All I Ever Needed

by Emily Catlow

Once you have a taste of fate, you’ll do anything to savour it again.

Stepping out from behind bars, Luke Jones has to navigate a world that he doesn’t understand. Unsure where to turn, he manages to find unexpected work. But it’s not what he wants. All he cares about is delivering revenge on those who wronged him in his past and finding the woman he met three years ago. The one who gave him hope.

Eva.

Eva Robinson’s dreams to find the right care for her father and work her dream job, come to a grinding halt after one unexpected night. Despite everything, life for Eva changes in the most beautiful of ways, even if she knows she isn’t living it to the fullest.

That is until Luke Jones makes his way back into her life and shows her who she truly is again.

Fate may be destined, but for Luke and Eva, it unearths hidden truths that have the power to destroy everything they want.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Dark Romance

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 🤔🤔⭐️s

The flow had plenty of issues and aspects were neither clarified nor well structured.

[Spicy BookNook Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. When I say that Emily knows how to write a book, it's seriously such an understatement. Her books have always been so incredible and I was sad to leave the MC world, but this book...omg everything about this book was amazing!

Luke and Eva are seriously everything and more. And the twists and turns this book will take you on will have you dying for more and more. There were so many times I would get so consumed in the story and read like 60+ pages at a time because I just had to get more!

Buuuuut that major twist....the one you find out at the very end 😭😍😭😍 oh my lanta, thanks for the tears ma'am!

It was absolutely beautiful and one of my top favorite books ever!

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hurt so make sure you have tissues at the ready.

Luke and Eva’s story was beautiful and gut wrenching, they both went through so much and both needed each other desperately ❤️

The plot twist was not something I saw coming so when I tell you I GASPED, man oh man.

Also I panicked for a moment in the last chapter 👀 my heart stopped but thank god it was fine 😂

[Sammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

•~☆ All I Ever Needed review ☆~•

☆☆☆☆☆

Despite beta reading this book, and therefore knowing what was coming, it still hurt reading some parts. I thought I was prepared, but I can confirm I was not.

This story follows Luke and Eva, how they meet, the troubles in their lives, and how they navigate this to ultimately find their way to one another. There are elements in this book that broke my heart and had me wanting to jump into my Kindle to give the characters a cwtch and tell them it'll be OK.

Eva is such a strong character, after what she has been through, and putting herself last so everyone else comes first, I was so happy when Luke came along and showed her she's worth everything and more - although I don't think I'd appreciate early morning runs either!!

And the quotes! Luke says some of the most swoon worthy words to Eva, which just made me love him more. Luke Jones is officially my newest book beau and I won't hear a bad thing anyone says about him.

This is truly a lovely read that had me laughing, swooning, crying, and hoping with everything I had that these two git their happy ever afters.

Thank you so much to @catlow_books and @caseys.pa.services for this arc. I enjoyed every page.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

3🌶

What an emotional roller coaster! I absolutely loved Luke and Eva's characters. My heart literally melted for Luke. Great storyline. Great characters. Great plot twist. Great read!

[Kristian Swift · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author I have read but definitely will not be my last.

The story flowed it was brilliant
I would be lying if I said I didn't she'd a few tears

Eva omg she is a beautiful big hearted girl

Luke is everything a girl wants he is sweet possessive and will do everything to make her happy and his.

this was a 4.5 🌟 read for me
medium burn

[Loz (Smutstagram_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripped! Just read up to Chapter 5 and the WAY I wanna stay up all night!!! Forcing myself to be responsible and go to sleep but looking forward to tomorrow’s reading sesh already and wondering how I’m actually going to get to sleep knowing it’s waiting for me.

[Natalie (Novels__&__Needles) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC.

