“My name is Scarlet Stone, and my biggest fear is that someday I will find what I want most in life, and it will be impossible to steal.” What happens when life just stops? When one moment makes you question your entire existence? Scarlet Stone is a third-generation thief who has everything: a doting fiancé, a spacious London flat, and a legitimate job offer. In a single breath, everything … breath, everything becomes nothing, and she finds herself on a plane to Savannah, Georgia in search of the meaning of life.
After securing a six-month lease for a beachfront house on Tybee Island, Scarlet changes the way she looks, thinks, eats—basically her entire outlook on life. She needs peace, but what she gets is a housemate who looks like Thor, acts like a warden, and smells her proximity like a Bloodhound.
Theodore Reed is a carpenter and perfectionist with a body built of steel, a black, hollow heart, and a hunger for revenge. He doesn’t like company, girly-smelling crap, and British accents.
He resents every breath she takes.
She’s fascinated by his every move.
In time, they discover their coexistence is toxic, their physical attraction is electric, the secrets they keep mean the difference between life and death, and the only truth they share is that everything is a lie.
“Over eighty-five percent of the world’s population believes in a higher power, yet, very few people believe in miracles.”
Do you believe?
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I’m amazed by this author’s way to tell a story. It’s hard to say or describe what I’ve read BUT I couldn’t put it down and when I did put it down (RL and all) the characters and their story didn’t go far from my mind. Phenomenal!
Quote ~ ~ “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ~ ~
Quote ~ ~ A lot of highly-educated people have been told what to think, therefore, they think they know it all. The other segment of the population has to figure out how to think, therefore they question everything. ~ ~
Quote ~ ~ My life is nothing more than bad timing separated by unimaginable moments of tragedy. ~ ~
Quote ~ ~ I am only weak if I can’t admit my imperfections. ~ ~
I loved and hated this story and these characters SO MUCH and even here, at the end, I’m not really sure how I feel. Between wanting to yank out my hair, desperately holding onto my kindle so that it wouldn’t end up smashed against the wall. yelling out loud at these people as if they were real or would really listen, and crying freaking tears, I’m exhausted. And that’s how you know how incredibly talented Jewel E. Ann is. She made me go through what felt like a battle and I’m experiencing some strange form of euphoria. I’m not sure if it’s because of how interesting the journey was or because I actually made it to the end in one piece, but I feel extremely triumphant!
However, I had some real issues with these characters. Serious issues.
Scarlet was too damn nosey. Why did she find it necessary to be in everyone’s business, but she wasn’t honest herself? This aggravated me to no end
I don’t care how deep a man’s emotions run, if he constantly tells you what you share means nothing and that YOU are nothing, why are you still willing to give him everything?
When a man sits idly by when you hold a gun to your head and pull the trigger, regardless of the fact that he knows that the gun isn’t loaded, YOU believe it is… he is not the man for you
When a man constantly accosts you, physically intimidates you, verbally abuses you… he is not the man for you
If you find yourself tied to a chair, peeing your pants, all while he does his usual of degrading you, and then puts a knife to your throat and cuts your back… he is not the man for you
But then again, Scarlet wasn’t the woman for him either. These two were a PBS special on toxicity and while it was hella entertaining to read, it was equally disturbing.
I’m still trying to figure out why Nolan played a big yet insignificant part in this story
And why was everyone tied together by less than six degrees of separation? While I enjoyed the part Oscar played in this story, I could have done without him falling in love. He should have just continued being there for emotional support and comic relief.
Is it weird that despite how awful Theo was, I still fell in love with him? Maybe that’s more about how twisted I am than anything else. He really was terrible though and I loved every minute of it!! Well, he did have some sweet moments…
So, in conclusion, this was an awesome story about a girl who was trying to find the meaning of life, of her life, and found her meaning in a man. What else is new? But the ride people… the ride … addictive and entertaining and I highly recommend it!
