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The Chain of Lakes #1
The Homemaker
A romance inspired by TS “Fortnight”
I was hers, but she was never mine.
Alice Yates is the hired “homemaker” for the Morrisons, an affluent couple in Minneapolis. For Alice, it’s a dream job to dress up like a 1950s housewife and read romance novels to Mr. Morrison before his afternoon nap.
But when the Morrisons’ only daughter returns home for the summer with her fiancé, Alice comes face- to-face with her shattered past—the only threat to her perfect life.
Eight years earlier, vacation rental owner Murphy Paddon had an impeccable vinyl record collection and did the most irresistible thing before kissing Alice, earning him a five-star rating. Their fortnight love affair was life-altering and ended tragically.
Murphy doesn’t know if Alice remembers him or whether he should tell his fiancée that the hired-help living in the guesthouse is the woman who irreparably broke his heart. He needs closure, but will the lingering glances and silent yearning lead to the end or just the beginning?
Grab your copy of The Homemaker, from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Jewel E. Ann, and lose yourself in this forbidden, high-stakes romance.
I was hers, but she was never mine.
Alice Yates is the hired “homemaker” for the Morrisons, an affluent couple in Minneapolis. For Alice, it’s a dream job to dress up like a 1950s housewife and read romance novels to Mr. Morrison before his afternoon nap.
But when the Morrisons’ only daughter returns home for the summer with her fiancé, Alice comes face- to-face with her shattered past—the only threat to her perfect life.
Eight years earlier, vacation rental owner Murphy Paddon had an impeccable vinyl record collection and did the most irresistible thing before kissing Alice, earning him a five-star rating. Their fortnight love affair was life-altering and ended tragically.
Murphy doesn’t know if Alice remembers him or whether he should tell his fiancée that the hired-help living in the guesthouse is the woman who irreparably broke his heart. He needs closure, but will the lingering glances and silent yearning lead to the end or just the beginning?
Grab your copy of The Homemaker, from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Jewel E. Ann, and lose yourself in this forbidden, high-stakes romance.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
777 people are currently reading
7422 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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September 30, 2025Available now!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3UPLWuG
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/S26fj
Audible: http://bit.ly/4nu17pZ
Narrated by Charlotte North & Robert Hatchet
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/457iBCa
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3UPLWuG
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/S26fj
Audible: http://bit.ly/4nu17pZ
Narrated by Charlotte North & Robert Hatchet
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/457iBCa
September 20, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ STARS....
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
☀︎ THE HOMEMAKER ☀︎ Is the first full length romance book within the (The Chain of Lakes) series by author Jewel E. Ann. Spoken in dual perspectives. (Alice & Murphy) Does flit back 8 years ago when these two first met.
This is the one book I've been anticipating, every book this author writes has me excited to jump in, always unique, always unputdownable..
Vera Morrison needs a 'Homemaker' aka housekeeper for her husband, which is Alice's newly appointed position wearing a uniform similar to what the housewives wore back in the 1950's. This pays well over her last position where she was a personal assistant and comes with a rent free guest house which is the fanciest place shes ever lived. Win win..
Now enter Murphy, he's marrying the Morrison's daughter and will also be living on the premises in the big house as they plan the wedding.
The last place Alice expected to see was Murphy, the guy she spent a memorable two weeks with eight years ago.
Every single character this author introduces you to gives you such a profound feeling of loss when you close out of that last page. These two were no different, especially Alice, god I loved her wicked sense of humor, her sassiness and winks, that was surface level delve deeper and you connect on an emotional level also, all her loses, her grief, her suffering.
Murphy had two sides of himself, with Alice he showed his love for old time music, wood turning, with his Fiance that side of himself was hidden..Like a dirty little secret around Alice he seemed to come alive again.
Now down to the grit, I don't mind cheating in my books, usually I come away feeling some kind of way towards the person getting cheated on, but in this case, I didn't hate or dislike Murphy's fiance, she didn't deserve it, she was likable, but she wasn't really the focus in this book, so I didn't bond or really connect with her character, she's more of a side character within Murphy and Alice's story. If that makes sense?
* Teaser used is the authors *
📚'𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂'📚 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
☀︎ THE HOMEMAKER ☀︎ Is the first full length romance book within the (The Chain of Lakes) series by author Jewel E. Ann. Spoken in dual perspectives. (Alice & Murphy) Does flit back 8 years ago when these two first met.
This is the one book I've been anticipating, every book this author writes has me excited to jump in, always unique, always unputdownable..
Vera Morrison needs a 'Homemaker' aka housekeeper for her husband, which is Alice's newly appointed position wearing a uniform similar to what the housewives wore back in the 1950's. This pays well over her last position where she was a personal assistant and comes with a rent free guest house which is the fanciest place shes ever lived. Win win..
Now enter Murphy, he's marrying the Morrison's daughter and will also be living on the premises in the big house as they plan the wedding.
The last place Alice expected to see was Murphy, the guy she spent a memorable two weeks with eight years ago.
Every single character this author introduces you to gives you such a profound feeling of loss when you close out of that last page. These two were no different, especially Alice, god I loved her wicked sense of humor, her sassiness and winks, that was surface level delve deeper and you connect on an emotional level also, all her loses, her grief, her suffering.
Murphy had two sides of himself, with Alice he showed his love for old time music, wood turning, with his Fiance that side of himself was hidden..Like a dirty little secret around Alice he seemed to come alive again.
Now down to the grit, I don't mind cheating in my books, usually I come away feeling some kind of way towards the person getting cheated on, but in this case, I didn't hate or dislike Murphy's fiance, she didn't deserve it, she was likable, but she wasn't really the focus in this book, so I didn't bond or really connect with her character, she's more of a side character within Murphy and Alice's story. If that makes sense?
* Teaser used is the authors *
September 28, 2025
Grab your faulty parachute and get ready to tumble headfirst into this messy, angsty, and heart-wrenching tragic HEA
✨
Another Jewel E. Ann book that sneaks in with all the wholesome vibes while delivering a perfectly gutting second-chance romance.
🎶 Currently Playing
• Inspiration of the author: “Fortnight” – Taylor Swift
• Actually them: “But Daddy I love him” – Taylor Swift
(Disclaimer: I am in no way, shape, or form a TS expert)
⚠️ CW: Cheating (if the blurb didn’t already make that clear)
A Love That Breaks and Mends 🪄
Their story is tragic. And it deserves a second chance.
I’m glad they got it, even if it came at a steep price.
I love books that remind you love can be both magical and messy, that you can be worshipped even through your cracks and chaos, and that you still deserve it. This one does exactly that.
Murphy + Alice 🌪️
They feel like a suburban couple who could’ve travelled the world, gotten lost, and circled right back to the starting point — only instead of picking up, they blundered and basked in the chaos of their own messy, transcendent love. Somehow, it still found its natural home in their revelry.
Timeline Magic ⏳
The dual timeline at the start? So well done. Far from annoying. It gave me crumbs I devoured and made the payoff even sweeter.
Do I recommend? 💭
Unique yet familiar, this story lingers. It makes you ache and root for love to survive itself. Jewel E. Ann once again knows how to twist the knife and then hand you the bandage.
