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Life #4

Memories of a Life

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The girl I met when we were nine is now the woman who said “yes” to being my wife.

But Josie’s not planning our wedding; she’s too consumed by things that happened over a century ago.

She has terrible dreams and unrelenting visions of the unspeakable. I believe her, but I don’t understand her.

If I can’t understand her, I can’t stop her.

If I can’t stop her, I can’t save us.

And without us … well, I can’t imagine that world.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 19, 2022

321 people are currently reading
1191 people want to read

About the author

Jewel E. Ann

55 books10.6k followers
Jewel 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!






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5 stars
1,164 (44%)
4 stars
878 (33%)
3 stars
417 (16%)
2 stars
106 (4%)
1 star
33 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
Profile Image for Heather Adores Books.
1,598 reviews1,869 followers
October 3, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Colten & Josie #2, Life #4
Others in the series ~ Pieces of a Life
Publication date ~ September 19, 2022
Est page Count ~ 370
Audio length ~ 8 hours 19 minutes
Narrators ~ Emery Erickson, Alastair Haynesbridge
POV ~ multiple 1st
Featuring ~ dual timeline, childhood sweethearts, mental illness, second chance

Definitely read Pieces of a Life before this one.

There are some heavy topics in this one ~ see my warnings below.

Colten & Josie's relationship still continues to be a complicated one. Josie has a lot going on in her head and is having trouble coping. Colten always said he'd stand by Josie and he never stops fighting to have his happily ever after because what he and Josie have is everything.

I don't want to say too much, so just know that if you decide to read this duet you're in for quite a twisted and emotional roller coaster of a ride.

CW ~

Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.

*Thanks to Jewel E. Ann and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,938 reviews987 followers
September 16, 2022
Every book by Jewel is PHENOMENAL, but this book, this Duet of Colton & Josie brought my life to a standstill.
A rip tide of emotions pulled me under and no matter how much my heart flailed, I was unable to escape it's tight grasp.
It starts at the exact same spot where book 1 Pieces of a Life left.
They both standing face to face and her scalp is tingling with foreboding.
As the story progresses, secrets of why and how Josie is trapped in her mind. Why hr demons won't let her live a normal life. Colton held me in his spell tighter than ever. His infinite patience and deep affections make him my utmost fave BBF ever!!
It's a truely stellar story with unique plot and unforgettable characters. It's unconventional storyline matches its perfect prose and in the capable hands of Jewel, it climbs solidly towards the top of the heap.A genuinely delightful and profoundly emotional tale of heartbreak, loss, forgiveness, bravery and resilience. Despite all the odds being against a happy ending, fighting selflessly for one another might prove to be the only way to defeat the demons of the past.
It'll forever be etched in my memory till the day I die. I hope to tell my grandkids about it Someday and urge them to read it.!!
10..20..30 stars because #C&J are EVERYTHING ❤️
Follow me on:
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Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,624 reviews10.9k followers
September 17, 2022
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'🅼🅴🅼🅾🆁🅸🅴🆂 🅾🅵 🅰 🅻🅸🅵🅴' Is the conclusion of Josie & Colton's story. A full length contemporary romance novel. Spoken in 'multiple Perspectives.'

You'll be happy to know that this book picks up right where the previous book left off. This is the continuation and conclusion of Josie & Colton's story. It switches from past to present yet again giving us those much needed glimpses into their childhood love for each other.

'𝔇𝔬 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔟𝔢𝔩𝔦𝔢𝔳𝔢 𝔦𝔫 𝔯𝔢𝔦𝔫𝔠𝔞𝔯𝔫𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫?'

I guess I enjoy weird because this was weird 😂 it’s not a run of the mill conventional romance book by any means, definitely unique, weirdly captivating, this author always astounds me with her ability to make me fall so effortlessly in love with a storyline which I’d normally raise my eyebrows at and overlook. Without looking back.

But it just goes to show whatever this author writes…I will read.

Colton yet again stole my heart, Josie was a wee bit messier in this book and didn’t fit in any category I wanted to put her in. She’s oddly unique, fixated with death, but all in all with her odd quirks I still managed to love her character, flaws and all.

