All Too Well

by Steph Macca

I know all too well the pain and torture of love…

After my breakup hits me from out of the blue, I’m left in pieces - wondering where it all went wrong.

It’s another strike to my self-esteem, coupled with the job from Hell and seventeen dollars to my name.

When I find myself trapped in the flood waters of St. Devil’s Creek, I think it can’t get any worse. The last thing I expect is to be rescued. But I am – in more ways than one.

We always promise to protect our hearts from love, but after each massacre, we silently hope that we are wrong. We cling to the possibility of our happy-ever-after.

But that’s the thing about new beginnings. Sometimes they are life lessons in disguise.

They say you have three great loves in your lifetime.
What are the chances I’d meet all three great loves in the same year?

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary, M F Romance, Friends To Lovers

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

About the author

Bestselling Dark Romance Author
Author of Unhinged 🔪

Knock Knock, Little Killer

Reviews

[❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of hated this but also couldn’t put it down? Read it in one sitting. The ending was pretty predictable. Hate that I went from loving Jordan to absolutely loathing him.
But that hot tub scene 🥵🥵🥵

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
🌶️🌶️🌶️1/2

This was not the book for me, but the book itself is not bad. If you’re looking for something to rip you apart, then this is for you.

I got to the halfway point and skipped to the end. There’s a great HEA, just too much pain to get there. Almost that it was too realistic with toxic men f’ing it up.

I prefer more fantastical relationships. Life sucks enough to not want to read it. I need the escape.

Bottom line - emotional journey with a blessed HEA. Just not for me.

[Alex E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very frustrating book..I think the single POV didn't help either.
The whole twist of Jordan's story was ugly. And I'm not talking about why he initially approached Skylar or what they did with Kaden..I'm talking about him breaking up with her after she found out the truth. And the fact that she went to that weekend retreat and had sex with him 12 times even though she knew he cheated on her with the new girl. Mental. Who does that?

Then she continues to date and sleep with Ian (who very quickly disappeared from the next dates) and then she sleeps with Kaden.

And what was the story of Jordan? Was he really in love with her and he just treated her like shit because he wasn't worthy of her? Too much thinking and breadcrumbs all over the place.

And the final HEA comes with the guy that had a front seat to the Horrorshow, at almost 90% of the book and they exchange "I love you"s immediately.

It had potential but reading it only from one perspective didn't help me.

Or I'm just too old for this kind of behavior and thought process.

Safe protection was always a topic not discussed enough throughout the book.

[Amy Alessandri · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2

This story broke me to pieces but ultimately put them back together with a HEA. The author absolutely captured the painful and heartbreaking journey of a people pleaser searching and finding any little reason to convince yourself that you’ve found The One… Even when it’s toxic and frustrating for others around you to witness.

This was a little too realistic for my taste since I prefer my spicy romances dark, unhinged, and unrealistic.

But holy shit, Blaise. 🥰 Can we give a round of applause for the hero of this story? 👏👏👏 He’s the best friend / lover / end game everyone deserves!

Taylor Swift fans wanting a heartbreaking romance with a happy ending will love this. The author is a Swiftie and you can pick up on all of the Easter Eggs throughout 🫶

And I just have to say, Fuck you, Jordan!!

[Tori Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book 🥹 from the dedication to the story to the afterword, this book pulled on heart strings that I didn’t think would be pulled anymore!!
Thank you so much for writing a book like this Steph it was purely beautiful, not what I expected but really shows that love can sometimes be where you least expect it.

From the multiple Taylor Swift references ( which I absolutely loved! ) this book details the 3 great loves that is believed you will love in your lifetime and my god my heart broke for Skylar. I got so frustrated by what she went through and just wanted to hug her so bad, but then was jealous of her in the spa scene 🤭🌶️

Just like the rest of Steph’s books, I can’t wait for the rest of this series to come out ❤️

[Keeley Paton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a sweet story about the FMC who had some bad luck with love. There were multiple love interests in this book before the end game love was revealed and it was a bit of a surprise.

