Everything I Am: Part Two - Crossroads

by Lauren Ashley

Seven years later Kinsley has found herself right back where she started...

Having returned home after her trials of the last seven years, Dr Justin Walker is once again in Kinsley’s life. Only this time he knows her dreaded secret.

Now that the secret is out, will it tear Kinsley and Justin apart, or bring them back together?

Will the deception of their affair behind her mom’s back be enough to stop their sinful union, or will they be unable to deny themselves the forbidden passion?

Will the flames of desire leave only the smoldering of ashes behind or will something finally be able to grow from the secrets of the past?

274 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2023

Reviews

[Crystal (Crystalreads2) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author broke me and opened my floodgates. Seriously I couldn’t stop watering my face.

What happens after sneaking around, lying, betrayal, and miscommunication? A whole bunch of pain and heartbreak.

Book two starts where book one ends. After chapter one, buckle up for an intense, spicy, emotional ride.

Justin and Kinsley find themselves on the next journey, how to forgive, heal and move forward. Both realize they have wasted so much time. On top of the large, and I m talking boulder size speed bumps they must encounter.

I love Kinsley; she is one of my favorite heroines. On top of being perfectly flawed, she is strong, independent, and intelligent. Plus, she owns her sexuality.

The book is a page-turn and spicy as hell. I’m always extra excited when I read of my favorite kinks in the story—such a pleasant surprise. I would love to have been a fly on the wall in that bathroom.

That ENDING!!!!! Killing me! I can't wait for book three. I will have to wait and trust the process patiently

[Gigi ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★.⁵/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

This one is one SPICYYYYY AS HELL ROLLERCOASTER!
*DEFINITELY check TWS

There were parts that were difficult to read, i cried a few times!

The way Kinsley's character was written was incredible, she is a flawed, hurt but independent as hell woman! She owns her sexual needs and explores them even more!!!

My baby Justin or should i say Daddy Justin? I love this man ! He went through hell a couple of times. He screwed up big time in the beginning of their relationship and because of that he lost his soulmate. And in a blink of an eye he could have lost her just like she lost....

No matter how much time they lost of eachother they are eachother's IT and gonna fight for their relationship because it hurts more to be apart!

I loved reading about exploring kinks and it was sexy af!!

It kept me at the edge of my seat and frustrated me even, sometimes. Kinsley's denial of telling the truth to her mother about Justin n her kinda made me mad!

The cliffhanger at the end left me SPEECHLESS!

The next one is gonna be even more intense i can feel it!

Going in this book you can expect:

• Dual POV
• Age Gap (the way to my heart)
• Then & Now
• Forbidden Romance
• Open Door Romance
• Sex Rep/Kinks
• Miscommunication

* Thank you Lauren for sending me this ARC 🙏🏻*

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so so much to the author for sharing a copy of this book with me !!

“As I looked down at this dream woman soundly snoozing, I realised two things: one, I was utterly infatuated with her, and two, I would have to eventually give her up because Kiki would never let us be.”

Wow … I am absolutely speechless !!!
Book two in a series with age gap forbidden romance with mom’s best friend … this one was, if possible, even wilder than book one !!!
While I’m book one we had a rollercoaster of tension, seduction and pain, happening both in the present and in the past, right now we have a plot that is more centred in the presence, if not for the small amount of flashbacks of the past (all good and very enjoyable but be way) but it wrecks you more.
This time Kinsley and Justin’s relationship is best when it comes to where they stand with each other (considering the big revelations happening at the end of book one) but they also have to figure out a way to tell Kiki the truth because there is no way they’ll keep each other away from one another, now that they’re finding a way to build up a future together.
The spicy scenes this time around we’re definitely more in numbers and kïnks but always very intense and hot.
I definitely found myself again falling for Justin’s dirty mouth but in between the both of them, Kins is the worst one!!!
At the end of this book I have to say I felt a little heartbroken.
Considering the role Kiki had in this new chapter of their romances … I feel like my heart broke for her.
I’m not a 100% into a development happening in the story invoking Kiki herself because I already felt like it all would have come crushing down at one point.
I am only going to say that I NEED BOOK THREE !!!

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review for an honest review 😊
I enjoyed this book as it gets more in depth, the plot was written well and still flicked between past and present which I liked.

I found this book to be more emotional than the first book. With Kinsley's secret coming out and all the betrayal and emotions that follow. 💔 with both Justin, Kiki and her friends.

I felt sorry for Kiki with all the lies and sneaking around happening behind her back and revealing her own secret.

