All the Rest

I was given an ARC of this book and I’m willingly giving an honest review of All the Rest. This is the 1st book I’ve read of of the series and the 1st by Christina Berry. I really liked this book. I loved the dynamic between Sher & Manic both as friends and a couple. They were polar opposites that somehow worked just right together to balance each other out which I loved. Sher has ADHD and has found both meds, therapy, and techniques to manage it as best she can, she has accepted it as just a part of her like hair color or eye color and goes on with her day. This is something that she has been dealing with since she was a kid. Manic is bipolar and while he also takes meds, goes to therapy, and has coping techniques he views it as a road block or burden that sets limits on things he can or can’t do. He hasn’t accepted it but more so hates it, it seems as though he hasn’t been dealing with this as long as Sher to be able to come to terms with it. He has finally found stable ground with his current meds and therapy so he’s just trying to stay above water. He also had a more traumatic experience only being diagnosed when he was admitted into a psych ward. I think the author did a great job of describing each of their individual struggles and some of their shared struggles with their mental health in a very respectful way and tactful way which I appreciated. Sher helps Manic to see that his diagnosis doesn’t have be a road block but just a part of him in the way she views her ADHD. She is there for him at a very low point and this is a turning point for him. Their super spicy chemistry is off the charts. Their communication & openness with each other is great too. Once Manic lets his guards down and they both see that neither one of them has ulterior motives their relationship flourishes. Sher had initially gone into the situation wanting only a baby, because she thought she couldn’t have it all. She soon realizes you don’t have to settle and you can have it all if you have love. Manic realizes love & acceptance was something he missing too. He had made a rash decision to have a vasectomy after his diagnosis out of fear that there was a possibility he could pass this on to his child and they would suffer like he did. But Sher helps him to see that he would be the ideal person to guide a child through that situation if it happened and get them the help they needed. In the end he decides to have his vasectomy reversed. I really hope there is another book to see them navigate through the next phase of their life. I would definitely recommend this book. I look forward to reading the other books in this series & more of Christina Berry’s books. Thank you to Christina Berry & The Author Agency for the opportunity to be an ARC reader.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

Biggs_bookshelf

1,706 reviews27 followers

The fourth book in the series and it comes at you with unique story lines, spicy goodness and characters we already love.

The fmc can be a little annoying. She doesn’t always act her age and in some instances it’s frustrating buttttt knowing people with adhd sometimes they are just like this. I adore that this author brought in people who are different with different struggles and shows you that everyone deserves love and acceptance for who they are. The fmc does grow a lot in this book and the grumpy bartender also finds peace. This isn’t a mushy romance but its rough edges are smoothed by his soft squishy center.

My daughter has her own challenges and I truly hope that she finds someone who loves and understands her and says things like this to her when the rest of the world is telling her to she’s to much.

“You amaze me in every way. You’re bright and beautiful, and you shine like the sun. Every day I get to see you is a good day for me, and when you orgasm and your light spills out of you and touches me, those are the best days.”

I truly enjoyed this book in audio version as well. Narration was beautifully done.

Sacha Fortuné

Author 5 books71 followers

June 20, 2024

Sacha's Book Reviews Blog

This book came to me via an ARC program, after reading another of the author’s books “Hearts on Fire.”

The Premise
Sheryl now has her “found” family of friends, and as she watches them all pair off and have families, she feels a yearning for a baby of her own. Her wild-child ways — attributable partly to ADHD — haven’t gotten her far in the way of long-term relationships, but she does treasure her longtime friendship with ex-circus-performer-turned-bartender Manic. But a baby is the last thing Manic seems to want — though the relationship seems to be a possibility. Is it worth giving up her dream of being a mom?

The Pros & Cons
This is my second book by this author, and I snapped it up immediately once I got the alert that it was available. Having read her work before, I knew what I was in for in terms of smut — and if that’s to your liking, you’ll be more than satisfied here.

Though I personally found some of the sex scenes gratuitous, they are very well written so no complaints there. Above all as a reader I appreciate the story above all else — fortunately, there’s enough of that here too. As it’s the last book in a series and I haven’t read any prior in the series, I’m not sure how that affected my overall impression, but it’s easy to settle in and buckle up for the ride.

The main character Sheryl was fun to read, and you really do feel like you’re inside her head as she bounces off the walls — literally skating her way through life, flitting from one thought to the next. Still, there is some gravity to her childlike behaviour with her friends who trust her with their children, and as she opens up to Manic and reveals her softer side, it’s a truly glorious unfolding. Similarly, the gradual build-up to the reveal of Manic’s background is heart-wrenching and gripping.

Despite all of this packed into a story that was enjoyable to read, where it fell a bit short for me personally was that I was somehow hoping for a climactic event that didn’t materialize — it’s focused on their relationship, with minor speed bumps but no real off-the-cliff moment that you ever doubt they’re the end goal, and the final “resolution” is an easy slide into the end of the ride. Nevertheless not all stories need to shock you with that hard drop, and where this one shines is in its quieter moments. In particular, I loved the beautiful imagery of layers of a cake, and you feel this multiplicity in each of the main characters. I also appreciated that, in choosing characters with so-called “damage” to highlight, there is a sense of healing as it all wraps up.