I did enjoy this book but couldn’t rate it higher because there were so many times when I did not enjoy the FMC. She made some really questionable and stupid decisions, and was way too trusting of MMCs that showed up in the book. I felt it was unrealistic.
The spice in this book was enjoyable and well written.

[Allie.onlybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶️

I knew from the first sentence I was going to enjoy this book:
“I know all too well the pain and torture of love.”

This story was great! The spice was spicy… that hot tub scene 👀👀👀

The FMCs journey to finding the one is a bit rocky and sprinkled with drama. She goes through so much but in the end gets her HEA! The plot twists were great and overall I would recommend this if you’re looking for a bingeable read!

[Kim the Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well… That was a wild, wholly unexpected ride!

I went in to this book completely blind, not knowing anything more than the title. I had absolutely no expectations other than it was written by Steph so it would be good.

This book did not disappoint. I was definitely going through it right alongside Skylar. I was blindsided multiple times, and had my heart trampled on.

The ending of this book was so sweet though! I am in love 🥰

*side note* as much as I loved the ending, that hot tub scene?!?!? Holy fuck please sign me up 🥵🥵🫠🫠

[Cheyenne Tarbox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely predictable but a good fast read

[Emma Bombemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read for me (read over a weekend)
Picked the storyline pretty early on, but it didn’t spoil the read.

[Rach✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Ratings:
4/5 🌟

I couldn’t put down this book from beginning to end!! It was so good 😭💗

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱

This book honestly had me from the very first sentence. "I know all too well the pain and torture of love." That line just instantly drew me in, and had me turning the pages, needing to know Skylar's story and how it played out.

This is what I feel to be a departure from Macca's normal writing style - previous books I've read from her have been dark and gritty. All Too Well is a dive into the emotional side of a relationship, of the occasionally tumultuous journey to finding "the one" when you're reaching your 30's, and stuck in a job that you honestly detest.

Skylar's had it rough in the months leading up to her story starting, and I loved reading as, through a series of unfortunate events (and a lot of frankly awful weather) she managed to turn her life around. As everyone knows, the road to love is bumpy and full of surprises, and I really feel that Macca delivered us a true-world romance book. Skylar's story definitely mimics those of my friends, and whilst it hits close to home just how realistic it is, it's also refreshing. Macca doesn't sugar coat it or paint it in some mystical light; she shows us the ugly side of dating, of human nature. She makes us fall for the people that her characters fall for, and it honestly feels like a gut punch as you realise - at the same time as Skylar - just how awful they are.

The turnaround of the story had me smiling and kicking my feet, and even slightly swooning. The spice throughout, in true Macca style, had me fanning myself. And the overall story was just beautiful. Another phenomenal read from Macca, and the best part? It was a standalone with no cliffhanger which left me grinning like an idiot and full of the warm fuzzies.

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

[Bookswithambs · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

“Life is too short to be crying over emotionally unavailable assholes, begging for the bare minimum. Somewhere out there, there's someone willing to step in and go above and beyond.”

Did I finish this in one day? Yes I did. I was worried for a hot minute about how this one was going to end but I was not disappointed. But also can we just take a minute for that author note at the end??!! Made me tear up, because I needed to read that so bad and I didn’t even realise until I had. The way I connected to Skylar was insane, following her through shitty breakups and navigating the dating scene in this day and age - I just found myself constantly comparing and relating to her. We can’t lie - we have done some questionable things when it comes to trying to understand closure but also the feeling of not wanting to let go even when you know it is for the best. The questioning yourself and your worth and what you did wrong - when in reality it was not your fault. We find ourselves making a lot of mistakes, and this book does not shy away from that. I found that when I was frustrated or annoyed at Skylar it’s because I was annoyed at myself because I had done similar things to her during similar times for myself. The way you get battered with Skylar throughout this story is no joke, but the way you also come out with the happy ending and feeling healed is also there. Blaise, her roommate, he was the sweetest!! Absolutely loved him. I just wish we got more of Skylar and the man she ended up with and dived into that more because I loved them together. Like please give me another book with them 🤭. Buckle in for this one guys, but be ware this one involves toxic, asshole, cheating men.

