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What Lovers Do

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From bestselling author Jewel E. Ann comes a hilarious secret lovers story that redefines the meaning of friendship.

Shep’s found the female version of himself … and he thinks she’s perfect—perfectly unavailable.

Everyone loves Shep, the charismatic employee at Scottsdale’s newest pet store. He has shared custody of his two dogs with his annoying ex-wife and a smile that can disarm most women.

Except … Dr. Sophie Ryan.

What starts out as a disastrous first meeting, involving a coffee catastrophe and mistaken flirting, turns into an unconventional friendship.

Fake phone sex.
Dog park dates.
And eighteen holes of golf.

The problem? Sophie’s taken herself out of the dating pool for a mysterious reason, imprisoning Shep in the friend zone for eternity.

As their competitive personalities hit a boiling point, the gloves come off and so do their clothes. When Sophie’s “real” life threatens their relationship, can Shep let go of his past to chase the one that might get away?

458 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 2022

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About the author

Jewel E. Ann

57 books9,295 followers
Jewel is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today best selling author with a quirky sense of humor. When she's not saving the planet one tree at a time, you can find her role modeling questionable behavior to her three boys, binge-watching Netflix with her husband, and writing mind-bending romance.

Her newest release is I Thought of You, a contemporary romance/women's fiction.

Upcoming Projects: Sunday Morning, book 1 in the Sunday Morning Series coming in Sept. 2024.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!






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Displaying 1 - 30 of 849 reviews
Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,416 reviews9,973 followers
March 27, 2022
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📚 WHAT LOVERS DO 📚 Is a full length romance book by Jewel e. Ann. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.’
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My heart is full..I loved this soooo much!! From friends to lovers executed perfectly, pulling on my heart strings like no other author can do. This was done in true Jewel E. Ann fashion, with her quirky sense of humour thrown into this storyline full throttle. The giggles erupted freely, the feels hit me as they should.

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Sophie’s life is beyond complicated, from doing something so selfless to having an unwanted charity case which was escalating out of control, so she wasn't looking for any more complications to add to her messy life. The kind of person who is in love with the idea of love but always managing to catch the wrong sort of men making her vow to never rush into love again.

Until him..

He came into her life unexpectedly, barreling into it when she least expected it. But everything with him was so easy. from their banter, to their love of golf, these two connected like she's never had before.

'𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬.
𝐈𝐧 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
𝐀𝐧 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.'

I loved Shep from the first moment they met cementing yet again why this author is one I will always #1click even if I get an Arc review copy, one I will always recommend. Her characters are always so real and relatable.

As soon as this arrived on my kindle app I was stupidly giddy with anticipation of wanting to rush in and read it in one go, lapping this up as fast as my eyes would allow me. I couldn't get enough, never wanting their story to end. I fell hard and fast for these characters, utterly unique and unputdownable, highly recommend..

* Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *

                  
Profile Image for Bibi.
1,287 reviews67 followers
May 3, 2022
This was weird and that epilogue was even weirder.
Profile Image for Christy.
4,238 reviews35.1k followers
September 18, 2024
4 stars

What Lovers Do was a fun and heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance. This one had me laughing at times, and even though it had some troupes I'm not a fan of, I did enjoy it a lot! I thought the hero was fantastic and the heroine was relatable in so many ways. I loved their banter and chemistry, though I wish we would have spent more time with them as a couple.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Stephanie Wyles & Lance Greenfield
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length:10h 13m
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,683 reviews880 followers
March 15, 2022
A hilarious & poignant story that has a loudly beating heart.
Whatever Jewel writes is inadvertently a "stamp on the heart" read. The sentiments showcased in bold caps haunt you long after you close the book. This is true with her every book. Written with edgy humour & memorable people (I say that because they're REAL to me). I'm still amazed by her talent with her every book. Unusual story lines are her forte and hence this one is exactly what I expected it to be- PHENOMENAL yet what I least expected in treatment.

" I’m the Mother Teresa of garter snakes. "

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It made me fall in love with this wild girl who's led by her generous heart and follows its every command.
I adored Sophie. She doesn't lie per se, just doesn't correct the assumed lies, so technically she's saying the (un)truths. And as slippery as her tongue is, her heart is an escape artist. Like a pigeon she shuts her eyes to the troubles plaguing her. Locked blissfully away in her Shep World bubble she makes me laugh with her giggles and smartassery.
Her fault lies in her big as outdoors heart. It can't say no, can't stop saving people and can't lock it's doors.

“I’ve told you my real life is complicated now. You came into it at the worst possible time, in some ways. In other ways, you’re a much needed distraction. An escape from reality. So when we’re together, I pretend it’s not real life. I wouldn’t have had sex with you in real life.”

