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Life #3
Pieces of a Life
The summer before fourth grade, Colten Mosley moved into the house across the street from mine, and we became inseparable.
He played the piano and baseball.
I had a penchant for dead things while at the same time imagining what it would be like to kiss Colten.
We were filled with curiosity and overly active imaginations.
We were also forbidden to be more than friends.
But that didn’t stop us.
Weeks before graduation, he annihilated my heart, and it’s been seventeen years since the day I knew I’d hate him forever.
Now he’s back in my life—a single dad and a homicide detective looking over my shoulder while I perform autopsies as one of Chicago’s most gifted forensic pathologists. Then fate throws us a curveball.
Colten saves my life, but he can’t erase the images that now keep me awake at night. And I can’t explain them.
Am I still the girl he’s always loved? Or nothing more than pieces of that life?
He played the piano and baseball.
I had a penchant for dead things while at the same time imagining what it would be like to kiss Colten.
We were filled with curiosity and overly active imaginations.
We were also forbidden to be more than friends.
But that didn’t stop us.
Weeks before graduation, he annihilated my heart, and it’s been seventeen years since the day I knew I’d hate him forever.
Now he’s back in my life—a single dad and a homicide detective looking over my shoulder while I perform autopsies as one of Chicago’s most gifted forensic pathologists. Then fate throws us a curveball.
Colten saves my life, but he can’t erase the images that now keep me awake at night. And I can’t explain them.
Am I still the girl he’s always loved? Or nothing more than pieces of that life?
396 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2022
584 people are currently reading
4376 people want to read
About the author
Jewel E. Ann
59 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 The Homemaker, a contemporary romance.
Upcoming Projects: The Muse, book 2 in the Chain of Lakes Series coming in May.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
Her newest release is The Homemaker, a contemporary romance.
Upcoming Projects: The Muse, book 2 in the Chain of Lakes Series coming in May.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 566 reviews
September 12, 2022
'🅿🅸🅴🅲🅴🆂 🅾🅵 🅰 🅻🅸🅵🅴' Is a full length book in author Jewel E. Ann's 'Colten & Josie' series. Spoken in 'multiple Perspectives.'
My mind is in a jumble, where past and present collided, a roller coaster of emotions wrung me dry. I’ve never been one to fall so in love with a fictional character before.
Until now..
Colton had my heart as a child, as we’re swept along on their tidal wave of an unforgettable childhood romance, to the man he became still holding my heart in older hands.
The on again off again boyfriend, the angst and feels walked hand in hand, the giggles wrung haphazardly from the get go, when he’s met with a unconventional girl, a girl who is fascinated by all things dead, with an inquisitive mind, to the woman she became.
9 years together
17 years apart
Now they’re in the same city, both having jobs that will overlap into the others field.
This book had me within its clutches and kidnapped and held me hostage from that very first page right up until the end as I’m spiralling down a cliffy screaming for the next book.
I loved the glimpses we saw of their past, the outside influences which had impacts on their friendship, the heartbreak as they went their separate ways.
Forever changed but still the same.
Books like this are my kryptonite and this book just cemented why...
* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
October 3, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ romantic suspense
Series ~ Colten & Josie #1; Life #3
Publication date ~ September 13, 2022
Est page Count ~ 396
Audio length ~ 8 hours 37 minutes
Narrators ~ Emery Erickson, Alastair Haynesbridge
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ slow burn, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers~ish to enemies to lovers, forbidden love, single dad, law enforcement, medical examiner, characters in their teens and then in their 30's, second chance
CW ~ many suicide and dead children references
Colten and Josie's story is a complicated one. It's told in the present with some flashbacks of their childhood together beginning when they were 9. Something happened near high school graduation that made them not speak for 17 years. Now, they are working in parallel career fields that give them a chance to get to know each other again. Colten is a homicide detective and Josie is an medical examiner. One character is more reluctant than the other to reconnect.
For most of the book Josie was quite frustrating, and Colten at times too, but the story slowly takes us on the journey of why she's so upset with Colten. I don't want to give too much away, but there's a bit of an intriguing mystery that they try to solve. Note that there is a cliffhanger, which is to be expected with a duet.
Jewel is quite the story teller that takes you on an emotional ride. It was lighter on the romance than I thought it would be, but fast paced with an interesting plot. I'm looking forward to the continuation of Colten and Josie's story in Memories of a Life and I'm excited to see what's in store for their future.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Jewel E. Ann and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ romantic suspense
Series ~ Colten & Josie #1; Life #3
Publication date ~ September 13, 2022
Est page Count ~ 396
Audio length ~ 8 hours 37 minutes
Narrators ~ Emery Erickson, Alastair Haynesbridge
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ slow burn, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers~ish to enemies to lovers, forbidden love, single dad, law enforcement, medical examiner, characters in their teens and then in their 30's, second chance
CW ~ many suicide and dead children references
Colten and Josie's story is a complicated one. It's told in the present with some flashbacks of their childhood together beginning when they were 9. Something happened near high school graduation that made them not speak for 17 years. Now, they are working in parallel career fields that give them a chance to get to know each other again. Colten is a homicide detective and Josie is an medical examiner. One character is more reluctant than the other to reconnect.
For most of the book Josie was quite frustrating, and Colten at times too, but the story slowly takes us on the journey of why she's so upset with Colten. I don't want to give too much away, but there's a bit of an intriguing mystery that they try to solve. Note that there is a cliffhanger, which is to be expected with a duet.
Jewel is quite the story teller that takes you on an emotional ride. It was lighter on the romance than I thought it would be, but fast paced with an interesting plot. I'm looking forward to the continuation of Colten and Josie's story in Memories of a Life and I'm excited to see what's in store for their future.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Jewel E. Ann and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
August 4, 2022
This story delivered an emotionally packed, full on wollop straight to my heart! Jewel is synonymous with her Ever-evolving plot and acute sensibilities of getting IN a characters head with surprising precision, it's no wonder her stories bring a Smile to readers face. And skip a few beats too in the process.
As is usual with her each written word, I cannot recommend this beautiful book highly enough.
The prologue itself leaves you stunned as its twists on a dime.
Turn the page and you come face to face with Josephine who has an abnormal job in a normal world. It left me wondering who will trim their edges to fit whom.
Josie is full of revelations, her super inquisitive brain constantly digging every piece of clue hidden everywhere in the universe. And her childhood friend is a perfect example of the male species whose mind is occupied by thoughts of the next meal. His heart and soul both are attuned to Josephine's whims and he follows where she leads.
"She led … I followed. That was us. "
She needs answers for everything, cannot skip steps, leave an undetermined box unchecked. while he accepts her logics as long as she's in his orbit, smiling at him.
Life couldn't be more guileless, simple and full of sunshine.
for a couple that loves each other so fiercely and so unconditionally, its but eventual for them to end up together in future. As they prance around on a fun new path of endless possibilities where they tackle each challenge as a united front. And have a lot of fun doing it.
But here's where Jewel's warped mind decides to have fun.
I need to mention here how adeptly jewel manages to capture confused adolescent mindset with quirky accuracy. the fluff free, non cheesy, un-clichéd treatment, endearing her genius writer brain for me, a whole lot more.
When Josie loses control of her emotions in the park, I lost it.
I bawled like a child wailing for her precious blankie.
“I didn’t need you …” I blink back my tears.
“I just really wanted you.”
I was completely besotted with the book right from first page itself. The emotions burst out of my heart and leaked through my eyes at several instances. Her all consuming need for acceptance and helplessness brought me to my readers knees.
Only offset by unchallenged love from Colton. He cherishes her with overwhelming totality and surety, he is my perfectly imperfect man. at the same time when her career path started, her love life becoming casualty in the endless struggle that is her almost empty day-to-day existence, his is a life rooted firmly in his earthly responsibilities.
"we weren’t each other’s world—the world was simply ours when it was just the two of us."