I feel like the next book will be an emotional rollercoaster with everything that has been revealed.

[Natalie Endsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Lauren Ashley has left me almost wordless! I say almost because I feel like this was another cliffhanger end and they are so frustrating but soooooo worth it in the end!

The only portion of this I was not super fond of was the golden shower but I wound NEVER yuck some else’s yum. Not for me tho. Otherwise a great part two to continue the story!

[booksireadinthedark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

WHAT?!  WHAT WHAT WHAT?! WE NEED BOOK 3 STAT!  Honestly, I just ran to write this review so come along for the emotional outburst I’m about to have.  I. love. This. Series.
 
My thoughts:
Way to wreck my heart with this one.  I was ugly crying by the end of chapter 3.  This book is way more emotional than book one. We get more of a history of the absolute torture both Justin and Kinsley went through over the last 7 years. As with the first one, this follows with the past and present and both POV which I LOVE.  

Lauren takes you right into the middle of the emotional roller-coaster both Kinsley and Justin are dealing with.  Trying to see if they can repair what is broken between them, dealing with a loss of a child, Kins trying to come to terms with having to tell her mother about her being in love with her ( moms ) best friend and SO much more.  My heart hurt sometimes with how well and this was written.  I love an author who makes you feel what the charters are feeling.

And now, for my favourite part. The absolute filthy smut in this book is OFF THE FREAKING CHARTS. I’m pretty sure I’m pregnant with Justin’s baby from just reading this. 😂😂.

I know Age Gap is not everyones cup of tea but as someone who was in a relationship with a significant age difference, I can sympathize the struggles these two face with friends and family and just the public in general.

If you’re like me and love a good book, with a good story that makes you feel and gets you all worked up in the best way, PLEASE give this series a try. You won’t be disappointed you did.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Have you ever had p**y so wet it felt like Niagara Falls?”

Wow the spice in this book was just next F***ing level🥵. Like these guys are nastyyyyyyyyy dirttyyyyyy rabbits 😂😂. There is literally NOTHING these two did NOT do😳.

Kinsley is sexy, independent and strong as bloody hell! The trauma she went through was absolutely 💔 breaking! But I love that the author did not brush over this. The author really described and kept it alive throughout the book, so that you can understand who she has gone through.

I did think Kinsley was super immature for not telling her mother about her and Justin! Like they say it’s not the lie itself, sometimes it’s the fact that you’ve kept it a secret for so long!

I also think that Justin as the older person and also the fact Kiki and him have been friends for 20 year-he should have taken the step to speak to Kiki and let her know what was going on!!!

Justin Justin Justin- I mean daddy🥵🥵🥵🌶️🌶️.

The cliffhanger , had me on the edge of my seat😬, the next book is going to be bloody tense. No one is going to be safe! I hope Kiki makes it out ok, I think she is amazing mother. She deserves better than her daughter and “so called” best friend.

Can I just say that I NEEEED to know more about Remy and her situation😳😳

Tropes;
👨🏼Age gap
👨🏼mothers best-friend
👨🏼sex/kinks
👨🏼Loss
👨🏼Miscommunication
👨🏼Dual POV

[Dionne Gee-Pemberton · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟ARC REVIEW 🌟🌟🌟

Everything I am - Part 2 - Crossroads

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

We’ve been desperate to read the Arc for this book after how book 1 ended and it did not disappoint.

The story follows on into the lives of Justin and kinsley and their journey together.

With things starting to come to light about their past and what happened you can’t help but feel so sorry for both of them.
It’s very upsetting to read some of the parts and what she must have been going through but you’ve also got to feel for Justin because he didn’t know.
Everything could have been so different if only she’d let him explain.

The book is a real page turner because you’re desperate to see what happens and what is going to come of their love story because nothing ever seems simple for them.
We love Max aswell. We hope she gets a book.

The spice is good and my god he has stamina but let’s just make one thing clear this couple is DIRTY and they’ll try anything.
One thing we will say is we’d never be eating dinner at their house 🙈 (if you’ve read it you’ll know what we mean 🥒🍷🍝)

What an ending again aswell 😳
Lauren Ashley you can’t keep doing this to us. Hurry with book 3.

Happy reading

DLB

👩‍❤️‍👨 Age Gap
❤️‍🔥 First Love
🚫 Forbidden

[Larks Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back for part two as the last book left us with a major cliffhanger. Thankfully the author gets right into the meat and potatoes of Justin and Kinsley’s relationship. Even with the story being a trio of books, the author does a good job of keeping the story moving about with realistic emotions as secrets are revealed regarding the main characters. I found the MC and FMC more endearing in book two. Which is good cause the last book I wanted to bop them over the head.