And oh what pleasure are to be had, what swoon kisses are to be tasted from the succulent lips of Shep and what witty flirtations are to be sampled in This wonderful Shep World
Its a parallel universe full of unicorns and rainbows where Sophie and I reside in love coma with Shep

"Shep World (I’m trademarking that) is a beautiful place.
Separation of Church and State"


description

**How can I go there and will Shep be mine like he's Sophie's?**
Jewel creates people that I want to befriend , she makes heroes I fall in love with instantly, her heroines are what I wanna be when I grow up.
Ahhhh, to jump in her books and live would be a dream come true!!

description

"Shep World, a perfect slice of happiness. The greatest destination on Earth.” "

My heart is tingling, my goofy smile is permanently glued to my face and my feet aren't touching the ground. This book is SOOOO good, I wanna live IN IT, like right now!!
Page-turning story, hot sexy times and hyper charged chemistry makes this an Unputdownable Must Read book.

description

I also noticed that jewel gives Sophie a wandering mind. Her thoughts are like a runaway train, jumping from track to track right in the middle of conversation. It was hilarious to read her inner monologues which completely take off in a different direction.
That train leaves the station from platform no.9 3/4 before you can say Cersei.
And I did feel a teeny bit......ok a lot for the squatter.. I wanna hug him 😏
The epilogue was the best!!
6 stars for Hot Mess Sophie
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Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,179 reviews13.4k followers
March 20, 2022
4 STARS
This is messy. We are tangled in every way, and it’s going to be hard to untangle from this mess we’re creating without pieces of my heart ripping, without exposing all the parts I don’t want him to see.

Jewel E Ann books are my happy place. And while I'm not usually a romcom girl, this one sure changed my tune. It was this lovely combination of laugh till you have tears humor, incredibly relatable characters, emotion, and a slow burn romance that was simply to die for. I adored it. I adored it beyond reason.
Sophie is my friend. A friend who I love. She’s taken up residence in my head and all four chambers of my heart.

When a meet cute is so uncomfortably embarrassing that you experience second hand embarrassment from reading it, you know you're in for a fun read. And the way Sophie and Shep meet was anything but forgettable.

Having just broken up with, if you can even call it that, with her boyfriend, Sophie's life is...complicated. Her ex boyfriend refuses to accept the break up or leave her house, and she has a secret that she's keeping from him and her family. When she meets the charismatic dog store employee with a flirty smile and dreamy eyes, the last thing she needs is that complication.

Shep is a recent divorce that didn't let his divorce turn him bitter. He's instantly drawn to the beautiful and awkward Sophie and refuses to take no for an answer. When I tell you that I loved the way he came at her, it's like she never sees him coming until he's full embedded under her skin. He doesn't ask her for anything more that friendship, and the way it all develops is both heartwarming and hilarious. Admittedly I did have my moments when I wanted to shake Sophie to get her to wake up and just have a conversation. But it was also super fun to watch the awkward. I also spent many a pages yelling at Jimmy through my kindle because no fictional character should be that thick headed. But even that was fun.

Then there's one particular scene where I thought I would pee myself laughing that was so relatable, I don't think I'll forget it so long as I live. All I will say is Chapter 29. Just trust me on this.

I fell for these two so hard. I loved their unconventional friendship turned romance. Sophie fights it so hard, but Shep is just that irresistible. It was this endearing combination of laugh out loud humor, swoony romance, and life drama. And that epilogue? Sheer perfection. If you're looking for something a little different, packed with laugh out loud moments, do yourself a favor and read this book.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Melanie (mells_view).
1,813 reviews377 followers
March 24, 2022
“Crawl under my skin, Soph …” he whispers before brushing his lips over mine. “It will never be close enough.”

What Lovers Do was a sweet, yet stress inducing, “just friends,” to best friends, to only friends, to… well you’ll have to read it to find that out. I kind of adored Sophie and Shep. They have a funny meet cute and every day after that Shep is just busting his butt to try to get Sophie to “not” date him, and Sophie is doing everything she can to legitimately not date him. That said the pull between them is just there. There’s just an effortlessness they feel when they are together, and the ease in which they start to “not” fall for one another makes it clear as the reader that they are meant to be. The banter is so humorous and sweet at times. The similarities between them are many, and you can just see their potential future without it even being spelled out on the pages.

Alas Sophie has a ton of loose ends and questionable past life choices that don’t allow her to offer more than just a friendship at that point in time. Cue up the stressful subplot that I swear added extra (pre-mature) gray hair to my head because at times it felt a little TOO real. Also, the fact that Shep is in a sort of weird place post divorce, so it’s just a little chaotic in between their effortless days together.

All that to say that if you’re looking for a romcom, that has a cup of sweet, a dash of heat, and a sprinkle of real deal life, then you’ll enjoy What Lovers Do.

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Profile Image for  Sonya ♕Chatterbooks book blog♕.
1,000 reviews1,164 followers
March 20, 2022
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The one thing that I can always count on Jewel E Ann for is her never ending humor in her stories. No matter the storyline, the characters, the location, you can expect to find some type of laughter in her stories and I love that. You never have to question whether you’re going to enjoy the book or not and the only thing that you’ll be asking is.. can I have more?

