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Holding You Series: Holding You / Releasing Me
**This series contains explicit language and sexual content. 17+
HOLDING YOU
Deep breath … I am peaceful, I am strong.
Free-spirited Addy Brecken is Milwaukee’s most talented vegan chef and co-owner of Sage Leaf Café. She has a genius IQ, a padded savings account, an amazing view of Lake Michigan, and a heart that won’t stop beating.
Deep breath … I am peaceful, I am strong.
An early April morning finds her drowning in the seductive fragrance of lilacs and the warmth of the morning sun when she’s nearly hit by a car in front of her café. The peaceful existence she’s desperately tried to maintain after the horrific loss of her family is suddenly shaken by the Range Rover driving, arrogant, sex-on-legs Quinn Cohen.
Deep breath … I am peaceful, I am strong.
A successful, Latino businessman from New York, Quinn has a taste for the finer things in life. A typical playboy, he has the money, the houses, the cars, and the women. Quinn is everything Addy avoids. Where she lives simply and prefers to help the less fortunate, he has no problem spending an obscene amount of money on a briefcase. Their opposite personalities lend to several heated encounters, and Addy finds herself propositioning Quinn for the one thing she never imagined needing … sex.
Offering only her body, Addy tries to keep Quinn at a safe distance from her heart and a world away from her past. Their passion-filled connection makes Addy feel something unfamiliar, alive. But with passion comes more feelings: anger, jealousy, love. When Addy surrenders to the unimaginable and lets go of her past, she’s faced with the impossible … holding on to her future.
Deep breath … I am peaceful, I am strong.
RELEASING ME
A tragic accident. A hidden past. An unbreakable love.
Never goodbye …
I thought Addy stole my soul.
Her beauty blinded me.
Her heart called to me.
Her touch healed me.
She gave everything and asked for nothing. Then I broke her. The depths of her pain were veiled by the reflection of my own. I didn’t deserve her, but I wanted her––I needed her. In my darkest hell, I heard her voice. That’s when I knew …
Addy was my soul.
Deep breath … I am peaceful, I am strong.
Quinn was worth the risk.
He took away the numbness and gave me unfathomable pleasure. Every emotion felt magnified, every moment felt like the last.
My heart found purpose.
My body came to life.
My soul returned.
His weakness gave me strength, and his past held my future. He saved me by … releasing me.
HOLDING YOU
Deep breath … I am peaceful, I am strong.
Free-spirited Addy Brecken is Milwaukee’s most talented vegan chef and co-owner of Sage Leaf Café. She has a genius IQ, a padded savings account, an amazing view of Lake Michigan, and a heart that won’t stop beating.
Deep breath … I am peaceful, I am strong.
An early April morning finds her drowning in the seductive fragrance of lilacs and the warmth of the morning sun when she’s nearly hit by a car in front of her café. The peaceful existence she’s desperately tried to maintain after the horrific loss of her family is suddenly shaken by the Range Rover driving, arrogant, sex-on-legs Quinn Cohen.
Deep breath … I am peaceful, I am strong.
A successful, Latino businessman from New York, Quinn has a taste for the finer things in life. A typical playboy, he has the money, the houses, the cars, and the women. Quinn is everything Addy avoids. Where she lives simply and prefers to help the less fortunate, he has no problem spending an obscene amount of money on a briefcase. Their opposite personalities lend to several heated encounters, and Addy finds herself propositioning Quinn for the one thing she never imagined needing … sex.
Offering only her body, Addy tries to keep Quinn at a safe distance from her heart and a world away from her past. Their passion-filled connection makes Addy feel something unfamiliar, alive. But with passion comes more feelings: anger, jealousy, love. When Addy surrenders to the unimaginable and lets go of her past, she’s faced with the impossible … holding on to her future.
Deep breath … I am peaceful, I am strong.
RELEASING ME
A tragic accident. A hidden past. An unbreakable love.
Never goodbye …
I thought Addy stole my soul.
Her beauty blinded me.
Her heart called to me.
Her touch healed me.
She gave everything and asked for nothing. Then I broke her. The depths of her pain were veiled by the reflection of my own. I didn’t deserve her, but I wanted her––I needed her. In my darkest hell, I heard her voice. That’s when I knew …
Addy was my soul.
Deep breath … I am peaceful, I am strong.
Quinn was worth the risk.
He took away the numbness and gave me unfathomable pleasure. Every emotion felt magnified, every moment felt like the last.
My heart found purpose.
My body came to life.
My soul returned.
His weakness gave me strength, and his past held my future. He saved me by … releasing me.
615 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2015
50 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Jewel E. Ann
55 books10.6k followersJewel is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today best selling author with a quirky sense of humor. When she's not saving the planet one tree at a time, you can find her role modeling questionable behavior to her three boys, binge-watching Netflix with her husband, and writing mind-bending romance.
Her newest release is I Thought of You, a contemporary romance/women's fiction.
Upcoming Projects: Sunday Morning, book 1 in the Sunday Morning Series coming in Sept. 2024.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
Her newest release is I Thought of You, a contemporary romance/women's fiction.
Upcoming Projects: Sunday Morning, book 1 in the Sunday Morning Series coming in Sept. 2024.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 26, 2017
4.5 Stars
If nothing else, this duet is proof positive Jewel E Ann is a sadist in the rawest form. This poor heroine and my poor heart! What you'll find in this duet- one hot hunka Latin man-meat who's an alpha, insatiable with the stamina of a damn bull, and loves the heroine fiercely. The heroine is the hero's exact opposite. Wealthy in her own right but gives most material things away, minimalist, vegan, tree-hugging and so very, very wounded by multiple tragedies in his 32-year life. Two opposites but clearly the stars aligned because from the day he almost ran over the woman in the street, their story grew...
The first book ever written by Jewel E Ann, Holding You was chock full of sex. In fact, I ended up skimming a lot of those scenes. Granted, Addy and Quinn's relationship started on pure chemistry alone so we got a good dose of that attraction on the pages of this first book. Addy is an extremely emotionally scarred woman who keeps her past in the past so how can this purely physical relationship turn to more without reopening those close doors?