🩷 friends to lovers
🩷 fake dating
🩷 forbidden love
🩷 journey to find love

[kaylaschapterchats · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! Be prepared to shed ugly tears because I know I did. 🩷🩷🩷

All Too Well took me on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Ranging from sad, upset, and ecstatic to then almost throwing my Kindle in a fit of rage. It was just crazy, but so good!!!

Skylar, our fmc is amazing. She is so patient and understanding but also enjoys having fun. She loves hard and fast, but I think that sometimes is her downfall.

She has had a rough few weeks. Her ex did a real number on her, and she is trying to move past it. She just so happens to meet a guy in the most crazy way. This guy is amazing, and they form a beautiful connection. But not all is as it seems. She finds herself trying to navigate relationships with multiple men, but she has to go through a lot of heartbreak to get to where she wants to be in life.

The mmc's in this story are all very questionable, in my opinion, bar one. I know that they meant well, or they thought it was going to be different, but man, these guys, they had me in a fit of rage. How they treated Skylar was pitiful, to say the least. I'm so glad that Skylar had such a great friend to be there for her in those hard times because I know I would completely lose it.

This story was such a good read. It drew me in. It was a heartbreaking but beautiful story about relationships and the emotions associated that come with it. I read it in one sitting. It is worth the read for sure.

Thank you so much to Steph and your beautiful team for giving me the chance to be on your ARC team. I am forever grateful 🙏 All opinions are honest and my own ❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

💘 fake dating
💘 forbidden love
💘 journey to find love
💘 heartbreak
💘 spicy scenes
💘 standalone

[Miruru Shouting · Rating 4 out of 5]

MF, roommates, MFM sharing, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, pansexual rep, high heat.

What an emotional rollercoaster. When you think Skylar was done with one jerk and could get her HEA, but nooooooo, her ex's friends were just the same bunch. I need Jake and Jordan to both get their own karmic ending because they don't deserve HEAs. Kaden may have sorta slightly redeemed himself a tiny teeny bit near the end, but Skylar made a huge mistake getting tangled up with him.

Poor Blaise being there for Skylar but ultimately, his advice was ignored, which led him to almost cutting Skylar off and them being done. But I'm glad they worked things out and he was able to have his HEA since he deserved it. Skylar was all over the place but it was understandable with all the emotional trauma she endured back to back right beforehand.

This was good but I wouldn't read it again because I definitely went through the wringer with Skylar and we both came out very battered. Blaise was everything good about this book and such a great character. So happy for him to finally get what he wanted.

[amys.readsx · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not at all what I expected. I went in blind and damnn.. I was not disappointed. The story felt so realistic. This is the real world of dating, and Skylar goes through it, trying to find the one. Her story has all the feels, and it was a heartbreaking journey to find her HEA.

This was an emotional roller-coaster ride. The author throws us right at the front, and we can only hang on for dear life. She hooked me from the beginning, and I happily went along for the ride. I don't want to give anything away, so just read it! The writing is amazing and will immerse you Skylars world. Steph Macca knows how to bring a story to life.

This has heartache, love, delicious spice, and just enough drama to keep you on your toes. This is such a realistic story about finding love, and it brings to life the meaning of one door closing and another opening. You'll be crying, laughing, and in full blown rage, cursing out the author for putting you through it, but you'll come out the other side glad that you brought a ticket for this ride.

[Brandi Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The roller coaster of emotions!

This is unlike any of Steph Macca's books I have read but I am not complaining. I adored this book so much. So many emotions I had in this book. I just felt so bad for Skylar. She had a break up with no closure and her roommate and best friend Blaise was there for her and told her to just let it go.

