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Life #2
החיים שאיבדתי
"המגע עדיין הכאיב קצת, ונרתעתי ובלעתי במאמץ כאילו מישהו דרך על צווארי ומחץ את קנה הנשימה שלי."
***
סקס, מזימות, שקרים ונקמה.
אלה מובילים לאובדן כבד ומותירים את אוולין לאחות את רסיסי חייה. היא מנסה להתגבר על שיברון ליבה, אך נשמתה כבר שייכת לשטן שמהלך על פני האדמה – אדם בשר ודם, שאותו החשיבה לחבר הקרוב ביותר שלה.
חייה עומדים בפתחם של הרס וחורבן, טעויות ממשיכות להיערם והאמון במעגל האנשים הקרוב לה מתנפץ לבלי שוב ויוצר כאוס.
האהבה העצומה שזכתה לחוות ובחירה הרת גורל שהיא נאלצת לעשות, משסעת לשניים את ליבה המדמם.
***
הדואט הבלתי נשכח מאת מחברת רבי־המכר ג'ול אי. אן מגיע אל סיומו המותח והמוחץ. מסעה של אוולין חושף שלדים שנקברו בעבר ושבו לעורר מהומות, אלא שהפעם היא נלחמת כדי להשיב את מה שאיבדה בחיים ולזכות בחזרה בחיים שאהבה.
ג'ול אי. אן היא מחברת רבי־מכר רבים וספריה התברגו לרשימות המובילות של וול סטריט ג'ורנל, יו־אס־איי טודיי ועוד...
בישראל תורגמו עד כה ספריה: "סקרלט סטון" ודואט "מעל ומעבר" ו"מעבר לזמן".
החיים שאיבדתי הוא החלק השני בדואט. קדם לו הספר החיים שאהבתי.
***
סקס, מזימות, שקרים ונקמה.
אלה מובילים לאובדן כבד ומותירים את אוולין לאחות את רסיסי חייה. היא מנסה להתגבר על שיברון ליבה, אך נשמתה כבר שייכת לשטן שמהלך על פני האדמה – אדם בשר ודם, שאותו החשיבה לחבר הקרוב ביותר שלה.
חייה עומדים בפתחם של הרס וחורבן, טעויות ממשיכות להיערם והאמון במעגל האנשים הקרוב לה מתנפץ לבלי שוב ויוצר כאוס.
האהבה העצומה שזכתה לחוות ובחירה הרת גורל שהיא נאלצת לעשות, משסעת לשניים את ליבה המדמם.
***
הדואט הבלתי נשכח מאת מחברת רבי־המכר ג'ול אי. אן מגיע אל סיומו המותח והמוחץ. מסעה של אוולין חושף שלדים שנקברו בעבר ושבו לעורר מהומות, אלא שהפעם היא נלחמת כדי להשיב את מה שאיבדה בחיים ולזכות בחזרה בחיים שאהבה.
ג'ול אי. אן היא מחברת רבי־מכר רבים וספריה התברגו לרשימות המובילות של וול סטריט ג'ורנל, יו־אס־איי טודיי ועוד...
בישראל תורגמו עד כה ספריה: "סקרלט סטון" ודואט "מעל ומעבר" ו"מעבר לזמן".
החיים שאיבדתי הוא החלק השני בדואט. קדם לו הספר החיים שאהבתי.
317 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2020
1361 people are currently reading
2729 people want to read
About the author
Jewel E. Ann
55 books10.5k 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 902 reviews
February 25, 2020
alright. i read this so i can take one for the team so that y’all won’t suffer. you’re welcome.
please don’t read this if you don’t want to be spoiled and want to go in this blind.
but first, just wanna point out that the writing is very good and the drama is intriguing and unique. so if you have no qualms or triggers about anything, then i recommend reading this because it was actually good.
buuuut i really couldn’t like this one.
-
-
-
so Ronin (H) emotionally and physically cheated on Evelyn (h) with Lila (h bff). emotional for months and “physical/sexual” was twice. first time was when he got aroused and did nothing. second time was when they actually did something.
H and OW have this weird spiritual connection where he feels what she’s feeling so whenever she’s depressed, he’s also depressed. so, for no depression, they have to “touch” each other and then poof. pain is gone and they’re both happy again.
so whenever they need each other, they hug and then sleep. H does it because whenever he’s depressed he’s disappointing his kids and h and he doesn’t want that. after he hugs OW, he’s a better dad, a better husband, etc.
ALRIGHT. now lets get to the part where H and OW crossed the line.
OW thought h was cheating on H with OWs husband, so as revenge she “seduced” H and because of their weird spiritual connection, H felt her desire and so he was aroused and shit and then she made him touch her breasts and fingered her (no penetration tho). and then he did this:
and you would think the H would leave the OW right after he touched her and dry humped her and return to his wife and cry and beg for her forgiveness? right? RIGHT?!
nope. he slept beside the OW and continued to cuddle her, went home and went on with his day and even made love to the h several times without saying anything about his infidelity... how disgusting is that? like, did he even wash his hands or change his pants? i mean, his pants would've had stain on them...
but you know what’s worse? the fact that h literally forgives him right away. i mean, i understand the circumstances since OW died because her husband abused her and OW found out that h wasn’t actually sleeping with her husband so she committed suicide because of guilt, shame and pain. i really did feel bad for the OW tho. she didn't deserve what she went through so, yes, tw: there's abuse, rape, and self-harm in this one.
BUT SERIOUSLY?! are you shitting me right now?
the fact that we barely even read about the cheater H’s thoughts about the cheating (yes, theres barely any inner monolgoue from the H bout his cheating and we only get to read a page or so bout his “pain” and “regret”) was bad enough but the fact that the h just forgave his cheating without even MAKING him explain himself? the fu- ?
and everytime he tried to apologize, the h literally wont let him:
JESUS H. ROOSEVELT CHRIST, GIRL. LET THE MAN APOLOGIZE.
and would anyone in their right mind want the H to think about the OW like this:
or like this:
with all of this, it honestly just left me so angry because for the majority of the book, H was literally just thinking about the OW and how much he needs her, lying to his WIFE, sneaking around on her with the OW and thinking it is NOT wrong, and being a C-O-W-A-R-D, COWARD .
_____________________________________________
anyways, H really did “love” h and he couldn’t control his arousal cuz of the supernatural shit but the first time he got “aroused” he managed to stop it sooo... i don't really know what triggered the cheating.
i really would’ve rather read H’s pov rather than the OWs during the cheating because i still don’t know why he didn’t stop.
again, the writing was good and the drama was intriguing but dammit when an MC fucks up and does something so unforgivable (aka cheating), i would want to at least see REDEMPTION scene(s) and grovelling. cheater H didn’t even grovel. nope. he was actually about to commit suicide when he finally told the h about his cheating.
from the beginning, there's so much build-up with the drama and the cheating but the rushed ending, no grovelling, Evelyn forgiving easily, Ronin being a coward to the point where he was so infuriatingly unlikeable and then not making him atone for his sins at the end was incredibly disappointing and unsatisfying.
because of the rushed ending and lack of pov from the H about the cheating, it left me wondering what was the whole point? you know its a bad sign that us readers still believe that Ronin wouldn't have stopped the emotional cheating and would've went all the way with Lila if she didn't die. we need clear answers when it comes to this because without it, we will forever think Ronin is a coward.
story with cheating but no grovelling, no redemption, and h forgiving easily (no matter the circumstances)?
nahhh.
1.5 stars
please don’t read this if you don’t want to be spoiled and want to go in this blind.
but first, just wanna point out that the writing is very good and the drama is intriguing and unique. so if you have no qualms or triggers about anything, then i recommend reading this because it was actually good.
buuuut i really couldn’t like this one.
-
-
-
so Ronin (H) emotionally and physically cheated on Evelyn (h) with Lila (h bff). emotional for months and “physical/sexual” was twice. first time was when he got aroused and did nothing. second time was when they actually did something.
H and OW have this weird spiritual connection where he feels what she’s feeling so whenever she’s depressed, he’s also depressed. so, for no depression, they have to “touch” each other and then poof. pain is gone and they’re both happy again.
so whenever they need each other, they hug and then sleep. H does it because whenever he’s depressed he’s disappointing his kids and h and he doesn’t want that. after he hugs OW, he’s a better dad, a better husband, etc.
ALRIGHT. now lets get to the part where H and OW crossed the line.
OW thought h was cheating on H with OWs husband, so as revenge she “seduced” H and because of their weird spiritual connection, H felt her desire and so he was aroused and shit and then she made him touch her breasts and fingered her (no penetration tho). and then he did this:
Before I could silence my need, he had me flipped onto my back, his shirt shrugged off. His jean-clad lower body wedged between my legs, thrusting against me, as his lips attacked my mouth and his hand shoved my bra up so my breasts pressed to his warm chest. Both of his hands gripped the arm of the sofa as he dry-humped me, the denim giving me so much friction I saw stars behind my closed eyes when I orgasmed.
Ronin’s moves were hard, almost violently so, and he yelled as he found his own release.
It brought instant tears to my eyes because he yelled her name.
and you would think the H would leave the OW right after he touched her and dry humped her and return to his wife and cry and beg for her forgiveness? right? RIGHT?!
nope. he slept beside the OW and continued to cuddle her, went home and went on with his day and even made love to the h several times without saying anything about his infidelity... how disgusting is that? like, did he even wash his hands or change his pants? i mean, his pants would've had stain on them...
but you know what’s worse? the fact that h literally forgives him right away. i mean, i understand the circumstances since OW died because her husband abused her and OW found out that h wasn’t actually sleeping with her husband so she committed suicide because of guilt, shame and pain. i really did feel bad for the OW tho. she didn't deserve what she went through so, yes, tw: there's abuse, rape, and self-harm in this one.
