went about, it still makes me so upset that he has a child with another woman. I kept hoping that it wasn’t his child, but I was left severely dissatisfied and disappointed. Nothing worse than sharing a child with a woman you hate and are related to (for clarification, I mean Indie and Jolene). Just gross. It should have been only Indie and Milo having a child together. Even in the epilogue it only shows that they have the child he shares with Jolene. Sickening. I’m really sad because I was so excited for this book too, just to be let down. I know I will be in the minority here, but I can’t be the only one that hates this. The hero was a coward, and all of this could have been avoided if he truly loved the heroine. The baby was a slap in the face and felt like a betrayal. Is this really what authors think us ladies deserve in a man? Someone’s leftovers?
I wish there was a trigger warning about this, because I hate that trope so much. It ruined the whole book for me.
I wish Indie got to experience that first, but instead, Jolene gets all of the major firsts: first engagement, first marriage and first kid.
I know at the end of the day this is just a book, but this really upset me because it was the one book I was really looking forward to reading (especially after a really shitty couple of months).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 13, 2024If love the show Yellowstone and my Fisherman books, this story is for you!
It has it all:
🤠Cowboy
😭Angst
😇Age Gap
😱Blackmail
🥰Friends-to-lovers
🤫Forbidden love
💔Tragic Past
and so much more🙃
Grab your copy
#Affiliatelink
🐴Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3libh22
🐴Amazon Worldwide: https://books2read.com/u/3GVM9Q
👉ADD TO GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7...
BLURB
He’s mine … don’t ever forget that.
Milo lives in the barn, a cowboy through and through.
I live in a castle, but I’m not a princess.
When the only person who loves me dies, Milo’s there.
As I get older, I no longer look at Milo like a big brother. I look at him like the man God made just for me.
With the first glimpse of freedom from my pathetic excuse for a father, I imagine a future with Milo. I dream of the day when we won’t have to hide our feelings.
But Milo has a secret. He is not free.
The man I love is marrying the woman I hate.
It has it all:
🤠Cowboy
😭Angst
😇Age Gap
😱Blackmail
🥰Friends-to-lovers
🤫Forbidden love
💔Tragic Past
and so much more🙃
Grab your copy
#Affiliatelink
🐴Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3libh22
🐴Amazon Worldwide: https://books2read.com/u/3GVM9Q
👉ADD TO GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7...
BLURB
He’s mine … don’t ever forget that.
Milo lives in the barn, a cowboy through and through.
I live in a castle, but I’m not a princess.
When the only person who loves me dies, Milo’s there.
As I get older, I no longer look at Milo like a big brother. I look at him like the man God made just for me.
With the first glimpse of freedom from my pathetic excuse for a father, I imagine a future with Milo. I dream of the day when we won’t have to hide our feelings.
But Milo has a secret. He is not free.
The man I love is marrying the woman I hate.
March 31, 2023
MY REVIEW AND OTHERS can also be found on my blog: ╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
ღ 𝐈𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐒 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 ღ Is a full length forbidden romance book by author Jewel e. Ann. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.' HERO: Milo HEROINE: Indie
This is the one book I'd been anticipating above all others, so it’s fair to say once on my iPad life was swiftly put on hold!
What' you'll get:
💋 Age Gap
💋 Arranged Marriage
💋 Tragic past
💋 Murder
💋 Corruption
💋 Hot cowboy
💋 Cheating
I’ve watched all that is ‘Yellowstone’ so to learn that this was loosely centred around that spiked up my anticipation levels even more so, so Milo became my Rip, once I thought that I couldn’t unthink it. Both have similar traits, and if Rip says he’ll drop you off at the train station that’s one trip you’ll not want to take.
So there were a few similarities. Falling in love with the bosses daughter, working as a ranch hand, the bosses right hand man.
Fletcher his boss held so many people’s lives in his hands, manipulated until they bent at his will, secrets and loved ones held over their heads, and Milo was one held within this evil man's grip.
This is the predicament Milo found himself in. So to pull him in line, a business deal was conducted aka an arranged marriage.
But Milo belonged to Indie.
I wish at that point he’d just packed up and taken Indie with him and rode off into the sunset.
But we had to feel the excruciating pain that Indie had to feel, to witness the man that she’d loved for many moons past marry a woman she despised was unbearable.
Indie reaches her breaking point and leaves everything behind, even the man that she loves.
4 years go by and neither have seen the other.
Milo’s still under Fletcher’s iron fist, married to a woman he despises, Indie is free, but is really at a standstill in her life, but still harbours feelings for Milo.
Until she’s pulled back into the one place she never wanted to set foot in again.
I think the author was really brave to send this off into the world, many will struggle with it, many others won’t even go so far as to purchase it. Because there’s so many questionable topics portrayed in this book. But that's how this author stands out above the rest, she's not afraid to step where many won't. All you angsty lovers NEED to READ this!! You'll thank me later!!
I thought it was going to be all roses and sunshine, girl falls for an older boy whilst he tends for her, they fall in love. End of. But that’s not how this story goes. This book packs a pretty punch. A journey not for the faint of heart. A storyline that grabs you from the get go, characters that stay with you many hours after you’ve closed that last page.
* TEASER USED IS OFF THE AUTHORS FACEBOOK PAGE *
May 6, 2023
“But you will be mine,” she says. I’m not sure I’m hearing her correctly, but then she glances back at me. “You will marry Jolene, but you will never be hers.”
🎶 Jolene Jolene, Jolene, Joleneeeeeeee 🎶
Is this really a love story? It’s a soap opera with ridiculous plots and unrealistic OTT characters who have a lukewarm hfn.
Jewel is an incredibly talented author, (I have loved some of her other stories), but she also loves to rip out the hearts of her readers. There were so many different choices the author could’ve made with these characters. After an excellent beginning, the story sinks quickly into the soap opera genre.
There will be major SPOILERS going forward, so if you want to go and blind, don’t read any further.
I loved the beginning of the story. The H is 18, but he already is mature enough to help take care of his bosses young daughter. The burnt grilled cheese sandwich was the sweetest.
✔️Excellent beginning, terrible middle, rushed ending
✔️8 year age gap
✔️Drama, drama, drama
✔️Cheating (both have sex with OP)
✔️H marries OW
✔️Baby with OW
✔️Immature characters
✔️Blackmail and manipulation x 1000
I found it somewhat inappropriate that when she was 14 she watched the H having sex with OW in the barn. (He obv didn’t know she was there)
Had the last half of the story turned out differently it could have been an amazing book. When all is said and done, the h should have been given the ranch. It was hers by birthright. I can see the hero still marrying the OW, but they did not have to have a child together. And using a surrogate, so she didn’t “ruin her body” just created more OTT drama.
Not recommended.
🎶 Jolene Jolene, Jolene, Joleneeeeeeee 🎶
Is this really a love story? It’s a soap opera with ridiculous plots and unrealistic OTT characters who have a lukewarm hfn.
