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Fisherman #1
The Naked Fisherman
It's official.
I'm eighteen and a young woman with endless possibilities on my way to reunite with my mom in Colorado after five years apart—she had a little weed incident in Nebraska.
At the airport, she springs the news on me ... she's leaving for a month of job training. And me? I'm left on my own in the basement she's renting from the fisherman, aka her landlord who lives upstairs.
He's ten years older than me. Never wears a shirt. And makes it hard to remember all the things I learned at Christian Academy.
Did I mention he’s also my new boss?
I'm eighteen and a young woman with endless possibilities on my way to reunite with my mom in Colorado after five years apart—she had a little weed incident in Nebraska.
At the airport, she springs the news on me ... she's leaving for a month of job training. And me? I'm left on my own in the basement she's renting from the fisherman, aka her landlord who lives upstairs.
He's ten years older than me. Never wears a shirt. And makes it hard to remember all the things I learned at Christian Academy.
Did I mention he’s also my new boss?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2021
1284 people are currently reading
19318 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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December 13, 2023wanted to see what all the fuss was about but couldn’t make it past the 10% mark. the writing was pretty weird and clunky to me and i know that there is still homophobia in certain christian communities but having the heroine in a romance novel have those beliefs, even though they’re questioned, didn’t really sit well with me. there are other ways to show that people are sheltered.
edit: gave this a second chance in 2023... not sure it was a good idea lmao
edit: gave this a second chance in 2023... not sure it was a good idea lmao
October 18, 2021
🤧🤧look mom i made it 🤧🤧
🛠 the non existent “chemistry”, i repeat “chemistry”, literally came outta nowhere
⚒ listen, im a fan of JEA but (and im asking this the nicest way possible) who tf wrote this? certainly not the author whod written jack & jill series. i refuse to believe that nonsense. the conversations & the way things were described in general just bothered me
⚒ therese (h) annoyed the shit outta me. i get that it was the way she was raised that made her think the way she did, but personally, not my thing. she just reminds me why age gap stories w/ sheltered immature naive teenagers as a heroine dont always work
⚒ and that thing with her mom in the end? didnt like it
⚒ seeing as mr. mann felt as immature as the 18 yo heroine, it didnt feel like the angsty age gap story i wanted and idk i just didnt find him hot / even attractive
⚒ leave it to me to be the first 2 starrer for a new released book, but it was boring, do u want me to lie?
⚒ tbh there r lots of books i rated 2 stars i enjoyed more than this but 1 is abit harsh for my conscience
’I went all in, asking for forgiveness for my thoughts and for putting Fisher’s penis in my mouth. Did God get a lot of penis prayers? It seemed unlikely. Maybe guys with STDs praying for a quick recovery and promising to return to celibacy.’
cant get over the cringey writing
‘Did I have an unnatural fear of failure? Yes. Success felt like a myth. Happiness … an unreachable destination.
And love … well, it was something blurry and always changing forms in my life. I chased love.
Love for my father.
Love for God.
Love for Rory.
But it always felt just out of reach. Until Fisher. With him, I touched love. I held it in my hands, like reaching the end of a rainbow or lassoing the moon.’
no bc i see no such thing. WHAT LOVE
⚓️ update : fuck it there werent a moment in the book i enjoy so 1 star it is. theres still lots of stuff i didnt like but im too lazy. u might like this much more than i do, u might not, dont be put off by my subjective opinion k bye
September 28, 2021
Fishermen are a strappingly strong loyal, muscled breed. Their commitment to get up every morning and go scour the ocean to grab their share of treasure is relentless and romantic. Well......
Disclaimer: this book taught me Diddly squat about fishing
Trust jewel to write profoundly unique story in an oft repeated trope, yet turn it around with novel sentiments making it hard not to fall in love with the characters. The emotional vulnerability is the main character of the story. Sure there's a strong alpha hero with multitalented hands, whose touch emanates magic. Be it in construction, carpentry or sensuality, he's truely an efficient Master Of ALL Trades.
"I still had eighty percent of my virginity. It took some complicated math to come up with that. It also meant I still had an eighty percent chance of going to Heaven—one hundred if I followed the once-saved-always-saved philosophy. That was probably the best way to go at that point."
And also a sweet, innocent-in-all-worldly ways heroine. A baby bird ready to take hesitant flight out of her sheltered nest for the very first time. Full of resolute hope and naivete, Therese "Reese" Capshaw is endearingly adorable. I felt instant affinity and maternal protectiveness towards her.
But this book spotlights the firsts of our lives through Reese.
This book spoke to me on so many levels. Coming from a conservative and orthodox culture myself, Reese's guilts were sadly familiar to me. That was so me when I was that age, it's not even funny. There was no guidebook to reference the matters of the heart. I wish I had met these authors like jewel to step in to show the path out of my own dilemmas.
Straddling her moral Christian boat and the desire to let her heart experiment, Reese's getting stretched thin bordering on discomfort and daily internal battles are wearing her down.
"Yeah, I was angry at God too because I didn’t understand what kind of god would give me so many emotions, desires, and uncontrolled feelings, then tell me I had to suppress them until I was married."
Shirtless Fisher Mann spoonfeeds her life, one new adventure at a time. Together they explore possibilities, tastes, rides. It was unlikely, unrequited and improbable coupling, almost hopeless from the start but still as a reader, I trusted Jewel to give them their HEA, sadly book ended on a cliffy and I'm still left clutching my heart.
You won’t regret the bad decisions you make now. You’ll only regret the missed opportunities to make mistakes and live.
Jewel has captured the conundrum & conflicting emotions of a teen, "not girl anymore/not yet a woman" so brilliantly. Her see-saw of passions towards her first amour, and her staunch beliefs are explored with painstaking frustrations. I'm as always amazed by Jewel's ability to delve into an unlikely heroine's psyche so deep, that we become them and they become ours
5 stars for touching love
Follow me on:
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Disclaimer: this book taught me Diddly squat about fishing
Trust jewel to write profoundly unique story in an oft repeated trope, yet turn it around with novel sentiments making it hard not to fall in love with the characters. The emotional vulnerability is the main character of the story. Sure there's a strong alpha hero with multitalented hands, whose touch emanates magic. Be it in construction, carpentry or sensuality, he's truely an efficient Master Of ALL Trades.
"I still had eighty percent of my virginity. It took some complicated math to come up with that. It also meant I still had an eighty percent chance of going to Heaven—one hundred if I followed the once-saved-always-saved philosophy. That was probably the best way to go at that point."
And also a sweet, innocent-in-all-worldly ways heroine. A baby bird ready to take hesitant flight out of her sheltered nest for the very first time. Full of resolute hope and naivete, Therese "Reese" Capshaw is endearingly adorable. I felt instant affinity and maternal protectiveness towards her.
But this book spotlights the firsts of our lives through Reese.
This book spoke to me on so many levels. Coming from a conservative and orthodox culture myself, Reese's guilts were sadly familiar to me. That was so me when I was that age, it's not even funny. There was no guidebook to reference the matters of the heart. I wish I had met these authors like jewel to step in to show the path out of my own dilemmas.
Straddling her moral Christian boat and the desire to let her heart experiment, Reese's getting stretched thin bordering on discomfort and daily internal battles are wearing her down.
"Yeah, I was angry at God too because I didn’t understand what kind of god would give me so many emotions, desires, and uncontrolled feelings, then tell me I had to suppress them until I was married."
Shirtless Fisher Mann spoonfeeds her life, one new adventure at a time. Together they explore possibilities, tastes, rides. It was unlikely, unrequited and improbable coupling, almost hopeless from the start but still as a reader, I trusted Jewel to give them their HEA, sadly book ended on a cliffy and I'm still left clutching my heart.
You won’t regret the bad decisions you make now. You’ll only regret the missed opportunities to make mistakes and live.
Jewel has captured the conundrum & conflicting emotions of a teen, "not girl anymore/not yet a woman" so brilliantly. Her see-saw of passions towards her first amour, and her staunch beliefs are explored with painstaking frustrations. I'm as always amazed by Jewel's ability to delve into an unlikely heroine's psyche so deep, that we become them and they become ours
5 stars for touching love
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
November 8, 2021
So many thoughts and feelings about this one…
Ok very quick review:
📚 The heroine was the one constantly fighting for this relationship. It would make sense given her age and her innocence that she fell in love with him faster than he did her, but even at the end of the book not once did i feel like he loved her as much as she loved him.
📚 The heroine’s doormat tendencies were not my fav. She would be mad at him but then he’d “crack a joke” or something and she’d immediately forgive him even though he never apologized or did anything to give us the impression that he actually felt sorry for his actions.
📚 Both heroes (especially Fisher) would go on dates and pretend that it was because they had no other choice (because otherwise people would find out about them, or because they ‘weren’t official and could do whatever they wanted’). In most cases, getting out of the dates seemed pretty easy tbh.
📚 The heroine makes her feelings for the MMC very clear throughout the novel and he doesn’t do the same. Every single time she would ask him and beg him to make things clear he would either kiss her and they would move on or he would reply to her in the most vague ass way (and she would somehow believe that he loved her and i’d be left wondering how the hell she got that impression based on what he said).
📚 Very important to note that the only thing this heroine— (and even this hero actually)— is capable of thinking about is sex. Had she spent half as much time thinking about what she wants to do in college as she did about sex, then she would have had her entire life, her mom’s life and hell, even my life figured out by the end of this book.
📚 As I said, the hero constantly refuses to apologize and keeps telling Reese that ‘actions speak louder than words’. That’s not always true in my opinion. I’m sorry but in a lot of situations words have a much bigger impact. Similarly, I believe that in a lot of situations a verbal apology is absolutely crucial. Not only does Fisher not believe in this philosophy but even when he tried to “apologize with his actions” he sort of… didn’t? Like at one point, he just cups her cheek and when she asks him what he’s doing he says “im apologizing”. Like ok?
📚 Every time the heroine would get jealous cause he’s going on a date with someone else or she’s just simply worried about their relationship, he would literally egg her on and do nothing to assuage her anxiety (ex: she’d ask if he kissed someone else and he’d say yes — I can’t remember the exact examples but it would be something like this). Apparently though, she would see it as him joking and would immediately forget everything. *face palm*
📚 Don’t let anyone tell you that this wasn’t the “love at first sight” trope because it absolutely was.