At the core of this quirky tale lies a truly beautiful love story—a story of patience, perseverance, honesty and unwavering affection. It’s a love that makes jo believe she can have the things she never thought she could, a love that acts as an anchor in the stormy waters of her troubled mind, a love that she can depend on and draw strength from
jewel can write any story with credibility and lots of heart.not only do you feel yourself change for the better, you forgive her for leaving you hanging at the precipice with legit scalpel to the brain.
But like every cloud has a sliver lining, every book ends on a promise of more to come.
6 stars for Artemis 9:17
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
As is usual with her each written word, I cannot recommend this beautiful book highly enough.
The prologue itself leaves you stunned as its twists on a dime.
Turn the page and you come face to face with Josephine who has an abnormal job in a normal world. It left me wondering who will trim their edges to fit whom.
Josie is full of revelations, her super inquisitive brain constantly digging every piece of clue hidden everywhere in the universe. And her childhood friend is a perfect example of the male species whose mind is occupied by thoughts of the next meal. His heart and soul both are attuned to Josephine's whims and he follows where she leads.
"She led … I followed. That was us. "
She needs answers for everything, cannot skip steps, leave an undetermined box unchecked. while he accepts her logics as long as she's in his orbit, smiling at him.
Life couldn't be more guileless, simple and full of sunshine.
for a couple that loves each other so fiercely and so unconditionally, its but eventual for them to end up together in future. As they prance around on a fun new path of endless possibilities where they tackle each challenge as a united front. And have a lot of fun doing it.
But here's where Jewel's warped mind decides to have fun.
I need to mention here how adeptly jewel manages to capture confused adolescent mindset with quirky accuracy. the fluff free, non cheesy, un-clichéd treatment, endearing her genius writer brain for me, a whole lot more.
When Josie loses control of her emotions in the park, I lost it.
I bawled like a child wailing for her precious blankie.
“I didn’t need you …” I blink back my tears.
“I just really wanted you.”
I was completely besotted with the book right from first page itself. The emotions burst out of my heart and leaked through my eyes at several instances. Her all consuming need for acceptance and helplessness brought me to my readers knees.
Only offset by unchallenged love from Colton. He cherishes her with overwhelming totality and surety, he is my perfectly imperfect man. at the same time when her career path started, her love life becoming casualty in the endless struggle that is her almost empty day-to-day existence, his is a life rooted firmly in his earthly responsibilities.
"we weren’t each other’s world—the world was simply ours when it was just the two of us."
At the core of this quirky tale lies a truly beautiful love story—a story of patience, perseverance, honesty and unwavering affection. It’s a love that makes jo believe she can have the things she never thought she could, a love that acts as an anchor in the stormy waters of her troubled mind, a love that she can depend on and draw strength from
jewel can write any story with credibility and lots of heart.not only do you feel yourself change for the better, you forgive her for leaving you hanging at the precipice with legit scalpel to the brain.
But like every cloud has a sliver lining, every book ends on a promise of more to come.
6 stars for Artemis 9:17
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
September 9, 2022
I can always count on Jewel E. Ann to deliver a unique storyline and all consuming dialogue. I was enraptured by Josie and Colton. Both when they were kids and had their fights and made up to the present when they’re in their mid thirties and meeting again after seventeen years apart. There’s no doubt about their pull and the strong connection and history shared between them. It was so palpable and it all comes down to how Ann chose the write it. It was flawlessly executed with a seamless switch between the past and present.
Pieces of a Life is a suspense with paranormal elements but most importantly it’s a second chance romance. Josie and Colton’s relationship was wonderfully explored when they were kids. It was rich and layered which really made it interesting following them when they were adults cause of their history and what had transpired. A lot of emotions and again impeccable dialogue. I couldn’t tear myself away from this couple. I was in deep and on this quest for answers along with Josie and Colton. It’s thrilling and intense.
Jewel E. Ann gave me suspense and romance. She excels in romantic suspense and again I’m left at the edge of my seat wanting more. Fantastic! A must read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received an arc*
Pieces of a Life is a suspense with paranormal elements but most importantly it’s a second chance romance. Josie and Colton’s relationship was wonderfully explored when they were kids. It was rich and layered which really made it interesting following them when they were adults cause of their history and what had transpired. A lot of emotions and again impeccable dialogue. I couldn’t tear myself away from this couple. I was in deep and on this quest for answers along with Josie and Colton. It’s thrilling and intense.
Jewel E. Ann gave me suspense and romance. She excels in romantic suspense and again I’m left at the edge of my seat wanting more. Fantastic! A must read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received an arc*
September 14, 2022
”Why are you always trying to run away from me?”
Josie and Colten met the summer before 4th grade and spent the next 9 years building a bond as strong as two opposing magnets could. Until that bond was severed for 17 years, but you know what opposing magnets do when they come back in close contact? They attract.
Jewel presents you with a prologue that has you asking 100 questions before ‘Pieces of a Life’ even truly begins. She then soothes you with the cozy nostalgic lullaby that is this sweet, funny, and emotional young love — second chance romance… BUT then *BAM*, suspenseful mystery/mystical subplot that will have you intrigued and a little bit stressed if I’m being completely honest.
Ok, so without completely spoiling this book I just want to say that Jewel E. Ann masterfully tells us the story of Colten and Josie by legitimately giving us pieces of the life that brought them to their present. We get this emotional, yet fun second chance romance, while seeing small glimpses at the past that built the love they have. The banter is top notch. The characters are easy to love and to dislike at times. They feel so real because they are being selfish, just living, making mistakes and I honestly found myself shaking my kindle at times begging them to choose differently. (Side note: how stressful, yet epic, would a choose your own journey story by JEA be?!?!) Back on topic, if you love friends to lovers, “it’s always been you,” and second chances, but also enjoy a mysterious/suspenseful subplot then you will LOVE this book.
It is book one of two, so there’s more to come, and I am absolutely on the edge of my seat for what comes next. I need it 17 years ago.
“I’m gonna kiss you, Josie.” She grinned, leaning in and rubbing her cold nose against mine. “Don’t tell me. Just do it.”
CW/TW (could contain what some consider spoilers): discussions of autopsies, gun violence, discussions of death/suicide, discussions of murders/crimes
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR5WBdWH/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR5bFudJ/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRPtn61b/
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
Josie and Colten met the summer before 4th grade and spent the next 9 years building a bond as strong as two opposing magnets could. Until that bond was severed for 17 years, but you know what opposing magnets do when they come back in close contact? They attract.
Jewel presents you with a prologue that has you asking 100 questions before ‘Pieces of a Life’ even truly begins. She then soothes you with the cozy nostalgic lullaby that is this sweet, funny, and emotional young love — second chance romance… BUT then *BAM*, suspenseful mystery/mystical subplot that will have you intrigued and a little bit stressed if I’m being completely honest.
Ok, so without completely spoiling this book I just want to say that Jewel E. Ann masterfully tells us the story of Colten and Josie by legitimately giving us pieces of the life that brought them to their present. We get this emotional, yet fun second chance romance, while seeing small glimpses at the past that built the love they have. The banter is top notch. The characters are easy to love and to dislike at times. They feel so real because they are being selfish, just living, making mistakes and I honestly found myself shaking my kindle at times begging them to choose differently. (Side note: how stressful, yet epic, would a choose your own journey story by JEA be?!?!) Back on topic, if you love friends to lovers, “it’s always been you,” and second chances, but also enjoy a mysterious/suspenseful subplot then you will LOVE this book.
It is book one of two, so there’s more to come, and I am absolutely on the edge of my seat for what comes next. I need it 17 years ago.
“I’m gonna kiss you, Josie.” She grinned, leaning in and rubbing her cold nose against mine. “Don’t tell me. Just do it.”
CW/TW (could contain what some consider spoilers): discussions of autopsies, gun violence, discussions of death/suicide, discussions of murders/crimes
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR5WBdWH/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR5bFudJ/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRPtn61b/
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
September 11, 2022
4 STARS
There are three things I love; second chance romance, suspense, and Jewel E Ann books. So when those three things combine into one addictive read, you know I'm here for it. And what a ride this one was!