'𝖂𝖊'𝖗𝖊 𝖆𝖑𝖑 𝖆 𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖊 𝖇𝖗𝖔𝖐𝖊𝖓.
𝕴'𝖑𝖑 𝖙𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖈𝖍𝖎𝖕𝖕𝖊𝖉.
𝕮𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖐𝖊𝖉, 𝖔𝖗 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖉 𝖎𝖓𝖙𝖔 𝖆 𝖒𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝖕𝖎𝖊𝖈𝖊𝖘.
𝖄𝖔𝖚'𝖗𝖊 𝖒𝖞 𝕮𝖔𝖑𝖙𝖔𝖓 & 𝕴'𝖒 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝕬𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖒𝖎𝖘'

I kind of didn't question the way the previous book ended, though it ended on a cliffy the twist I was ok with (kind of) but this twist and then the happenings there on after to rectify the situation OMG it was bizarre but had me hooked none the less. This whole series is one you just can't compare to anything else.

This author is in a realm of her own, everything she writes turns to gold, even the most bizarre grabs my attention and never lets go and this book, this series is no different. The ending felt a tiny wee bit off, maybe rushed, but that's neither here nor there because of how much I enjoyed jumping back into their story.

                  
Profile Image for Malene.
1,341 reviews759 followers
September 16, 2022
Bravo! Memories of a Life had me in tears from start to finish. This conclusion was an epic emotional roller coaster. JEA has left me gobsmacked and crying happy tears over fictional characters. What a story Josie and Colton’s was. The ultimate love story.

Like book 1 the story switches between the past and present only strengthened the connection between Josie and Colton as did my love for them. JEA didn’t hold back. Right off the bat twists, suspense and angst at an all time high and this was the pace throughout until I reached the final page.

JEA is a wizard with words and storytelling. With this duet and in particular Memories of a Life she excels. She’s poured so much love into Josie and Colton. From when they first met as kids and into adulthood. It oozes with love and I felt it. In every word, in their struggles but most importantly the love they shared. Their journey was brutal at times but only because I cared so damn much. The reward was so worth it. This story of soulmates who gets a second chance is a must read. It needs to be experienced.
Read it and escape. I did and it was spectacular.

“We are Everything”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Jan.
1,254 reviews990 followers
September 24, 2022
I really liked the first book, but I must admit that I wasn't thrilled with the direction the story has taken near the end.



Honestly, I felt that there was no need for a second book. There was enough there if the author wanted to elaborate, develop and give us closure. Well, that's the romance reader in me doing the talk talking.

The author had other ideas though. She added some and twisted the tale near the end. I seriously considered not reading the sequel. Josie's character won though. She was a hell of a heroine. Strong, sharp, quirky, and unapologetic. Her bluntness making the dialogues so unique! Josie's kept me going.



There was a lot of sadness in this last book and I can't help but feel very emotional and sad. I shouldn't though. There was closure and a HEA. But I ended the story with a strange feeling of dissatisfaction.

I wish we had more page time in that epilogue to warm up our hearts from all the heartache we have been through with Josie. More page time to help us to digest and deal better with her recovery. More page time to help us to heal.



This story was unique, emotional, disturbing, twisted, creative and clever, but what else could I expect from this author?

Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,334 reviews1,344 followers
September 19, 2022
description
description

Josie + Colten #2

This book basically starts where we left them in the first book.
Josie just realized that she's not just a witness to those horrible girl-murders, but that she's probably been one of the victims.
But that's not even half the drama of this second book!
Things are so much worse now.
Colten is trying everything to get Josie to walk down the aisle soon ... but it doesn't look very good. Josie's head is somewhere completely different.
She has decisions to make ...

What will happen with Josie + Colten?
Will we finally get our HEA?
READ THE BOOK(s) TO FIND OUT!

══════════════════

description
description

Jeez.....


That was so... I don't even know.
Hopeless, maybe?
Colten is so happy and hopeful for his little future family. But Josie is so not with him. She pretends ... but she's so far away from Colten's hopes.
Ugh - I hated the sad mood throughout the book. I was really scared while reading!
We get adorable and funny and sexy scenes, but also so many that are not that. Grrrr. I wanted to fast-forward to a happy end so bad ... but I was too scared to find out that there might not be one?!
LOL.
I loved reading this - even though I'm still not a fan of supernatural stuff. But Colten was so amazing and the whole cast was perfect.
Great Love Story!

I really want to see this as a Netflix show!

I might have wanted a tiny little bit more. A bit more future or a bit more happy ending time. It was a bit rushed at the end. But I still loved reading it!