🤍 Second chance
🤍 First love
🤍 Fish out of water
🤍 It’s always been you
🤍 Single Mum FMC
🤍 Inexperienced turned playboy MMC
🤍 Protector
🤍 Touch her and 💀
🤍 Dark secret
🤍 Emotional scars
🤍 Soulmates

If there is one thing you are guaranteed to get from one of Emily’s books time and time again, it’s a rollercoaster of a story that will break you and slowly put you back together again along the way. And I can tell you Eva and Luke’s story did not disappoint 😩

Luke’s backstory is absolutely heartbreaking but it sure did make him into the man he turned out to be. The caring and nurturing love he shows for Eva and her son Liam is absolutely beautiful and such a redemption for him compared to how things were when they first met. Did I get frustrated with him at times and want to throttle him for what he did? Sure, but because of what we know of his childhood you can sort of see why.

Eva is the definition of an empath, that girl feels hard and has the biggest heart for those around her, especially her Dad and Liam. Her storyline with her Dad hit close to home and was a real tear jerker, but almost cathartic in a way.

Honestly, there isn’t one of Emily’s books that I don’t adore. If she is a new to you author then I vote you dive right in, you will not be disappointed.

[Elle ✨ | Queen of Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

🚨 THIS BOOK TOOK MY HEART HOSTAGE. 🚨

All I Ever Needed by Emily Catlow isn’t just a book—it’s an emotional experience. One that shattered me at exactly 4:07 AM, when I realized I wasn’t just reading a love story… I was living it. 😭💔

Luke is the protector you can’t help but love—a man haunted by his past, yet willing to burn the world down for the woman who gave him hope. And Eva? She’s resilient, vulnerable, and everything he never thought he deserved.



Their love is raw, painful, and beautifully messy. Their chemistry? Off the charts. And the emotions? Prepare to cry.

✨ If you love:

❤️‍🔥Second chances
❤️‍🔥Soulmates
❤️‍🔥Dark secrets & redemption
❤️‍🔥Emotional scars & healing
…you NEED THIS BOOK. 🔥

⭐ 5 out of 5 gut-wrenching stars
💔 Will leave you SOBBING, guaranteed.

All I Ever Needed
Emily Catlow

[Susiesbookishworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not going to lie I struggled to get into this book. I was very confused at the beginning. I had to learn to separate myself from the previous trilogy in order to focus on this book.

By 65% through I was hooked on this book, as usual I love the plot twists, emotions that come with the book, the MMC and Emily’s writing.

I absolutely fell in love with Luke all though I thought he was a bit creepy in the first few chapters and the insta love didn’t captivate me.

For the first 60% of the book I would have given it 2⭐️ (Sorry Emily 🥺) but the rest made up for it!

If you want to read the book please check the TWs before reading!

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This book was beautiful! Such a wonderful book, I loved Luke & Eva’s story, they both went through so much!
Luke and Eva were both amazing main characters and I just adored them. Luke’s upbringing was heartbreaking, he really did go through so much but the man he is after is incredible. Eva has such a big heart bless her, she has nothing but love in her she’s just beautiful.

The writing in this is fantastic, I’ve read all of Emily’s book so far and this is amazing! I loved it so much!

Thank you to Emily for this ebook of All I Ever Needed :)

[Sophie Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Emily does it again!

This is a standalone book, but we did briefly meet Luke in Come Back To Me, but you can read this one without reading that book (but you should read the Rippers MC series)

I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC, and as always, Emily writes characters that jump off the page and make them feel seen, I have no idea how she does it but it's just beautiful.

Luke has a horrible past involving him being abused as a child while he lives with his mother (check TW) and subsequently ends up in prison at the age of 17. We then jump forward to when he is released in his early 30s, where he meets Eva they make a connection which is soul mate like, and then he disappears for 3 years and then we jump forward to the present.

This book is not only beautifully written in both style and characters, but the plot is mafia adjacent, spicy, sad, funny, and a brilliant twist.

Emily became an auto-buy author after I read her 1st book!

[Georgia Clewes · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT. A. BOOK!

