Everything

Everything #1

by Jeri Williams

Dacey's Harper is a 22 year old college student who lives in a very small town where everyone knows her name, to everyone in town she is known as the niece of the town crazy and is next in line to jump on the crazy train. Dacey however, is doing her best to keep it all together; including an unsympathetic father, a stepmother who has raised her as her own, a larger than life stepsister who at times she doesn't even know what to do with and not to mention her Adonis God of a boyfriend. Top that off with her spicy Latin best friend and, let’s not forget her crazy aunt who has the world’s best one-liners, Dacey has her hands full but all that changes with one phone call and Dacey is left questioning Everything.

450 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2013

About the author

Jeri Williams lives a super fabulous lifestyle (by fabulous, she mean’s kinda lame) in the hot Florida sun and loves reading of any kind (except instruction manuals and cereal boxes). She has always written stories and made her family listen to them since she was young. In between her day job and wrangling an up-and-coming Jerry Seinfeld (in girl form) She writes make you feel stuff books. She also enjoys being right and knowing everything, although she is hardly ever right and know nothing. She has a weird obsession with inventing miniature zoo animals you can carry around in your pocket (although not really).

Reviews

[For the Love of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to say about a book titled “Everything”? Well… for starters… I LOVED just about everything in this book. Ok… one thing, and I just can’t believe I’m gonna say this, it seems that recently I’ve found myself becoming bored with the romance (contemporary, paranormal, historical…) that are waaaay overloaded with graphic sex scenes…yep, Me…I know… I still can’t believe it myself. Now, understand… it’s not that I don’t want to have some sizzling sexy bits in my romance reads… it just seems like a lot…and by a lot I’d say may 8 outta 10 authors are depending waaaay too much on the sex to hold the rest of the book together. Almost as if they are writing a dozen or more sex scenes first… then filling the spots in between with bland, boring and predictable plotlines. Have no fear…I’m not about to start campaigning for sexless romance novels… just maybe that authors try instead to initially write the foundation of their story first, leaving out any and all sexy bits, get it to their beta readers for feedback, and when, and only when the beta’s fall in love with the storyline … go back and sprinkle in your “dirty” for plot enhancement. Cause let’s face it, it we compared the books I’m talking bout, to let’s say…a romantic relationship that was based 90% on sex… eventually it would be doomed to failure as well.

Now… the reason I happen to include my crazed ranting with this review… is because, repeating my earlier statement, I LOVE just about everything about this book, the only thing that I would’ve made it even better… a little “dirty” sprinkled in. The plot, characters and conflict & resolution were all done extremely well. The author, Jeri Williams, infused so much emotion and personality into her characters… I had to remind myself that they were all fictional personas all created from a very talented mind. Dacey, Aria, Tina, Wally & Ann, Trevor, Riley, Opal and Justin, just to name the base cast, were all so multi-dimensional and intriguing. The plot and pace of the story was amazing and firmly engaged my attention. I was so emotionally invested in this book that by the time I read the last page, I wanted nothing more than to immediately start reading the next book the author has planned for her characters. Just to clarify… this book doesn’t really end on a “traditional” cliffhanger… but because Jeri left some of the situations unresolved, I couldn’t help but WANT to read more about how they will play out. And totally didn’t feel the “sense of cliffhanger trickery” that many authors also seem to be employing in their books.

Jeri… I am absolutely captivated with your characters and the lives you have created for them! Please get the next book to us quickly… and if you were to decide to sprinkle a little dirty into an already phenomenally awesome story, I would totally NOT be hating that! But, no pressure I’d still love it if ya didn’t!

5 stars ~Kathy

[Anny hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** I was provide a copy by the Author/Publisher for an honest review ****

First let me say that this is the first book that I read from this author.

Let me just say that when I started to read this book I did not know what to expect. But I could say that I like the book I like the characters, I'm gone keep this sweet and short since I don't want to give anything away.

The story begging with Dacey, her mom die while giving birth to her, her father gave her food, roof, and clothes, but he never gave her the fatherly love that she needed, while she was growing up her father re-married now with this marriage she gain a little sister, after time when by she started to see her step mom Ann as a mom, and her step mom love her as she was her own, she saw her step sister as a sister, and they have a weird bond that only them two understand and love each other. She has a crazy family but all that change one day after they had a horrible accident, and Dacey and Aria end up losing their parents, after that their life change and they when through so much. I couldn't stand Dacey boyfriend I have to be honest after the accident happened he show his true colors I just wanted to smack him around.