Releasing Me felt very much more like the recent Jewel E Ann I know. She will kill you with conflict and angst in this installment but you'll feverishly turn the pages praying for an eventual happily ever after for these two who've been through so much.
It took me forever to pick this duet up and I'm so happy I finally did.
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
"It’s you, only you, always you.”
If nothing else, this duet is proof positive Jewel E Ann is a sadist in the rawest form. This poor heroine and my poor heart! What you'll find in this duet- one hot hunka Latin man-meat who's an alpha, insatiable with the stamina of a damn bull, and loves the heroine fiercely. The heroine is the hero's exact opposite. Wealthy in her own right but gives most material things away, minimalist, vegan, tree-hugging and so very, very wounded by multiple tragedies in his 32-year life. Two opposites but clearly the stars aligned because from the day he almost ran over the woman in the street, their story grew...
He had become my drug, the attraction was my addiction, and I didn’t have the willpower to quit.
The first book ever written by Jewel E Ann, Holding You was chock full of sex. In fact, I ended up skimming a lot of those scenes. Granted, Addy and Quinn's relationship started on pure chemistry alone so we got a good dose of that attraction on the pages of this first book. Addy is an extremely emotionally scarred woman who keeps her past in the past so how can this purely physical relationship turn to more without reopening those close doors?
Releasing Me felt very much more like the recent Jewel E Ann I know. She will kill you with conflict and angst in this installment but you'll feverishly turn the pages praying for an eventual happily ever after for these two who've been through so much.
It took me forever to pick this duet up and I'm so happy I finally did.
Advanced copy received by author in exchange for my honest review.
January 18, 2016
Pippy
4.5 huge stars
This author is becoming one of my favorites. Her books contain so much emotions, all the feels come out as you engrossed in the story. The characters are witty, smart and the banter between hero and heroine is fantastic., not to mention the love scenes are smoking hot. Quinn is an arrogant ass millionaire but my kind of ass, Addy is a down to earth good person, a vegan (I want to feed her a piece of any meat) lol. She's keeping a secret that I know will be gut wrenching. The ending its a huge cliff, but no worries book 2 is out, so I'm jumping right in.
5 stars for book 2 in this bundle.
I'm emotionally spent after finishing this angst filled book. Addy is one of the strongest, most giving heroine I've read in a very long time. What this person has gone thru it's unimaginable and yet she's come out and lives each day helping others, she's a giver, a caretaker but how much can one person endure in their young life? Quinn is totally obsessed in love with Addy, his life and money is no longer his priority but karma is a bitch ten fold.
This book will stay with me for a long time. All these feelings that spark deep in your soul and you question, what was going thru this authors mind to come up with these stories! Once again, I'll repeat myself, she's becoming one of my fav authors and can't wait to read more of her books.
4.5 huge stars
This author is becoming one of my favorites. Her books contain so much emotions, all the feels come out as you engrossed in the story. The characters are witty, smart and the banter between hero and heroine is fantastic., not to mention the love scenes are smoking hot. Quinn is an arrogant ass millionaire but my kind of ass, Addy is a down to earth good person, a vegan (I want to feed her a piece of any meat) lol. She's keeping a secret that I know will be gut wrenching. The ending its a huge cliff, but no worries book 2 is out, so I'm jumping right in.
5 stars for book 2 in this bundle.
I'm emotionally spent after finishing this angst filled book. Addy is one of the strongest, most giving heroine I've read in a very long time. What this person has gone thru it's unimaginable and yet she's come out and lives each day helping others, she's a giver, a caretaker but how much can one person endure in their young life? Quinn is totally obsessed in love with Addy, his life and money is no longer his priority but karma is a bitch ten fold.
This book will stay with me for a long time. All these feelings that spark deep in your soul and you question, what was going thru this authors mind to come up with these stories! Once again, I'll repeat myself, she's becoming one of my fav authors and can't wait to read more of her books.
August 9, 2015
Edited - yet again - upon completion of sequel
This has to be the most toxic and juvenile relationship I've ever come across and both MC are in their 30s! I had high hopes that book 2 would be a turn around but the games these 2 adults played were unreal. I think Addy might have left Quinn 20 times already then after a break up she sleeps with someone else as a distraction then he does the same then she wants him back but he doesn't want her and she still stays. Then she tries to make him jealous!!! OMFG it was fucking never-ending. And just when u think the drama calmed down there was something else. This book had too much happening and it didn't reek of everlasting love but of some much needed self respect and a good shrink!
No doubt all the reasons people loved this book is probably why I hated it. I understand how it could possibly potentially be a 5 star but this story and the level of childishness is not for me.
Edited to 3.5 stars and to clarify that the rating is for book 1
Still on the fence 3.5 stars
Ok so this is my first book by this author and it's well written, including the sex scenes, but I couldn't fathom Addy. Her naivety in the beginning of the story as well as the number of times she ignored the presence of "the other woman" and forgave Quinn was stupid and ridiculous and honestly I started skimming the book.
So this is a case of it's not the book it's me....the story and her responses annoyed me and I wanted to slap her to get some sense. Why did I continue? Well because I thought she'd follow through with some backbone instead of thinking with her vajayjay.
This has to be the most toxic and juvenile relationship I've ever come across and both MC are in their 30s! I had high hopes that book 2 would be a turn around but the games these 2 adults played were unreal. I think Addy might have left Quinn 20 times already then after a break up she sleeps with someone else as a distraction then he does the same then she wants him back but he doesn't want her and she still stays. Then she tries to make him jealous!!! OMFG it was fucking never-ending. And just when u think the drama calmed down there was something else. This book had too much happening and it didn't reek of everlasting love but of some much needed self respect and a good shrink!
No doubt all the reasons people loved this book is probably why I hated it. I understand how it could possibly potentially be a 5 star but this story and the level of childishness is not for me.