Thank you, Valentine PR and Jewel E. Ann, for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
--
Pre-read:
Listen, I might not be a Taylor Swift girl, but I am definitely a Jewel E. Ann one.
Let's see what a storyteller can do when inspired by an artist!✨✒️
Another Jewel E. Ann book that sneaks in with all the wholesome vibes while delivering a perfectly gutting second-chance romance.
🎶 Currently Playing
• Inspiration of the author: “Fortnight” – Taylor Swift
• Actually them: “But Daddy I love him” – Taylor Swift
(Disclaimer: I am in no way, shape, or form a TS expert)
⚠️ CW: Cheating (if the blurb didn’t already make that clear)
A Love That Breaks and Mends 🪄
Their story is tragic. And it deserves a second chance.
I’m glad they got it, even if it came at a steep price.
I love books that remind you love can be both magical and messy, that you can be worshipped even through your cracks and chaos, and that you still deserve it. This one does exactly that.
Murphy + Alice 🌪️
They feel like a suburban couple who could’ve travelled the world, gotten lost, and circled right back to the starting point — only instead of picking up, they blundered and basked in the chaos of their own messy, transcendent love. Somehow, it still found its natural home in their revelry.
Timeline Magic ⏳
The dual timeline at the start? So well done. Far from annoying. It gave me crumbs I devoured and made the payoff even sweeter.
Do I recommend? 💭
Unique yet familiar, this story lingers. It makes you ache and root for love to survive itself. Jewel E. Ann once again knows how to twist the knife and then hand you the bandage.
Thank you, Valentine PR and Jewel E. Ann, for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
--
Pre-read:
Listen, I might not be a Taylor Swift girl, but I am definitely a Jewel E. Ann one.
Let's see what a storyteller can do when inspired by an artist!✨✒️
September 20, 2025
Alice works as a homemaker in the house of a wealthy family. Her job is not only to take care of all the household duties, but also to dress like a 1950s housewife and meet Mr. Morrison’s needs—like reading to him before his afternoon nap. When their daughter arrives home for the summer with her fiancé, Alice recognizes him as the man she spent two wonderful weeks with eight years ago.
The story completely captivated me. I was overwhelmed with emotions throughout the entire book, I believed in the characters and felt every moment right along with them. The plot is unique and unpredictable, and one particular event near the end left my jaw on the floor.
The FMC has been through a lot, but she carries the author’s trademark humor, so at times I deeply pitied her and at others I couldn’t help but smile.
At the beginning of the book, the MMC is engaged, and I’ll admit I only accept the love triangle trope under certain circumstances. I liked Murphy, but I also got angry with him many times. I can’t condone some of his actions, so I couldn’t give the book a higher rating.
I’m really intrigued by the next book. I’m curious to see who the main character will be, since it isn’t obvious at all. I do have one guess, and I hope it turns out to be true.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓second chance
✓love triangle
✓dual timeline
✓tragic past
✓he falls first
___________
Pre-read: Got the ARC of the first book in Jewel E. Ann’s new series! I’m so excited!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jewel E. Ann for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story completely captivated me. I was overwhelmed with emotions throughout the entire book, I believed in the characters and felt every moment right along with them. The plot is unique and unpredictable, and one particular event near the end left my jaw on the floor.
The FMC has been through a lot, but she carries the author’s trademark humor, so at times I deeply pitied her and at others I couldn’t help but smile.
At the beginning of the book, the MMC is engaged, and I’ll admit I only accept the love triangle trope under certain circumstances. I liked Murphy, but I also got angry with him many times. I can’t condone some of his actions, so I couldn’t give the book a higher rating.
I’m really intrigued by the next book. I’m curious to see who the main character will be, since it isn’t obvious at all. I do have one guess, and I hope it turns out to be true.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓second chance
✓love triangle
✓dual timeline
✓tragic past
✓he falls first
___________
Pre-read: Got the ARC of the first book in Jewel E. Ann’s new series! I’m so excited!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jewel E. Ann for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2025
DNF…. I’m sorry, but what the hell was this..😭
Am I reading a psychological thriller or a romance novel because why were the vibes so fucking eery and strange…?? 😭
Both of the parents behavior was so odd and the things the dad would say made me sort of uncomfortable 🥴 🤣 The whole premise of the book in general is weird too. The FMC is hired by the wife of a rich family to be her husband’s “homemaker.” They suggest for her to wear 1950s maid attire (so weird). And every interaction Alice (fmc) had with the mom or the dad I was like why does this feel so off LMAO.
Please read this quote from the dad that happens when he’s talking to his daughter’s fiancée (the mmc) about the new homemaker:
“Blair just doesn’t understand our marriage. You kids are young, and you only see the first stage of love. Think of it like hot chocolate with marshmallows. It looks amazing when it’s fresh and hot. It’s really sweet. And you just can’t stop licking and sucking on the marshmallows. Well, that’s the early years of marriage. Then the marshmallows shrink. They’re not the mouthful they used to be, not as firm, and the chocolate isn’t as hot as it used to be. But then, you realize all it needs is thirty seconds in the microwave and a handful of new marshmallows, and suddenly you like your hot chocolate again. See what I mean?”
Like what the actual fuck did I just read…? 🤣😭😭😭 What kind of fucking description is that 😭 LOL the parents were just so strange. Like trust me that was not the only weird thing said lol.
Beyond just this, I originally went into this thinking that the FMC & MMC had been together like for a while in the past. But in reality they knew each other for 2 WEEKS almost a DECADE ago?? And this man, who now has a fiancée, is still hung up on her?? 2 weeks??? Idk how this was supposed to be angsty when he doesn’t even fully recognize her at first and she pretends she doesn’t recognize him at all. AND in her inner-monologue she says she doesn’t even remember how it ended..? Girl what? You’re having a visceral reaction to seeing this man but you don’t remember how this 2 week love affair ended?
Last thing- the flashbacks were also so weird. The FMC’s behavior was like weirdly manic lmfao😭 I can’t even explain it. The way she was acting towards the MMC was so strange and they also had literally just met. She legit sounded like she was lowkey crazy or something was off about her. I think it’s obvious something happened to her or involving her before that, but either way, the shit she was saying and the way she was acting was just weird dude
Seriously if I didn’t know any better I would’ve thought this was a psychological thriller bc it literally sounds like The Housemaid
Am I reading a psychological thriller or a romance novel because why were the vibes so fucking eery and strange…?? 😭
Both of the parents behavior was so odd and the things the dad would say made me sort of uncomfortable 🥴 🤣 The whole premise of the book in general is weird too. The FMC is hired by the wife of a rich family to be her husband’s “homemaker.” They suggest for her to wear 1950s maid attire (so weird). And every interaction Alice (fmc) had with the mom or the dad I was like why does this feel so off LMAO.
Please read this quote from the dad that happens when he’s talking to his daughter’s fiancée (the mmc) about the new homemaker:
“Blair just doesn’t understand our marriage. You kids are young, and you only see the first stage of love. Think of it like hot chocolate with marshmallows. It looks amazing when it’s fresh and hot. It’s really sweet. And you just can’t stop licking and sucking on the marshmallows. Well, that’s the early years of marriage. Then the marshmallows shrink. They’re not the mouthful they used to be, not as firm, and the chocolate isn’t as hot as it used to be. But then, you realize all it needs is thirty seconds in the microwave and a handful of new marshmallows, and suddenly you like your hot chocolate again. See what I mean?”
