Sex isn’t love. Love isn’t sex. And friendship is neither. The son of a French Olympic skier and a Malaysian fashion designer, Ronin Alexander has lived the life of a nomad, traveling the world to find his next adventure. Life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Evelyn, a beautiful scientist who owns a bath shop in Aspen, Colorado. They defy all the rules of relationships, falling hard and … relationships, falling hard and quickly in love.
Their world intertwines with Evelyn’s two best friends, the Governor and his soon-to-be wife. The four become close—very close.
When tragedy strikes, things from their pasts are unveiled—unimaginable truths and the grim realization that life will never be the same.
Jewel E. Ann steps into another dimension with this mind-bending thriller, a provocative story that pushes boundaries and tests the true meaning of love.
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This author continuously blows me away. Her words flow like honey throughout this whole entire. The rate I read this book was CRAZY!! She put me in lust of Ronin. I felt like a 3rd wheel with these two. She definitely sucks you into the story and holds your attention until the devastatingly, cliffhanging end.
Ronin and evie meet in a coffee shop. From there, their story is raw, steamy and over the top amazing. It is a story you need to read for yourself and I will not post any spoilers. It is a MUST READ, 5+ stars book that you will fall in love with, and then beg for the next book!
The Life That Mattered by Jewel E. Ann is book 1 in the Life Duet. It’s a tangled, intense, intriguing, angsty, emotional rollercoaster suspenseful romance that will have you on the edge of your bed. I literally was just trying to get answers when the author threw that twist in and ended up on that turn. OMG!!! Now I’m dying to know what happens . This book will leave you with a definite book hangover. I can’t wait to find out what happens next ….
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Please hold me. From the very start, I spent my whole time reading scared of what will happen next. To say this book is thrilling and suspenseful is an understatement. I feel like I was trying to decipher everything to give me a hint at how much this story was going to hurt. The premise behind the story is so fascinating and I don’t really know what to do with myself while waiting for the second part. No clue what direction it’s going….. I am really not going to say much because you really should experience this with very little idea of what it’s about. Just know that the author is a genius and skillful story teller and you won’t be disappointed.
This review is going to be short. (Or it would be 10 pages of me praising the book and yeah – no one wants to read that!)
This book, like many other Jewel E. Ann books, is remarkable and extraordinary. She takes these characters and makes them real; she makes you fall in love, makes you invested in their lives and beings, and makes them part of you.
Ronin and Evelyn are characters you will never forget. This book is so much more than a romance, it’s a lifetime (or possibly lifetimes) of connection. Beautiful writing, unique story are just two of the reasons this book was a 5 Blush read.
Just believe me when I say, “reading this book is a must!”. I can not wait for book 2 – it’s my most anticipated read of 2020!
The Life That Mattered was outstanding, mind blowing, addictive, and unforgettable. I still feel overwhelmed, anxious, consumed and with an emptiness on my being that can’t be filled with other stories, trust me I tried….I’m in a HUGE Book Hangover. I need book 2 ASAP!!!!
But what I love the most is that I’m satisfied. This unconventional story leaves my brain with an entranced smile. My brain loves to be challenged and Jewel offers that, stories that not only leave you wanting for more, her stories take you to another level where you build scenarios, create theories, solving puzzles, trying to predict the story but nothing that you think is what it is. With Jewel we have to expect the unexpected and wait until the grand finale.
I can’t tell you much about the story, it’s Evie and Ronin’s story, a heartwarming story, not a conventional one, not with this author. Their romance is mixed with mystery, unusual episodes, full adrenaline that will blow your mind. Wait for Jewel to give you pieces of this puzzle and try to put them together if you can.
Jewel E. Ann has become my one click author, you can’t loose with her stories. It only takes just one of her book to fall hard for her a to become her biggest fan, so make this one that ONE. Thankfully, book two is coming February 20th!!!!
*´`*•.6 STAR REVIEW•TOP READ LIST.•*´`*
“My heart wants to beat with yours.”