Ruby Thy Name Is Scarlet…..Scarlet Stone! You’ll be blood red with vital energy and a spirit to live as much as you can. Life should be BIG not LENGTHY is her motto which propels her on a rescue mission for her own soul.
My name is Scarlet Stone, and I’m a third-generation thief with a one-way ticket to Savannah, an ex-fiancé on his way to Africa, and a copy of Eckhart Tolle’s Stillness Speaks in my messenger bag. My goal is to figure out the meaning of life or die trying.
Happenstance meeting with Death Grip Bloke Nolan on the plane, lands her smack dab in the middle of a chaotic-neurotic family.
Theodore Reed happens to be an extra Anal Retentive perfectionist. Most scary when he’s wearing a tool belt
She needs him like she needs a carafe of bitter, smelly, herbal tea but beggars can’t be choosers, so here we all are!!
Circumstances change so fast, I was falling in love with Scarlet one moment and cursing her existence the next….I hugged and sobbed with Theodore, my partner-in-grief
“Fuck you, Scarlet Stone. Fuck you for taking my heart. Fuck you for … for …”
I. Really. Fucking. Hate. This. Life.”
Jewel is an evil, cruel, sadistic, knife welding, gut gouging, walking-talking hangman….actually hang woman if they have women in those jobs
The whole story is a web of lies and secrets and blackmail and deceptions. It’s so interesting that these handful of characters are entwined by fate and no matter how the dice rolls, my heart got broken every which way.
“Not every day is a parade with fireworks, but every breath counts. Life is incredibly fucking hard, rarely fair, and always unpredictable. Most days, surviving is as good as it gets.”
Oscar to Nellie, Daniel to Scarlet, Theo to Braxton Ames and Harold, Nolan, Yimini and Bell somewhere in between.
Everyone suffers, everyone dies a little as the story progresses, but the biggest victim is the reader.
It shall churn your insides when you realise the ultimate twist Jewel has written ends up destroying EVERYTHING !!
“Theodore Reed doesn’t hate me—he hates that he loves me. He hates that I came into his life when I did. Loving me is killing him. We are two wounded creatures suffering from unspeakable pain that has marred the decent people we once were. But right now, my existence is too agonizing for both of us, and I no longer want to be here.”
Let it go on record- I HATED THEO and what he did, tho I pretend to understand. This is my dilemma with jewel’s characters. Why can’t they behave themselves when I’m yelling at them so loudly. If only they listened to me in the first place, I wouldn’t end up curled up on the floor, face planted in a towel to soak my tears cause I’ve run out of tissues…WHY!!!!!!!!!!!
So to end my rant, you should read this book even if it kills you, meanwhile I need to go in search of a lost man and hug him hard!
Oscar walks around Savannah from sunrise to sunset, stopping at book stores and coffee shops.
I need to go take him to jewel’s house so she can give him his own book…I don’t care how dammit!!
The writing is as usual SUPERB from page 1 to epilogue. There’s not a single sentiment sidelined, not a single emotion neglected. she’s used them all in bucketfulls. There’s angst, there’s laughs, there’s sarcasm and ironies galore. Her fertile brain is abundant with rich writing and even after so many books, never has she repeated a line or a plot. That itself makes her worthy of a six star crown. And that is why she’s my fave, though she makes me snotty-cry miserable at times…..but I understand!!!
5 stars for Songs Of Scarlet
5 SCARLET STONE STARS!! Wow…..I am still living in Scarlet’s world!! I can’t get this story out of my head. I absolutely loved this book, it held me captive all the way through. Scarlet and Theo’s story has all the feels with some suspense and sexiness. This author’s storytelling is phenomenal, her words are so mesmerizing you become part of the story. I highly recommend this book, it is so worth the download.