MEMORIES OF A LIFE was the perfect final part for this duet. So very Heartbreaking. Crazy. Hopeless. Sad. Amazing. Run to your nearest amazon for your own Colten - this one is MINE!

description
💜 💜


Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,429 reviews238 followers
September 25, 2022
After returning from Nashville, which they were both hoping would bring closure, Colten and Josie are trying to move forward with their new lives together. Colten is determined to make things work between them. He wants to marry his girl and have the future they always dreamed of.

Something is wrong though. It seems that the closure Josie so desperately hoped for has in fact opened a chasm so vast she can’t see her way out of it. Colten gives her the comfort and undying love she needs but he can’t take away what is going on inside her head.

I really felt so bad for Colten. He knows the reason he never married or fell in love over the years is because he could never just settle with someone that didn’t completely have his heart. He is trying so hard to understand what Josie is going through and keeping her focused on all the good things to come for them.

‘This moment. Not the one before, not the one after. Be present with me. This moment.’

When things go from bad to worse, Josie cannot see a way out of the eventual ending of the relationship she has with Colten. She knows how things got this bad and she knows the only solution will completely break his heart. In doing that though, she will not only protect him but also set them both free. Making the ultimate sacrifice for the man she loves.

‘I fear all that’s left of our story is a tragic ending. I can’t slow it down. I can’t change its course. I think the ending has already been written.’

There is so much sadness and grief in this stunning conclusion to this duet. I’m a reader who enjoys figuring out plots and looking for clues to what is to come. I got to a point where things clicked and I was like ‘aha!’ I know where this is going. And then I was completely blind sided, well and truly hoodwinked by Jewel. Such a satisfying feeling and a fantastic reading experience!

‘I think losing the love of your life is the biggest self reflection ever. ‘It’s the me without you.’
Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,396 reviews1,506 followers
September 27, 2022
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)

A3C79D87-D8B3-4CF6-8DDD-71370C8538C2

Colten Mosley and Josephine Watts are childhood friends/neighbors who grew up together in Des Moines, Iowa. They’ve loved each other since they were about ten years old. They survived seventeen years apart before they find their way back to one another. He’s working as a homicide detective in Chicago, and she’s a medical examiner when fate has their paths collide again. They have plans to marry, and then a near death experience rocks Josie’s world. Suddenly she’s having disturbing visions and dreams that haunt her. She feels lost and like she’s losing her mind. Her relationship with Colten is strained lately while she’s trying to navigate her new normal. When she attempts to put some distance between them, he’s not having it. He still wanted her however he could have her, and that would never change. He’s prepared to fight for her and their future no matter what it takes.

091891CB-3A7A-48AC-BD5A-0C84162CA77B

Memories of a Life by Jewel E. Ann is part two and the conclusion of Colten & Josie’s story. It’s a captivating, original, intense, friends to lovers, second chance romance that will leave you stunned. It’s an unpredictable, emotional roller coaster of angst and suspense, but also a beautiful journey of love. All the twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat, and dying for more!

708800B6-901E-4A2B-8B1A-C8DCD774F259_zpsqkbfrd0n

***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3LVcGEX
Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,930 reviews395 followers
September 27, 2022
“I am his past. The past is something, but the future is everything.”

I honestly don’t know what to say about Memories of a Life or the Colten & Josie duet as a whole, other than it emotionally exhausted me in the very best way. I feel like I’ve been to hell and back with these characters. Their joy felt so real. Their pain felt so real. This story is definitely heavy, but also comes with a much needed lightness weaves in as well. That said, there’s no denying it’s heavy and it’s honestly mesmerizing to me that JEA was able to take such heavy topics and still have me laughing and crying tears of joy. So without spoiling anything, I say check any content warnings beforehand, but if you’re looking for an emotional story that will keep you guessing until the very end, and I mean the very end, then absolutely check out this duet.

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRm2n2fE/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRaxvxRf/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRaApQvk/

TW/CW(these will contain what some consider spoilers): grief/mourning, discussions of a rape, discussions of depression, depression, suicidal ideation, assisted suicide, discussions of suicide, discussions of murder, discussions of assault, allusion to sexual assault by a parent, discussions of drowning, discussions of death. I may be missing some.
Profile Image for Jenny Lovez Bookz.
664 reviews151 followers
September 23, 2022
Another amazing book, I loved this! Only JEA can write a story with romance and death and still give us an amazing love story. I absolutely loved these characters, she really does write great characters I say this all the time. I loved Colton so much, and there were times where I wanted so much more for him, but Josie was written in a way where you can't help but love her and find her perfect for Colton. I loved how in this part of the duet, the past & present chapters were more closely connected, even though the timeline jumped around a bit. I wish the chapters were titled so we knew who's POV and timeframe we were reading, but you could still figure it out pretty easily once reading.