I’m convinced The Life That Mattered will be my number one #TopRead of 2020! This story is a mind-blowing enigma, the writing is phenomenal, and it will leave you filled with conjectures and thinking about it long after you’ve reached the end. TLTM is a beautiful and moving love story, my heart ached reading along as Ronin and Evelyn met and fell in love. As if it was Fate.
“Life was about breaths and heartbeats. A smile. A wink. The squeeze of a hand. Sunrises and sunsets. The rest…it was all extra.”
The poignant and gripping prologue made me feel anxious, the feeling continued to grow throughout the story, and it became full-blown anxiety when I reached the cliffhanger ending. I kept going back to the beginning and read the prologue at least eight times while reading the story, I couldn’t get rid of my feeling of despair, guessing something tragic was going to happen to change the lives of any and all the main characters. You’ll understand what I mean.
“She was the beginning and the end, the mother of my children, the keeper of my heart, the reason my lungs took breaths, my absolute favorite…everything. Wanting her felt like an honor. Needing her felt like a failure.”
This incredibly moving romance was filled with mysticism and makes one question one’s beliefs, but please don’t let that deter you from this beautiful story if you think that doesn’t sound appealing. TLTM left me an emotional mess; I feel rudderless, adrift at sea and completely lost, not knowing what to expect in the second book. As excited as I am to get my hands on The Life You Stole, book numer two, I’m a little fearful and nervous to read the conclusion. But I will, I have to, while repeating to myself: it’s a romance; it HAS to end in a happy ever after. Right? Right!
“I would always remember how falling in love at any age felt like taking your first steps. Sometimes it happened slowly, and other times it took off. And all you could do was go with the momentum and hope you didn’t fall too hard.”
You’ve read the blurb and have an idea of what’s to come. Two lifelong best friends, married to two very different men, their lives intertwined in a way that is hard to understand. They couldn’t be more different; one couple seemingly ambitious and on the rise and the other content to live the life they have, no more and no less.
“Just like I couldn’t rush winter or slow down summer, Graham and Lila were in a different season of their lives than Ronin and me. If I wanted to keep my relationship with them, I had to accept that.”
I hate to say anything more, please go in blind and enjoy this amazing story!
“You’re like the sun, Evelyn. No matter how you try to cover it up or hide it, it’s always shining.”
“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!
What a story, this book took me on a ride and kept my attention until the very last page. I love the covers for this duo. I’m hoping Jewel E Ann puts me out of misery early on in book 2.
Evelyn is the third wheel to her in her group of best friends, they are getting married. Sometimes she feels like she’s intruding on their alone time. Graham and Lila have one thing common their love and friendship for Evelyn. While on vacation together Evelyn meets Ronin a gorgeous man who she doesn’t think she’ll see again. These two had an instant connection.
I loved the banter and the way Evelyn and Ronin came together. They are so cute together and so different. The four of them have a close friendship but as time goes on Lila and Graham are busy and Evelyn feels a little lonely. She misses her friends.
Jewel E Ann wrote an emotional romance that I couldn’t put down. My heart broke for the characters several times. I laughed a lot as well and really enjoyed this book. I need the conclusion ASAP!
Leave it to Jewel E Ann to write another spell-binding and captivating story. I had a strong feeling going into this story, that it was going to wreck me. This phenomenal author has proven her ‘shock-factor abilities before so, I was prepared for anything… I was wrong though. So wrong. In no way whatsoever, was I prepared for this story and I was definitely not prepared for that cliffhanger!!
I am going to keep this review as vague as possible, because this story should be read with as little spoilers as possible. Just jump in blind … you don’t need them. All I can say is that this isn’t your typical love story. Even though the main characters Evie and Ronin are oh so awesome, this story involves more than just 2 people… … Two couples entwined, connected through their past and the future. Jewel E Ann is the ultimate mind-bending romance storyteller.