📚 I downloaded the sequel on kindle and read the first three chapters before I decided that I couldn’t do that to myself. I then opened goodreads and read reviews of The Lost Fisherman and everything that I read made me realize that I made the right decision by DNF’ing the book. It has all the elements and tropes that I hate so… not going to be doing this to myself 🤷🏻♀️
📚 The guy is called Fisher Mann. No, i’m not joking. Sure wish I was though.
📚 I do think that I enjoyed a few aspects of the novel but it’s 8AM at the moment and I haven’t slept yet and I can’t recall a single think I liked for some reason (honestly though, I really did like some small aspects but i just can’t remember them at the moment). Also, apparently I don’t know the meaning of “a quick review” because I’m pretty sure that this is super long.
——————
Danielle Lori said she loved it. I’m trusting her on this
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rose_books2/
Ok very quick review:
📚 The heroine was the one constantly fighting for this relationship. It would make sense given her age and her innocence that she fell in love with him faster than he did her, but even at the end of the book not once did i feel like he loved her as much as she loved him.
📚 The heroine’s doormat tendencies were not my fav. She would be mad at him but then he’d “crack a joke” or something and she’d immediately forgive him even though he never apologized or did anything to give us the impression that he actually felt sorry for his actions.
📚 Both heroes (especially Fisher) would go on dates and pretend that it was because they had no other choice (because otherwise people would find out about them, or because they ‘weren’t official and could do whatever they wanted’). In most cases, getting out of the dates seemed pretty easy tbh.
📚 The heroine makes her feelings for the MMC very clear throughout the novel and he doesn’t do the same. Every single time she would ask him and beg him to make things clear he would either kiss her and they would move on or he would reply to her in the most vague ass way (and she would somehow believe that he loved her and i’d be left wondering how the hell she got that impression based on what he said).
📚 Very important to note that the only thing this heroine— (and even this hero actually)— is capable of thinking about is sex. Had she spent half as much time thinking about what she wants to do in college as she did about sex, then she would have had her entire life, her mom’s life and hell, even my life figured out by the end of this book.
📚 As I said, the hero constantly refuses to apologize and keeps telling Reese that ‘actions speak louder than words’. That’s not always true in my opinion. I’m sorry but in a lot of situations words have a much bigger impact. Similarly, I believe that in a lot of situations a verbal apology is absolutely crucial. Not only does Fisher not believe in this philosophy but even when he tried to “apologize with his actions” he sort of… didn’t? Like at one point, he just cups her cheek and when she asks him what he’s doing he says “im apologizing”. Like ok?
📚 Every time the heroine would get jealous cause he’s going on a date with someone else or she’s just simply worried about their relationship, he would literally egg her on and do nothing to assuage her anxiety (ex: she’d ask if he kissed someone else and he’d say yes — I can’t remember the exact examples but it would be something like this). Apparently though, she would see it as him joking and would immediately forget everything. *face palm*
📚 Don’t let anyone tell you that this wasn’t the “love at first sight” trope because it absolutely was.
📚 I downloaded the sequel on kindle and read the first three chapters before I decided that I couldn’t do that to myself. I then opened goodreads and read reviews of The Lost Fisherman and everything that I read made me realize that I made the right decision by DNF’ing the book. It has all the elements and tropes that I hate so… not going to be doing this to myself 🤷🏻♀️
📚 The guy is called Fisher Mann. No, i’m not joking. Sure wish I was though.
📚 I do think that I enjoyed a few aspects of the novel but it’s 8AM at the moment and I haven’t slept yet and I can’t recall a single think I liked for some reason (honestly though, I really did like some small aspects but i just can’t remember them at the moment). Also, apparently I don’t know the meaning of “a quick review” because I’m pretty sure that this is super long.
——————
Danielle Lori said she loved it. I’m trusting her on this
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rose_books2/
October 2, 2021
Our banter felt a little wrong—the way we felt a little wrong. And that wrong felt perfectly right in that moment.
4.5*
It’s ok. You’re ok. I’m ok….scratch that, not me over here on my knees “praying” for book two. Dear whomever, if you hear me, gimmie the book.
I swear. Despite its name “The Naked Fisherman” is probably the most pure thing I’ve ever read from Jewel E. Ann. Reese is 18, a devout Christian, and living with her, fresh out of prison, mother for the first time in 5 years. Fisher is 28, her mother’s landlord and allergic to shirts. These two together though, wow. If you’ve ever fallen in love, then I’m sure you remember the feeling of the start of it. The Naked Fisherman gave me those feels. That giddy, unsure, goosebump inducing feeling? That’s this book.
TNF is truly unlike anything else I’ve read from this author. I haven’t read them all, but I’ve read a good chunk and TNF is serving a unique take on age gap romance, because while it still feels taboo for many reasons, it leans more into navigating Reese’s coming of age in more ways than just romantically. It’s low on this author’s usual edgy tension vibes, and yet I nearly died from the “will they, won’t they?” anticipation and the filthy things that come out of Fisher Mann’s mouth, I just. *fans self*
I can’t even explain this book to you without giving it all away, BUT I’ll give you a little bit. There’s an age gap. Will they won’t they anxiety for days. Forced proximity. Dare I say, virgin trope done well? It’s told from Reese’s POV and I think it makes perfect sense that it is because we are really reading her experiencing first love, adult life, and life outside of the religious bubble she lived in for five years.
I’m going to be honest and say that age gap truly isn’t something that I reach for, but I trusted Jewel E. Ann, and I ended up loving this book so much because she really did a fantastic job with Reese’s story. This is part one of two and the end of this one did have me on the cusp of begging Jewel for book two, but no worries book two releases 2 tiny weeks after book one. So pre-order ASAP and once it drops, read it ASAP. Honestly you may need 14 days to recover from Reese and Fisher’s angst. 🤣
TikTok - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRnqfMN8/
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
4.5*
It’s ok. You’re ok. I’m ok….scratch that, not me over here on my knees “praying” for book two. Dear whomever, if you hear me, gimmie the book.
I swear. Despite its name “The Naked Fisherman” is probably the most pure thing I’ve ever read from Jewel E. Ann. Reese is 18, a devout Christian, and living with her, fresh out of prison, mother for the first time in 5 years. Fisher is 28, her mother’s landlord and allergic to shirts. These two together though, wow. If you’ve ever fallen in love, then I’m sure you remember the feeling of the start of it. The Naked Fisherman gave me those feels. That giddy, unsure, goosebump inducing feeling? That’s this book.
TNF is truly unlike anything else I’ve read from this author. I haven’t read them all, but I’ve read a good chunk and TNF is serving a unique take on age gap romance, because while it still feels taboo for many reasons, it leans more into navigating Reese’s coming of age in more ways than just romantically. It’s low on this author’s usual edgy tension vibes, and yet I nearly died from the “will they, won’t they?” anticipation and the filthy things that come out of Fisher Mann’s mouth, I just. *fans self*
I can’t even explain this book to you without giving it all away, BUT I’ll give you a little bit. There’s an age gap. Will they won’t they anxiety for days. Forced proximity. Dare I say, virgin trope done well? It’s told from Reese’s POV and I think it makes perfect sense that it is because we are really reading her experiencing first love, adult life, and life outside of the religious bubble she lived in for five years.
I’m going to be honest and say that age gap truly isn’t something that I reach for, but I trusted Jewel E. Ann, and I ended up loving this book so much because she really did a fantastic job with Reese’s story. This is part one of two and the end of this one did have me on the cusp of begging Jewel for book two, but no worries book two releases 2 tiny weeks after book one. So pre-order ASAP and once it drops, read it ASAP. Honestly you may need 14 days to recover from Reese and Fisher’s angst. 🤣
TikTok - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRnqfMN8/
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
October 6, 2021
[image error]
* Not sure why GR's isn't posting my images lately * 🤷♀️😩
So in my mind I literally thought about a fisherman fishing whilst naked...BUT that's not the case!! 😌 🤣 Kind of got that a little bit wrong lol
This author has given me many favourite reads over time, but this one has to be one of my favourites by her, these characters got me all stabby, the too and fro, the ups and downs did my head in and wrecked havoc on my heart, this was beyond unique, part of me disliked her bible loving good-girl persona but it just suited the storyline perfectly.
Fisher god this man, he got me all twisted up, Argghhh even now I'm seeing the colour red. He wrung all those stabby feels out of me, killed me but made me crave him like chocolate, we know its bad for us but we want it anyways!! He was wrong on so many levels, and that's where the angst got me each and every time, his dates, his dirty talk, his don't give a fuck attitude, but god he got me right where I wanted him to get me, in the heart. I hated loving him, I hated his too and fro moments, but it's got me craving the next book like no other because this one hurt like a motherf#cker..
Under normal circumstances these two would not have crossed paths.
This author did it again. She gave me such an amazing book that will stay in my angst library for a long time. No matter how wrong it was with these two it was right on all levels, they were perfect, but imperfect with their backwards way of approaching things. Loved it/hated it/inhaled it.
Sorry not sorry if this review is all over the place, I'd literally just finished reading it.
* Not sure why GR's isn't posting my images lately * 🤷♀️😩
So in my mind I literally thought about a fisherman fishing whilst naked...BUT that's not the case!! 😌 🤣 Kind of got that a little bit wrong lol
This author has given me many favourite reads over time, but this one has to be one of my favourites by her, these characters got me all stabby, the too and fro, the ups and downs did my head in and wrecked havoc on my heart, this was beyond unique, part of me disliked her bible loving good-girl persona but it just suited the storyline perfectly.
Fisher god this man, he got me all twisted up, Argghhh even now I'm seeing the colour red. He wrung all those stabby feels out of me, killed me but made me crave him like chocolate, we know its bad for us but we want it anyways!! He was wrong on so many levels, and that's where the angst got me each and every time, his dates, his dirty talk, his don't give a fuck attitude, but god he got me right where I wanted him to get me, in the heart. I hated loving him, I hated his too and fro moments, but it's got me craving the next book like no other because this one hurt like a motherf#cker..