BUT SERIOUSLY?! are you shitting me right now?
the fact that we barely even read about the cheater H’s thoughts about the cheating (yes, theres barely any inner monolgoue from the H bout his cheating and we only get to read a page or so bout his “pain” and “regret”) was bad enough but the fact that the h just forgave his cheating without even MAKING him explain himself? the fu- ?
and everytime he tried to apologize, the h literally wont let him:
“I don’t know how to make it—”
“I don’t care.” I shook my head over and over.
“Lila and I—”
“I don’t care.”
“Graham—”
“I don’t care.”
I really … didn’t … care.
JESUS H. ROOSEVELT CHRIST, GIRL. LET THE MAN APOLOGIZE.
and would anyone in their right mind want the H to think about the OW like this:
I couldn’t explain it. It wasn’t Lila I wanted, yet it was so much Lila. Her desire flowed through me triggering my desire, and I felt both. I felt how she felt. I knew where I wanted to be touched and where she wanted to be touched. The two felt inseparable, too much, too strong to pull apart.
or like this:
Lila’s touch became my new addiction. More addictive than any pill I had ever popped. I needed her touch to survive, to keep from losing everything.
with all of this, it honestly just left me so angry because for the majority of the book, H was literally just thinking about the OW and how much he needs her, lying to his WIFE, sneaking around on her with the OW and thinking it is NOT wrong, and being a C-O-W-A-R-D, COWARD .
_____________________________________________
anyways, H really did “love” h and he couldn’t control his arousal cuz of the supernatural shit but the first time he got “aroused” he managed to stop it sooo... i don't really know what triggered the cheating.
i really would’ve rather read H’s pov rather than the OWs during the cheating because i still don’t know why he didn’t stop.
again, the writing was good and the drama was intriguing but dammit when an MC fucks up and does something so unforgivable (aka cheating), i would want to at least see REDEMPTION scene(s) and grovelling. cheater H didn’t even grovel. nope. he was actually about to commit suicide when he finally told the h about his cheating.
from the beginning, there's so much build-up with the drama and the cheating but the rushed ending, no grovelling, Evelyn forgiving easily, Ronin being a coward to the point where he was so infuriatingly unlikeable and then not making him atone for his sins at the end was incredibly disappointing and unsatisfying.
because of the rushed ending and lack of pov from the H about the cheating, it left me wondering what was the whole point? you know its a bad sign that us readers still believe that Ronin wouldn't have stopped the emotional cheating and would've went all the way with Lila if she didn't die. we need clear answers when it comes to this because without it, we will forever think Ronin is a coward.
story with cheating but no grovelling, no redemption, and h forgiving easily (no matter the circumstances)?
nahhh.
1.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2022
"I was the envy of so many women. Every day I reminded myself of that."
*As a heads up, this is book #2 in the Life duet, and if you're new to the series I would highly recommend checking out my review of book #1, The Life That Mattered HERE before continuing with this review.
Wow! I was so concerned that the ending to this saga would be weak, but other than a slight rushed feeling with a bit of a tidy bow at the end, I have no complaints. This sequel begins right where the first book left off, and we finally get some answers from what the prologue hints at in book #1.
"We guard ourselves from negativity and hate, yet kindness and empathy pack the biggest punch because they expose our vulnerability."
I'm going to leave this brief and vague, because it would be so rude of me to accidentally spoil something for you, but this book gave me all the feels. The Life You Stole definitely had less romance and more suspense, but I still felt that wonderful connection to all the characters involved. We get two new POVs added into the mix this time, and can I just say that Mrs. Humphrey was one of my favorite new cast members? I'm sure that has nothing to do with the fact that, I am in fact, also a Mrs. Humphrey.
Lots of darkness and triggers here, like verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, cheating, death of a loved one, talk of suicide, depression, mental health issues, and more. I've clearly found a new favorite author to add to my list, so please excuse me while I go download her other books on kindle unlimited.
*As a heads up, this is book #2 in the Life duet, and if you're new to the series I would highly recommend checking out my review of book #1, The Life That Mattered HERE before continuing with this review.
Wow! I was so concerned that the ending to this saga would be weak, but other than a slight rushed feeling with a bit of a tidy bow at the end, I have no complaints. This sequel begins right where the first book left off, and we finally get some answers from what the prologue hints at in book #1.
"We guard ourselves from negativity and hate, yet kindness and empathy pack the biggest punch because they expose our vulnerability."
I'm going to leave this brief and vague, because it would be so rude of me to accidentally spoil something for you, but this book gave me all the feels. The Life You Stole definitely had less romance and more suspense, but I still felt that wonderful connection to all the characters involved. We get two new POVs added into the mix this time, and can I just say that Mrs. Humphrey was one of my favorite new cast members? I'm sure that has nothing to do with the fact that, I am in fact, also a Mrs. Humphrey.
Lots of darkness and triggers here, like verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, cheating, death of a loved one, talk of suicide, depression, mental health issues, and more. I've clearly found a new favorite author to add to my list, so please excuse me while I go download her other books on kindle unlimited.
September 20, 2021
Spoilers.
Don’t read further if you don’t want spoilers. You’ve been warned
Holey smokes, that was one heck of a ride. Dayum. If you’ve read Verity and thought that was effed up, then this story will blow your wig off. What tf?!!
Objectively, I know Graham is the bad guy, but (and I’m hiding my face as I type this) I have never wanted a bad guy to win as much as I did him. He was evil, deranged and needed to die a slow painful death......yet, yet, I thought he and Evie deserved each other.
Gasp! I know, I know. I don’t deserve my feminist card. *runs to hide in the corner of the room*
Look, I’m not saying Graham was a good guy but there’s no way on God’s green earth that Evie didn’t know she was taking advantage of him. She took and took, and even after she’d gotten with Roe, she continued taking. THAT was wrong. She got to live this amazing life with a guy (who wasn’t wealthy) she loved while enjoying the privileges Graham had to offer.
Before you tell me I’m victim-blaming, can anyone really say her motivations for remaining friends with Graham and Lila were unselfish? Do not tell me she couldn’t have said no. The guy gave her a frigging multi-million$ building for fucks sale. What type of woman/human being does that knowing fully well Graham still wanted her?!!! Who does that?
The weirdest part was her knowing hubby might’ve cheated on her yet she stayed. Who does that? Honestly, I loved this book but Evie was a terrible person who didn’t deserve a HEA. IMO, the only innocent parties were the kids.
Sigh.
I know this doesn’t read like a “proper” review but that’s a consequence of Jewel’s brilliant writing in that you’re immersed so deeply in the lives of these characters that one can’t help but feel invested in every aspect of it. The characters, story arc and skillful writing made this a superb read. So, despite simultaneously hating how Evie was “saintified” and the inevitable HEA, the journey was exciting and gripping and I simply could not put it down.
February 22, 2020
WORST. EXPERIENCE. OF. MY. ENTIRE. LIFE.
I just want to bleach my eyes and turn back time to never start this duet.
Before I started this book, I knew there was cheating and that the hero would cheat with the heroine's best friend. I thought I was prepared, but I wasn't. It was so much worse. The funny thing is that I thought the cheating was the worse that could happen, but no actually everything leading to the cheating and the reactions of both the hero and heroine best friend made everything more horrendous.
Reading this book gave me the worst anxiety attack, because I was waiting for Ronin to cheat on Evelyn at every turn. I was ready to hate him and I did before the true cheating happened, but what I didn't expect was that I started to hate every character in this book except Evelyn. Looking at the notes I took while reading it only says "Evelyn deserves better." "I feel sick reading this book." and "Can you all just die already?". That were my only two mood.
Graham was the worst of all. He was literally a sick psychopath who was obsessed with Evelyn that he even married her best friend (Lila) for some sick game to make her jealous. He was so obsessed with Evelyn it was so creepy, I felt so uncomfortable and just wanted to throw my kindle against the wall. Graham abused Lila in all the worst way possible, he hurted her, he killed their unborn child, he raped her, he almost killed her a couple of times. But do you know what the biggest crime was? Him tripping on a journal and then falling down the stairs and dying. JUST LIKE THAT WHAT THE FUCK?! Are you fucking serious? I'm so angry!!!! After everything we have to read what he has done, he just died so easily?! No. freaking. way. That death was too easy, he deserved to be skinned alive. Maybe that's the rage talking out of me but I'm so mad. You couldn't have solved this problem any easier.
Ronin. Again my rage is talking, but I wished he had just killed himself like he intended to. I thought I would hate him for the cheating, but that was the least of his problems. He was just the worst father, the worst husband overall and neglected his children and Evelyn because he was depressed. The thing I hate him for is, that he was a coward. After Evelyn finds out about the cheating, he just takes the easiest way out and buys a gun to kill himself in their own home. I didn't fight shit for Evelyn or his kids, he just accepted that he was dirt and chose death over his family. I CANT I JUST CANT. Evelyn didn't deserve this. She always fought for him but he couldn't do the same when it really mattered. Well, he didn't kill himself after Evelyn said that he doesn't really love her or his kids if he chooses to end his life and that she does love their kids cause she choose them (ONLY THE TRUTH!!!). It makes so me so sad, cause Ronin was my favorite character in 'The Life That Mattered'. This was such a downgrade.
At the end I even hated Evelyn a little bit, because I thought she deserved better. She took Ronin back without any grovelling. She was just glad that he was alive. Yeah big no from me. About Lila, I mainly felt sorry for her. She didn't deserve all the pain, but I'm still for mad at her for crossing the line with Ronin.
In conclusion: men are trash and don't even bother to read this duet.
__________________________
it's so fascinating how you can read the blurb with different eyes after finishing the life that mattered.
When her best friend goes to great lengths to protect Evelyn from destruction and devastation, mistakes are made, lines are crossed, and all trust is shattered.
please don't let me hate evelyn or ronin in this one. praying that it doesn't mean what i'm afraid it might mean.
I just want to bleach my eyes and turn back time to never start this duet.