Jewel is an incredibly talented author, (I have loved some of her other stories), but she also loves to rip out the hearts of her readers. There were so many different choices the author could’ve made with these characters. After an excellent beginning, the story sinks quickly into the soap opera genre.
There will be major SPOILERS going forward, so if you want to go and blind, don’t read any further.
I loved the beginning of the story. The H is 18, but he already is mature enough to help take care of his bosses young daughter. The burnt grilled cheese sandwich was the sweetest.
✔️Excellent beginning, terrible middle, rushed ending
✔️8 year age gap
✔️Drama, drama, drama
✔️Cheating (both have sex with OP)
✔️H marries OW
✔️Baby with OW
✔️Immature characters
✔️Blackmail and manipulation x 1000
I found it somewhat inappropriate that when she was 14 she watched the H having sex with OW in the barn. (He obv didn’t know she was there)
Had the last half of the story turned out differently it could have been an amazing book. When all is said and done, the h should have been given the ranch. It was hers by birthright. I can see the hero still marrying the OW, but they did not have to have a child together. And using a surrogate, so she didn’t “ruin her body” just created more OTT drama.
Not recommended.
April 4, 2023
Holy guacamole this story was spectacular. I was obsessed and entertained with this beautiful and heartbreaking love story of Indie and Milo.
Jewel E. Ann delivered the goods with this forbidden age gap romance. I was all in my feels constantly from the angst which didn’t let up. Indie and Milo share an incredible deep bond and connection and I felt it. Wholeheartedly. Oh the tension, chemistry and pining was sublime. They couldn’t stop wanting and loving each other despite the awful cards they both had been dealt.
I absolutely despised and wished awful things for Fletcher and his family. They were definitely villains in this story.
If This Is Love was a fantastic love story where nothing was handed to Indie and Milo. They had to fight and sacrifice for their love, each other and those they cared for. It was emotional and worth every heartbreak to see them get their HEA. Jewel E. Ann didn’t make it easy on me. I was a ball of emotions from start to finish thanks to her brilliant storytelling. Let the hangover begin.
*The ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Jewel E. Ann delivered the goods with this forbidden age gap romance. I was all in my feels constantly from the angst which didn’t let up. Indie and Milo share an incredible deep bond and connection and I felt it. Wholeheartedly. Oh the tension, chemistry and pining was sublime. They couldn’t stop wanting and loving each other despite the awful cards they both had been dealt.
I absolutely despised and wished awful things for Fletcher and his family. They were definitely villains in this story.
If This Is Love was a fantastic love story where nothing was handed to Indie and Milo. They had to fight and sacrifice for their love, each other and those they cared for. It was emotional and worth every heartbreak to see them get their HEA. Jewel E. Ann didn’t make it easy on me. I was a ball of emotions from start to finish thanks to her brilliant storytelling. Let the hangover begin.
*The ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
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April 16, 2023DNF-ish
I adore all things Jewel E Ann, but this one sadly missed the mark for me. This is very much a personal preference and taste thing, so take it with a grain of salt. You can clearly see many people loved this book. I really wish I did too.
In full transparency, I DNFd at the 60% and then skimmed my way to the end simply because I had to know if it would turn things around for me. Sadly, it actually made it worse. I love angst. I love books that make me feel, take me out of my comfort zone, and make me rage. I also love Yellowstone and this definitely had Yellowstone vibes. But there is a particular plot device that just absolutely ruined it for me. I won't spoiler it but I will say that this is one thing that I absolutely loathe in books and it will always, ALWAYS, ruin it for me. In this story, that particular details was essentially adding insult to injury.
I love that Jewel E Ann pushes boundaries and isn't afraid to go there. It's one of those things that make me love her books so much. But this one pushed the one boundary I have when it comes to HEAs and I just couldn't move past it sadly.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I adore all things Jewel E Ann, but this one sadly missed the mark for me. This is very much a personal preference and taste thing, so take it with a grain of salt. You can clearly see many people loved this book. I really wish I did too.
In full transparency, I DNFd at the 60% and then skimmed my way to the end simply because I had to know if it would turn things around for me. Sadly, it actually made it worse. I love angst. I love books that make me feel, take me out of my comfort zone, and make me rage. I also love Yellowstone and this definitely had Yellowstone vibes. But there is a particular plot device that just absolutely ruined it for me. I won't spoiler it but I will say that this is one thing that I absolutely loathe in books and it will always, ALWAYS, ruin it for me. In this story, that particular details was essentially adding insult to injury.
I love that Jewel E Ann pushes boundaries and isn't afraid to go there. It's one of those things that make me love her books so much. But this one pushed the one boundary I have when it comes to HEAs and I just couldn't move past it sadly.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
April 6, 2023
Every heart has a limit, and he is mine.
If you’ve ever wanted a romance that’s equal parts long term longing and forbidden romance, then you will LOVE ‘If This Is Love’. Admittedly this story had me a little stressed out, because I had no idea how Indie and Milo would find their way to happily ever after. Two people who no one would consider falling in love were destined for each other. That said, there are so many things in their way. There are so many secrets and untold truths. I definitely had my head spinning every time something new unfolded in this book. Sigh.
The voice actors for this book were phenomenal. They brought the characters to life and gave them a bit of a regional accent without overdoing it and making it sound like a mockery of it. They truly brought the characters to life in a way where I could really feel the emotions exactly as they were meant to be felt.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys forbidden, age gap, long term longing, and doesn’t mind some morals being broken. Great read from Jewel.
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRcgJqg1/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRvs4Mmn/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRvGxqFt/
AVAILABLE NOW!!
*Audible in tangent with an e-book ARC
If you’ve ever wanted a romance that’s equal parts long term longing and forbidden romance, then you will LOVE ‘If This Is Love’. Admittedly this story had me a little stressed out, because I had no idea how Indie and Milo would find their way to happily ever after. Two people who no one would consider falling in love were destined for each other. That said, there are so many things in their way. There are so many secrets and untold truths. I definitely had my head spinning every time something new unfolded in this book. Sigh.
The voice actors for this book were phenomenal. They brought the characters to life and gave them a bit of a regional accent without overdoing it and making it sound like a mockery of it. They truly brought the characters to life in a way where I could really feel the emotions exactly as they were meant to be felt.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys forbidden, age gap, long term longing, and doesn’t mind some morals being broken. Great read from Jewel.
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRcgJqg1/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRvs4Mmn/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRvGxqFt/
AVAILABLE NOW!!
*Audible in tangent with an e-book ARC
May 25, 2023
3,5. At the beginning I was thinking about the feelings of the male character with her, it was suddenly and I didn’t see the real connection with them. Almost from the middle to the end the feeling was there.
This book is sad and angst.
This book is sad and angst.
April 7, 2023
**** 4 stars ****
I'm not sure how I feel about this story, the plot was a bit too much. However, I sure as hell want to give it 4 stars, because despite being too incredible to be taken seriously, it was so well articulated, manipulated and twisted that I am willing to overlook the OTT.
I've read it in one sitting.
What a page-turner!
