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sianny's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Evelyn has always been the third wheel since her two best friends, Lila and Graham, fell in love.
On a trip to Vancouver with the happy couple, Evie decides to explore the area whilst they have some alone time, and meets a handsome stranger in a cafe.
As fate would have it, Ronin is just about to move to Aspen, where she lives.
Their relationship is a whirlwind of intense, raw, sexual chemistry, and so much love. And yet they keep secrets from each other.
I’m going to start with the bad here because the good far outweighs it.
The main thing for me was that I just don’t understand her friendships with Lila and Graham. Not so much with Lila but there were moments between them that I truly questioned things. But Graham? 99% of the time he came across as an arrogant, entitled jerk. Always lording things over everyone and just throwing money at any and every situation he could. What he did for her and her family - monetarily - was incredibly generous and lovely…but everything else was just…I dunno, I just don’t get it.
But her relationship with Ronin was so beautiful. They were so good for each other and loved each other’s families.
There’s a certain amount of tragedy in this book, and a paranormal undertone that makes for a bit of a psychological thriller element.
The prologue alludes to Ronin cheating on her, but that never comes to light in this book as it is a major cliffhanger ending! I’m truly hoping it was just worded in a way that the cheating was implied and not something that actually happened…but I’m not holding my breath.
But can I just say…THE MMC IS HALF MALAYSIAN AND I GOT SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE IT IS SO RARE TO COME ACROSS A MALAYSIAN IN A ROMANCE NOVEL IN MY EXPERIENCE! And as a mixed race, half Malaysian myself, it warmed my little heart to feel represented in some way.
Evelyn has always been the third wheel since her two best friends, Lila and Graham, fell in love.
On a trip to Vancouver with the happy couple, Evie decides to explore the area whilst they have some alone time, and meets a handsome stranger in a cafe.
As fate would have it, Ronin is just about to move to Aspen, where she lives.
Their relationship is a whirlwind of intense, raw, sexual chemistry, and so much love. And yet they keep secrets from each other.
I’m going to start with the bad here because the good far outweighs it.
The main thing for me was that I just don’t understand her friendships with Lila and Graham. Not so much with Lila but there were moments between them that I truly questioned things. But Graham? 99% of the time he came across as an arrogant, entitled jerk. Always lording things over everyone and just throwing money at any and every situation he could. What he did for her and her family - monetarily - was incredibly generous and lovely…but everything else was just…I dunno, I just don’t get it.
But her relationship with Ronin was so beautiful. They were so good for each other and loved each other’s families.
There’s a certain amount of tragedy in this book, and a paranormal undertone that makes for a bit of a psychological thriller element.
The prologue alludes to Ronin cheating on her, but that never comes to light in this book as it is a major cliffhanger ending! I’m truly hoping it was just worded in a way that the cheating was implied and not something that actually happened…but I’m not holding my breath.
But can I just say…THE MMC IS HALF MALAYSIAN AND I GOT SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE IT IS SO RARE TO COME ACROSS A MALAYSIAN IN A ROMANCE NOVEL IN MY EXPERIENCE! And as a mixed race, half Malaysian myself, it warmed my little heart to feel represented in some way.
1bookobsessionconfessions's review against another edition
5.0
I think going in blind is best with this book.
So, I’ll say that I loved this book so much!
The prologue alone had me completely drawn in!
I loved the complexity of the characters.
The mysterious feeling that I was definitely in the dark about something.
It was AMAZING!!
The end is WOW! A cliffhanger, one that I can live with because the next book is very close.
It’s simply amazing and unique!
Top favorite!
So, I’ll say that I loved this book so much!
The prologue alone had me completely drawn in!
I loved the complexity of the characters.
The mysterious feeling that I was definitely in the dark about something.
It was AMAZING!!
The end is WOW! A cliffhanger, one that I can live with because the next book is very close.
It’s simply amazing and unique!
Top favorite!
bi_marchetti's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
marita_ls's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
beckyrendon's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know whether Iwant to sob (I am) more or hope more (also doing)
I will admit I whole heartedly bought this duet *coughs and mutters upon release* but avoided reading it like the plague. I was so afraid of the emotional investment.