Skylar works for a horrible man who doesn't care about his employee at all just wants her to be at work even if pouring down rain and dangerous. When she leaves to head home, she finds it flooded and the water taking her car and her getting stuck. A man comes to her rescue and from there they end up going out. Jordan is the guys name and when he and Sky go out she finds he's just about perfect for her. Blaise is there for her so much and the perfect friend cheering her on.

So much happens that I don't want to give anything away. But man I cried, I raged, and I swooned at the end. This is a standalone and does have a HEA. Great story.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skylar

Where do I even begin This book was so good I couldn't put it down You will feel all of your emotions with this 1. Skyler Just got ghosted by her boyfriend Jake Working Dead end job To where her boss Is a prick. Skylar Feels Like Her life At the bottom. Her boss Marco forces her to come into work Knowing The weather is calling for floods. When skyler Get stuck She gets rescued by a handsome man Jordan. Skylar falls head over heels for Jordan. When her past comes and bites her in the behind and all the truths come to surface, Skylar is broken. I cried in the book, got pissed and then cried again. If you have ever had be ghosted, played or been broken so bad this is for you.

[Emily Gear · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book club made me do it. I read it so fast mostly to have it over and done with, so I could read something else. The FMC is insufferable, has a terrible personality if any, and this Jordan character comes out of no where love bombing from the start.
There’s a rank oyster scene on one of their first dates at the very beginning of Jordan and Sky, which was cringe and gross.
Then don’t get me started on how she has no personality, is immature and sleeps with almost every dude she meets in the book.
And the “plot twist” from Blaise I seen from a mile away. Every male character in the book was a love bombing “tell her what she wants to hear” type of guy and everything about this book was so cringe. 😬 thanks a lot book club!

[MrsKristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 Contemporary Romance
🔥 ALL THE FEELS

As a Steph Macca ARC reader, this book was not at all what I was expecting but boy was I pleasantly surprised!! This is the real deal when it comes to relationships. The ups and downs reminiscent of a roller coaster is exactly what this book boils down to. All of the feels are in this book. I cannot elaborate more but I will say, JUST READ THE BOOK!!! I got so into it that I had to discuss it with my hubby before bed.

My Personal Ratings:

5 Stars: Loved it! Couldn’t put it down or obsessed about it while needing to get to the end of it. Had to share some bits with my hubby!! Usually read in less than 2 days cause a girl has got to sleep sometime. Will be reading everything this author has to offer and most likely reread the series as next books in the series are released.

4 Stars: Really Good. Whether the story drew me in or a specific character, will definitely continue the series and look into more books by this author.

3 Stars: Enjoyed something about the book, whether it be the storyline or a character but also may have not liked something. Sometimes the book is great but needs some TLC from an editor. May or may not continue the series.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got sucked into this book so fast. Some points I wanted to shake Skylar cause she kept setting herself up for heartache. But I know we all have been there in that same spot.

Jordan/Kaden/Jake- the f*ck boys. The ones that say exactly what they feel you need to hear without any sort of remorse when you catch feelings and they don't feel the same.
🖕🖕🖕< that is for you

Blaise - the best friend. Honestly, I saw that connection coming miles upon miles away. He is everything Sky needed even tho she didn't know it.

They were destined to be together from the start since he knew every single thing about her.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skylar's story is about her journey through the ups and downs of love and life's challenges. It starts with a tough breakup and leads to her struggling in a job she hates with little money. The story follows her as she encounters several potential loves, each adding complexity to her search for happiness. The writing vividly captures the pain of heartbreak and the intricacies of modern relationships, leading to a satisfying conclusion that celebrates growth and finding true love in the face of adversity. This engaging standalone read draws readers into Skylar's world, prompting empathy and reflection on the common trials of love.

[Lourdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So emotional!