Before I started this book, I knew there was cheating and that the hero would cheat with the heroine's best friend. I thought I was prepared, but I wasn't. It was so much worse. The funny thing is that I thought the cheating was the worse that could happen, but no actually everything leading to the cheating and the reactions of both the hero and heroine best friend made everything more horrendous.
Reading this book gave me the worst anxiety attack, because I was waiting for Ronin to cheat on Evelyn at every turn. I was ready to hate him and I did before the true cheating happened, but what I didn't expect was that I started to hate every character in this book except Evelyn. Looking at the notes I took while reading it only says "Evelyn deserves better." "I feel sick reading this book." and "Can you all just die already?". That were my only two mood.
Graham was the worst of all. He was literally a sick psychopath who was obsessed with Evelyn that he even married her best friend (Lila) for some sick game to make her jealous. He was so obsessed with Evelyn it was so creepy, I felt so uncomfortable and just wanted to throw my kindle against the wall. Graham abused Lila in all the worst way possible, he hurted her, he killed their unborn child, he raped her, he almost killed her a couple of times. But do you know what the biggest crime was? Him tripping on a journal and then falling down the stairs and dying. JUST LIKE THAT WHAT THE FUCK?! Are you fucking serious? I'm so angry!!!! After everything we have to read what he has done, he just died so easily?! No. freaking. way. That death was too easy, he deserved to be skinned alive. Maybe that's the rage talking out of me but I'm so mad. You couldn't have solved this problem any easier.
Ronin. Again my rage is talking, but I wished he had just killed himself like he intended to. I thought I would hate him for the cheating, but that was the least of his problems. He was just the worst father, the worst husband overall and neglected his children and Evelyn because he was depressed. The thing I hate him for is, that he was a coward. After Evelyn finds out about the cheating, he just takes the easiest way out and buys a gun to kill himself in their own home. I didn't fight shit for Evelyn or his kids, he just accepted that he was dirt and chose death over his family. I CANT I JUST CANT. Evelyn didn't deserve this. She always fought for him but he couldn't do the same when it really mattered. Well, he didn't kill himself after Evelyn said that he doesn't really love her or his kids if he chooses to end his life and that she does love their kids cause she choose them (ONLY THE TRUTH!!!). It makes so me so sad, cause Ronin was my favorite character in 'The Life That Mattered'. This was such a downgrade.
At the end I even hated Evelyn a little bit, because I thought she deserved better. She took Ronin back without any grovelling. She was just glad that he was alive. Yeah big no from me. About Lila, I mainly felt sorry for her. She didn't deserve all the pain, but I'm still for mad at her for crossing the line with Ronin.
In conclusion: men are trash and don't even bother to read this duet.
__________________________
When her best friend goes to great lengths to protect Evelyn from destruction and devastation, mistakes are made, lines are crossed, and all trust is shattered.
please don't let me hate evelyn or ronin in this one. praying that it doesn't mean what i'm afraid it might mean.
February 18, 2020
"The Life You Stole"...?
Ha!!! This book stole much more than just a "life".
It stole hours of sleep, my sanity and a huge piece of my heart. 💗😂
📚 “𝑾𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓.” 📚
The second book begins from where the first book ended - but while the first book was a love story with a bit of suspense - this book is a crazy psychological thriller with lots of twists (Don't worry, it has a love story). 😉💥
I have to say that I didn't expect the plot to develop this way, but if there's something I love, it's to be surprised - and I was.
BIG TIME! 😱💥
Ronin, Evelyn, Lila and Graham - four friends whose lives have evolved in different directions. 💗
All are hiding secrets from each other... Some wants to protect the people they love and some only have selfish interests... What are the secrets? What will happen when the truth is revealed? 😱😱😱
📚 "𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑—𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔— 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂 𝒕𝒐𝒙𝒊𝒄 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔?" 📚
I will not elaborate more, but I will add that this duet is VERY different from the rest of Jewel's books - it's bolder and hotter, more mysterious, unexpected and even a bit dark... 🔥
The plot was original, emotional, intense and kept me fascinated from the moment I started reading till the end. While reading, I felt every possible emotion and I didn't have a boring moment! (Boring...? Damn, Jewel made me cry on my birthday! 😭😂)
The only thing I didn't like was what happened to Ronin at some point. I fell in love with his character from the start and felt his heart beating in sync with mine (Hello, my new book-boyfriend! 😜) so how could she do this to us, GOD DAMMIT?!?!?! 💔😠
📚 "𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒔." 📚
A great writer is one that manages to diversify and surprise - and this duet proved that perfectly. 👑
I'm so sad this journey is over, but I can't wait to see what will Jewel brings us next... 💗
So if you love surprising love stories with lots of twists... get ready for a crazy ride!
Can't wait to hear your thoughts!!! 💥💥💥
*** 𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟 𝔸ℝℂ 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ***
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📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: 🎉 https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
📖 ᐯIᔕIT ᗰY ᗷᒪOG ᖴOᖇ ᗰOᖇE ᖇEᐯIEᗯᔕ: https://books-romance.com/
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February 20, 2020
The Duet Is Complete!
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February 13, 2020
Wow, another one to add to my "top reads of 2020" list.
I have been dying to get my hands on this book ever since I finished the first book, The Life That Mattered. The previous book left us with the mother of all cliffies and so I couldn't wait to know what was gonna happen next.
Thankfully the author pushed up the release date by a mile and so the wait for this second book isn't/wasn't that long. That said...when you are waiting for something you really want, every minute seems to last for an hour
Now as much as I would like to spill my guts right now, and tell you everything I know (still riding on a high)... I won't. These books should definitely be read spoiler-free. Coming from me... someone who checks all spoilers... that is saying something, so please heed my advice.
Like I have said before, this book isn't just about 2 people. It's about 2 couples...4 friends, whose lives have become so interwoven, that it is almost impossible to separate them. This time around, we also get 4 POV's which I appreciated immensely. It really helped me understand everyone's mindset. It made me sympathize with the characters more, which I needed, believe me.
I can honestly say that I devoured this book and I am still riding a high. I loved the characters but I also hated them. I am still processing.
I was hooked from the moment I read the prologue of the first book. Ever since I've read that part I wanted to know what, why, how, and when. I finally got my answers... even if they did break my heart a little.
Thankfully the author did not leave me hanging and I got the full closure I needed. Many tears were shed while reading this story, but I got to close it with a smile on my face ;)
I highly recommend this Duet and it is definitely going on my "Top Reads" list!!
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
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February 22, 2020These authors are getting more and more creative to justify these shitty cheaters. Too bad they don't use that creativity for something worthwhile!
PS: In case someone do not think that there's cheating in this book please explain to me that after how many months or how many finger fuked with her best friend he stars the regret?? The affair happens during 5 months from what I read, so I think that they have enough time for that, aren't they?? Pooooor, poooor guy! I was all because his good intentions booohooo!!🤦♀️🤮
I just want these authors and these people whom review this shit as an EPIC LOVE STORY stop being HYPOCRITES because that is just ridiculous! What I have perceived is that the author just wanted was a little attention. There is nothing better for this than a controversial subject. Too bad she embarrassed herself by writing something so ridiculous in the process. I also believe that if you choose a subject as CHEATING, you can at least try to be faithful to your ideas and not try to mask it with vague blurb and fake comments. If you are not prepared to address a topic, just don't do it.
😒🙏
My friend Ceara was much more patient than me and was able to explain much better here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
PS: In case someone do not think that there's cheating in this book please explain to me that after how many months or how many finger fuked with her best friend he stars the regret?? The affair happens during 5 months from what I read, so I think that they have enough time for that, aren't they?? Pooooor, poooor guy! I was all because his good intentions booohooo!!🤦♀️🤮
I just want these authors and these people whom review this shit as an EPIC LOVE STORY stop being HYPOCRITES because that is just ridiculous! What I have perceived is that the author just wanted was a little attention. There is nothing better for this than a controversial subject. Too bad she embarrassed herself by writing something so ridiculous in the process. I also believe that if you choose a subject as CHEATING, you can at least try to be faithful to your ideas and not try to mask it with vague blurb and fake comments. If you are not prepared to address a topic, just don't do it.
😒🙏
My friend Ceara was much more patient than me and was able to explain much better here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 17, 2020
“Lila begged me to forgive him, so I imagined the worst. I imagined that he knew everything and that he kept it from me. Then I imagined the reasons for not telling me. I knew they were, at their core, born of love. Ronin loved me. And if I loved him, truly, in a million alternate universes loved him, then I would forgive him without demanding accountability and without apology. I chose love. Always love."
2 stars for the writing. The story is definitely unique, and well written but it was hard to enjoy. If there was no cheating then I probably would have rated this higher.
Jewel E Ann tries very hard to justify the cheating in this. I hate to break it to her and anyone else who thinks there are valid reasons to cheat IRL and in fiction, but there aren’t! I can rant for days about cheating but I won't. Even with the unique circumstances in this book, Ronin and Lila’s actions were selfish and unforgivable. Ronin spent the whole book lying to his wife and putting Lila's needs and his own before his wife's.
This book starts off where book one ended. Ronin is connected to Lila. He feels everything she feels. He feels her depression, her pain. Her nonexistent libido. It only stops when he is touching her. Poor guy. He calls her his drug. We find out she is in an abusive relationship with Graham and just how deep his obsession is with Evelyn. Lila even lies to Ronin about having cancer to cover up her bruises. In the first book Graham does seem to have feelings for Evie, and there were definitely vibes he and Lila would be down to couple swap with them because it was obvious Lila was attracted to Ronin too. He was 100% faithful to his wife in the first book. Not in this one though.
