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All of You
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All of You
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All of You
Ebook267 pages3 hours

All of You

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

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Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this ebook

In this powerfully emotional New Adult novel, Avery has just met her hot upstairs neighbor.

He’s irresistible. Tattooed. And a virgin.


Nursing student Avery Michaels wants nothing to do with dating—she’s perfectly happy single. Privy to too many of her mother’s bad decisions and even worse taste in boyfriends, Avery can only handle a string of uncomplicated hookups whenever the mood strikes.

When she meets smoking-hot tattoo artist Bennett, she wants him—for just one night. But he won’t accept a no-strings-attached arrangement. He lives by a straitlaced code of values based on his own troubled upbringing.

Bennett sees something special in Avery, and he wants more from her. Way more. As Avery wrestles with her emotions for Bennett, danger and tragedy force them to open up to each other. And Avery must face the terrifying realization that she wants more from him too.

So she needs to make a choice: Let Bennett go or finally let him in.
LanguageEnglish
PublisherPenguin Group
Release dateSep 17, 2013
ISBN9780698141254
Unavailable
All of You

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Reviews for All of You

Rating: 3.8783783486486487 out of 5 stars
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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Originally reviewed on These Pretty Words.

    First things first – I read this book in three hours which included a trip to the Starbucks in the lower level of the hotel I was staying in at the time. I skipped dinner. I ignored my friends. I simply read these beautiful words…and I loved them.

    Avery Michaels is not your typical female protagonist, especially in the land of YA/NA books. She’s coarse and crass, aggressively sexual and not at all ashamed to identify herself as a player. I didn’t like her at first– I couldn’t find anything relatable about her. In fact, I thought about flouncing for the first three chapters because of her.

    But then the storyline began to move in a way to show how Avery was raised and why she behaved the way she did. So terrified of becoming what she’d grown up hating, she’s swung her actions to the opposite end of the pendulum. I can’t say that her history excused her behavior, but I truly began to understand her. Pain and fear can make the best of us…not so good.

    And what kind of a romance would it be without a swoony boy - which brings us to Bennett. Sweet…beautiful…tattooed…virgin Bennett. That’s right…a male virgin. Talk about flipping the stereotypical roles in romance fiction. Bennett is the yin to Avery’s yang – the sweet, disarming, adorable, protective man who wants her for more than just a tumble in the sheets. He’s so sure, so confident in his choice to wait for love before he has sex. It’s not about religious idealism or looking for that mythical “one”, it’s just about finding love instead of just finding release. I liked him…a lot. And every word out of his mouth just makes the reader fall more in love with him.

    I think what Christina did well in this book is to show how a person can grow and change and better themselves if they just open their eyes and their hearts. Avery was a woman trapped by fear – of love, of losing herself, of giving everything up to someone who could hurt her. Bennett has his own trust issues but he’s a bit less damaged so he becomes the touchstone Avery needs to see past the things holding her back. Together, they form a close friendship that ends up being a solid base for what becomes a wonderful love story. Though it’s not without it’s share of drama.

    I give this book 3-1/2 stars. I think the characters had depth and appeal, I think the author showed their growth through a romance that was more slow burn than immediate fire, and I think many of the secondary characters attributed to a poignant and thoughtful story of getting over your past to find your future. The pacing was rushed at the end, there was a bit of forced drama that really wasn’t necessary and the repetition of certain phrasing was distracting of times. But in the end, I loved the story, loved Bennett, and would absolutely recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a realistic love story.

    I’ll be quoting this book for a long time to come and counting down the days until Before You Break, a companion novel to All of You, comes out in 2014.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

    I LOVED All Of You by Christina Lee. It is a refreshing spin on the typical NA book "formula" that has been cropping up in all the NA new releases lately. Lee manages to turn that formula on its head and and runs with it, turning it into a well written, steamy novel.

    Both Bennett and Avery were instantly likeable and had hot chemistry together. If I had to sum up their relationship in 5 words I would say:
    sweet...hot...loving...protective...forever

    That you to NetGalley and Penguin for allowing me to read and review this book.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    SQUEE!!!! I finished this book last night.. and I seriously-freaking-loved-it!! It is going to be a hit, one of my top 10 NA reads of the year! All of You puts a refreshing spin on the NA genre, one that doesn't copy the market norms. It has all of the swoon of new love that will totally give you 1,000,000 excited butterflies in your tummy! Lee's writing is perfect, and totally entrances you with this amazing love story!

    More to come, but if you have a chance to grab this from Netgalley the I highly suggest you get your bottom over there and request! At least add it to your TBR list.

    BTW <3 <3 <3 Bennett!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I'm not going to lie, the virgin hero is totally the reason I requested this for review. I love that he was the inexperienced one. There's something very sexy about a man who chooses to wait..or maybe it was just this particular man?