Edited to 3.5 stars and to clarify that the rating is for book 1
Still on the fence 3.5 stars
Ok so this is my first book by this author and it's well written, including the sex scenes, but I couldn't fathom Addy. Her naivety in the beginning of the story as well as the number of times she ignored the presence of "the other woman" and forgave Quinn was stupid and ridiculous and honestly I started skimming the book.
So this is a case of it's not the book it's me....the story and her responses annoyed me and I wanted to slap her to get some sense. Why did I continue? Well because I thought she'd follow through with some backbone instead of thinking with her vajayjay.
January 30, 2016
This was an awesome love story. The h had a horrifically tragic past and H was perfect for her. The first book lacked action but I did enjoy their story. Book two read much faster. After all the time author took developing their story I would have loved to read more of their HEA.
March 14, 2019
This was two books. If I could take back the time I put into reading them, I would. Mare told me to stop, but I had to know. So, I already knew that they get together and have their HEA, because in Naked Love there are fine. But holy shit, the stupid crap they both have to live through to get there was too much. Way too much.
No two characters should not have to go through that much pain and anguish. It felt like the author wanted to just throw everything at them as possible and just see how it went. Well I’m telling you it went too far. It went too long. This story could have been wrapped up in one book, not two. It could have been significantly less painful. It could have had WAY less sex. The amount of sex these two have is OTT. They would be rubbed raw. RAW. WHERE WAS THE LUBE? Nobody has that much sex without help!
Of course there were sweet and nice things about them. Sometimes I thought that it would finally end and turn around and become a great book. Nope. I think I like them together but at this point, because they were both complete assholes to each other, they really deserve each other more than they are good for one another.
I know I’m not going to love every book an author writes, but after Naked Love, I figured that this would be good. Nope.
I hated it. All it did was make me angry and want to bleach my brain. At least I entertained my lovely Mare while I read it. She had fun listening to me bitch. Thanks, Babe!
No two characters should not have to go through that much pain and anguish. It felt like the author wanted to just throw everything at them as possible and just see how it went. Well I’m telling you it went too far. It went too long. This story could have been wrapped up in one book, not two. It could have been significantly less painful. It could have had WAY less sex. The amount of sex these two have is OTT. They would be rubbed raw. RAW. WHERE WAS THE LUBE? Nobody has that much sex without help!
Of course there were sweet and nice things about them. Sometimes I thought that it would finally end and turn around and become a great book. Nope. I think I like them together but at this point, because they were both complete assholes to each other, they really deserve each other more than they are good for one another.
I know I’m not going to love every book an author writes, but after Naked Love, I figured that this would be good. Nope.
I hated it. All it did was make me angry and want to bleach my brain. At least I entertained my lovely Mare while I read it. She had fun listening to me bitch. Thanks, Babe!
January 28, 2016
Although I've become a fan of Jewel since reading Only Trick, these books just didn't do it for me. First, the story was going so good but then the H slept with another woman or women as the case came to be. Yes, there was no commitment between the H and h but they already slept together and giving the excuse of it just distraction isn't right. Then the on again off again they've got going on. And second in book 2 the h slept with another man. But what really turned me off was the H was willing to have sex with ow despite the h being there. It was a train wreck, toxic relationship. The resolution to the ending rated just okay for me. I hope I don't encounter these kind of angst in her other books.
October 13, 2016
HOLDING YOU
“My soul is injured. My heart is shattered but won’t stop beating. You see the person I want to be, not who I am. I don’t fear death, I fear the pieces of my heart could be further shattered and it will still be beating.”
Oh my! My heart. What a breathtaking story. And full of so much heart! There were so many quotes and touching moments throughout this story and I was captivated from the start.
“Most people think of sex or making love as the ultimate form of intimacy, but for me it was the kiss. It was my infinity of love. Relationships often started and ended with a kiss, but when Quinn kissed me I couldn’t remember when we started, and I never wanted it to end. Quinn was my infinity.”
I love Addy! She's so incredibly remarkable. Her spirit, her tenacity, her spunk, her strength, her light. I wanted so badly for her pain to be eased.
“The truth for me was shit happened, life was not a fairytale, and bad things happened to good people, end of story.”
I love how Addy & Quinn meet! Through the pain in this story Jewel Ann adds a great amount of wit, humor, and banter and had me laughing out loud and smiling many times throughout the story.
Through Quinn, Addy is healing. She never thought she'd love again or have any types of feelings of this grandeur. The glimpses we get into her past help us understand her and her ways and her hesitancy.
“Quinn wanted to piece me together like a puzzle, but too many of my pieces were gone. I was forever incomplete.”
The supporting characters add so much to the story. There were so many inspiring and touching moments.
“Your past is horrific, unimaginable, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but don’t let it define you. It was part of your journey, but it’s not your future.”
“I lost my purpose a long time ago, or at least I thought I did. But maybe it’s not about the right time or moment to find a new purpose. Maybe it’s about finding purpose in every moment.”
The ease with which Jewel Ann writes sears you to the core. You feel everything! The trepidation, the hurt, the apprehension, the pain, the love. Their connection is fierce and the writing of each moment extremely intense. You literally feel everything with each scene. It's all encompassing.
“Without you I cannot breathe.”
“I would choose you with nothing, than everything without you.”
“I do, I love you. I now understand why my heart is still beating.”
“I have never kissed anyone the way I kiss you, the way I touch you, the way my body connects to yours, the way my soul longs for yours. My heart beats with yours, for you, because of you.”
The feels!!!!!
An engrossing, captivating story that will leave you breathless.
“I am peaceful, I am strong.”
“Never goodbye.”
------------------
RELEASING ME
“Life goes on even in the event of the most unimaginable tragedies. The living still go on living.”
I felt like I was living and breathing this story. The pain! I was torn wide open going through everything with Addy & Quinn. There were many times I couldn't breathe.
Pain. Hurt. Loss. Anger. Hope. Love. This story will rip your heart out. Over. And. Over.
“Forgiveness happens in the beat of a heart, forgetting takes a lifetime.”