For months Ronin and Lila sneak around and lie to Evelyn. He drives hours to see her. They hold each other. They embrace. They touch. They snuggle. They fall asleep together. He kisses her face and wipes her tears away. Ronin claims it isn’t sexual for him, and while he is touching her he does mostly think about his wife like a loyal loving husband. He does get hard during these times. After spending hours at a time with Lila, he feels good, really good and goes home and has sex with his wife. He believes he is sneaking around and touching a woman who is not his wife so he can be a better husband and father. When he isn’t spending time with Lila, he goes weeks without being intimate with Evelyn. No kissing, no sex and he isn’t able to get an erection. While he is having an emotional affair with Lila (even though he does not believe he is) Evelyn thinks he may be cheating on her with another woman. We later find out she was paid by Graham to break up their marriage. She is literally a home wrecking whore.
One day after Ronin and Evelyn have an argument about the other woman, he calls Lila and tells her he needs to see her. He is upset his wife thinks he is cheating on her. The nerve of her! They plan to meet the next day. After they hang up, Lila sees a video of Graham and another woman and believes it is Evelyn. So any reservations she may have about having sex with her best friends husband pretty much flies out the window. I should also note that before she even thinks Graham is cheating on her with Evelyn, she shaves and waxes before meeting with Ronin. So after she sees the video of Graham with another woman, he rapes her and suffocates her with a pillow but eventually stops. This sends Ronin to the hospital but he recovers and goes to see Lila the next day because they made plans and he has to keep them. They kiss, he touches her bare breasts, he fingers her and dry humps her and they both orgasm and then snuggle. He leaves after a couple hours to have sex with his wife.
While Ronin was with Lila, Evelyn was outside Lila's house. She waited for hours and saw Ronin leave. So after she finds out they are sneaking around, she has sex with him. The same day he was with her best friend and she believes he just fucked her. She does not tell him she knows about the affair. She is still in denial about it though. The next day he does confess that he has been sneaking around with Lila. He says they touch and hold each other but he does not go into detail and she thinks she can't ask him about it because she can't show her lack of trust in him so she doesn't push him to reveal more. She also blames herself for the connection he has with Lila. He closes himself off from her and she goes on vacation with their children while he stays behind. She believes he is staying behind to be with Lila. Does she confront him about it? No. She talks about missing him and how much she loves him, and how he still gives her butterflies. Are these feelings women actually have after finding out their husbands are cheating on them? Especially with their best friend? I would hope not. So while she is thinking all these lovely things about her amazing husband, she believes he is at home fucking her best friend.
Ronin is now in a deep depression because of Lila's depression and feeling guilty about cheating on his wife. He buys a gun. Then Lila commits suicide and he feels it so he decides to take his own life too. He can't deal with the guilt of cheating and the pain of losing Lila. Evelyn senses something is wrong, so she flies back home and sees him drunk with a gun. He finally admits to her that he crossed a line with Lila and he wants to die and thinks it's for the best. She tells him that if he ever truly loved her and their children he will not kill himself. She leaves believing he is going to go through with it. She goes to see Graham and finds Lila's journal, detailing the abuse from Graham and her affair with Ronin. Lila is instantly forgiven. Ronin is instantly forgiven. Graham ends up falling and dying before Evelyn leaves. She then goes home and sees that Ronin did not go through with the suicide attempt and she tells him that she does not care that he cheated, she forgives him, loves him and is just so happy he is alive. The End.
“She wasn’t Evelyn. But we were … something. And sometimes something for a breath in time could be absolutely everything. Ignoring what was left of my instinct to do what was right, to turn away from what was wrong, I slid my arm between Lila’s waist and the mattress, pulling her into my body. She rested her cheek on my chest and her arms encircled my neck. Her thinner body, the familiar scent of Evie’s shop in her hair, the way she molded into my body like Evie always did so naturally, it felt like my wife in my arms, so I closed my eyes and let it be Evie. And I hoped that Lila closed her eyes and let it be Graham. We fell asleep in each other’s arms. Three hours later, my phone vibrated in my pocket, waking us up. I reluctantly let go of Lila and the best sleep I’d had in many months."
2 stars for the writing. The story is definitely unique, and well written but it was hard to enjoy. If there was no cheating then I probably would have rated this higher.
Jewel E Ann tries very hard to justify the cheating in this. I hate to break it to her and anyone else who thinks there are valid reasons to cheat IRL and in fiction, but there aren’t! I can rant for days about cheating but I won't. Even with the unique circumstances in this book, Ronin and Lila’s actions were selfish and unforgivable. Ronin spent the whole book lying to his wife and putting Lila's needs and his own before his wife's.
This book starts off where book one ended. Ronin is connected to Lila. He feels everything she feels. He feels her depression, her pain. Her nonexistent libido. It only stops when he is touching her. Poor guy. He calls her his drug. We find out she is in an abusive relationship with Graham and just how deep his obsession is with Evelyn. Lila even lies to Ronin about having cancer to cover up her bruises. In the first book Graham does seem to have feelings for Evie, and there were definitely vibes he and Lila would be down to couple swap with them because it was obvious Lila was attracted to Ronin too. He was 100% faithful to his wife in the first book. Not in this one though.
For months Ronin and Lila sneak around and lie to Evelyn. He drives hours to see her. They hold each other. They embrace. They touch. They snuggle. They fall asleep together. He kisses her face and wipes her tears away. Ronin claims it isn’t sexual for him, and while he is touching her he does mostly think about his wife like a loyal loving husband. He does get hard during these times. After spending hours at a time with Lila, he feels good, really good and goes home and has sex with his wife. He believes he is sneaking around and touching a woman who is not his wife so he can be a better husband and father. When he isn’t spending time with Lila, he goes weeks without being intimate with Evelyn. No kissing, no sex and he isn’t able to get an erection. While he is having an emotional affair with Lila (even though he does not believe he is) Evelyn thinks he may be cheating on her with another woman. We later find out she was paid by Graham to break up their marriage. She is literally a home wrecking whore.
One day after Ronin and Evelyn have an argument about the other woman, he calls Lila and tells her he needs to see her. He is upset his wife thinks he is cheating on her. The nerve of her! They plan to meet the next day. After they hang up, Lila sees a video of Graham and another woman and believes it is Evelyn. So any reservations she may have about having sex with her best friends husband pretty much flies out the window. I should also note that before she even thinks Graham is cheating on her with Evelyn, she shaves and waxes before meeting with Ronin. So after she sees the video of Graham with another woman, he rapes her and suffocates her with a pillow but eventually stops. This sends Ronin to the hospital but he recovers and goes to see Lila the next day because they made plans and he has to keep them. They kiss, he touches her bare breasts, he fingers her and dry humps her and they both orgasm and then snuggle. He leaves after a couple hours to have sex with his wife.
While Ronin was with Lila, Evelyn was outside Lila's house. She waited for hours and saw Ronin leave. So after she finds out they are sneaking around, she has sex with him. The same day he was with her best friend and she believes he just fucked her. She does not tell him she knows about the affair. She is still in denial about it though. The next day he does confess that he has been sneaking around with Lila. He says they touch and hold each other but he does not go into detail and she thinks she can't ask him about it because she can't show her lack of trust in him so she doesn't push him to reveal more. She also blames herself for the connection he has with Lila. He closes himself off from her and she goes on vacation with their children while he stays behind. She believes he is staying behind to be with Lila. Does she confront him about it? No. She talks about missing him and how much she loves him, and how he still gives her butterflies. Are these feelings women actually have after finding out their husbands are cheating on them? Especially with their best friend? I would hope not. So while she is thinking all these lovely things about her amazing husband, she believes he is at home fucking her best friend.
Ronin is now in a deep depression because of Lila's depression and feeling guilty about cheating on his wife. He buys a gun. Then Lila commits suicide and he feels it so he decides to take his own life too. He can't deal with the guilt of cheating and the pain of losing Lila. Evelyn senses something is wrong, so she flies back home and sees him drunk with a gun. He finally admits to her that he crossed a line with Lila and he wants to die and thinks it's for the best. She tells him that if he ever truly loved her and their children he will not kill himself. She leaves believing he is going to go through with it. She goes to see Graham and finds Lila's journal, detailing the abuse from Graham and her affair with Ronin. Lila is instantly forgiven. Ronin is instantly forgiven. Graham ends up falling and dying before Evelyn leaves. She then goes home and sees that Ronin did not go through with the suicide attempt and she tells him that she does not care that he cheated, she forgives him, loves him and is just so happy he is alive. The End.
“She wasn’t Evelyn. But we were … something. And sometimes something for a breath in time could be absolutely everything. Ignoring what was left of my instinct to do what was right, to turn away from what was wrong, I slid my arm between Lila’s waist and the mattress, pulling her into my body. She rested her cheek on my chest and her arms encircled my neck. Her thinner body, the familiar scent of Evie’s shop in her hair, the way she molded into my body like Evie always did so naturally, it felt like my wife in my arms, so I closed my eyes and let it be Evie. And I hoped that Lila closed her eyes and let it be Graham. We fell asleep in each other’s arms. Three hours later, my phone vibrated in my pocket, waking us up. I reluctantly let go of Lila and the best sleep I’d had in many months."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2020
I read The Life You Stole in one sitting. I’m left gobsmacked and once again in awe of this author and her storytelling skills. TLYS is a spectacular reading experience. Jewel E Ann casts her magical web and I was ensnared. I was completely enthralled with these four characters. They each made some monumental choices in their lives and they had consequences. It was twisted and toxic but very entertaining nonetheless.
The story picks up right where The Life That Mattered ends and from page one it’s full steam ahead. No slowing down. Oh man these four people didn’t let me catch my breath for one second. I went through every emotion possible. The foundation for the four characters were flawlessly crafted in The Life That Mattered and in The Life You Stole they achieved their full potential and so did the story.
I won’t give much away but what truly resonated with me was the friendships and dynamics these people shared with one another and how far they would go for the ones they loved. It was intense and emotional but only because I was so damn invested in especially Evie and Ronin. Their marriage and love touched my heart and soul. What they went through was heartbreaking and beautiful.
With The Life You Stole Jewel E Ann has created a thrilling and jaw dropping duet. She’s such a versatile author and with this book she confirms it once again. If you’re a fan of suspense with lots of twists then this Duet is the one to read. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride.