Under normal circumstances these two would not have crossed paths.
This author did it again. She gave me such an amazing book that will stay in my angst library for a long time. No matter how wrong it was with these two it was right on all levels, they were perfect, but imperfect with their backwards way of approaching things. Loved it/hated it/inhaled it.
Sorry not sorry if this review is all over the place, I'd literally just finished reading it.
September 27, 2021
4.5 STARS
So first of all, this cover is incredibly deceiving, I swear. I love it, don't get me wrong. But this is so much more than a cute contemporary and I fell head over heels for Fisher and Reese. It's not often I get a heroine who by any other author I would quite honestly hate to read about, but was totally in love with in this book.
Reese is an 18 year old girl who has both experienced a lot and nothing in life. Her mother went to prison 5 years ago. Her father passed 3 years ago. And she grew up with her deeply religious grandparents knowing not much about life outside of the preaching she got at home. Suffice it to say that this girl is the epitome of naive ingenue. And yet, where this normally would have annoyed me, I loved this in her. I loved the way that Jewel packed so many layers into her character. This is a young girl that's hungry for life and also scared to experience and ask for what she wants. She has a chance to reunite with her mother now that she's out of prison, yet she feels so removed from her because of what her father and grandparents made her believe about her.
Fisher Mann, yes, that's really his name, is her mom's friend and landlord. He's handsome, charming, cocky, and known womanizer. They shouldn't have anything in common. Yet when her mother leaves them alone to travel to California for work related trip, these two realize the one thing they have in common is undeniable chemistry.
I loved Fisher's unapologetic personality. He's not afraid to push every button Reese has. But this is also a man that clearly has many layers, and with each one that slowly gets peeled back, you fall more and more for him. This book definitely spent more on the development and growth of Reese. Though there's clearly only so much growth she can have in this book. I'm super excited to see what book two brings. What I really loved is the chemistry between these two and how they both try to fight it in their way, Reese definitely more than Fisher.
There's a bit of a forbidden element because Fisher is older, more experienced, and her mom's friend. He's 28 to her 18 but in life experience he's definitely even older.
I devoured this book. I loved the build up these two had. I loved the growth that Reese had, though I have a feeling it would be much more satisfying in book two. Now to just gather up the patience in my rabid need for conclusion.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I thought you were a gentleman,” I mumbled, making the walk of shame to the stack of drawers and hunching down instead of bending over to retrieve a towel. “Why did you think that?”
So first of all, this cover is incredibly deceiving, I swear. I love it, don't get me wrong. But this is so much more than a cute contemporary and I fell head over heels for Fisher and Reese. It's not often I get a heroine who by any other author I would quite honestly hate to read about, but was totally in love with in this book.
Reese is an 18 year old girl who has both experienced a lot and nothing in life. Her mother went to prison 5 years ago. Her father passed 3 years ago. And she grew up with her deeply religious grandparents knowing not much about life outside of the preaching she got at home. Suffice it to say that this girl is the epitome of naive ingenue. And yet, where this normally would have annoyed me, I loved this in her. I loved the way that Jewel packed so many layers into her character. This is a young girl that's hungry for life and also scared to experience and ask for what she wants. She has a chance to reunite with her mother now that she's out of prison, yet she feels so removed from her because of what her father and grandparents made her believe about her.
Fisher Mann, yes, that's really his name, is her mom's friend and landlord. He's handsome, charming, cocky, and known womanizer. They shouldn't have anything in common. Yet when her mother leaves them alone to travel to California for work related trip, these two realize the one thing they have in common is undeniable chemistry.
I loved Fisher's unapologetic personality. He's not afraid to push every button Reese has. But this is also a man that clearly has many layers, and with each one that slowly gets peeled back, you fall more and more for him. This book definitely spent more on the development and growth of Reese. Though there's clearly only so much growth she can have in this book. I'm super excited to see what book two brings. What I really loved is the chemistry between these two and how they both try to fight it in their way, Reese definitely more than Fisher.
There's a bit of a forbidden element because Fisher is older, more experienced, and her mom's friend. He's 28 to her 18 but in life experience he's definitely even older.
I devoured this book. I loved the build up these two had. I loved the growth that Reese had, though I have a feeling it would be much more satisfying in book two. Now to just gather up the patience in my rabid need for conclusion.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
October 25, 2021
-4.5 stars-
lordy lordy i'm not even religious but i felt the flames of hell creeping up my back w this one. this was NOT dark or taboo in any way, it was a coming of age romance but the heroine was very religious and idk y'all... when did abstinence get so hot👀 i'm feeling some type of way about this.
the first 20% i wasn't really vibing w it, mostly bc of the heroine... i've been called a heathen one too many times in my day to know what tf i'm supposed to do w a heroine of god. like girlie was in so deep she was lowkey homophobic 😬 but as the book went on and she shed some of that brainwashing and started going toe to toe w the hero.... i could not stop smiling reading this.
the MC's banter and dynamic kind of reminded me of ronan and mila from The Darkest Temptation. the heroine being innocent and naive and trying to figure out who she was and how she fit into the world while also being thrown into this romance w an older, more experienced man who is just so far out of her frame of reference she doesn't even know where to begin w him.
and omg fisher mann (H). that mf. if this was real life.... this man would have me all the way fucked up w the games he plays. so many times in this book he made me so mad i wanted to bury him in the ground but then dig him back up once he learned his lesson 😂 he was such an annoying little shit i hate that i loved him
parts of this book actually made me really sad cause reece went from being so sheltered to being exposed to intense emotion and intimacy all at once and she didnt know how to deal w it. she was trying to come to terms w her identity and also hold tight to a man that wasn't really attainable to her at that point, and aw it hurt my heart a bit. like she was constantly in a state of jealousy and panic he was slipping through her fingers and since it was her first love she didn't know how to deal :( i can already tell book 2 is gonna have a lot of growth in both characters and i can't wait to see it
lordy lordy i'm not even religious but i felt the flames of hell creeping up my back w this one. this was NOT dark or taboo in any way, it was a coming of age romance but the heroine was very religious and idk y'all... when did abstinence get so hot👀 i'm feeling some type of way about this.
the first 20% i wasn't really vibing w it, mostly bc of the heroine... i've been called a heathen one too many times in my day to know what tf i'm supposed to do w a heroine of god. like girlie was in so deep she was lowkey homophobic 😬 but as the book went on and she shed some of that brainwashing and started going toe to toe w the hero.... i could not stop smiling reading this.
the MC's banter and dynamic kind of reminded me of ronan and mila from The Darkest Temptation. the heroine being innocent and naive and trying to figure out who she was and how she fit into the world while also being thrown into this romance w an older, more experienced man who is just so far out of her frame of reference she doesn't even know where to begin w him.
and omg fisher mann (H). that mf. if this was real life.... this man would have me all the way fucked up w the games he plays. so many times in this book he made me so mad i wanted to bury him in the ground but then dig him back up once he learned his lesson 😂 he was such an annoying little shit i hate that i loved him
"You can't have my virginity," I whispered.
"What can I have?"
parts of this book actually made me really sad cause reece went from being so sheltered to being exposed to intense emotion and intimacy all at once and she didnt know how to deal w it. she was trying to come to terms w her identity and also hold tight to a man that wasn't really attainable to her at that point, and aw it hurt my heart a bit. like she was constantly in a state of jealousy and panic he was slipping through her fingers and since it was her first love she didn't know how to deal :( i can already tell book 2 is gonna have a lot of growth in both characters and i can't wait to see it
October 2, 2021
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: I hate myself so hard right now! I avoided really reading the reviews for this because I didn’t want to get too high of expectations with all the potential hype that this author often gets. Because of that caution, I had no idea this was a series! I typically wait until the series is complete before starting because I’m too impatient (and I read too many books that I might forget things) — and I definitely would’ve done that here! This took a while to get started but then it was some unrequited love angsty goodness! It had a little bit too much focus on the sex for me and the H was a little cruel at times. The fact that we don’t get his POV I think made his behavior/words feel mean and kind of confusing with his hot and cold. I’m going to read the next book in a couple weeks, but still kicking myself for overlooking that not so little detail 🙈
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Reese and Fisher’s story. Reese is moving back with her mom after her mom gets out from being in jail for 5 years. She is a little lost and unenthusiastic about going to college after graduating from the Christian high school her grandparents had her in. She doesn’t realize that a couple days after arriving her mother is leaving town and leaving her to work with her new hot landlord, Fisher. She is instantly drawn to Fisher even though he is much older and giving her hot and cold signals while she is a very inexperienced virgin. There are some sexy times, some family drama, and some angsty moments…and this ends on a cliffy.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Reese’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part. It took me a while to get into the book at first, but I never skimmed.
Instalove:No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Fisher. I liked him but then he would be a jerk to push the h away and be hurtful.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Reese. I liked her but she was very judgmental and I wanted her to have a little more dignity with her infatuation with the H.
Sadness level: Moderate/high. I cried a good bit and needed a tissue at one point. I am a sucker for unrequited type scenarios.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but there was a little too much focus on the sexy times because I felt like it took away from the story at times.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation:Yes, but technically no
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger that I stupidly didn’t see coming. I kept on noticing the late completed percentage, but I thought it was going to be one of those that wrap everything up vaguely at the very end…but nope! This sucker didn’t realize it was a series 🤦🏻♀️ The next book The Lost Fisherman will be coming out in a couple weeks.
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Overall Opinion: I hate myself so hard right now! I avoided really reading the reviews for this because I didn’t want to get too high of expectations with all the potential hype that this author often gets. Because of that caution, I had no idea this was a series! I typically wait until the series is complete before starting because I’m too impatient (and I read too many books that I might forget things) — and I definitely would’ve done that here! This took a while to get started but then it was some unrequited love angsty goodness! It had a little bit too much focus on the sex for me and the H was a little cruel at times. The fact that we don’t get his POV I think made his behavior/words feel mean and kind of confusing with his hot and cold. I’m going to read the next book in a couple weeks, but still kicking myself for overlooking that not so little detail 🙈
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Reese and Fisher’s story. Reese is moving back with her mom after her mom gets out from being in jail for 5 years. She is a little lost and unenthusiastic about going to college after graduating from the Christian high school her grandparents had her in. She doesn’t realize that a couple days after arriving her mother is leaving town and leaving her to work with her new hot landlord, Fisher. She is instantly drawn to Fisher even though he is much older and giving her hot and cold signals while she is a very inexperienced virgin. There are some sexy times, some family drama, and some angsty moments…and this ends on a cliffy.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Reese’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part. It took me a while to get into the book at first, but I never skimmed.