I’ve read all of Emily’s books and they NEVER disappoint and this one was no different!
What a story!
This book follows Luke (who we meet in Come Back to me) and Eva. There story is honestly just so sweet! The things they’ve been through together are heartbreaking but their relationship is incredible!

This book has everything I want, lots of unexpected, heartbreaking twists and turns, amazing spice, and the type of relationship every girl dreams of!

I love Emily’s writing style, and she continues to be an autobuy author for me!
This book is AMAZING!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This was such a sweet, tear jerking, true love read. I absolutely loved how big Eva’s heart was and Luke is just 😮‍💨 he such an awful upbringing but was a true protective, she comes first and would do anything for her and those he loved guy. Loved Eva’s parents too and her dads story line and the epilogue and my eyes threatening to leak 🥲

[A Wimbleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever you want a definition of soulmates Luke and Eva are it!

This was definitely an emotional rollercoaster that was executed beautifully. There are some heavy topics so be prepared and maybe have tissues handy 🥹🥹. The tenderness and thought that's gone into telling this story is exceptional which allowed it to flow so seamlessly.

Luke will have you crying one minute and bursting with desire the next! His love for Eva is undeniable and I just love him! The innocence in his character at the beginning is one of the hottest and sweetest things ever and he captured my heart so fast.

Eva is beautiful inside and out and I found myself rooting for the two of them from the beginning. Their relationship doesn't have the best start but in the end it just works.

There are also lots of plot twists which you definitely do not see coming and hit you like a freight train!!

This book was amazing and one to be added to your TBR immediately 😍

Thank you so much for the ARC. Release date 30th January 💕💕

[Deanna Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soulmates from the very first hello,

Emily Catlow knows how to take you apart with all the emotions and put you back together whole again.

Luke was always coming back to Eva no matter what and as the man she deserves.

[Zoe O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

The emotional turmoils these character went through!

It was full of angst, spice and suspense & I was here for it!

The themes addressed in the book were handled sensitively, but be warned, you will still need tissues!

[Kristina Schurmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The journey for Luke and Eva took me for a wild ride that I was not prepared for. The chemistry between the two of them was so good. I thought the book was well written too. I love how Luke was so determined to get his ending with Eva. And OMG the ending was perfection. I did not see that coming at all! I recommend this book.

[Rachel Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

'All I Ever Needed' is a standalone book but we first meet Luke in 'Come Back To Me'. This is the book we didn't know we needed!

If you have read The Rippers MC Series (if you haven't - go add them to your TBR immediately), you know Emily is known her beautiful story telling and unexpected plot twists. All I Ever Needed did not disappoint. I was anticipating a completely different plot twist and was surprised by the big reveal.

Despite some heavy content - be sure to check your trigger warnings - this book will break your heart and put it back together. The chemistry between Luke and Eva was undeniable from the very beginning and there are some absolutely beautiful moments between the two of them that will have you swooning for Luke.

"I learned that life is too short to be anything other than your everything."

"Where is home?"
Wherever you are.

"My heart belongs to my son."
"And if you let me, I'll prove that these hands are strong enough to hold two hearts, Eva."

"I think you're crazy,"
"Crazy for you, Eva. Only for you."

This book had me laughing out loud at 3am. Luke's reintroduction to society after spending 17 years in prison was comical at times.

Something that I really loved about this book is that in the three years Luke and Eva spent apart, Luke spent that time becoming the man he thought Eva deserved. Luke became wealthy during those three years and while he acknowledges that he now enjoys "the finer things", he doesn't come back into Eva's life and try to change anything. He doesn't try to buy her everything. Eva worked hard for everything that she had and Luke respected that and was happy to live a simple life with her.

There is one line from this book that will stay with me "You break a promise and it has the power to break everything"

🤍 Protector
🤍 It's always been you
🤍 Soulmates
🤍 Single mum FMC
🤍 Inexperienced turned playboy MMC
🤍 Dark secret

Emily is an auto buy author for me. To be given an ARC for this book truly meant the world to me. I can't wait for Emily's next book.