Dr. Sophie Ryan is living a hot mess life. Professionally she has a successful small business and owns her own home but on the personal side? She’s a hot mess. Deciding to make a life changing decision for the greater good, Sophie is now entering an unknown territory that is scary and thrilling at the same time because the end goal is going to be worth it for so many people. But on top of that and swearing off men, Sophie meets Shep who works at the local pet store, it makes her question everything about men and timing.

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After being newly divorced, the last thing that Shep wants to do is to get back into the dating world. Starting over is never easy and going through more complicated relationships to just repeat a cycle again is not on his to do list. But he never saw the quirky beautiful doctor coming from a mile away with blaring neon lights and it was hook.line and sinker for him. They say love creeps up on you when you least expect it but for Sophie and Shep, being in love is the least of their problems.

I really loved the fact that this storyline felt refreshing in a sense. It had the meet cute moment in the beginning but I fell in love with the banter and the impending complication on a certain matter. It was different to read something like that and I have to admit that I loved the hero more than the heroine. She tested me a few times if I’m being honest and I hated some of her actions.

With so many complications and back and forth with this story, there was something still unputdownable about it. It was funny, messy, sexy, and we saw real life being played out right before our very eyes. If you're in the mood for a rom com friends to lovers romance, then you might want to give this one a try.



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Profile Image for The Book Bee.
568 reviews279 followers
March 25, 2022
***** SIGNED PAPERACK GIVEAWAY *****

REVIEW: 4.5 HILARIOUS STARS
"Irresistibly sexy, yet effortlessly charming."

This book!!! THISSSS booooook. One of my FAVORITE books so far this year is LIVE!!! This book was fanfuckingtastic and I will count this as a must read book for the year!!


OH. MY. GOSH. Seriously!! I don't know how JEA repeatedly, consistently, and constantly delivers a story that renders me speechless. I am on a SHEP high after this one!! He is definitely an enigma. He had me laughing immediately, and for someone that doesn't "love" romantic comedies, JEA's humor is one I will absolutely seek out any time I want a good laugh with a real love to get lost in. I know the Hero isn't the only thing I can love about a book, but I do know that when he makes me smile and I find that my smile is more often than not due to his mouth, well... I think he deserves that pedestal. I loved his quick wit, but also his emotional side as well. And boy was he persistent. So delicious in every way possible. As I smile while writing this review... {{sigh}}

I do know a strong heroine is always a request I see when I post some of my questions on my Facebook page, so to this I say: look no further than Sophie Ryan. But, I have to say and preface this statement with truth. Sophie is an amazing person, in a few predicaments - but her backbone is strong underneath all the layers. All of them! I feel like she was so relatable from a personable standpoint and I loved that I could actually agree with her rationalizing, her reasons, and her wants/needs. I thoroughly enjoyed her character a lot.

Notable is the banter between these two. It was TOP notch. Like, nothing better comes from these books more clearly than me *hearing* the snarky banter, the hilarious comebacks, and the honest truth in JEA's voice. I've seen so many of her videos (I'm sure many of us have) and have been blessed with the luck to have talked to her at signings and having quite a few discussions - so, when I say I can hear the banter in her voice, trust me - she's hilarious on ALL fronts.

My favorite things about JEA's writing is an ever changing, always revolving love because with each book, she gives me something to think about. Sometimes I have to work through not only the characters' emotions, but my own as well. I love that. I honestly think it boils down to the fact that she provides a REAL experience with each book. REAL world issues. REAL life decisions. This book bleeds reality. By providing a true-to-life predicament to deal with, she allowed me to follow the ups and downs of not only that amazing decision Sophie has made, but all the responsibility and actions that support said decision. AND, she gave real world solutions, not this unlikely scenario wrapped up like a fairy tale - everything was REAL with real solutions and I LOVE HER FOR THAT!!!

"Being with Shep feels like a chronic state of intoxication."

So, basically, I love her REALNESS in her stories without the added unmistakable made up drama I loathe. <— She is BRILLIANT in her storytelling by adding in the real life crossroads that comes with making decisions - whether they are easy or hard decisions with repercussions. I loved how she showcased a very strong Sophie in her element, but also allowing us the more human side of her knowing she was doing good but still craving a different possible option...with the same outcome. Confusing, I understand - but after you read this, you will totally understand. THIS is why I love Jewel E Ann's writing. This is why she is my favorite when it comes to comedy and realism. I am always immersed in the world she is building for me, and I'm super thankful for that!

I was so upset when I realized I was going through this book rather quickly....because I just didn't want it to end. I fell in love so hard with Shep and Sophie - and when I mean fell in love, I mean it's the kind that you have a soft spot for. The kind that makes you smile when you think about them, but also giggle knowing their interactions and how they were each other's best friends. It was a great, feel-good, hilarious book that I freaking loved!!

