Review: A Place Without you by Jewel E. Ann

A Place Without You by Jewel E. Ann

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am convinced that Jewel E Ann is pure evil genius. I read A Place Without You in less than 24 hours – up wayyy past my bedtime last night frantically turning the pages only to reach for it first thing this morning. Gah – I feel like I just ran a marathon – this book. These characters. They are all-consuming, gut-wrenching, rip out your heart and then fly away with it floating on the highest of highs type of characters! I fell hard for Bodhi and then kept falling – his fierce loyalty and selflessness, and his passion for Henna. And this girl!…her vibrant spirit and zest for life are contagious and I just.wanted.to.be.her. She is giving, beautiful and so deserving of love. My heartbeat never slowed reading their story – I felt like I was in a dream and I never wanted to wake up.

I finished this book 10 days ago, and it still is at the forefront of my mind when I pick up another book. Nothing is good enough to fill its void. I have put off doing this review because I just don’t want to have this “closure” with their story. Even now as I write this, I am listening to the Playlist for the book with tears tipping over. This book is JUST THAT GOOD. I highlighted so many amazing passages in this book, but one that forever will be a favorite is spoken by Henna:

“Because after two years, a million new faces, and countless cities… every place was simply a place without you. So it doesn’t matter that everyone wanted that for me. I only wanted you.”

Henna & Bodhi’s love for each other started out as physical attraction and innocent flirting, and it led to one of the most real and raw true love stories I have read. Bodhi carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, while at the same time he let his passion for Henna consume him – he fought it hard, he showed his vulnerabilities to her, and then he fought it some more. My heart broke for him over and over again. He is so selfless, giving, and loyal to a fault. He carries life-long guilt and has SOO much love to give. GAH this man!!!!

And Henna…. this girl was made to love. She carries her own demons, but vows to live a life with no regrets no matter what. Her passion and fire is contagious and it was magical when she brought that playful side out of Bodhi. She is fun, full of life, lives with no regrets, is fearless, and really doesn’t give a s**t what anyone else thinks of her. She loves completely and honestly, and Bodhi said it perfectly:

“I can’t hide my grin. She erases all the pain in my life with a look, a word, a single touch.” *SIGH*

I could go on and on about this book, but the reality is that you just NEED TO READ it. It is inspiring, fun-loving, heartbreaking, and emotional. It is one of my favorite books this year. JEA has done it again and Bodhi & Henna now have a special piece of my heart. 5+ brilliant 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