5 I Chose Love Stars
The story picks up right where The Life That Mattered ends and from page one it’s full steam ahead. No slowing down. Oh man these four people didn’t let me catch my breath for one second. I went through every emotion possible. The foundation for the four characters were flawlessly crafted in The Life That Mattered and in The Life You Stole they achieved their full potential and so did the story.
I won’t give much away but what truly resonated with me was the friendships and dynamics these people shared with one another and how far they would go for the ones they loved. It was intense and emotional but only because I was so damn invested in especially Evie and Ronin. Their marriage and love touched my heart and soul. What they went through was heartbreaking and beautiful.
With The Life You Stole Jewel E Ann has created a thrilling and jaw dropping duet. She’s such a versatile author and with this book she confirms it once again. If you’re a fan of suspense with lots of twists then this Duet is the one to read. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride.
5 I Chose Love Stars
July 30, 2022
“Sometimes we loved with lies and protected with sins.”
I feel like this quote from The Life You Stole sums up perfectly what happened in this second installment. I kept going back and forth with how to rate this book, 5 stars because this duet is simply brilliant or 3 stars because some things that happened in the book I just wasn’t fully happy with. I felt that for me, they tainted the epic love story that was Book 1 (even if the Prologue was telling, I hoped it was one of those bait ones). It’s just that this didn’t go the way I thought it would go or where I wanted it to go. Regardless, I won’t go into details cause I will keep this review as spoiler free as possible.
Book 2 starts right where Book 1 ended, and while Book 1 is more of a love story with some suspense in it, Book 2 is a full-on psychological thriller. It was a complete mindfuck and a pretty brilliant one at that. Definitely read it in one sitting, it kept me hooked and on the edge of my seat. I still would love for you to experience this story with as little details as possible, even going into what happens could be a spoiler. It’s definitely a page turner full of twists and turns.
In this book we also get Lila’s and Graham’s POVs along with Evelyn and Ronin’s. I loved being in Graham’s mind as twisted and messed up as it was. Lila’s POV not so much, while I felt some sympathy for her, I never could connect with her, not in Book 1 and definitely not in this one. As for Evelyn, bless her heart, she was a trooper and a wonderful character. Love her, even though I wanted to smack her a few times. I have nothing for Ronin. He was my favorite in Book 1 and the one character that let me down the most in this book and I’m not ready to talk about it, lol. As you can see, I went through all sorts of emotions with this book, and have some strong feelings for these characters. That is a testament to the great writing and story by Jewel but I still can’t get over some of the things that happened.
Overall, this was great, Jewel’s writing is just so engaging and solid, and I just love her stories. Can’t wait for what she’ll bring us next!!!
I feel like this quote from The Life You Stole sums up perfectly what happened in this second installment. I kept going back and forth with how to rate this book, 5 stars because this duet is simply brilliant or 3 stars because some things that happened in the book I just wasn’t fully happy with. I felt that for me, they tainted the epic love story that was Book 1 (even if the Prologue was telling, I hoped it was one of those bait ones). It’s just that this didn’t go the way I thought it would go or where I wanted it to go. Regardless, I won’t go into details cause I will keep this review as spoiler free as possible.
Book 2 starts right where Book 1 ended, and while Book 1 is more of a love story with some suspense in it, Book 2 is a full-on psychological thriller. It was a complete mindfuck and a pretty brilliant one at that. Definitely read it in one sitting, it kept me hooked and on the edge of my seat. I still would love for you to experience this story with as little details as possible, even going into what happens could be a spoiler. It’s definitely a page turner full of twists and turns.
In this book we also get Lila’s and Graham’s POVs along with Evelyn and Ronin’s. I loved being in Graham’s mind as twisted and messed up as it was. Lila’s POV not so much, while I felt some sympathy for her, I never could connect with her, not in Book 1 and definitely not in this one. As for Evelyn, bless her heart, she was a trooper and a wonderful character. Love her, even though I wanted to smack her a few times. I have nothing for Ronin. He was my favorite in Book 1 and the one character that let me down the most in this book and I’m not ready to talk about it, lol. As you can see, I went through all sorts of emotions with this book, and have some strong feelings for these characters. That is a testament to the great writing and story by Jewel but I still can’t get over some of the things that happened.
Overall, this was great, Jewel’s writing is just so engaging and solid, and I just love her stories. Can’t wait for what she’ll bring us next!!!
February 6, 2020
I've been waiting a long time for THIS story. It sounds pretty dramatic, but when you come across an emotional powerhouse of a plot, a flawless narration that checks all the sentimental boxes, it's difficult to come out unscathed and unchanged. It's gravelly emotional, sandpapers and chafes at your heart, so deeply engrossing that the world ceases to exist while you're reading it, and nothing seems to matter when you're done with it....you know This Is IT you've found the PERFECT BOOK
We all know the Genius of Jewel, but this Duet has definitely propelled into an esteemed exceptional League.
There is something hypnotic and transcendent about her writing,
This story has climbed the BookBoard chart and set camp in the FIRST POSITIONand it's not gonna move anytime soon. Even surpassing my fave Transcend Duet!!!!
Pushing her boundaries and venturing tentatively into the greyer side of love, she pens a hard hitting story about Truths and Lies. She holds back no punches to deliver a heartfelt chronicle of Love and Betrayal, addictions and afflictions, trusting of hearts and twisting of arms
“Trust is hard. It comes in many forms. We trust the people we love to be honest, but we also trust them to protect us. What happens when the two are at odds?”
They stand at the crossroads of life, the pendulum swinging between life and death and the lines between honorable lies and diabolical truths get blurrier by the day.
Four Friends.
Two Lovers.
One Unimaginable Tragedy
The story gets under your skin and travels deep into your soul. Implants itself and grows roots, branches sprout, which spread in all directions and grip you tight in its vice like grip.
All the characters are hysterically unstable, impassioned and enthusiastic in their familial loyalty, fanatical in love for their soul mates till it ends up becoming a ball and chain around their ankles, dragging everybody down!
"Life never went in the imagined direction. It traipsed through the mud, climbed impossible mountains, and leapt the widest oceans. But usually not without getting muddy, slipping off a few cliffs, and drowning in the current."
I read this book cover to cover, line by line, word by word. Overwhelmed and Drained, I had to take several pit stops to swallow hard the rock of guilt and emotions stuck in my throat.
Jewel has put in tremendous amount of effort and care in creating these people, she shifts them like pieces on a chess board, switching their colors and motives all the time. I felt an overpowering connection to all of them...yup ALL OF THEM multiple POVs helped in shifting my loyalties from book 1 through book 2. The cadence and constant movement of the plot is purposeful and deliberate which helps build intrigue and chicanery that's happening right in front of your eyes.
"Sometimes we loved with lies and protected with sins."
Manipulation & deviance take center stage deliberately or unbeknownst, I tripped on it and fell headlong first...all the way down the rabbit hole
I'm rendered speechless everytime I've read jewels book, yet i babble! #Conundrum!
All them are sheer perfection, but this one is EXCEPTIONAL
At the end you're left with One Question
"What would one give to have someone back?
What would one give for that second chance?"
READ.THIS. DUET for the answer. It might surprise you because it's not what you would've guessed in a million years!!.....
Million Stars in Crisp Aspen Sky as I kneel in the freezing snow for you Jewel
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We all know the Genius of Jewel, but this Duet has definitely propelled into an esteemed exceptional League.
There is something hypnotic and transcendent about her writing,
This story has climbed the BookBoard chart and set camp in the FIRST POSITIONand it's not gonna move anytime soon. Even surpassing my fave Transcend Duet!!!!
Pushing her boundaries and venturing tentatively into the greyer side of love, she pens a hard hitting story about Truths and Lies. She holds back no punches to deliver a heartfelt chronicle of Love and Betrayal, addictions and afflictions, trusting of hearts and twisting of arms
“Trust is hard. It comes in many forms. We trust the people we love to be honest, but we also trust them to protect us. What happens when the two are at odds?”
They stand at the crossroads of life, the pendulum swinging between life and death and the lines between honorable lies and diabolical truths get blurrier by the day.
Four Friends.
Two Lovers.
One Unimaginable Tragedy
The story gets under your skin and travels deep into your soul. Implants itself and grows roots, branches sprout, which spread in all directions and grip you tight in its vice like grip.
All the characters are hysterically unstable, impassioned and enthusiastic in their familial loyalty, fanatical in love for their soul mates till it ends up becoming a ball and chain around their ankles, dragging everybody down!
"Life never went in the imagined direction. It traipsed through the mud, climbed impossible mountains, and leapt the widest oceans. But usually not without getting muddy, slipping off a few cliffs, and drowning in the current."
I read this book cover to cover, line by line, word by word. Overwhelmed and Drained, I had to take several pit stops to swallow hard the rock of guilt and emotions stuck in my throat.
Jewel has put in tremendous amount of effort and care in creating these people, she shifts them like pieces on a chess board, switching their colors and motives all the time. I felt an overpowering connection to all of them...yup ALL OF THEM multiple POVs helped in shifting my loyalties from book 1 through book 2. The cadence and constant movement of the plot is purposeful and deliberate which helps build intrigue and chicanery that's happening right in front of your eyes.
"Sometimes we loved with lies and protected with sins."
Manipulation & deviance take center stage deliberately or unbeknownst, I tripped on it and fell headlong first...all the way down the rabbit hole
I'm rendered speechless everytime I've read jewels book, yet i babble! #Conundrum!
All them are sheer perfection, but this one is EXCEPTIONAL
At the end you're left with One Question
"What would one give to have someone back?
What would one give for that second chance?"
READ.THIS. DUET for the answer. It might surprise you because it's not what you would've guessed in a million years!!.....
Million Stars in Crisp Aspen Sky as I kneel in the freezing snow for you Jewel
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February 23, 2020
*****FIVE+++++++ STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
The fragility of my existence vibrated through every cell in my body. The perfect life existed on a narrow ledge with a sea of tragedy awaiting ten stories down on the other side.