I really love and enjoy reading this book, now I am so ready to read the second part of this book, I want to know what's gone happened next, author Jeri Williams THANK YOU for introducing me to this great characters and this awesome book cant wait to read more of your books.

[Anna-Marie Buchner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything by Jeri Williams

I was not familiar with this Author or her work, there was some general conversation going back and forth on FB so I decided to check her book out. I was really surprised to see only one review on Amazon. The review sounded interesting so I decided I’d purchase her book. I promised Jeri Williams I would read it. Well I read it.

When first getting into this read, it was unlike anything I’ve read. Not my norm by all means. I wasn’t sure what this was. It seemed like it was a story about some poor girl Dacey Harper who had a really dysfunctional life. A father who kept a roof over her head, food in her belly and clothes on her back minus any love what so ever. Seems Dacey’s Mom died giving birth to her so you get the distinct impression her Dad resented the hell out of her. Then you have her crazy Aunt Opal who sometimes goes into the twilight zone. Keep in mind they live in a small town in Florida and everyone knows everyone’s business. So poor Aunt Opal is known as the town crazy. Dacey’s boyfriend is some hot dude and I wasn’t really all into him as far as his character, something just didn’t sit right with me about him. Then you have Dacey’s stepmother Ann who she didn’t consider her stepmother but her mother, and her little sister Aria. Aria and Dacey were insync with each other it was almost creepy. Well at least their Mom thought so.We can’t forget her smart mouthed BFF chica Tina. Tina and Dacey had been friends since kindergarten and the sandbox crowd. And of course good old Uncle Mick MTD anyone who read this book will know what that means. Oh and we can’t leave out the sneaky dorm mate of Dacey, Kelly. Yeah she was one person right off the bat I didn’t trust as far as I could throw her. Little miss do good all sweet and innocent. Yeah right.

After a horrific accident where Dacey and Aria lose their parents you really see who the real friends are and you see how family is so very very important. Her hunk boyfriend showed his true colors the stupid lump like Tina liked to call him. I can think of a few choice words but if I printed them my review wouldn’t get published. At first it seems that no matter what these girls couldn’t catch a break. The grieving they went through was painful to read. I can’t say anymore without giving too much away. But I have to say one thing spoiler or not, Jusin Parker the Highway Officer that was at the accident scene pops up in Dacey’s life when she least expects it, and he’s such a gentlemen and you know he is really digging Dacey. But he’s taking it slow and I’m loving it. I’m really really digging Justin, and Aria and Ri Ri we need to see where this goes. I can’t wait for Eugene and Opal to have their wedding. Hmmm will this break down the cement walls around Dacey’s heart. Will she let loose and open up to Justin? (god I hope so). I’m looking forward to the next installment “Anything” got to see where all this leads.

[Vonetta Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I got this book I was all types of what is this book about really? The title says everything so I was not sure if I was ready to read about EVERYTHING. I mean, I did not have an eternity to read everything. Actually I found this book very interesting. In Everything, a novel by Jeri Williams we find the main character Dacey Harper, a 22 year college student with her HOT Boyfriend. Wait till you read his description I mean "HELLO". Dacey has her family, a father who does not even show any emotions for her, her step mom who practically raised her as her own, Aria, her step sister an over the top over caffeinated 18 year old that has come to love Dacey as her own sister and her crazy aunt Opal. I found aunt Opal to be more hilarious than Americas Funniest Home Videos. I found myself having to take myself off the floor from laughing too hard. Her Latina best friend Justina, who really should be ADOBO because she is so spicy and another smart ass just like me, not be upstaged by her aunt and Justina, Dacey is a quick tongue and check kind of girl aka (Sarcasm is her friend).

While reading this book you may find yourself like me, laughing but getting emotionally attached to the characters Jeri has given to us. Dacey finds her whole world turning upside down and some hardship along the way. With one phone call her life as she knows changes in the blink of an eye. Her family and friends show their true colors when it all hits the fan.Will you find yourself engulfed in the life of Dacey Harper like I did? I think you will. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to the follow up book ANYTHING coming soon. I think this was a great debut book for Jeri Williams, this being her first published novel. I expect many more to come and many laughs and roller coaster rides for the characters.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling into the category of contemporary new adult fiction, Everything was a book I liked overall. It's set in Florida, in a little town called Shaddy Grove, between Miami and Orlando. For me, the thing that really made the book enjoyable were the characters. While the book does not end on a cliffhanger, there are enough subplots in the story that were left unresolved, and I'm curious enough about those to want to read the second book.