I didn't think the agonizing pain that stayed knotted in the pit of my stomach or the ongoing, awful ache the remained in my heart throughout this story was ever going to be eased. My goodness can Jewel Ann make you feel beyond belief!! And then there is her wonderful talent of mixing laughs through the pain. I’d have tears running down my face one moment and be laughing out loud the next.
I can't believe how much happens in this story! I'm not even going to go into details; every moment needs to be experienced without influence. There were parts of this story that went in some directions that I was not at all expecting. There were a few moments that shattered my heart.
“She was broken when I met her, and I should have been her rock of support, but instead I was the rock that continued to crush her over and over again.”
There was so much drama and so much thrown at you it's emotionally exhausting. However; the emotional onslaught I went through throughout every page turn through this entire story shows what a remarkable writer Jewel Ann is! A great author makes you feel, and Jewel Ann doesn't only make you feel, she makes you feel as though you are living and breathing the characters.
“It didn’t matter how much debris was scattered from the storm, if you were looking at the rainbow it meant you survived it. And if there was one absolute truth in my life by that point, it was that I was a survivor.”
I've got to hand to Addy, I'm not sure there are many people who would have the strength to put herself through what she did and fight like a bull. This girl is relentless. It didn't matter what was thrown at her, she never gave up on Quinn or their love. Hot damn is Addy one hell of a fighter! This girl has literally been through hell and back, more than once, and she sure gives Quinn her all. What was beautiful was how they both bring each other back to life. Their journey was anything but easy, but through forgiveness, hope, and love, them finding their way is breathtaking.
“Why am I even here? It’s like the world is rejecting me at every turn. I feel like I don’t belong, but my soul is stuck in this stupid life. What the hell am I supposed to be learning from all of this? I’ve tried so hard to be happy, content, and grateful, but it’s too much…I’m just too tired. I’m tired of feeling so numb.”
“Me. You’re here for me, to love me, live life with me, be with me. If you’re too tired, I’ll carry you through every day until you can walk on your own again.”
The supporting characters in this story are phenomenal and so pivotal to the story. Through so much heartache there was so much love and support.
“It’s amazing how many different roads we can take, but they all lead to home.”
Raw and filled with heartache, hope, love, and passion, this story will leave you breathless! 5 sole searing stars.
“I forgive myself.”
“My soul is injured. My heart is shattered but won’t stop beating. You see the person I want to be, not who I am. I don’t fear death, I fear the pieces of my heart could be further shattered and it will still be beating.”
Oh my! My heart. What a breathtaking story. And full of so much heart! There were so many quotes and touching moments throughout this story and I was captivated from the start.
“Most people think of sex or making love as the ultimate form of intimacy, but for me it was the kiss. It was my infinity of love. Relationships often started and ended with a kiss, but when Quinn kissed me I couldn’t remember when we started, and I never wanted it to end. Quinn was my infinity.”
I love Addy! She's so incredibly remarkable. Her spirit, her tenacity, her spunk, her strength, her light. I wanted so badly for her pain to be eased.
“The truth for me was shit happened, life was not a fairytale, and bad things happened to good people, end of story.”
I love how Addy & Quinn meet! Through the pain in this story Jewel Ann adds a great amount of wit, humor, and banter and had me laughing out loud and smiling many times throughout the story.
Through Quinn, Addy is healing. She never thought she'd love again or have any types of feelings of this grandeur. The glimpses we get into her past help us understand her and her ways and her hesitancy.
“Quinn wanted to piece me together like a puzzle, but too many of my pieces were gone. I was forever incomplete.”
The supporting characters add so much to the story. There were so many inspiring and touching moments.
“Your past is horrific, unimaginable, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but don’t let it define you. It was part of your journey, but it’s not your future.”
“I lost my purpose a long time ago, or at least I thought I did. But maybe it’s not about the right time or moment to find a new purpose. Maybe it’s about finding purpose in every moment.”
The ease with which Jewel Ann writes sears you to the core. You feel everything! The trepidation, the hurt, the apprehension, the pain, the love. Their connection is fierce and the writing of each moment extremely intense. You literally feel everything with each scene. It's all encompassing.
“Without you I cannot breathe.”
“I would choose you with nothing, than everything without you.”
“I do, I love you. I now understand why my heart is still beating.”
“I have never kissed anyone the way I kiss you, the way I touch you, the way my body connects to yours, the way my soul longs for yours. My heart beats with yours, for you, because of you.”
The feels!!!!!
An engrossing, captivating story that will leave you breathless.
“I am peaceful, I am strong.”
“Never goodbye.”
------------------
RELEASING ME
“Life goes on even in the event of the most unimaginable tragedies. The living still go on living.”
I felt like I was living and breathing this story. The pain! I was torn wide open going through everything with Addy & Quinn. There were many times I couldn't breathe.
Pain. Hurt. Loss. Anger. Hope. Love. This story will rip your heart out. Over. And. Over.
“Forgiveness happens in the beat of a heart, forgetting takes a lifetime.”
I didn't think the agonizing pain that stayed knotted in the pit of my stomach or the ongoing, awful ache the remained in my heart throughout this story was ever going to be eased. My goodness can Jewel Ann make you feel beyond belief!! And then there is her wonderful talent of mixing laughs through the pain. I’d have tears running down my face one moment and be laughing out loud the next.
I can't believe how much happens in this story! I'm not even going to go into details; every moment needs to be experienced without influence. There were parts of this story that went in some directions that I was not at all expecting. There were a few moments that shattered my heart.
“She was broken when I met her, and I should have been her rock of support, but instead I was the rock that continued to crush her over and over again.”
There was so much drama and so much thrown at you it's emotionally exhausting. However; the emotional onslaught I went through throughout every page turn through this entire story shows what a remarkable writer Jewel Ann is! A great author makes you feel, and Jewel Ann doesn't only make you feel, she makes you feel as though you are living and breathing the characters.
“It didn’t matter how much debris was scattered from the storm, if you were looking at the rainbow it meant you survived it. And if there was one absolute truth in my life by that point, it was that I was a survivor.”