Like what the actual fuck did I just read…? 🤣😭😭😭 What kind of fucking description is that 😭 LOL the parents were just so strange. Like trust me that was not the only weird thing said lol.
Beyond just this, I originally went into this thinking that the FMC & MMC had been together like for a while in the past. But in reality they knew each other for 2 WEEKS almost a DECADE ago?? And this man, who now has a fiancée, is still hung up on her?? 2 weeks??? Idk how this was supposed to be angsty when he doesn’t even fully recognize her at first and she pretends she doesn’t recognize him at all. AND in her inner-monologue she says she doesn’t even remember how it ended..? Girl what? You’re having a visceral reaction to seeing this man but you don’t remember how this 2 week love affair ended?
Last thing- the flashbacks were also so weird. The FMC’s behavior was like weirdly manic lmfao😭 I can’t even explain it. The way she was acting towards the MMC was so strange and they also had literally just met. She legit sounded like she was lowkey crazy or something was off about her. I think it’s obvious something happened to her or involving her before that, but either way, the shit she was saying and the way she was acting was just weird dude
Seriously if I didn’t know any better I would’ve thought this was a psychological thriller bc it literally sounds like The Housemaid
November 9, 2025
3.5 stars
At the start of this book, I found the premise to be so intriguing. This second chance romance went a way I didn’t exactly love, but I always enjoy Jewel E. Ann’s writing and that she’s not afraid to write out of the box stories.
At the start of this book, I found the premise to be so intriguing. This second chance romance went a way I didn’t exactly love, but I always enjoy Jewel E. Ann’s writing and that she’s not afraid to write out of the box stories.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Charlotte North & Robert Hatchet
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length:8h 51m
September 30, 2025
I almost have no words.
I know before I start a JEA book that I need to put a helmet, safety gear, maybe a parachute on because I’m about to go on the ricketiest rollercoaster.
I binged this in a day as is common with her books.
(I love rollercoasters 😉)
The plot twists and turns throughout this book, had me wanting to chuck my kindle at the wall or cry.
Alice & Murphy 💫
Fortnight by Taylor Swift 🎶
The angst was really off the charts
Gosh I love a mess
Also I have to add I loved Alice’s job.
The comic relief that delivered between the blows I was taking was a big thank you.
Arc review ✨
I know before I start a JEA book that I need to put a helmet, safety gear, maybe a parachute on because I’m about to go on the ricketiest rollercoaster.
I binged this in a day as is common with her books.
(I love rollercoasters 😉)
The plot twists and turns throughout this book, had me wanting to chuck my kindle at the wall or cry.
Alice & Murphy 💫
Fortnight by Taylor Swift 🎶
The angst was really off the charts
Gosh I love a mess
Also I have to add I loved Alice’s job.
The comic relief that delivered between the blows I was taking was a big thank you.
Arc review ✨
September 18, 2025
I inhaled this story like one of Alice’s steaks. I couldn’t get enough of her and Murphy. Their story contained so much. Humor, happiness, love and heartbreak. It was so well written as all JEA books are. This couple just made me yearn. I needed more of anything when it came to Alice and Murphy.
Their love story takes time or should I say years. Their reunion after so many years was filled with amazing tension. From there on out it was an intense journey back to one another and learning the truth. I was absolutely hooked and a wreck at the same time.
The Morrison family especially Hunter and Vera were a hoot. There’s an Easter egg for JEA fans and it was awesome.
Read this incredible second chance romance. I can’t recommend Murph and Alice’s love story enough.
*Thank you Valentine PR & Literary Management for the ARC*
Their love story takes time or should I say years. Their reunion after so many years was filled with amazing tension. From there on out it was an intense journey back to one another and learning the truth. I was absolutely hooked and a wreck at the same time.
The Morrison family especially Hunter and Vera were a hoot. There’s an Easter egg for JEA fans and it was awesome.
Read this incredible second chance romance. I can’t recommend Murph and Alice’s love story enough.
*Thank you Valentine PR & Literary Management for the ARC*
September 21, 2025
I really hate rating this book as low as I am because Jewel E Ann’s most recent books have been some of my favorites, but this one was soooooo… I’m honestly at a loss for words on how I feel about it.
I just know this isn’t going to be a popular one for most readers due to a specific trope in it.
For me, it wasn’t that trope that made me give this a 2 star it was how nothing really made sense, everything felt like a weird fever dream, and I think I might just be a little too liberal for whatever this was.
Perhaps that’s my own fault. This gave real Colleen Hoover vibes (derogatory) Everything was toxic, the characters felt extremely shallow—even when there were moments of extreme emotion, and the issue in the end…
I won’t give it away because it’s a massive spoiler, but not only is it so unethical and morally wrong to do to another human being, but it’s also straight up fucking weird.
And it’s kind of made a joke of? Like no. That’s someone’s whole ass life.
Anyways, if you enjoy Colleen Hoover-style books, this might actually be for you, but it was definitely just a little too undercooked and absurd for me.
Huge thank you to VPR for allowing me to read this early. I wish I loved it more.
I just know this isn’t going to be a popular one for most readers due to a specific trope in it.
For me, it wasn’t that trope that made me give this a 2 star it was how nothing really made sense, everything felt like a weird fever dream, and I think I might just be a little too liberal for whatever this was.
Perhaps that’s my own fault. This gave real Colleen Hoover vibes (derogatory) Everything was toxic, the characters felt extremely shallow—even when there were moments of extreme emotion, and the issue in the end…
I won’t give it away because it’s a massive spoiler, but not only is it so unethical and morally wrong to do to another human being, but it’s also straight up fucking weird.
And it’s kind of made a joke of? Like no. That’s someone’s whole ass life.
Anyways, if you enjoy Colleen Hoover-style books, this might actually be for you, but it was definitely just a little too undercooked and absurd for me.
Huge thank you to VPR for allowing me to read this early. I wish I loved it more.
October 14, 2025
I have really enjoyed everything I have read by this author, so I was screaming inside when this one came across my email.
Another absolute hit from JEA!! This one had me glued to the book with the rollercoaster of emotions she put me through and the twists she threw in the plot. Long story short, Alice was hired to be a homemaker for a wealthy family. The concept of dressing up like a 1950's housewife to read novels to Mr. Morrison before his afternoon nap is beyond different. However, when their only daughter comes home with her fiancé, Alice is thrown for a loop. Looking into the face of someone from her past the story begins to unravel.
This is a story that shows you the messy and raw side of relationships. It will make you question yourself and your own morals blurring what is right and wrong. This story is both intense and beautiful.
What to Expect
✨Forced Proximity
✨Tragic Past
✨Second Chance
✨Love Triangle
✨He Falls First
✨Dual Timeline
Thank you to Valentine PR for access to this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Another absolute hit from JEA!! This one had me glued to the book with the rollercoaster of emotions she put me through and the twists she threw in the plot. Long story short, Alice was hired to be a homemaker for a wealthy family. The concept of dressing up like a 1950's housewife to read novels to Mr. Morrison before his afternoon nap is beyond different. However, when their only daughter comes home with her fiancé, Alice is thrown for a loop. Looking into the face of someone from her past the story begins to unravel.