Each time I finish reading a Jewel E. Ann book, I become more in awe of her as an author. The Life Duet is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I inhaled this book. Once I picked it up, it was quite impossible to put down. It left me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next. So many questions were spinning in my head. What you do learn early on is that there is an undeniable villain and there is incomprehensible betrayal, but the lines between right and wrong are blurred. I struggled with some of the stuff that happened. I knew it wasn’t right but Jewel spins it in such a unique way. I swear I’ve never read anything like this. It’s otherworldly!!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 5+++++
Angst: 5++++
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5++++
”THE LIFE YOU STOLE” releases on February 20th. There’s no excuse not to pick this series up now that both installments will be available.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/31w0kf7
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheLifeyouStole
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
The fragility of my existence vibrated through every cell in my body. The perfect life existed on a narrow ledge with a sea of tragedy awaiting ten stories down on the other side.
Each time I finish reading a Jewel E. Ann book, I become more in awe of her as an author. The Life Duet is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I inhaled this book. Once I picked it up, it was quite impossible to put down. It left me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next. So many questions were spinning in my head. What you do learn early on is that there is an undeniable villain and there is incomprehensible betrayal, but the lines between right and wrong are blurred. I struggled with some of the stuff that happened. I knew it wasn’t right but Jewel spins it in such a unique way. I swear I’ve never read anything like this. It’s otherworldly!!
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 4.5
Plot: 5+++++
Angst: 5++++
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5++++
”THE LIFE YOU STOLE” releases on February 20th. There’s no excuse not to pick this series up now that both installments will be available.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/31w0kf7
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheLifeyouStole
February 20, 2020
4-4,5 STARS
This was not exactly what I expected yet it was so good.Brilliant and I'm speechless!I don't want to give anything away but what a ride!My heart was aching most of the time and I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what will happen next!
I will say this again this duet is epic, so unique and original like nothing I have read. The story picks up right where the previous left us and it's emotional and intense from the beginning.
The writing is phenomenal and the characters original!I loved them with all my heart!This is an unforgettable duet!
This was not exactly what I expected yet it was so good.Brilliant and I'm speechless!I don't want to give anything away but what a ride!My heart was aching most of the time and I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what will happen next!
I will say this again this duet is epic, so unique and original like nothing I have read. The story picks up right where the previous left us and it's emotional and intense from the beginning.
The writing is phenomenal and the characters original!I loved them with all my heart!This is an unforgettable duet!
February 17, 2020
When I first started this duet, I had no idea the kind of journey that these books were going to take me on. I had no idea the kind of emotions that were going to be evoked in me, and I absolutely had no idea that these very same books were going to leave such a lasting impact whether it was good or bad.
The life You Stole picks up right where The Life that Mattered ended and I was so happy for that. That cliffhanger nearly did me in and I needed answers like you wouldn’t believe!! Two couples, four lives, one heartbreaking tragedy that had the power to ruin everything, had my eyes glued to this book for the foreseeable future.
Without going into any important details, I will say that I was not expecting the kind of outcome that I got with this story. The love and adoration that I had for most of the characters in book one, did dwindle a little bit and as much as I tried to put myself in to their situations, I couldn’t understand most of their decisions and their inability to see what was happening right in front of them. This left me not only with mixed emotions for the once lovable characters, but I also felt that certain things now became tainted.
With shocking twists, lifelong friendship that are being put to the test, unbreakable bonds and a love that will stand the test of time, The Life You Stolewill put you on a suspenseful emotional crazy ride whether you love it or not.
lost-interest
February 21, 2020My reason for avoiding this duet is the disgusting attempt of the writer at justifying cheating.
There is something akin to a threesome in Book 1 and also there is cheating in Book 2.
*********************************************
And please refer to these brilliant and brave reviews of my friends Ceara and Mel, to see how far the hero's cheating goes.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
There is something akin to a threesome in Book 1 and also there is cheating in Book 2.
*********************************************
And please refer to these brilliant and brave reviews of my friends Ceara and Mel, to see how far the hero's cheating goes.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 21, 2021
Audio 4.5 Stars
Story 3.75 Stars
Although I questioned the intelligence of the H and h, I mostly enjoyed the high angst. Unfortunately, the way things wrapped up felt rushed and anticlimactic. It almost ruined the story for me.
Story 3.75 Stars
Although I questioned the intelligence of the H and h, I mostly enjoyed the high angst. Unfortunately, the way things wrapped up felt rushed and anticlimactic. It almost ruined the story for me.
February 20, 2020
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR)
Ronin and Evelyn Alexander live in Aspen, Colorado where they’ve built a life together. They thought they had the perfect marriage, but after five years things turn complicated for them. Evelyn has everything she’s ever wanted, but each day is a struggle. She’s grieving a devastating loss and feels helpless and exhausted. She feels like everything around her is falling apart due to circumstances beyond her control, and feels disconnected from those she loves most.
Book one ends on a cliffy, and this book picks up right where it left off. Four friends with intense connections hold back the truth. Boundaries are overstepped, lines are crossed, and trust is shattered between two couples. Friendships that are more like family become toxic and destructive. As love turns ugly we question will love conquer all, or will everything be destroyed?
-Sometimes we loved with lies and protected with sins.
-“Sometimes we start wars and throw ourselves into the line of fire to protect the ones we love.”
-I chose love. Always love.
The Life You Stole (The Life Series, Book 2) by Jewel E. Ann is the mind bending, unforgettable, explosive conclusion to the Life Duet. It’s told from four POV’s, and is a heartbreaking, twisted tale full of angst, drama, manipulation, jealousy, revenge, secrets, lies, love, and intertwined souls. It pushes boundaries, and really makes you think outside of the box. This unique, emotional story completely consumed and intrigued me throughout! This book sure was one crazy wild ride, and I loved every moment! I really adore this authors writing! Each book she writes is so different and brilliant!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/32aK43L
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR)
Ronin and Evelyn Alexander live in Aspen, Colorado where they’ve built a life together. They thought they had the perfect marriage, but after five years things turn complicated for them. Evelyn has everything she’s ever wanted, but each day is a struggle. She’s grieving a devastating loss and feels helpless and exhausted. She feels like everything around her is falling apart due to circumstances beyond her control, and feels disconnected from those she loves most.
Book one ends on a cliffy, and this book picks up right where it left off. Four friends with intense connections hold back the truth. Boundaries are overstepped, lines are crossed, and trust is shattered between two couples. Friendships that are more like family become toxic and destructive. As love turns ugly we question will love conquer all, or will everything be destroyed?
-Sometimes we loved with lies and protected with sins.
-“Sometimes we start wars and throw ourselves into the line of fire to protect the ones we love.”
-I chose love. Always love.
The Life You Stole (The Life Series, Book 2) by Jewel E. Ann is the mind bending, unforgettable, explosive conclusion to the Life Duet. It’s told from four POV’s, and is a heartbreaking, twisted tale full of angst, drama, manipulation, jealousy, revenge, secrets, lies, love, and intertwined souls. It pushes boundaries, and really makes you think outside of the box. This unique, emotional story completely consumed and intrigued me throughout! This book sure was one crazy wild ride, and I loved every moment! I really adore this authors writing! Each book she writes is so different and brilliant!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/32aK43L
February 16, 2021
***** 5 Stars *****
I hope my images can say what I couldn't.
Jewel E. Ann pushed it here.
She pushed
and pushed
pushing still
and pushed
and pushed
and pushed
and pushed
and pushed a bit more
until there was no more room
to stretch my limits.
I am drained and gobsmacked, yet I regret nothing.
Thank lawd for great authors.
I hope my images can say what I couldn't.
Jewel E. Ann pushed it here.
She pushed
and pushed
pushing still
and pushed
and pushed
and pushed
and pushed
and pushed a bit more
until there was no more room
to stretch my limits.
I am drained and gobsmacked, yet I regret nothing.
Thank lawd for great authors.
February 25, 2020
WTAF !!!! Why is there no warning about cheating and how is it ok if your soulmate fucks your soulsister and think about all the emotional abuse and emotional cheating. Most importantly how can you forgive that bastard without any groveling and didn’t endup killing the bitch yourself. I guess that’s because you’re brainless and a stain on female gender. I hate all of them . How did this BS get such high ratings. Where are the honest reviews with ugly truths?
Just the reviews left me fuming. ( though there were very few ) I think I would have burst a vessel if I’d actually read the entire book. In book 1 and this book Ronin was made up to be some great guy but if you read the reviews you’ll realize he was NOT. The h bff seduced h husband for revenge because she thought the h was having an affair with her husband. But she did not have any solid proof or evidence indicating this. So instead of going to hand demanding answers or clawing h’s eyes out for betraying their valuable friendship and trust she stooped to her level. If you have friends like this who needs enemies. At least she had conscience unlike the worthless H.
But most of all I hated the h, spineless doormat. What is she a saint , a martyr to for H so easily without even letting him explain ? She suspects he cheated on her with ow and that same day she is having sex with him with out demanding any answers or explanations. Let’s be real. WILL ANY OF US DO THAT IN REAL LIFE? I know it’s fiction but it’s not fantasy. Shouldn’t it be based on reality? For me this book was a shit show despite author’s great writing because I hate cheating and more than that I hate when there is little to no groveling. At least make them repent so that they’ll never do it again no matter the circumstances or else next again something similar might happen and they’d cheat on you and believe (rightfully so) that you’d understand and forgive. Who knows.
BTW I don’t doubt for a second that if the ow didn’t die they would have continued their affair. They may stop it for a while but then go back to each other and blame it on Their weird connection and they would have been more physically intimate this time and would have sex time and time again but it’s ok I guess since H loves h and may call her name when cuming and cheating on her. That’s epic true love you see.
But most of all I hated the h Evie. She was a terrible person and used Graham shamelessly.