Conclusion
Overall this is a great book that would tick most of the boxes for the average reader, especially for those who like a raucous romp in the sack as there’s oodles upon oodles of that here. As a second-time reader of this author, I’m glad that I took another chance, and I’m more than willing to go again!

___________
This review also appears on my blog. Visit to read more of my reviews: Sacha's Book Reviews Blog

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Eleanor Butler

532 reviews13 followers

May 16, 2026

🎧Hot, steamy and emotionally dreamy. Had me Hooked from the beginning to the end With my favorite narrators in my Ears I was in heaven🎧

✨ “Chaos, chemistry, and all the feels…” ✨

All the Rest by Christina Berry was the perfect mix of messy hearts, emotional healing, found family, and seriously spicy chemistry. If you love grumpy/sunshine romances with depth, humor, and characters who feel painfully real, this audiobook delivers.

🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW ALC
All the Rest by Christina Berry!!
Book four in the Lost in Austin series.
Performed in duet by Angelina Rocca & Sean Masters
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is James Aka Manic and Sheryl Story
🐾
Sheryl is loud, impulsive, emotional, and desperate for a family of her own before she turns 35. Manic is the tattooed, pierced, emotionally guarded bartender who absolutely stole the show for me. Their relationship starts chaotic, awkward, and emotionally complicated—but watching these two slowly become each other’s safe place was EVERYTHING.

🤰I need some baby batter to bake a bun in my oven as soon as possible.🍼

💚
What made this story stand out was how honestly it handled ADHD, bipolar disorder, self-worth, and the fear of being “too much” for someone to love. It never felt preachy—just raw, vulnerable, and real. And the found family vibes throughout the Lost in Austin series made this finale hit even harder.

And the spice? Whew. Christina Berry did not hold back. The chemistry between Sher and Manic was intense, dirty, emotional, and somehow still incredibly sweet at the same time.
🛼

🎧 Audiobook thoughts 💭
The narration brought so much personality and emotion to both characters. You could feel Sher’s chaotic sunshine energy as Angelina Rocca pulls you in with her style of narration, while Sean Masters bring Manic’s quiet intensity in every scene, which made the emotional moments hit even harder.
They were perfectly matched in this book.

⭐️ Review Summary:

🛼Grumpy x sunshine
🐾Friends to lovers vibes
🍷Found family perfection
🛼Mental health rep that felt authentic
🐾Emotional AND spicy
🩵A hero with hidden softness = elite

This book made me laugh,blush,and unexpectedly emotional by the end. A beautifully messy romance about finding love when you think you’re too broken, too chaotic, or too late for your happy ending. 💚

This audiobook totally hit the mark and is worthy of listening so be sure to add to your TBL you’ll be glad you did!

This is the fourth and final book of the award winning Lost In Austin series, All the Rest is a grumpy/sunshine romance with tons of laughs and heart and dirty, dirty smut. It's the last book in the series, but it can be listened to as a standalone.

𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚕 𝚂𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝙱𝚕𝚞𝚎 𝙽𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚃𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔!
𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎
𝙾𝚗𝚎𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎💕 𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊𝚝 𝚊 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎
🦋𝒢ℯℴ𝓇ℊ𝒾ℴ𝓊𝓈🦋✍︎☕︎

Always searching for my next unforgettable audiobook.” 🎧📚

Faiza

1,002 reviews21 followers

May 13, 2026

Christina Berry completely pulled me in once again with All The Rest 💫📚 What started as a sexy, emotional romance quickly unfolded into something far more profound, heartfelt, and unforgettable. Returning to the world of the Lost in Austin series felt like coming home 🏡💕 — catching up with beloved characters, seeing lasting relationships thrive, and witnessing the next chapter of their lives made this book even more special.

Sher’s story instantly grabbed my heart ❤️ As she approaches 35 and decides she wants a baby regardless of whether a relationship happens or not, her journey feels raw, relatable, and empowering. She’s optimistic, warm, and full of life, even while facing disappointment and uncertainty. Then there’s Manic 😮‍💨🖤 — the gruff bartender we met earlier in the series. Quiet, guarded, and carrying years of pain beneath the surface, he completely stole the show for me. Watching Sher slowly break through his walls while learning the heartbreaking reasons behind his fears was emotional in the best way.

What Christina Berry does so brilliantly is create characters who feel genuinely human. The representation of Bipolar Disorder and ADHD was handled with incredible care, honesty, and compassion 🫶 It explored the exhausting fear of feeling “too much,” the loneliness of being misunderstood, and the longing to be loved without conditions. The emotional depth in this story hit hard because it felt authentic and deeply personal. Sher and Manic’s individual journeys toward self-worth and acceptance were beautifully written, reminding readers that people are not broken because they struggle — they deserve love exactly as they are 💛

The chemistry between these two? Absolutely scorching 🔥🌶️ But beyond the steam, their connection was layered with vulnerability, healing, humor, tenderness, and emotional growth. Christina Berry perfectly balanced angst, romance, witty banter, emotional intensity, and lighter moments that made the story impossible to put down.

And the audiobook experience? Truly phenomenal 🎧✨ Angelina Rocca and Sean Masters delivered a performance that elevated every emotion in the story. Their duet narration made every vulnerable confession, every painful memory, and every intimate moment feel incredibly real. Sean Masters captured Manic’s rough, brooding energy flawlessly, while Angelina Rocca brought Sher’s bright spirit and emotional warmth to life perfectly. Together, they created an immersive listening experience that made the story even more powerful.