I'm not sure how I feel about this story, the plot was a bit too much. However, I sure as hell want to give it 4 stars, because despite being too incredible to be taken seriously, it was so well articulated, manipulated and twisted that I am willing to overlook the OTT.
I've read it in one sitting.
What a page-turner!
March 24, 2023
I’m done. Chapter 33. FMC turned into a door mat!
MMC was a selfish excuse of a coward. He cared more about himself and his agenda than him doing what was best for the woman he supposedly loved.He was the opposite of a hero. Having baby with Wife/OW was the last straw for me.
FMC deserved better
MMC was a selfish excuse of a coward. He cared more about himself and his agenda than him doing what was best for the woman he supposedly loved.He was the opposite of a hero. Having baby with Wife/OW was the last straw for me.
FMC deserved better
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2023
REVIEW: 5 STARS
"This need I have to protect her feels admirable until I realize the person I need to protect her from the most is...me."
Since JEA is my drop everything and read kind of author, it doesn't matter what I am doing - if she announces a book, I adjust my calendar, my chores, and my family schedule (okay, probably not to that extent 😂) to make sure she is going to get the full attention her books have proven to me they deserve. I know I sound crazy, but when you find that one author...your "unicorn" if you will, you know what you need to do to give their books your completely undivided attention, right? JEA is that one for me. Having said that repeatedly over the years, you know I am always going to give you my full and honest opinion on how each book was individually.
This book made me fall in love, courted me....broke my heart, and slowly put me back together. That is the M.O. of JEA, is it not? But, I'll tell ya - it was the in-betweens that mattered. How did I fall in love with Milo and Indie? Slowly and effortlessly. I watched them dance around the forbidden and come together. I also watched them snap like a brittle twig with no due recourse. It was hard watching them hurt. It was hard growing and realizing...the understanding more difficult than the outcome. But, as JEA does, she put me back together. I won't say it's seamless because there are some jagged cracks in there, but she gave me this life lesson and story with heaviness and a smile. She gave me a love that fought against all odds and made me hold me breath. But above all else, she gave me a book hangover and it's been a while since I've had one of those. I wanted to bask in it!!
While this one made me feel slightly uncomfortable in the beginning - and I don't say that lightly, it set the stage for a very deep conversation within the pages of this book. The fact that she said this is super taboo completely proves to me, once again, she can write anything and get me through the story with a chokehold on my heart. We all have childhood crushes, right? I had one with an 18 year old when I was 12. Completely innocent, but a crush nonetheless. Well, Milo and Indie are seriously and truly the embodiment of age gap, taboo, and everything in between - one you love, but can't quite describe completely. I had very wide eyes while I was reading this because the innocence of Indie was put. into. words. and I was left gasping a few times. Again, I knew JEA was going to put me in a state of shock by the time this was all said and done - and she did just that.
"If his lips touch mine, the last thread will snap. I know it. He knows it. Memories have never felt as tangible, concrete and alive as they do now."
The book hangover I had after this probably wasn't fair to every other author I had to read after because it held steady over my head and heavy over my heart. I loved that she had me angry for Indie, gritting my teeth for Milo - and pissed as hell about the evil held over their heads. And the thing was, it was actually something I can see happening once it was all explained and meshed out - in true JEA fashion. I hung on every word and pored over the pages with my emotions hanging on by a thread. I was mesmerized and completely breathless in some spots, while huffing and puffing from anger in others. But it was amazing . Beyond amazing. It was my favorite kind of journey and one I cannot recommend enough...but go in with an open mind and a strength in your heart. You may not know when you'll need to draw on it. She works her magic effortlessly and I for one am here anytime she's willing to serve it up.
I wish everyone wrote with the humor and the heaviness like Jewel E Ann does. She is so unique and one of a kind, and her voice just "hits" me in all the right ways. Hands down, she's a stop-everything-and-read author for me. I will end this review with this - I read my books to take the journey from start to finish. I take in ALL the happenings and reactions and I soak in them. Marinate. Ruminate. Whatever you want to call it. But, if an author makes me think about something, whether I like the outcome or not - it's a positive, because I THOUGHT ABOUT IT. I think that's one of my favorite things JEA does for me. She makes me think and I feel every facet of her story as it plays out.
I couldn't get enough and I couldn't put the book down. I felt like I needed to pace but couldn't take my eyes off the pages! It seriously had me wrapped up and the anxiety was real! Milo and Indie definitely have my heart and will for a very long time coming...
"You're the sun...so fucking bright, blindingly beautiful."
~BEE
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ORIGINAL:
I have a book hangover. I’ll get through it…
Stay tuned for my review and giveaway. 😇
"This need I have to protect her feels admirable until I realize the person I need to protect her from the most is...me."
Since JEA is my drop everything and read kind of author, it doesn't matter what I am doing - if she announces a book, I adjust my calendar, my chores, and my family schedule (okay, probably not to that extent 😂) to make sure she is going to get the full attention her books have proven to me they deserve. I know I sound crazy, but when you find that one author...your "unicorn" if you will, you know what you need to do to give their books your completely undivided attention, right? JEA is that one for me. Having said that repeatedly over the years, you know I am always going to give you my full and honest opinion on how each book was individually.
This book made me fall in love, courted me....broke my heart, and slowly put me back together. That is the M.O. of JEA, is it not? But, I'll tell ya - it was the in-betweens that mattered. How did I fall in love with Milo and Indie? Slowly and effortlessly. I watched them dance around the forbidden and come together. I also watched them snap like a brittle twig with no due recourse. It was hard watching them hurt. It was hard growing and realizing...the understanding more difficult than the outcome. But, as JEA does, she put me back together. I won't say it's seamless because there are some jagged cracks in there, but she gave me this life lesson and story with heaviness and a smile. She gave me a love that fought against all odds and made me hold me breath. But above all else, she gave me a book hangover and it's been a while since I've had one of those. I wanted to bask in it!!
While this one made me feel slightly uncomfortable in the beginning - and I don't say that lightly, it set the stage for a very deep conversation within the pages of this book. The fact that she said this is super taboo completely proves to me, once again, she can write anything and get me through the story with a chokehold on my heart. We all have childhood crushes, right? I had one with an 18 year old when I was 12. Completely innocent, but a crush nonetheless. Well, Milo and Indie are seriously and truly the embodiment of age gap, taboo, and everything in between - one you love, but can't quite describe completely. I had very wide eyes while I was reading this because the innocence of Indie was put. into. words. and I was left gasping a few times. Again, I knew JEA was going to put me in a state of shock by the time this was all said and done - and she did just that.
"If his lips touch mine, the last thread will snap. I know it. He knows it. Memories have never felt as tangible, concrete and alive as they do now."
The book hangover I had after this probably wasn't fair to every other author I had to read after because it held steady over my head and heavy over my heart. I loved that she had me angry for Indie, gritting my teeth for Milo - and pissed as hell about the evil held over their heads. And the thing was, it was actually something I can see happening once it was all explained and meshed out - in true JEA fashion. I hung on every word and pored over the pages with my emotions hanging on by a thread. I was mesmerized and completely breathless in some spots, while huffing and puffing from anger in others. But it was amazing . Beyond amazing. It was my favorite kind of journey and one I cannot recommend enough...but go in with an open mind and a strength in your heart. You may not know when you'll need to draw on it. She works her magic effortlessly and I for one am here anytime she's willing to serve it up.
