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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- there is truly no one like Jewel E. Ann. There’s something so beautifully and compellingly unique about her storytelling. Her unparalleled ability to examine the depths of the human experience. Her extraordinary ability to penetrate the heart, the delicate artistry with which she weaves angst and profound emotion. The depth she imbues in her flawed yet endearing characters. Reading her words doesn’t happen with the eyes….it happens with the heart. Her profound ability to weave heartache with healing, desperation and hope, connects us so deeply to her words. To her characters. Because she has an uncanny ability to zero in and unpack the most basic yet somehow most complicated aspects of our humanity. Love. Connection. Pain.
On the surface, The Apple Tree may seem like an illicit, tropey forbidden romance. And of course, it IS delicious. But Jewel doesn’t write tropes- she elevates and redefines them. And suddenly a taboo story becomes a transformative experience. It’s unexpected and raw, triumphantly emotionally resonant and piercingly poignant. As always, it’s best to go into any JEA story blind- and just let the story swallow you in the best way. So I don’t want to say much other than that these characters are beautiful and flawed, endearing and captivating…and most of all, perfect for each other. True soulmates- but the road to exploring that is never easy.
Crackling under the surface, this story is immersively emotional. But it’s also fun, playful, and clever. Sweet and sexy. Wonderfully charming. And that’s really the wonder of Jewel E. Ann- how she can write a story so thoughtful and impactful with so many nuances and notes to it. How she can somehow write a story and characters that feel so specific and defined yet somehow feel so very US. The vulnerability she creates in her characters begets our own vulnerability. And isn’t that the mark of great art- when we can somehow both see ourselves so clearly yet also see the world anew.
This story- oh my did it touch me and resonant with me and OWN me. The heartache, the chemistry, the banter and tension. The love and connection that sweeps you away into this beautiful world. This has quickly become my favorite Jewel series- and I can not wait for more.
🍎Single-Dad
🍎Age-Gap (she’s 18, he’s 30)
🍎Neighbors/Close Proximity
🍎Forbidden
🍎Small-Town
🍎Preacher’s Daughter
🍎Angst
🍎80’s setting
On the surface, The Apple Tree may seem like an illicit, tropey forbidden romance. And of course, it IS delicious. But Jewel doesn’t write tropes- she elevates and redefines them. And suddenly a taboo story becomes a transformative experience. It’s unexpected and raw, triumphantly emotionally resonant and piercingly poignant. As always, it’s best to go into any JEA story blind- and just let the story swallow you in the best way. So I don’t want to say much other than that these characters are beautiful and flawed, endearing and captivating…and most of all, perfect for each other. True soulmates- but the road to exploring that is never easy.
Crackling under the surface, this story is immersively emotional. But it’s also fun, playful, and clever. Sweet and sexy. Wonderfully charming. And that’s really the wonder of Jewel E. Ann- how she can write a story so thoughtful and impactful with so many nuances and notes to it. How she can somehow write a story and characters that feel so specific and defined yet somehow feel so very US. The vulnerability she creates in her characters begets our own vulnerability. And isn’t that the mark of great art- when we can somehow both see ourselves so clearly yet also see the world anew.
This story- oh my did it touch me and resonant with me and OWN me. The heartache, the chemistry, the banter and tension. The love and connection that sweeps you away into this beautiful world. This has quickly become my favorite Jewel series- and I can not wait for more.
🍎Single-Dad
🍎Age-Gap (she’s 18, he’s 30)
🍎Neighbors/Close Proximity
🍎Forbidden
🍎Small-Town
🍎Preacher’s Daughter
🍎Angst
🍎80’s setting
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Eve and Kyle may be 10 years apart in age, however, they share a connection. An attraction, and it becomes obvious it’s so much more. It’s a recognition of two similar people who are dry witted, clever and willing to take risks.
She’s fresh out of high school and he is a young single father living a different life than he had planned. He’s still a bit rebellious and ready to live life to the fullest. He’s a fantastic Dad and he takes it seriously, but he may be tempted to break some rules.
The fact that she’s the preacher’s daughter and he is he the younger brother of her Dad’s best friend…plus the single Dad factor … OH MY FORBIDDEN DELIGHT!!!
Yet, forbidden is not all this story has to offer. There is so much realism, honesty and emotional intelligence. I love the way the characters are portrayed and the interactions between the characters are so real, so smart and there are. BIG emotions.
The banter, the way the two just click with each other is butterfly inducing and swoony. This type of story is why I read romance.
