April 08, 2015

Review: All I Want (Alabama Summer #2) by J. Daniels


Title: All I Want
Author: J. Daniels
Series: Alabama Summer #2
Genre: contemporary romance, erotica
From NY Times and USA Today bestselling author, J. Daniels, the second book in the Alabama Summer series.

Luke Evans is a heartbreaker.
I didn’t want to give mine to him. Not when he kept me out.
He gave me enough, just enough to make me fall in love with him. I say this to convince myself. But I know the truth.
I would’ve fallen in love with him at a distance.
Handing my heart over to Luke was the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I was naive when I wished for more, when I hoped he wanted the same things I did.
I try to hate him. I try to forget him.
But it’s not that easy.
Love is a ruthless bitch, and I’m her latest victim.


Tessa Kelly is a man-eater.
When she sets her sights on you, she doesn’t just consume your heart, she goes for your soul.
What we had was perfect, real, and all I would ever want.
But she destroyed it.
She destroyed us.
I try to hate her. I try to forget her.
But it’s not that easy.
Love is for people who have hope, and I have none.


Warning: this book contains adult themes. 18+. All I Want is a standalone novel, but to fully appreciate the f****ed-up mess that is Luke & Tessa, pick up Where I Belong first.



Amazon US | Amazon UK






MY REVIEW


All I Want by J. Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 broken hearts all around STARS


“It's possible to hate someone, to look at them and wish you weren't aware of their every move, and to want them more than you've ever wanted anything in your life.”


I'm completely addicted and most definitely in chick-flick heaven. I actually have to take some time to write this review, when I would rather finish reading the next book. I just can't stop with this series. It's so much fun, with a little drama and highly entertaining characters.

This time around we get to see Luke and Tessa's story play out.

Tessa is Ben's sister and Luke is Ben's best friend and partner. When we first enter this world in Where I Belong the two were already a couple, but after a pregnancy scare Tessa breaks up with him. Her reasons might be considered as 'women's logic', but she is not willing to spend more time with someone who has no interest in a family down the road...no matter how much she loves Luke.



“I know I love him. I feel it every day, even when I don't want to. Even when he keeps me out. Even when he breaks my heart, it's there, and it scares me. 



Because when you fall in love with someone exactly the way they are, how do you convince yourself they aren't enough for you?”


The story!

Cut to - one year later.

Neither one has truly moved on. Luke is screwing everything that comes his way, to fill the void and defuse the anger he still feels towards Tessa for the in his eyes 'unreasonable' break up.

Tessa is angry as well, a little jealous and very horny. She is looking for a new man, but has had no luck so far. In a desperate attempt to connect she joins an online dating service.

Problem is, the two former love-birds cross paths far too often. Not only is Ruxton a very small town but sharing the same friends makes distance difficult.

Tension, arguments and discontent ensue. ;D


“I love you today. I really wish you were here to ask me.”


My thoughts!

This was a serious step up from the first book. There were moderate amounts of cheesiness and a whole lot of emotional dilemma. This is not a straight forward love-story. It's a raw and often very frustrating read with a satisfying reward in the end.

I love the characters. Luke is branded and a bit delusional about his own capabilities regarding relationships and as a result he is closed up, not willing to give even an inch. Tessa on the other hand is open and embraces her love with every fibre in her being. And together that just makes for a wonderful dynamic and special read.

The writing as always was remarkable and seeing Ben and Mia again was just icing on the cake.

I'm already busy diving into Reed's love life and I really hope there will be more instalments in this series.

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