I've got to hand to Addy, I'm not sure there are many people who would have the strength to put herself through what she did and fight like a bull. This girl is relentless. It didn't matter what was thrown at her, she never gave up on Quinn or their love. Hot damn is Addy one hell of a fighter! This girl has literally been through hell and back, more than once, and she sure gives Quinn her all. What was beautiful was how they both bring each other back to life. Their journey was anything but easy, but through forgiveness, hope, and love, them finding their way is breathtaking.
“Why am I even here? It’s like the world is rejecting me at every turn. I feel like I don’t belong, but my soul is stuck in this stupid life. What the hell am I supposed to be learning from all of this? I’ve tried so hard to be happy, content, and grateful, but it’s too much…I’m just too tired. I’m tired of feeling so numb.”
“Me. You’re here for me, to love me, live life with me, be with me. If you’re too tired, I’ll carry you through every day until you can walk on your own again.”
The supporting characters in this story are phenomenal and so pivotal to the story. Through so much heartache there was so much love and support.
“It’s amazing how many different roads we can take, but they all lead to home.”
Raw and filled with heartache, hope, love, and passion, this story will leave you breathless! 5 sole searing stars.
“I forgive myself.”
July 23, 2018
Holding you/releasing me!
This should've been one of the first books of Jewel's read instead of the last. However, it doesn't matter as long as you get the opportunity to read her word's. I know it's 26 letters that make up words, words make sentences, and on, etc. But what you don't understand is how this author transcends those words and creates magic, mystery and mayhem. She hooks you into her world, makes you care about fictional characters, (investment) releases little tidbits (twisters) and goes in for the kill, then your world explodes and your left with one neck of a book hangover. Yup that great! ajm
This should've been one of the first books of Jewel's read instead of the last. However, it doesn't matter as long as you get the opportunity to read her word's. I know it's 26 letters that make up words, words make sentences, and on, etc. But what you don't understand is how this author transcends those words and creates magic, mystery and mayhem. She hooks you into her world, makes you care about fictional characters, (investment) releases little tidbits (twisters) and goes in for the kill, then your world explodes and your left with one neck of a book hangover. Yup that great! ajm
August 27, 2015
5 what in the hell stars!!!
I don't know how to rate these two books... I was addicted couldn't put them down but mostly because it was a damn train wreck! Quinn... Gawd I wanted to love him... But his actions infuriated me!!! Not sure why Addy stayed except I think she may have been a masochist... She was a martyr through and through which infuriated me too!!!
Both characters were so flawed and like I said before so frustrating at times! The ending was beautiful and came both books came full circle... It was beautiful and I was able to forgive the author a little for all the emotional turmoil I went through... Beautiful books with a great depth and a wonderful ending. Definitely recommend.
I don't know how to rate these two books... I was addicted couldn't put them down but mostly because it was a damn train wreck! Quinn... Gawd I wanted to love him... But his actions infuriated me!!! Not sure why Addy stayed except I think she may have been a masochist... She was a martyr through and through which infuriated me too!!!
Both characters were so flawed and like I said before so frustrating at times! The ending was beautiful and came both books came full circle... It was beautiful and I was able to forgive the author a little for all the emotional turmoil I went through... Beautiful books with a great depth and a wonderful ending. Definitely recommend.
November 16, 2015
By the time I learned Addy's devastating history...
I just didn't like her anymore. She came across as beyond arrogant. Just because you volunteer doesn't make you a good person and mean you do it for the right reasons. According to everyone around her she practically walked on water. I just didn't see that. I saw a very self righteous judgemental person. Halfway through the second book, I realized.... I don't really like the characters. I love stories with a strong heroin and Addy came across as strong but not in a good way. I would've liked her more if she would've found some common ground with Quinn other than sex. Quinn just came across as pathetic towards the end.
I just didn't like her anymore. She came across as beyond arrogant. Just because you volunteer doesn't make you a good person and mean you do it for the right reasons. According to everyone around her she practically walked on water. I just didn't see that. I saw a very self righteous judgemental person. Halfway through the second book, I realized.... I don't really like the characters. I love stories with a strong heroin and Addy came across as strong but not in a good way. I would've liked her more if she would've found some common ground with Quinn other than sex. Quinn just came across as pathetic towards the end.
June 24, 2017
4.5 stars
July 30, 2016
Wonderful story with so many ups and downs but as usual beautifully written
August 27, 2020
Holding you: Main characters: Addy and Quinten. Addy co-owned a vegan cafe. Addy was quirky, clumsy, fun and funny. Addy took care of her body. Addy was a simple and carefree single thirty-one year old. Addy's character was smart, driven, and confident. Addy was a firecracker of a character with a sassy mouth. I loved how she confronted issues on the spot.
Quinten was a businessman who was well traveled. Quinten was a romantic in the form of grand gesture schemes where spending money was not a problem. Quinten was adventurous and an adrenaline junkie.
Supporting characters: Mac. Addy's best friend. Jake. Employee at the cafe. Eddie. Driver or chauffeur for Quinten.
Addy talked to herself in the story, shown in italics. Story was told in the third person. Each chapter included a famous quote about love, romance, or sex by famous people. An insta-connection story that was sexually driven.
Addy clumsily met Quinten the Latino playboy from New York visiting Milwaukee on business. Quinten enjoyed the finer things in life. He was a complete contrast to Addy. Addy chose to donate to charity whereas Quintin chose to spend money frivolously. Addy wanted a one night fling with the out of town playboy and found herself played by the player. One note stating he had "fun" sent Addy into a tailspin of anger towards Quintin for making her feel used when she wanted to be the one to use him. Addy's character was witty with humorous comebacks sometimes out of nervousness and other times during awkwardness. Addy made a sexual arrangement with Quinten to hook up with him while he was in town. Addy was a free loving spirit who cared about animal rights and human rights. Addy's character was intellectually smart but lacked common sense. With Quinten she turned into a salacious sex kitten that was starved for sex.
There was an undertone for something deeper in Addy's character. Addy held onto a secret only her and Mac shared. Addy was hiding her true emotions by distracting herself with sex.