The book is a dual pov with two timelines, seven years prior and currently. The flow between the two timelines is effortless as the author uses the past to explain current dialogue, head space, or triggered emotions. The story ends on another cliff hanger with a bit more added surprise drama. Excited to see how it will all play out in the conclusion. I’m hoping we get more info on the bff Remy in the next book or even her own book would be fine.

As a reminder this is a large age gap romance, with very very detailed spice scenes. I’m talking about this series one of the spiciest books I’ve read. Things that would make your mom blush.
Please check author’s page for trigger warnings.

[Jayden Petrelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Sobbed. I sobbed reading this book. This story had grasped my heart with the first first, crushed it with the beginning of the second and pieced it back together during the second. I loved this story. The beginning makes you ball your eyes out due to a sensitive issue that was written so beautifully. This book was fantastic, but the cliffhanger was criminal. I am really happy we got to see some happiness between Justin and Kinsley during this book. They deserve it.

Kinsley- I still love her. Her character is fantastic. She is still as sweet, loyal and sarcastic as ever. I love how she fights for her love. Also reading her story at the beginning made me break down. She was amazing in this book.

Justin- his character growth is off the charts. I adored him in this book, and he kept getting better and better. His love for Kinsley is unmatched, and the amount he supports her is amazing.

I adored this book with everything I am (lol). It is a fantastic story and I can’t wait to see where it goes next. If you love a taboo age gap and forbidden romance, this is the book for you.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review took me a while to gather my thoughts 🫣🥵
It picks up right where book one left off.

It straight away delves into a very deep topic so check trigger warnings before going in. It was very emotional to read but Lauren executes it so well.

Kinsley & Justin have reunited after 7 years and so begins flashbacks, dual pov, dealing with past traumas together, sneaking around, SEX & kinks, while still trying to overcome the main hurdle of telling Kinsley mum about them.

If you like these troupes I recommend reading this
- age gap
- Forbidden romance
- Mums best friend
- SMUT

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again this book is the spiciest book I’ve ever read and some of the kinks in the book had me gasping. It’s down right dirty! iykuk 🍝 😱

While this book it filled with smut it also has a plot line that you just can’t stop reading and Lauren the queen of cliff hangers has left us wanting more!! So that means I’ll definitely be picking up book 3 because for some reason I just can’t stop haha!

Thank you so much to Lauren for the arc in exchange for an honest review

[Meagan Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎉𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨🎉
ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴘᴀʀᴛ ᴛᴡᴏ: ᴄʀᴏꜱꜱʀᴏᴀᴅꜱ
ʙʏ ʟᴀᴜʀᴇɴ ᴀꜱʜʟᴇʏ

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice - 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5

Review - Everything I Am part two takes place after a huge cliffhanger that I'm sure left us all completely rocked. I honestly spent over 30% of this book bawling my eyes out from the aftermath and all the truth bombs that were dropped. My heart absolutely broke for Kinsley and all the things she went through alone, and then when she had to tell Justin the truth after the fact.

It was such a beautiful journey seeing these characters grow and overcome the things they went through. The love between Justin and Kinsley is fantastic and good lord the epic mouthwatering spice.

We are left on yet another cliffhanger!! The torture of it all!!! If anyone has read this series, I just have to know what you think of Kiki. Is she driving anyone else nuts or just me? lol I just wanted to yell out, "mind your own business" so many times!! Girl, you are doing too much!

Please check trigger warnings before reading this book.

[Natalie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a rolercaoster of emotions this book takes you on.

For the first 30% of the book, I absolutely cried like a baby. This part of the book was so well written portraying every emotion perfectly. The way lauren wrote these absolutely heartbreaking scenes was beautiful.

The stroy picks up exactly where part one finished and the fall out of the revelation we were left with.

I love Kinsley she is such a strong female character, and she absolutely owns her confidence throughout this book.
I liked Justin so much better in this book. He was a bit of a dick in part one 🤣

The spice in this book is absolutely next level filthy 🥵 and I for one, am here for it!! The things Kinsley and Justin do in this book are so god damn hot it nearly set my Kindle on fire! 🔥🔥.

The cliffhanger was epic. i can't wait to see how the next book plays out and i just hope Kinsley and Justin get their HEA 💜.