Where do I begin on this one…Just when you think your heart can’t take anymore anguish, the story just keeps pushing the knife in and twisting it harder..This book was so hard to put down, until I finished it. And then you just say “WOW”… One of my favorite lines from it is: “Love is a brutal emotion. That’s how I’m certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, it’s our sole purpose in life. Love is the heartbeat of our existence-the essence of humanity. In every life we try to do it better.”
Scarlet Stone
Jewel E Ann
Reviews on goodreads Amazon and the book addicts
Holy poop!!! I mean seriously the omg moment in this book where is all comes together is beyond anything I have read lately ! I love that there is so much content in this story.. You just never know what’s on the next page… She keeps you guessing..
I loved every freaking exceptional minute of it !! I have yet to be disappointed by the great mind that is Jewel E Ann.. She is beyond great!! I love when you just get sucked in.. And boy did I.. I can’t wait for more from this lovely author!!
Scarlet Stone is a must read! It’s an emotional roller coaster filled with humor and romance. A one of a kind story that will have you hooked.
“My name is Scarlet Stone, and I am a third-generation thief.”
When Scarlet leaves London, she leaves behind her fiance and lifestyle looking to find her purpose in life. No more computers, tablets, or phones. No more hacking and stealing. She will just follow her curiosity and allow her days to flow freely.
Scarlet ends up living with a grouchy roommate near the beach in Savannah. She finds peace and zen, but her roommate is always in the back of her mind. There’s just something about him that she recognizes. Pain.
Theodore Reed wants revenge. He doesn’t want anything else in his life. No relationship. No commitments. But Scarlet’s curiosity and bravery has a way of breaking down some deep walls.
Their relationship isn’t normal. Sometimes it’s physically brutal, and sometimes it’s pure bliss. Funny and sad. I absolutely loved them, and I’m so sad this book is now over for me.
My favorite thing about all of Jewel E. Ann’s books are the characters. They are always unique with some odd endearing habit. Even though they have flaws, they are so easy to love. Jewel E. Ann will always be one of my favorite authors. She knows how to write an addictive story that you’ll want to reread. If you have never read one of her books… please please please start now!
I would like to live instead Jewel’s head for a day. The stories that she comes up with are so unique and inventive. I didn’t want to live inside this one due to the nature of the book but I devoured the book just the same. I will admit, I was a little hesitant in the beginning on whether I was going to like this book or not. It took a little to get into but once I dug into the grittiness of it, I was hooked. Scarlet Stone is a dark, gritty, mean, and full of life. It dug into your consciousness and made you really think.
Jewel somehow always knows how to push her characters into a zone where you don’t think they can redeem themselves but somehow, they redeem themselves. These characters are so much different than some of her previous books that I’ve read of hers. Scarlet reminds me of Jessica from her End of Day series. However, I think this book was written first so technically, Jessica Day should have reminded me of Scarlet. I’m reading out of her book order, oops!
This book has a lot of triggers but definitely worth the read. Jewel E. Ann never ceases to amaze me with her words.
“Nothing lasts forever. That is the only truth we are guaranteed in life.”
“We shame ourselves way too much for our most raw and true feelings.”
“I don’t think it’s possible to shatter a person’s world without scarring your soul.”
This last quote may be my favorite:
“Life is incredibly fucking hard, rarely fair, and always unpredictable. Most days, surviving is as good as it gets.”
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Scarlet has followed in her father’s footsteps and is a thief, at least she was until her life got knocked off coarse. She left London, her father and Daniel to find peace in her life and discover who she really was. Happenstance lands her as the roommate to an angry Theo. There is a fine line between love and hate.
I was craving an angsty, emotional read and who better to fulfill that requirement. I really didn’t know anything about Scarlet Stone before jumping in but that is part of the thrill of a Jewel book you never know what kind of story she will give you. Scarlet will make you laugh as she torments Theo, he will make you want to club him and combust all at the same time. Besides these 2 strong characters we got the fun of Nellie and Oscar woven into the story. This book will devastate your heart a couple of times but the author will piece it back together slowly. In case the emotional ride isn’t enough for you there are a few surprises thrown in to keep you on your toes.