First, I love a sex positive heroine, who doesn't spend the years away from the hero in a second chance romance pining in celibate sorrow. Josephine spend more years away from Colten than they ever did together, but she's never managed to move past the heartbreak. They grew up together, and had a tumultuous on again off again teenage relationship, until he broke her heart. She's now a successful forensic pathologist, who isn't interested in any entanglement outside of the satisfaction of a warm body next to hers. She's not interested in marriage or happily ever afters. She has her career and that's enough. Until the man who so thoroughly broke her heart makes a sudden reappearance in her life as the detective on a case she's also working on.
The story is told in a combination of past and present. I'm not a reader that loves too many flashbacks, and while the pacing was great, the flashbacks did still take me out a bit. Perhaps the way they transitioned? That aside, I loved getting more details on how these two fell together and then fell apart. I loved that Josephine was a bit of a hard ass and didn't just forgive and forget. She made Colten work for it and boy did he work for it.
Colten was this wonderful combination of alpha and cinnamon roll. He worked so hard and lays himself bare for her. At times I almost found Josephine to be too much of a hard ass, but it just worked. But the show stopper was definitely that ending. Holy mother of plot twists, that ending. I think my heart may have stopped beating when I read that last sentence. If I don't have the next book in my hands immediately, I'm going to riot!!!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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I don’t remember falling in love with Josephine Watts. I just remember the day we met and the day I let her go for good. For me, she wasn’t really my girlfriend. She was my everything.
There are three things I love; second chance romance, suspense, and Jewel E Ann books. So when those three things combine into one addictive read, you know I'm here for it. And what a ride this one was!
First, I love a sex positive heroine, who doesn't spend the years away from the hero in a second chance romance pining in celibate sorrow. Josephine spend more years away from Colten than they ever did together, but she's never managed to move past the heartbreak. They grew up together, and had a tumultuous on again off again teenage relationship, until he broke her heart. She's now a successful forensic pathologist, who isn't interested in any entanglement outside of the satisfaction of a warm body next to hers. She's not interested in marriage or happily ever afters. She has her career and that's enough. Until the man who so thoroughly broke her heart makes a sudden reappearance in her life as the detective on a case she's also working on.
The story is told in a combination of past and present. I'm not a reader that loves too many flashbacks, and while the pacing was great, the flashbacks did still take me out a bit. Perhaps the way they transitioned? That aside, I loved getting more details on how these two fell together and then fell apart. I loved that Josephine was a bit of a hard ass and didn't just forgive and forget. She made Colten work for it and boy did he work for it.
Colten was this wonderful combination of alpha and cinnamon roll. He worked so hard and lays himself bare for her. At times I almost found Josephine to be too much of a hard ass, but it just worked. But the show stopper was definitely that ending. Holy mother of plot twists, that ending. I think my heart may have stopped beating when I read that last sentence. If I don't have the next book in my hands immediately, I'm going to riot!!!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
September 13, 2022
A WONDERFUL second chance romance between former childhood best friends who broke apart at the end of high school. He’s now a single dad and a criminal investigator, and she’s a forensic pathologist. Colten is completely, 100%, all in with Josie from the moment they reunite because he knows she’s The One for him. I loved his determination to win her heart again!!!!
The twist at the end is so weird. I can’t wait to read more about it lol.
The twist at the end is so weird. I can’t wait to read more about it lol.
September 1, 2022
It's been seventeen years since Josie Watts became a different person. She's colder, more precise and doesn't give a *** what anyone thinks of the way she handles her personal life. Being one of the best forensic pathologists, Josie is now in the line of sight of the boy who broke her heart all those years ago. They say you never forget your first love but with scars like that, will Josie let the past go and start over as friends with Colton?
Detective Colton Mosley has always regretted one thing in his life and that's letting Josie go. Best friends since they were little, he knew that this girl was going to be it for him and his entire life was revolved around her for so long. But as they started to grow up, their relationship changed but the love never did. Now seventeen years later and he's finally staring at the face that's been a fixture in his dreams and desires and he has no intention of letting her go. But while investigating a few murders, things take a drastic turn that sets off a chain of events leaving Colton and Josie with more questions than answers.
I went into this story knowing that it was a duet and I was somewhat prepared for a cliffhanger ending and I was ok with that. What I was not prepared for was the shocking heart attack twist!! I had to re read the entire chapter just to make sure that I was reading everything correctly and I was still not convinced!
I really love this author and her ability to truly suck you in to her stories but I have to say even though I've read nearly all of her books, I'm still shocked. How does she do that? Story after story, characters that you've thought about strangling your own self only to turn around and love them unconditionally, plot twists, heartbreaks, timeless love, she gives you everything and years from now, I'm still going to want more.
If you're looking for a best friend's enemies to lovers romance with a dark twist, then this one's for you.
September 24, 2022
My ramblings to follow in the sequel
September 17, 2022
It's been a few days since I finished my 1st read. And today I finished it a 2nd time.
I thought after the 2nd read I would have the words to describe how much I loved it... I'll try.
Pieces of a Life is one of those stories that has everything to pull you in. You will swoon and smile. You will get suspense and angst. Your heart will love and your mind will trip out. Great character development. It's told in a past/present that is easy to follow.
Colten and Josephine start off having such a great friendship that grows to a never ending once in a lifetime kind of love. Gaaah!!! LOVE IT
By the time I finished, my heart was full and so was my head!!! I have questions that need answers and theories that'll drive me crazy... Fabulous book 1 and I cannot wait for book 2 Memories of a Life
#BookHangOver
I thought after the 2nd read I would have the words to describe how much I loved it... I'll try.
Pieces of a Life is one of those stories that has everything to pull you in. You will swoon and smile. You will get suspense and angst. Your heart will love and your mind will trip out. Great character development. It's told in a past/present that is easy to follow.
Colten and Josephine start off having such a great friendship that grows to a never ending once in a lifetime kind of love. Gaaah!!! LOVE IT
By the time I finished, my heart was full and so was my head!!! I have questions that need answers and theories that'll drive me crazy... Fabulous book 1 and I cannot wait for book 2 Memories of a Life
#BookHangOver
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September 7, 2022“The question is … what on earth do your dating app pricks get for a six-course meal if you flashed me for half a Twix?”
“Why are they pricks?”
“Because you’re mine.”
---------
Preorder Today
Releasing September 13th
💛Amazon:👉 https://amzn.to/3oOz7Rv
💛Wordwide:👉 https://books2read.com/u/mZQ07R
💛Apple Books:👉 https://apple.co/3xJG9fH
💛B&N:👉 https://bit.ly/39nc0JG
💛Kobo:👉 https://bit.ly/3zQKeQ1
🤜Chapter 1 - 3: https://www.jeweleann.com/pieces-of-a...
📣Vote on Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3NKRdib
MEMORIES OF A LIFE: Colten & Josie: Part Two
Preorder - Releasing Sept 27th
💛👉https://books2read.com/u/4DPeYk
BLURB
The summer before fourth grade, Colten Mosley moved into the house across the street from mine, and we became inseparable.
He played the piano and baseball.
I had a penchant for dead things while at the same time imagining what it would be like to kiss Colten.
We were filled with curiosity and overly active imaginations.
We were also forbidden to be more than friends.
But that didn’t stop us.
Weeks before graduation, he annihilated my heart, and it’s been seventeen years since the day I knew I’d hate him forever.
Now he’s back in my life—a single dad and a homicide detective looking over my shoulder while I perform autopsies as one of Chicago’s most gifted forensic pathologists. Then fate throws us a curveball.
Colten saves my life, but he can’t erase the images that now keep me awake at night. And I can’t explain them.
Am I still the girl he’s always loved? Or nothing more than pieces of that life?
*This story contains sensitive and graphic content.
“Why are they pricks?”
“Because you’re mine.”
---------
Preorder Today
Releasing September 13th
💛Amazon:👉 https://amzn.to/3oOz7Rv
💛Wordwide:👉 https://books2read.com/u/mZQ07R
💛Apple Books:👉 https://apple.co/3xJG9fH
💛B&N:👉 https://bit.ly/39nc0JG
💛Kobo:👉 https://bit.ly/3zQKeQ1
🤜Chapter 1 - 3: https://www.jeweleann.com/pieces-of-a...