[Liv🤍 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

Well… Luke Jones…What a man!😍🥵🙌🏻

I’ve read all of Emily’s books and I think this has just taken 2nd place! After completing The Rippers MC series, this was such a good next book from Emily. I really enjoyed it😍

I’m not going to lie Insta love is a trope that I’m very picky on. It has to be done a certain way for me to enjoy it so I was a bit scared when I got to the insta love bit in this story but the more I read on and saw their connection develop, I was obsessed with Luke and Ava’s relationship. It was done so well🤩

I adored both the characters and their story. The things both these characters went through, how they found their way back to each other and helped each other through ,amazing! Luke and Ava were just everything!🥹

Talking of Luke, he now has a special place in my heart😍From where he started in the book to where he ended up was such good character development. Even though it was a journey and he didn’t deserve anything he went through I really loved his storyline.

This is the fourth book that Emily has written and her writing always flows so effortlessly. She includes the best plot twists, has you invested in every storyline and honestly just smashes it every time!🙌🏻🥰

I definitely recommend All I Ever Needed but be prepared to never look at Ben & Jerrys ice cream the same again😆👀🙊

Thank you Emily and team for letting me ARC read yet another book! I’m so grateful 🫶🏻Although I read this as an ARC, all opinions are my 100% honest ones!🤍

[AnnaMeansFun · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into it completely blind, picking this book purely because of the author, since I enjoyed her previous books.

If I didn’t know Emily Carlow wrote this book, I wouldn’t guess it.

I’m not sure what to say about it. Nothing in there worked for me.

The plot pacing was inconsistent (what exactly was the plot, anyway? It didn’t flow smoothly, instead it felt like a whole bunch of unfinished, unrelated scenes and half of what was going on was never explained, anyway).

The chemistry between the characters was overdone to the point it felt like they were teenagers acting in a melodramatic school play, not people in their thirties. No part of their relationship made sense nor was remotely believable. I couldn’t connect to any of them whatsoever and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t like any of those characters if I met them in the real life.

The plot twist at the end was heavily foreshadowed, so it wasn’t that surprising. It also didn’t fully make sense with who was able to recognize who and who wasn’t and definitely should have an easier time doing so (this sounds enigmatic, but I’m trying not to spoil it).

Anyway, this might be one of those cases, when it’s not the book, it’s me, but either way - if this was the first book I’ve ever read by the author, I wouldn’t read another. I’m glad it wasn’t, then.

[Sarah Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review

This book has me all in my feelings! Luke's past is nothing but heartbreak and sorrow and he clings onto a bracelet which grounds him when the dark clouds storm over returning him to his past, until Eva comes along and shows him more kindness and love he's ever felt in his life. Determined to prove to Eva he is the man for her and they can have the life he deserves he leaves to better himself. But when they come together again it's as if time has never passed. Even though this book is a rollercoaster of emotions the love Eva shows and proves to Luke that he deserves is nothing but heartbreaking when he doesn't feel he deserves it or understands that everything that's happened between them was love. Honestly Emily has hit it out of the park with this one and Luke was such a tortured soul you couldn't help but love him. The ending had me in tears. Highly recommend! 🖤

[Holly Rife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva and Luke meet at a time when he is at rock bottom. He needs to find out who he is and make some changes in his life …. So a few years later, they meet again. And they can't stay away from each other.

The chemistry between Luke and Eva is undeniable. They are gorgeous together and I just love it. Luke is kind and caring towards her… he is everything she so desperately needs. He has been through so much pain and needs her too. The solace they find in each other is lovely – and helpful, because they will need it in difficult times ahead.

The suspense is intense and kept me at the edge of my seat. I enjoyed every single thing about this book!!! I hope there will be a book about some of the characters we met!! I'm just in love with this story ❤️.