Instalove:No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Fisher. I liked him but then he would be a jerk to push the h away and be hurtful.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Reese. I liked her but she was very judgmental and I wanted her to have a little more dignity with her infatuation with the H.
Sadness level: Moderate/high. I cried a good bit and needed a tissue at one point. I am a sucker for unrequited type scenarios.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but there was a little too much focus on the sexy times because I felt like it took away from the story at times.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation:Yes, but technically no
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger that I stupidly didn’t see coming. I kept on noticing the late completed percentage, but I thought it was going to be one of those that wrap everything up vaguely at the very end…but nope! This sucker didn’t realize it was a series 🤦🏻♀️ The next book The Lost Fisherman will be coming out in a couple weeks.
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
October 15, 2023
Sooooo...
I did a thing.
I read a book by an author I've never heard before, and loved it so much I ended up getting not one, not two, not three, but six of her other books.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking.
Not my proudest moment, especially considering the fact that this book (and its sequel) were part of my impulsive purchase.
Not that this book was bad, mind it, but it definitely wasn't what I was expecting after reading Look the Part.
That cute, illustrated cover is a lie.
I was expecting a sweet, steamy romance, with good writing and possibly some banter.
What I got was a maddening ensamble of frustrating push and pulls, a jerky love interest and one of the most unrelatable main characters I've ever encountered.
Reese, said aforementioned ultra religious and virginal main character, grew up in a toxic environment, with people who brainwashed her into believing her sexual needs and femininity are a mortal sin.
I get it, her being an immature, homophobic and judgemental bigot is part of her journey, but I just couldn't stomach her.
Her forbidden love story with Fisher Mann (lol) irritated me to no end; I usually am all in when it comes to age gap romances, the bigger the gap the better, but they acted like kids instead of a 18yo and a man who was 10 years her senior.
Fisher was alright, but I found him a bit creepy sometimes. Yet, I find myself agreeing with him on something. For someone so obsessed with keeping her virtue intact, she sure seemed to think a lot about sex and how sinful everything sexual is.
But I couldn't feel this presumed chemistry between the characters, and didn't root for them to succeed because they were simply bad for each other.
I kept reading till the end because this book suffers from the trainwreck disaster effect, which means I couldn't tear my eyes off of it, no matter how terrible it was.
I also apparently like to torture myself, and I really was hoping they'd end up upgrading at some point.
Well, it kind of did, but only because the final chapter happened
Not gonna lie.
I was a little relieved. Even if it was a bittersweet ending, there was hope. Hope for Reese and Fisher, hope for the entire story, hope for JEA's genius to not be a mirage or a one-time thing.
I then found out the story is divided in two books and dove straight into it, because I just needed to know.
The rest is history.
...TO BE CONTINUED
I did a thing.
I read a book by an author I've never heard before, and loved it so much I ended up getting not one, not two, not three, but six of her other books.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking.
Not my proudest moment, especially considering the fact that this book (and its sequel) were part of my impulsive purchase.
Not that this book was bad, mind it, but it definitely wasn't what I was expecting after reading Look the Part.
That cute, illustrated cover is a lie.
I was expecting a sweet, steamy romance, with good writing and possibly some banter.
What I got was a maddening ensamble of frustrating push and pulls, a jerky love interest and one of the most unrelatable main characters I've ever encountered.
Reese, said aforementioned ultra religious and virginal main character, grew up in a toxic environment, with people who brainwashed her into believing her sexual needs and femininity are a mortal sin.
I get it, her being an immature, homophobic and judgemental bigot is part of her journey, but I just couldn't stomach her.
Her forbidden love story with Fisher Mann (lol) irritated me to no end; I usually am all in when it comes to age gap romances, the bigger the gap the better, but they acted like kids instead of a 18yo and a man who was 10 years her senior.
Fisher was alright, but I found him a bit creepy sometimes. Yet, I find myself agreeing with him on something. For someone so obsessed with keeping her virtue intact, she sure seemed to think a lot about sex and how sinful everything sexual is.
But I couldn't feel this presumed chemistry between the characters, and didn't root for them to succeed because they were simply bad for each other.
I kept reading till the end because this book suffers from the trainwreck disaster effect, which means I couldn't tear my eyes off of it, no matter how terrible it was.
I also apparently like to torture myself, and I really was hoping they'd end up upgrading at some point.
Well, it kind of did, but only because the final chapter happened
Not gonna lie.
I was a little relieved. Even if it was a bittersweet ending, there was hope. Hope for Reese and Fisher, hope for the entire story, hope for JEA's genius to not be a mirage or a one-time thing.
I then found out the story is divided in two books and dove straight into it, because I just needed to know.
The rest is history.
...TO BE CONTINUED
October 8, 2021
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
“Love is the brightest star in the sky. It doesn’t have an off switch or a timer. It doesn’t wear a watch or look at a calendar. It’s why we’re here. It’s the only true reason for our existence.”
Reese Capshaw is eighteen and headed to Colorado for the summer where she's hoping to reconnect with her mom after being separated for five years. Soon after arriving she learns her mom is leaving town for a month due to work. She's left to live in the basement her mom's renting from the landlord who lives upstairs. Fisher Mann is a whole lot more than she bargained for. He's easily the sexiest man she's ever seen, and he's also her new boss. He's unpredictable, and she's not sure what to think of him. She's a good girl, rule follower, and for the first time she's completely out of her comfort zone and able to spread her wings a little. She's feeling emotions and desires that she's not sure she's comfortable with, and is in totally new territory. Suddenly she feels alive, and she's living in the moment. Will she find something real, or will a crush end in heartbreak?
-His touch never failed to jolt my pulse out of rhythm, never failed to rob my brain of blood and sensible thoughts.
-Fisher was the most glorious addiction. And I wanted him. All of him. And I knew what that meant, but I didn't care.
-The universe seemed perfect when it was just us.
The Naked Fisherman by Jewel E. Ann is the first book in the Fisherman duet. It's a forbidden, age gap romance with sizzling chemistry, humor, and plenty of heart. I really loved this couple, and how the connected. Reese is naive, a bit nerdy, and still figuring herself out, while Fisher is sinfully beautiful, confident, brutally honest, and simply unapologetically himself. I loved his character! This was an addictive story about two people who don't necessarily fit into each others worlds, but truly see one another for who they are. I can't wait to see what's to come for them, and am DYING for the second book! I need more Fisher!!! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3CUswtI
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
“Love is the brightest star in the sky. It doesn’t have an off switch or a timer. It doesn’t wear a watch or look at a calendar. It’s why we’re here. It’s the only true reason for our existence.”
Reese Capshaw is eighteen and headed to Colorado for the summer where she's hoping to reconnect with her mom after being separated for five years. Soon after arriving she learns her mom is leaving town for a month due to work. She's left to live in the basement her mom's renting from the landlord who lives upstairs. Fisher Mann is a whole lot more than she bargained for. He's easily the sexiest man she's ever seen, and he's also her new boss. He's unpredictable, and she's not sure what to think of him. She's a good girl, rule follower, and for the first time she's completely out of her comfort zone and able to spread her wings a little. She's feeling emotions and desires that she's not sure she's comfortable with, and is in totally new territory. Suddenly she feels alive, and she's living in the moment. Will she find something real, or will a crush end in heartbreak?
-His touch never failed to jolt my pulse out of rhythm, never failed to rob my brain of blood and sensible thoughts.
-Fisher was the most glorious addiction. And I wanted him. All of him. And I knew what that meant, but I didn't care.
-The universe seemed perfect when it was just us.
The Naked Fisherman by Jewel E. Ann is the first book in the Fisherman duet. It's a forbidden, age gap romance with sizzling chemistry, humor, and plenty of heart. I really loved this couple, and how the connected. Reese is naive, a bit nerdy, and still figuring herself out, while Fisher is sinfully beautiful, confident, brutally honest, and simply unapologetically himself. I loved his character! This was an addictive story about two people who don't necessarily fit into each others worlds, but truly see one another for who they are. I can't wait to see what's to come for them, and am DYING for the second book! I need more Fisher!!! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3CUswtI
January 15, 2022
Lead me not into temptation … unless your name is Fisher Mann.
Fisher is a little shit, but it’s hot af. Seriously? He’s nothing but trouble. In fact he practically feels like a predator from the very beginning. Ask me if I care because I absolutely don’t.
He warned her about the guys on his crew who would flirt and tease and to not file a sexual harassment suit because he needed them more then he needed her. But then when they got to the sites wouldn’t let her leave his truck. So, in essence he’s paying her to sit in his truck. I wonder how long this will last.
Seriously, honey on pizza is a thing in Denver. Don’t knock it, till you try it.
Once you get past all the sarcasm and sass (which I also enjoyed) they’re pretty freaking adorable.
His workshop is a serial killer’s dream.
I could see why some people wouldn’t like this. There was a lot of OW drama and a little OM drama. Also, Fisher’s sense of humor could be off putting at times, mostly because he always chose jokes when shit got too real. Just fucking say what you mean, don’t beat around the bush.
It made it super surprising when a real, non-physical emotional moment happened. I didn’t see it coming and I wanted more.
Be that as it may, I still adored this book. Especially Fisher. He was a horrible influence on Reese but he also opened her horizons past her little religious world.
Wow, the reason her mom went to prison and why. It’s both heartbreaking and the most beautiful thing.
He finally opened up when it didn’t matter. After that ending, thank god the 2nd book is already out.
Fisher is a little shit, but it’s hot af. Seriously? He’s nothing but trouble. In fact he practically feels like a predator from the very beginning. Ask me if I care because I absolutely don’t.
He warned her about the guys on his crew who would flirt and tease and to not file a sexual harassment suit because he needed them more then he needed her. But then when they got to the sites wouldn’t let her leave his truck. So, in essence he’s paying her to sit in his truck. I wonder how long this will last.
