Parker Cruse despises cheaters. It might have something to do with her boyfriend sleeping with her twin sister. After a wedding day prank involving a strong laxative, that ends the already severed relationship between the twins, Parker decides to grow up and act twenty-six. Step One: Move out of her parents’ house. Step Two: Find a job. Opportunity strikes when she meets her new neighbor, Gus … she meets her new neighbor, Gus Westman. He’s an electrician with Iowa farm-boy values and a gift for saying her name like it’s a dirty word.
He also has a wife.
Sabrina Westman, head of a successful engineering firm, hires Parker as her personal assistant. Driven to be the best assistant ever, Parker vows to stay focused, walk the dog, go to the dry cleaners, and not kiss Gus—again.
Step Three: Don’t judge.
Step Four: Remember— when life happens, it does it in a heartbeat.
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When Life Happened by Jewel E. Ann is a contemporary romance told from the single point of view of Parker, the main character. This is the first book I’ve read by the author and it definitely will not be the last because I absolutely loved it!
I’m going to try not to spoil anything, so I’ll simply say that this story deals with real-life issues where there is no black and white, only varying shades of grey. There’s a shocking plot twist that happens close to the halfway point in the book. Although I can see where this would upset some readers, I wasn’t bothered by it because when life happens things don’t necessarily go as expected or as planned. I was actually relieved that Parker was spared from acting against her conscience even though in her mind she was already guilty.
This story captivated me from start to finish. It was funny, emotional, sexy, and full of depth. It’s a story about the forgiveness, personal growth and self-awareness found through the journey of experiencing loss and regret to finding hope.
Okay. So this book took me on a roller coaster. I hated it, but did not want to stop reading it. I had such a mix of emotions. I thought that Jewel did a great job in her writing. She build this life between all the characters that your felt invested in knowing what happens next. The book drew me and and held my attention until it was done. I loved how the story was so intertwined. Great story!
When Life happened was unique and nothing like I expected. This story was heart-wrenching and emotional yet sweet and hilarious all at the same time. It will evoke a range of emotions from you every step of the way. The story was angsty, stressful and steamy with a twist you will not expect. This was a story of Parker’s journey and how Life happened to her. I loved the characters and the author made me feel each and every one of their emotions. I loved the storyline, it kept me hooked from beginning to end.
I listened to the audible version of this novel. It was narrated by Tia Rider Sorensen who did an excellent job with the characters and brought the story to life. This was a phenomenal read and worthy of more that 5 stars. I loved this novel and would highly recommend it.
5 Today is my favorite day Stars!!!
Man, oh man…I picked this book up last night and have done absolutely nothing today but read!!! This is my kind of book…one that sucks you in and chews you up then spits you out at the end… All because When Life Happened to Parker Joy Cruse, it hit her like a category 5 hurricane.
“I’m afraid of having everything that means nothing and nothing that means everything.”
This book is so well written, I couldn’t put it down. We’re talking real life happenings here. This isn’t some made up book that you roll your eyes at while reading, thinking sure…. like that would totally happen. Nope, this book is what so many experience daily.
Sure, people want to brush aside cheating like it never needs to be written about.
Sure, people want to brush aside family feuds like they never happen.
Sure, people want to not talk about death like it never happens.
Sure, people want to deny ever stopping at the local quick mart to pick up a donut or two and a slice of pizza…. but hey, if people didn’t buy them… quick marts would stop selling them.
Sure, people want to deny that male Dogs get away from their owner at times and ‘hook up’ with the first female dog they can find.
This book was everything! You know what made it perfect? Because of the way the story was written. It wasn’t my story or your story to tell. It was the authors story to tell for us all to enjoy!
“Don’t take off your clothes. Don’t think. Just dive in! You can’t prepare for greatness—it just has to happen.”
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Blown away by this story.
QUOTE ~ There was no way of imagining that mile in someone else’s shoes. That understanding only came from lacing them up and taking the journey.~~
QUOTE ~ When life happened, it did it in a heartbeat. That space between time. A first inhale, a last exhale.~~
I won’t call this a review. THESE ARE MY THOUGHTS….
I’m speechless. It’s been hours since I finished and my mind and heart are still with the characters. I went into this story blind. I read no reviews. I didn’t even read the blurb. I knew there was cheating and I expected a love triangle. I was ready for it.