I went thru so many emotions in this part. We get so many morbid and gruesome details, while still getting sweet & swoony moments. I cried so much I couldn't help it. I love when JEA writes these types of stories that are so different than your typical romance novels. I get so wrapped up because you just don't know what she is going to come up with. My only complaint with this duet is after going thru so much for the majority of the book, I felt like the ending was so abrupt. I feel like I didn't have enough time to properly heal. Still loved it though, highly recommend!
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,555 reviews82 followers
January 2, 2023
***4,5 "Lean in!!!" stars***



"I'm broken," she whispers in a shaky voice.
"Baby, we're all a little broken. I'll take you chipped, cracked, or shattered into a million tiny pieces."


The conclusion to Colten and Josie's story was... heartbreaking!!!
Nobody can deny that Jewel E. Ann's mind is working in weird and unexpected ways, but I happen to love her weirdness cause her mind is creating unique characters and stories that are grabbing your attention from page one!!!
This duet wasn't the exception.
Colten and Josie's story was unconventional and as the book was progressing, it was becoming more weird but captivating, and very painful!!!

"Why can't love be enough?
Why can't love conquer all?"


Do you believe in reincarnation???
Hmmm... This is a difficult subject to discuss...
And what is happening when after a near death experience, nightmares are filling your subconsious with memories of a past life???
What will happen if you realize that you are hunted by an ugly ghost???
What will happen when you will see your whole life slipping through your fingers and desperation is ruling your life???
And what will happen when you are witnessing your loved one to lose herself minute by minute and you are unable to stop it???

"My existence shattered into so many unrecognizable pieces that I can't imagine ever feeling whole again. Still, I'm trying.
My job.
My family.
My friends.
Colten.
They're pieces I recognize. They belong to Josephine Watts. I need all the pieces of her I can get..."


Colten and Josie had broken my heart in here!!!
Yes, Josie was a weird woman, but her weirdness was so appealing!!! But when her life turned upside down, I was aching for her fate...
She was losing herself slowly and it was hard to witness it!!!
Colten did his best to be by her side and fight for both of them, but is love enough in front of something like that???
God, I loved this man sooo much!!! I loved his devotion to her!!! He was the perfect match for Josie!!!

"I love you because I'm incapable of not loving you. It's involuntary. It's a deeply woven thread in my fucking soul."

Another amazing, unique and devastating story came to an end by Mrs. Jewel's pen and honestly, I can not wait to see what else she has in store for us...
Believe it or not, I am not even reading the blurbs of her books anymore!!!
I'm just picking them up and I'm diving blindly into them!!! And each time I get rewarded with a beautiful and unique story!!!
This was another one of these stories and I am thanking the author for another wild, crazy and beautiful ride!!!

"We are more than pieces of a life...
more than memories of a life...
we are... everything."


**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for Berry ♡ Nice.
583 reviews85 followers
October 10, 2022
Romantic ✔️
Suspense ✔️
Psychological ✔️
All checked. The love story is amazing.

I FLOVE Colten. His heart has nothing but love and respect for the only woman he can ever love "I love you because I'm incapable of not loving you. It's involuntary. It's a deeply woven thread in my fucking soul."
He is persistent, patience, understanding and protector #Swoon ... just a few of his qualities.

Josie is and always has been different and while I liked her and understood some of her feelings she tested me in this book. I was almost done with her. I grew frustrated BUT I also felt really bad for her.
I will not spoil this for anyone so I'll leave it at that.

This was a much heavier book than Pieces of a Life (book 1) Jewel E Ann did an excellent job making me feel all that these characters were going through and YES. I did cry.
Profile Image for Randi (randi_reads).
1,536 reviews349 followers
January 2, 2023
I couldn't wait to read the continuation of Josie and Colten's story from the first book, Pieces of a Life. I started to read it the day it landed on my kindle. I was consumed by this book and was 70% done with it in no time. Only stopped for sleep. This is an emotional, gut-wrenching story.

I loved it.
I loved it even more than the first book in this duet.
I continued to love Colten just as much.