[Theresa Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHECK TRIGGER/CONTENT WARNINGS ⚠️

I just LOVED this book. EVA & LUKE were AMAZING. I loved their dynamic. I especially loved how Luke was kinda like shy at first but then later came back like a strong powerful Alpha. My heart also just can't help but love & hurt for Luke so much for what he went through & for what made him the man he became I don't blame him for his choices in what he did, GO LUKE! The hott SPICY scenes was SPICY also, OMG the kitchen scene of their first time was FIRE with the ice cream WHOA.
5/5 ⭐️ 10/10🌶

[CeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Emily and oh my god I need all the books.

We meet Eva a woman whose dream is to find the right care for her father and work her dream job, her life changes forever one night after meeting Luke at a bar where she works part time. Luke freshly out of prison is looking to navigate a world he doesn’t understand and seek revenge on those who have wronged him. A beautifully sad story of two birds who it would be cruel to separate.

Emily has written this book beautifully and made me feel all the feels, I started last night and finished this morning because I just couldn’t put it down I needed to know what happened, to see how it played out. An emotional rollercoaster with some heavy topics, so as always be prepared and protect your MH.

I really felt for Luke, coming from a broken home in so many different ways, trying to find his place in the world. A protector through and through. He deserves his chance at happiness and that’s exactly what Eva can offer him. I felt for Eva as well, coming from a home so full of love and watching everything she ever knew fade right in front of her eyes, a heart of pure gold and would do anything for her family and friends. The only change I’d make for her would be to stand her ground more, to not cave so easily.

I can’t wait to read Emily’s other books.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another wonderful book by the author. She definitely has become one of my favorites. This book definitely did not disappoint this reader. I really enjoyed reading Ava & Luke’s story. This story definitely was a roller coaster ride of emotions and as the reader, I was there for it. I really enjoyed this story and it definitely left its mark on this reader. Looking forward to what she writes next.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having loved the rippers series I knew I had to read this new book. Even though its not a motorbike romance it might be my favourite book yet. If you love a dark spicy romance with strong MMC and FMC then you will love this.

This book made me feel every emotion one minute I was laughing the next I was sobbing. Every twist had me gripped and needing to read the next page.

It really was beautiful to watch Luke and Eva grow as a couple and work through past traumas as they help each other heal.

One other thing. You will never look at Ben and Jerrys the same again

[Nics · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I Ever Needed - ARC Review

What an emotional ride. Damn. This book contains one of my favorite chapters of ALL time, and if you read the book it is where Luke just gets out of prison and has zero experience with women. He ends up at Eva's house and things get HOT!!! I'm telling you, I was sweating, screaming, literally all over the place. Nothing can top that particular chapter for me. It has been engraved into my brain forever. The ice cream, damn, I will never recover.

It really was just beautiful (don't get me wrong, there is some angsty stuff happening) like what Luke went through as a child and Eva as an adult and how they are trying to overcome all obstacles in their way. The character development was top tier.

Oh, and mother of PLOT TWISTS. You had me there. I was trying like hell to figure out, who, but nothing could've prepaired me for that.

This one will make you laugh, cry, bite your finger nails and SWEAT!!!!!

I feel so honored and blessed to be able to walk this emotional road with Emily since her first book. I will recommend every single one of her books, until my last breath.

MINE, is the first word I can think of to describe Luke.

Pre-order. Save. Write down the date, you're going to want to read this.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH MY HEART. This book was an emotional rollercoaster. Both main characters went through it.

It was a heart-wrenching, angsty, tear inducing, hope filled story about two souls who are meant to be together.

Emily has done an amazing job with this book and I hope we get more from the side characters as a series. Luke and Eva are beautiful and I can't wait to see what comes next!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved

I have been eagerly awaiting Luke‘s book since the previous series where he was a side character. Every book Emily writes, she puts her heart and soul into it. After the heart breaking beginning of the book I Really enjoyed Luke’s story and cannot wait to see what else Emily writes.