The Turning point in story for me was when Addy went to New York. The beginning started off slow. While this story is sexually driven it also contained in depth character development and a plot beyond sex. They were an insatiable couple.
Jewel managed to squeeze quite an adventure into this story. This one ended on a cliffhanger.
#convenientfling. #hotLatinlover. #veganandproud. #givetocharity. #insatiable
#moneydoesnotbuyhappiness #oppositesattract #philanthropist
The vegan eaten hippy had an appetite for the Latin lovers meat stick.
Releasing you: Main character: Addy and Quinten
Supporting characters: Elena, Chase, Jake, Olivia, Alexis, Mitch, Mac, Evan and Gwen.
The mood for Releasing Me was somber. This one began where Holding You left off. Quinten woke up in the hospital after having surgery from the climbing accident. Addy felt guilt over his accident. While this one contained sexual situations, the story was not as sexually driven. In fact, it was emotionally driven. The supporting characters from the first book played a much bigger role in this story.
This story contained journal entries written by Addy. This story included alternating POV's from both Addy and Quinn.
I appreciated every tactic Jewel could concoct regarding mission to win back Quinn.
I definitely felt a deeper connection with the characters this time around. Although, I must say Addy was quite the survivor. Then there were times I wondered where the feisty, fun, and sassy character went. Addy explored an array of personalities in this story. Quinn took a turn for the douchebag award. Quinn was not the Latin god we knew him to be in the first book.
While on one hand Addy appeared to be strong because it was easy to confront Quinn with his indiscretions while actually she was a coward by not disclosing her own secrets. When the tables were turned Addy had to take the bull by the horns and confront her fears.
Once again sex was used as a physical outlet for pain. Alcohol became a vise. Fighting and verbal abuse became a vise.
Finding purpose in life became Addy's new mantra. Avoiding Quinn became necessary in surviving. Addy held onto her addiction for Quinn while Quinn took on many new addictions. Quinn was in self-pity mode and needed to self-destruct.
These characters got lost along the way in life. Too many tragedies carved unexpected paths that bombarded their sense of purpose. They became overwhelmed with the pressures of life succumbing them into self denial and anger.
Through it all, the solution to life's success was found in the support system of a friend, a lover, or a family member.
Jewel hid many secrets in the story revealing each in a timely fashion. Never a dull moment. Equal balance of pain and pleasure.
With all the circumstances that life threw at them both characters went through a range of emotions.
“In our two years together, and apart, we both experienced love, pain, sorrow, compassion, honesty … but mostly, forgiveness.” This quote sums of the story quite nicely. Jewel put these characters through the ringer.
Quinten was a businessman who was well traveled. Quinten was a romantic in the form of grand gesture schemes where spending money was not a problem. Quinten was adventurous and an adrenaline junkie.
Supporting characters: Mac. Addy's best friend. Jake. Employee at the cafe. Eddie. Driver or chauffeur for Quinten.
Addy talked to herself in the story, shown in italics. Story was told in the third person. Each chapter included a famous quote about love, romance, or sex by famous people. An insta-connection story that was sexually driven.
Addy clumsily met Quinten the Latino playboy from New York visiting Milwaukee on business. Quinten enjoyed the finer things in life. He was a complete contrast to Addy. Addy chose to donate to charity whereas Quintin chose to spend money frivolously. Addy wanted a one night fling with the out of town playboy and found herself played by the player. One note stating he had "fun" sent Addy into a tailspin of anger towards Quintin for making her feel used when she wanted to be the one to use him. Addy's character was witty with humorous comebacks sometimes out of nervousness and other times during awkwardness. Addy made a sexual arrangement with Quinten to hook up with him while he was in town. Addy was a free loving spirit who cared about animal rights and human rights. Addy's character was intellectually smart but lacked common sense. With Quinten she turned into a salacious sex kitten that was starved for sex.
There was an undertone for something deeper in Addy's character. Addy held onto a secret only her and Mac shared. Addy was hiding her true emotions by distracting herself with sex.
The Turning point in story for me was when Addy went to New York. The beginning started off slow. While this story is sexually driven it also contained in depth character development and a plot beyond sex. They were an insatiable couple.
Jewel managed to squeeze quite an adventure into this story. This one ended on a cliffhanger.
#convenientfling. #hotLatinlover. #veganandproud. #givetocharity. #insatiable
#moneydoesnotbuyhappiness #oppositesattract #philanthropist
The vegan eaten hippy had an appetite for the Latin lovers meat stick.
Releasing you: Main character: Addy and Quinten
Supporting characters: Elena, Chase, Jake, Olivia, Alexis, Mitch, Mac, Evan and Gwen.
The mood for Releasing Me was somber. This one began where Holding You left off. Quinten woke up in the hospital after having surgery from the climbing accident. Addy felt guilt over his accident. While this one contained sexual situations, the story was not as sexually driven. In fact, it was emotionally driven. The supporting characters from the first book played a much bigger role in this story.
This story contained journal entries written by Addy. This story included alternating POV's from both Addy and Quinn.
I appreciated every tactic Jewel could concoct regarding mission to win back Quinn.
I definitely felt a deeper connection with the characters this time around. Although, I must say Addy was quite the survivor. Then there were times I wondered where the feisty, fun, and sassy character went. Addy explored an array of personalities in this story. Quinn took a turn for the douchebag award. Quinn was not the Latin god we knew him to be in the first book.
While on one hand Addy appeared to be strong because it was easy to confront Quinn with his indiscretions while actually she was a coward by not disclosing her own secrets. When the tables were turned Addy had to take the bull by the horns and confront her fears.
Once again sex was used as a physical outlet for pain. Alcohol became a vise. Fighting and verbal abuse became a vise.
Finding purpose in life became Addy's new mantra. Avoiding Quinn became necessary in surviving. Addy held onto her addiction for Quinn while Quinn took on many new addictions. Quinn was in self-pity mode and needed to self-destruct.