This is a story that shows you the messy and raw side of relationships. It will make you question yourself and your own morals blurring what is right and wrong. This story is both intense and beautiful.
What to Expect
✨Forced Proximity
✨Tragic Past
✨Second Chance
✨Love Triangle
✨He Falls First
✨Dual Timeline
Thank you to Valentine PR for access to this arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2025
Alice + Murphy
Alice is the new homemaker / house manager / maid in the Morrison household. She lives in the guest house and loves her job.
Enter Murphy. He's going to be living there too for the summer. To get ready for his upcoming wedding. To the daughter of the house.
Alice and Murphy know each other - they met eight years ago for two amazing and intense weeks.
══════════════════
That was ... I want to say adorable. And it had lots of that. But it had so much more heartbreak and sadness and PTSD and depression and grief and most importantly ... it had cheating! And I don't want that in my happy end romances.
I hated that. And it didn't really get 'resolved' completely in the end. For the cheated upon person at least.
I loved Alice and Murphy and the dad and everybody really. But I just hated the cheating part. And also... it's not really my thing if the hero and heroine are not together for 90% of the book.
It was a great story and I cried a few times, but I wanted things a bit different here and there.
I would've given 4.75 stars but the cheating almost made me give it only three.
THE HOMEMAKER was a sweet and sad and funny and heartbreaking and hopeful second chance love story.
If you can't click the buy-links
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💜
💜
October 11, 2025
4 Stars ⭐️
September 30, 2025
two things about me - 1) anything JEA writes, i read. 2) anything taylor swift song inspired, i read. 🙂↕️
i will forever be blown away by the way JEA can make me feel every emotion possible in such a short amount of time. this book was SO fun but it also made me want to stare at a wall for hours on end during some parts, like most of her books this one is messy & raw, the story telling and way the way the narrators brought it to life was simply phenomenal.
one of my favorite things about this book honestly was alice’s job. i was a little hesitant about it but the morrisons brought such joy to this book, i loved the way they brought alice out of her shell and let her be her authentic self. as much as i love some angst i found myself wanting moments with them to last a bit longer before we went back to ripping my heart out lol.
i wont lie, i spent a nice little chunk of the beginning of the book alarmingly confused 💀. with the way alice was acting there were so many moments where i was wondering if i missed something and it was kind of throwing me out of the book a bit, SO if this happens to you - fear not and trust the process 😂
over all this book was just a really good time and i cant recommend the audiobook enough!!
i will forever be blown away by the way JEA can make me feel every emotion possible in such a short amount of time. this book was SO fun but it also made me want to stare at a wall for hours on end during some parts, like most of her books this one is messy & raw, the story telling and way the way the narrators brought it to life was simply phenomenal.
one of my favorite things about this book honestly was alice’s job. i was a little hesitant about it but the morrisons brought such joy to this book, i loved the way they brought alice out of her shell and let her be her authentic self. as much as i love some angst i found myself wanting moments with them to last a bit longer before we went back to ripping my heart out lol.
i wont lie, i spent a nice little chunk of the beginning of the book alarmingly confused 💀. with the way alice was acting there were so many moments where i was wondering if i missed something and it was kind of throwing me out of the book a bit, SO if this happens to you - fear not and trust the process 😂
over all this book was just a really good time and i cant recommend the audiobook enough!!
January 3, 2026
Dnf 40%. I don’t understand it, and I don’t care about any of it. Why is she pretending not to know him? Make me understand the decisions made by the characters. I don’t need to agree , I need to understand where they are coming from.
The flashbacks were done in a way that made it hard to concentrate/care. It was so random and unemotional.
Should you read it? It’s not bad at all, it’s just really not my vibe and kind of boring.
Ps. The mmc writes technical manuals and I wonder if that rubbed off?
The flashbacks were done in a way that made it hard to concentrate/care. It was so random and unemotional.
Should you read it? It’s not bad at all, it’s just really not my vibe and kind of boring.
Ps. The mmc writes technical manuals and I wonder if that rubbed off?
Read
November 3, 2025
It makes me sad to say this, but I just can’t take it anymore.
After trying to soldier this for one month. I'm throwing in the towel at 40%
I love this author, which makes it even more disappointing that this story didn’t work for me.
✅ The plot feels strange.
✅ The narrative is awkward.
✅ There isn’t a single likable character.
✅I felt no chemistry between the main characters, their decision to have sex was more cringeworthy than romantic. It felt forced.
✅The whole “she pretends not to remember him” part just felt unbelievable.
✅Murphy was so lame and uninspiring.
✅The Morrison's family eccentricity came out as weird.
✅So no surprise if I say Alice's job was The Weirdest.
Weird. Weird. Weird. Weird.
I think I said enough.
September 30, 2025
Jewel never disappoints me. RTCL
OMGOMGOMG 😍😍😍
***ARC provided by Valentine PR & Literary Management.
OMGOMGOMG 😍😍😍
***ARC provided by Valentine PR & Literary Management.
October 19, 2025
Once again JEA has written an angsty love story that will have you pulling your hair out while cheering on these two main characters. The side characters all play a major role in this book, but the heroine stole the show for me. Get ready for yet another JEA roller-coaster ride that will take you through allll the emotions!! Well done once again, JEA!!
October 7, 2025
"Hi." ♾️✨✨✨✨✨
This was my first book by this author, but won't be the last. the amount of longing, angst, emotions this story had...
don't read it if you don't like messy people or messy situations. and don't read it if you hate cheating in books.
special mention of the heroine: i have never seen a heroine being written that way and i loved her ❤️
This was my first book by this author, but won't be the last. the amount of longing, angst, emotions this story had...
don't read it if you don't like messy people or messy situations. and don't read it if you hate cheating in books.
special mention of the heroine: i have never seen a heroine being written that way and i loved her ❤️
October 7, 2025
I studied her like a gallery painting, mesmerized and consumed with curiosity.
Jewel E Ann picked up a pen to write this book and said, “let’s make it rip out their hearts and roll them around in thorny roses, all while they giggle, kick their feet, curse my name and somehow end up loving me by the end of it all.” I can’t be sure that was actually said, but that’s how The Homemaker made me feel. A little sad and a little conflicted, but so enamored and invested in the longing and desire between two people with two weeks between them, that I couldn’t help but root for them. If you’ve read Jewel E. Ann, then you know her books are a ride that will have you questioning yourself and what love truly looks like from different perspectives. If you’ve never read her, then I think The Homemaker is a good place to start!
Jewel E Ann picked up a pen to write this book and said, “let’s make it rip out their hearts and roll them around in thorny roses, all while they giggle, kick their feet, curse my name and somehow end up loving me by the end of it all.” I can’t be sure that was actually said, but that’s how The Homemaker made me feel. A little sad and a little conflicted, but so enamored and invested in the longing and desire between two people with two weeks between them, that I couldn’t help but root for them. If you’ve read Jewel E. Ann, then you know her books are a ride that will have you questioning yourself and what love truly looks like from different perspectives. If you’ve never read her, then I think The Homemaker is a good place to start!