I wish everyone wrote with the humor and the heaviness like Jewel E Ann does. She is so unique and one of a kind, and her voice just "hits" me in all the right ways. Hands down, she's a stop-everything-and-read author for me. I will end this review with this - I read my books to take the journey from start to finish. I take in ALL the happenings and reactions and I soak in them. Marinate. Ruminate. Whatever you want to call it. But, if an author makes me think about something, whether I like the outcome or not - it's a positive, because I THOUGHT ABOUT IT. I think that's one of my favorite things JEA does for me. She makes me think and I feel every facet of her story as it plays out.
I couldn't get enough and I couldn't put the book down. I felt like I needed to pace but couldn't take my eyes off the pages! It seriously had me wrapped up and the anxiety was real! Milo and Indie definitely have my heart and will for a very long time coming...
"You're the sun...so fucking bright, blindingly beautiful."
~BEE
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ORIGINAL:
I have a book hangover. I’ll get through it…
Stay tuned for my review and giveaway. 😇
March 25, 2023
Furious with myself for buying this on audio early, but this used to be one of my favorite authors so I thought it was a good investment.
Wrong.
Maybe advertise the baby trope instead of saying "and more" in your tropes list next time. It feels gross because lots of readers like me HATE this trope.
But the baby trope isn't even the worst part.
Let's talk about sexualizing CHILDREN. Yupp. This is an age gap romance, but the "attraction" starts when she's 10 and he's 18 and yeah, it's as gross as it sounds.
I'm sure this authors fans will balance out my 1 star and it won't even matter, but if you're reading this review (my first review actually) PLEASE take caution before reading this book.
Wrong.
Maybe advertise the baby trope instead of saying "and more" in your tropes list next time. It feels gross because lots of readers like me HATE this trope.
But the baby trope isn't even the worst part.
Let's talk about sexualizing CHILDREN. Yupp. This is an age gap romance, but the "attraction" starts when she's 10 and he's 18 and yeah, it's as gross as it sounds.
I'm sure this authors fans will balance out my 1 star and it won't even matter, but if you're reading this review (my first review actually) PLEASE take caution before reading this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
I don't know what it is about this author but every single book that I’ve read from her leaves me with the same feeling every time. NEED. The urgency to be wrapped up in her books and just stay there for a really long time is what keeps me coming back for more and even though this was not one of my top favorites, it held my attention like no other.
Indiana Ellington has just gone through a terrible loss and little does she know is that that very same loss, is going to shape, change, shatter and make her into the woman that she's going to become over the next decade. But no amount of wishful thinking and wanting to be someone completely different is going to change the fact that the man that she’s in love with, is off limits.
With time, distance and heartbreak, Indie and Milo fought to do the right thing in their eyes for each other. Those decisions became the very thing that kept them apart, caused more hurt and left me with a type of anger that was unexplainable. I loved the first half of the story and seeing both the main characters in their element but somewhere along the way, things became extremely messy and infuriating. I also never truly felt that deep connection between them because something was missing.
This is the kind of story that will have you wanting more and it’s going to keep you interested from the minute you start the first chapter until you read the very last page. It’s addictive, frustrating and you’re going to want to hug and smack these characters at the same time. If you’re a fan of this author and you love forbidden romance, this one is worth a try.
April 24, 2023
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the steam, the taboo.
The Not-So-Good: The end. I felt like the H needed to reveal all his secrets and that they needed time to process all that. We also really needed some time with them as a healthy couple getting their lives back on track , but we didn't get that! I was majorly disappointed with the end.
The Bad: The amount of crap these two had to deal with. It was soap opera to the extreme! The villain was so nasty and it even became eye roll inducing towards the end. I think that Ms. Ann was trying to channel the Yellowstone loose moral/bad rancher vibe, but I thought it was too OTT for my liking.
Overall: I waited a bit to read this because while I love some of Jewel E Ann's works, I know that sometimes too much hype and anticipation follow her new releases. I'm glad I did wait a while. I'm also glad that I held off on reading all the raving reviews and went in blind so not to get my hopes too high. While I didn't hate it or anything, I definitely thought it could've been better.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Indie and Milo's story. Milo is the main ranch hand at Indie's parent's ranch and when her adopted mother dies, he steps in big in helping her grieve. This is when their relationship grows stronger and through the years changes from a friendship to more. When Milo is told that he owes Indie's dad and to repay him he has to marry her cousin, they are both devastated. There are some secrets revealed, some sad moments, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Indie and Milo's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the abrupt ending.
Instalove: Kind of. While I get that there was a progression of feelings since this spans over a long time, I didn't necessarily get it or feel it.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Milo. I liked him but I also wanted to shake him a few times to be more upfront with the h.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Indie. I liked her. I appreciated how she wasn't ashamed of who she was and stood up for herself.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place but I really needed some more time with them as a healthy couple! I also wanted much more closure in the form of a commitment for these two , so I'm calling it a HFN ending.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise, the steam, the taboo.
The Not-So-Good: The end. I felt like the H needed to reveal all his secrets and that they needed time to process all that. We also really needed some time with them as a healthy couple getting their lives back on track , but we didn't get that! I was majorly disappointed with the end.
The Bad: The amount of crap these two had to deal with. It was soap opera to the extreme! The villain was so nasty and it even became eye roll inducing towards the end. I think that Ms. Ann was trying to channel the Yellowstone loose moral/bad rancher vibe, but I thought it was too OTT for my liking.
Overall: I waited a bit to read this because while I love some of Jewel E Ann's works, I know that sometimes too much hype and anticipation follow her new releases. I'm glad I did wait a while. I'm also glad that I held off on reading all the raving reviews and went in blind so not to get my hopes too high. While I didn't hate it or anything, I definitely thought it could've been better.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Indie and Milo's story. Milo is the main ranch hand at Indie's parent's ranch and when her adopted mother dies, he steps in big in helping her grieve. This is when their relationship grows stronger and through the years changes from a friendship to more. When Milo is told that he owes Indie's dad and to repay him he has to marry her cousin, they are both devastated. There are some secrets revealed, some sad moments, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Indie and Milo's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the abrupt ending.
Instalove: Kind of. While I get that there was a progression of feelings since this spans over a long time, I didn't necessarily get it or feel it.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Milo. I liked him but I also wanted to shake him a few times to be more upfront with the h.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Indie. I liked her. I appreciated how she wasn't ashamed of who she was and stood up for herself.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in an alright place but I really needed some more time with them as a healthy couple! I also wanted much more closure in the form of a commitment for these two , so I'm calling it a HFN ending.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
March 24, 2023
WHY!?!
The heroine was a doormat and the hero was a coward! And the baby plot, NOT NECESSARY 🙃😫😖😭
WORST READ OF MY ENTIRE LIFE!