Christina Berry continues proving why she’s an automatic one-click author for me 💖 She doesn’t simply write romance novels — she crafts emotionally rich stories that stay with you long after the final chapter. All The Rest was heartbreaking, healing, passionate, and deeply moving all at once, and I honestly never wanted it to end 🌙📖

Bette

3,522 reviews24 followers

May 9, 2026

Fantastic Story & Narration🎧Heartfelt & Engaging!

All The Rest
Lost in Austin
By: Christina Berry
Narrated by: Angelina Rocca, Sean Masters

I have been loving Christina Berry’s “Lost in Austin” series, and I am going to miss the wonderful characters and storylines she created — captivating stories that are meaningful, full of heart and heat, too. “All The Rest” is Sher and Manic’s story, and it is a great addition to the series, and takes place five years later, so we get to see where everyone from the earlier books are in life, relationships going strong and babies galore. Sher, coming upon her 35th birthday, and despite having no man in her life, decides she wants to have a baby, with or without one. Not having luck with men, she considers alternate routes, but is being pushed to another option, so someone who has had his eyes on her, Manic. Manic, the bartender whom Ari befriended in the first book, is a solid guy, comes off grumpy to some, but he hides who he really is, and it was great to get to learn more about him. Sher opens up to him about wanting to have a baby, but he shuts her down immediately, telling her he can’t help her, and as the two get closer, we learn why. Manic’s backstory was heartbreaking, but I loved Sher’s positivity and how she picked him up, how she was the light to his darkness. Berry makes it so easy to relate to her characters, and even fall for them. I loved her mention health representation in the story and how she kept it real. This is another masterfully crafted, multi-layered story that has the perfect balance of drama, angst, humor and witty dialogue to lighten things up, profound emotions and steamy romance. As always, Berry’s writing, plot, and world-building are incredible, as are the complexity of the characters, their growth, and development. Christina Berry, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride. I hope this is not the end of seeing these characters or being in this fabulous world you created.

🎧📚🎧And for the fabulous audiobook listen and production performed in duet by Angelina Rocca and Sean Masters, who did an amazing job voicing the characters. Both embodied their roles completely, grasping every aspect of their character’s personality, with Masters nailing it as Manic, perfectly grumpy with a serious demeanor, and Rocca as Sher, showcasing her sunny demeanor perfectly too. They set the ideal tone for the story, and their expressive performance conveys all the characters’ emotions, making you feel them all. These two are entertaining storytellers, and their captivating performance keeps you hooked to the story.

Danielle Graves

874 reviews29 followers

2026-reads arcs-2026 favorites

While All the Rest was heavy on spice, it was equally heavy on emotion and thought-provoking content, and I loved how the author portrayed the two main characters and how they deal with their diagnosis'.

Sher, the female lead, has ADHD and is so full of energy. She's incredibly impulsive and is often described as being too much, something which has had a knock-on effect on her self-confidence. As the last single person in her close circle of friends, she's struggling with feeling like she's never going to get her happy ending, and I liked the way the author approached her desire to become a parent. It stemmed from her upbringing and past experiences of feeling unlovable and unwanted, and the desire to have a child would guarantee her unconditional love, which was really relatable.

Manic is the male love interest, and he's been a friend of Sher for years, but they've never progressed further than that until she blatantly asks him to get her pregnant, and then his abrupt response causes some hurt. Luckily, they soon talk it out, and Manic opens up about his diagnosis of bipolar disorder, how it affects him and his life, as well as how he had a vasectomy so he couldn't pass his bipolar disorder on to any future children. Manic's initial abruptness is because he has feelings for Sher, but he's scared. Scared of being in a relationship and not being enough, especially now that he knows Sher wants a child and he can't give her one.

The book sees them explore their new relationship while navigating their way through the trauma their diagnosis' has had on them. Both characters have therapists whom they talk things out with, but as well as that, they also communicate brilliantly with each other, even if Sher sometimes speaks before thinking. The author wrote about them sensitively but with so much understanding too. They were a great couple, and they had some amazing connections, both emotionally and physically. I loved this book.

Jaime Cantrell

928 reviews21 followers

February 19, 2026

All the Rest book four in the Lost in Austin series and while I loved all the books before this one, this one was my absolute favorite. It is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you. It is soft where you expect sharp edges, and emotional in places you didn’t realize were still tender.

This is grumpy/sunshine done right. Sheryl is vibrant, messy, funny, and achingly real in her want for more: more meaning, more connection, more future. Her desire for motherhood isn’t treated like a quirky side plot or a ticking-time cliché; it’s honest, vulnerable, and deeply human. Watching her wrestle with that want, without apology, hit harder than I expected.

And Manic? He’s the kind of grump who isn’t cruel or cold. He is just careful. Worn around the edges. His refusal isn’t about control or indifference, but fear and self-awareness, and that nuance matters. Their dynamic is layered with humor, warmth, and a lot of emotional honesty that makes the romance feel earned.

What really stood out to me was how grounded this story felt. It’s sexy (very), funny, and warm, but it also makes room for real conversations about mental health, boundaries, chosen family, and what it means to build a life that actually fits you, not just the one you thought you were supposed to want.