BUT I was NOT ready for what I actually got which was way more than I bargained for.
The title “When Life Happened” was soooo true to the story. This story was complex. It’s not just about romantic love. It’s also about loving yourself, perspective, self discovery, forgiveness (of others and oneself).
I fell in love. I laughed. I cried. I got pissed off. The author did an impressive and wonderful job at redeeming the story when I thought it was impossible. There was a point I thought I’d quit and I’m happy I didn’t cause I forgive would’ve missed out on this remarkable experience.
QUOTE ~ she let herself explore life lived in moments instead of expectations.~~
I am still having to pick up my jaw off the floor from this book! One of the best books I’ve read in my life!
I really liked the story. It held my interest the whole time and I read it all in one sitting. It was different and not your normal HEA. Holy plot twist! I liked how the author just went for it and told the story. I love when authors do that.
I am speechless. This book was absolutely nothing what I expected. I had some ideas, but Jewel took them all and flipped this story on it’s head.
So many characters intertwined in the most intriguing ways. Who knew the cornfields of Iowa could be so fun?
I’m not sure I will ever be over this book. It’s just that good. My biggest regret is not reading it sooner.
The result of this story for me is a lesson learned worth remembering: When life happens it happens in an instant. And all the little moments of life lead you to where you are meant ultimately meant to be.
Thanks, Jewel, for the reminder.
WHEN LIFE HAPPENED.
I loved When Life Happened. It’s got great characters, a fantastic story and it has some serious laugh out loud and wtf moments. I felt every single emotion more than once while reading this book
I’ve got to be completely honest here. There was one point in this story that I didn’t see coming and it threw me that badly I debated if I wanted to carry on reading. I am so glad that I did. This book is another amazing book from Jewel E Ann who has an amazing talent of bringing her characters to life.
5 My Favourite Day Stars.
I’m lost for words after reading this one. I can’t describe my feelings for these characters without giving spoilers. So I’ll just say I absolutely loved this book with a burning passion. It consumed me with its intensity. Such a powerful story that really got under my skin. Not everything is black & white you have to accept the grey in between.
I know lots of people are up in the air over the whole cheating aspect of the story but I say leave your real life morals at the door this is a story not reality. But if you can’t separate the two or have strong triggers about it, then this book is not for you.
Parker Cruse is a 26 year old woman who’s just starting to get her life under control and stand on her own two feet after being humiliated and betrayed by her twin Sister and so called boyfriend. Her new outlook on life she’s hates cheaters.
Parker has to question everything she believes in when she meets her new neighbour Gus Westman the attraction is instant but he’s married an immediate red stay away flag for Parker.
A twist of fate puts these two in regular contact when she takes a job working for Gus’s wife as a so called assistant, basically doing errands.
Parker gets to see a side of this couple she didn’t expect. Yes the Westmans have the perfect happy life together on the outside but Parker sees behind closed doors and that changes everything.
This book has a huge twist that I didn’t see coming at all, I had to reread it a few times for it to sink in. It’s a major WTF!!!! just happened moment. It completely broke me, I kept thinking this can’t be real it has to be a mistake.
Overall this was truly a fantastic story, One of my favourites from this Author.
I love quirky humour when I’m reading, it helps to balance out the emotional side. One minute I’m crying the next I’m giggling like a lunatic. I love books that bring out ALL the feels and this Author does it perfectly.
My motto for the story – When Life Happens, grab it by the balls and don’t let go.
What a fantastic read this is! I adore this book. For me, it’s one of those books you want to be able to unread so you can experience it all over again for the first time. This review will be deliberately vague, as I don’t want to spoil your enjoyment of this amazing book. With characters who seemed so real, it kept me captivated from beginning to end. It has the wonderful Jewel humour running throughout the story, together with those moments which grab you by the throat so you can hardly breathe. The way this author wields the written word, any preconceived idea of where this story is going to take you will be turned on its head once you immerse yourself in this excellent love story.
This book made me feel everything. I laughed, I cried, I learned what love and forgiveness should look like and that not everything is as straight forward as it seems. A truly gifted author, I am in awe of her talent to elicit such a range of emotions from a reader, able to break you down one minute and then build you back up again the next. I am so glad she is not afraid to go to places others would not go. If she were, we would not have such amazing stories. A superb book. I didn’t want it to end and it will go down as one of my all time favourites. Don’t think twice about reading, don’t look for spoilers, just experience this for yourself and let life happen.
