“In another life, she was my forever.” An unexpected tragedy leaves Professor Nathaniel Hunt a widower alone with a newborn baby. He hires a nanny. She’s young, but well-qualified, with a simple life, a crazy name obsession, and a boyfriend she met at the grocery store. Over time, he discovers she knows things about him—things that happened before she was born—like a hidden scar on his head, his … hidden scar on his head, his favorite pizza, and how he cheated on a high school Spanish test.
She speaks familiar words and shares haunting memories that take him back to over two decades earlier when he lost his best friend in a tragic accident.
“I’m afraid of what’s going to happen when you realize I’m not her.”
Transcend is a sexy, mind-bending journey that uncovers possibilities, challenges beliefs, and begets the age-old question: is there life after death?
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Transcend by Jewel E. Ann is the first book of a duet series (book 2, Epoch, will be released in April 2018). I devoured this book in a day. I did have to read the first chapter a few times, but as the story progressed, it became evident how monumental the character set up is in that chapter.
I don’t know what I can say about this book without giving up the plot, so I’m focusing on the characters. Their inner struggles are heart wrenching. I loved Swayze. Her bizarre parents may have had good intention, but they missed out on a lot of precious family moments while they desperately tried to prove their daughter was gifted.
Swazye is tortured by her unexplained knowledge of people and memories that are unrelated to her life. She is an overwhelmingly empathetic character—as are all of the authors heroines. I loved how much she was in love her boyfriend, Griffin, and his family. Griffin is a big, tough-looking grease monkey who is a teddy bear on the inside. His family and upbringing are almost the polar opposite of Swayze’s.
“I want the Calloway life, where everything is measured in love, and time together is the ultimate gift.” –Swayze
I adored Griffin. He is just perfect—sweet, supportive, engaged, romantic, and handsome. I loved, loved, loved Swayze and Griffin together. Remember “cutest couple” from high school? Swayze and her “grocery store guy” would win that hands down!
When Swayze happens upon Nathaniel (Nate) Hunt, her somewhat balanced life is turned upside down. The push-pull was stressful for Swayze and me! The angst and drama steeply ramp up as both Swayze and Nate become emotionally embroiled in memories. An encounter with a rather creepy neighbor foreshadows a mystery to come, and it had me on the edge of my seat. I loved that the angst didn’t feel contrived, and it wasn’t a result of some stupid misbehavior or failure to communicate.
A premise I never would have guessed that I would enjoy immensely, characters I adored, relationships I am totally invested in, and the author’s quintessential writing style, made Transcend a #MustRead2018 book for me.
This was my first and certainly not my last book by Jewel E. Anne. Transcend is such a unique experience. I can’t really call it a story because I felt like I was living it though Swayze, Griffin and Nate. My review will be vague as the reader has to travel this journey to understand what’s happened, what’s happening and wonder what is yet to come. Swayze is such a well-developed character surrounded by so many people who love and support her. Her boyfriend, Griff, is such a contradictory. The motorcycle riding mechanic and health nut has so much love for Swayze it’s palpable. Nate, the Professor, is a newly single father with the weight of the world on his shoulders. I can’t really think of the right term for the relationship forming between characters. I felt Swayze’s pull throughout the book and sympathized with the decisions she is facing. Again, you have to read it and experience it on your own. Epoch is the second in this duet and I’m ecstatic that I can dive right into without a wait. Thank you Jewel for such an extraordinary book.
In my opinion, the best books are those which linger in your mind long after you’ve finished them. Transcend is one of those books. I won’t go into details about the plot but I will say I have never read anything like it before. Jewel is the mistress of the unexpected, of delivering all the emotions to her readers. So intriguing and unusual, so emotional and poignant, this story consumed me. It challenged me and my imagination and I simply loved it. Transcend is not a one dimensional story. It is a thought provoking read, but it is also a wonderful romance. I admit it had me gasping in shock and groaning at the characters antics at times, then jumping up and down clapping my hands like a fool at others. Liberally sprinkled with this author’s marvellous wit and humour, there’s laughter and tears and love and loss, all of which play their part in making this an exceptional book.
My advice is do not go in with any preconceived ideas. This is not a story that can be explained with mere words. You need to experience it, open your mind to all possibilities, absorb the emotions, enjoy these characters and their love for each other and let them sink into your heart.
1st bookin the duet & it is phenomenal! You will not see the ending coming! It does end on a cliffhanger BUT the 2ndbook releases Mon. April 9th. They are both just amazing!
Oh Wow! This story! I’m on edge and in desperate need of the second half!
What a fantastic storyline! It’s unique and enthralling and makes you think and question and I couldn’t wait to find out what is going on and what’s going to happen.