The Life That Mattered is a unique, thought provoking novel filled with suspense, intrigue, friendship, chemistry, love, and soulmates. A book about a beautiful once in a lifetime connection that has romance, emotion, and angst. I completely fell in love with this story and this couple. I’m addicted and obsessed, and can’t wait for more in book 2, The Life You Stole.
I havn’t read a Jewel E Ann book in a while and boy have I missed the fresh and unique perspective she puts on a romance novels! This one started out so good, I was so intrigued by it from the very first line. As the story developed, it was so full of depth, I was on the edge of my seat when major details came to light! Even the secondary characters were interesting! The big plot twist was a little hard for me to wrap my brain around, but wow was that different! I really enjoyed reading, now I just need the second book!
Well suffice it to say that Jewel has yet again created an epic story that scorches your soul with an emotional blunt force impact AND . I . Loved . Every . Word . The story of Evie and Ronin is beautiful, romantic, fun, heartbreaking, terrifying and the anticipation of the next page is more than anxiety provoking. From the ominous Prologue to Evie & Ronin’s close relationship with Evie’s best friends Lila & Graham there is a sense of foreboding and tragedy even though everyone is surrounded by incredible love. This book is so riveting and enticing, the writing is brilliant, the characters are amazingly well developed and realistic. I am so excited for Book #2, The Life You Stole, to see how this story all ties together. This will easily be your next 1 click!!!
I am completely and totally wrecked! This book y’all…it killed me. Jewel E. Ann is brilliant. Her stories are original and never before heard of. This one is fantastic. I inhaled every word and was left short of breath and reeling. Perfection at its finest right here. If you’re looking for a completely different and new story with powerful words…it’s right here. Hell, read all of Jewel’s books. You will NOT regret it!
A wonderful love story!
I received this ARC for an honest review. Thank you!
The life That Mattered is the first book in the duet Life by Jewell E. Ann. I love this first part of the duet. It was amazing. The author wrote a perfect love story.
That day in Vancouver, it felt like so much more than a stop along my way. It felt like I had arrived.
Evelyn and Ronin meet in a coffee shop and they began talking and joking and they feel that they have something special and they want to continue to see each other. Their first meeting was magic.
I think that their story could be an anyone love story. We see them fall in love, being boyfriend and girlfriend, meeting the parents, married life and being together. They were so sweet together and they fit together.
I gave her my arms. They couldn’t fix anything, but maybe they’d hold her together. I was certain they were made to do exactly that.
We see them how they support each other through hardship. It was an amazing journey to see them. In my opinion, Ronin, and Evie are the perfect couple. I love Ronin and how he loves Evie and how he protects her. The life That mattered has some twists that I don’t see coming. I recommend to everyone this book. This book will surely be one of my top reads of this year.
„The Life That Mattered” written by Jewel E. Ann was my first book from this author.
I saw this book the first time and I said that I need to read it. Why? Because this cover!!
It is freaking awesome!
When I started reading this story I was a little shocked. Third chapter… WTF? What I am reading?
It was really weird, but from chapter to chapter I was more into this world.
„The Life That Mattered” took my heart and now I am broken with waiting for the next book in this „Life Duet”.
Jewel E. Ann has a gift to create a fantastic and real heroes in her books. Yes, I think that, even through I read only one book written by her.
Ronin Alexander is a nomad. He is also a handsome, mystery boy, which took Evelyn heart so easily.
Evelyn is a girl with ambitions. She has her own bath & body shop, where she sells the natural soaps and shower gels.
Both of them meet in Vancouver where she is with her friends. Two weeks later they meet again in Aspen. Evie lives here and Ronin takes a new job in ski patrol.
Theirs rendez- vous were spontaneous and on one of these BOOM! Everythign changes.
As I wrote in the beginning, this was my first Jewel E. Ann book. I am in love! The heroes are perfect. The plot are fantastic! I cried, laughed and had so many emotions while reading!
This story is brilliant and lovely. „The Life That Mattered” is one of best book which I read in this month. Can’t wait for the next book in this duet!