Indie, girl, leave him and find someone better. You don’t need no baby mama drama or a man who allowed it to happen in the first place! Find a MAN not a coward!
The heroine was a doormat and the hero was a coward! And the baby plot, NOT NECESSARY 🙃😫😖😭
WORST READ OF MY ENTIRE LIFE!
Indie, girl, leave him and find someone better. You don’t need no baby mama drama or a man who allowed it to happen in the first place! Find a MAN not a coward!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2023
Stick a fork in me, I'm done. Jewel E Ann just committed emotional manslaughter and I am here 👏 for 👏 it.👏
**WARNING** After seeing some negative reviews because the reader didn't like the trope (didn't seem to have anything to do with the author's writing) I will say this, if you don't like ANGST, CHEATING, or LOVELESS MARRIAGES then maybe you should skip this one. I hate to see 1 and 2 star reviews because someone picked a book that had a trope they can't handle. I'd rather you DNF then rate low because you picked a book that had a trope you refuse to read. Don't yuck someone else's yum. Just my two cents.
When she said if you like Yellowstone you're gonna love this book, she was on to something. I personally don't watch the show but my husband does, so I've been in the room while it's on and this totally has all those vibes. So much family drama, angsty AF, cowboy goodness, a patriarch who's soul is black as coal and secrets galore. Round it out with an age gap, forbidden romance, an arranged marriage, murder, and did I mention angst? I'll say it again for those in the back. SO MUCH ANGST your heart will be in a vise most of the book! I loved every second of it, like read it obsessively in about 24 hours.
This is not a pretty love story as there are lots of casualties of the heart. Indie and Milo have to fight tooth and nail to be together and there's a lot of hurt, but some things are just meant to be, that soul deep knowledge of "mine" and even the devil himself can't stop it.
Reader recs: If you like drama, this book is for you. If you are an emotional masochist when it comes to your books 🙋♀️, the more angst the better, this is for you. If you LOVE Yellowstone and Beth and Rip, this book is for you. If you're squeamish about cheating...maybe sit this one out. There is lots of revenge and in my mind it was warranted/fine by me. Cue I Did Something Bad by Taylor Swift. Mic drop. 🎤
**WARNING** After seeing some negative reviews because the reader didn't like the trope (didn't seem to have anything to do with the author's writing) I will say this, if you don't like ANGST, CHEATING, or LOVELESS MARRIAGES then maybe you should skip this one. I hate to see 1 and 2 star reviews because someone picked a book that had a trope they can't handle. I'd rather you DNF then rate low because you picked a book that had a trope you refuse to read. Don't yuck someone else's yum. Just my two cents.
When she said if you like Yellowstone you're gonna love this book, she was on to something. I personally don't watch the show but my husband does, so I've been in the room while it's on and this totally has all those vibes. So much family drama, angsty AF, cowboy goodness, a patriarch who's soul is black as coal and secrets galore. Round it out with an age gap, forbidden romance, an arranged marriage, murder, and did I mention angst? I'll say it again for those in the back. SO MUCH ANGST your heart will be in a vise most of the book! I loved every second of it, like read it obsessively in about 24 hours.
This is not a pretty love story as there are lots of casualties of the heart. Indie and Milo have to fight tooth and nail to be together and there's a lot of hurt, but some things are just meant to be, that soul deep knowledge of "mine" and even the devil himself can't stop it.
Reader recs: If you like drama, this book is for you. If you are an emotional masochist when it comes to your books 🙋♀️, the more angst the better, this is for you. If you LOVE Yellowstone and Beth and Rip, this book is for you. If you're squeamish about cheating...maybe sit this one out. There is lots of revenge and in my mind it was warranted/fine by me. Cue I Did Something Bad by Taylor Swift. Mic drop. 🎤
April 9, 2023
I've been in a major book funk for most of the year. Most everything I read is either a re-read or new releases from authors I enjoy. Sadly the ladder is no guarantee that I'll end up loving the book, but at least the writing isn't terrible like 90% of all KU titles (at least it feels that way).
Jewel E. Ann is the author of one of my most favourite romances. The rest of her books have ranged between interesting and entertaining to too much fucking heartache and drama. But at least they've always been well written.
IF THIS IS LOVE had REAL potential.
It gave me some fantastic YS vibes. And I actually liked Milo and Indiana as star crossed lovers. They had some epic love vibes going.
Sadly, the book was filled with drama, heartache, pain, and revenge. More than was necessary. It neither added to the story nor the characters. Actually the opposite happened. The story itself became too far-fetched and too overly dramatised like a soap opera. It lost it's charm. I became indifferent to it. The connection I had at the beginning, the interest in the story, gradually disappeared..
On top of it, almost like an afterthought, the HEA was way too short, IMO, especially after all the shit that went down and the drama I had to endure. Milo, Indiana and myself deserved quite a bit more HEA to make me forget everything else that happened.
In the end, I kinda expected a roller coaster ride from JE Ann. I just wish she had surprised me with something I could have loved.
Jewel E. Ann is the author of one of my most favourite romances. The rest of her books have ranged between interesting and entertaining to too much fucking heartache and drama. But at least they've always been well written.
IF THIS IS LOVE had REAL potential.
It gave me some fantastic YS vibes. And I actually liked Milo and Indiana as star crossed lovers. They had some epic love vibes going.
Sadly, the book was filled with drama, heartache, pain, and revenge. More than was necessary. It neither added to the story nor the characters. Actually the opposite happened. The story itself became too far-fetched and too overly dramatised like a soap opera. It lost it's charm. I became indifferent to it. The connection I had at the beginning, the interest in the story, gradually disappeared..
On top of it, almost like an afterthought, the HEA was way too short, IMO, especially after all the shit that went down and the drama I had to endure. Milo, Indiana and myself deserved quite a bit more HEA to make me forget everything else that happened.
In the end, I kinda expected a roller coaster ride from JE Ann. I just wish she had surprised me with something I could have loved.
Read
April 4, 2023i really liked this one, the vibes are cowboys + rich texas family who has lots of business dealings, some probably not legal. lots of secrets and threats. Indie’s dad is the one who runs everything. His right hand man is Milo, who is basically indebted to the family for some secret reason.
this is definitely a forbidden romance. Milo is 8 years older than Indie, and though nothing happens til she’s 18, he’s definitely around her at times when she’s younger. so if that’s not your thing (totally fair) i’d skip this one! given their dynamic, i do wish it had been a little more slow burn, i wanted to feel more resistance/tension (who am i?). but i still loved them and their insane chemistry.
it’s clear both Indie and Milo have some secrets in their past, and there’s a lot of build up to those. some of that felt a little anticlimactic in the end. quite a bit happens in the last 15-20% and some of it felt rushed/out of the blue. so i looooved the first 80%, the end just fell a teeny bit short for me. still would totally recommend, the whole atmosphere and family dynamic totally sucks you in. Milo and Indie have all the odds against them, but their HEA was so worth it 🤌🏼
this is definitely a forbidden romance. Milo is 8 years older than Indie, and though nothing happens til she’s 18, he’s definitely around her at times when she’s younger. so if that’s not your thing (totally fair) i’d skip this one! given their dynamic, i do wish it had been a little more slow burn, i wanted to feel more resistance/tension (who am i?). but i still loved them and their insane chemistry.
it’s clear both Indie and Milo have some secrets in their past, and there’s a lot of build up to those. some of that felt a little anticlimactic in the end. quite a bit happens in the last 15-20% and some of it felt rushed/out of the blue. so i looooved the first 80%, the end just fell a teeny bit short for me. still would totally recommend, the whole atmosphere and family dynamic totally sucks you in. Milo and Indie have all the odds against them, but their HEA was so worth it 🤌🏼
July 3, 2023
Perfection.