And the emotions, oh goodness! So many emotions! And I just want more of this story! It’s consumed me! I’m captivated by everything, the storyline, these incredible characters, the way Jewel Ann makes me feel like I’m living this while reading it! My heart was racing throughout this story! Fantastic writing and amazing storytelling! Jewel Ann writes the best damn characters and knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat!
“A single touch can say things twenty-six letters can’t even begin to say.”
Calling all Jewel E. Ann fans….yes, it’s another hit and something so far from anything else I have read recently. And yes, it is a dang cliff hanger, but that’s okay, we don’t have to wait too long. And I know that I am not alone when I tell you that when Epoch shows up on my Paperwhite, I may have to hide in a room by myself until I get answers…there will likely be a box of tissues, possibly alcohol and for sure chocolate! What if Epoch goes not the way I am secretly hoping it will? I have to say it took me some time to finish Transcend (not because I didn’t enjoy it….but one quote left me deep in thought and I just had to absorb it and let it sink in….thank you Professor Albright. Like other reviewers, there are no words to describe this book, it’s just one to be experienced.
How do you do it Jewel E. Ann? Every book of yours is a treasure. Unique.
I never know what I’m going to get when I start to read the first page of one of her books. What I do know and haven’t been wrong so far is her characters and stories are compelling and always leaves me wanting more and it’s the same with Transcend. This plot is so fascinating and something I’ve been thinking about too but now even more so after finishing Transcend. The reason I’m so vague about the plot is I don’t want to ruin it. I want the reader to go in blind just like I did and just revel in the story and enjoy the remarkable Swayze.
Swayze is a fabulous character and what she’s struggling with left me with wanting answers just like her. It’s a fickle situation Swayze is in and the way Jewel E. Ann has written this story is simply brilliant. I feel for Swayze and what’s she’s going through. Being pulled in two opposite directions that’s in a way out of her control. She has an amazing support system in her boyfriend and his family who I’m completely in love with.
I had so many questions and wanting so much for Swayze that my emotions were all over the place. Trying to figure out the meaning behind it all and Jewel E. Ann keeps surprising me with her famous twists.
The emotion of this story is palpable and I felt it in every word, in every interaction with these characters who feels so true and real. As I got closer to the final page I just kept wishing for it to continue. I want and need more not only from these characters but also this thrilling and intense story and thankfully there’s a second book – Epoch. All I have left to say is. Wow.
5 BadAssDirtySoulStars
Just when I was coming down from Ms. Ann’s last book Look the Part, she hits me again with all of the feels with this book. All. Of. The. Feels. Ms. Ann is, hands down, one of the best authors I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading in my long history of reading. It’s so easy to visualize the characters in this story, how they interact with each other, their feelings and emotions, the tension, the chemistry, it’s all just perfect, and I’m impatiently waiting for Epoch to be released!
I am a huge fan of this authors work and her storytelling, every book is so different from the last and beautifully written. Transcend though is just so unique and such a blast of fresh air. And it made writing this review hard because I don’t want to tell you anything other than this is a must read book.
This is one of those stories that embeds itself inside you and leaves you thinking about the characters for days after finishing. That you want to tell everyone they must read but you don’t want to tell them anything of the story so that they get to experience the rollercoaster of emotions for themselves.
Swayze, Griffin and Nate’s are all equally loveable chatacters and their stories intertwine to take us on a whirlwind of emotions that will leave you questioning what you thought you knew or maybe believed. I was on the edge trying to determine where this story was going till I just stopped trying to second guess and just let the story consume me. Then BOOM the end will leave you spinning and desperate for the second book of this duet.
Honestly, do not read the blurb, do not make any assumptions, do not read the reviews….yes even this one…go into this story completely blind and let the author take you for a ride you will love. Just read this book.
I can not wait to read Epoch to see how this story progresses and concludes.
Transcend is book 1 of a duet. It is a really unique story that was completely captivating. I started and finished reading it all in one day.
Swayze has always had moments of deja vu but when she sees Nathaniel, a recently widowed new father, she finds she has memories of him from before she was even born.
“Standing, I stare at my hand. The second I pressed it to his chest, it remembered the feel of his heartbeat. My f**ing hand remembers a heartbeat. How is that possible? And why can’t he remember me?”
Throw into this mix Swayze’s boyfriend, Griffin, a protective, possessive alpha, who cooks, cleans and has a super close knit family who embrace Swayze.
Amazing writing and a storyline that is a bit mystical, mysterious makes this book a truly addictive page turner. I can hardly wait to get my hands on Epoch.