Many may not like my review and might have even loved this novel but all I can say is to each their own.
Here are some great reviews.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It wasn’t spur of the moment but planned . Read the notes if you want to know more about these low life’s. H needed a shrink to discuss his marital problems. Like I said I hated all the MCs.
https://www.goodreads.com/notes/49970...
PS
I believe we ( readers) are the culprits here. Authors write shit like this in the name of romance because readers not only like it but give them high rating. So of course they’re gonna write whatever they want because people are not only willing to read it but enjoy and if someone doesn’t like it and comment against such novels they are called PEACE HATERS. Just think for a second if you were cheated on will you accept your partner let alone your spouse that too without groveling? I wouldn’t. We would be emotionally abused and insecure in our relationship. Romance novels are based on reality.
Just the reviews left me fuming. ( though there were very few ) I think I would have burst a vessel if I’d actually read the entire book. In book 1 and this book Ronin was made up to be some great guy but if you read the reviews you’ll realize he was NOT. The h bff seduced h husband for revenge because she thought the h was having an affair with her husband. But she did not have any solid proof or evidence indicating this. So instead of going to hand demanding answers or clawing h’s eyes out for betraying their valuable friendship and trust she stooped to her level. If you have friends like this who needs enemies. At least she had conscience unlike the worthless H.
But most of all I hated the h, spineless doormat. What is she a saint , a martyr to for H so easily without even letting him explain ? She suspects he cheated on her with ow and that same day she is having sex with him with out demanding any answers or explanations. Let’s be real. WILL ANY OF US DO THAT IN REAL LIFE? I know it’s fiction but it’s not fantasy. Shouldn’t it be based on reality? For me this book was a shit show despite author’s great writing because I hate cheating and more than that I hate when there is little to no groveling. At least make them repent so that they’ll never do it again no matter the circumstances or else next again something similar might happen and they’d cheat on you and believe (rightfully so) that you’d understand and forgive. Who knows.
BTW I don’t doubt for a second that if the ow didn’t die they would have continued their affair. They may stop it for a while but then go back to each other and blame it on Their weird connection and they would have been more physically intimate this time and would have sex time and time again but it’s ok I guess since H loves h and may call her name when cuming and cheating on her. That’s epic true love you see.
But most of all I hated the h Evie. She was a terrible person and used Graham shamelessly.
Many may not like my review and might have even loved this novel but all I can say is to each their own.
Here are some great reviews.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It wasn’t spur of the moment but planned . Read the notes if you want to know more about these low life’s. H needed a shrink to discuss his marital problems. Like I said I hated all the MCs.
https://www.goodreads.com/notes/49970...
PS
I believe we ( readers) are the culprits here. Authors write shit like this in the name of romance because readers not only like it but give them high rating. So of course they’re gonna write whatever they want because people are not only willing to read it but enjoy and if someone doesn’t like it and comment against such novels they are called PEACE HATERS. Just think for a second if you were cheated on will you accept your partner let alone your spouse that too without groveling? I wouldn’t. We would be emotionally abused and insecure in our relationship. Romance novels are based on reality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2023
2 stars
This book didn’t work for me, and no one is more sad about it than I am. I enjoy Jewel E Ann’s writing so much and I love that her books are always out of the box. I read the first book in this duet a few days ago and I had to know what happened, but I spent almost this whole book just mad. I was mad at the characters, and overall I just didn’t like it. Not every book is for every reader, and I know this series is loved by many, so obviously I am in the minority here... Just not for me.
This book didn’t work for me, and no one is more sad about it than I am. I enjoy Jewel E Ann’s writing so much and I love that her books are always out of the box. I read the first book in this duet a few days ago and I had to know what happened, but I spent almost this whole book just mad. I was mad at the characters, and overall I just didn’t like it. Not every book is for every reader, and I know this series is loved by many, so obviously I am in the minority here... Just not for me.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 2 stars
Narrators: Andi Arndt & Paul Woodson
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: ???
Length: 8h 34m
February 25, 2020
Wow I need a minute to catch my breath...
FTCL
***ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR. <3
FTCL
***ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR. <3
Read
February 29, 2020This authors writing is ok, But not my favourite like others. Also, the cheating! The constant, excused, romanticised, toxic cheating! It’s in nearly all of her books I have read, is always gross and always pardoned on technicalities or real love! Nope just gross and weak behaviour by boring characters usually! Also, when there is not cheating, the heroine is second best, shown in the book ‘Perfectly Adequate’. For the five star reviews and the author, if you want to embrace cheating go for it, but call a spade a spade, stop excusing it or romanticising it. The hero here cheats emotionally for months, betraying his wife and putting her needs last. From what Reviews I have read the physical cheating was disgusting and never properly explored from the hero’s POV, and the wife just forgives him, without wanting to hear a proper apology (doormat in denial anyone?). Like someone else claimed, if the OW had not committed suicide the affair would most likely have continued and turned more physical. But it’s ok because the hero really loves his wife, and calls out her name when he cheats? Just fuck off, this shit is toxic and needs to show real resolution or redemption to even begin to be forgivable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2020
DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVEN'T READ BOOK #1
______________________
_____________________
____________________
We're back in Aspen with ...
Evelyn & Ronin.
Lila & Graham.
Book 2 starts right where we left Ronin dying in book 1.
Does it spoil when I say he doesn't die? No, right? Because he's the hero in this story! He can't die - yet.☺
Well. He didn't die ... but there was ... something. So that obviously makes us wonder ... what is happening with Lila? Something must've happened to her - we're kinda suspecting, but .. ?? Huh.
All so very weird.
Plus Ronin is not really talking to his wife and Evie is scared and insecure about things...
LOTS of stuff to overcome until there might be a happy end on the horizon ...
What will happen with Evelyn & Ronin & Lila & Graham?
Will there be a HEA???
READ THE BOOK(s) TO FIND OUT! ☺
══════════════════
Book 2!!!!
We're back!
And Ronin didn't die! I was so afraid he would die and then we would get some weird reincarnation/ghost/threesome whatever story! But nope. He didn't die - because Lila didn't die - at least not yet. Hehehe. (I kinda feel like posting this crazy Halloween laughter sound after every line I write in this review! LOL!)
What is happening???
I'm not really sure what's going on - but I will find out - and I won't tell you!
😜😜😜
This was a great 2nd book in this crazy but amazing duet!
I loved reading it. You don't know what's happening, and you don't really care at all. You just have to keep on reading to find out if we'll get our happily ever after!
Amazing duet - I need this on tv asap - it's right up your alley Mr. Netflix - GET IT!!!!
THE LIFE YOU STOLE was the perfect finale in this duet. Mysterious. Heartbreaking. Weird. Sad. Sexy. Crazy. Beautiful.
Run to your nearest amazon for your own Ronin - this one is MINE!☺
💜
💜
September 2, 2020
I hate this book. I wish I could unread it. This book completely negates the love between Ronin and Evelyn as he cheats on her and convinces himself it's not cheating. Only when he finger fucks her does he think of it as cheating. Not when he get a boner and not when they cuddle and sleep. Not when he calls her his drug. Not when he thinks Lila feels like his wife in his arms. He lies about his whereabouts to his wife and asks his colleague to cover for him. And he says guilt has no place because of his Lila high. 🤮 Classic man logic. Only they put supernatural elements like he can feel the feelings of Lila so he can't resist both their desire to justify his cheating.
May 10, 2020
3 stars
Overall Opinion: I’m going to keep this review short and not in my usual template because I still feel as though you need to go in blind to fully appreciate the concepts. This was an alright conclusion to the duet, but not quite what I was hoping for. I feel as though everything was wrapped up at the very end (I’m talking 95ish%) a little too neatly and then we were thrown into an epilogue. It didn’t have nearly enough time for them to work out their issues of page. I get that the threats were gone (for now), but after investing two whole books to their story I needed much more! What happens if he helps someone else?!? Did she really just forgive and forget everything?! Sooooo many unanswered questions! I would classify it as a HFN ending.
BTW — this is Not Safe for my safety gang peeps
Overall Opinion: I’m going to keep this review short and not in my usual template because I still feel as though you need to go in blind to fully appreciate the concepts. This was an alright conclusion to the duet, but not quite what I was hoping for. I feel as though everything was wrapped up at the very end (I’m talking 95ish%) a little too neatly and then we were thrown into an epilogue. It didn’t have nearly enough time for them to work out their issues of page. I get that the threats were gone (for now), but after investing two whole books to their story I needed much more! What happens if he helps someone else?!? Did she really just forgive and forget everything?! Sooooo many unanswered questions! I would classify it as a HFN ending.
BTW — this is Not Safe for my safety gang peeps
February 16, 2020
4,5 “hardest read ever” stars
SPOILER FREE review (except for book first so if you haven’t read the Life The Mattered yet, pass your way)
This was the hardest read ever , not only because the characters are suffering but also because it has major personal triggers that usually would have me DNF the book. And I still don’t know how jewel did it but she kept me in her clutch and I simply could not stop reading.
I was tired, went to bed and …woke up at 4 AM with Roe, Evie, Lila and Graham’s story in my head, a huge need to know what would happen and so …I resumed reading!
Now going on 4 hours sleep, I am in need of coffe and concealer to hid the bags under my eyes. Feel free to send me a package 😊
As I promise this would be spoiler free, I’ll talk about what this book made me feel and also of kind of general topics in the books without going into details.
By the end of book one, we knew that Roe was linked to Lila after saving her life. He could feel her pain and that’s how he got addicted on pain killers and nearly lost Evie.
In this sequel, Roe will feel Lila a lot. They share what seems like an unbreakable bond and it will truly complicated things. Roe and Evie’s life will be tested beyond anything I could have imagined and I HURT for them! Because if there was ever a perfect couple it was them! But Evie would never go down without a fight! Yet sometimes you may fight all you might, it’s not always enough so… what would happen?