October 12, 2025
4.5 beautiful stars
I knew this would be a perfect book to file Alchemised. JEA books always hit you just right.
This took me for a ride in just the right way.
I knew this would be a perfect book to file Alchemised. JEA books always hit you just right.
This took me for a ride in just the right way.
September 24, 2025
My rating: 4.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
— right person, wrong time
— love triangle
— dual timeline
— tragic past
— he falls first
I didn’t read the blurb when I requested the ARC, so the love triangle trope came as a surprise — and I usually hate love triangles. But this book was an exception. I devoured it in one sitting. The humor was spot-on, and the characters’ story went straight to my heart. By the end, I couldn’t hold back my tears.
Thank you to Jewel E. Ann and Valentine PR for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
— right person, wrong time
— love triangle
— dual timeline
— tragic past
— he falls first
I didn’t read the blurb when I requested the ARC, so the love triangle trope came as a surprise — and I usually hate love triangles. But this book was an exception. I devoured it in one sitting. The humor was spot-on, and the characters’ story went straight to my heart. By the end, I couldn’t hold back my tears.
Thank you to Jewel E. Ann and Valentine PR for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💘Tropes you’ll find here:
💘Right person, wrong time
💘Love triangle (done well!)
💘Dual timeline
💘Tragic past
💘 He falls first
The Homemaker absolutely wrecked me in the best way. Jewel E. Ann delivers a heart-wrenching, forbidden, second-chance romance inspired by Fortnight that had me glued to the page. Alice and Murphy’s story is full of humor, angst, and longing — the kind that makes your chest ache and your eyes sting.
Even though I usually shy away from love triangles, this one was written with such raw emotion and nuance that I devoured it in one sitting. By the final chapters, I was laughing through tears, completely undone by the depth of feeling between these characters.
If you love romances that hurt so good — where timing, past choices, and fate collide — The Homemaker is unforgettable.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jewel E. Ann for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
💘Tropes you’ll find here:
💘Right person, wrong time
💘Love triangle (done well!)
💘Dual timeline
💘Tragic past
💘 He falls first
The Homemaker absolutely wrecked me in the best way. Jewel E. Ann delivers a heart-wrenching, forbidden, second-chance romance inspired by Fortnight that had me glued to the page. Alice and Murphy’s story is full of humor, angst, and longing — the kind that makes your chest ache and your eyes sting.
Even though I usually shy away from love triangles, this one was written with such raw emotion and nuance that I devoured it in one sitting. By the final chapters, I was laughing through tears, completely undone by the depth of feeling between these characters.
If you love romances that hurt so good — where timing, past choices, and fate collide — The Homemaker is unforgettable.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Jewel E. Ann for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 19, 2025
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Alice Yates is in need of a fresh start, so when the Morrison's in Minneapolis offer her a position as their homemaker, it seems like the perfect fit for her. They are a quirky, kind couple, and she was there for all their domestic indulgences. She's thrilled about living in their guesthouse rent free, and getting to dress up like a 1950's housewife. She thought it would be a fun, fascinating job where she would never be bored. Then the Morrison's daughter comes home for the summer with her fiance, and Alice's new situation becomes extremely complicated when her past and present collide. She hasn't seen Murphy Paddon in eight years, but one look from him still sent her heart spiraling. She'd long ago given up on love and romance, but doesn't know what to do with all these unresolved feelings she never dealt with. It's clearly going to be a long, awkward summer.
Murphy Paddon returns to Minnesota, and comes face to face with the woman who broke his heart. Years ago he thought they had something real, and then it ended abruptly. Alice was still a mystery to him, and he had so many unanswered questions. He's not sure she even remembers him, or how to explain everything to his fiance. He thinks he just needs closure, but soon he can't deny the spark that's still there. Will the door that never closed between them close forever, or do they still have a future?
The Homemaker (The Chain of Lakes Series #1) by Jewel E. Ann is a unique romance inspired by TS "Fortnight." It's a forced proximity, roommates, forbidden romance about heartbreak, bad timing, second chances and undeniable love. It's full of emotion, humor, angst, electric chemistry and all the swoon. I really adored these characters, and couldn't put this book down. I love this world, and can't wait for more in this series! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Alice Yates is in need of a fresh start, so when the Morrison's in Minneapolis offer her a position as their homemaker, it seems like the perfect fit for her. They are a quirky, kind couple, and she was there for all their domestic indulgences. She's thrilled about living in their guesthouse rent free, and getting to dress up like a 1950's housewife. She thought it would be a fun, fascinating job where she would never be bored. Then the Morrison's daughter comes home for the summer with her fiance, and Alice's new situation becomes extremely complicated when her past and present collide. She hasn't seen Murphy Paddon in eight years, but one look from him still sent her heart spiraling. She'd long ago given up on love and romance, but doesn't know what to do with all these unresolved feelings she never dealt with. It's clearly going to be a long, awkward summer.
Murphy Paddon returns to Minnesota, and comes face to face with the woman who broke his heart. Years ago he thought they had something real, and then it ended abruptly. Alice was still a mystery to him, and he had so many unanswered questions. He's not sure she even remembers him, or how to explain everything to his fiance. He thinks he just needs closure, but soon he can't deny the spark that's still there. Will the door that never closed between them close forever, or do they still have a future?
The Homemaker (The Chain of Lakes Series #1) by Jewel E. Ann is a unique romance inspired by TS "Fortnight." It's a forced proximity, roommates, forbidden romance about heartbreak, bad timing, second chances and undeniable love. It's full of emotion, humor, angst, electric chemistry and all the swoon. I really adored these characters, and couldn't put this book down. I love this world, and can't wait for more in this series! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F...
October 15, 2025
4 Stars
Quick Opinion: I finished this while on a trip, so I'm not going to do my typical review format in case I forget something. Was this messy? Yes. Did this tap into my emotions? Yes. And I was here for it! I liked the back and forth from the past to current and I liked the taboo/forbidden romance element. Is this safe? Probably not, but I feel like not a ton of Jewel E. Ann's book are. I went in kinda blind and I would recommend readers to do the same - I liked it.
Quick Opinion: I finished this while on a trip, so I'm not going to do my typical review format in case I forget something. Was this messy? Yes. Did this tap into my emotions? Yes. And I was here for it! I liked the back and forth from the past to current and I liked the taboo/forbidden romance element. Is this safe? Probably not, but I feel like not a ton of Jewel E. Ann's book are. I went in kinda blind and I would recommend readers to do the same - I liked it.
October 3, 2025
Glad to read a book by JEA which has two women and a guy instead of the usual 2 guys fighting over one girl love triangle. There was something missing towards the second half of this story though. I liked every character, I have no complaints about anyone. I also cried a bit when H broke off with the "ow'' aka his fiancée who is not the heroine. That scene was done well. I'd have liked to see her side of the story as well but her story is done off-page according to the epilogue.