-5 Stars
Sometimes, when a story is so good, I forget to take notes so I can write a review and do the book and its author justice. Such is the case with Transcend, the first book in the Transcend Duet, by Jewel E. Ann. The story is so intoxicating you don’t want to stop reading. It’s unique and intriguing. Right from the start you’re pulled in deep and don’t come up for air until the last page. The characters are so real yet so unique, the prose so smooth I find myself smiling then frowning, my heart rate erratic and then so full. Transcend has a storyline beyond the normal – thought provoking, compelling, romantic, heart-pounding. It’s nonstop entertainment from beginning to end. And that’s all I’m going to say because to feel the absolute pleasure this book provides you must read it. Epoch (part 2) releases April 6 and it can’t come fast enough
Jewel E. Ann is a GODDESS. This is only the second Jewel book I’ve actually read so far, and honestly she’s without a doubt become one of my favourite authors.
When I received the ARC signup opportunity from Social Butterfly PR, I actually signed up to Transcend without even reading the blurb because I KNEW this book was going to be incredible regardless. And my god was I right. Going in blind was the perfect decision, but even if you read the blurb first you’ll have no clue where the book is going, even at 85% I still wasn’t sure what was going to happen and I actually LOVED that. The unpredictability of this book was incredible, and honestly there was a part of me that didn’t really mind where the book went, because I was so invested in the journey. (There was also the part of me that messaged Jewel and messaged my book friends saying I was drowning in feels and that no one better hurt Griffin because I love him. Sorry not sorry, girl.)
This is truly a stunningly beautiful exploration of all types of love and loss, with mystery and intensity and family and loyalty all combined to create this awe inspiring tapestry of life, fate and love continuing after death. A lyrical poetic love story that reads as a sonnet to love, life and humanity.
Honestly it’s taken me almost 3 hours to write this review, I’ve been staring at my iPad trying to separate all the overwhelming feelings I’ve been bombarded with whilst reading this book so I can express the love I feel for it. This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, a heart wrenching journey of discovery, the possibilities of life after death and great loves.
Look, I’m going to be real honest here. When Epoch lands on my Kindle, the first thing I’m probably going to do is flip to the end. That’s not something I normally do, at all. As an adult, I can only think of one other book that I’ve ever done that with, and do you know who wrote that book? If you guessed Jewel E Ann you would be correct. The book was Undeniably You.
I’m just so afraid Epoch is going to wreck me and I think I will need to be prepared. Ugh, what am I going to do??? And why I am worrying about that already??? Well, because Transcend has me all kinds of crazy!
I have a list of authors that I can count on one hand whose every book is unique, whose every book holds me spellbound, whose every book eclipses the previous. Jewel E Ann is one of those authors. I never know what I’m in for when I start one of her books, but I know it will be unforgettable. Transcend was originally published as an exclusive to her newsletter. I never read it as such, honestly I never really even knew what the story was about. I think I barely even read the blurb. But that’s just the kind of writer she is for me- she writes, I read. I’m actually very, very, very glad I didn’t read Transcend before now- I don’t think I would have survived week to week.
I was totally mesmerized by this story and read it from start to finish in one sitting, only stopping for necessary snack and bathroom breaks. (Sorry if that was tmi.)
Talk about captivating, Transcend pulled me under and wouldn’t let go. So utterly original, engrossing, and completely enchanting, this is not just a book, this was an experience. Swayze, Nate, and Griffin- I don’t even know what to think about what’s to come. I’m not sure if I need to choose a “team”, but I have, and I know a part of me will die if my team doesn’t come out on top. I know what I want to happen, and I have theories, but knowing Ms. Ann, it doesn’t matter what I think I know, or what I think I want- I’m sure she has something planned that will throw all that out the window.
Yes, this is an absolute ramble, but that’s what this story did to me. It’s amazing and heartbreaking and so, so compelling! I need to know what’s going to happen!!!
There is one thing that I’ve come to realize…
When I pick up a Jewel E. Ann book, it will be like no other book I’ve read. This book will pull you in every direction possible and leave you questioning what you’ve believed your whole life.
This is a book that once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down until that last page is read. It’s a story of a man who has lost, a girl who has been deemed different and a man who is full of life that has found his life partner.
A broken bone is nothing compared to a broken heart. One is a scratch. The other leaves a scar on your soul.
When Nathaniel has lost the two people he loved, is it possible to have one of them reappear in his life? Professor Hunt is now living his life as a single dad, raising his newborn exactly how the books tell him to. That is, until the new nanny takes over.
The people in our lives give color to our existence. When we love, we choose to let part of our heart—part of our soul—live inside of another person. Their happiness is our happiness. Their grief is our grief. And when they die…part of us dies too.