Read
June 30, 2025everyone is too annoying and i dont have the patience for it LOL dnf
April 8, 2023
If This is Love is the newest release from Jewel E Ann and omg did I love this book sooo much! This is a contemporary romance with a western/ranch setting, age gap (he’s 8 years older), forbidden (he works on the ranch, she’s the adopted daughter of the ranch owner), angstyyyy (he’s due to marry someone else…), and ugh just all the cowboy, close proximity, heart-achy times!
“If this is love, why is it wrong?
If this is love, why can’t we be together?
If this is love, why does it hurt my heart so much?
If this is love … I don’t want to live without it. Without him.”
The story starts when Indie is 10 and her adopted mother passes away, she was the only one who Indie loved and she’s heartbroken. Indie had always looked up to Milo Odell, a ranch-hand and kind of “main guy” who takes care of everything for Indie’s adopted father (the billionaire owner of the ranch). Milo, his room in the barn, and his burnt grilled cheese sandwiches end up becoming the solace and comfort that Indie needs. We see as Indie grows up how her feelings for Milo evolve too as he becomes everything to her. Of course the angst is there throughout since Milo is older and has secrets that tie him to the ranch that he can’t forget about. Indie’s adopted father/Milo’s boss wants to keep them apart even further and sets up an arranged marriage between his niece and Milo. And omg the tension and angst and heartbreaking moments were soo strong in this and I ate it all up!
I’m obsessed with Milo and Indie! They go through so much and find solace in one another, the secret kisses and treasuring any moment they can have before other people’s decisions tear them apart. We don’t get Milo’s POV until 25% in but you’re already pulled in to Indie’s story and Milo by that point too. I loved seeing Indie come into her own and seeing these 2 get their HEA. And I totally teared up when she asked for a few minutes with his family, but spends an hour (when you know that scene, you’ll get it). I did start with the audio of this one (it’s narrated by Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige) but ended up switching to my ebook copy instead!
“If this is love, why is it wrong?
If this is love, why can’t we be together?
If this is love, why does it hurt my heart so much?
If this is love … I don’t want to live without it. Without him.”
The story starts when Indie is 10 and her adopted mother passes away, she was the only one who Indie loved and she’s heartbroken. Indie had always looked up to Milo Odell, a ranch-hand and kind of “main guy” who takes care of everything for Indie’s adopted father (the billionaire owner of the ranch). Milo, his room in the barn, and his burnt grilled cheese sandwiches end up becoming the solace and comfort that Indie needs. We see as Indie grows up how her feelings for Milo evolve too as he becomes everything to her. Of course the angst is there throughout since Milo is older and has secrets that tie him to the ranch that he can’t forget about. Indie’s adopted father/Milo’s boss wants to keep them apart even further and sets up an arranged marriage between his niece and Milo. And omg the tension and angst and heartbreaking moments were soo strong in this and I ate it all up!
I’m obsessed with Milo and Indie! They go through so much and find solace in one another, the secret kisses and treasuring any moment they can have before other people’s decisions tear them apart. We don’t get Milo’s POV until 25% in but you’re already pulled in to Indie’s story and Milo by that point too. I loved seeing Indie come into her own and seeing these 2 get their HEA. And I totally teared up when she asked for a few minutes with his family, but spends an hour (when you know that scene, you’ll get it). I did start with the audio of this one (it’s narrated by Meg Sylvan and Tim Paige) but ended up switching to my ebook copy instead!
March 20, 2024
I asked a FB book group for a rec where the MMC is cruel to be kind to the heroine that has a crush in him. Heroine can move on or not and preferred not to have her see him have sex.
This is what was recommended. FFS.
Review:
There's murder, child abuse (emotional abuse plus some face slapping), a Susan Fox evil OW dynamic, more murder, allusions to child rape/incest, May/December romance where the romance starts young, accusations of grooming which actually make sense, and a partridge in a pear tree.
This was a major downer. Poor stupid heroine loses her mother figure while her daddy either ignores her or is emotionally abusive. She's attracted to ye old ranch hand who's eight years older who ends up marrying Big Daddy's niece for....reasons. Why he could have not have had a MOC with the h who was actually Big D's real daughter I do not know. Up until the marriage ceremony I expected him to pull a runaway groom, but, nope, he marries the evil OW but not before having sex with the heroine on the stairs. I think it was the stairs. Not as a romantic as it sounds. What a weeny hero.
Anyhoo, be careful what you ask for. This was tawdry and depressing. Yes, you can pull off a romance with a May/December couple, but not like this...not where the H caves and whines about his MOC and lets the heroine hang out to dry.
This is what was recommended. FFS.
Review:
There's murder, child abuse (emotional abuse plus some face slapping), a Susan Fox evil OW dynamic, more murder, allusions to child rape/incest, May/December romance where the romance starts young, accusations of grooming which actually make sense, and a partridge in a pear tree.
This was a major downer. Poor stupid heroine loses her mother figure while her daddy either ignores her or is emotionally abusive. She's attracted to ye old ranch hand who's eight years older who ends up marrying Big Daddy's niece for....reasons. Why he could have not have had a MOC with the h who was actually Big D's real daughter I do not know. Up until the marriage ceremony I expected him to pull a runaway groom, but, nope, he marries the evil OW but not before having sex with the heroine on the stairs. I think it was the stairs. Not as a romantic as it sounds. What a weeny hero.
Anyhoo, be careful what you ask for. This was tawdry and depressing. Yes, you can pull off a romance with a May/December couple, but not like this...not where the H caves and whines about his MOC and lets the heroine hang out to dry.
April 7, 2023
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Indiana Ellington was raised in a mansion on a ranch in Texas, but never felt liked she belonged after tragedy touches her life. After her world imploded she felt alone and lost, and the only bright spot was Milo Odell. He becomes her safe place, and makes her feel loved and cared for. As time passes she begins to look at him differently. He's always been her person. Her friend, family and protector, but lately he's her new obsession. Over the years her crush has grown, and that smile of his does things to her. He makes her feel deeply, and she imagines a future with him, but she soon learns her heart yearns for a man that was promised to another woman. Will she willingly let him go, or fight for love?