We already saw in book one that Roe was not comfortable with Graham as in, he noticed the way Graham looked at his wife. But like Evie, Roe is valuing his marriage above anything else and he is ready! Call it male competition or anything Roe knew what was important in his life and what he had to protect.
And Roe was such a worthy and noble hero. Seeing them struggle and suffer had me shedding tears more often than not.
What was also striking was the tension. I realized after finishing this story that my neck, shoulders and back were knotted painfully tight. Because slowly but surely, I expected the worse. Something would happen. I didn’t know why but I knew it would be ugly. And the anticipation is the worst!!! I also hate when books are packed with angst and Jewel threw me through hell here!
Here are some of the thoughts I noted while reading:
“This is a horrible situation”
“Graham is despicable”
“Talk about whiplash!”
“I understand depression, how it can strangle you and snuff all the light of your family as well”.
“This is just an impossible situation. Being trapped by circumstances.”
“Why can't you tell her? Don't you see you are running into a wall? I want to scream and stop reading as I can't stand the tension and the suspense!!”
As you see, many heated and conflicted emotions. I wanted to read for Evie and Roe. For Lila too. I got angst, sleep deprivation, tears, rage, sadness, hope, fear…. Jewel E Ann wrote a story that clearly brought me through the whole emotional spectrum. A story very, very hard to read because you FEEL for the characters and suffer alongside them but so worth it!
Jewel, you still owe me coffee and concealer!
Have you read Jewel's Books?
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Find me on:
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Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
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Twitter: @BewareOffReader
SPOILER FREE review (except for book first so if you haven’t read the Life The Mattered yet, pass your way)
This was the hardest read ever , not only because the characters are suffering but also because it has major personal triggers that usually would have me DNF the book. And I still don’t know how jewel did it but she kept me in her clutch and I simply could not stop reading.
I was tired, went to bed and …woke up at 4 AM with Roe, Evie, Lila and Graham’s story in my head, a huge need to know what would happen and so …I resumed reading!
Now going on 4 hours sleep, I am in need of coffe and concealer to hid the bags under my eyes. Feel free to send me a package 😊
As I promise this would be spoiler free, I’ll talk about what this book made me feel and also of kind of general topics in the books without going into details.
By the end of book one, we knew that Roe was linked to Lila after saving her life. He could feel her pain and that’s how he got addicted on pain killers and nearly lost Evie.
In this sequel, Roe will feel Lila a lot. They share what seems like an unbreakable bond and it will truly complicated things. Roe and Evie’s life will be tested beyond anything I could have imagined and I HURT for them! Because if there was ever a perfect couple it was them! But Evie would never go down without a fight! Yet sometimes you may fight all you might, it’s not always enough so… what would happen?
"With half of my clothes discarded on the porch’s wood floor and Ronin’s jeans and briefs slid partway down his thighs, we fucked. We laid down our weapons. We made love. And I knew in that moment that it wasn’t just Franz and Anya that I would protect with my life. It was Ronin too. He didn’t share my DNA, but he shared my soul. I would fight for him. And he would fight for me. There would be truths. There would be lies. Never perfect—always forever."
We already saw in book one that Roe was not comfortable with Graham as in, he noticed the way Graham looked at his wife. But like Evie, Roe is valuing his marriage above anything else and he is ready! Call it male competition or anything Roe knew what was important in his life and what he had to protect.
"I liked being the best. Maybe not the best golfer. Maybe not the best bank account balance. Maybe not the best at spewing off baseball stats. But the best husband would do … that and best skier, best lumberjack, best dad, and best lover. Fuck you, Porter … this woman is mine."
And Roe was such a worthy and noble hero. Seeing them struggle and suffer had me shedding tears more often than not.
What was also striking was the tension. I realized after finishing this story that my neck, shoulders and back were knotted painfully tight. Because slowly but surely, I expected the worse. Something would happen. I didn’t know why but I knew it would be ugly. And the anticipation is the worst!!! I also hate when books are packed with angst and Jewel threw me through hell here!
Here are some of the thoughts I noted while reading:
“This is a horrible situation”
“Graham is despicable”
“Talk about whiplash!”
“I understand depression, how it can strangle you and snuff all the light of your family as well”.
“This is just an impossible situation. Being trapped by circumstances.”
“Why can't you tell her? Don't you see you are running into a wall? I want to scream and stop reading as I can't stand the tension and the suspense!!”
As you see, many heated and conflicted emotions. I wanted to read for Evie and Roe. For Lila too. I got angst, sleep deprivation, tears, rage, sadness, hope, fear…. Jewel E Ann wrote a story that clearly brought me through the whole emotional spectrum. A story very, very hard to read because you FEEL for the characters and suffer alongside them but so worth it!
Jewel, you still owe me coffee and concealer!
Have you read Jewel's Books?
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
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February 14, 2020
My review will be simple. I’ll keep my emotions as compact as I can so as not to not give anything away. I lost sleep over this story. That alone should speak volumes. Make no mistake, Jewel E Ann knows how to pull all the emotions, even if they aren’t ones you really want to feel. She is a master at her craft. She deserves all the praise. Her writing is impeccable. Every. Single. Time. The problem I’m having is dealing with those emotions now that I’ve reached the end. Some were euphoric. Some tore me apart. But that is why she is so very good. And I guess not really a problem after all. Because isn’t that exactly what a story should do? I think so. This book, this duet, had me feeling and reeling with deep, soul touching emotions. So how do you review a book, a conclusion to a duet, when you aren’t sure which way to go or how to move on? I’ll leave it to you to draw your own conclusions. Read the duet. Experience the commanding writing of Jewel E Ann. You will not regret it.
February 19, 2020
The conclusion of the Life Duet is every bit as riveting as I anticipated. The story is twisted and dark on a totally different level than book one. I feel like I’ve been emotionally pummeled.
Once again, the story is told from Evelyn and Ronin’s points of view, only this time around Lila and Graham’s perspectives are added to the mix. Between the four of them, we are privy to a variety of tender, heartbreaking, conflicted, and creepy thoughts. Whether you like all the characters or not, the character development is phenomenal. Evelyn is filled with honor and goodness. I loved her most of all.
Jewel E. Ann is such a gifted, bewitching storyteller. Many of her books have pushed the boundaries of what I consider comfortable, normal, or moral. This story is no exception. Much of the book is just plain gut-wrenching, but it is so gripping that I could not put it down. I wore the dark circles under my eyes as a badge of honor.
A minefield of potential triggers makes this a tough read, so proceed with caution—particularly if you are a sensitive reader. Personally, as much as I love an angsty read—and I did relish the many mind-bending, suspenseful aspects—I felt a profound sense of sadness throughout. I think it affected my overall enjoyment of this conclusion, and it took some time to shake off the funk I was in.
When looking at the entire arc of the duet it is clear that it is plotted with precision. The story stayed with me long after “The End”. I had an overwhelming urge to go back and analyze small details and character choices. This complex and haunting story would make a fantastic book club selection.
Once again, the story is told from Evelyn and Ronin’s points of view, only this time around Lila and Graham’s perspectives are added to the mix. Between the four of them, we are privy to a variety of tender, heartbreaking, conflicted, and creepy thoughts. Whether you like all the characters or not, the character development is phenomenal. Evelyn is filled with honor and goodness. I loved her most of all.
Jewel E. Ann is such a gifted, bewitching storyteller. Many of her books have pushed the boundaries of what I consider comfortable, normal, or moral. This story is no exception. Much of the book is just plain gut-wrenching, but it is so gripping that I could not put it down. I wore the dark circles under my eyes as a badge of honor.
A minefield of potential triggers makes this a tough read, so proceed with caution—particularly if you are a sensitive reader. Personally, as much as I love an angsty read—and I did relish the many mind-bending, suspenseful aspects—I felt a profound sense of sadness throughout. I think it affected my overall enjoyment of this conclusion, and it took some time to shake off the funk I was in.
When looking at the entire arc of the duet it is clear that it is plotted with precision. The story stayed with me long after “The End”. I had an overwhelming urge to go back and analyze small details and character choices. This complex and haunting story would make a fantastic book club selection.
*I received an early copy of this book to voluntarily read.*
February 6, 2023
I NEED more stars for this story!!!
When every other sentence is felt right in the heart you know you've got a good book in your hands.
I finished this book and had to sit, breathe and take in the entire story trying to get all my thoughts together to attempt a coherent review. I've realized I don't have enough words to relate what this story is.
It most definitely was an amazing journey. The Life You Stole (book 2 of The Life duet) is much different from book 1. And this fact leaves me speechless because everything that happened I did not see it coming. I LOVE being surprised.
One thing I can say is 'All the questions I ended up having at the end of The Life That Mattered were answered here perfectly.
This story of 4 friends/2 couples comes with all the emotions. YOU will get ALL THE FEELS. The writing is spectacular.
♡ "Everyone needed someone in their life who was just so damn happy to be part of their existence that absolutely nothing else mattered" ♡
JEA writes the most amazing stories. The kind of stories you walk away from leaving your heart behind.
I'll say goodbye to my heart because it's staying with these characters ❤
AMAZING
When every other sentence is felt right in the heart you know you've got a good book in your hands.
I finished this book and had to sit, breathe and take in the entire story trying to get all my thoughts together to attempt a coherent review. I've realized I don't have enough words to relate what this story is.
It most definitely was an amazing journey. The Life You Stole (book 2 of The Life duet) is much different from book 1. And this fact leaves me speechless because everything that happened I did not see it coming. I LOVE being surprised.
One thing I can say is 'All the questions I ended up having at the end of The Life That Mattered were answered here perfectly.
This story of 4 friends/2 couples comes with all the emotions. YOU will get ALL THE FEELS. The writing is spectacular.
♡ "Everyone needed someone in their life who was just so damn happy to be part of their existence that absolutely nothing else mattered" ♡
JEA writes the most amazing stories. The kind of stories you walk away from leaving your heart behind.
I'll say goodbye to my heart because it's staying with these characters ❤
AMAZING
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