As a series finale, this book felt like coming home. Familiar faces, big feelings, and a satisfying sense of closure without losing the spark that made Lost in Austin special in the first place.

If you love grumpy/sunshine with depth, found family, laugh-out-loud moments, and heat backed by heart, All the Rest is a perfect send-off.

And yes—Christina Berry absolutely saved something special for last. This made me cry, laugh, my heart break and be happy and full all in at the same time. That definitely wasn’t something I thought I’d find on my bingo card. This book was worth it!

As always, be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like, you may not.

Happy Reading!

Kelchickbooklover

2,245 reviews67 followers

audiobooks contemporary-romance friends-to-lovers

A spicy, age-gap, grumpy/sunshine romance that will have you needing a cold drink and maybe a cold shower. All the Rest is also a book that deals with real-life situations such as ADHD, bipolar, and the lack of a loving family.
Ms. Berry tells us the story of Sher and Manic, two friends who have different outlooks on life. Sher wants it all, someone to love her, a family to love but most of all a baby. She is full of life, sassy, and some think that she is too much but not her family of friends and which includes Manic. All her friends are in relationships and or have kids she loves with all her heart. The only problem is she is 35 and has no boyfriend or friend who could help her. Manic is set on never having children because of being bipolar and feeling that all he would do is ruin his kids' lives. Sher decides that she is going to try and have a baby through a no-strings-attached one-night stand until friends talk her out of it. Well, things take a turn and Manic finally admits that she is a woman he has noticed since day one. Sher has had feelings for him but always thought he had no interest in her. Sparks start to fly which sets the pages on fire. The spicy and dirty talk was off the charts but will this have either one of them changing their minds about having a family and children? They both have a past that is not the best and their parents were not the loving ones that their friends are. Can they help and heal one another?
Although this book was steamy, some parts broke my heart. Manic thinks he is not good enough to be in a relationship or be a parent and Sher for her family life. I loved how Sher built up Manic and showed him that he is not broken or damaged but perfect just the way he is. Manic did the same thing for Sher telling her that she is not too much or over the edge but just right for him.

The Caffeinated Grimoire

763 reviews5 followers

May 18, 2024

4.5☆ Sheryl and Manic

I've loved this series, so this book was a little bittersweet as it ends the Lost in Austin series. I've always loved Sheryl, so I was so happy we finally got her story and our favorite bar tender Manic ♡ Their story, whilst it felt a little short, was deep in so many ways. Both Sheryl and Manic live with mental illness, so this focuses heavily in those areas. I loved every minute of their story and the fact they were able to overcome internal struggles to get their own hea.

Sheryl has never had an issue being a single friend. Until the clock starts ticking, and she thinks she'll never find what her friends have. Maybe she doesn't need it all, though maybe just the little cherub to love. So she sets out to find an unavailable baby daddy to love her and leave her. But her prospects aren't exactly promising in downtown Austin. Her friend Ari puts forward Manic, their friend and bartender whom Ari believes has always had a soft spot for Sheryl. But he straight up says no and leaves her back at square one. But Manic says no because he can't, and that intrigues Sheryl more. Despite knowing him for many years, she doesn't truly know much about him when he's not serving drinks. But after a rough night Manic makes sure to see Sheryl home, and from there, they become a little inseparable. They start spending so much time together that they forget what it was like to be apart. Their connection grows far beyond surface level as they start to emotionally tie themselves together. But both have very real mental issues that they need to manage before they pull them both down, but being with each other makes them want to be better for the other and a future.
Together is better than apart, and maybe they really can have all the rest together.

Definitely Recommend Reading 📚

Sandi

707 reviews46 followers

May 13, 2026

4.5 stars! Book 4, the final book in the Lost in Austin series, finally brings us Sheryl’s story! Having seen her bubbly, supportive energy throughout the series, I was excited for her to get her own HEA.

Sheryl is in her 30s, and she’s watching all of her closest friends getting settled and having families, and she’s starting to feel like the third wheel, or fifth, or seventh, as it were. She always wanted a family, but never found the right guy who accepted her and all her eccentricities for who she was, so she went through life happily single. But now she decides, almost as a spur of the moment decision during a family dinner, that she wants a baby. Not a man, just a baby, which means she needs to find herself a “donor”. As she navigates what that means and how to go about it, her friends get involved with their two cents, and one even mentions the broody, mysterious, sëxŷ bartender, Manic, who immediately turns her down flat. But he also is not a big fan of her “find a donor” plan, and they start to chat more and become closer friends as she tries to figure things out. And despite his unwillingness to be her donor, Sheryl decides that she really likes Manic, and wants to take their relationship beyond friendship.

As with the rest of this series, these characters are complicated, deep, and humanly flawed. There are heavy themes of mental health and wellness, for both Sheryl and Manic, and they both handle their circumstances in their own ways that have worked for them. On top of that, you have two people in their 30s who are trying to truly find themselves and what they want. That’s not always a straight path, and what you think you want, may not end up being not only what you actually want, but what you end up getting from life. Their story is definitely an interesting and compelling journey, and I loved how they navigated communication and just making their decisions and being there for each other. Definitely an emotional roller coaster, and there was more than one occasion I found myself wondering how they could make things work, but in the end I loved how they figured things out for themselves and ultimately got the perfect HEA for them both.

For the audiobook, this is a single POV story (from Sheryl’s POV), but we get fantastic duet narration, which just made this story so much more enjoyable overall (and I already loved the story). Angelina Rocco brings the bubbly but strong energy that Sheryl embodies to life beautifully, while Sean Masters gives us the perfect growly Manic that you would expect him to be. It’s a great audiobook, and I recommend it if you are someone who enjoys reading that way.

Mother Of Dragons 86

94 reviews2 followers

May 11, 2026

ALC Provided by Blue Nose audio:

📖: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🎙️ : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Christina Berry got me again. I went into All the Rest expecting a fun, steamy romance with some kink and self-discovery, but what I got was something far deeper and far more emotional than I ever anticipated.

At its heart, this story is a powerful exploration of what it means to live with Bipolar Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and the emotional weight that comes with both. The fear of being “too much,” the fear of rejection, the exhausting internal battles, the shame society teaches people to carry, and the desperate need to be accepted exactly as you are. Christina Berry handled these themes with such honesty, compassion, and sensitivity that it never felt like fiction. It felt real. It felt personal. It felt important.

What moved me most was the self-acceptance journey both characters go through. Their struggles, vulnerabilities, and emotional growth were written so beautifully that it felt like the book was giving a voice to people who often feel misunderstood or unseen. It’s a reminder that they are not broken, not “less than,” not too difficult to love, but beautifully and perfectly human.

And then there’s the audiobook... what an experience. Angelina Rocca and Sean Masters were absolute perfection.

Their duet narration elevated an already beautiful story into something unforgettable. Every vulnerable moment, every ache, every quiet fear, every tender scene hit harder because of their performances. They didn’t just narrate this book, they felt it, and you feel it with them.

Christina Berry continues to prove why she’s an auto-read author for me. She doesn’t just tell stories, she makes you live them. All the Rest stayed with me long after the final chapter, and honestly... that’s the mark of something special.

Curlylox_75

34 reviews1 follower

May 13, 2026

ALC Review. Christina Berry’s All the Rest is a quietly powerful, character-driven novel that lingers long after the final page. At its heart is Tess, a woman grappling with profound loss and trying to piece together a life that no longer resembles the one she once knew. Her journey is raw and deeply human full of hesitation, small breakthroughs, and setbacks that feel entirely authentic.

The supporting characters add important layers to the story. Grant, steady yet emotionally guarded, serves as both a grounding presence and a reminder of how differently people process grief. Lila, more open and instinctive, brings warmth and contrast, encouraging Tess to step outside of her isolation even when she resists it. Each relationship feels nuanced there are no easy resolutions, only gradual shifts in understanding.

Berry’s writing is understated yet evocative. She avoids melodrama, instead allowing emotion to surface through quiet, intimate moments between characters. The interactions often brief, sometimes awkward carry significant weight, revealing how connection can be both fragile and essential.

The novel’s pacing is deliberately slow, mirroring Tess’s internal struggle. While this may not appeal to readers seeking a fast-moving plot, it reinforces the book’s central themes of healing and self-discovery. The atmosphere of quiet isolation is particularly striking, almost becoming a character in its own right.

Overall, All the Rest is a beautifully written, contemplative novel about what remains after loss and the people who help us, in ways big and small, learn to live with it.

Britany | SouthernAsianReads

687 reviews34 followers

May 15, 2026

Love the mental health Rep

I picked up All the Rest by Christina Berry mostly because of my upcoming move to Austin, and honestly? I was pleasantly surprised by how deeply this story hit me. What I expected to be a spicy, emotional romance turned into something that felt incredibly thoughtful and human.

What stood out to me the most was the way mental health was handled throughout the story. Having people in my own life with bipolar disorder, I really appreciated the care and nuance Christina Berry brought to those conversations. Manic’s struggles never felt reduced to stereotypes or used purely for drama. The discussions around bipolar disorder, ADHD, therapy, medication, and self-worth felt honest, compassionate, and very real. You could tell the author approached these topics with empathy instead of sensationalizing them.

And beyond that? Sher and Manic just worked. Their dynamic had so much heart underneath all the chaos, humor, and spice. I loved seeing two messy, complicated people figure out how to love each other while also learning how to love themselves.

The Austin setting added such a fun layer too. It made me even more excited for my move honestly.

The audiobook experience made this even better, and the narrators absolutely brought these characters to life. Their performances added so much emotion and personality to the story and really helped sell both the vulnerable moments and the chemistry between Sher and Manic.

This one was spicy, emotional, funny, and unexpectedly healing all at once. Definitely one of my favorite Christina Berry books so far.

alc

Nora Ellen (Nbbookery)

761 reviews23 followers

September 28, 2024

Sheryl has been content to watch her friends partner up and start families of their own, but as she nears her 35th birthday, she realizes she wants kids of her own. The only problem is trying to find a man to help her. Manic has been eye candy to Sher every time she goes to the bar he works at. She feels like they have a connection until he shuts her down when she asks for his help. After getting to know the elusive bartender a little better, Sher realizes he is trying to protect her from his own issues. They fall into an easy relationship, and she comes to think that maybe having someone to share her life with will patch the hole she feels. But when Manic and her own issues come into play, they both have to decide how they want to move forward when each past is messy.

I fell in love with the Lost in Austin gang way back with book one, and reading this last story in the series was bittersweet. Sher was always the roller derby baddie in everyone's shadows, and watching her get a chance to shine was beautiful. Manic's character had such depth, and getting to learn how he sees himself and his mental health gave him such character depth. Their clash of grumpy sunshine personalities and contrasting mental health issues made this relationship hit so close to home. I didn't pick up the story to read about myself, but it feels like the author took a peek into my life with every chapter. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I would have liked a longer glimpse at their future, but I'm satisfied with the happy endings for everyone in the series.

adult-series arcs contemporary

Mayra

207 reviews5 followers

All the Rest by Christina Berry Book 4 in the Lost in Austin Series
🎧 Performed in duet by Angelina Rocca & Sean Masters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a heartwarming and beautifully written story. We follow Manic and Sher in a grumpy/sunshine romance that delivers wonderful mental health representation and a thoughtful perspective on embracing life and all its chaos.
Manic, the broody bartender, has quietly carried feelings for Sher for years, while Sher assumed his heart belonged to someone else. Both are navigating their own struggles. Manic keeps his mental health battles private, while Sher, who has always been told she’s “too much,” chooses to live life to the fullest and refuses to let her diagnosis define her. Her outlook on life was inspiring, and honestly, she’s onto something. Sher knows exactly what she wants: a baby. She’s determined to make that dream a reality. The way she and Manic balance each other was beautiful to watch, but love doesn’t erase every obstacle. This story was tender, emotional, and full of unconditional love and rediscovery. I truly enjoyed every minute of it.

🎙️ The narration was superb.
Angelina Rocca was absolutely perfect as Sher. She captured her carefree spirit, warmth, and unapologetic optimism so well. Sean Masters brought incredible depth to Manic. His deep voice and emotional range highlighted both Manic’s gruff exterior and the sweet, vulnerable side he only shows to Sher and the children. These two were fantastic together, and their duet performance made this story even more special. 5/5 stars do not sleep on this one!

Janelle

374 reviews66 followers

May 16, 2026

🎧 Book & Narrator Review 🌶️🔥

This book doesn’t just flirt with tension—it lives in it. From the start, the heroine is bold, unapologetic, and done waiting… and that kind of confidence mixed with desperation? It creates this undercurrent of need that runs through every single interaction.

And then there’s Manic… 🥵
Pierced, tattooed, and completely unreadable in the most addictive way. He’s the kind of man who doesn’t have to say much—you feel him in the silence, in the tension, in every moment he holds back. And that refusal? That control? It makes everything between them tighter, sharper… hotter.

Because this isn’t instant gratification—
this is slow, aching buildup.
Lingering looks.
Words that mean more than they should.
Moments that stretch just a little too long.

Now add the audio… 👀

Angelina Rocca brings this breathless, restless energy to the heroine—you can hear the want, the frustration, the way she’s this close to snapping. It’s magnetic.

Sean Masters though… his voice is low, controlled, and deliberate in a way that just builds pressure. The kind of voice that makes you lean in, because you know when he finally gives in… it’s going to hit.

And when those walls start to crack
🔥 The payoff is worth it.

The chemistry is thick, the tension is constant, and the heat simmers just under the surface until it finally spills over in a way that feels earned, intense, and oh-so-satisfying.

This isn’t just spicy—it’s slow-burn tension that lingers under your skin long after you hit pause 😏

Phoebe Galbraith

53 reviews

4.5 ⭐
3 ❤️‍🔥
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Sheryl is happy for all of her friends having babies, she really is, but 35 is right around the corner, she hasn't had a relationship in years and prospects seem slim so she decides to just focus on having a baby and skip all the rest. On the hunt for a no-strings baby daddy she decides to ask gruff bartender, Manic, friend for years, only to be turned down with a short "no." As they start spending more time together Sheryl realizes that maybe she and Manic could be more than just friends, if only he would let her behind his walls.

Sheryl is loud, cheery, sometimes inappropriate and a bundle of energy. She's a great friend to have but all romantic relationships seem to end the same way - she's just /too/ much. Except Manic doesn't think she's too much. Manic thinks Sheryl is just right, she soothes him, she's the best part of his day and her light pushes away the darkness inside of him. I love these two together for so many reasons but the biggest one was that they both helped one another accept themselves.

This was a quick read - cover to cover in one sitting - it was funny and emotional and I immensely enjoyed myself. Christina puts a lot of heart into her writing and tackles some really tricky topics sensitively.

Patty

5,374 reviews56 followers

•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥

All the Rest
Lost in Austin #4
By Christina Berry
Narrated by Angelina Rocca, Sean Masters

How do you fall in love when reading a book? Is it the first chapter? Is it the characters? Is it the plot? For me it's all three and Christina Berry had me immediately with this fourth book in her Lost in Austin series. Sher is a bit lost, always the odd person out while all her friends have partners and some having kids. Making a decision, she knows what she wants and is going to make her dreams come true. Manic is the candidate in mind, and he refuses to be the donor. He is in love with Sher, but has his own darkness that prevents him from giving in. And the story truly begins. While the spice is high, I was really intrigued with the plot of these two. Both broken, his grumpiness to her sunshine, real support and love all leading to what is truly important in life. The challenges are faced head on and the result just warmed my heart. Fabulous story!