📣Vote on Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3NKRdib
MEMORIES OF A LIFE: Colten & Josie: Part Two
Preorder - Releasing Sept 27th
💛👉https://books2read.com/u/4DPeYk
BLURB
The summer before fourth grade, Colten Mosley moved into the house across the street from mine, and we became inseparable.
He played the piano and baseball.
I had a penchant for dead things while at the same time imagining what it would be like to kiss Colten.
We were filled with curiosity and overly active imaginations.
We were also forbidden to be more than friends.
But that didn’t stop us.
Weeks before graduation, he annihilated my heart, and it’s been seventeen years since the day I knew I’d hate him forever.
Now he’s back in my life—a single dad and a homicide detective looking over my shoulder while I perform autopsies as one of Chicago’s most gifted forensic pathologists. Then fate throws us a curveball.
Colten saves my life, but he can’t erase the images that now keep me awake at night. And I can’t explain them.
Am I still the girl he’s always loved? Or nothing more than pieces of that life?
*This story contains sensitive and graphic content.
September 10, 2022
I LOVED every freaking thing about this story! Ms.Ann never disappointed me, not once, not ever... And let me tell you how much I'm excited for the next book. Ahhh thank God, we won't wait too long. :)
***ARC provided by Valentine PR & Literary Management. "
dnf-lost-interest
September 17, 2022Buddy read like the good ole days with Jenn!
September 13, 2022
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Josephine Watts grew up as the police chief’s reckless, impulsive, fearless daughter. She was a quirky, free spirit who meets her best friend Colten Mosley the summer before fourth grade. For nine years they are inseparable. Then everything between them falls apart, and she’s left broken-hearted. She’s now a confident, independent workaholic who doesn’t have time for relationships. She’s a gifted forensic pathologist who loves her job. That is until the boy from her past shows up at work. Colten is a homicide detective in Chicago who enjoys pushing her buttons. He makes her feel on edge, but she needs to stay professional. He’s a persistent thorn in her side, but still annoyingly irresistible. She’s held onto her anger for a long time, but will she be reminded what he once meant to her?
Colten Mosley is a single father who catches killers for a living. He’s shocked when he learns the girl from his childhood is in the same city and their professions overlap. After they went their separate ways years ago he didn’t think their paths would cross again. It’s been seventeen years, and suddenly he feels like a teenager again being around Josie. Is their story over, or is their timing finally right?
Pieces of a Life (Life #3) by Jewel E. Ann is part one of Colten & Josie’s journey. It’s a neighbors, coming of age, forbidden, friends to lovers romance told from past to present about forgiveness, fate, first loves and second chances. It’s full of emotion, humor, mystery, suspense, amazing banter and plenty of swoon. This story is addicting, original, and captivated me from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. I love this author’s books so much! I never know what I’m going to get, but I always love it! Jewel E. Ann’s writing is brilliant and keeps me dying for more! I can’t wait for book two! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3BcOCIL
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Josephine Watts grew up as the police chief’s reckless, impulsive, fearless daughter. She was a quirky, free spirit who meets her best friend Colten Mosley the summer before fourth grade. For nine years they are inseparable. Then everything between them falls apart, and she’s left broken-hearted. She’s now a confident, independent workaholic who doesn’t have time for relationships. She’s a gifted forensic pathologist who loves her job. That is until the boy from her past shows up at work. Colten is a homicide detective in Chicago who enjoys pushing her buttons. He makes her feel on edge, but she needs to stay professional. He’s a persistent thorn in her side, but still annoyingly irresistible. She’s held onto her anger for a long time, but will she be reminded what he once meant to her?
Colten Mosley is a single father who catches killers for a living. He’s shocked when he learns the girl from his childhood is in the same city and their professions overlap. After they went their separate ways years ago he didn’t think their paths would cross again. It’s been seventeen years, and suddenly he feels like a teenager again being around Josie. Is their story over, or is their timing finally right?
Pieces of a Life (Life #3) by Jewel E. Ann is part one of Colten & Josie’s journey. It’s a neighbors, coming of age, forbidden, friends to lovers romance told from past to present about forgiveness, fate, first loves and second chances. It’s full of emotion, humor, mystery, suspense, amazing banter and plenty of swoon. This story is addicting, original, and captivated me from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. I love this author’s books so much! I never know what I’m going to get, but I always love it! Jewel E. Ann’s writing is brilliant and keeps me dying for more! I can’t wait for book two! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3BcOCIL
September 16, 2022
Josie + Colten
Those two met when he moved in next door the summer they were ten.
They quickly became besties. Even this young he had a huge crush on her - even though she was weird for a girl - fascinated by dead bugs and the kidnappings and killings her cop dad told her about.
Then we fast forward to Chicago. We're 35 years old.
Josie is a medical examiner and Colten a detective who just moved to the city.
They meet on a case and she does not like him anymore. Like AT ALL.
What happened to them? Something did and we'll find out.
We won't find out everything yet, because there's a second book - but it will be only 6 days behind this one - so no worries about forgetting stuff. (Talking to myself there!)
═════════════════
Well.....
I was a tiny bit scared to get started with this.
I knew that there must be some kind of supernatural element in here somewhere - because that's what Jewel's LIFE series is all about...
And I kinda hate that.
Give me a full on vampire book but not one of those little weird thingies. I don't like those tiny bits of supernatural. Like ... I can see dead people. Animals talk to me. I used to be an empress and now I'm reborn as a lawyer in NYC. I can move things with my mind. Et cetera. 😂
Well. It wasn't bad at all. There's no super weird stuff happening here. For the first 77% of the book there's nothing weird at all. It's just Colten and Josie meeting again and maybe falling for each other again - while in her case still hating him. LOL. And we go back in time a lot to see how they met and what all happened in the past.
And then something happens - but I don't want to spoil it for you - read it! It's not super bad but it's very mysterious and we need to find out what is happening!
I can already see this as a cop/ME show on tv!
Tiny thing that bothered me a lot... the cover! And I should've probably said something when the cover was revealed...
Am I the only one thinking that the cover Colten is going bald in the front??
It's only the water but it looks so horrible when you just catch a quick glimpse at the cover... And the yellow is not helping much. Just a tiny splash of dark color on his head would look so much better!
PIECES OF A LIFE was a great start for this duet. Funny. Adorable. Sparky. Mysterious. Heartbreaking. Crazy. Beautiful. Run to your nearest amazon for your own Colten - this one is MINE!☺
💜
💜
September 12, 2022
Josie and Colten have known each other since they were about 9 years old, when Colten moved in across the road. They became inseparable best friends, spending all of their spare time together. When they crossed the bridge of adolescence there was a shift in their friendship, into something a bit more.
Josie isn’t like any of the other girls at school, she is confident, outspoken and not into the usually girly things. She has an inquisitive mind and prefers to be outdoors digging in mud - sometimes dissecting dead insects or creatures. She has a fascination with dead things. Colten loves spending time in Josie’s family home, her mum cooks him delicious food and her dad involves him in the garage, tinkering with the engine on his car.
As they become teens, they have an on again/off again dating thing going on. Sharing a few firsts with each other. Josie has always known she wants to go away to college to study medicine and Colten is not 100% sure on what he wants to do, he just knows he wants to be with Josie. She feels the same way. After Colten has a conversation with Josie’s father, he makes a life changing decision that shatters what they have completely.
Seventeen years later, Josie is a medical examiner and for the most part enjoys her work. On a routine day at work trying to confirm the cause of death of a victim things get a bit disrupted when Colten walks back into her life. He has returned to town as a detective with the local Police department. It seems these two will be working closely together from now on.
‘When I see her, I feel like our story is still untold. Seventeen years feel like seventeen seconds.’ - Colten
Josie has held on to all the pain and anger she felt the last time she saw Colten and she has no plans to let that go for now. He obliterated her heart and seems to have moved on just fine from what she can see. Colten is determined to win his best friend back, he knows there is still something there between them and he knows that given time, Josie will feel it too.