[Nicola Thorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crossroads picks up where Broken ended, with the jaw-dropping revelation that turns Dr Justin Walker’s life inside out. When he hears of the heart wrenching tragedies Kinsley has endured during their separation, he vows never to abandon her again, and quickly they pick-up where they left off, 7 years ago. With both refusing to face the delicate matter of informing Kinsley’s mom, who also happens to be Justin’s best friend, that they are lovers.

I knew Crossroads was going to hurt. I knew it was going to make me cry. Though I think I’d perhaps underestimated the emotional avalanche it delivered. At times the storyline was overwhelming, though through all the pain and the heartbreak Justin and Kinsley remain a couple I am very much rooting for. And boy - are they filthy, expect no-holds-barred content.

I’m super excited to get my grubby little hands on part 3, I need this HEA like I need air!

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

✍️ Justin and Kinsley are back on their journey of love and forbidden romance as they navigate through a secret that is now revealed whilst trying to restore their relationship and keep it a secret still from Kinsley's mother.

After reading "Everything I am" Part One titled "Broken" last year and Positively Devouring it as well as having the ending keep me in utter anticipation for the next book, I was very excited to finally receive part two and delved into it straight away. Once again it was an inimitable and unputdownable read.

The story was brimming with an abundance of varied emotions and pressing content warning and themes that made for a thought -provoking and fervent read whilst pulling at the heartstrings.

Forbidden Romance, Spice, Pain, Grief, Secrets as well as triggering content from Mental Health issues and Child Loss is at the core of the story respectfully and beautifully written.

Can't wait for part three!!

[Gillian B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is going to keep me on the edge of my seat until the next book comes out. Justin and Kinsley are unconventional but also so so in love. You can't help but love them. This book had me teary-eyed and laughing as well as jaw-dropping. The tragic struggles Kinsley and Justin have to work through are hard real-life struggles, and you can't help but feel for them and anyone who has experienced that tragedy in real life.
Let me tell you, I kinda figured out where the cliffhanger would be, but I did not expect it to be what it is. My jaw hit the floor, and I was instantly messaging Lauren like 👏👏.
These two are very, very kinky together.

All in all, I recommend this series if you like a good forbidden, taboo, age-gap, boss-employee, mom's best friend romance. It's kinky and heart-wrenching all in one. Can't wait for the next one!

[Jessica Crucitti · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Copy!

Plenty of spice in this book! Prepare the box of tissues for a few chapters of this book! There was no warning coming for all of the crying. It is amazing how Lauren Ashley can make you feel like you are right there with the Kinsley and Justin as they talk about things.

I am still and will probably forever be team Justin and Kinsley! The age gap gives it just the right amount of forbidden romance that is needed. While everything seems to be against them, they manage to find their way back to each other!

I love the friendship that Max, Justin, and Kinsley end up sharing. And how protective they all are of each other.

THE ENDING!!! I can not!! Way to leave off with yet another cliffhanger. I can't wait until the third book is released!

[lyn ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ 4/5 & 4/5 spice

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster with my feelings. There were a few scenes that were heartbreaking, some that were happy, some made me a bit angry, and some scenes kept me wanting to devour this entire book in one sitting. The chemistry between Kinsley & Justin were just WOOOW. I thought the first book was spicy, this one was wayyyy more spicy. 🥵 I love Kinsley & Justin’s connection and how hard they fought for their relationship in order to work everything out.

This series just keeps getting better. If you love forbidden romance, age gap, and second chances, I definitely recommend this book. The cliffhanger at the end… what the heck!! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

[Morgan Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a continuous rollercoaster of emotions. Full of spicy scenes, big revelations, and heart wrenching moments.

I am one hundred percent invested. I need Kinsley and Justin to get their happy ever after. No matter their age difference, I think they are so right for each other on so many levels.

Kinsley is such a strong character. The chapters about her past absolutely destroyed me, but to watch her come out stronger was everything.

Justin. My man. I’m in love with the way he handles Kinsley inside and outside the bedroom!

I’m going to be honest and say I was expecting this to be the final book, I wasn’t sure how the Author would be able to continue with these characters but by the end we see that there is so much is left to unfold.

Read it!!

[Morgan Schoenherr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional Rollercoaster.
Living through all Kinsley went through in her past and then Justin was hard.
The emotion, pain, and passion were high in this second part to Everything I am.

Finding your soulmate is rare. Kinsley and Justin are the epitome of true love. But sometimes love and passion aren't always enough when life doesn't seem to be on your side.
Justin being Kinsley's moms best friend had always played a major factor in their relationship. One that gets a whole lot more complicated.