Grocery Store Guy is everything. He’s a grease monkey, he’s smart, attentive and remembers stuff that most men would not remember. Grocery Store Guy aka Griffin, totally gets Swayze.
A single touch can say things twenty-six letters can’t even begin to say.
Swayze Samuels, 21-year-old college graduate. She’s always been able to recognize people and know things about them. But never has she actually known the person she is recognizing. Having been tested so many times by doctors, just to be told she is ‘normal’.
This book is very addicting! Very emotional. One that leaves you thinking…
Is there life after death?
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Am I crazy? Or this book I just read is what’s crazy? Sht. I think I need help.
Two. That’s how many I have read from Jewel E. Ann. And you know what this author keeps on proving me? She’s FXCKEN talented. And when I say talented, it’s not just the “out of this world” brilliant usage of words, and amazing plotting. What I mean is Jewel E. Ann’s writing is a gift. Her writing style is so special that I believe it can never be learned by others. She writes with enough humor, emotions, and angst that will make you question your sanity.
Transcend started as a fun read. With its adorably smart and stubborn heroine Swayze leading you to her crazy life, I dare you put this book down after Chapter 1. As you go further, secrets are revealed, and the fun read you thought it was starts to evolve to something that has more depth. Then it crushes your heart without you realizing it. Yep, Jewel E. Ann trademark.
My mind needs rest because of the thought provoking journey it just braved. My heart needs rest because of the overflowing love it just experienced. Transcend is a story of losing the love you thought you’d forever have and finding it again in a different time, and a different form. Fun, Inspirational, and heartwarming… Jewel E. Ann again has shared a story that will forever be in her readers’ hearts.
This book was completely different to what I was expecting. I’ve read a few books by Jewel E Ann and one of the things I love about her work is that each book is completely different to the last. This book is no different. I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t this.
I finished this book a few days ago and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Transcend is one of those stories that have everything I want in a book. The characters come to life. The main characters are extremely easy to like and relate to. The story has me absolutely captivated. It’s unique, well written and it sucked me in from the start.
For me, Transcend is one of those rare gems. I love a book that plays havoc with my emotions and if it can do it in a understated way, that’s even better. I love when I connect with the characters straight away and they go from been characters in a book to something more real. I love when a book makes me think. REALLY think about things. Jewel E Ann hit it out the park with this book. It is the perfect book. I’ve no idea where this story is going to go. I don’t know what the characters will do next. I have no idea how it’s all going to end. I DO know I loved this book and I will be waiting with bated breath for the concluding part of this duet.
WOW! What did I just read! Transcend is like nothing I have read before. It’s the perfect mix of mystery, angst, love and a whole lot of heart. Jewel once again delivers a beautiful heart wrenching addictive read. Although this book was a newsletter exclusive I wanted to wait until it was complete to start it. I went into this story completely blind knowing as little as possible I don’t think I was prepared for the emotional rollercoaster it would take me on but what a ride so far!
I started this book before bed thinking I would get a couple chapters in and then pick up the next day I was wrong. I was up till the early morning hours even though I had an early day at work, it was just that good! I was completely engrossed in the story and what was going on or what I think might be happening. My thoughts are everywhere, I love all the characters I don’t know which way I want the story to go. This story moved me and broke my heart. It made me smile and made me swoon and it’s only the beginning. I’ve never needed a sequel more than I need Epoch! There’s so much I want to say but can’t without revealing spoilers so I’ll leave it at I loved it and I want more!
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get lost in a beautiful thought provoking story that is different and unique. Throw caution to the wind, expect the unexpected and stay away from spoilers Transcend is best read going in blind and with an open mind.
Oh my goodness, so many emotions from beginning to end. Amazing storyline, remarkable characters and an intense ending. I need book 2 now.
Jewel has a way about her writing. It grips you, it entertains you and this one slapped me with some angst, some mystery and thoughts about how people may actually be drawn to one another. I loved dancing along the lines of fate, life after death and never ending love. Do we ever stop loving our first love? Our last love? Our forever love?
“When we love, we choose to let part of our heart – part of our soul-live inside of another person. Their happiness is our happiness. Their grief is our grief. And when they die…part of us dies too.”
The end of this story really brought things up a notch. I cannot wait to get my hands on Epoch!
“Everything is part of something bigger, small threads of infinity, ever changing.”
5 TRANSCEND STARS!! Hook, Line and Sinker is the best way to describe what Jewel E. Ann has done to me, with this unique story. Nobody writes feels better than this author. While reading this story I had a goofy smile, sad at times, goose bumps and love for these perfect characters. The story you will learn about Nathanial, Swayze and Griff will stick with you forever. I can’t wait for the next book in this duet. You definitely need to read this book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.