‘You took everything that was wonderful in my life and made it ugly and painful’ - Josie
‘I’m trying to figure out how we spent nine years together and seventeen apart, but I feel like my whole life has been defined more by those nine years than the following seventeen.’ - Colten
When Josie gets unexpectedly injured, she is not only reliant on Colten for help but begins to have strange dreams. These become more frequent, and weigh on her mind so much that she decides she needs to get to the bottom of them. This leads into a very suspenseful twist filled ending to this story for now and the promise of a very exciting conclusion!
Josie isn’t like any of the other girls at school, she is confident, outspoken and not into the usually girly things. She has an inquisitive mind and prefers to be outdoors digging in mud - sometimes dissecting dead insects or creatures. She has a fascination with dead things. Colten loves spending time in Josie’s family home, her mum cooks him delicious food and her dad involves him in the garage, tinkering with the engine on his car.
As they become teens, they have an on again/off again dating thing going on. Sharing a few firsts with each other. Josie has always known she wants to go away to college to study medicine and Colten is not 100% sure on what he wants to do, he just knows he wants to be with Josie. She feels the same way. After Colten has a conversation with Josie’s father, he makes a life changing decision that shatters what they have completely.
Seventeen years later, Josie is a medical examiner and for the most part enjoys her work. On a routine day at work trying to confirm the cause of death of a victim things get a bit disrupted when Colten walks back into her life. He has returned to town as a detective with the local Police department. It seems these two will be working closely together from now on.
‘When I see her, I feel like our story is still untold. Seventeen years feel like seventeen seconds.’ - Colten
Josie has held on to all the pain and anger she felt the last time she saw Colten and she has no plans to let that go for now. He obliterated her heart and seems to have moved on just fine from what she can see. Colten is determined to win his best friend back, he knows there is still something there between them and he knows that given time, Josie will feel it too.
‘You took everything that was wonderful in my life and made it ugly and painful’ - Josie
‘I’m trying to figure out how we spent nine years together and seventeen apart, but I feel like my whole life has been defined more by those nine years than the following seventeen.’ - Colten
When Josie gets unexpectedly injured, she is not only reliant on Colten for help but begins to have strange dreams. These become more frequent, and weigh on her mind so much that she decides she needs to get to the bottom of them. This leads into a very suspenseful twist filled ending to this story for now and the promise of a very exciting conclusion!
September 1, 2022
I feel so lucky to have received an ARC of this exceptional book. Jewel E. Ann is truly a master. She crafts unconventional and imaginative stories unlike any other author. I did not think it would be possible to recreate the magic of Ronin and Evelyn's chemistry in The Life That Mattered, but she has definitely tapped into that essence.
The bants between Josie and Colten and the flashbacks to their childhood are pure enjoyment liberally doused with the heartache of a deep and abiding first love. Josie is a stubborn but unique character you want to root for and simultaneously smack upside her head.
Without giving away any spoilers, I must share that if you are a lover of JEA's books Transcend and End of Day as much as I am, you will probably cherish this book in the same way. I dread the month-long wait to continue Josie and Colten's story, but I know it will be worth every moment.
The bants between Josie and Colten and the flashbacks to their childhood are pure enjoyment liberally doused with the heartache of a deep and abiding first love. Josie is a stubborn but unique character you want to root for and simultaneously smack upside her head.
Without giving away any spoilers, I must share that if you are a lover of JEA's books Transcend and End of Day as much as I am, you will probably cherish this book in the same way. I dread the month-long wait to continue Josie and Colten's story, but I know it will be worth every moment.
July 22, 2023
3.5 stars
Book one and two were both 5 star reads for me so my expectations here were pretty high and thankfully I wasn’t totally disappointed. This was a second chance romance so it was heavy on angst and some mild spice which I enjoyed every bit of it.
The ending may have had me a little spooked but I’m on to the next book.
Book one and two were both 5 star reads for me so my expectations here were pretty high and thankfully I wasn’t totally disappointed. This was a second chance romance so it was heavy on angst and some mild spice which I enjoyed every bit of it.
The ending may have had me a little spooked but I’m on to the next book.
September 13, 2022
3.5 stars
This hurts. I don’t think I’ve ever rated a Jewel E. Ann book less than four stars. After all, she is probably my favorite author. I love how she mixes humor with gut-wrenching emotions. Pieces of a Life isn’t bad, but it is missing Jewel E. Ann’s signature sparkle.
Josie and Colten were best friends growing up, but they also “dated” on and off again. They broke up and made up so many times I lost count. Just before high school graduation, Colten broke Josie's heart, and they didn’t see or speak to each other for the next seventeen years. Eventually, Josie, now a forensic pathologist, and Colten, a homicide detective, cross paths over a murder case.
The story is told from both points of view and there are flashbacks scattered throughout. I’m not a fan of flashbacks—especially here when the time jumps aren’t chronological. It’s confusing and makes the flow of the story choppy.
I can put that aside, but fundamentally I don’t vibe with Josie. She’s prickly with a frustrating push and pull nature and a tendency towards mind games. She holds a grudge longer than anyone I know, and I grew impatient with her unwillingness to (cue Elsa from “Frozen”) let it go. For some reason, Colten thinks the sun rises and sets on Josie. While I didn’t always like her behavior, I will say I respected Josie’s strength and intelligence. She’s a complex puzzle that I’m still interested in putting together.
Josie starts having creepy nightmares towards the end of the book. That’s when I got really hooked on the story. Jewel E. Ann does mind-bending romantic suspense very well, so I’m hopeful that Memories of a Life will build on that thrilling momentum.
Pieces of a Life is book 1 in Josie and Colten’s duet, which is a standalone story in the Life series.
Recommended for fans of:
Romantic suspense
Second chance romance
Paranormal mysteries
This hurts. I don’t think I’ve ever rated a Jewel E. Ann book less than four stars. After all, she is probably my favorite author. I love how she mixes humor with gut-wrenching emotions. Pieces of a Life isn’t bad, but it is missing Jewel E. Ann’s signature sparkle.
Josie and Colten were best friends growing up, but they also “dated” on and off again. They broke up and made up so many times I lost count. Just before high school graduation, Colten broke Josie's heart, and they didn’t see or speak to each other for the next seventeen years. Eventually, Josie, now a forensic pathologist, and Colten, a homicide detective, cross paths over a murder case.
The story is told from both points of view and there are flashbacks scattered throughout. I’m not a fan of flashbacks—especially here when the time jumps aren’t chronological. It’s confusing and makes the flow of the story choppy.
I can put that aside, but fundamentally I don’t vibe with Josie. She’s prickly with a frustrating push and pull nature and a tendency towards mind games. She holds a grudge longer than anyone I know, and I grew impatient with her unwillingness to (cue Elsa from “Frozen”) let it go. For some reason, Colten thinks the sun rises and sets on Josie. While I didn’t always like her behavior, I will say I respected Josie’s strength and intelligence. She’s a complex puzzle that I’m still interested in putting together.
Josie starts having creepy nightmares towards the end of the book. That’s when I got really hooked on the story. Jewel E. Ann does mind-bending romantic suspense very well, so I’m hopeful that Memories of a Life will build on that thrilling momentum.
Pieces of a Life is book 1 in Josie and Colten’s duet, which is a standalone story in the Life series.
Recommended for fans of:
Romantic suspense
Second chance romance
Paranormal mysteries
*I received an early copy. This does not affect the content of my review.*
September 23, 2022
Overall, I enjoyed Part I of this duology. However, whilst I really liked the writing and thought the MC’s had a lot of chemistry, their past on/off relationship is complicated and at times I wanted to knock both their heads together. Given how these two parted ways, a 17 year separation is mammoth and ngl, it’s disappointing that their reunion was by chance alone. Certain scenes left me a little underwhelmed, flashbacks weren’t always in chronological order and the paranormal element has me really worried for their future. I may have to take a break before diving into the sequel - not sure I have the mental energy to go through it all over again so soon 😅
September 26, 2022
5 I didn’t need you…I just really wanted you stars!
This is the 3rd installment of The Life Series, however the first 2 books do not have to be read prior to this one.