These characters got lost along the way in life. Too many tragedies carved unexpected paths that bombarded their sense of purpose. They became overwhelmed with the pressures of life succumbing them into self denial and anger.
Through it all, the solution to life's success was found in the support system of a friend, a lover, or a family member.
Jewel hid many secrets in the story revealing each in a timely fashion. Never a dull moment. Equal balance of pain and pleasure.
With all the circumstances that life threw at them both characters went through a range of emotions.
“In our two years together, and apart, we both experienced love, pain, sorrow, compassion, honesty … but mostly, forgiveness.” This quote sums of the story quite nicely. Jewel put these characters through the ringer.
January 10, 2018
5 HOLDING YOU STARS!! This story swooped me up a beautiful vegan chef and a rich business man run into each other and sparks fly. I was like watching Pretty Woman the movie. Neither one is looking for anything more than sexy times and oh what fun they have. The story is full of drama, angst, secrets sexiness and things you don't see coming. Jewel E. Ann's writing is beautiful and flawless, I can not get enough of her words.
5 RELEASING ME STARS!! Wow, the conclusion had my heart pounding and took my breath away. I was on the edge of my seat there was so much going on I could not put this book down. I absolutely enjoyed every part of Quinn and Addy's story even though my heart was breaking at times and I thought I was going to die. Jewel E. Ann has become one of my all time favorite authors.
5 RELEASING ME STARS!! Wow, the conclusion had my heart pounding and took my breath away. I was on the edge of my seat there was so much going on I could not put this book down. I absolutely enjoyed every part of Quinn and Addy's story even though my heart was breaking at times and I thought I was going to die. Jewel E. Ann has become one of my all time favorite authors.
September 2, 2017
Another on my favorites list...loved this book
I've been on a quest to read all Jewel's books after reading her most current one after a recommendation from a friend a couple months ago.. I've yet to be disappointed! In devouring all her books, my only regret is that there is only one more of hers in my library left for me to read. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Will be waiting with bated breath for the next new book!
I've been on a quest to read all Jewel's books after reading her most current one after a recommendation from a friend a couple months ago.. I've yet to be disappointed! In devouring all her books, my only regret is that there is only one more of hers in my library left for me to read. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Will be waiting with bated breath for the next new book!
April 28, 2018
I just LOVE this woman!!
I have not enjoyed a book that much in YEARS. I am an avid fan of Nora Robert's, but man, this book (and all of Ms Ann's books) kinda blows Nora out of the water. I laughed to the point of my kid giving me weird looks, I cried my eyes out, I was turned on, I got goosebumps so many times!! I have read all of her books over the last 6 or so months, and there's not one i haven't loved. Fantastic author!!
I have not enjoyed a book that much in YEARS. I am an avid fan of Nora Robert's, but man, this book (and all of Ms Ann's books) kinda blows Nora out of the water. I laughed to the point of my kid giving me weird looks, I cried my eyes out, I was turned on, I got goosebumps so many times!! I have read all of her books over the last 6 or so months, and there's not one i haven't loved. Fantastic author!!
May 22, 2018
Jewel E Ann is officially my favorite writer
I Loved every book. I subscribe to unlimited kindle but I paid for the few that weren't included for free. I hardly ever pay for books. I fall in love with the characters and that never happens. She has a way to make the reader part of the life of the characters. Again loved them All.
Contact me with new books please
I Loved every book. I subscribe to unlimited kindle but I paid for the few that weren't included for free. I hardly ever pay for books. I fall in love with the characters and that never happens. She has a way to make the reader part of the life of the characters. Again loved them All.
Contact me with new books please
May 8, 2017
I was spellbound...
Wow! I read both books in two (2) days! I was spellbound. Now I only have 2 hours to nap before getting ready for work. Awesome story in every way. Jewel is gifted at plot twistsin a way that makes you keep flipping the pages.
Wow! I read both books in two (2) days! I was spellbound. Now I only have 2 hours to nap before getting ready for work. Awesome story in every way. Jewel is gifted at plot twistsin a way that makes you keep flipping the pages.
December 2, 2018
Heart wrenched then sewn back together
Jewel e Ann just has a way. A way with words, characters and stories. You never really know what is going to happen, what had happened and that just makes reading her work so much more. Addy and Quinn’s story is just that and so much more!
Jewel e Ann just has a way. A way with words, characters and stories. You never really know what is going to happen, what had happened and that just makes reading her work so much more. Addy and Quinn’s story is just that and so much more!
August 3, 2020
I loved this book
I loved this story of Addy (Adler Sage Brecken) and Quinn (Quinten Lucas Cohen). I loved their journey and cried and laughed at their banter. I cried tears of sorrow for their loss and smiled for their happy ever after.
I loved this story of Addy (Adler Sage Brecken) and Quinn (Quinten Lucas Cohen). I loved their journey and cried and laughed at their banter. I cried tears of sorrow for their loss and smiled for their happy ever after.
September 30, 2020
This duet is about Addy and her mysterious past. While I like a story shrouded in mystery, the mystery unfolded very slowly. Most of Holding You was a solid 4* but Releasing You was filled with toxic drama.
November 6, 2016
DNF at 49%. I've enjoyed previous books by this author but this series was not for me. MCs were very immature and certain story points were extremely repetitious.
August 27, 2017
Jewel E. Ann is the type of author who makes you want to be a writer. you're feeding the beast.
May 30, 2018
Just read it yourself!
A mixture of bending fate and fate fighting back. It comes full circle in this lovely story. Read it yourself and decide :)
A mixture of bending fate and fate fighting back. It comes full circle in this lovely story. Read it yourself and decide :)
August 19, 2019
really good story. frustrated at times but loved it
January 21, 2025
Wow 🤩 no words.. what great books!! It had so many good twists and unexpected moments..
Loved it!!
Loved it!!
March 1, 2016
Overall a truly wonderful read. The love story of Addy and Quinn. Brought together by chance, they go through plenty of ups and downs that I almost thought fate wouldn't set things straight. Let's just say it was all worth it. 4 stars.