I loved Colten's strong feelings for Josie. Since coming back into her life, he was determined to be with her. No matter what happened, he knew she was it for him and was sticking by her side through her trauma.

Josie knew it was best to stay away from Colten, but she also knew that she couldn't due to her love for him. She attempted drastic actions to exercise her demons - to live a better life and so that she could love Colten.

It's so difficult to write a review for this exceptional book without giving away spoilers. Just know that Jewel E. Ann is an amazing storyteller, and she will not steer you wrong with Colten and Josie's journey. This book is a perfect example as to why she has become one of my favorite authors.

Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Wil Loves Books!.
1,563 reviews484 followers
October 12, 2022
Another Jewel E Ann Wild Ride

It will be difficult to review this one without spoilers but I will do my best. This one was a wild, wild ride. If you thought the first book was wild, it has nothing on this one. Again, this is Book 2, and Pieces of a Life MUST be read. This book put me through the ringer and back together. This is typical Jewel E Ann though, her books are so original and always always challenge me. And boy was I challenged!

Colton and Josie’s love story is pretty epic, it spans decades and there’s so much love and heartbreak in between. I love Colten and his commitment to Josie. I still don’t understand why they were apart for so many years, but I’m glad they found their way to each other. Josie was a very interesting and very unique character. I commend Jewel for writing her that way. She definitely confused me and frustrated me at times and I just couldn’t fully embrace her until the end. I loved the twists and turns, it was actually pretty epic and in line with Josie’s behavior through the book. I just wish the epilogue would’ve been longer since I was left wanting more of their HEA. Other than that, this duet was amazing!
Profile Image for Zilpha Owens.
936 reviews9 followers
September 16, 2022
3.5 Stars

Where do I go with this one? Did it keep me glued ? Yes, it’s a compulsive read for reasons I can’t explain without spoilers. Was my head spinning? Again yes, but not always for the right reasons. If you’ve read book 1 in the duet you know Josie’s and Colten’s story isn’t laid back or anywhere near explainable. That doesn’t change in book 2. Their conclusion is a ride taken with an open mind. That isn’t out of the ordinary for a JEA story and I think she likes it that way.
Profile Image for LianaReads blog.
2,801 reviews245 followers
September 17, 2022
What the heck have I just read???

And here I thought that reading thrillers would prepare me for the rollercoaster of emotions and swearing that I did while reading this book. I mean, some scenes were pointing out to that twisted turn of events, but damn if I was prepared to believe it. I can’t help to say that a tiny turn reminds me of another story and that one was a crazy ride. But this has nothing compared to it.

I loved how he is still there for her, through the good, the bad and the ugly, even when she does not want to acknowledge that he is with her for the long run, no matter what happens, she is who she is and that’s why he loves her.
I know I’m not making any sense and trust me when I tell you that this is one of those books that needs to be read and savour , a story that will stay with you long time from now on.

Brilliantly done, Jewel, just brilliantly addictive and twisted.
Profile Image for Fierce Heroine.
418 reviews56 followers
September 19, 2022
*ARC provided by Valentine PR

“We’re all a little broken. I’ll take you chipped, cracked, or shattered into a million little pieces. You’re my Colten. And I’m your Artemis.”

Addictive, raw, dark, emotionally charged, mind bending and phenomenal finish of Colten & Josie's duet!

I'm trying to find all the right words and it's always harder for me when I love a book. I feel like I cannot put into writing all the turmoil of emotions I have right now after finishing this duet...but I'll try.

This was so emotional that I don't even remember how many times I burst out crying. It was hard to breathe at times. I had to take numerous breaks just to get it together. It's the best feeling that a book can give you. At least for me.

The story goes on where it left off, with more angst and hurdles and challenges for Colten & Josie. It was heartbreaking, going through all of it with them. We still have flashes from the past but not as many times as in the first book. It was so intricately woven into the story and I'm always in awe with Jewel's mind and her writing "out of the box." The present is painful, fir everyone. But they do eventually get their happily ever after that they deserve so much, because they're everything!

I loved this couple so much, and I love them both individually. Josie is fierce and strong and fearless. Colten is so loving, brave and has the biggest heart. Everyone needs a Colten in their life.

This duet is going on my top favorites for this year!
Profile Image for Sarah/DragonflyReads.
819 reviews186 followers
September 19, 2022
You know when you’re reading a tumultuous book and you’re so close to the end and you think “I really don’t see an HEA happening,” but you do anyway and it’s the most beautiful thing and everything you could have hoped for? Yes. That is Memories of a Life.