Let’s start with the prologue…it literally had my mouth on the floor😱😳 (I would use a gif but this stupid app won’t let me add one 🤬, any help on this front would be appreciated!) I digress…
This is when you know the book is gonna be a winner! When you read it and you are holding your breath by the end and you are screaming “WTF IS HAPPENING!!!!”
Those were my exact words I said when I was done and all I wanted was more!!!
This book is written unlike any other book I’ve read. It’s is dual POV, however some chapters are Josie in the present and Colten in the past with the exception of a few chapters.
The story surrounds childhood friends/neighbors Josephine “Josie” Watts and Colten Mosley. Josie is a tad bit…eccentric (I think that is a great word to describe her) with few friends, very well read and smart as a whip and Colten is just the boy next door, cute, excels at all sports, and is a brilliant pianist (cause his mom said someone had to learn the piano). They meet when they are 9 years old and spend the next 9 years in a relationship of sorts. They experience life together and it’s a beautiful thing! I loved the memories of them as kids and how they navigated life. All the highs and lows, the back and forth banter has me laughing out loud so many times.
The banter is still there 17 years later. Life has taken them on different paths and by the grace of God they found each other again. I as a reader felt ALLLLL the emotions! I could use every emoji under the sun describing this book! Jewel had some of the most amazing quotes that they threw at one another! Things I will certainly go back and highlight. You could feel the love, the hate, & the fear jumping off the page!
I can’t say much more but a tragedy strikes and she turned this book right on its head! I read the last two chapters sitting at work on the toilet (just sitting so I could finish 😆) and I was on the edge of my seat!!! It turned into, what I would call, a romantic suspense with a paranormal vibe. It’s so hard to explain but I was on the ride and I was living for it!! I’m normally not into that kind of thing but the way it is written is sheer brilliance and a little out of the box for our cherished author. Someone asked if it was like Verity by CoHo, and I would say it had that eerie vibe and I’m down! I need that second book immediately!! If you are on the JEA train then you will love this! If you haven’t read her then you need to because she has written some of my most favorite books out there!!!
This is a second chance, friends to lovers to enemies to lovers romantic suspense trope and it deserves all the stars because as of now I haven’t the foggiest idea as to where we are headed in book two!!!!! It’s a spectacular read and I need that second book today!
I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cheating none
Sexy Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(it’s sweet and sexy)
Epilogue none as it’s a cliffy!
This is the 3rd installment of The Life Series, however the first 2 books do not have to be read prior to this one.
Let’s start with the prologue…it literally had my mouth on the floor😱😳 (I would use a gif but this stupid app won’t let me add one 🤬, any help on this front would be appreciated!) I digress…
This is when you know the book is gonna be a winner! When you read it and you are holding your breath by the end and you are screaming “WTF IS HAPPENING!!!!”
Those were my exact words I said when I was done and all I wanted was more!!!
This book is written unlike any other book I’ve read. It’s is dual POV, however some chapters are Josie in the present and Colten in the past with the exception of a few chapters.
The story surrounds childhood friends/neighbors Josephine “Josie” Watts and Colten Mosley. Josie is a tad bit…eccentric (I think that is a great word to describe her) with few friends, very well read and smart as a whip and Colten is just the boy next door, cute, excels at all sports, and is a brilliant pianist (cause his mom said someone had to learn the piano). They meet when they are 9 years old and spend the next 9 years in a relationship of sorts. They experience life together and it’s a beautiful thing! I loved the memories of them as kids and how they navigated life. All the highs and lows, the back and forth banter has me laughing out loud so many times.
The banter is still there 17 years later. Life has taken them on different paths and by the grace of God they found each other again. I as a reader felt ALLLLL the emotions! I could use every emoji under the sun describing this book! Jewel had some of the most amazing quotes that they threw at one another! Things I will certainly go back and highlight. You could feel the love, the hate, & the fear jumping off the page!
I can’t say much more but a tragedy strikes and she turned this book right on its head! I read the last two chapters sitting at work on the toilet (just sitting so I could finish 😆) and I was on the edge of my seat!!! It turned into, what I would call, a romantic suspense with a paranormal vibe. It’s so hard to explain but I was on the ride and I was living for it!! I’m normally not into that kind of thing but the way it is written is sheer brilliance and a little out of the box for our cherished author. Someone asked if it was like Verity by CoHo, and I would say it had that eerie vibe and I’m down! I need that second book immediately!! If you are on the JEA train then you will love this! If you haven’t read her then you need to because she has written some of my most favorite books out there!!!
This is a second chance, friends to lovers to enemies to lovers romantic suspense trope and it deserves all the stars because as of now I haven’t the foggiest idea as to where we are headed in book two!!!!! It’s a spectacular read and I need that second book today!
I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cheating none
Sexy Time ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(it’s sweet and sexy)
Epilogue none as it’s a cliffy!
August 29, 2022
5 "Unconventional and unpredictable" stars!!!
The ANGST.
The banter.
The push and pull.
The mystery.
Everything!!!
Before anything else, three words.. GO IN BLIND.
Ms. Ann never fails to amaze me with her unconventional characters and unconventional stories. Not quite the same as what's usually available nowadays. And I LOVE it!
This book jumps from past and present. Though it wasn't that much of an issue to me, I would've preferred it better had the chapters indicate who's pov is it.
Everything falls into place and just when I thought my hunch is correct.. I am left dumbfounded.
This book is only a part of a bigger mystery that will be unveiled in the next book.
In the meantime, this is me as I eagerly wait for the next installment.
This duet is part of "The Life series" but is totally unrelated. You can read it separately.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The ANGST.
The banter.
The push and pull.
The mystery.
Everything!!!
Before anything else, three words.. GO IN BLIND.
Ms. Ann never fails to amaze me with her unconventional characters and unconventional stories. Not quite the same as what's usually available nowadays. And I LOVE it!
This book jumps from past and present. Though it wasn't that much of an issue to me, I would've preferred it better had the chapters indicate who's pov is it.
Everything falls into place and just when I thought my hunch is correct.. I am left dumbfounded.
This book is only a part of a bigger mystery that will be unveiled in the next book.
In the meantime, this is me as I eagerly wait for the next installment.
This duet is part of "The Life series" but is totally unrelated. You can read it separately.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2022
So I went back to read the first two books in this series because I wasn’t sure if they were connected in any way and I’m so glad I did. I’m fairly new to Jewel E Ann books and I seriously don’t know what took me so long.
Colten and Josephine have known each other since they were kids, never really in a relationship as they went thru their teenage years, but always having this connection to each other that the reader knows is meant to be something more. Until it’s not and it’s complete heartbreak and we are now 17 years later, seeing these two come face to face again as if fate stepped in saying this was the right time now.
I took a little time understanding Josephine and her quirkiness and this push and pull love hate relationship she had with Colten. Going back and forth from past to present, I finally got it. They were and are each other’s exceptions. I loved the push and pull, I loved the banter and sexiness of their relationship...it just worked.
I didn’t expect the twist but it captivated me all the same where I’m left reeling and wondering where this will go in book 2. I love seeing Colten there for her now after all this time, I love Josephine’s strength... I love them together because there is no one else that could ever be the perfect match than they are for each other.
I can’t wait for more!
Colten and Josephine have known each other since they were kids, never really in a relationship as they went thru their teenage years, but always having this connection to each other that the reader knows is meant to be something more. Until it’s not and it’s complete heartbreak and we are now 17 years later, seeing these two come face to face again as if fate stepped in saying this was the right time now.
I took a little time understanding Josephine and her quirkiness and this push and pull love hate relationship she had with Colten. Going back and forth from past to present, I finally got it. They were and are each other’s exceptions. I loved the push and pull, I loved the banter and sexiness of their relationship...it just worked.
I didn’t expect the twist but it captivated me all the same where I’m left reeling and wondering where this will go in book 2. I love seeing Colten there for her now after all this time, I love Josephine’s strength... I love them together because there is no one else that could ever be the perfect match than they are for each other.
I can’t wait for more!
September 19, 2022
A lot of people will disagree with me on this, but hey, to each their own.