Holding You:
The beginning for our couple. We watch as Addy and Quinn decide to be simply friends with benefits. Both having their own secrets to keep, it's just easier this way. But of course they have such a strong chemistry, it's hard to maintain that arrangement.
What I loved was their playful banter, how they truly got one another and the intense passion shared by both of them. My one complaint is the amount of sex scenes throughout this book. It took away from the story at times and I found myself skimming quite a few. But there is a definite tension and sexual heat from Addy and Quinn so I get it. I loved that they were perfectly matched and could take on each other's sharp comments. Addy's love of all things natural and her vegan ways was almost like a lesson in eating well. I was salivating at the meals she prepared so that was a definite bonus! But I wanted more and was worried that book 2 would just be more of the same.
Releasing Me:
Thank goodness my fears were completely unfounded. Holy smokes, this conclusion was a complete 180 degree turn from book 1. The angst, omg the angst!!! What we come to discover about Addy's past gutted me. I was such an emotional wreck and at times it seemed like one thing after another threatened to take away any happiness she enjoyed with Quinn. He had his own demons and secrets to conquer yet what Addy had gone through trumped his hands down.
Addy maintains such strength though and you just want to put an arm around her and tell her it will all be ok. And thankfully she has Mac as her fierce bestie and even the unexpected time with Jake that helped her find her way. There are plenty of times I wanted to throw my Kindle because of Addy's stubbornness but when all is revealed I'm honestly surprised she is still standing.
She gave her all and deserved every small bit of happiness whether in Quinn's arms or not. And Quinn. Oh my. Let me just take a moment to say how absolutely wonderful a man he is. He knew from the start that Addy could never just be a bedmate, she had his heart and soul from that very first encounter. And the sacrifices, the constant struggle to convince her she was safe with him, I was exhausted for the poor man!
But in the end, oh I swooned like a fool. Quinn and Addy take quite the wild ride to get even a sliver of pleasure and despite every single misstep, every fork in the road, it was completely worth it.
5 stars!!
Holding You:
The beginning for our couple. We watch as Addy and Quinn decide to be simply friends with benefits. Both having their own secrets to keep, it's just easier this way. But of course they have such a strong chemistry, it's hard to maintain that arrangement.
What I loved was their playful banter, how they truly got one another and the intense passion shared by both of them. My one complaint is the amount of sex scenes throughout this book. It took away from the story at times and I found myself skimming quite a few. But there is a definite tension and sexual heat from Addy and Quinn so I get it. I loved that they were perfectly matched and could take on each other's sharp comments. Addy's love of all things natural and her vegan ways was almost like a lesson in eating well. I was salivating at the meals she prepared so that was a definite bonus! But I wanted more and was worried that book 2 would just be more of the same.
Releasing Me:
Thank goodness my fears were completely unfounded. Holy smokes, this conclusion was a complete 180 degree turn from book 1. The angst, omg the angst!!! What we come to discover about Addy's past gutted me. I was such an emotional wreck and at times it seemed like one thing after another threatened to take away any happiness she enjoyed with Quinn. He had his own demons and secrets to conquer yet what Addy had gone through trumped his hands down.
Addy maintains such strength though and you just want to put an arm around her and tell her it will all be ok. And thankfully she has Mac as her fierce bestie and even the unexpected time with Jake that helped her find her way. There are plenty of times I wanted to throw my Kindle because of Addy's stubbornness but when all is revealed I'm honestly surprised she is still standing.
She gave her all and deserved every small bit of happiness whether in Quinn's arms or not. And Quinn. Oh my. Let me just take a moment to say how absolutely wonderful a man he is. He knew from the start that Addy could never just be a bedmate, she had his heart and soul from that very first encounter. And the sacrifices, the constant struggle to convince her she was safe with him, I was exhausted for the poor man!
But in the end, oh I swooned like a fool. Quinn and Addy take quite the wild ride to get even a sliver of pleasure and despite every single misstep, every fork in the road, it was completely worth it.
5 stars!!
September 11, 2016
Reading this book is so painful but worth every gut-wrenching minute! The story of Addy, the gorgeous, broken hippie and Quinn, the sexy manwhore millionaire is captivating. While there are a few unresolved red-herring issues, the way these two love, hate and punish each other is brilliantly juxtaposed with the care and love they each get from their friends and family.
August 3, 2015
An unbelievable emotional rollercoaster!
Wow! I stumbled upon this beautiful story and discovered an awesome new author to add to my favorites. The journey of Quinn and Addy was spectacular, steamy, fun, steamy, angst filled, steamy, heartbreaking, steamy did I say steamy? Panty melting steamy! As the story progresses you learn the heartbreaking truth of Addy's past, get a box of Kleenex out you will need it! Also get a few extra pairs of panties to change into! This book is in my top 5 reads this year!
Wow! I stumbled upon this beautiful story and discovered an awesome new author to add to my favorites. The journey of Quinn and Addy was spectacular, steamy, fun, steamy, angst filled, steamy, heartbreaking, steamy did I say steamy? Panty melting steamy! As the story progresses you learn the heartbreaking truth of Addy's past, get a box of Kleenex out you will need it! Also get a few extra pairs of panties to change into! This book is in my top 5 reads this year!
September 30, 2016
4.75 Never Goodbye Stars
Okay, these two books took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I wasn't expecting. One minute I am smiling then the next I am shaking my kindle in frustration. I loved Addy's character and how giving she was. Quinn frustrated me a bit, especially in book 2 but he redeemed himself in the end.
Jewel E. Ann is a relatively new author to me, thanks to my bestie and book buddy. She is fast becoming a fav author of mine. I am now putting all of her books on my TBR.
Okay, these two books took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I wasn't expecting. One minute I am smiling then the next I am shaking my kindle in frustration. I loved Addy's character and how giving she was. Quinn frustrated me a bit, especially in book 2 but he redeemed himself in the end.
Jewel E. Ann is a relatively new author to me, thanks to my bestie and book buddy. She is fast becoming a fav author of mine. I am now putting all of her books on my TBR.
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