Colten and Josie’s story is an absolute WILD RIDE and Jewel took us places and pushed the boundaries that I really was not expecting. It’s SO HARD to review without spoilers but man, this book is epic. Binge both books now and thank me later.
Profile Image for Kristi.
592 reviews77 followers
September 26, 2022
PHENOMENAL READ!!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Memories of a Life is Book 4 in the Life Series and the sequel to Pieces of a Life.

This book picks right up where we left off. Also told in dual POV and memories from the past.

This duet is unlike anything I’ve read before. It has that suspenseful romance, a smidge of psychological thriller and paranormal vibe to it. It was written so beautifully and you find you have moments that you are about to jump out of your skin but also find humor in some of the sarcasm and inner thoughts as well as the banter that Josie and Colten have had since they were 9 years old.

I think this duet is more about life and living in the moment more that what is at the forefront of the plot (not giving that away its a spoiler 😆). It’s not about the pieces of a life or the memory of a life it’s about the here and now.

I had a few tears, I was moved by the love that they shared, a love that had lasted for a couple of decades and the second chance they were given.

This is a positively brilliant duet that tugs at your heart and touches your soul!

Angs⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cheating none
Sexy Time⭐️⭐️
Epilogue ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Isa LaCroqueuseDeLivres.
500 reviews27 followers
September 18, 2022
5/5 STARS

Yep, Josie and Colten’s journey is one of the hardest one I’ve read...


I knew this Book wouldn’t be easy.
I knew it after finishing Book 1….
And I knew it because as a fan of Jewel E Ann’s stories, I read them ALL, so I experienced all her art at dissecting and torturing us with her characters and plots.

I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say that Memories of a Life may be one of the hardest books I read from this author… And that’s saying a lot, if you read the Jack & Jill Series (one of the most brilliant stories I’ve ever enjoyed)

The author touches very sensitive subjects, and as always, she does it amazingly.
There is no escaping the hardest questions here.

And once again, the characters are flawed, broken, the road is painful, but this journey is worth all the anguish.




***I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book***

Visit my French blog:
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Profile Image for Lindsey  Domokur.
1,853 reviews123 followers
May 18, 2023
Jewel. You crazy genius.

I don’t know how she does it, but she continues to give me exactly what I want, without knowing I want it.

When I was on chapter 3, my whole body was covered in goosebumps and I was on the verge of tears because I knew what was coming but I had no idea how she was going to make it ok again.

Josie and Colten didn’t have an easy road and I hate to admit this, I was not even sure if their road was going to not end in a full on car wreck of emotions, but while Jewel flirted with driving off the cliff.. she righted the wheel and saved my heart from utter ruin, barely.

Romantic suspense is my favorite genre and books like this just solidify my stance.
Profile Image for Chelsea .
637 reviews99 followers
September 20, 2022
4.75 Stars

Whew!! What a journey. A great conclusion to this page turning duet. Again, Colten stole my heart, he's not perfect but when he loves,  he LOVES 😍🥰 I felt him most at the last chapter.

JEA manages to create Josie as an imperfect character with real struggles. Struggles that felt so real. Her fears, frustrations everything.

I love this. I'm just a wee bit disappointed with the rush ending. I was hoping for 2 or 3 more chapters but alas.... it's the end.

Still, A must read. 

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,792 reviews400 followers
September 21, 2022
I feel I have come a full circle with this book that could have come a lot earlier. I picked Memories of a Life because after that cliffhanger, I really wanted to know how it goes for Josie and Colton.

It is book 2 of a duet and must be read in order. So neighbors turned bestfriends turned childhood soul mates Josie and Colton's path cross again after seventeen years. She is the renowned medical examiner and he is the detective. Just when they start reconnecting, Josie has a near death experience and now she is seeing dead girls. Why? This story is the answer.