I hate to rate this 2.5 , because the writing was so good, but 17 years and we are supposed to believe this is true love? It’s more pathetic that Colton never had a mind of his own . He did everything his dad wanted just out of spite and then let her dad lead him down the wrong road ? There is no love in this . The flashbacks don’t even l help build the chemistry . All we heard wA how much he loved her and she him, yet, their immature actions didn’t show a hint of that passionate love. Stories are suppose to convince the readers of these compelling emotions . Instead, here, we keep reading how much he loved her and how the sun set only for her , Yafo yadi … it was all for naught since he s abandoned her at the mere suggestion of her father . Absolutely ludicrous! And never did he make an attempt to find her or reconcile. It was a throw away love at best . And that 17 years lapse, all the more proved that he didn’t really care to reconcile. Imagine had he not run into her ? Would he go seeking her? Yah , no . Highly doubt it . He a was a sorry excuse for a man . Sorry hated it .
I hate to rate this 2.5 , because the writing was so good, but 17 years and we are supposed to believe this is true love? It’s more pathetic that Colton never had a mind of his own . He did everything his dad wanted just out of spite and then let her dad lead him down the wrong road ? There is no love in this . The flashbacks don’t even l help build the chemistry . All we heard wA how much he loved her and she him, yet, their immature actions didn’t show a hint of that passionate love. Stories are suppose to convince the readers of these compelling emotions . Instead, here, we keep reading how much he loved her and how the sun set only for her , Yafo yadi … it was all for naught since he s abandoned her at the mere suggestion of her father . Absolutely ludicrous! And never did he make an attempt to find her or reconcile. It was a throw away love at best . And that 17 years lapse, all the more proved that he didn’t really care to reconcile. Imagine had he not run into her ? Would he go seeking her? Yah , no . Highly doubt it . He a was a sorry excuse for a man . Sorry hated it .
September 18, 2022
***4,5 "...Something..." stars***
"I don't remember falling in love with Josephine Watts.
I just remember the day we met and the day I let her go for good."
For once again, Jewel E. Ann pulled me under her spell and made me fall for a weird girl that was fascinated by dead things and the boy who had loved her, but pushed her away!!!
This was a second chance love story with suspenseful moments and paranormal elements...
This romance between Josie and Colten was frustrating as hell, but unique and beautiful at the same time!!! The push and the pull between them was undeniable even the years that have passed by... and I was captivated by both of them and the crazy turn out of events near the end and now, I am waiting impatiently for the next part!!!
"We can't end..."
Josie and Colten were each other's ride or die...
They were friends, they were lovers, they were enemies...
Whatever they were feeling between them was to the extreme degree, but after nine years as each other's world, they've been forced to live seperately...
And after seventeen years apart, the love they were feeling toward each other morphed to bitterness and hatred...
"Seventeen years has done very little to mend the broken pieces of my heart."
Now, after seventeen years that they haven't seen each other, their jobs are getting them closer...
Colten's happiness for seeing her again can not be hide, but he had broken Josie's heart and she can not let go of this old grudge...
Both of them are different creatures, more mature, but the sparkle between them never vanished...
Josie is intriguing and Colten is determined to get her back even though he is now a father and a detective and her job is to cut human bodies for a living...
"You don't know anything about me."
"I know the best parts of you."
"You killed the best part of me."
"I set it free."
"I hate you."
"If only it were that easy."
These two were delightful together!!! The author was taking us back and forth between present and past and I liked witnessing and comparing these two before and after...
They were meant for each other, even though they had become strangers... Heart never forgets after all!!!
But except their second chance, things got messed up after a tragic incident and while these two were so close to find again their way toward each other, Josie's nightmares are taking a scary shape and they are threatening to cut their lives into pieces...
What is happening after all???
"You used to love me."
"I did. Silly me."
"Love me again."
I really loved this story!!!
Jewel E. Ann has a unique way to expressing her stories and I am enamored with her way of words...
Her stories are simple, but beautiful and this turn of events made the story very original!!!
I'm in agony of how things will turn out after all!!!
I am very curious to see how Colten and Josie will end up...
Are they still having a chance in love and happiness together or their love will be shattered for good???
The only sure thing is that I adored Josie's unique character and Colten has literally stolen my heart!!! Well done, Jewel!!!
"Colten thinks he's slowly losing me.
I think I'm slowly losing me too."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"I don't remember falling in love with Josephine Watts.
I just remember the day we met and the day I let her go for good."
For once again, Jewel E. Ann pulled me under her spell and made me fall for a weird girl that was fascinated by dead things and the boy who had loved her, but pushed her away!!!
This was a second chance love story with suspenseful moments and paranormal elements...
This romance between Josie and Colten was frustrating as hell, but unique and beautiful at the same time!!! The push and the pull between them was undeniable even the years that have passed by... and I was captivated by both of them and the crazy turn out of events near the end and now, I am waiting impatiently for the next part!!!
"We can't end..."
Josie and Colten were each other's ride or die...
They were friends, they were lovers, they were enemies...
Whatever they were feeling between them was to the extreme degree, but after nine years as each other's world, they've been forced to live seperately...
And after seventeen years apart, the love they were feeling toward each other morphed to bitterness and hatred...
"Seventeen years has done very little to mend the broken pieces of my heart."
Now, after seventeen years that they haven't seen each other, their jobs are getting them closer...
Colten's happiness for seeing her again can not be hide, but he had broken Josie's heart and she can not let go of this old grudge...
Both of them are different creatures, more mature, but the sparkle between them never vanished...
Josie is intriguing and Colten is determined to get her back even though he is now a father and a detective and her job is to cut human bodies for a living...
"You don't know anything about me."
"I know the best parts of you."
"You killed the best part of me."
"I set it free."
"I hate you."
"If only it were that easy."
These two were delightful together!!! The author was taking us back and forth between present and past and I liked witnessing and comparing these two before and after...
They were meant for each other, even though they had become strangers... Heart never forgets after all!!!
But except their second chance, things got messed up after a tragic incident and while these two were so close to find again their way toward each other, Josie's nightmares are taking a scary shape and they are threatening to cut their lives into pieces...
What is happening after all???
"You used to love me."
"I did. Silly me."
"Love me again."
I really loved this story!!!
Jewel E. Ann has a unique way to expressing her stories and I am enamored with her way of words...
Her stories are simple, but beautiful and this turn of events made the story very original!!!
I'm in agony of how things will turn out after all!!!
I am very curious to see how Colten and Josie will end up...
Are they still having a chance in love and happiness together or their love will be shattered for good???
The only sure thing is that I adored Josie's unique character and Colten has literally stolen my heart!!! Well done, Jewel!!!
"Colten thinks he's slowly losing me.
I think I'm slowly losing me too."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
August 28, 2022
JEWEL E ANN ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!? I devoured this book COVER TO COVER in under 24 hours and I don’t know how I can possibly wait for book 2!
I absolutely loved Josie & Colten - second chance romance is a favorite of mine and getting glimpses into their childhood love added something extra special. Prepare for all the angst and true Jewel snark too … classic JEA amazingness!
This releases Sept. 13 so be sure to get it on your radar. It’s part of the “Life” series, but it’s a totally different story from the first duet, so there’s no need to have read those first!
Thank you to Valentine PR for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved Josie & Colten - second chance romance is a favorite of mine and getting glimpses into their childhood love added something extra special. Prepare for all the angst and true Jewel snark too … classic JEA amazingness!
This releases Sept. 13 so be sure to get it on your radar. It’s part of the “Life” series, but it’s a totally different story from the first duet, so there’s no need to have read those first!
Thank you to Valentine PR for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
September 23, 2022
I liked almost everything about this book other than the way the couple get back together. 17 years of hate/grudge, pain and almost just like that, a few really cute words said by our colten and she is back in his arms. Yeh, no not working for me.
Also I am not really a fan of past and present story lines, this has that and most of the time I don't really care for the past storylines, this one was good, loved Josie and Coltens mom.
Highlights:
• I am just a star. If he takes a step back, he’ll see the whole galaxy.