It hasn’t been a full day since I finished TLTM and I am still speechless. I said to myself that I would wait until the second book to come out to read both back-to-back, but come one, this is Jewel E. Ann we’re talking about. And after having read book 1 of this unique duet, I don’t know if my heart could have taken it. Seriously, if this is your first time reading a Jewel E. Ann book, prepare yourself to read slowly (uhm that Prologue was/is like Woah). You need to take your time, I started on a Friday and did not finish until early afternoon on a Sunday.
Cast of Characters: Evelyn “Evie”, Lila, Graham and Ronin, oh Roe, you man are something special. But don’t go by this list, pay particular attention to the other secondary characters.
You know I really cannot too much, you really need to immerse yourself and play close attention to details. Let’s just say, the angst in this book and the mind f@#$@$ is real. The theories that will play on loop in your mind, will be real. The anxiety-induced headache between chapters, will be real.
This author can re-write the phone book (if we still used them) and will make us question our life’s choices, that is how talented she is. Each book she writes is unique and it is probably why I didn’t wait for the second book to read to start this duet.
Prepare yourselves, ladies and gentlemen you will too suffer the #JewelEAnnEffect.
The one thing I know about a Jewel E Ann book is be prepared for the unexpected. Once again, my mind is blown by this whole story and concept and OMG! Straight up, this is book one which means book two is coming.. But thankfully it is coming SOON! But this story is just wow! It is raw, passionate and emotional that takes you on a unique roller coaster right that leaves you pretty much speechless. I honestly have zero adequate words to describe this book!
Between the dynamics of the couples in this book and the histories shared, the complexity of this storyline will leave you with your jaw dropped. The world that was created and the depth of it left me begging for more. Bring on book two because I need it… STAT!
One thing I love about this author is her unique stories, ones that have you thinking outside of the box. This book is one that has you questioning the natural order of things… the what if scenario… and it’s as scary as …!
Filled with angst, this is a sexy romance with many heart stopping moments; this book will hold you captive til the last page has been read!
Seriously what a cliffhanger … I can’t even right now! My head is filled with too many thoughts. I really need time to process!!
As with every Jewel’s story, you know what you’re in for but she still manages to add surprises.
I felt like I was gasping for air for most of this book. The angst is a killer.
Evelyn and Roe are absolutely adorable, great chemistry, great banter they just fit together. Do yourself a favor go in with an open mind.
Waiting for the next part will be hard. I’m absolutely terrified about what’s to come.
Reviewer: Phyl
I am not sure where to start this review for this book. I have no words and yet want to tell you all the things about this story. The Life That Mattered, book 1 in The Life Duet, by Jewel E. Ann was completely unexpected and totally mesmerizing. I was captivated throughout and then broken. I have so many questions and cannot wait to get my hands on the second book. There is so much I want to share, but really, this is a story you must read and just experience. Trust me, go in blind. Evelyn and Ronin meet and you will love how they meet and fall, but then there is Lila and Graham. What does it all mean and where will it lead? That ending left me at the edge of my seat and I cannot wait for the final book in the duet.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
This author’s work never ceases to amaze me. I mean, how is it possible that her stories manage to take over my life even when I’m not reading them. The Life That Mattered is not the exception. With a blurb that doesn’t reveal much and a prologue that doesn’t give away much as well, I was left wondering how and when the impact to my heart would come, because if there’s one thing I’m sure that happens with her books is that in any moment, in an unexpected moment, she’ll grab your heart, break it into a million pieces, drag it through the mud and stomp over it. And I live by that. I absolutely love it.
The thing I loved the must about this one is how real the characters were portrayed and how every moment they lived, felt like I was living it too, from the funny moments to the angsty ones. And all the moments in between where I was either swooning my heart out or biting my nails off because I was stressed from all the wondering of what was going to happen next. I felt any and every emotion the characters were experiencing.
This is a unique story, with realistic characters that you’ll find impossible not to fall in love with and the kind of chemistry that has you feeling fireworks exploding right into the depths of your soul.
Brilliant, beautiful and intriguing.