Milo Odell is a cowboy living in a barn on Ellington ranch. He's loyal to the Ellington's, and owes them everything. His life is not his own, and he's trapped by his past. The person that matters most to him is off limits, and he's set to marry a woman he doesn't love. Will he ever be free to follow his heart?
If This Is Love by Jewel E. Ann is an arranged marriage, slow burn, age gap, friends to lovers, cowboy romance about family, friendship, beautiful connections and forbidden love. It's full of serious angst, secrets and sizzling chemistry. I adored Indie and her big personality and sexy, sweet, swoony Milo. This is a story that I couldn't put down. Indie and Milo's journey isn't easy, but it will hit you straight in the heart with all the emotions and love. I am always so captivated by Jewel E. Ann's unique stories and this book just reminds me why I love her words so much! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/If-This-Love-J...
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Indiana Ellington was raised in a mansion on a ranch in Texas, but never felt liked she belonged after tragedy touches her life. After her world imploded she felt alone and lost, and the only bright spot was Milo Odell. He becomes her safe place, and makes her feel loved and cared for. As time passes she begins to look at him differently. He's always been her person. Her friend, family and protector, but lately he's her new obsession. Over the years her crush has grown, and that smile of his does things to her. He makes her feel deeply, and she imagines a future with him, but she soon learns her heart yearns for a man that was promised to another woman. Will she willingly let him go, or fight for love?
Milo Odell is a cowboy living in a barn on Ellington ranch. He's loyal to the Ellington's, and owes them everything. His life is not his own, and he's trapped by his past. The person that matters most to him is off limits, and he's set to marry a woman he doesn't love. Will he ever be free to follow his heart?
If This Is Love by Jewel E. Ann is an arranged marriage, slow burn, age gap, friends to lovers, cowboy romance about family, friendship, beautiful connections and forbidden love. It's full of serious angst, secrets and sizzling chemistry. I adored Indie and her big personality and sexy, sweet, swoony Milo. This is a story that I couldn't put down. Indie and Milo's journey isn't easy, but it will hit you straight in the heart with all the emotions and love. I am always so captivated by Jewel E. Ann's unique stories and this book just reminds me why I love her words so much! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/If-This-Love-J...
April 30, 2023
2.5-ish Super-Sudsy Stars
When I saw this on KU, I thought I’d hit gold. It screamed angsty goodness, I’m a sucker for the H marrying another… oh the heartbreak!! Unfortunately, things didn’t really shake out deliciously for me. The writing isn’t bad, it’s just sort of sloppy. There were so many things shoved in the book sandwich, I found it confusing and very unrealistic… and the holes I could poke in the characters actions/decisions made it hard to get onboard. *The rest will have plot outline spoilers… I’ll try to be vague but stop if you want zero details.
The book is separated into two parts. The first part consists of the early years of Milo and Indiana’s relationship. There’s an age gap (8 years I believe) and they meet at 10 and 18 (I think) some readers were upset by this. The sexual relationship starts when she’s 18 but still in HS. I didn’t find it uncomfortable but will admit certain parts were a bit cringy… my only real grump about this part is that IMO Indie lacked the maturity needed to make the attraction/feelings believable which caused me to disconnect some from them as a couple. Don’t get me wrong, eighteen is young for adulting, but you’ve got to make her mature for me to believe a 26-year-old man would be interested, and they’d have some deep feeling/connection with each other that would last through all their years apart.
This part introduces the characters, fills us in on their backstory, sets up the blackmail MOC to her awful cousin Jolene, and ends just after the wedding. This should’ve been a gut punch, but it was all so immature and overdramatic that it negated all my realistic feels.
Part two starts four years later with the mc’s randomly running into each other. Things happen that forces them back together and the plot really goes off the whacky rails. There’re revelations and decisions that make zero sense. Threads thrown in that added really nothing, and for me, an unsatisfactory rush to tie everything up for a hasty HEA.
The majority of the drama is generated from stomping all over the h while she lays around never moving out of the way, which can be alright, I can get behind a bread crust eating HP-martyr h for a while if I’m in the right mood… but I really need her to either grow a little mini-spine or be the recipient of a fair amount of groveling including some comeuppance for the wrong-doers. Neither happens.
Bottom Line- I didn’t love it, but it kept me reading, so I’ll round up. I love soapy reads, but even I have limits…. like when Marlena got possessed by the devil (Days of Our Lives) I was just a kid and still thought that shit was stupid 😂 I need it to make a little sense or be under 200 pages. I started skimming, the conclusion was rushed, and I felt like all the baddies got off too easy. In Jac’s world… The villain would’ve died a slow painful death. Indie would’ve taken them all to court to be declared the rightful heir and taken everything over. Milo would’ve groveled for a few chapters, and Jolene and Pauline would’ve been thrown out on their asses with nothing.
Safety-
When I saw this on KU, I thought I’d hit gold. It screamed angsty goodness, I’m a sucker for the H marrying another… oh the heartbreak!! Unfortunately, things didn’t really shake out deliciously for me. The writing isn’t bad, it’s just sort of sloppy. There were so many things shoved in the book sandwich, I found it confusing and very unrealistic… and the holes I could poke in the characters actions/decisions made it hard to get onboard. *The rest will have plot outline spoilers… I’ll try to be vague but stop if you want zero details.
The book is separated into two parts. The first part consists of the early years of Milo and Indiana’s relationship. There’s an age gap (8 years I believe) and they meet at 10 and 18 (I think) some readers were upset by this. The sexual relationship starts when she’s 18 but still in HS. I didn’t find it uncomfortable but will admit certain parts were a bit cringy… my only real grump about this part is that IMO Indie lacked the maturity needed to make the attraction/feelings believable which caused me to disconnect some from them as a couple. Don’t get me wrong, eighteen is young for adulting, but you’ve got to make her mature for me to believe a 26-year-old man would be interested, and they’d have some deep feeling/connection with each other that would last through all their years apart.
This part introduces the characters, fills us in on their backstory, sets up the blackmail MOC to her awful cousin Jolene, and ends just after the wedding. This should’ve been a gut punch, but it was all so immature and overdramatic that it negated all my realistic feels.
Part two starts four years later with the mc’s randomly running into each other. Things happen that forces them back together and the plot really goes off the whacky rails. There’re revelations and decisions that make zero sense. Threads thrown in that added really nothing, and for me, an unsatisfactory rush to tie everything up for a hasty HEA.
The majority of the drama is generated from stomping all over the h while she lays around never moving out of the way, which can be alright, I can get behind a bread crust eating HP-martyr h for a while if I’m in the right mood… but I really need her to either grow a little mini-spine or be the recipient of a fair amount of groveling including some comeuppance for the wrong-doers. Neither happens.
Bottom Line- I didn’t love it, but it kept me reading, so I’ll round up. I love soapy reads, but even I have limits…. like when Marlena got possessed by the devil (Days of Our Lives) I was just a kid and still thought that shit was stupid 😂 I need it to make a little sense or be under 200 pages. I started skimming, the conclusion was rushed, and I felt like all the baddies got off too easy. In Jac’s world… The villain would’ve died a slow painful death. Indie would’ve taken them all to court to be declared the rightful heir and taken everything over. Milo would’ve groveled for a few chapters, and Jolene and Pauline would’ve been thrown out on their asses with nothing.