• So saying I like the idea of God is my way of saying I acknowledge that I can’t prove God’s existence, but I wish I could because it’s comforting to think there’s something greater than us … than this life.”
• “It was a wonderful gift. I raised such a thoughtful young man.”
We’re just going to agree to disagree on that one for a while, even if I find it really sweet that he did that for his mom
• hope is the evilest bearer of bad news.
Also I am not really a fan of past and present story lines, this has that and most of the time I don't really care for the past storylines, this one was good, loved Josie and Coltens mom.
Highlights:
• I am just a star. If he takes a step back, he’ll see the whole galaxy.
• So saying I like the idea of God is my way of saying I acknowledge that I can’t prove God’s existence, but I wish I could because it’s comforting to think there’s something greater than us … than this life.”
• “It was a wonderful gift. I raised such a thoughtful young man.”
We’re just going to agree to disagree on that one for a while, even if I find it really sweet that he did that for his mom
• hope is the evilest bearer of bad news.
September 20, 2022
I loved this, but then again I pretty much love all things Jewel E. Ann! Going into this, I was a bit nervous because having read the first duet in the Life series, I knew there would be some freaky shit going on (freaky meaning some crazy death/supernatural stuff). But as I got into this story, I got this amazing childhood friendship and love story between Colton and Jo. I absolutely loved their personalities!! I got sucked into their back and forth from their childhood and then present time loved that Jo was such a hard ass with Colton. I got a little bit of everything in this... It was funny, emotional, sweet..I thought I was safe and then BAM we get the crazy ass plot twist because ofcourse! Off to book 2!
September 24, 2022
4.5 stars. It may have been 17 years since Colten Mosley and Josie Watts set eyes on each other, but none of that feels particularly lengthy and vast compared to the 9 years they did spend together. Back and forth between past and present as well as alternating between Colten and Josie's POVs, I was pleased with how well the story flowed since the timelines in the past weren't always in linear fashion. And any time I had a question about what exactly had happened before, the answer would come afterwards.
I loved the dynamic between Josie and Colten. They were never an officially labeled couple in public back then for reasons, but that was not the definition of what they truly were to each other. Not to mention the ongoing push and pull that already existed. Josie was a real ball buster and Colten was putty in her hands to go along with whatever she wanted, yet he liked to play games, too, to keep her attention. I was totally here for the ride of their youth and teenage relationship and felt all the heart, heat and emotions. Josie is a locked box with hers whereas Colten is more of a powder keg with his, yet they fit perfectly together with the ups and downs and are each other’s exception to everything.
The present version of them is more mature and independent, but certainly no less entertaining or rife with angst and lively dialogue. I was very intrigued by both of their professions and how they conduct themselves around each other. Josie is definitely one of a kind in her personality, nature and career choice, all of which I admired about her. For most observers, she gives off the vibe of someone very clinical, professional, controlled and detail oriented. She doesn't indulge or relax and work is where her heart is. She's a bit of an anomaly as a female, yet the most fascinating puzzle for Colten. They have history that includes heartbreak, personal strife and growing pains. I wanted to be mad at Colten alongside Josie, her grudge runs deep because he hurt her and it seemed justified with her buried scars, yet he kept being so darn likable and hard to resist and knew exactly which buttons to push.
I was completely on board with this story, it had all of the Jewel E Ann trademark dynamics that make her couples so fun to read about - witty, sexy, silly and relatable with a strong dash of real and I felt it all on top of the longing and lost wishes of the past. And while it's no surprise based on the advertised theme of the book and the prologue, I was still taken off guard when the trajectory changed. That part of the book takes the reader into a more gray zone of possibilities and what ifs without concrete answers although something major is in fact happening. While I didn't love this portion quite as much, I was still very much absorbed by it because it certainly had implications for Josie and Colten's relationship that would lead them down a path that would define if they really have each other's backs or not. Josie is the epitome of self sufficient and Colten represents cold rejection and abandonment to her even though he is working hard to prove the opposite again. And I genuinely loved Colten more simply for being there now and realizing Josie can’t do it all by herself anymore. Again, they are each other’s exceptions. Not to mention that there’s a mystery involved and justice or closure needs to be served. I'm definitely curious as to where the sequel will take this couple because the suspense and the questions open up so many prospects and likely a bumpy road ahead awaits. I absolutely ship both of these characters and really hope to see them be able to live out their long awaited dreams together.
I loved the dynamic between Josie and Colten. They were never an officially labeled couple in public back then for reasons, but that was not the definition of what they truly were to each other. Not to mention the ongoing push and pull that already existed. Josie was a real ball buster and Colten was putty in her hands to go along with whatever she wanted, yet he liked to play games, too, to keep her attention. I was totally here for the ride of their youth and teenage relationship and felt all the heart, heat and emotions. Josie is a locked box with hers whereas Colten is more of a powder keg with his, yet they fit perfectly together with the ups and downs and are each other’s exception to everything.
The present version of them is more mature and independent, but certainly no less entertaining or rife with angst and lively dialogue. I was very intrigued by both of their professions and how they conduct themselves around each other. Josie is definitely one of a kind in her personality, nature and career choice, all of which I admired about her. For most observers, she gives off the vibe of someone very clinical, professional, controlled and detail oriented. She doesn't indulge or relax and work is where her heart is. She's a bit of an anomaly as a female, yet the most fascinating puzzle for Colten. They have history that includes heartbreak, personal strife and growing pains. I wanted to be mad at Colten alongside Josie, her grudge runs deep because he hurt her and it seemed justified with her buried scars, yet he kept being so darn likable and hard to resist and knew exactly which buttons to push.
I was completely on board with this story, it had all of the Jewel E Ann trademark dynamics that make her couples so fun to read about - witty, sexy, silly and relatable with a strong dash of real and I felt it all on top of the longing and lost wishes of the past. And while it's no surprise based on the advertised theme of the book and the prologue, I was still taken off guard when the trajectory changed. That part of the book takes the reader into a more gray zone of possibilities and what ifs without concrete answers although something major is in fact happening. While I didn't love this portion quite as much, I was still very much absorbed by it because it certainly had implications for Josie and Colten's relationship that would lead them down a path that would define if they really have each other's backs or not. Josie is the epitome of self sufficient and Colten represents cold rejection and abandonment to her even though he is working hard to prove the opposite again. And I genuinely loved Colten more simply for being there now and realizing Josie can’t do it all by herself anymore. Again, they are each other’s exceptions. Not to mention that there’s a mystery involved and justice or closure needs to be served. I'm definitely curious as to where the sequel will take this couple because the suspense and the questions open up so many prospects and likely a bumpy road ahead awaits. I absolutely ship both of these characters and really hope to see them be able to live out their long awaited dreams together.
September 6, 2022
Rated 4.5 Stars
What a story! It was amazing. I truly enjoyed Pieces of a Life. I lost track of how many times it made me laugh. It was also much more than funny and sexy. It was strange, intriguing and interesting also., It kept me fully entertained and engaged throughout. It also had me wondering what was going on, where was this all leading to? Sadly, I have to wait for book two to get my answers. Well, it’s not really sadly since I love the anticipation of what comes next with cliffhanger endings. I loved the main characters, Josie and Colten. I loved their banter, their relationship, the dynamics within it and their chemistry. I think they complemented each other perfectly. I truly felt the connection between them and can’t wait to read the conclusion of their story. I very highly recommend this book. It’s something strange yet wonderful.
Copy provided by PR company
What a story! It was amazing. I truly enjoyed Pieces of a Life. I lost track of how many times it made me laugh. It was also much more than funny and sexy. It was strange, intriguing and interesting also., It kept me fully entertained and engaged throughout. It also had me wondering what was going on, where was this all leading to? Sadly, I have to wait for book two to get my answers. Well, it’s not really sadly since I love the anticipation of what comes next with cliffhanger endings. I loved the main characters, Josie and Colten. I loved their banter, their relationship, the dynamics within it and their chemistry. I think they complemented each other perfectly. I truly felt the connection between them and can’t wait to read the conclusion of their story. I very highly recommend this book. It’s something strange yet wonderful.
Copy provided by PR company
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