His son Josh offers adorable moments and brings out the best in Eve and Kyle.
It’s top tier writing and character development. The story is absolutely phenomenal! It offers so much depth and entertainment.
It’s going on my forever favorites list.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are entirely mine. Thank you so much for the arc!*
She’s fresh out of high school and he is a young single father living a different life than he had planned. He’s still a bit rebellious and ready to live life to the fullest. He’s a fantastic Dad and he takes it seriously, but he may be tempted to break some rules.
The fact that she’s the preacher’s daughter and he is he the younger brother of her Dad’s best friend…plus the single Dad factor … OH MY FORBIDDEN DELIGHT!!!
Yet, forbidden is not all this story has to offer. There is so much realism, honesty and emotional intelligence. I love the way the characters are portrayed and the interactions between the characters are so real, so smart and there are. BIG emotions.
The banter, the way the two just click with each other is butterfly inducing and swoony. This type of story is why I read romance.
His son Josh offers adorable moments and brings out the best in Eve and Kyle.
It’s top tier writing and character development. The story is absolutely phenomenal! It offers so much depth and entertainment.
It’s going on my forever favorites list.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are entirely mine. Thank you so much for the arc!*
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
🍎 The Apple Tree 🍎 is one of the best age gap romances I have read to date. I love a forbidden age gap more than the next. Jewel E. Ann did not disappoint with this sequel to Sunday Morning. I thought it was going to be hard to top but I loved Eve's story.
ARC provided by Valentine PR. Thank you to Valentine PR and Jewel E. Ann for this opportunity to be able to read this and give my open and honest opinion for review.
5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
Tropes:
🍏 Single Dad
🍎 Small Town
🍏 Forbidden Romance
🍎 Preacher's Daughter
🍏 Age Gap
🍎 LOTS of Banter
🍏 Angst
Lots of angst with Kyle and Eve. The hot new neighbor... who happens to be a high school football coach new in town. Eve, the preacher's daughter, a rebel child who sees an opportunity to fulfill her deepest forbidden sin to have sex with said neighbor. Flirty and angsty their relationship progresses from babysitter to something else.... I won't spoil anymore. She loves to banter back and forth with Kyle and she loves his son Josh. Kyle sees so much of his younger self in Eve and he can't help but fall for her. The struggles these two faced really made their relationship and HEA complete for me.
Side note: There are some very hard things to read in this story so make sure you check your trigger warnings before reading.
ARC provided by Valentine PR. Thank you to Valentine PR and Jewel E. Ann for this opportunity to be able to read this and give my open and honest opinion for review.
5 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
Tropes:
🍏 Single Dad
🍎 Small Town
🍏 Forbidden Romance
🍎 Preacher's Daughter
🍏 Age Gap
🍎 LOTS of Banter
🍏 Angst
Lots of angst with Kyle and Eve. The hot new neighbor... who happens to be a high school football coach new in town. Eve, the preacher's daughter, a rebel child who sees an opportunity to fulfill her deepest forbidden sin to have sex with said neighbor. Flirty and angsty their relationship progresses from babysitter to something else.... I won't spoil anymore. She loves to banter back and forth with Kyle and she loves his son Josh. Kyle sees so much of his younger self in Eve and he can't help but fall for her. The struggles these two faced really made their relationship and HEA complete for me.
Side note: There are some very hard things to read in this story so make sure you check your trigger warnings before reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Minor: Drug abuse, Forced institutionalization
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts
Tropes:
-single dad
-small town
-age gap
-preacher's daughter
-forced proximity
-dual POV
-banter
-forbidden romance
-hidden romance
-neighbors to lovers
-set in the 80's with a fantastic soundtrack
-healing and growth
This book screams, “But Daddy, I love him!” and I love it wholeheartedly. Storytime: I signed up for an ALC for one of Jewel’s books and instantly fell in love with her writing. I knew I wanted to read more. So when I saw this book for ARC signups, I jumped on it. I did not realize then that it was the second in a standalone series. So, I haven’t read the first one in this series. I will be doing that, though. I loved Sarah and can’t wait to read her story. This series is set in the 80’s and is about three preacher's daughters, and each book focuses on their love stories. The Apple Tree is about the middle daughter, Eve.