This Quote from Jewel E. Ann’s story sums it up.
Every life matters,but never one more than another. Sometimes silence holds more meaning than words. And love …it’s infinitely impossible to define,but unequivocally, without any doubt, the reason we are here.
So cleverly written, just when you’ve picked your mouth off the floor it drops again bc she added another layer to story. Twist and turns I love the unexpected she leaves you guessing right to the end. Great character, great couple Scarlet and Theo such a wonderful read
5 Stars
I am embarrassed to admit that this is my first Jewel E. Ann read. I don’t know why it’s taken me thins long. I have so many of her books on my TBR and kindle- but always seemed to get waylaid by other books. Now I’m really peeved that it’s taken me so long to discover what everyone else already knows- Jewel E. Ann Rocks!! This story was fantastic, and I have vowed to make my way through all her books on my TBR before the end of the year. This is a new addition to my reading challenge for the year, but one I’m going to really enjoy crossing off the list!
I Freaking LOVED this book!! With fudge sauce and sprinkles!! I was hooked before I’d even finished the first chapter and devoured the story much like a starving man at an all-you-can-eat-buffet!
The characters were quirky and endearing. The story was really intriguing, with lots of emotion, and some really funny banter, antics, and scenes. I won’t go into the story here, because I don’t want to spoil it for you- I think you are best off going in blind and letting Jewel E. Ann and the story surprise you. But, if you really need to know something about it before you dive in, then the blurb does a fantastic job of wetting the appetite!
A lot of Scarlet’s ‘wisdom’, thoughts, and pondering really resonated with me, and really made me pause- very thought provoking!
The story twists and turns and has great tension- it had me on the edge of my seat much of the time. It is HOT and steamy- with pain, drama, and a touch of angst to the story- which was a great foil to the passion.
The ending was everything!!!! Just perfect!!
What a wonderful introduction to this talented author’s work!
PERFECT!!!
Thank you, Jewel E. Ann!!!
4.5 stars. This was a deep read. It was twisty and angsty and filled with hard tough love. Theo and Scarlet had something crazy and maddening. Their love was a necessity. It kept them alive. There were so many heartbreaking points to this story, but in the end it became beautiful. I liked the enemies to lovers aspect as well. Learning why each of them were the way they were was like peeling back layers on a flower until you reach their hearts. This book was much more than I expected. I loved it. The end was a little rushed for me, that was the only thing I wish I had more of.
Jewel E. Ann NEVER disappoints! I have read ever book she has written and loved them all. The characters are real and their dialogue witty. After lots of angst and always a big plot twist, there is a “happily ever after”. Read Scarlet Stone and you too will be hooked on Jewel!
Jewel has this way of creating characters you need to love! And this plot. What a great story!
Her name is Scarlet Stone and I really dig her. I think she’s all kinds of crazy cool. Now Theo on the other hand, I had a love/hate relationship with him. I thought Scarlet made the the whole book. When we first get introduced to Theo, I was looking for the WTF button so I could hit it.
“He’s so unpredictable, and grumpy, and he has this angry passion that consumes me.”
Uh yeah he is, the dude had some serious WTF? moments. But on the other hand, towards the end, I loved the way he loves Scarlet. The HEA with those two was absolutely perfect.
My favorite…“Every life matters, but never one more than another. Sometimes silence holds more meaning than words. And love … it’s infinitely impossible to define, but unequivocally, without any doubt, the reason we are here.” Yes!
There is no doubt – you cannot go wrong with a story written by Jewel E Ann. I’ve said this before. Her writing, storytelling and characters are phenomenal. Love is powerful. Who are we to each other? What is our purpose? Scarlet Stone is starting over. Theodore Reed is set out for revenge. They are both engaging and unique characters. With interesting flaws and intense chemistry, they attempt to navigate around each other. One minute your laughing at the hilarious banter and the next you’re heart is being ripped out and then the next it’s being pieced back together. A main character or a secondary character – it doesn’t matter, they all have a depth to them that makes them real and human. A depth so simple yet still so very complex. Scarlet Stone is a romantic tale like only Jewel can do – all the elements captured in one intense, sexy, funny and life affirming ride.