Seriously, honey on pizza is a thing in Denver. Don’t knock it, till you try it.
Once you get past all the sarcasm and sass (which I also enjoyed) they’re pretty freaking adorable.
His workshop is a serial killer’s dream.
I could see why some people wouldn’t like this. There was a lot of OW drama and a little OM drama. Also, Fisher’s sense of humor could be off putting at times, mostly because he always chose jokes when shit got too real. Just fucking say what you mean, don’t beat around the bush.
It made it super surprising when a real, non-physical emotional moment happened. I didn’t see it coming and I wanted more.
Be that as it may, I still adored this book. Especially Fisher. He was a horrible influence on Reese but he also opened her horizons past her little religious world.
Wow, the reason her mom went to prison and why. It’s both heartbreaking and the most beautiful thing.
He finally opened up when it didn’t matter. After that ending, thank god the 2nd book is already out.
October 6, 2021
2.5 Stars
I can't bring myself to rate this book higher. I couldn't stand the heroine, the story was very lacking and I felt like the heroine's thoughts were on a loop, of virginity chatter.
Zero chemistry too boot!
I can't bring myself to rate this book higher. I couldn't stand the heroine, the story was very lacking and I felt like the heroine's thoughts were on a loop, of virginity chatter.
Zero chemistry too boot!
September 19, 2021
**4.5 Stars**
Fisher Mann you sure know how to corrupt Reese and it was one amazing and addictive ride. The ten year age gap between them was obvious. Reese is eighteen, naive and inexperienced and was very much affected by how she grew up in church with those values. I had my difficulties with her but I also appreciated seeing things from her perspective. I didn’t necessarily agree with her but I could understand her reasons. She took a major leap throughout the story from nervous and innocent to being brave, vocal and experimental. She had Fisher to thank for that. He pushed her buttons and challenged her.
Their chemistry and connection was immediate and palpable. I had such a wonderful time being with them. Their relationship was so much more than just attraction or lust. Ann depicted it with a story that took its time so the characters could discover it, let it unfold and flourish. Fabulous and so worth it.
The struggles they faced added some light angst and also gave time for thoughts. Once again Jewel E. Ann throws in a surprise which I didn’t expect but was so interesting for Reese’s story and what’s to come. I need the sequel. ASAP.
4.5 Timing is Everything Stars
*I received an arc *
Fisher Mann you sure know how to corrupt Reese and it was one amazing and addictive ride. The ten year age gap between them was obvious. Reese is eighteen, naive and inexperienced and was very much affected by how she grew up in church with those values. I had my difficulties with her but I also appreciated seeing things from her perspective. I didn’t necessarily agree with her but I could understand her reasons. She took a major leap throughout the story from nervous and innocent to being brave, vocal and experimental. She had Fisher to thank for that. He pushed her buttons and challenged her.
Their chemistry and connection was immediate and palpable. I had such a wonderful time being with them. Their relationship was so much more than just attraction or lust. Ann depicted it with a story that took its time so the characters could discover it, let it unfold and flourish. Fabulous and so worth it.
The struggles they faced added some light angst and also gave time for thoughts. Once again Jewel E. Ann throws in a surprise which I didn’t expect but was so interesting for Reese’s story and what’s to come. I need the sequel. ASAP.
4.5 Timing is Everything Stars
*I received an arc *
December 16, 2021
3.5 stars
Honestly, I had such high expectations for this book. I mean, Jewel E. Ann can write! And this book is no exception. The writing is fantastic. There is something about the story itself that just didn’t work for me. There were parts I liked, but overall I just had some issues. I know so many who consider this a top favorite, so it’s probably a ‘me thing’ and I think I might try book two… maybe they’ll be more growth and I’ll like it better.
Honestly, I had such high expectations for this book. I mean, Jewel E. Ann can write! And this book is no exception. The writing is fantastic. There is something about the story itself that just didn’t work for me. There were parts I liked, but overall I just had some issues. I know so many who consider this a top favorite, so it’s probably a ‘me thing’ and I think I might try book two… maybe they’ll be more growth and I’ll like it better.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrator: Tia Ryder
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 9h 45m
March 20, 2023
4.5 stars
This book definitely started off slow and took me a bit to get into. But omgggggg once we got to know Fisherman more and he had more one-on-one time with Reece, I was so into this book. It's definitely forbidden and angsty, and I loved the connection those two shared. It was hard to like the heroine, especially with how judgmental she was, but I knew that was part of the story and we would see her develop and grow throughout the duet. I am soooo nervous for book two, but I can't wait to dive in soon!!
This book definitely started off slow and took me a bit to get into. But omgggggg once we got to know Fisherman more and he had more one-on-one time with Reece, I was so into this book. It's definitely forbidden and angsty, and I loved the connection those two shared. It was hard to like the heroine, especially with how judgmental she was, but I knew that was part of the story and we would see her develop and grow throughout the duet. I am soooo nervous for book two, but I can't wait to dive in soon!!
November 3, 2021
obsessed👁️💋👁️
dnf
November 19, 2021DNF @ 28%
Considering all the crazy shit I read, it's a wonder that JEA was able to so thoroughly set off my DNF button.
I can definitely see the appeal of wanting to write about bringing two such disparate characters together; in this case an uptight, conservative heroine and a devil-may-care hero.
Except it all went so horribly wrong for me.
My sincerest apologies to my buddy readers LEILA and LANA for not being able to finish. <3
I have many bones to pick here, but my main problem arises from Reese being a girl just out of high school and Fisher being a grown-ass 28 year-old man. The way he acted around her and talked to her offended me.
Believe me, I'm more shocked than anyone. I didn't even know that was possible anymore. Go figure.
Because this . . .
Not here. In this case the author allowed Fisher to score point after point against Reese - who's more like a lonely, lost puppy - in their war of words. There was zero parity between them. And to make matters worse, I didn't even want to feel sorry for Reese because she was such a narrow-minded prig.
Anyway, rant over. If you're looking for something similar, try Stroke of Midnight by K Webster. I freaking loved every second of that one.
Considering all the crazy shit I read, it's a wonder that JEA was able to so thoroughly set off my DNF button.
I can definitely see the appeal of wanting to write about bringing two such disparate characters together; in this case an uptight, conservative heroine and a devil-may-care hero.
Except it all went so horribly wrong for me.
My sincerest apologies to my buddy readers LEILA and LANA for not being able to finish. <3
I have many bones to pick here, but my main problem arises from Reese being a girl just out of high school and Fisher being a grown-ass 28 year-old man. The way he acted around her and talked to her offended me.
Believe me, I'm more shocked than anyone. I didn't even know that was possible anymore. Go figure.
Because this . . .
On one hand, he liked to treat me like a child, on the other hand, he spoke to me in a way that felt crude and borderline inappropriate.. . . is usually my jam.
Not here. In this case the author allowed Fisher to score point after point against Reese - who's more like a lonely, lost puppy - in their war of words. There was zero parity between them. And to make matters worse, I didn't even want to feel sorry for Reese because she was such a narrow-minded prig.
Anyway, rant over. If you're looking for something similar, try Stroke of Midnight by K Webster. I freaking loved every second of that one.
October 13, 2023
1,5 stars
Jeeez. It's gonna be a rant.
I will try to be as brief as possible but mamma mia, everything about this book kinda offended me. And fuck my life, I'm not easily offended.
I appreciate a provocative hero who baits a shy heroine BUT I hate an adult 28 y.o. man who does everything he can to provoke a religiously brainwashed and painfully inexperienced 18 y.o. (who is also the most narrow minded and judgemental little peach I couldn't care less about but whatever).
Their "relationship" was a ridiculous self-loathing game of "how much dick can I get into myself and still stay a virgin".
I'm not joking, people, I'm fucking not. It was a huuuuge deal and it made my brain hurt.
Then there was the hero. The man-whore who thought it was absolutely okay to suck on a woman's neck and leave dark marks 5 minutes before a dinner with friends and family. Who also thought a non-consensual bondage game was okay, because hey, did she say "no" like only 6 times? Who cares, she came at the end so I made it all good!!
Oh, and who also was a completely misunderstood self-sacrificing prick. Boo.
Don't get me started on the heroine's mother who left her daughter in a house with an adult man she barely knew herself yet SOMEHOW expected those two to become some kind of siblings. (You feel like it doesn't make sense? LOL, because it doesn't).
I was skimming the heck out of the last part and it was getting more pathetic by the minute (or by the page) so by the time I arrived at the last scene, I was so fed up with this story, I just wanted to throw away the whole thing.
Thank you, Leila and Melanie, for reading the beginning of this catastrophe with me. It was a lot of fun to talk religion, craziness, and consent with you.
Rant over. Bye.
Jeeez. It's gonna be a rant.
I will try to be as brief as possible but mamma mia, everything about this book kinda offended me. And fuck my life, I'm not easily offended.
I appreciate a provocative hero who baits a shy heroine BUT I hate an adult 28 y.o. man who does everything he can to provoke a religiously brainwashed and painfully inexperienced 18 y.o. (who is also the most narrow minded and judgemental little peach I couldn't care less about but whatever).
Their "relationship" was a ridiculous self-loathing game of "how much dick can I get into myself and still stay a virgin".
I'm not joking, people, I'm fucking not. It was a huuuuge deal and it made my brain hurt.
Then there was the hero. The man-whore who thought it was absolutely okay to suck on a woman's neck and leave dark marks 5 minutes before a dinner with friends and family. Who also thought a non-consensual bondage game was okay, because hey, did she say "no" like only 6 times? Who cares, she came at the end so I made it all good!!
Oh, and who also was a completely misunderstood self-sacrificing prick. Boo.
Don't get me started on the heroine's mother who left her daughter in a house with an adult man she barely knew herself yet SOMEHOW expected those two to become some kind of siblings. (You feel like it doesn't make sense? LOL, because it doesn't).
I was skimming the heck out of the last part and it was getting more pathetic by the minute (or by the page) so by the time I arrived at the last scene, I was so fed up with this story, I just wanted to throw away the whole thing.