Angelina Rocca and Sean Masters. That is all that needs to be said to know these two did the story justice. Rocca has a way of getting into the head of her characters and as Sher, she knew exactly what she needed to do to win her love. The emotion is charged and amazing. Masters plays the broken Manic and I felt his pain, each chapter tugging my heart as he was working through his life. The feelings are strong, and I loved that these two narrators pulled me in and let me experience it all with them.

Kaysie Reads

412 reviews12 followers

May 5, 2024

🏙️ I loved these characters they were so fun. 😊 I haven’t read the rest of the series so I read this as a stand-alone but I really enjoyed it. Check it out on kindle unlimited. 💕 🏙️

This book is the 4th book in the “Lost in Austin” series And it comes out May, 16, 2024.

Description: It’s been five years since I found my family. Not my bio-family—my found family of friends. I love them to pieces, but lately they aren’t enough.

I want a baby.

All my friends have family units with cuddly babies, and I want that too. But I turn thirty-five in less than a month. Clock’s ticking, so I’ve got to hustle. I need some baby batter to bake a bun in my oven as soon as possible.

One problem: baby batter comes from men, and I’m really tired of men and their heartbreaker BS.

Manic, though, is different from the other men. A retired sideshow circus performer with piercings all over the place, he’s different from everyone. I really like him, and I think he really likes me, too, but he flat out refuses to get me pregnant.

Is Manic worth giving up my dream of being a kickass mom? Maybe.

The fourth and final book of the award winning Lost In Austin series, All the Rest is a grumpy/sunshine romance with tons of laughs and heart and dirty, dirty smut. It’s the last book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Miancka

274 reviews5 followers

May 13, 2024

Christina Berry's "All the Rest" delivers an intoxicating mix of sweetness and spice that will leave readers thoroughly satisfied. From the moment you dive into the story, you're enveloped in the unique and strangely perfect connection between Manic and Sheryl.What stands out most in this book is the impeccable balance between heartwarming sweetness and steamy passion. Berry masterfully weaves together a narrative that explores the complexities of two misunderstood individuals finding solace and understanding in each other's arms. The chemistry between Manic and Sheryl is palpable, igniting the pages with a fiery intensity that is impossible to resist.Despite the low angst, the story brims with emotion, drawing readers into a whirlwind romance that feels both authentic and exhilarating. As their relationship unfolds, it becomes clear that Manic and Sheryl are meant to be together, their journey to a happily ever after filled with tender moments and sizzling passion.While "All the Rest" is part of a series, it shines as a standalone read, offering both fans and newcomers a quick yet deeply satisfying escape into the world of romance. As someone who eagerly anticipates diving into the rest of the series, I can attest that "All the Rest" is a must-read for anyone craving a perfect blend of sweetness and spice.

3,659 reviews156 followers

May 30, 2024

Having read this author's work before I've been looking forward to more! The blurb for this book caught my eye right away and knew I wanted to read it next. I picked it up and headed right on into the Lost In Austin world! I so enjoyed this story!

Sheryl's journey captured my attention! Sheryl has been figuring out things in her life and realized that she wants a baby. She has a thing Manic, but he doesn't want children. Will Sheryl find a way to make her dream a reality? and will it include Manic or not?

I really liked how I got right into Sheryl's story. I didn't know how certain things would unfold which got me into it even more. Both Sheryl and Manic had such realness to them that got to me and their journey did as well.

I was glad that I got to dig deeper with Sheryl as well as Manic. Their chemistry and the way they connected was so good. There was such relatability to them as well. I enjoyed the fact that I felt so many things with both Sheryl and Manic all throughout reading.

With All the Rest, Christina Berry has created such a good read that drew me in and brought realness, spice, and feels! I am so looking forward to reading more from this author in the future! 💚

Be sure to read the author's note as this story touches on certain subjects.

*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from The Author Agency / the author*

Reinita

74 reviews1 follower

This is book 4 in the Lost in Austin series and it stole my heart in a sweet way! I got to immersive read with an ALC and I laughed a whole bunch!

This is a contemporary, grumpy/sunshine romance with friends-to-lovers goodness, mental illness rep, laugh out loud banter and so much heart.

The FMC is hyperactive, lovable and desperately wants to be a mom, which made her soooo relatable to me. I laughed at a lot of her inner thoughts that turned into word vomit, because, SAME SIS🤣. Her quest to find someone to be her baby daddy was absolutely hilarious. The MMC is grumpy, but soft for her, lives with BPD and is protective of the life he’s built to keep himself regulated. Their chemistry together is beautiful! The way they love each other is so healing for them individually that it changed how they saw themselves. Their relationship felt tender, fun and authentically human. I found myself relating a whole lot to the FMC, which made the story that much more enjoyable for me. I adored this couple. AND THE SPICE? Sheeeeesh. Very kinky. 🤣 I loved it!

Angelina Rocca and Sean Masters did these characters such justice! I loved them together in this one.