JEA always provides an element of personal growth with every book - she has that in the bag. So when it’s something I can root for and something that I can see both sides of, I can’t help but soak it all up with a readily available smile. I fell fast and hard for Shep and loved Sophie's personal strength and confidence. She was a blast to read, and he has my heart. He is way up there as a favorite BBF. {{sigh}} Ok. Ok. I'm repeating myself. I'll stop here. But, for the record - I love Shep. He was perfection in literary form. Oh, and I'd like to give out a signed copy and an ebook as well. Please, please enter and enjoy this book as much as I did. Please!!

"And every day, she's the first thought in my head, my sunrise."
~BEE


PURCHASE: https://amzn.to/3DbLGMV

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ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN EBOOK OR A SIGNED PAPERBACK: https://bit.ly/3JDKHYl

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Original post:

THIS IS ONE YOU NEED TO READ!
PREORDER: https://amzn.to/3KiIqC4

The reality JEA brings to her books are unparalleled and I LOVE her stories and worlds she invites me into.

Full review to come, but rest assured - this is a MUST READ book.
~BEE
Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,245 reviews1,309 followers
March 24, 2022
description
description

Sophie + Shep

Shep has been divorced for a year now and he's sharing custody of his two dogs with his ex-wife. He's not ready to date yet - if ever.
But he is very interested in this lady that came into the pet shop today...
Sophie.
She has the worst luck with guys. Her latest guy is not accepting the break up and refuses to move out of her house!
That's why she's out most of the time - which is where she meets Shep.
And they begin a flirty phone and real-life non-dating relationship - kinda. LOL.
But it can never be anything serious. For reasons. Right?

What will happen to Sophie + Shep?
Will we get a HEA?
Read the book to find out! ☺

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Adorable!


This was such an adorable and funny and sparky romance! So full of the cutest dogs and crazy people and slightly normal people. We get a few sad and heartbreaking moments too! And a few 'I want to throw that guy out the next window' moments. 🤣

I loved reading it! I was right there with them in the dog park or on the golf course.
Beautiful locations with amazing characters and lots of dogs and lots of feelings and not-truth-tellings - which of course will lead to some 'discussions' later on.

It was just such an interesting and different kind of rom-com. I don't know what more I could tell you - READ IT!
It's just beautiful.

And this needs to be on Netflix asap!

Tiny little thingy I missed a bit. We have all those dogs in the book ... but I felt we didn't really get to cuddle much with them. I wanted a tiny bit more cuddle time or funny and adorable doggie time! 😍

WHAT LOVERS DO is what Sophie and Shep agreed on NOT doing with each other in the beginning ... did they keep it that way? Find out by reading this adorable + funny + emotional + golfy + doggy + just amazingly beautiful rom-com!


description
💜 💜


Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog
Profile Image for Malene.
1,275 reviews724 followers
March 13, 2022
What Lovers Do was just what I needed. Lighthearted, fun and so special. Magical! I fell head over heels in love with Shep and Sophie. These two defines the friends to lovers trope and it’s done to perfection. Everything worked.
From their first meeting my fate was sealed. Sophie and Shep had me. I was done for. Hooked, lined and sinker. After their meeting it was just full steam ahead. Fabulous dialogue, witty banter and the humor was top notch.

Their friendship and relationship was the story’s highlight along with Shep. It was a joy to follow Sophie navigate through her very complicated life and then adding Shep to the mix. It was hilarious at times but most certainly also sexy. This man! Phew… He wooed me with his words and actions. The chemistry between him and Sophie was blazing. I couldn’t get enough.

What Lovers Do is a beautiful and heartwarming romance. Once again Ann shows her skills as a storyteller. Flawless and pretty damn spectacular. A must read.

5 Pet Store Guy Stars
Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,415 reviews1,487 followers
March 29, 2022
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)

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Sophie Ryan is a doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona. She loves her job, has great friends and a wonderful family, but her life is currently messy and in complete disarray. Things are complicated, and nothing is going as planned or how she imagined it would be. Her world is too chaotic right now to date, so she’s taken a break from men. Then she meets Shep, the charismatic gorgeous man at the pet store. They share an instant connection and when their together her stress disappears and it’s just easy. Their living in the moment with no expectations, and he brings joy to her life. When her escape from reality starts to feel too real will she realize she found the right guy at the wrong time?

Shep has found the perfect woman. She’s like the female version of himself. She loves animals, golf, and is playful like him. It’s effortless when their together and she makes him feel out of control with one touch. Lines get blurred, and soon he’s having inappropriate thoughts about his new pal. The only problem is her heart is unavailable. Will he accept being forever friend zoned or will he decide to fight for love?

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-Sometimes you meet someone, and everything just clicks.

-God she’s adorable. It’s the glasses. I can’t say that glasses have ever done it for me before, but they’re doing it right now.