Eve is a fiery eighteen-year-old with an old soul. She is mature in ways that truly count and wants to take on the world without judgment or reprimand. Unfortunately, that isn’t possible as a preacher’s daughter. When she meets her new neighbor and his son, Kyle, and Josh, she is immediately smitten with them both. Not only is Kyle a dad, but he is 28 and her dad’s best friend’s brother. That doesn’t stop her from seeking his attention. The pining is mutual, although Kyle fights it because he knows how this relationship would look to the outside world.
The fighting of feelings doesn’t work. The more time Kyle spends around Eve, the more he sees her as just like he was before having a child. Kyle can’t help but slowly fall for her. Even knowing how terrible an idea it is, he gives in to the feelings. Little does he know he is biting off more than he can chew. Eve has a lot of demons no one is aware of. Kyle stands by her and helps her fight them anyway.
Although at the heart of this book is a love story, it is also about healing. The journey Eve takes is beautiful. Even in her young eighteen years, she has been through so much. The book is heartwrenching and heartwarming, and it will make you laugh out loud, too. That is what I love about Jewel. She tackles unorthodox plotlines and makes you feel all the feelings. If it isn’t apparent already, I recommend this book. It is available on KU. I hope you love it too!
Quotes:
“Is this a warning or a promise? Because I’m terrible at heeding warnings but relentless at making people keep their promises.” (I made a note on this that said, “screaming and kicking feet.”)
“If I’m doing the math correctly, and I let my heart love you as much as it’s dying to love you, then you’ll never want for more than me, my messy son, and that needy dog.”
“Don’t be angry that I love her. You should be shocked if I didn’t fall deeply in love with her because she’s amazing. You raised a wonderful, loving, compassionate woman. And I just want to spend the rest of my life proving to her and everyone else that I’m worthy of her heart.”
-single dad
-small town
-age gap
-preacher's daughter
-forced proximity
-dual POV
-banter
-forbidden romance
-hidden romance
-neighbors to lovers
-set in the 80's with a fantastic soundtrack
-healing and growth
This book screams, “But Daddy, I love him!” and I love it wholeheartedly. Storytime: I signed up for an ALC for one of Jewel’s books and instantly fell in love with her writing. I knew I wanted to read more. So when I saw this book for ARC signups, I jumped on it. I did not realize then that it was the second in a standalone series. So, I haven’t read the first one in this series. I will be doing that, though. I loved Sarah and can’t wait to read her story. This series is set in the 80’s and is about three preacher's daughters, and each book focuses on their love stories. The Apple Tree is about the middle daughter, Eve.
Eve is a fiery eighteen-year-old with an old soul. She is mature in ways that truly count and wants to take on the world without judgment or reprimand. Unfortunately, that isn’t possible as a preacher’s daughter. When she meets her new neighbor and his son, Kyle, and Josh, she is immediately smitten with them both. Not only is Kyle a dad, but he is 28 and her dad’s best friend’s brother. That doesn’t stop her from seeking his attention. The pining is mutual, although Kyle fights it because he knows how this relationship would look to the outside world.
The fighting of feelings doesn’t work. The more time Kyle spends around Eve, the more he sees her as just like he was before having a child. Kyle can’t help but slowly fall for her. Even knowing how terrible an idea it is, he gives in to the feelings. Little does he know he is biting off more than he can chew. Eve has a lot of demons no one is aware of. Kyle stands by her and helps her fight them anyway.
Although at the heart of this book is a love story, it is also about healing. The journey Eve takes is beautiful. Even in her young eighteen years, she has been through so much. The book is heartwrenching and heartwarming, and it will make you laugh out loud, too. That is what I love about Jewel. She tackles unorthodox plotlines and makes you feel all the feelings. If it isn’t apparent already, I recommend this book. It is available on KU. I hope you love it too!
Quotes:
“Is this a warning or a promise? Because I’m terrible at heeding warnings but relentless at making people keep their promises.” (I made a note on this that said, “screaming and kicking feet.”)
“If I’m doing the math correctly, and I let my heart love you as much as it’s dying to love you, then you’ll never want for more than me, my messy son, and that needy dog.”
“Don’t be angry that I love her. You should be shocked if I didn’t fall deeply in love with her because she’s amazing. You raised a wonderful, loving, compassionate woman. And I just want to spend the rest of my life proving to her and everyone else that I’m worthy of her heart.”
Kept trying to read this because I got an advanced copy, could not deal with Eve. She was just too immature. I know she is 18, but she kept saying she was getting treated like a child when she acted like a child. I like Kyle & Josh but can’t keep myself interested enough to continue this story
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes