All In Good Time

by Talia Aden

Would you protect someone you love, even if it meant they might never want to see you again?

That was the risk Becca Lewis had to take for her best friend, Derek Stokes.
To anyone outside looking in, he was just a handsome troublemaker. She had thought the same until the day she first met him bruised and bleeding on the side of the road, and their worlds collided. A year later and closer than ever, she promised to keep his painful secret safe. But she couldn’t anymore. Watching him suffer in silence became unbearable and she had to betray his trust in an effort to save him.

Becca was the only one Derek Stokes let see the reality of his abusive home, and he trusted his enchanting, kind-hearted friend enough to believe she would keep it hidden. Now, he wants nothing to do with her. She was just a girl who stabbed him in the back and messed everything up.
She means nothing to him—at least, that’s what he’s trying to tell himself.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary

383 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2023

About the author

Talia Aden is an indie author who's been in love with writing since she was old enough to love stories. She dreamed of publishing a book from the age of ten, and now she's making that dream a reality with her debut novel, "All in Good Time". She has since added another 1980s romance to her repertoire.

Talia has a passion for crafting stories that'll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside (with maybe a little heartbreak in between). From lighthearted rom-coms to more serious fare, she has a knack for creating characters and plots that'll keep you hooked.

Reviews

[Bailey Bawden · Rating 5 out of 5]

All in Good Time has been one of my favorite reads of this year! It’s one of those books that you just cannot put down! The character development is amazing and the romance is “make you giggle” good! An amazing debut book, huge congrats to the author!!!

[Brianna Gale-Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely recommend!!

I loved following Derek and Becca's story and couldn't help but re-read this after I finished it the first time.

Following their relationship through the good times and the rough with dual POV, really brought things to light in a good way. You didn't have to wonder what the characters were feeling, because you knew.

I will gladly keep reading this between series, and I'm hoping we can get a second book following either Derek and Becca's story later on, or even one on Mal.

[Elsa Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend All in Good Time by Talia Aden not just for the storyline but for the ease of her writing. The pace of the story kept my interest even with the flashbacks, I was not confused in the setting.
If you like emotional roller coasters, amazing character development and great writing, then you should definitely read All in Good Time.

[Drica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!! One of the best slow burners I’ve read. Derek and Becca are amazing characters. And the fact that it takes place in the 80s’ adds an extra flavor to it. All and all an amazing book that is exceptional for a first time author.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really emotional story. We follow Becca and Derek, two high school students in the 1980s, who meet one night when she finds him bruised and bleeding on the side of the road.

I really enjoyed the dual timelines in this story that flips between the present and a year in the past. You get to follow their relationship with all its ups and downs from when they met to where they are now. Their story will have you feeling everything from the swoony moments of first love to heartbreaking moments of betrayal and learning to trust again.

Definitely pick this one up if you are looking for a swoony yet heartbreaking slow-burn high school romance with all the nostalgic 80s vibes.

Thank you, Talia, for providing me with an ARC copy of All in Good Time, in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara Donahue · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3/5. Becca & Derek, two very different people that end up being exactly what each other needs. Becca comes from a loving home, Derek does not, his severely abusive father never leaves him shy of his share of bruises and when Becca finds him on the road one day she tells him she’s there for him, and that’s more then Derek has ever let anyone in. However, when Becca goes to CPS it ruins the trust between them to, but is it worth it to save Derek in his sister from their abusive father? So good, I really liked this book however, the ending!! I wish it just kept a completely happy ending

[Liz Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca and Derek are perfect for each other. The slow burn of their love had me gripping my kindle until the very end. It is raw, real, heavy and passionate. This is an amazing book for a first time author. Truly, Talia captivates the reader and leaves you begging for the next chapter. I read the book in a day because I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend (but please note the trigger warnings first!)