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What Lovers Do by Jewel E. Ann is a sexy friends to lovers romantic comedy about friendship, family, bad timing and unexpected love. It’s a hilarious, fun, flirty story full of emotion, amazing chemistry, and plenty of swoon. I loved this book so much!!! Couldn’t quit smiling and laughing. <333

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***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3iAfYQc
Profile Image for Hulya Kara Yuksel.
1,023 reviews1,255 followers
March 20, 2022
Jewel is one of my favorite authors and she never disappoints me. I loved every single moment of this book. 🥰🥰🥰


***ARC provided by Valentine PR & Literary Management.
Profile Image for Carla Bulian.
1,478 reviews433 followers
March 27, 2022
This is a sweet read. This book is lovely.
It’s worth the reading.
Profile Image for Grecia Robles.
1,630 reviews425 followers
July 21, 2022
FRIENDS TO LOVERS?
I´M IN!!

Tengo mixed feelings con este libro.
Por una parte me encantó el protagonista, hubo escenas muy tiernas, la pareja es genial, la química la tensión sexual uff, pero sentí que el conflicto, el drama no era para tanto, sólo era ella ocultando secretos que se arreglaban bien fácil.

Ella era bien tonta y en muchas ocasiones me exasperaba, se pasaba de buena gente estaba embarazada por subrogación del hijo de su hermana, cosa que yo dudo que lo hiciera, una de la razones por las que no quiero hijo es porque le saco al embarazo si de por si tengo miles de achaques, anyway el punto es que ella es mejor persona que yo y luego está el ex que vive con ella y no acepta que terminaron o sea el hombre es el tipo más CONCHUDO que existe me tenía con la vena palpitando del coraje pero como lo mencioné antes se pudo haber evitado si la chica hubiera actuado.

Y todo lo anterior era el gran conflicto y el súper secreto que si ella se lo hubiera dicho al prota desde el principio no tendríamos libro.

PEEERO vale la pena leerlo por Shep es que el hombre más bueno, perfecto y lindo que existe, todos los protagonistas de esta autora son TOP.

El epílogo al principio estaba medio raro pero ya después fue de lo más bonito , te deja con un buen sabor de boca.
Profile Image for Seda.
568 reviews178 followers
May 17, 2022

📚“What’s your last name, Sophie?” he asks.
“Ryan.” I sweep my gaze around the store to keep from staring too long at him.
“Can I get your phone number?”
“Oh …” I clear my throat and force myself to make eye contact again. “I’m flattered. Really. But I’m not dating right now.”
Shep presses his lips together for a few seconds in an unreadable expression. Have I hurt his feelings?
“The phone number is for our system. With your name and phone number, you can start earning reward points with each purchase. You get a free dog wash just for giving me your name and number.”
If an asteroid struck the earth right now and killed all of humankind, I wouldn’t be mad. Not one bit. I wouldn’t be alive either, but spiritually, I would feel grateful.


📚It’s never enough. I will never get enough of Sophie Ryan. My sun. Always the brightest star. Warm and comforting. I miss her when she’s not with me. And every day, she’s the first thought in my head, my sunrise.





Jewel dendiğinde benim için akan sular duruyor. En eğlenceli kitabında bile bir yerden sonra illa bir duvardan duvara halı gibi döşeniyorum🥺🥺 O yüzden yazardan dramsız bir romantik komedi okumak fikri beni çok heyecanlandırmıştı. Beklediğimi çoğunlukla buldum ama en sevdiğim romantik komedilerden olamadı. Konudaki bir ayrıntı ve yazarın genel tarzına göre duygulardan biraz fazla kaçınması bir puan kırmama sebep oldu.

Yer yer çok keyifli, yer yer de biraz sinir eden bir kitaptı. Çiftin arasındaki arkadaşlık?! (yersen🤭) çok eğlenceliydi. Sophie ve Shep’in çoğu diyaloğunu sırıtarak okudum. İki karakter de çok iyi şekillendirilmiş, kendilerine has karakter özellikleri hikayeyle çok güzel bütünleşmişti. Sophie’nin gözlüklerine, özverisine, cesaretine, golf kraliçesi olmasına; Shep’in köpek aşkına, ısrarcı flörtleşmesine, arkadaşça?!🤭 jestlerine, arkadaşlık kuralları listesine😍😍 bayıldım. İkili arasındaki eğlence dinamiği çok iyiydi.






Ama bu arkadaşlık ilişkisinin güzelliğinin yanında, ikisi arasındaki tutku ve aşk kısmı biraz havada kalmıştı. Arada yaşanan bazı sahnelerde duyguların ne ara oraya geldiği, ne ara olup bittiği yüzeysel geçilmiş, birden bire oldu bittiye gelmişti. Bu da çiftin arasındaki kontrol etmeye çalıştıkları aşkı hissetmeme engel oldu. Normalde Jewel karakterlerini, olaylarını duygusal ilmeklerden ince ince işlerdi. Burada romcom yazayım derken biraz fazla duygudan kaçınmış gibi geldi.