Thank you, Leila and Melanie, for reading the beginning of this catastrophe with me. It was a lot of fun to talk religion, craziness, and consent with you.
Rant over. Bye.
June 14, 2022
DNF @65%. This was creepy and uncomfortable most of the times.
1. So our heroine just turned 18 and moved to live with her mom who was recently released from prison. Their landlord is our love interest and lemme repeat again, it was creepy and uncomfortable as fuck!
They first meet him in his home where he is kinda naked and she is super uncomfortable. Sure she feels attracted but it was still uncomfy. Her mother, who seemed like a gem, couldn't just read the room at all! That to me is unbelievable considering how nice and understanding she seems to be. 🚩🚩🚩
2. The heroine went to a Christian school and had quite strong beliefs regarding "saving herself for marriage" which was okay to me cuz it never involved hurting anyone. But the dude wouldn't shut up about it, constantly mocking her and making her regret it. 🚩🚩🚩
She also says that she was taught that homosexuality is a sin/fault and that was the only time she needed to be corrected. I agree with the guy for once.
3. She was naïve for her age. 18 but more like a confused 12yo. The dude was making all the decisions, shaming her if she made her own. The power balance was way off. 🚩🚩🚩
4. He sees other women during their "arrangement". He is not being clear to both parties - a big red flag right there 🚩🚩🚩
5. She gets anxious that she might be pregnant even though they didn't go all the way through. He flips it and puts the entire blame on her because "she should have been on birth control" 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
6. So her mom thinks that they have a sibling-like relationship and he made a brother-sister joke which was the final straw for me. I just can't take that 😶
Their whole interaction reminded me of My Dark Vanessa 😖😖
I highly recommend reading something else, something with a clear healthy relationship.
1. So our heroine just turned 18 and moved to live with her mom who was recently released from prison. Their landlord is our love interest and lemme repeat again, it was creepy and uncomfortable as fuck!
They first meet him in his home where he is kinda naked and she is super uncomfortable. Sure she feels attracted but it was still uncomfy. Her mother, who seemed like a gem, couldn't just read the room at all! That to me is unbelievable considering how nice and understanding she seems to be. 🚩🚩🚩
2. The heroine went to a Christian school and had quite strong beliefs regarding "saving herself for marriage" which was okay to me cuz it never involved hurting anyone. But the dude wouldn't shut up about it, constantly mocking her and making her regret it. 🚩🚩🚩
She also says that she was taught that homosexuality is a sin/fault and that was the only time she needed to be corrected. I agree with the guy for once.
3. She was naïve for her age. 18 but more like a confused 12yo. The dude was making all the decisions, shaming her if she made her own. The power balance was way off. 🚩🚩🚩
4. He sees other women during their "arrangement". He is not being clear to both parties - a big red flag right there 🚩🚩🚩
5. She gets anxious that she might be pregnant even though they didn't go all the way through. He flips it and puts the entire blame on her because "she should have been on birth control" 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
6. So her mom thinks that they have a sibling-like relationship and he made a brother-sister joke which was the final straw for me. I just can't take that 😶
Their whole interaction reminded me of My Dark Vanessa 😖😖
I highly recommend reading something else, something with a clear healthy relationship.
October 18, 2021
I had a hard time finishing this one the heroine was very naive/immature the whole book is of her inner monologue about losing her virginity and if she was going to hell for it. I didn’t feel any chemistry between her nd the H his pov was really needed in this one bc all I felt was that he had a physical attraction to the H nd was trying to have sex with her the entire book 🤷🏻♀️. Other times when they did speak he was an asshole and claimed the H didn’t get his humor well I didn’t either. Other than that I enjoyed it lol.
September 30, 2021
"I've sucked your tits and you came in my mouth today. She probably senses that I'm still craving more of you."
Fisher freaking Mann! I'M IN LOOOOOVE!!!! But...fuuuuuck. I. AM. NOT. OK. 😭😭😭 It's not very often I read a book in less than 24 hours, but Jewel's brilliant, real, and gripping story telling strikes again! 😂
GOD JESUS HOLY HELL. The tension between Reese and Fisher had me literally over heated. I couldn't get enough. Swear to god I still have blue balls. I adore Fisher SO SO MUCH.
Thanks for wrecking the rest of my reading week Jewel. I won't be able to read ANYTHING until book 2. The anxiety is REAL. FREAKING LOVED THIS STORY SO MUCH!!! Thanks Jewel E. Ann once again for demolishing my heart but I have a feeling The Lost Fisherman might just destroy my soul too.
THE NAKED FISHERMAN is LIVE and available in Kindle Unlimited!
AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/3uf9o6y
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UNIVERSAL: mybook.to/TNF
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/2XPvcJR
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/3sPVwyS
THE LOST FISHERMAN (book #2) RELEASES ON OCTOBER 14th!
AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/3AIHP8a
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/2ZCmrnv
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/3zqMMlq
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/3BiwnQK
March 3, 2022
4,5. This feelings… I loved! Fish is the perfect book boyfriend!
It’s worth the reading.
It’s worth the reading.
Read
April 18, 2023Not rating this. I DNF at about 20% when I found out what happens in the second book. Not in the mood right now. Maybe one day I’ll resume this one if I’m ever in the mood for it. Too bad. This had so much potential for me ugh.
Here's the info from the comments
Here's the info from the comments
October 10, 2023
Trigger Warnings:
This was recommended by my lovely friend Bookisx who adored this book.
October 10 Edit: So I’ve been thinking about this book and honestly Fisher is a scumbag. Not gonna lie, the guy was funny and the book had its moments but I keep thinking about how icky this whole thing was. The writing was amazing and this book was addicting, I liked how this book addressed the problematic sides of religion (in general). But I’m bringing my rating down since I find Fisher nasty. Imagine trusting a friend to take care of your daughter to only have him fuck her behind your back. Yea it’s fiction and it has the forbidden aspect to it but this situation felt too real, seeing a man take advantage of a young adult. It doesn’t help that Reese was a sheltered girl who acted like a child, she was vulnerable and easily manipulated imo. Fisher is one of those men who act like a girl is a kid in front of others but secretly flirts/fucks with her in private, it’s just so icky. I mean there’s a scene where he sees Reese in his bathtub and looks away when he’s with his date and acts like he doesn’t wanna look. But the second his date is gone he is looking openly and even tells her to drop her towel cuz it’s his, saying he wanted to be considerate to his date but didn’t care anymore since his date was gone. I’m guessing the scene was supposed to be hot but I found it nasty. What makes it worse is he’s actively with many OW and we don’t get any details about how far he went. When Reese asks him questions outta jealousy, he would be sarcastic and give her non-answers, showing he didn’t really respect her. Plus, I hated the sequel so I wanted to change my rating. I’m gonna edit bits of this review but add things I didn’t like (not gonna rewrite it since I still agree with most of my points).
This ain’t about a fisherman, it’s about a guy named Fisher Mann. Therese or Reese is 18, just outta high school, and decides to meet up with her mother who got outta prison. While she’s there, her mother gets a job offer and Reese is forced to spend time with her landlord and boss, Fisher instead. Reese is a religious, innocent soul who is blinded by the ways her grandparents have raised her, in her conservative Christian household. Hanging with Fisher changes Reese’s outlook on the world, for better or worse.
Reese was really annoying, it felt like I was reading from a child’s perspective at points, which is why her relationship with Fisher, who is 28, made me uncomfy. Especially since Reese just got outta high school, even though she is a legal adult, she is freshly 18 so her relationship with Fisher is a bit odd. There is a lot of focus on religion, specifically Christianity. Most of the things Fisher said in relation to religion were things I agreed with. I’m not a super religious person and I don’t care for what people believe in as long as it doesn’t have ill intent/harm towards others. If it harms others I will not support it. Homophobia surrounding religion is something I will never stand by and I was glad it was addressed in this book. We also see the shaming of losing your virginity before marriage, the slut-shaming, and how people (women specifically) are fed with this fucked up idea that you are a used sanitary napkin if you lose your virginity. Seeing Reese navigate through the world once she is out of her sheltered household with her grandparents was really interesting. She is very naive and childish, which took me outta the story many times, and she did so many cringey things. Fisher was flirty and already hitting on Reese right when she showed up which was bizarre, especially since she is freshly 18, naive, and his friend’s daughter. There are definitely people like Fisher in the world, who present themselves in this nice way and then they turn out to be the ones taking advantage of situations. Rory trusted Fisher but he ended up doing what he was supposed to protect Reese from. There are many times when you don’t know what Fisher is thinking and he can go from really sweet to an absolute asshole. There is a lot of OW/OM drama which I hated, the characters weren’t official so I can’t label anything as cheating. There was a power imbalance, I felt like Fisher had an advantage in their relationship since he is older, her landlord, her boss, and the person that’s kinda babysitting her. If any of these things bother you, I recommend staying away from this book, but if not, enjoy the ride.
“Cat got your tongue?” Fisher grinned as I fumed.
I climbed out and mumbled to myself, “No. Jesus does.”
Now for spoilers
That is all, stay safe folks, onto the next book!
This was recommended by my lovely friend Bookisx who adored this book.
October 10 Edit: So I’ve been thinking about this book and honestly Fisher is a scumbag. Not gonna lie, the guy was funny and the book had its moments but I keep thinking about how icky this whole thing was. The writing was amazing and this book was addicting, I liked how this book addressed the problematic sides of religion (in general). But I’m bringing my rating down since I find Fisher nasty. Imagine trusting a friend to take care of your daughter to only have him fuck her behind your back. Yea it’s fiction and it has the forbidden aspect to it but this situation felt too real, seeing a man take advantage of a young adult. It doesn’t help that Reese was a sheltered girl who acted like a child, she was vulnerable and easily manipulated imo. Fisher is one of those men who act like a girl is a kid in front of others but secretly flirts/fucks with her in private, it’s just so icky. I mean there’s a scene where he sees Reese in his bathtub and looks away when he’s with his date and acts like he doesn’t wanna look. But the second his date is gone he is looking openly and even tells her to drop her towel cuz it’s his, saying he wanted to be considerate to his date but didn’t care anymore since his date was gone. I’m guessing the scene was supposed to be hot but I found it nasty. What makes it worse is he’s actively with many OW and we don’t get any details about how far he went. When Reese asks him questions outta jealousy, he would be sarcastic and give her non-answers, showing he didn’t really respect her. Plus, I hated the sequel so I wanted to change my rating. I’m gonna edit bits of this review but add things I didn’t like (not gonna rewrite it since I still agree with most of my points).