So the best part of the story is the writing. All the star you see here is because how Jewel Ann wrote it. Her words are beautiful and haunting and just tugs at my heart strings. Everything else about this story is all over the places. There is this slight paranormal twists with psychological thriller mode. I do feel for Josie more in this story. The trauma, the visions, the reveals..all were too much for her and she did try her best to push ahead. Do I like the extreme step she took to solve it? No. And that too almost at the end of the story..I felt I was on the ride for a bit too long. Colton was wonderful in book one. I love how he loves Josie but I don't feel it was the right way. And he is talking about this epic undying love but his actions don't always match. Sometimes love isn't about just accepting the flaws and dark Sides. Love should give courage to push and fight together. And he actually gave up on her when it was almost unforgivable. I also think I had difficulty with this book because of my medical profession. Being a psychiatrist, I felt a lot of issues were mishandled and I am not even talking about the technicalities if Josie's insane absurd plan.

Jewel Ann is and will remain one of my must read author. This one was just a miss for me.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Alisonbookreviewer.
837 reviews67 followers
December 28, 2022
4 Stars

This is #4 of a series but a duet in itself.
The conclusion to Colten and Josies story.
Great story but dragged abit. I loved Colten’s character but he took a lot of mental abuse from Josie.
She thought and knew she had a reincarnated serial killer living in her mind. So there’s that.
Colten loved her fiercely and wouldn’t give up on her no matter what.
Colten was a great sarcastic character and I loved his banter.
I finished this book because of him.
Not a bad read but definitely repetitive at times.
Love this author though and her writing.
Profile Image for Aishwarya✨️ chronicleofreads.
260 reviews74 followers
September 24, 2022
This was a 4.75 ... then the epilogue came a lil too early. I wanted them to talk and talk and talk some more. I wanted to see more happiness. So now its a 4.
But the plot is really really good.
Profile Image for BOOKLOVER_81.
2,325 reviews86 followers
January 7, 2024
Oh my God, the SHOCK factor of this book!! 😳 😢

I don't think I have EVER loved a book boyfriend as much as I love Colton!! Josephine is going through an internal battle, and Colton is there for her every step of the way! “Stop thinking so hard, Watts.” I feel his grin along my skin. “I love you. You love me. Don’t complicate it.” He kisses my shoulder. “Let us be the one part of your life that’s easy.”

"How did I survive seventeen years without him? When life hits an impasse, when the air gets too thick, when I can’t find my way, I navigate to him." HER

Colten rakes his hands through his hair, leaving it a mess. “Have you ever wanted so badly to not become something or someone, that you’re willing to destroy your own world to prevent it? You’re willing to destroy everyone around you too?” Him

"I love you because I’m incapable of not loving you. It’s involuntary. It’s a deeply woven thread in my fucking soul.”

Hoopla listen 🎶
Chapter 30 😭😭😭

**The bantering 😂🥰😂🫠😘
**Internal trauma
**Selfless love
**Chemistry and affection 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

“I’m broken,” she whispers in a shaky voice. “Baby, we’re all a little broken. I’ll take you chipped, cracked, or shattered into a million little pieces.”
Profile Image for Nanci Tink.
444 reviews9 followers
September 18, 2022
Wow! This book was intense! The angst throughout had my heart pounding. There were many times I got choked up, unable to tear my eyes away from what I was reading. I am emotionally spent after finishing Colton and Josie’s story but it was worth every nail biting second.

The plot twist had me unable to believe what my eyes were reading. My heart was being torn out for these characters. Along with theirs. Jewel has a way of making me feel what her characters are feeling and it was truly heartbreaking. Many times I had to step away and take a breath yet dying to get back to where I left off. I needed to know where the story was going like needing my nest breath. If I would fall asleep reading this book I would dream out it. Only to wake up the next morning and diving right back in. To me that is a sign of a spectacular writer and book.

I don’t want to give any spoilers away so I won’t mention any names but some side charters later on in the book had me cracking up. It felt good to laugh after some heavy stuff.

As always this book and every other book Jewel writes is phenomenal. I have no clue how each and every new release throws me for a loop. Always so out of the box that I can never predict what is about to happen and I absolutely LOVE IT!
Colton and Josie’s story is truly one I will never forget!
Profile Image for Christine (Shh Moms Reading).
1,454 reviews569 followers
September 18, 2022
I dove into this book because after that cliffhanger I couldn’t wait to see where this would go. I was sad at times, my heart was racing at other times...I loved Colton so much and I was confused about what to think about Josie. I didn’t love certain aspects yet I was intrigued all the same. I know I’m not saying much but I don’t want to spoil it for you. Love certainly conquers all...through good times and bad. Love is EVERYTHING. I love Jewel E Ann’s unique writing, she has a way of pulling me in time and time again. I look forward to what’s next❤️
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