Sophie’nin Jimmy sorunu ve Shep’in bir olay sonucundaki tavırlarını biraz sinir bozucu bulsam da genel havasını sevdiğim bir romantik komedi oldu. Özellikle son 2-3 bölüm aşırı keyifliydi😍😍 Epilog ise şahaneydi🤩🤩 Ama yazardan One’ı okuduktan sonra, çok çok daha iyi romantik komedi yazabileceğini bildiğim için, benim açımdan biraz sönük kaldı.






📚”Tell me your idea of the perfect guy.”
“My idea of a good guy. Let me see …”
“Dark, wavy hair? Mesmerizing eyes? Lover of animals? Tall and moderately sexy?”
I laugh as Shep drones on with his self-description, yet again. We’ve played this game before. “A guy who makes me laugh.”
“Done.” He winks.
I shake my head despite my grin. “Someone who has a job he loves but isn’t married to it. Someone who feels like I bring out the best in him, but deep down he knows it’s not me. It’s him. He doesn’t need me, but he wants me. Someone who values our time away from each other because it only makes our time together that much better. I don’t want to be the air in his lungs. Just …” I try to find the right word.
“Just his hidden sunshine on a cloudy day. You’re good with being felt, but not always seen,” Shep says.
I nod.
He closes his eyes. “I feel you.”



Profile Image for NMmomof4.
1,652 reviews4,586 followers
April 1, 2022
3.5 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was fun. I really enjoyed their banter and friendship and how they just clicked. I also enjoyed how they developed stronger feelings. But then it seemed to hit fast forward after the big conflict happens. There were time jumps and references of what happened during said time jumps, but it didn’t feel like nearly enough. While I did enjoy the epilogue — and hey! Ms. Ann gave me a HEA!!, it felt way too rushed. I really would’ve liked to ! I’m sure it’s just me being greedy again, but boo!

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sophie and Shep’s story. Sophie has made some big life decisions and one is swearing off men, if only she can get her freeloader ex to accept they’re broken up and move out. The last thing she needs is to meet Shep, a charmingly persistent guy who works in a pet shop, and connect with him instantly. They form a fast friendship but keep all the drama to themselves. Lines get crossed, feelings start to develop, secrets get revealed, there’s some sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.

Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Sophie (mainly) and Shep’s POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.

Instalove: No, but instant connection.

H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Shep. I liked him. I really enjoyed his personality.

h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Sophie. I liked her but I wanted to shake her at times to communicate better.

Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed a few tears but never needed any tissues.

Push/Pull: Yes

Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.

Descriptive sex: Yes

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes

Possible Triggers: Yes, but pretty mild

Closure: This has a super cute epilogue with some good closure and a HEA ending

Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Profile Image for Carol.
1,349 reviews256 followers
April 26, 2022
3 stars ⭐⭐⭐

Okay.... "it's not you it's me"...this is how I feel about Jewel's latest book .
The writing is good....the banter is smart, witty and funny ...the characters are sympathetic and yet I can't seem to feel any real attachment to them or this story.
The storyline isn't necessarily to crazy and it is really sweet what Sophie is generously doing for her sister ....but this book was kind of a miss for me and I also thought the epilogue was weird ... I would have liked something more romantic and not so far into the future.

I am sure that many of my friends will probably enjoy this one though....still thinking it's just me. I guess you can't love them all.
Profile Image for Karla✨.
744 reviews
June 14, 2022
Absolutamente PRECIOSOOOOO 🥹💜.

Está autora siempre me deja encantada con cada uno de sus libros que leo, y este no podía ser la excepción.

La trama me pareció preciosa y el epílogo fue muy bonito, me dejo completamente satisfecha AMEEEE 😭❤️‍🔥.
Profile Image for Fierce Heroine.
343 reviews54 followers
March 21, 2022
4.5 🌟

*ARC provided by Valentine PR

The one thing you will never get when it comes to JEA books is simple, expected or predictable.
Unique is the only way to go and I desperately crave her every new book release.

What Lovers Do was exactly that, original, unique, absolutely hilarious, temperature rising steamy, complicated and full of heart. Call me biased or whatever you want, but I enjoyed this book immensely. I literally couldn't put it down until early hours in the morning when I finished it.