New concept for the plotine, with the heroine being a homemaker. I learn something new everyday by romance books. I think for me, what was missing was the ex whom the heroine is grieving for a long time. I'd have liked to see their backstory, that'd have been emotionally impactful for me in the angst department. The pregnancy storyline was underwhelming, and it seems like the minute the H broke off from his fiancée, everything got resolved, not to mention he didn't even seem that heartbroken over it while claiming to love both the women up until that moment.
After that scene, it was as if the fiancée never existed and the whole scenery changed away from that family, which is expected but it was once again underwhelming because that just means this could've been done way sooner. Delaying the inevitable when the inevitable doesnt royally fuck up anything, is the worst way to create tension and buildup the story, according to me. So, it seemed like a waste.
Overall, a decent read. Not an emotional one like I was expecting.
New concept for the plotine, with the heroine being a homemaker. I learn something new everyday by romance books. I think for me, what was missing was the ex whom the heroine is grieving for a long time. I'd have liked to see their backstory, that'd have been emotionally impactful for me in the angst department. The pregnancy storyline was underwhelming, and it seems like the minute the H broke off from his fiancée, everything got resolved, not to mention he didn't even seem that heartbroken over it while claiming to love both the women up until that moment.
After that scene, it was as if the fiancée never existed and the whole scenery changed away from that family, which is expected but it was once again underwhelming because that just means this could've been done way sooner. Delaying the inevitable when the inevitable doesnt royally fuck up anything, is the worst way to create tension and buildup the story, according to me. So, it seemed like a waste.
Overall, a decent read. Not an emotional one like I was expecting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2025
4.5★
Hired as a homemaker for the Morrisons, Alice Yates comfortably settles into her 1950s inspired position. Eight years prior, Murphy Paddon unexpectedly fell in love with an inspiring woman but he lost her as quickly. Now, their past collides with the present
Narrated in dual POV and with a shifting timeline, the love story between Alice and Murphy is all consuming and with all the feels associated with falling in love until it abruptly ends. With Alice on a path to recovery, she is comfortable in her new job until Murphy reenters her life. It is at that point when Alice and Murphy must navigate their current roles and the plot pacing takes off at gripping speed.
In the current timeline, the sexual tension is palpable as it is evident that Alice and Murphy are both trying to control their feelings despite long glances and stolen moments of conversations. As the plot continues to build, so does the tension because the consequences and truth are complicated.
This book had me on edge throughout and I was utterly smitten with Murphy. Additionally, I felt for Alice’s struggle and path of recovery.
This book would appeal to those seeking a second chance story.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Hired as a homemaker for the Morrisons, Alice Yates comfortably settles into her 1950s inspired position. Eight years prior, Murphy Paddon unexpectedly fell in love with an inspiring woman but he lost her as quickly. Now, their past collides with the present
“I had never experienced such an uncontrollable pull toward another human”
Narrated in dual POV and with a shifting timeline, the love story between Alice and Murphy is all consuming and with all the feels associated with falling in love until it abruptly ends. With Alice on a path to recovery, she is comfortable in her new job until Murphy reenters her life. It is at that point when Alice and Murphy must navigate their current roles and the plot pacing takes off at gripping speed.
In the current timeline, the sexual tension is palpable as it is evident that Alice and Murphy are both trying to control their feelings despite long glances and stolen moments of conversations. As the plot continues to build, so does the tension because the consequences and truth are complicated.
This book had me on edge throughout and I was utterly smitten with Murphy. Additionally, I felt for Alice’s struggle and path of recovery.
This book would appeal to those seeking a second chance story.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey and Loyda*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
September 23, 2025
‼️‼️‼️UPDATE‼️‼️‼️
What can I say about Jewel E. Ann??? That woman is the most brilliant storyteller I think I’ve ever read! She thinks outside of the box, her books are not particularly spicy and you don’t even care, and she has a knack for swoony leading men and baddie leading ladies. She also writes books that speak to the heart, breaks said heart and puts it back together again and writes about issues that do happen in everyday life without making you feel like it’s everyday life. This book was ELITE JEWEL E ANN👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
The title alone is brilliant, the story within its pages even more so! This is written in the present and the past and dual pov. This book follows the story of out fmc Alice and she has taken a job as a “homemaker” for Mr. Hunter Morrison by his wife Vera Morrison. Now to say they are wealthy is an understatement…they are filthy, I have more money than sense rich😂Alice needs the job because the money is great and the accommodation is free and who wouldn’t like to live in a guesthouse rent free right? Right!
So Alice is told she can do just about anything except for one thing (read the book because it was hilarious right out the shoot🤣) and she has no trouble with this request because well honestly she doesn’t think she deserves anything else in the world.
In comes Murphy. Dear sweet swoony Murphy😍😍😍I was in love with Murphy! He is all the things!!! The bad thing is Murphy is engaged to be married to the Morrisons daughter Blair and as bad as we want to hate her we can’t!
They have been together for several years and as much as Murphy loves her there is something that is holding him back from truly and irrevocably worshipping at her feet like a husband should a wife and that person is Alice.
There is a past there and it is so sweet and meaningful and the best and worst 2 weeks of both of their lives. This is when the past and the present collide. Murphys past, before meeting Alice is an open book…Alice, however has some deep seeded secrets as well as trauma and there are many questions that Murphy has because one minute she was there and the next she wasn’t and he wants, no needs, answers in order to possibly have some closure. Sadly, the connection is still there as well as the chemistry that they had from the very first minute they met 8 years prior.
Check your triggers because this books deals with a lot! There is also cheating HOWEVER no one is married and I know that doesn’t make a difference to some but it’s a book and I don’t want you to miss out on this phenomenal read because of this. I would also venture to say that is does have a little element of surprise/suspense that I love. Nothing bad but you know something is amiss but you just aren’t sure what it is and when you think you’ve figured it out BAM💥it’s something you were not ready for🤦🏼♀️
I have to say that the plot of this book was something that I would have never even thought to write about (if I was an author) because it is not something I have ever even heard of. That’s one of the best things about Jewels brain she takes something like this and rocks it because it really isn’t like another trope out there. I absolutely loved it!! It was fun, funny, quite sad, a little heartbreaking and beautiful in the end! I will continue to sing JEA praises as long as someone will listen because she really is so talented in every single way!
What can I say about Jewel E. Ann??? That woman is the most brilliant storyteller I think I’ve ever read! She thinks outside of the box, her books are not particularly spicy and you don’t even care, and she has a knack for swoony leading men and baddie leading ladies. She also writes books that speak to the heart, breaks said heart and puts it back together again and writes about issues that do happen in everyday life without making you feel like it’s everyday life. This book was ELITE JEWEL E ANN👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
The title alone is brilliant, the story within its pages even more so! This is written in the present and the past and dual pov. This book follows the story of out fmc Alice and she has taken a job as a “homemaker” for Mr. Hunter Morrison by his wife Vera Morrison. Now to say they are wealthy is an understatement…they are filthy, I have more money than sense rich😂Alice needs the job because the money is great and the accommodation is free and who wouldn’t like to live in a guesthouse rent free right? Right!
So Alice is told she can do just about anything except for one thing (read the book because it was hilarious right out the shoot🤣) and she has no trouble with this request because well honestly she doesn’t think she deserves anything else in the world.