Safety-
April 4, 2023
Jewel E. Ann has a way with words and her storylines are always unforgettable. Milo and Indie will forever hold a special place in my heart. And while some people may find their beginning to be problematic, I feel like their foundation for love was solidified by the incredible friendship that was cemented between them years ago. This book has angst, forbidden love, a setting that felt so real to me as a reader, and a beautiful love story. You honestly cannot go wrong with this one if you like forbidden age gap romances. I highly recommend it.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Oy vey!
This was pure drama and it about killed me. Not only did it keep me on the edge of my seat, it about had my heart beating out of my chest. Not to mention the brain aneurysm it almost caused with the pure anger it induced.
All Indie had was her adopted mother Ruthie. When she died the ranch hand that lived in the barn took her place and became Indie’s whole world.
This book has the best villains and when I say best what I really mean if the worst excuses for humans. Fletcher had to be the Devil incarnate and his sister and her daughter were his shitty little henchman.
They pretty much threw everything but the kitchen sink at Indie and Milo in order to ruin any kind of happiness they could scrape together.
But as the title entails; If This is Love then they can persevere. And they do. It may not be pretty. It may have not been a clear shot road to happiness. But as the saying goes, you can’t appreciate the sun without the rain.
And these two beautiful souls learned how to dance in the rain.
As for the audio? Absolute perfection. This is my first time hearing Meg Sylvan but it certainly won’t be my last. It isn’t my first time hearing Tim Paige but it’s the first time I’ve heard him do an MF book and it was a bit of a mindfuck for me.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Oy vey!
This was pure drama and it about killed me. Not only did it keep me on the edge of my seat, it about had my heart beating out of my chest. Not to mention the brain aneurysm it almost caused with the pure anger it induced.
All Indie had was her adopted mother Ruthie. When she died the ranch hand that lived in the barn took her place and became Indie’s whole world.
This book has the best villains and when I say best what I really mean if the worst excuses for humans. Fletcher had to be the Devil incarnate and his sister and her daughter were his shitty little henchman.
They pretty much threw everything but the kitchen sink at Indie and Milo in order to ruin any kind of happiness they could scrape together.
But as the title entails; If This is Love then they can persevere. And they do. It may not be pretty. It may have not been a clear shot road to happiness. But as the saying goes, you can’t appreciate the sun without the rain.
And these two beautiful souls learned how to dance in the rain.
As for the audio? Absolute perfection. This is my first time hearing Meg Sylvan but it certainly won’t be my last. It isn’t my first time hearing Tim Paige but it’s the first time I’ve heard him do an MF book and it was a bit of a mindfuck for me.
April 6, 2023
5 I would do anything for love stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jewel E. Ann solidified herself as a favorite of mine a very long time ago however she just one ups herself EVERY.SINGLE.TIME! She is one of those authors that can write ANYTHING and it is stellar! This book had the grit and some of the content of Jersey Six, it had the intrigue of The Jack and Jill series but is in a class all on its own.
She weaves a tale of death, love, murder, secrets, lies and deception and a little despair. She really went a tad bit dark in this one and I loved it! This was a love story at heart. It was beautiful in the end. It was also SPICY and HOT! I mean, let’s face it, Jewel writes sensuality over smut (not downing smut at all cause I love it, you get what I’m saying) and this one was beautiful to read!
If This Is Love tells the tale of Milo and Indie and the blurb gives nothing away (so neither will I😉) He is the epitome of the Hot Cowboy and she is the Princess in the castle. They are truly forbidden and he is truly her savior and Prince Charming. His backstory is painful and hers privileged. The opposites attract motto is so true for them. I loved that contrast and then the fallout of certain circumstances that bring them together then apart.
I couldn’t love this book anymore if I tried and it will be one that I reread all the time. I feel this way about most of her books because they just find a way in your heart and shatter you and put you back together in the end.
Angst⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cheating not really…read the book
Sexy Tume⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Epilogue ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC provided for early honest review
Jewel E. Ann solidified herself as a favorite of mine a very long time ago however she just one ups herself EVERY.SINGLE.TIME! She is one of those authors that can write ANYTHING and it is stellar! This book had the grit and some of the content of Jersey Six, it had the intrigue of The Jack and Jill series but is in a class all on its own.
She weaves a tale of death, love, murder, secrets, lies and deception and a little despair. She really went a tad bit dark in this one and I loved it! This was a love story at heart. It was beautiful in the end. It was also SPICY and HOT! I mean, let’s face it, Jewel writes sensuality over smut (not downing smut at all cause I love it, you get what I’m saying) and this one was beautiful to read!
If This Is Love tells the tale of Milo and Indie and the blurb gives nothing away (so neither will I😉) He is the epitome of the Hot Cowboy and she is the Princess in the castle. They are truly forbidden and he is truly her savior and Prince Charming. His backstory is painful and hers privileged. The opposites attract motto is so true for them. I loved that contrast and then the fallout of certain circumstances that bring them together then apart.
I couldn’t love this book anymore if I tried and it will be one that I reread all the time. I feel this way about most of her books because they just find a way in your heart and shatter you and put you back together in the end.
Angst⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cheating not really…read the book
Sexy Tume⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Epilogue ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC provided for early honest review
March 7, 2023
Jewel E Ann is a master of words, she sucks you in with her emotion driven stories and Milo and Indiana's story was no exception.
It's a story that evolves over time, one of loss, heartbreak and longing and ultimately one of betrayal and family feuds.
I didn't put it down all day. My heart bled for the both of them, stuck in situations they couldn't get out of. Guilt and grief are two very real emotions that are easily manipulated. The villain in the story is one that you will easily hate.
The writing was beautiful as always, kept me captivated, wanting to know if Milo and Indiana could overcome their adversities.
Just perfect!
It's a story that evolves over time, one of loss, heartbreak and longing and ultimately one of betrayal and family feuds.
I didn't put it down all day. My heart bled for the both of them, stuck in situations they couldn't get out of. Guilt and grief are two very real emotions that are easily manipulated. The villain in the story is one that you will easily hate.
The writing was beautiful as always, kept me captivated, wanting to know if Milo and Indiana could overcome their adversities.
Just perfect!
April 8, 2023
“Milo nods. “I feel it right now.” He smiles, but it quickly fades. “Sometimes, happiness is fleeting. But I can now say that when I die, I’ll have known that feeling. I’ll remember how it felt to be home, if only for a few breaths. I’ll remember it forever; I’ll remember you forever.”
this was so good ngl the ending felt rushed but I loved the angst and everything😭
this was so good ngl the ending felt rushed but I loved the angst and everything😭
March 31, 2023
No, this is not love.
All this book managed to prove was that the hero didn't really love the heroine in the first place.
All this book managed to prove was that the hero didn't really love the heroine in the first place.
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