[Lucy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not what I was expecting at all! Aden created such a detailed little world - I could picture the setting the minute it was introduced. It's so refreshing to read a teen romance that didn't have the distraction of social media/tiktok/influencers 🥴 and there wasn't a typical high school trope in sight. Characters actually talk and authentically connect. I love a good bad boy and enjoyed the sweet and heartbreaking relationship between Derek & Becca.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a wholesome story. I loved the point of view narration from both the female and male characters. Such a heavy message that I am happy was brought to the light. Being self aware that violence at home is real and does happen is so important. Being kind and open hearted is so important. If your a victim or a friend of a victim - this book may shed some light to you so that you don’t feel so alone

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Word. I had James Arthur’s song “Just Us” on repeat while reading and they way this book will truly have my heart 😭 the character development, the real, the raw, like wow. This debut novel was amazing and I wish I could give it 6 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Morgan B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew! Honestly didn’t know where this was going to go, whether I was going to have my heart ripped out in the end or have a happy ending 😅 this novel is in 3rd person but the writing itself is still so beautifully immersive! I love the dynamic of Becca’s and Derek’s relationship ♥️

[Annika Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8/5⭐️

This book was fairly good. I never got bored. This book was very sad but happy at the same time and the ending was so adorable. I definitely recommend this to others.

As much as I dislike abuse in books, it was alright and this book and I could tolerate it.

[Jessie Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from Stuff Your Kindle Day and OMG its just so amazing 😭 i didn't expect much and yet here i am... already halfway through her other book now too. Derek is my new fav book boyfriend seriously cant stop thinking about him

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing read. I was gripped from the first page and couldn't put it down. This deals with a really heavy topic very well and I loved the friendship and romance with Derek and Becca. This was sweet and lovely and I highly recommend.

[Talia Aden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the author, and I like this book a lot. I think I did a pretty good job. If you're looking to read "All In Good Time", give it a try. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Christine Folan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dramatic and engaging on a deeply emotional level, Aden’s story stays with you long after you’ve put it down.

[Jordan Haver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It was so well written and absolutely loved the heartbreaking story line.

[Esther♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5stars✨️✨️

[Agnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read, had a bit of language, and was a bit depressing ( which by the description was expected) but there were some cute moments.

[Jenny Bristol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this one down. It was so good. Not remotely cheesy. Very realistic.

[Gina Burney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean & sweet

This was a good clean, sweet little read. There are a few things that could possible trigger some but it was overall a decent book.

[Michelle Kiefer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2

[Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story full of heartbreak and hope!

This story follows Becca and Derek, who are best friends. Becca witnesses Derek's terrible home life and goes to the authorities to try to help, unintentionally causing all kinds of chaos.

Talia does a great job of showcasing the way that families and children can fall through the cracks of society due to fear and masking. I felt that the author's choice to set this book in the 80s, not only gave us some great nostalgia moments, but also provided us with a think piece on the policies of the 80s and all the ways that things have changed and, less fortunately, all the way things have not changed. It was a true display of realism and grace and it hurt my feelings.

*As with many Indie books, this story could have used another proofread*

[Audrey Finchum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is real, raw, and authentic. I was absorbed in the story. It takes place in the 1980's, but the characters are still relevant. I was gripping my Kindle because I could feel the tension. There are some trigger warnings. Thank you for this beautiful story of friendship, family, and first love. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy. I am giving my honest review.

[muhgooo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just want to say, I havent even finished this book and I am so in love! This book is FANTASTIC. And for a debut novel?! OH. MY. GOD. This story is SO SWEET. My ONLY complaint, is that I was expecting more 80s nostalgia, and there just isnt a ton. If it wasnt in the book description, you might not pick up on it. But this has been a 5 star read for me. I can't wait to see what else the author puts out!

[Faye Drawdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing tale of first love, betrayal, vulnerability, and learning to trust.

Becca and Derrick are easy to fall in love with. The dual timeline worked so well in this story to show you just how their story came to be. You get to see them fall in love even while they are dealing with the fallout from Becca's betrayal. It had me rooting for them the whole time. I'm glad it wasn't a completely happy ending. There's something to be said for bittersweet endings.

I loved that the author made the story take place in the 80's and that they included so many references to different music and cultural events that would have taken place during that time.

I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.