Yes, you read that right. Jewel E. Ann always finds a way to lure me in 100%. I ride the emotional freight train knowing it will be brutal and bumpy and if I can hold on long enough it will get better. But I'm only human and way too empathetic to voluntarily, knowingly sign up for the gauntlet. Sometimes...Lol. If the prologue hadn't eviscerated my trembling heart, I might have started it years ago. However, I couldn't do it. Until yesterday. Yesterday, Jewel announced she was going to do more work in The Life Series and I knew I needed to suck it up.
So here I am, trembling, glossy, watery eyes. I have that hopeful romantic glow while my shriveled scared heart continues to beat at a sluggish and near death pace. Equal parts fear and hope rule me.
I know in the tiniest part of my mind that Jewel would not leave us without a happily ever after...but the other 99.9% of my mind, heart, and soul are crying "HOW?", "WHY?", and "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
Good think book 2 is already downloaded, qued up, and ready to go!
I will admit I whole heartedly bought this duet *coughs and mutters upon release* but avoided reading it like the plague. I was so afraid of the emotional investment.
Yes, you read that right. Jewel E. Ann always finds a way to lure me in 100%. I ride the emotional freight train knowing it will be brutal and bumpy and if I can hold on long enough it will get better. But I'm only human and way too empathetic to voluntarily, knowingly sign up for the gauntlet. Sometimes...Lol. If the prologue hadn't eviscerated my trembling heart, I might have started it years ago. However, I couldn't do it. Until yesterday. Yesterday, Jewel announced she was going to do more work in The Life Series and I knew I needed to suck it up.
So here I am, trembling, glossy, watery eyes. I have that hopeful romantic glow while my shriveled scared heart continues to beat at a sluggish and near death pace. Equal parts fear and hope rule me.
I know in the tiniest part of my mind that Jewel would not leave us without a happily ever after...but the other 99.9% of my mind, heart, and soul are crying "HOW?", "WHY?", and "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
Good think book 2 is already downloaded, qued up, and ready to go!
readfrenzy's review against another edition
5.0
Spoiler-free Review
I’m still trying to wrap my brain around what I just read, but what I do know is that The Life That Mattered knocked my socks off. With painstaking execution, this entirely unique, consuming, passionate, and thought-provoking novel puts Jewel E. Ann’s literary sorcery on full display. Nice to see you again, Book Hangover.
There is a lot to unpack in the synopsis. Olympic skier, fashion designer, chemist, bath shop owner, what sounds like a foursome, love story, tragedy, thriller... Say what? If I’m honest, it had me confused and a bit hesitant to read the book. If other readers are similarly conflicted, here’s all you really need to know: Two main characters fall in love. They are best friends with another couple. The four of them aren’t swingers. Some crazy sh*t happens and it will leave you reeling.
Ronin and Evelyn are two people who fall deeply in love very quickly. I abhor instant love in fiction as a general rule, but their connection feels not only authentic but inevitable. Their meet cute is so endearing, and the fierce love they share is evident throughout the entire book.
Unquestionably, Ronin is wonderful man who is devoted to Evelyn, but he’s hiding something. I had my heart in my throat waiting to uncover the complete truth and how it might affect them. Their best friends, Lila and Graham, have a complicated relationship. Their dynamic fascinated me and kept me guessing.
The character development is exceptional. Evelyn is my favorite. I was immediately drawn to her imperfections and easy nature. Her love for her family, friends, and just life in general is contagious. Her joy was my joy; her heartache was my heartache.
The Life That Mattered is the first book in the Life Duet, and it has a cliffhanger that tested my sanity. I love puzzles, though, and this book leaves many pieces to put together. I finished the last sentence and then went back and re-read the prologue and a few other passages at least a half dozen times. I have absolutely no idea where this story is heading, but I can’t wait to get my hands on [b:The Life You Stole|49970354|The Life You Stole (Life Duet, #2)|Jewel E. Ann|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1578940665l/49970354._SY75_.jpg|72582970] to find out.
