Jewel E. Ann

Parker Cruse despises cheaters. It might have something to do with her boyfriend sleeping with her twin sister. After a wedding day prank involving a strong laxative, that ends the already severed relationship between the twins, Parker decides to grow up and act twenty-six. Step One: Move out of her parents' house. Step Two: Find a job. Opportunity strikes when she meets her new neighbor, Gus Westman. He's an electrician with Iowa farm-boy values and a gift for saying her name like it's a dirty word. He also has a wife. Sabrina Westman, head of a successful engineering firm, hires Parker as her personal assistant. Driven to be the best assistant ever, Parker vows to stay focused, walk the dog, go to the dry cleaners, and not kiss Gus-again. Step Three: Don't judge. Step Four: Remember- when life happens, it does it in a heartbeat.

When Life Happened

Jasmine

4.25 Stars
This book didn't start out as one I thought I was going to love but it definitely ended up being one. When Life Happened couldn't be a more fitting title for this book and I really can't say why because this is 100% a book you need to go into blind. Once again Jewel E Ann delivers a beautiful story with all the usual unpredictability and quirkiness... the heartbreak and confusion that comes half way are just an added bonus.

 Very few books I've read have actually left me speechless like this one did, I got to a particular part where my reaction was *blink* *blink* *blink*... WHAT THE FUCKING HELL?! I sat there rereading the page over again because I was completely at a loss but once the shock wore off, I picked up and carried on and I'm so happy I did because what followed in the story was oh so good!

This book also is getting added to books she has written that have made laugh and cry within only a few pages. The only reason I didn't give this book a 5 star is that the ending felt so rushed for everything that happens and I wish it could've have been a bit longer, instead of going straight to the epilogue. Either way fantastic read!! Highly recommend!

Ashlee

I can only think of two books I’ve literally wanted to throw across the room but ended up loving with all of my heart and soul. Both of them are by Jewel E. Ann and this is one of them.

This book covers some very controversial topics but also throws a very realistic outlook on them. It will dig deep into your soul and root itself there. Then about halfway through LIFE HAPPENS and everything good is torn from you, roots and all. I listened to the audiobook and had that moment of trying to hide my emotions while listening and trying to go about my daily tasks. This book left me breathless and confused and hurt.

Then LIFE HAPPENS again and the silver lining seeps in. Jewel has a way of bringing heartbreaking twists while also giving the best of happy endings. If you read this book and come to that part and aren’t sure how you can go on, don’t stop. Plow your way through the pain and frustration. Don’t stop until you reach the final word in the epilogue because it will be worth it.

That said, I would have loved more answers – more about Sabrina’s trips, that car ride with Gus and Levi’s tattoo. I would love for Jewel to come back to Parker’s world again and give us a taste of just a little more.

All of that said, I think this book has made it official. Jewel has taken the spot of my all-time favorite author. I have loved every single one of her books that I’ve read. Each one I’ve finished at a whirlwind pace and each one has been so much more than a funny or quirky romantic read. Jewel has a way of creating truly believable characters and scenarios. She is fantastic at leaving meaningful messages in her stories. I cannot think of one book by her that won’t stick with me, they will all be remembered and this one is no different.

When Life Happened

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