If you love grumpy/sunshine, friends-to-lovers, laughter and stories that balance tenderness with real-life struggles then this one is for you! 🖤

McKenna

21 reviews

All the Rest is a love story that closes a chapter in Cheryl life. She’s watching everyone around her build families, and it hits that soft, slightly desperate place in her. I was genuinely moved by her determination to create her own happily ever after.
Now… Cher’s plan? Wild. Unhinged. She literally decides she wants to find a man to impregnate her, and sees zero issue asking a complete stranger. The confidence? Almost concerning. The entertainment? Top tier.
She also struggles with ADHD, and the way her thoughts spill out both out loud and in her head had me laughing more than once. Angelina Rocco absolutely nailed Cheryl’s chaotic, spazz moments. It felt real and hilarious in the best way.
Then there’s Manic… and listen, I have complaints. Played by Sean Masters, he was such a tease. I needed more of that man. He struggles with mental health, and I kept wanting to go deeper into his head, understand him more. It felt like there was more there that we only barely touched.
But the chemistry between Cher and Manic? Yeah… it’s there. No question. The banter, the tension, the spice it all worked. And somehow, Cher even managed to give me a dangerously good idea for a Christmas gift for my husband, so… that’s on her.
Favorite quotes:
“That settles it, my name is God.” – Manic
“You possess me, mind, body, and soul.”

Take this and shorten it down to three slides for a carousel.

Emma Jarvis

13 reviews

All the Rest by @authorchristinaberry
Duet narration
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
🌶🌶🌶

📚Thoughts:
Overall I enjoy this book and I really appreciated the inclusion of mental health representation throughout the story. I especially loved that both characters had their own struggles and demons while still finding acceptance and comfort in each other. Manic honestly ended up being one of my favourite parts of the book 🖤

As someone with ADHD myself, I had slightly mixed feelings about the ADHD representation. There were definitely moments that felt relatable to me personally, and I could clearly recognise certain behaviours and thought patterns from my own experience. However, I do feel like some of those moments may not fully connect for readers who don’t already understand ADHD, because the links weren’t always directly explored or explained within the story itself.
That being said, I still appreciated seeing representation included at all, especially in a romance book.

I also really loved the relationship dynamic between the characters and the way Manic accepted her fully while navigating his own bipolar disorder as well. Their connection felt genuine, supportive, chaotic, and emotional all at once.
Overall this was funny, emotional, spicy, and full of found family vibes 🖤

✨Tropes:
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Found Family
• Baby Fever
• Mental Health Rep
• He Falls First
• Pierced MMC

S Celeste

799 reviews41 followers

May 15, 2026

This is book 4 in the Lost in Austin series, and I have been waiting on this one. It follows Sheryl, the bubbly friend that becomes friends with Ari in book one and is in the background through all 3 previous books. When we pick up, some time has passed, and all her friends are coupled up and starting families, and Sheryl is alone and feeling her biological clock ticking, so she decides she wants a baby. What follows is a story of what comes next when you feel like life might be passing you by and how true acceptance can change everything.

This is a true grumpy sunshine book and takes some very real issues of abandonment, ADHD, mental illness, found family, and love. There are some really touching scenes in this book, and it does a great job tackling how a relationship can work even when two people who feel a little broke open up to each other.

I loved this book. It’s slightly shorter read than the previous books, but it works. You get a glimpse of what life is like for the couples we have already met and you get to meet Manic who is just the right amount of different and perfect for Sheryl.

I listened to this on audio, and the narrators did a great job with each of the characters and really embodied their emotions and feelings as they navigate learning about each other and themselves in the process. Great listen and another great story in the series.

Jessica Bradford

714 reviews27 followers

March 4, 2026

am late on this one because life was life and it got buried under a mound of reads so for that I am truly sorry to the author and to myself because HOLY MOLY was this book insane. Do not let the cover fool you, this book is spicy in all the right ways. It also touches on challenges that many of us face but aren’t talked about enough which include ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and the lack of a loving support system to help you manage/cope with those struggles. Sher is the FMC that ultimately wants a baby but in the grand scheme of things she really wants the family that comes along with it. The only problem is she needs someone to make a baby with and that’s where she is lacking. Manic is Sher’s friend and the MMC in the book who is completely against having kids because of his Bipolar disorder and the feeling of passing that down to his children. Sher decides that she is going to have a one night stand to get pregnant with a rando but this sets the course for the love story because Manic confesses that he has had feelings for her all along. Girl when I tell you the spice was spicing in this book... this book is NASTY in all the good ways. LOL anyways go read the series. It’s really good.

Nicole Skinner

276 reviews5 followers

This book was so good! Sher hitting a point where everything is moving in life except her own life has her in a tail spin looking for something to fulfill her life. Manic could be that person for her but has his own barriers to work through but in the end these two build something so perfect! The way Manic and Sher balanced each other out was perfect! Manics story was so sad but beautiful at the same time! I loved the way Christina talked about mental health with such empathy and in a way to bring light to something many struggle with was fantastic. Manic and Sher work through their own personal struggles and struggles as a couple with such grace! I do not think these two could have met better people than each other for a relationship. The way these two support each other and provide unconditional love was beautiful. I really Loved this story so much and was sad when it ended because i could have stayed with those two for even longer. I loved that the sound family grew so much throughout this entire series. This story was a perfect ended for a great series.

The narrators were fantastic in this story. Sean Masters and Angelina Rocca were a great pairing and brought these characters to life in the best possible way. The way they both brought so much heart and emotions to these roles was perfect. I really Loved this pairing and story it was 10/10 audio for me.

Linda V.

637 reviews10 followers