I loved this book so much! I devoured it and I didn’t want to put it down! I loved all the emotions, the angst, the heartbreak in it! This was definitely more my level because I really don’t do books that are emotional or angst but this one was a good pace for me and I enjoyed myself immensely. I liked Skylar a lot, she was a great character and one that was dealing with a lot that I think people could relate to. I l liked her progression in this book and felt like we really saw her grow and become confident in what she deserved. I loved that for her. Overall this book was fantastic and I highly recommend it!

[kate_reads_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Czasami nam się wydaje że gość jest zbyt piękny żeby był prawdziwy, wiadomo że będzie w 90% tak naprawdę jest zbyt piękny, a jego brzydota będzie poza skalą.

Podobało mi się w książce to że pomimo tego że mamy takie super zauroczenie przez główną bohaterkę to i jest to głównym bohaterka że też gdy ma złamane serce nie postępuje jasno, i fajne jest że ta bohaterka nie jest stricte śliczna i ładna, tylko czasami zatraca się w swoich postępowaniach, niekoniecznie dobrych.

Czasami ktoś musi Cię poprowadzić w dobrą sprawę.
Czasami główny bohater musiał poczekać Trochę na swoją miłość.
A że tą miłością okazuje się jej przyjaciel to tylko korzyści... 😉❤️

[Nicole St. John · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!

Although, I have questions. First of all, I called it! I KNEW there was something there fairly early. Too many hints, but the ignorance was key. And I loved it!!!!!! I loved how it happened. I loved all of the characters surrounding them when it happened. But jeez. This girl is nosey and I need alllllllll of the juicy deets. There definitely could have been more context, more information, obviously there were sidebar convos that we should have been privy to. BUT, this book was great!!! I love the message and the hope the ending inspires. Adorable!!!! And now I need to know about the rest of this series and when and who and where!!!!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bittersweet story that brought on a whole host of feelings ranging from joy, anger, laughter and a few tears too. All of which id happily went through to get that perfect (to me!) ending. In this book you go through the ups and downs with Skylar's (FMC) love life. All but one of the guys were basically spineless. self-absorbed time wasters but to me it gave Skylar an insight by dating them of what she didn't need or want in her life. To appreciate the guy she finally ended up with much more. This was a great read that I really enjoyed reading.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All too Well is part of The Lust Deadly Sinners Collection by steph Macca.

I don't want to say too much about this read an give away the storyline, but it was an amazing read. I enjoyed it. Steph Macca has a way with her writing that hooks you into the stroyline and keeps you hooked for the whole book.

I loved the characters and the Femal lead Skylar had been through alot and needed a brake with her love life. The storyline felt like you were on a an emotional roller coaster. But you will not be dissappointed in this read.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!
Such and original and intriguing storyline.
This book definitely took me on a roller-coaster of emotions.
Skylar goes through so much in this story. There was bad and good, heartache, pain and then hope and love.
Filled with drama, lots of feels, spicy scenes, and much more!!

I felt like I was right there with Skylar. There were times that she frustrated me, but we also get to see her grow as she goes through ups and downs in her life.

Overall, I loved it and I was happy with who she ended up with!!

[Samantha Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steph Macca always leaves me in love with her books, but I think this is my new favorite book by this author!!!

All Too Well will have your emotions going haywire! I was laughing, swooning, crying then swooning again! I absolutely devoured this book and didn't want it to end.

Skylars story will have you feeling everything right along with her. The things she goes thru are so relatable. I adore her so much and finally seeing her getting to her HEA made me so ridiculously happy. And her guy is my favorite!!!

This is a must read for sure!!!

[Jess Papadopoulos · Rating 4 out of 5]

STEPH!!! You’ve truthfully done it again.

This book had everything, from a bad ex, to even worse boss and the happily ever after the MC deserves! There are moments you want to scream at the top of your lungs at the things Skylar goes through, those screams turn into tears and damn did I want nothing more than to give some characters hugs.

If you’re looking for a standalone to devour you will not be disappointed!

Steph you’re one of the few authors I know for a fact I can pick up every time and be amazed! Can’t wait to see what you do next!