This ain’t about a fisherman, it’s about a guy named Fisher Mann. Therese or Reese is 18, just outta high school, and decides to meet up with her mother who got outta prison. While she’s there, her mother gets a job offer and Reese is forced to spend time with her landlord and boss, Fisher instead. Reese is a religious, innocent soul who is blinded by the ways her grandparents have raised her, in her conservative Christian household. Hanging with Fisher changes Reese’s outlook on the world, for better or worse.
Reese was really annoying, it felt like I was reading from a child’s perspective at points, which is why her relationship with Fisher, who is 28, made me uncomfy. Especially since Reese just got outta high school, even though she is a legal adult, she is freshly 18 so her relationship with Fisher is a bit odd. There is a lot of focus on religion, specifically Christianity. Most of the things Fisher said in relation to religion were things I agreed with. I’m not a super religious person and I don’t care for what people believe in as long as it doesn’t have ill intent/harm towards others. If it harms others I will not support it. Homophobia surrounding religion is something I will never stand by and I was glad it was addressed in this book. We also see the shaming of losing your virginity before marriage, the slut-shaming, and how people (women specifically) are fed with this fucked up idea that you are a used sanitary napkin if you lose your virginity. Seeing Reese navigate through the world once she is out of her sheltered household with her grandparents was really interesting. She is very naive and childish, which took me outta the story many times, and she did so many cringey things. Fisher was flirty and already hitting on Reese right when she showed up which was bizarre, especially since she is freshly 18, naive, and his friend’s daughter. There are definitely people like Fisher in the world, who present themselves in this nice way and then they turn out to be the ones taking advantage of situations. Rory trusted Fisher but he ended up doing what he was supposed to protect Reese from. There are many times when you don’t know what Fisher is thinking and he can go from really sweet to an absolute asshole. There is a lot of OW/OM drama which I hated, the characters weren’t official so I can’t label anything as cheating. There was a power imbalance, I felt like Fisher had an advantage in their relationship since he is older, her landlord, her boss, and the person that’s kinda babysitting her. If any of these things bother you, I recommend staying away from this book, but if not, enjoy the ride.
“Cat got your tongue?” Fisher grinned as I fumed.
I climbed out and mumbled to myself, “No. Jesus does.”
Now for spoilers
That is all, stay safe folks, onto the next book!
October 3, 2021
Full review after I read The Lost Fisherman
Favorite quotes:
“I think there are some things that are meant to provide a lifetime of awe. The mountains. The oceans. Rainbows. Shooting stars. First kisses.”
“You deserve to have your breath taken away … every day.” Those. Those ten words. They wrapped around my heart like sticky peanut butter and jelly fingers. Pure. Innocent. Unforgettable. Perfect. “Well…” I kept my gaze on the feathery green canvas “…mission accomplished.”
God willing, I would go on to love another. Have a family. And die in the arms of my husband. But … first would always be Fisher Mann.
Favorite quotes:
“I think there are some things that are meant to provide a lifetime of awe. The mountains. The oceans. Rainbows. Shooting stars. First kisses.”
“You deserve to have your breath taken away … every day.” Those. Those ten words. They wrapped around my heart like sticky peanut butter and jelly fingers. Pure. Innocent. Unforgettable. Perfect. “Well…” I kept my gaze on the feathery green canvas “…mission accomplished.”
God willing, I would go on to love another. Have a family. And die in the arms of my husband. But … first would always be Fisher Mann.
April 25, 2024
Laced with crack!!!!!
September 30, 2021
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*
5++++ “Bossman” “extra” “adult” “I was thinking about it” “cruciverbalist” Kisses
Holy. Fucking. Shit. I’m pretty sure I just finished one of my favorite books of 2021 and I am floored. It doesn’t surprise me that it came from Jewel E. Ann’s magnificent brain...not in the slightest...but I was truly not prepared for everything I just read. Wowza...that was everything I needed and then some and I kinda feel like I need to send Jewel some flowers or a gift basket as a thank you. I never know what to expect when it comes to her books...except amazingness – that's always a given and The Naked Fisherman definitely delivered in that department. The characters...the writing...the FEELS!!! Gah!!! It was all so magical and wonderful and I L-O-V-E-D it!
Therese Capshaw...oh my poor sweet girl. At first, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to connect with Reese. She’s different...quirky...unique (like most of Jewel’s heroines). I liked her quirkiness though...that she created crossword puzzles for fun and collected McDonald’s Happy Meal toys (it sounds crazy but trust me...it’s sweet and sentimental). She is definitely on the naïve side though...which can happen when you spend your teenage years being raised by your two über Christian grandparents. While I understood what she was thinking (I’m a Texas girl and while I wasn’t raised as religious as she was...I still got it), it was very far removed from how I think/feel about certain things. Plus, it was very frustrating to see her confine herself to this certain box...she felt restrained and held back and I hated that for her. I was ready to see her push her boundaries...challenge her thinking...and I think Fisher helped her a lot with that, even if it was not intentional.
Fisher Mann...I mean...can you even with that name??? Leave it to Jewel to have me falling for a man with a name as ridiculous as that...but for whatever reason, it works. Fisher is...so many things. He comes off like an enigma...like for the longest time it felt like I didn’t really know him and it was killing me because it was all I wanted. It seemed like we were only skimming the surface...like he wasn’t giving 100% of himself...and then I figured it out. Fisher is a man of action...he shows how he feels. Not that he isn’t great with his words...he said some absolutely phenomenal, mind-blowing, heart dissolving things...but watch out for those actions, man. I fell really hard for Fisher...like it was not gradual at all, it was a hard crash and I loved every second of it. I mean...he’s not a hard hero to love...he’s pretty, talented and charming off the bat...the struggle was so not real. He’s a fun guy...extremely talented at carpentry...successful, owns his own home and business – I mean, I could go on and on for days but do I really need to? He’s a freaking catch...but he’s also a manwhore – now, that’s a selling point for me, some maybe not. But here’s the kicker...the second you start digging deeper...the second you really start getting to know Fisher, it’s all over. You will fall so hard, you’ll have no choice but to love him.
Reese and Fisher...so wrong but beyond right. They shouldn’t be...there is everything working against them, so many reasons why they shouldn’t even entertain the idea. But you can’t fight the inevitable...and that’s exactly what they are. So...confession time, I am a huge sucker for age gap romances. I can't help it! I love them something fierce (I love all things taboo in my romance)...and Reese and Fisher's age gap is a thing of beauty – I mean, don’t get me wrong I would have loved them regardless, but the taboo angle amp’d it up so much harder for me, it was just so deliciously amazing and added so much more to their relationship. Plus, you have the added dynamic of he’s her mom’s landlord/friend and then her boss...just so many layers of taboo and I loved every single one of them. But it was more than that. Like I said before, Fisher pushed Reese without pushing her. He made her think outside her comfort zone, something I really don’t think she had ever done in her life. He made her feel things she had never felt...which was definitely something that needed to happen. He challenged her...and I loved it. Their banter was perfection, their chemistry was red-hot and their connection was pure and heart-felt. I could go on for days about how much I loved these two together...I truly felt every single moment of their connection and I could not get enough.
Jewel E. Ann is the queen of controlling my emotions...the moment I start reading her books, I hand over full control and she’s in charge. Her writing is (and will remain) some of my favorite of all time...the way she crafts her stories is hypnotic and I simply never ever want to put them down. There is a natural, effortless flow...she just grabs ahold of you with each page, no matter what the characters are doing. And her characters...just get out. They’re the next reason I can’t stop reading...because I’m flat out addicted to everything they do, think or say. I learned a long time ago to not even attempt to predict what Jewel is going to do in her books...it’s just easier to let myself experience everything as it comes, and that’s truly the best way to go into her books. Does that mean I don’t see certain aspects coming? No...of course not, but I will never truly predict/figure out/know how her characters are going to react to those aspects...and how that will further impact the story or other characters. I applaud her creativity because she always does what I never expect and yet it never ceases to amaze me and make me crave more of it.
The ending is... so much. The Naked Fisherman is book one of a duet...so it should be pretty obvious going in that their story isn’t done with this book. If you want to call it a cliffhanger...sure, I guess – but I would consider it more of a pause. The ending isn’t overly dramatic (which I very much appreciated) - I, personally, loved the way Jewel left it. Emotionally, given everything that happened towards the end of the book, I don’t know how she could have handled it any better and even though it’s not an ending to their story, I liked the way it ended. I’m also a weirdo who really loves cliffhanger books – when done correctly. I’ve always appreciated and loved the way Jewel has cliff’d her books in the past but this one is definitely my favorite. I literally cannot wait until The Lost Fisherman...it’s all I can think about and I’ll be dying until I get it in my hands. Jewel always surprises me and I’m sure the ending to Reese and Fisher’s story will be nothing short of spectacular. #FallingForFisher #GiveMeMyFisherMann
5++++ “Bossman” “extra” “adult” “I was thinking about it” “cruciverbalist” Kisses
Holy. Fucking. Shit. I’m pretty sure I just finished one of my favorite books of 2021 and I am floored. It doesn’t surprise me that it came from Jewel E. Ann’s magnificent brain...not in the slightest...but I was truly not prepared for everything I just read. Wowza...that was everything I needed and then some and I kinda feel like I need to send Jewel some flowers or a gift basket as a thank you. I never know what to expect when it comes to her books...except amazingness – that's always a given and The Naked Fisherman definitely delivered in that department. The characters...the writing...the FEELS!!! Gah!!! It was all so magical and wonderful and I L-O-V-E-D it!