    Regardless, this was a strong, emotionally compelling read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really loved this book. The role reversal from the typical bad boy and the girl who is a virgin, to the guy being the virgin was such a welcome change from so many of the new adult contemporary romances out there - like a breath of fresh air. Avery Michaels is a nursing student in college pursuing her RN and is working at a nursing home as an LPN in the interim, while putting herself through college. She is really pretty, hardworking, independent, enjoys partying with her friends on the weekend, but there is one thing that she makes clear....Avery doesn't do relationships, at all, she only does hookups. Guys are east to figure out - at least the in the hormonal sense. You needed only appear helpless or horny, and their pants instantly dropped to their ankles. Avery doesn't have to pursue guys, they come to her - that is until she meets Bennett Reynolds. Bennett Reynolds is also in college. He's an artist, and he also works as a tattoo artist. He's sexy, cute, has eyes that you could just loose yourself in, a panty-dropping smile, and hotness just drips off him....I mean like you could just lick him he's so yummy. Bennett doesn't do hookups, ever, he does relationships.......and he is waiting on the right girl to come along before he gives up his V-card. "I want something real," he whispered. "And I'm willing to wait for it."When Avery meets Bennett at a party, she wants him, really bad, but Bennett blows her off, something Avery isn't used to, and doesn't quite know how to deal with. Hot boy nodded before turning on his heels and heading out of the room, leaving my ego collapsing on the cold hard tile. Chivalrous Hot Boy was so not into me. When Bennett ends up moving into her apartment complex, things really begin to get interesting. She soon finds out that it's not that Bennett doesn't like her......he does, a lot, and whether she wants to admit it or not, she likes him a lot to. Bennett awakens feelings in Avery she thought were long buried, and begins to crack the hard shell she has placed around her heart and emotions, something which is way out of her comfort zone. When she understands Bennett's reasons for his choices, she respects him. It doesn't make her want him any less, because she does, but she also figures she just can't go there. Ironically, Bennett and Avery have very similar backgrounds. Neither of their lives has been a bed of roses and they have both dealt with and continue to deal with some really tough family issues, they have just chosen to handle those issues differently. As circumstances bring them together, they become closer, friends even, but also begin to be much more. Bennett is crazy about Avery. He sees something special about her. He is so good with her and patient with her - now he does get aggravated with her and messes up some. He's not perfect, and he has a jealous streak, but the way he responds to her, talks to her, and deals with her overall was amazing. As there relationship changes and crosses over into something more, Avery discovers her feelings go much deeper than anything she has ever experienced, something that both frightens and amazes her, and when Bennett kisses her, it is like nothing she's ever experienced. "Baby," he whispered, and then gave me a slow molten kiss that stole my breath away. All of my muscles went liquid, and I was thankful he was holding me up."Damn it, Bennett," I panted. "How in the hell do you know exactly how to drive me insane?"........."I said I was a virgin, Avery. Not a saint."Something happens and Avery is forced to make a choice regarding Bennett and their relationship. Will she let him go, or is she willing to take a chance on love?This was such a wonderful story. As I said above, the whole role reversal in the story was like a breath of fresh air. The story line itself was so good, and I loved watching these two individuals who had such broken and hurtful pasts, deal with how they chose to face some really tough life situations both with their families, their pasts, and with each other. There is also a suspenseful side to the story, which I don't want to say anything about because I don't want to spoil it, but it adds that extra bit of thrill to the story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages. The romance was hot and steamy - don't let the fact that Bennett is a virgin make you think it's not, because it most definitely is. Overall, I really loved All of You and if you are a fan of contemporary romance, especially the new adult variety, then All of You is a must read and I highly recommend it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Bennett is such a nice change from other YA or NA male characters, because he is the one who is more restrained and who is all innocent in the sexual area. It was seriously appealing to me and a breath of fresh air. I loved his every scene and wanted to know what he was thinking. It was attractive that he was chivalrous and treated her with even more respect than is the norm. Avery is such a strong character. She knows self defense, and she knows how to get what she wants. She is more like guys in the normal aspect of she doesn't want commitment, just sex most of the time. She normally doesn't really let others in, and it is fun to see Bennett worm his way into her life and then into her heart. Admittedly, the plot is similar to most of the other NA's the damaged individuals helping each other heal and learning to love again. Still it was addictive, and I am not tired of this story line at all. I know some of my readers are, and this is probably not the story for you if you are burned out, but to me, I enjoyed every page. I also love that Avery is a lpn and that her job is a passion. There, at the nursing home where she works, she has formed a deep friendship with one of the residents. Her name is Mrs. Jackson and I adored her. She is fiesty, smart and intuitive, and I love the bond that her and Avery has and how much she helps her realize about life, herself and love. All of You is a great title for this one because we get to see Bennett, who not only wants a hot body, but he wants commitment, emotions, conversation, and most of all--love. He wants every part of Avery and I loved watching Avery realize that she too wanted every part of him. Both of their families and backgrounds plays into who they have become, and they are still dealing with repercussions of how they grew up and faults of their parents. But it molded them, and they have siblings that depend on them and share in everything that they went through. The ending was perfect. Everything wove together and it was wrapped up beautifully. I sighed a contented sigh at the end, although I am eager for the companion novel to read more of Lee's masterfully crafted characters and intense chemistry. Bottom Line: Amazing journey of Avery learning to love, helped along by the hot chemistry of virgin tattoo artist Bennett.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Avery isn't look for a relationship, just for a good time. After watching her mother's string of bad relationship (and almost falling victim to one of her boyfriends), she likes to be in control. Bennett attracts her like no other but doesn't fall into her bed like most others. Troubled by his own upbringing, he is saving himself for love. As they both fight an attraction that is completely undeniable, someone has to make a choice. Is it love or lust? Worth the risk or time to walk away?I LOVED THIS STORY! The characters are great! (I wish I could get tattooed by Bennett himself!) The story line is even better. It's not usually the girl whose the aggressor, so that was an interesting twist. The build-up between these two was only topped by them coming together. (HOT HOT HOT) Cant' wait to read more by this author!!!I received this book in exchange for an honest review for NetGalley.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