22 year old Dacey was one of the two main characters, and I took an instant liking to her, but what had me smiling at various points throughout the book were her interactions with her 18 year old step-sister Aria. They were such a great pair of characters to read about, and I grew to care about what happened to them, and at one point I was close to tears. They were funny, but when they needed each other, they were there for one another. I also thought the secondary characters, especially Aunt Opal and Mr. Eugene, along with Dacey's best friend Justina and her mother Mrs. D were fleshed out well, along with Officer Justin Parks.

While I enjoyed the book, one of the things that took me out of the story on various occasions were the typos and grammatical errors that I noticed as I was reading the book. Aside from that, I thought the storyline was good, and the characters felt real as well. I'll give Everything a rating of 4/5 platypires.

[Evette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started slow. Really sloooow. I looked down and saw I was at 59% and was still waiting- for anything. Then BOOM, one right after another, the hits kept coming.



I liked Dacey. She has an interesting family, incredibly funny best friend and a doting boyfriend. And we can’t forget her little sister Aria. Her other half. They are so good together. Especially the freaky exclaiming the same thing at the same time- makes everyone stop and look. Then there is Aunt Opal- she is HI-larious! And seriously underestimated.

When their world falls apart I was devastated right along with them. Unfortunately many of the terrible things were predictable-even Travis’ idiocy and a $$ holery.

I’m not sure I bought the Dacey as parental figure. The relationships all go wonky and the fall out crushes them all.

Favorite parts- JP, The Frost, SB, Tina and Dac’s texting convos, A and Dac’s sisterhood, Opal-just all of her. Oh and Mr Eugene :)

Interested to see where this small town drama ends up. Here’s to anything.

[Vonetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried this book when it was free and only had one review on Amazon, I'm not one to buy books based soley on how many stars they have gotten, but I do love an unheard of Indie. All though the book was long, I thought it was good and had a great story behind it. It was a change of pace from the normal for me but I love a good contmp. It was heartbreaking and the shock towards the end had me mad as hell! But i guess its written good if you get mad at it. (IMO)It has me wanting to see more....

[Amie Morgado- We Stole Your Book Boyfriend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story I was filled with all kinds of emotion right from the start.

Dacey did not have it easy growing up. Her mom died giving birth , her father resented her always giving her just what she needed to survive but never and love or affection. He remarries and she is stuck with a little step sister and step mom , thankfully Dacey connects with them and Aria and Ann become the greatest mom and sister ever. She grows up and goes on with her life accepting her fathers indifference and living her life in their small town where everyone knows everything.

Now in college she helps take care of her crazy Aunt Opal , has a super hot BFF turned boyfriend Trevor , a great best friend Tina and things are pretty good. Sadly her father loves Aria and still shows no feelings besides disgust to Dacey it is very sad to read about and I give Dacey credit because she could be horrible to him but she is not , she calls him dad and admits she loves him regardless. The news of her best friend and family moving hours away hits her hard but she has a few friends and of course Trevor. Then one horrible phone call changes all that in an instant her life will never be the same. Dacey is now struggling with loss and uncertainty , Uncle Mick and Aria is acting out like never before. Will Dacey be able to pick up the pieces of what is left of her family ?? Will Trevor be the man he claims to be and get Dacey through this ??

Of course I cannot answer these questions without spoiling !!
Lets just say Aunt Opal will have you laughing your butt off !!
Trevor will piss you off and I mean really piss you off.
Tina , she is funny and a great friend but I just did not appreciate all her negativity and pushiness at times , I loved her parents though.
Aria will frustrate you and make you laugh and cry.
Justin comes along and DAMN he will sweep you off your feet !!

This story has just enough heat , drama and emotion to keep you hooked !!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW*


Almost didn't finish this book, due to it dragging some in the beginning. But am so glad that I kept on reading! It turned out to be a fantastic read! The reality of the book soaked you in and kept you till the end! This is the first of the series and I recommend reading it before moving on to the next!

[Wendi Hulsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters are strong and well developed, considering everything that life has dealt them. Dacey was my favorite character because of her strength, but Aunt Opal is a close 2nd with her craziness. This book has it all; love, family, humor, and heartbreak.

[Heather Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal. I have fell in love with this book. At first it is funny. Then it is somewhat heartbreaking. In the end it is back to having happy things happen. I am glad I found this new to me author. Jeri you totally rock.

[Jeri Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

well, i like it, so....