Recommended for fans of:
Romantic suspense
Love at first sight
Skiing
Hot buns (the kind you eat)
I’m still trying to wrap my brain around what I just read, but what I do know is that The Life That Mattered knocked my socks off. With painstaking execution, this entirely unique, consuming, passionate, and thought-provoking novel puts Jewel E. Ann’s literary sorcery on full display. Nice to see you again, Book Hangover.
There is a lot to unpack in the synopsis. Olympic skier, fashion designer, chemist, bath shop owner, what sounds like a foursome, love story, tragedy, thriller... Say what? If I’m honest, it had me confused and a bit hesitant to read the book. If other readers are similarly conflicted, here’s all you really need to know: Two main characters fall in love. They are best friends with another couple. The four of them aren’t swingers. Some crazy sh*t happens and it will leave you reeling.
Ronin and Evelyn are two people who fall deeply in love very quickly. I abhor instant love in fiction as a general rule, but their connection feels not only authentic but inevitable. Their meet cute is so endearing, and the fierce love they share is evident throughout the entire book.
Unquestionably, Ronin is wonderful man who is devoted to Evelyn, but he’s hiding something. I had my heart in my throat waiting to uncover the complete truth and how it might affect them. Their best friends, Lila and Graham, have a complicated relationship. Their dynamic fascinated me and kept me guessing.
The character development is exceptional. Evelyn is my favorite. I was immediately drawn to her imperfections and easy nature. Her love for her family, friends, and just life in general is contagious. Her joy was my joy; her heartache was my heartache.
The Life That Mattered is the first book in the Life Duet, and it has a cliffhanger that tested my sanity. I love puzzles, though, and this book leaves many pieces to put together. I finished the last sentence and then went back and re-read the prologue and a few other passages at least a half dozen times. I have absolutely no idea where this story is heading, but I can’t wait to get my hands on [b:The Life You Stole|49970354|The Life You Stole (Life Duet, #2)|Jewel E. Ann|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1578940665l/49970354._SY75_.jpg|72582970] to find out.
Recommended for fans of:
Romantic suspense
Love at first sight
Skiing
Hot buns (the kind you eat)
*I received an early copy of this book to voluntarily read.*
jackiemcee's review against another edition
4.0
I've read the spoilers but gave it the benefit of the doubt and finished reading it. Evelyn is one of those relatable Heroines. Ronin is fine, I guess. Lila is well, an unworthy bestfriend in my imagination. But Graham, he's the most stable among them and I find his connection with Evelyn better than Ronin. The plot? I'm still thinking if it's sci-fi or paranormal. It's weird. Have you read Christine Zolendz' Mad World Series? Yup, that one isn't weird at all and I think Jewel Ann should get some pointers from her if she wants to try this genre again.
jennyluvlitbooks's review against another edition
4.0
"For me, I felt like we were a fact— the sky was blue, water was wet, the wind blew. Ronin and Evelyn just were."
The Life That Mattered is the first book in this duet and tells a story of four people, four friends, who have experienced life's joy and pain.
The story is mostly Evelyn and Ronin, who have an instant connection that defied reasons. Evelyn's bestfriends, Lila and Graham, who are also a couple have a major play in this emotionally gripping story.
I couldn't say much but that you should dive into this blind, like I did for any book of this author. All I can say that there were funny moments that made me laugh so hard, experience love so profound, feel the loyalty of family and friendship brings, that life is really short and enjoy life to the fullest while you can. It will make you think how far will you go for your loved one or a friend.
A truly remarkable story and I couldn't wait for the next installment!
The Life That Mattered is the first book in this duet and tells a story of four people, four friends, who have experienced life's joy and pain.
The story is mostly Evelyn and Ronin, who have an instant connection that defied reasons. Evelyn's bestfriends, Lila and Graham, who are also a couple have a major play in this emotionally gripping story.
I couldn't say much but that you should dive into this blind, like I did for any book of this author. All I can say that there were funny moments that made me laugh so hard, experience love so profound, feel the loyalty of family and friendship brings, that life is really short and enjoy life to the fullest while you can. It will make you think how far will you go for your loved one or a friend.
A truly remarkable story and I couldn't wait for the next installment!