In comes Murphy. Dear sweet swoony Murphy😍😍😍I was in love with Murphy! He is all the things!!! The bad thing is Murphy is engaged to be married to the Morrisons daughter Blair and as bad as we want to hate her we can’t!
They have been together for several years and as much as Murphy loves her there is something that is holding him back from truly and irrevocably worshipping at her feet like a husband should a wife and that person is Alice.
There is a past there and it is so sweet and meaningful and the best and worst 2 weeks of both of their lives. This is when the past and the present collide. Murphys past, before meeting Alice is an open book…Alice, however has some deep seeded secrets as well as trauma and there are many questions that Murphy has because one minute she was there and the next she wasn’t and he wants, no needs, answers in order to possibly have some closure. Sadly, the connection is still there as well as the chemistry that they had from the very first minute they met 8 years prior.
Check your triggers because this books deals with a lot! There is also cheating HOWEVER no one is married and I know that doesn’t make a difference to some but it’s a book and I don’t want you to miss out on this phenomenal read because of this. I would also venture to say that is does have a little element of surprise/suspense that I love. Nothing bad but you know something is amiss but you just aren’t sure what it is and when you think you’ve figured it out BAM💥it’s something you were not ready for🤦🏼♀️
I have to say that the plot of this book was something that I would have never even thought to write about (if I was an author) because it is not something I have ever even heard of. That’s one of the best things about Jewels brain she takes something like this and rocks it because it really isn’t like another trope out there. I absolutely loved it!! It was fun, funny, quite sad, a little heartbreaking and beautiful in the end! I will continue to sing JEA praises as long as someone will listen because she really is so talented in every single way!
September 24, 2025
'If love doesn't break your heart, perhaps it's not true love.'
The way I DEVOURED this book. I seriously could not put it down. And now, days later, I keep thinking about this story and everything that transpired. Is it all sweet, neat and tidy? Absolutely not. But the messiness and the emotions and everything that the MCs went through to find their way was worth it. For me. Even if it wasn't perfect and hurt others in the end. I already want to go back and reread by audio.
Jewel E. Ann is one of those authors that pushes buttons. That goes places that aren't always comfortable and makes you see things through more than one lens. With humor and quirky characters, The Homemaker starts out with our FMC, Alice taking on a very unconventional job. I mean the first line alone will tell you this is going to be anything but normal.
"Do not suck my husband's dick. It's an old dick that doesn't need to be sucked, so let's just get that out in the open."
Though the job is quite unusual, it gets Alice closer to her end goal, but also brings a piece of her past back. JEA tells this story from a past storyline between the MMC and FMC (Murphy and Alice) and the present with supporting characters that help push the story forward and that you'll fall in love with. Although the past timeline was brief, it heavily impacts the decisions Murphy and Alice make in the present. While the present brings some amazing characters in the Morrisons (Alice's employers) along with their daughter and her fiancé, they will have you connecting with them on another level. Which makes it all the more difficult and heartbreaking to experience the journey.
I don't really want to say much about this story and feel like it's best experienced by going in blind. If there are certain tropes that don't sit well with you, please click on my spoiler below. I will say that it does include the trope. But it honestly is so much more than that. It's a story of grief, of love, of tragedy and loss, of finding the right person at the wrong time and just plain humanness. If I had to find one quote that spoke to me about the journey this story took me on, it would be...
'Does the heart always walk a righteous path? Or is it the one thing that makes humans inescapably fallible?
JEA, you never cease to amaze me at where you find your beauty. This story was unique and very unpredictable. I didn't know where the story was going to go, but it went to places I didn't see coming. If this is a first book in a series, I look forward to what will come next.
The way I DEVOURED this book. I seriously could not put it down. And now, days later, I keep thinking about this story and everything that transpired. Is it all sweet, neat and tidy? Absolutely not. But the messiness and the emotions and everything that the MCs went through to find their way was worth it. For me. Even if it wasn't perfect and hurt others in the end. I already want to go back and reread by audio.
Jewel E. Ann is one of those authors that pushes buttons. That goes places that aren't always comfortable and makes you see things through more than one lens. With humor and quirky characters, The Homemaker starts out with our FMC, Alice taking on a very unconventional job. I mean the first line alone will tell you this is going to be anything but normal.
"Do not suck my husband's dick. It's an old dick that doesn't need to be sucked, so let's just get that out in the open."
Though the job is quite unusual, it gets Alice closer to her end goal, but also brings a piece of her past back. JEA tells this story from a past storyline between the MMC and FMC (Murphy and Alice) and the present with supporting characters that help push the story forward and that you'll fall in love with. Although the past timeline was brief, it heavily impacts the decisions Murphy and Alice make in the present. While the present brings some amazing characters in the Morrisons (Alice's employers) along with their daughter and her fiancé, they will have you connecting with them on another level. Which makes it all the more difficult and heartbreaking to experience the journey.
I don't really want to say much about this story and feel like it's best experienced by going in blind. If there are certain tropes that don't sit well with you, please click on my spoiler below. I will say that it does include the trope. But it honestly is so much more than that. It's a story of grief, of love, of tragedy and loss, of finding the right person at the wrong time and just plain humanness. If I had to find one quote that spoke to me about the journey this story took me on, it would be...
'Does the heart always walk a righteous path? Or is it the one thing that makes humans inescapably fallible?
JEA, you never cease to amaze me at where you find your beauty. This story was unique and very unpredictable. I didn't know where the story was going to go, but it went to places I didn't see coming. If this is a first book in a series, I look forward to what will come next.
September 21, 2025
This one had me rooting for Alice and Murphy from the very beginning. Their history, their chemistry, the way they kept gravitating toward each other... it was impossible not to get swept up in it. 🫶
Alice was such an intriguing heroine. On the surface, she’s living this “perfect” life as the Morrison’s homemaker, but underneath she’s just this complicated, heartbroken woman trying to hold it all together. And Murphy? Ugh. He’s one of those heroes you can’t stop thinking about sweet, persistent, and carrying just as much pain as Alice. Their shared past and all that unspoken yearning just… hit me right in the feels. 💔
Even with the messy, forbidden setup, the story had this tenderness and hope woven through it. I found myself wanting them to get another chance, and that says a lot because I usually shy away from this trope. The writing made it raw, emotional, and so beautiful that I didn’t even care about the “rules” of who should or shouldn’t end up together.
If you love angsty second-chance romances with complicated pasts, magnetic characters, and an ending that makes you believe in love even when it’s messy, this one’s for you.
Alice was such an intriguing heroine. On the surface, she’s living this “perfect” life as the Morrison’s homemaker, but underneath she’s just this complicated, heartbroken woman trying to hold it all together. And Murphy? Ugh. He’s one of those heroes you can’t stop thinking about sweet, persistent, and carrying just as much pain as Alice. Their shared past and all that unspoken yearning just… hit me right in the feels. 💔
Even with the messy, forbidden setup, the story had this tenderness and hope woven through it. I found myself wanting them to get another chance, and that says a lot because I usually shy away from this trope. The writing made it raw, emotional, and so beautiful that I didn’t even care about the “rules” of who should or shouldn’t end up together.