What you'll find in this book:

• Quirky, smart and funny optometrist heroine Sophie, who I adored!
• Jimmy The Squatter...that's all I'll say 🤣
• Playful, swoony, witty, smart, panty melting Pet shop owner Shep, who swept me off my feet!
• Meet cute
• Friends to lovers trope with many twists
• Secret relationship
• Shep World experience
• Amazing chemistry and banter
• Adorable dog pack with our leading lady Cersei (yes, Lanister 😆)
• Golfing
• A little secret/mystery 👀
• So much laughter (cleansing got a whole another meaning 🤣)
• Moderate steam (for me)
• And HEA, of course


"I find myself leaning into him a bit more like people do after a few drinks, tipsy because Shep World (I’m trademarking that) is a beautiful place."
Profile Image for Lindsey  Domokur.
1,587 reviews120 followers
June 12, 2022
I just ignored everyone and read this book in one sitting because I COULD NOT STOP. It was absolutely perfect. I'm so in love with Shep and Sophie that I have tears in my eyes and my heart is so full and happy. Gah. I want to live in Shep World forever. This was just what I needed. It was obvious right from the moment they met that they were meant to be, and that jumped right off the page immediately. The pull between these two was always there. Shep and Sophie are just such good humans, trying to be better. They are the ones that get taken advantage of and they are trying to guard their hearts. There's never a good time to meet your soulmate. It's messy and it's beautiful. I laughed and I cried and felt every single one of the emotions in between while reading this book. This is what dreams are made of. My favorite Jewel E Ann book, Hands Down. (I say that every time but this time I mean it.)
Profile Image for Berry ♡ Nice.
565 reviews82 followers
April 1, 2022
This is Rom-Com done right!!!

It has the perfect amount of Romance and the right amount of Comedy. I read this with a smile all the way through. I loved this book!
It was fun, sweet, swoony. I literally laughed-out-loud in so many scenes.

The relationship between Sophie and Shep felt natural, organic, a smooth ride. Their banter was extremely entertaining.
BUT I also got some heartfelt moments, and that's how you know it's a good read. When the story feels real and the characters' happiness matters, I fell in love right alongside Sophie and Shep and I was totally rooting for their HEA.

I will never get enough of Sophie Ryan. My sun. Always the brightest star. Warm and comforting. I miss her when she's not with me. And every day, she's the first thought in my head, my sunrise.

~ Friends to Lovers ~

"I'm just saying..." he continues "...we're friends. And you should be looking at the upside of my gender. If ... and I'm only saying if ... you need a cock, I just so happen to have one you can borrow. " 🤣

This would make a GREAT movie.
Profile Image for Jenny Lovez Bookz.
582 reviews137 followers
March 27, 2022
I absolutely loved this!! I was literally laughing out loud while reading this. Such a refreshing and different type of friends to lovers. Shep was awesome, Sophie was amazing for what she was doing for her sister...couldn't get enough of them together. Despite the circumstances, I liked that Shep didnt give in to Sophie right away. And Jimmy the mooch was hilarious. This is one of those books that just makes you feel really good while reading it, while still giving you the feels.
Profile Image for Alisonbookreviewer.
676 reviews65 followers
June 5, 2022
3 stars

Unpopular opinion I know. I wanted to like this book but couldn't get past the MCs. Sophie was generous to the point where it got really annoying.
Shep was meh.
Maybe it was the audio but I just couldn't get into this book and usually love Jewel E Anns books.
Better luck with buddy reading next time @shesaidyestobooks
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,466 reviews85 followers
March 30, 2022
***4,5 "Best Friends!!!" stars***



"The best thing in life comes without warning."

Funny, sexy with unique characters.... A trademark for Jewel E. Ann!!!
This was a unique in its simplicity story that you couldn't put down if you wouldn't reach the end...
My belly was hurting for all the laughing and it is a story that even though it has its special moments, it is giving you so much joy...
The heroes were crazy and hillarious and the connection between them effortless...
I just wanted to live into Shep World forever!!!

"Can we be each other's escape from the bad stuff?"

Shep came into Sophie's life when she wasn't expecting it...
He swept her off her feet, but she couldn't afford another one bad decision...
She had too many pains in her butt to deal with... and she could offer him just her friendship and a fantasy...
But Shep World's was alluring and she was enjoying living in it!!!!

"This friendship might ruin me for all other men. Does he know this? Is it secretly his intension?"

Shep had a bad divorce and he was sharing the custody of his two dogs with his ex...
He doesn't need another one date that will end up in disaster...
But then, Sophie stepped into the pet shop he was working and he wanted his chance with this weird chick who started to brighten his life...
But she friend zoned him and he wanted more....

"She's the female version of me. And I never imagined saying this, but I kinda dig female me."

Honestly, there were happening much things into this book... Sophie was keeping secrets from Shep that had the ability to ruin this weird friendship that they were building...
These two characters had an unbelievable chemistry... I liked their banters, I liked the way they were moving around each other... They were so fitting together...
Sophie was a very nice woman whom men were taking advantage of her very often...
Shep was dreamy from every aspect and I fell for him hard since the very first moment...

"We're free falling, and I can't find the damn cord to deploy the chute, while he's grinning as if he doesn't care how we land or if we live to tell about it."

Jewel E. Ann has the ability to create a beautiful story from very simple things... and to make you fall for these weird heroes of hers...
I am in a point that I am craving her stories, no matter what she will throw my way...
Sophie was awkwardly adorable and Shep was differently swoonworthy from the usual...
If you like funny, rom com, friends to lovers romances, here is your chance to meet this crazy, but wonderful couple!!!