One thing I’ve come to learn from reading books by Jewel E. Ann is that she doesn’t play safe or writes the same ol’ predictable love story. She challenges me every single time, she surprises me even pisses me off royally but that’s exactly why I read. I love different, risks and a story which has a purpose. When Life Happend encompasses all of that.
Go in blind! That’s what I did and boy was I in for a treat. I can’t tell too much about the story because then I’ll give too much away. All I can say is that Parker’s story is beautiful, heartbreaking but most of all life affirming. She and the other characters hit me right in my heart. Their choices, mistakes and results of those are all about being human and learning from them. Parker and the other characters are all guilty of those.
What I love about WLH is Parker’s growth and introspection throughout this story and how much she actually gains in the end by acknowledging herself and her faults. She doesn’t do this all on her own. The people she already has in her life, her family and the ones she befriends influences her more than she knows.
Now sitting here and writing this I’m still on a high and also mourning this extraordinary story. Jewel E. Ann has yet again outdone herself. WLH is perfection from start to finish. Her refined prose kept me intrigued and glued to the pages. This deserves a standing ovation.
5 BadAssDirtyMyFavoriteDayStars
Where do I start? How do I write a review for a book that made me feel so much? It’s so hard to write and get the emotion across without explaining some of the story. But I won’t give anything away because you need to read this book and experience it for yourself. It’s that good. Let me also tell you this is my first Jewel E. Ann book. And I’m so happy that I started here. It’s everything I wanted in a story — heartwarming and heart wrenching. A journey I want to follow and never end. Characters that I can connect with and feel. It’s beautiful and chaotic and heart racing. Lows but so many highs. I can’t say enough. I read this in one day. I couldn’t stop until the end. 5 stars isn’t enough. Get this book. Read this book. You’ll be so happy that you did.
****Insta Love/Lust Warning**** If you can’t handle it, you can’t handle this book. Move on.
Other than that, I would recommend going into this one blind. Avoid the reviews and the spoilers. I went in blind and loved this story. I am not a huge lover of traditional type contemporary romance but I love Jewel E. Ann and I just had to give this one a go.
Life happens. It can happen in an instant and almost always happens when you aren’t looking. I am a true believer that life is often stranger than fiction and when fiction tests that theory. Reviewers can loose their sh*t. LOL! I have no problem with this though, as my own life is full of events that if written about in a book, readers would call bullsh*t and unrealistic. *shrugs* If you can accept this theory, you will love this book. It was fun and flirty but also serious and shocking. The characters were on point and thoroughly entertaining.
So, it has taken me a few days to come down from the high of this book. It hit me right in the gut with the feels and every emotion evoked had me crying. Yes, Jewel E Ann, you have hit the elite group of authors who have actually gotten my black heart to shed tears. I related to Parker so much because if I was in her shoes, especially when it came to her sister, I would have done the same things she did. While her mother drove me bonkers, it was also endearing. I really enjoyed Parker’s quirky sense of humor as well as her passion.
Now to the core of the story. How much Parker hates cheaters. But fighting that tension and chemistry is damn near impossible. But I loved the banter and wit. It is really hard to not give any spoilers just because of the way this book is set up but let me tell you, you get hit with a bang and a complete 360. It’s raw, gritty and powerful. When life happens, you literally are thrown for a plot twist. It was like that meme that is out there where it yells “PLOT TWIST” when something insane happens. That is this book. You are taking for a completely new ride that is even more emotional and almost breaks you at points.
To say this book hit me, well, that is an understatement. Because I have been in Parker’s shoes. I walked that walk. Damn, even crying while I write this review. What Ann wrote here, is really a jewel that is so precious that everyone needs to read. It takes you on such a roller coaster ride that has you gripping your ereader. You are left in awe to be honest. I feel like this book should, no NEEDS to be a movie. Out of all the books I have read, this one will stick with me. This is by far my top read of 2017 and as much as I love the words, it will be a struggle for anything to beat this one.
REVIEW: UNBELIEVABLE
“I’m afraid of having everything that means nothing and nothing that means everything.”