Lauren Ashley's spice is 🤌 she has a way with her words... 😘
Hotter and $exier than the last, Crossroads gives us more of the story you're dying to read!

*This book does also ends on a cliffhanger *

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.

If you like forbidden romance, age gaps and second chance romances, then this is the book for you. The book follows Kinsley and Justin and their journey through lack of communication and misunderstandings which leads to so much heartache.

I was not prepared for the emotional roller coaster this book was going to be. There are so many reasons why you want these two together and big, big reasons why they decide to stay apart. This story is about them finally putting it all out there and trying to make it work.

However, we all know love is not always rainbows and butterflies. And this book makes us work for itttttt. The cliffhanger at the end had me practicing my deep breathing exercises 🙈 I am so ready for part 3!

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by Fallen Crest Crew
Crossroads starts from where Broken left off and OH MY GOD! All the tragedies Kinsley went through, not gonna lie made me cry.

Justin's world is torn apart by these revelations but Kinsley and him find themselves on a journey to forgive each other and resume where they left off 7 years ago.

This book is even wilder than the first one. The spice had me squirming in my seat (I read that while in class)🙈 Kinsley and Justin are just so filthy and I love it🥵

This one too is a cliffhanger and God, my jaw dropped. Didn't expect that to happen, but I'm excited to see how it all plays out in the third book

🩺 Age Gap
🩺 Forbidden Romance
🩺 Secret Relationship

[Brittaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just completed the ARC and 😭🥺🥵😍🤫🥰🫣!!!!! This book focuses on Kinsley and Justin making their way back to one another and let me just say: I felt all of the emotions!!! After navigating the very devastating and traumatic past they have had, they continue to rekindle their relationship mostly in secret. They must come to terms with the possible repercussions before telling those close to them. The cliff hanger makes me wish the 3rd book was out RIGHT NOW!!! I’m so invested in this story. You can read the first one on Kindle or paperback, and the second one comes out 3/25 so check it out!!! *check TW at the beginning of the book if you have any

[Paige Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me laugh, cry and everything in between.

The first third of the book was mainly tears. I understood Kinsley’s grief, loss and reluctance to share this fragile piece of her soul.

Thankfully the plot becomes lighter and a little happier.

I did think so many times while reading that people are really shitty communicators and they need to just say what they need to say a little more often. I hate when they beat around the bush.

Lauren Ashley, you’re a little devil for leaving us on another cliff hanger. But I secretly love it!!

[Taylor Nobles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love kins and Justin’s relationship. Check your TW before reading because there is child loss. It was very emotional in parts. I feel for Kiki. 😣 I don’t want to give too much away. It’s a second chance romance, age gap, moms best friend, work place.

[Natasha books.are.myescape · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 4🌶️
Omg this book was an emotional roller coaster I was crying one minute and fanning myself the next 😮‍💨 My heart broke for Kiki 🥺 My mind was blown 🤯with all the secrets that were coming out. And that cliffhanger at the end 😱 I can’t wait for book 3.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all the emotions with a bit of spice! Lauren has done it again with a cliff hanger ending. Can't wait to read the final installment.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome to see the author grow in her second book, and I am super excited to see how her writing and stories develop more in future.

[Jodi Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg she had me crying with this one..... She got me hooked with the first one, and this second book did not disappoint ..such a good read ..well, done, thank you 😊 ...

[Pamela Deveze (winesandbooks_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️‍🩹The emotional ride this was… the first half was deep, made me cry both sad and happy tears. Especially that part with the pictures and the videos, OMHEART!

💜Everything I am Part Two starts exactly where we left in Part One (Broken). Justin’s world is flipped out after knowing the secret Kinsley kept for 7 years. Plus, Kinsley’s health is in risk in the first part of the book making everything more angsty. Both Justin and Kinsley are deeply hurt but they know they are meant to be together and this time Justin will not let Kinsley escape their fate. They both know the only way to deal with their broken heart is dthis together, as a couple.

Thank you to the author Lauren Ashley and her team FallenCrestCrew for providing an ARC… I am enjoying this series filled with amazing characters, I can’t emphasize my love for Max! After the ending of this one I can’t wait for part 3!!!!

Everything I am Part Two- Crossroads: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

What to expect from Everything I am Part 2: Crossroads

- Age Gap
- Very Spicy
- Emotional and Deep
- Redemption
- Doctor Romance
- Forbidden Love (he’s her mom’s BFF)