"That... what just happened... it's not what friends do. Not like that. It's what lovers do."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for Ana | SheSaidYestoBooks.
1,744 reviews133 followers
June 5, 2022
God, this was awful. The plot was unrealistic. Couldn’t understand why the heroine couldn’t tell the truth about her pregnancy. She was also too good to be true. Very annoying. And as I kept reading she only grew more an more annoying. And her ex boyfriend was certainly from another dimension. Wake up and smell the coffee, dude!!
Profile Image for Vivian .
572 reviews6 followers
March 23, 2022
Before starting WHAT LOVERS DO Thinks to self: I DON'T LIKE ROMCOMS. I DON'T LIKE ROMCOMS. I DON'T LIKE ROMCOMS.
After reading WHAT LOVERS DO. Thinks to self: I LOVE JEWELS' ROMCOMS!!!

I think I am a broken record at this point, but Jewel can seriously do no wrong when she writes a book IMO. I have yet to be disappointed in what I read from her. I loved E V E R Y T H I N G about this book and these characters. Gah...I just love both Shep and Sophie. They're adorable together and their banter...don't even get me started on that aspect. I literally LOLd several times while reading this story.

This is a friends to lovers story, but with a twist. Believe me, it is SO MUCH more than just that. This is the type of story that the chapters just fade away. You know that saying, "Just one more chapter."?...well with this story the chapters just fade away because the flow is THAT perfect. Each page flowed into the next and made it impossible to find a good spot to stop reading. I didn't want to leave "Shep World", just like Sophie didn't.

I highly recommend this story for any returning or new fan of Jewel E Ann's.

5 best friend stars
Profile Image for diann bryan.
502 reviews
March 22, 2022
What Lovers Do!

This is the Best story of 2022 right here!
Sophie doesn’t just have bad luck with guys, she has epic bad luck with guys.
When Sophie meets Shep she can’t imagine a guy that isn’t needy or a decent person, so when he suggests they be friends, what could go wrong?

This story is filled with a magical world where friendship is a safe , peaceful place away from the ugliness of the world and staying in that bubble is the joy of life.
Somewhere in the middle, the bubble bursts and the joy dissipates but the love stays and in that moment you see the beginning of what makes Sophie and Shep’s story unique and how the friendship grows to be more.
This is a love story that will make you smile , laugh and maybe tear up a little, and leave you feeling completely satisfied.
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,419 reviews236 followers
March 17, 2022
You know how sometimes you meet someone and you have a great connection but circumstances mean that you will most likely not see them again. Sometimes the timing is just not right. The stars are not aligned but they are still shining in the background with hope that maybe you will reconnect another time.

Sophie walks into the local pet store to get a few things for her fur baby and meets the very handsome and charismatic retail assistant Shep. Something just seems to click, kismet is in the air and they both feel it. Shep knows how to turn on the charm and after being recently divorced, he is not going to let an opportunity to flirt with a pretty girl pass him by.

'Sometimes you meet someone, and everything just clicks.’

‘It’s as if you’re recognizing something from another life - a familiarity you can’t see or remember - but you feel it. People say it all the time to make sense of feeling such an instant connection with another human.’


Sophie is not in the best place in her life right now, she has a lot going on in her personal life - I was feeling her stress so much that I was getting anxious on her behalf. Shep’s interest in getting to know her is not something else she can deal with but he manages to convince her that just being friends is enough for him.

A friendship blooms that involves them walking their dogs, playing golf and plenty of hilarious banter. Sophie creates this imaginary place, removed from all the stress, called Shep World. She works hard to keep real life far removed from Shep World. They get on so well and Sophie can’t help feeling disappointed that in another time and in another place she could see things evolving into something more with Shep. Right now is not that time.

‘I like our little world. It’s such a different life than my reality right now. A magical alternate universe. It’s like immersing myself into a book where I can’t wait to turn the next page. And sometimes I have to put the book down and return to reality, but I anxiously anticipate the next time I get to dive back into Shep World.’

Shep is such an amazing guy, he can see everything he has ever wanted in Sophie but her reluctance to open up and share more of herself with him is frustrating. She is holding things back and just when he thinks they are making progress she pulls back. He has been through enough mind-fuckery with his ex and he needs to protect himself from that happening again.

Sophie is just trying to do the right thing by everyone, she is a very giving person and generous people sometimes get taken advantage of. She has learnt this the hard way, several times. What she can’t fathom is that her definition of friendship is not being honored by her new best friend Shep. What she perceives to be the most important qualities, he sees differently. He is about to be schooled on the importance of friendship by a woman who desperately needs him to know how much he means to her.

‘My heart scrambles to understand this new rhythm it’s found in the presence of Shep.’

Honestly, this is the most wonderful, heart melting, chest warming story. With all the crazy stuff going on in the world right now, this was the perfect story at the right time for me. If you need a heart lift or a book hug, this is the literary antidote that wraps around you and squeezes tight.
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