IF YOU’RE THE TYPE THAT DOESN’T READ REVIEWS, stop here and just buy the book: http://amzn.to/2qUeQOJ
I’m trying to recover….I must be in recovery mode. I feel like I need to learn to breathe again. I’m once again completely speechless, but I cannot for the life of me breathe right. This book was full of truths and realities and trust beyond all measure. This was such an eye-opening read for me, it completely knocked me back a peg. WOW.
For all the believers in fate, this book is for you. For the ones that don’t believe in fate, this book is for you.
So, knowing what little I do about Jewel’s writing, this one, I expected it to be good. Great even. Phenomenal? Sure, it was possible. BUT, I just didn’t expect what I read. And that is why I am having a hard time reconciling my feelings, my thoughts, my emotions about what this book did to me. For me? Definitely to me. I am seriously humbled. And yes, this book was all sorts of phenomenal, in every sense of the word. The truths in this book are so heartbreakingly real. We are all stuck in our own ways, we know what we like and don’t like. But what if that truth is suddenly flipped over and you are actually seeing the ‘truth’ to the other side of it? Yep. That’s what this story did to me. For me? Yeah, to me.
There is so much about this book to discuss and revel in, but there is so much I cannot tell you because then you won’t get to experience it yourself. And the experience of it without any type of spoilers is the absolute must have experience you need. I want to discuss the characters. I cannot. I want to talk about the journey. I cannot. I want to be a fly on the wall as you read and feel this book. I simply cannot. That synopsis is literally only half of the story, and it’s not about what you think it is. It’s so much more. This book was not superficial in any way. It was deep beyond reason, emotional beyond understanding, and real beyond imagination. This storyline was something so powerful and moving, I found myself staring off just to absorb the impact of the feelings. It was thought altering. It was so so good. I think it’s my favorite standalone of the year so far.
“Today is my favorite day.”
“You said that yesterday.”
“That was yesterday.”
I’m officially book drunk on this one. Book DRUNK. A book hangover would imply that I am done and trying to move on, but I’m still feeling the lingering effects and, no doubt, I’m sure I will get there eventually, natural progression and all. But, book DRUNK means I’m still feeling it and still actively wandering through the onslaught of emotions that Jewel forced me to endure and my head is still spinning!! This book was IT for me. I’m in awe. That was WOW. If you think you know how this story plays out, you’re wrong. I promise you that. The characters were written with precision. The plot was written with emotion. The truth of the matter is, the experience felt 100% real. I may have shed a tear…..but I’ll never own up to it.
“You can’t prepare for greatness — it just has to happen.”
~BEE
Loved everything about it!!
I wasn’t sure if I was going to love or hate JEA by the time I finished this book…at different points I both loved and hated her. And even though I ultimately knew, like with every book I’ve read of hers, that I would end up loving her, it was touch and go there for awhile. But the day I finished reading When Life Happened was truly my favorite day.
There are some authors and books that you just have to put your trust in, and realize that no matter what the blurb says, or what you might hear, or read in a teaser or excerpt, it’s best to just jump in feet first, with no preconceived notions or ideas about what you’re going to be reading. I’ve learned that Jewel E Ann is one of those authors. And When Life Happened is one of those books. To be perfectly honest, if I had known some of what was going to happen in this book I might not have ever picked it up, and that would have been a shame, because I would have been missing out on a book that will more than likely end up as one of my top reads for 2017.
When Life Happened is a beautiful, touching, emotional read that will for sure pull at your heartstrings. But it’s going to make you laugh and swoon and sigh in delight. It took me on a ride I didn’t want to get off of.
So please, do yourself a huge favor- don’t seek out spoilers. Yes, there will be tears. Yes, you’ll probably get angry. And yes, you may very well hate Ms. Ann for a hot minute or 2. But in the end it will all be worth it. Every tear, every scowl, every laugh, every single emotion that’s pulled from you will be so very worth it.
Life happens and is often unpredictable. I wasn’t sure where this book was going and definitely threw lots of curve balls at you but the fact that life is unpredictable and often throws twists or changes the plans is what made this book so relatable. The book was very well written and even though the plot took abrupt turns you never felt lost in the story. Can’t wait to find out what other books this author has to offer.