    All of You is the delicious story of Avery and Bennett, two souls that from page one you just know were destined to meet. One thing you learn very early on is that this book is not like most others you will read. The tables are quite literally turned as far as gender roles typically go.

    Avery is a no nonsense, take prisoners type of gal. Headstrong, independent, she knows exactly what she wants and what she doesn’t. What she doesn’t want is love. Love isn’t real, it doesn’t last, and it will screw you over faster than you can blink. She works as a RN in a nursing home for the elderly, and it is here that we see her true compassion emerge from behind the tough walls she puts up. Avery is used to taking what she wants, no questions asked the next morning. When she meets Bennett, whether she wants to admit it or not, all of that changes.

    Love was like a loaded gun. You slid your bullet inside the cold metal chamber as a safeguard for the inevitable day that everything went to shit.

    Bennett is fiercely loyal to those around him, and having had to grow up way too fast, has a strong moral compass. Though it shouldn’t define him, in this day and age is it very rare. Bennett is a virgin. Not for religious reasons, or even marriage, but he knows how sex can ruin everything. Bennett is waiting until he is in love, because then he knows that it will last. The strength we witness in this man, the responsibilities he shoulders, Bennett will have you swooning from practically page one!

    But that still didn’t change the fact that we wanted different things, despite wanting each other.

    For as strong as Avery appears, deep inside she is completely broken. She puts on a mask to keep everyone out, running from a past that is finally catching up to her. Bennett begins to break down those walls, and she slowly starts to realize that it is okay to trust him. Now the big question is, can she trust herself?