“If this life-this moment-is a lie, then the truth will never matter to me.”
This is the second book I read by Jewel E. Ann, One was the first book and it really impressed me. So I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. I pretty much went in blind and the only expectations I had were that this book would be unique with very intriguing characters. The author did not disappoint at all. This book was amazing and I just couldn’t get enough. All the characters were so great and made this story phenomenal.
Scarlet is my spirit animal, I want to be her when I grow up. I could really identify with her and understood why she did certain things. She as fun, badass, independent but also very caring and sweet. She is one of my all time favorite female characters. As for Theo, he is one of my favorite book boyfriends of 2016! He was so rough around the edges, ultimate alpha male, is angry at the world but also very protective. He was such a complex character and it was hard to figure him out at the beginning. He is not your average boy next door or cocky bad boy book boyfriend, he is one of a kind! There was so much going on in this book and it fit perfectly together. There were a couple of very difficult and heartbreaking scenes and I couldn’t contain my tears. Scarlet’s father Oscar was also one of my favorite characters in this book, and I want to know more about him.
You have never read a book like this one. It was so unique and amazing. I was hooked and I didn’t want it to end. Nowadays it is very difficult to find books that have original/not-done-yet story-lines, but Jewel E. Ann is one of the authors that delivers. I highly recommend you to give this book a try, because you won’t be disappointed. It is emotional, funny, inspiring and uplifting. Nothing is as it seems. I hope you guys fall in love with the characters as much as I did.
Well damn… why didn’t I read this sooner?!!! Another winner from Jewel E. Ann. God I love her books, the characters, the whole plot, just book bliss!!!
Scarlet leaves behind all that she knows to find herself and the meaning of life. She finds so much more. Her mother’s birth place. A crazy southern family. A bitter man filled with anger. A mystery to solve.
The author has created a bevy of unusual characters. Scarlet Stone the character defies description. She is strong, vulnerable, hopeful, broken. She is filled with pain, regret, and wants. Her devotion is almost unbelievable. Theo Reed is a dark horse. His anger is beyond consuming. It’s like a cancer that spreads to every cell of his being. Forced to share a house with someone like Scarlet might drive him over the edge of reason. The secondary characters are a mixed lot. Yimin the Chinese herbalist says a lot without actually having much dialogue. Oscar Stone, Scarlet’s father, is disreputable, chivalrous, wise and loving. He should be a questionable character considering the life he led, but I couldn’t help seeing him as a wonderful, caring father.
Warned off by many people, Scarlet is a moth to Theo’s flame. These two couldn’t be more alike and more different. Their chemistry is caustic like a thick acrid smoke rising from a failed chemistry experiment…until it isn’t. Things happen. Circumstances change. Unfortunately for Scarlet, they keep changing. Scarlet Stone has more twists and turns than San Francisco’s Lombard Street, and unlike Lombard Street, the twist turn back onto themselves. With each turn, Scarlet reflects on something from her past and how it potentially impacted her present.
The story is mostly told from Scarlet’s point-of-view, but there are a handful of short chapters narrated by Theo. Scarlet slowly reveals her past and her present predicaments that led her to Tybee Island. Scarlet Stone is a metaphysical journey. Karma, Ayurveda healing, philosophy, the circle of life, and a little mystery had me laughing and feeling melancholy throughout the book. There is so much for the characters to be sad about, but the new Scarlet finds a way to appreciate every breath she takes. After all the angst and emotional turmoil, Author Jewel E. Ann brought tears to my eyes with her sweet epilogue. It’s an unexpected ending that will melt your heart.