Therese Capshaw...oh my poor sweet girl. At first, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to connect with Reese. She’s different...quirky...unique (like most of Jewel’s heroines). I liked her quirkiness though...that she created crossword puzzles for fun and collected McDonald’s Happy Meal toys (it sounds crazy but trust me...it’s sweet and sentimental). She is definitely on the naïve side though...which can happen when you spend your teenage years being raised by your two über Christian grandparents. While I understood what she was thinking (I’m a Texas girl and while I wasn’t raised as religious as she was...I still got it), it was very far removed from how I think/feel about certain things. Plus, it was very frustrating to see her confine herself to this certain box...she felt restrained and held back and I hated that for her. I was ready to see her push her boundaries...challenge her thinking...and I think Fisher helped her a lot with that, even if it was not intentional.
‘Had I used swear words, I would have told him to fuck off, and it would have felt so liberating. But I remained silent because I knew those other words would feel foreign leaving my lips.
“Cat got your tongue?” Fisher grinned as I fumed.
I climbed out and mumbled to myself, “No. Jesus does.”’
Fisher Mann...I mean...can you even with that name??? Leave it to Jewel to have me falling for a man with a name as ridiculous as that...but for whatever reason, it works. Fisher is...so many things. He comes off like an enigma...like for the longest time it felt like I didn’t really know him and it was killing me because it was all I wanted. It seemed like we were only skimming the surface...like he wasn’t giving 100% of himself...and then I figured it out. Fisher is a man of action...he shows how he feels. Not that he isn’t great with his words...he said some absolutely phenomenal, mind-blowing, heart dissolving things...but watch out for those actions, man. I fell really hard for Fisher...like it was not gradual at all, it was a hard crash and I loved every second of it. I mean...he’s not a hard hero to love...he’s pretty, talented and charming off the bat...the struggle was so not real. He’s a fun guy...extremely talented at carpentry...successful, owns his own home and business – I mean, I could go on and on for days but do I really need to? He’s a freaking catch...but he’s also a manwhore – now, that’s a selling point for me, some maybe not. But here’s the kicker...the second you start digging deeper...the second you really start getting to know Fisher, it’s all over. You will fall so hard, you’ll have no choice but to love him.
‘“Now, if you don’t get out of my truck,” he said releasing my lips, “I’m going to want more.”
I giggled, kissing along his cheek as his hand moved from my waist to my butt.
“Like that book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, have you read it?”
I nodded, relishing the feel of his scruffy face against my lips. “Fisher,” I whispered at his ear, feeling brave enough to tease his earlobe like he had teased mine with his teeth, “are you saying you want my cookie?”
He laughed, threading fingers through my wet hair and bringing my lips back to his. “Your cookie.”
Kiss.
“Your muffins.”
Kiss.
I giggled against his mouth.
“I’m going to want the whole fucking bakery.”
Kiss.
I wanted his crude and dirty mouth. The kisses…I wanted all of his kisses. His laughter. And the way he looked at me like I was the bane of his existence in the most beautiful way.’
Reese and Fisher...so wrong but beyond right. They shouldn’t be...there is everything working against them, so many reasons why they shouldn’t even entertain the idea. But you can’t fight the inevitable...and that’s exactly what they are. So...confession time, I am a huge sucker for age gap romances. I can't help it! I love them something fierce (I love all things taboo in my romance)...and Reese and Fisher's age gap is a thing of beauty – I mean, don’t get me wrong I would have loved them regardless, but the taboo angle amp’d it up so much harder for me, it was just so deliciously amazing and added so much more to their relationship. Plus, you have the added dynamic of he’s her mom’s landlord/friend and then her boss...just so many layers of taboo and I loved every single one of them. But it was more than that. Like I said before, Fisher pushed Reese without pushing her. He made her think outside her comfort zone, something I really don’t think she had ever done in her life. He made her feel things she had never felt...which was definitely something that needed to happen. He challenged her...and I loved it. Their banter was perfection, their chemistry was red-hot and their connection was pure and heart-felt. I could go on for days about how much I loved these two together...I truly felt every single moment of their connection and I could not get enough.
“Why me? And I don’t mean it like I have no sense of self-esteem. It’s not that. I’m not ugly. I’m not stupid. I’m fun. I have a decent list of quality traits. But you’re not ugly either. Or stupid. And you can be fun. But you’re also ten years older than me. With so many options. I just don’t get it. Was I a game? A toy? Were you bored? I know I’ve asked you this before, but I just don’t get it. Why engage with an eighteen-year-old who has no solid direction in her life yet, can’t drink legally, and who’s a virgin. I just don’t get it.”
He let my words settle, dissipate, and vanish, replaced with silence. “What did you like about the mountains?”
I shrugged. “What didn’t I like? The air. The tranquility. The vastness. Just … I don’t know. When we stopped at that overlook, I just liked how I felt. There. In the moment. It’s hard to describe.”
“Because you can’t.”
“Maybe.” I tried to think of the right words, but they fell short.
“Well, neither can I.”
“It …” I shook my head. “It still doesn’t make sense.”
“To whom? How you feel about … everything—people, places, things, events, good times, tragedies, the past, the future—it only has to make sense to you. In this life, we don't owe anyone anything. No explanation. Feelings are the most personal part of who we are. You’re not accountable for your feelings any more than you’re accountable for the amount of oxygen you consume. Think for yourself. And don’t ever let anyone tell you how to feel.”
Jewel E. Ann is the queen of controlling my emotions...the moment I start reading her books, I hand over full control and she’s in charge. Her writing is (and will remain) some of my favorite of all time...the way she crafts her stories is hypnotic and I simply never ever want to put them down. There is a natural, effortless flow...she just grabs ahold of you with each page, no matter what the characters are doing. And her characters...just get out. They’re the next reason I can’t stop reading...because I’m flat out addicted to everything they do, think or say. I learned a long time ago to not even attempt to predict what Jewel is going to do in her books...it’s just easier to let myself experience everything as it comes, and that’s truly the best way to go into her books. Does that mean I don’t see certain aspects coming? No...of course not, but I will never truly predict/figure out/know how her characters are going to react to those aspects...and how that will further impact the story or other characters. I applaud her creativity because she always does what I never expect and yet it never ceases to amaze me and make me crave more of it.
“Naked fisherman, you are incorrigible. Moody. Bold. Unpredictable. Brash … and a million other things that are bad for me. Yet it felt like you were the first person in my life who just … fit. The version of myself I dreaded … the version I blamed on your bad behavior, I came to love it. It started to feel like my true skin. It felt good to smile without something in my brain telling me I should smile. You gave my days this vibrant color, and I don’t know what I will see when you’re not…” I drew in a shaky breath as emotions stung my eyes “…when you’re not mine.”
The ending is... so much. The Naked Fisherman is book one of a duet...so it should be pretty obvious going in that their story isn’t done with this book. If you want to call it a cliffhanger...sure, I guess – but I would consider it more of a pause. The ending isn’t overly dramatic (which I very much appreciated) - I, personally, loved the way Jewel left it. Emotionally, given everything that happened towards the end of the book, I don’t know how she could have handled it any better and even though it’s not an ending to their story, I liked the way it ended. I’m also a weirdo who really loves cliffhanger books – when done correctly. I’ve always appreciated and loved the way Jewel has cliff’d her books in the past but this one is definitely my favorite. I literally cannot wait until The Lost Fisherman...it’s all I can think about and I’ll be dying until I get it in my hands. Jewel always surprises me and I’m sure the ending to Reese and Fisher’s story will be nothing short of spectacular. #FallingForFisher #GiveMeMyFisherMann
September 30, 2021
There has never been a Jewel E Ann book that I was not excited to read. This woman takes you on an imaginary journey that is so vivid and colorful, you place yourself into that world intentionally. Hours will go by and you wouldn't even know it or give a damn because they were worth it. These characters were worth it and if you were asked to do it all over again you would gladly lock your door and immerse yourself into Jewel's world.
It's been five years since eighteen year old Reese's world took an unexpected turn. Moving to a new city to be with her mother and figure out what she's going to do with life, new possibilities are endless. But what Reese never anticipated was to be thrown headfirst into a forbidden attraction to her mother's landlord and now her new boss. To say that things are about to get messy is an understatement. What happens when the one thing you want the most, you can't have?
I really enjoyed the banter between the two main characters and I loved how the author gave us a little twist that I certainly didn't see coming. I was invested in these characters and I found myself really caring about them and as much as I did,they also frustrated me a bit. I'm trying to make this review as spoiler free as I can so I won't be going into further detail on that. What I will say is that seeing this is only book 1, I have really high hopes that things will be a little more different going into book 2 and I won't have to do any imaginary bodily harm on some of these characters.
With that being said, I'm very curious and excited to see how the rest of the story is going to go. Will Reese conquer all and become the woman she knows she's meant to be? We'll have to stay tuned.
April 12, 2023
ok i can collect my thoughts now
*my trope shelves will have some spoilers for this series so don’t look at those if you want to go in blind*
you are probably going to hate this book and all of its characters. they are frustrating, imperfect people who will do and say the opposite of what you’re begging them to do and say.
but go in blind and trust the process because this was a gut wrenching, heart breaking, sick to my stomach love story but oh my goodness so worth it in the end. did i have that sick feeling you get when someone says “can we talk?” the entire time i was reading? yes. did i devour this? absolutely yes.
i will give a couple disclaimers: this is an age gap story, it starts when she is 18 and he’s 28 so if that’s not your thing, avoid it. reese, the heroine, has a very sheltered, religious upbringing and that’s a major plot point. lastly, this is a very ugly, messy, imperfect love story so if you like no angst, low drama, characters that don’t make you mad sometimes, this duet will NOT be for you.
*my trope shelves will have some spoilers for this series so don’t look at those if you want to go in blind*
you are probably going to hate this book and all of its characters. they are frustrating, imperfect people who will do and say the opposite of what you’re begging them to do and say.
but go in blind and trust the process because this was a gut wrenching, heart breaking, sick to my stomach love story but oh my goodness so worth it in the end. did i have that sick feeling you get when someone says “can we talk?” the entire time i was reading? yes. did i devour this? absolutely yes.
i will give a couple disclaimers: this is an age gap story, it starts when she is 18 and he’s 28 so if that’s not your thing, avoid it. reese, the heroine, has a very sheltered, religious upbringing and that’s a major plot point. lastly, this is a very ugly, messy, imperfect love story so if you like no angst, low drama, characters that don’t make you mad sometimes, this duet will NOT be for you.
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