    I devoured this book, and I guarantee you will too! Definitely a 5 star read!!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Quick & Dirty: Beautiful story about how love and friendship can heal wounds. All of You is a hot new adult novel with amazing characters and a sizzling romance.Opening Sentence: Love was like a loaded gun.The Review:Avery Michaels doesn’t do the whole boyfriend thing. She is more into causal flings with lots of fun and no commitment. Growing up with a mother who dated a long string of losers has taught her that love isn’t worth the heartache it brings. Then she meets Bennett, the yummy tattoo artist that just recently moved in upstairs. She is determined to make him her next conquest, but surprisingly he’s not into that kind of thing.Bennett is a relationship kind of guy and he has his sights set on Avery. He can see something special in her that makes him keep trying even though it seems fruitless. As they get to know each other Avery knows she should stay away from him, but she can’t bring herself to let him go.Avery is an interesting protagonist. She is very protective of her heart because of some painful memories from her youth. She got away from her destructive mother and is now working her way through college, but she still cares about her family and tries to help in any way she can. I admire and respect that she was able to make some tough decisions and remain strong. Her negative attitude on love was a little depressing at times, but watching her views change was worth the negativity. It was emotional to watch her open herself up and become a more complete person. In the end, I really loved Avery’s character and was glad I could read her story.Bennett is one of my favorite new adult book boys. I love that he was an optimist even though he had a hard upbringing as well. His mother was very similar to Avery’s, but instead of taking that pain and turning cynical, he turned it into hope. It’s true that he’s a virgin, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have any experience. He is very sexy and he knows how to use that to his advantage. He is an artist and he uses his art to express himself. He is a kind and generous person with a protective streak. He can’t help himself when it comes to Avery he wants to help make her whole, but she has to let him in first. Everything about Bennett was perfect, and I loved him to bits.This was a fast read for me. The story flowed perfectly, and I found that it was pretty hard to put down once I started. There is a good balance of emotional heart pulling moments and the sexy times, because yes this book is very steamy. The romance is sweet and full of tender moments, but it isn’t perfect. Avery and Bennett really have to work to understand each other and that just made them feel more real. I did figure out most of the plot a little before things unfolded on their own, but I still found it really interesting. I think this was a fantastic debut, and I really look forward to seeing what the author comes out with next. If you are a fan of new adult romance, you should give this one a try.Notable Scene:My head still swirled from shock and anger and, most of all, fear. Especially about falling back to sleep tonight. I’d decided right then and there that I’d be making my bed on the couch, close to the door and the knives in the kitchen.When all was said and done, Bennett walked me back to my door. “You gonna be okay?”I didn’t want my voice to deceive me so I just nodded and inserted my key into the lock.He must have noticed some hesitation. “Avery, are you sure you—”“Of course!” I snapped at him. “Look, I’m sorry. It’s been a long night. Thank you for everything.”“Sure. Good night.” He headed toward the elevator and I reluctantly crossed over the threshold to my apartment. I could feel him watching me, so I thrust my door closed and propped my weight against it.Suddenly my apartment felt different to me. Dimmer. Lurking shadows in the corners. Sinister creaks from the wind.There was a light tap, and I heard Bennett clear his throat. “Avery?”I backed away from the door like I hadn’t been leaning against it that entire time. I took a deep br and collected myself, then pulled open the door. “Yeah?”Bennett’s face creased in concern. He held out his hand. “C’mon.”FTC Advisory: Intermix/Penguin provided me with a copy of All of You. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    When I first heard of Christina Lee’s ALL OF YOU, I wasn’t sure what to think. Even after I read the synopsis, I wasn’t feeling the love or the urge to really read it. Virgin heroes in the past haven’t wowed me. Lee’s ALL OF YOU came highly recommended by a friend and I decided to give it a try.If Avery Michaels had a personal motto, it would probably be: love ‘em and leave ‘em. Growing up with a mother who didn’t have the best relationships with men, Avery quickly learns to avoid the trouble relationships entail. Instead, she’s satisfied with having a friend with benefits and the occasional one night stand. The night she first spots Bennett, he’s all she wants, but he ignores her. She puts the incident beyond her until she comes face to face with him in her building. He’s her newest neighbor and while he might be attracted to her, he’s looking for something more; something Avery can’t give him. Soon they develop a friendship, but when Avery’s life is threatened, they realize their feelings run deeper than friendship.It’s not very often we get a virgin hero and it’s even more uncommon in a contemporary. In the day and age where virginity is looked down upon or the person is considered a freak, I have to commend Lee for tackling a sensitive subject. Bennett has been burned by past girlfriends especially once it’s known he’s a virgin and while he comes clean to Avery, he expects her to react the same way as others. When she doesn’t, he’s surprised and he knows she’s different.Character development is good and we get to know both Bennett and Avery equally. Both share a similar background especially regarding their mothers. Your heart will break when you finally realize what Avery’s mother did and makes you shake your fits at the injustice of the world knowing that it does happen in real life. We have several secondary characters that you’ll adore including one of Avery’s patients, Mrs. Jackson. Lee made me wish she was real so I could hug Mrs. Jackson for being there for Avery. Then we have Avery’s friends Ella and Rachel. Plus we have Bennett’s friend Nate and an ex-girlfriend who make an appearance.Narration is first person via Avery and while I’m not a fan of first person POV, I don’t feel as if we missed anything. It is a fast paced read and could be easily read in a few hours. If you’re looking for a big show stopping moment as to the reason for the conflict, you won’t find one. What you will do is question your own ideas regarding sex and what’s your comfort level regarding the number of sexual partners. Avery makes no apologies for her past and for a moment Bennett does make her feel ashamed of it, but in the end, she holds her head high and she refuses to let a man make her feel a certain way. I liked Lee’s message: do not be ashamed of yourself. Sure, society and people will always judge others regarding that particular number, but really whose business is it in the end?I debated with the rating between a three and four. Even up to the moment before writing this review, I was leaning towards a three. In the end, I decided on a four because we have two characters of similar background who refuse to be defined by their past. I really liked how both Bennett and Avery got to know each other and became friends. And because of that, sex isn’t at the core of a relationship in order for two characters to be together. What a refreshing read!If you’re a fan of New Adult, you’ll want to add Christina Lee’s ALL OF YOU to your to-be-read list. For those unsure about NA, I recommend looking at sample or reading a few more reviews (both positive and negative) before deciding.