If you love angsty second-chance romances with complicated pasts, magnetic characters, and an ending that makes you believe in love even when it’s messy, this one’s for you.
December 29, 2025
Looks like I’m gonna be in the minority here. I’m not sure if we read the same book or if there has been a self-fulfilling prophecy where people have been so sure that they would love this (TS inspired, hello? How could it possibly be anything other than great!) before reading it and convincing themselves of just that as they read it.
Unfortunately, this was another miss for me and I had so many issues with it.
The characters are flat and I hate books that only TELL us that there’s this undeniable chemistry and epic connection between the the characters when they have none whatsoever. I don’t even feel their supposed attraction to eachother. Tbh, I just don’t buy the romance and I really didn’t want them to end up together and that’s a real problem for me.
I feel like this was so rushed and so underwhelming. The sex scenes were rushed and lackluster, with no tension or buildup. Even the actual drama comes without preamble, no buildup of tension. It’s just “meh”. The sneaking around wasn’t exciting and amounted to nothing. Not even the breakup between Murphy and Blair had any tension! It was rushed and completely undramatic.
I genuinely don’t like Murphy and his pathetic mentality where everything is someone else’s fault and responsibility and he’s simply not a decent guy. He’s just full of excuses and justifies being a cheater. He also has no respect for his fiancée or any self control as to not get caught - cheating in public, trying to fuck Alice in the bathroom with her mother outside, well aware that they went in that direction together, kissing her when his fiancée is crying in the other room as her father is carted off on a stretcher. Yuk.
I don’t mind cheating in general in romance - it can add so much tension, sneaking around and longing - but it has to be done well. Here, everything good about it is lacking and I mostly cringe at how terrible Murphy is.
Blair deserved better. Alice deserved better.
The whole premise is that it’s forbidden, that he’s married and that she likes the family she’s working for and doesn’t want to be disloyal to them - but the author does absolutely nothing with that! Nothing happens in that regard. No getting caught, no blow up, no conflict - nothing. He breaks it off and leaves in secret, Blair doesn’t know why, the rest of the family doesn’t know and their affair have zero consequences. Even their reconciliation is nonexistent! All of a sudden, after two months of no contact, they’re simply back together. Just like that. Not even a conversation!
I was initially going to give it 2⭐️ since I did in fact finish it, but the underwhelming, anticlimactic ending changed that.
💭 Random thoughts:
- It’s inspired by TS Fortnight and let me tell you - that is hard to miss, considering the amount of times the word “fortnight” is mentioned in the first half of the book.
- Why should I care about Alice losing Chris when we don’t even get a brief summary of their relationship? Who he was? What their relationship was like? He’s just someone who died and that made her lose her footing. It’s all so superficial. Let me know WHY it almost completely broke her, make me FEEL it. Why can Murphy be “so in love” with his fiancée in the present but we can’t even get a glimpse of the love Alice had for her fiancée? But, maybe that would make it impossible for us to suspend our disbelief and actually buy into the whole “fortnight turned love of her life” a month after the fiancée died, when he meant so much to her that his death wrecked her.
- 67% in and nothing has happened between Alice and Murphy and Murphy is constantly thinking about how much he loves his fiancée.
- He pisses off his fiancée and gets butthurt so of course he has to cheat on her right after because poor him 🥹
- Them having sex for the first time (in the present) after Hunter’s heart attack, without even having a conversation about how he’s doing - if he’s even alive, might be one of the most tacky things I’ve read.
- Not a fan of the plot twist at the end.
- Is it fair to befriend the couple who adopted your child and hang out with them for years, without ever mentioning that their child is biologically yours? Is it fair to said child? Not that morals seem to be their strong suit I guess.
🎧 Audiobook narration: Overall I like the narration, I just don’t know why the female narrator reads the sex scenes as if she’s narrating a really thrilling sports game.
Unfortunately, this was another miss for me and I had so many issues with it.
The characters are flat and I hate books that only TELL us that there’s this undeniable chemistry and epic connection between the the characters when they have none whatsoever. I don’t even feel their supposed attraction to eachother. Tbh, I just don’t buy the romance and I really didn’t want them to end up together and that’s a real problem for me.
I feel like this was so rushed and so underwhelming. The sex scenes were rushed and lackluster, with no tension or buildup. Even the actual drama comes without preamble, no buildup of tension. It’s just “meh”. The sneaking around wasn’t exciting and amounted to nothing. Not even the breakup between Murphy and Blair had any tension! It was rushed and completely undramatic.
I genuinely don’t like Murphy and his pathetic mentality where everything is someone else’s fault and responsibility and he’s simply not a decent guy. He’s just full of excuses and justifies being a cheater. He also has no respect for his fiancée or any self control as to not get caught - cheating in public, trying to fuck Alice in the bathroom with her mother outside, well aware that they went in that direction together, kissing her when his fiancée is crying in the other room as her father is carted off on a stretcher. Yuk.
I don’t mind cheating in general in romance - it can add so much tension, sneaking around and longing - but it has to be done well. Here, everything good about it is lacking and I mostly cringe at how terrible Murphy is.
Blair deserved better. Alice deserved better.
The whole premise is that it’s forbidden, that he’s married and that she likes the family she’s working for and doesn’t want to be disloyal to them - but the author does absolutely nothing with that! Nothing happens in that regard. No getting caught, no blow up, no conflict - nothing. He breaks it off and leaves in secret, Blair doesn’t know why, the rest of the family doesn’t know and their affair have zero consequences. Even their reconciliation is nonexistent! All of a sudden, after two months of no contact, they’re simply back together. Just like that. Not even a conversation!
I was initially going to give it 2⭐️ since I did in fact finish it, but the underwhelming, anticlimactic ending changed that.
💭 Random thoughts:
- It’s inspired by TS Fortnight and let me tell you - that is hard to miss, considering the amount of times the word “fortnight” is mentioned in the first half of the book.
- Why should I care about Alice losing Chris when we don’t even get a brief summary of their relationship? Who he was? What their relationship was like? He’s just someone who died and that made her lose her footing. It’s all so superficial. Let me know WHY it almost completely broke her, make me FEEL it. Why can Murphy be “so in love” with his fiancée in the present but we can’t even get a glimpse of the love Alice had for her fiancée? But, maybe that would make it impossible for us to suspend our disbelief and actually buy into the whole “fortnight turned love of her life” a month after the fiancée died, when he meant so much to her that his death wrecked her.
- 67% in and nothing has happened between Alice and Murphy and Murphy is constantly thinking about how much he loves his fiancée.
- He pisses off his fiancée and gets butthurt so of course he has to cheat on her right after because poor him 🥹
- Them having sex for the first time (in the present) after Hunter’s heart attack, without even having a conversation about how he’s doing - if he’s even alive, might be one of the most tacky things I’ve read.
- Not a fan of the plot twist at the end.
- Is it fair to befriend the couple who adopted your child and hang out with them for years, without ever mentioning that their child is biologically yours? Is it fair to said child? Not that morals seem to be their strong suit I guess.
🎧 Audiobook narration: Overall I like the narration, I just don’t know why the female narrator reads the sex scenes as if she’s narrating a really thrilling sports game.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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