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All In
On the picturesque island of Martha's Vineyard, there are two kinds of residents. Locals and Stays.
When hard working local boy, Lane McCarthy, doesn’t receive the financial aid he needs for the prestigious Ivy League school he’s been accepted to in the fall, he sets out to do whatever is necessary to achieve his dream—even if it means parking cars at the island’s most exclusive country club.
The same country club where Summer Stay, Ashley Whitmore, of the Connecticut Whitmore’s, and her elite group of friends plan to spend the summer working as well. Working on their tans, their backhands, and their social standings.
As the summer heat goes up on the island so does the ante when an unexpected bet from Ashley’s ex, Gregory, provides Lane not only a chance to make a quick buck, but to learn an even quicker lesson. Gregory Chase hates to lose and will stop at nothing to win.
With stakes as high as the surf, and hopes as high as the midday sun, will Lane and Ashley decide they’re willing to wager anything it takes—even each other—in order to follow their dreams? Or will they risk everything and go all in together?
When hard working local boy, Lane McCarthy, doesn’t receive the financial aid he needs for the prestigious Ivy League school he’s been accepted to in the fall, he sets out to do whatever is necessary to achieve his dream—even if it means parking cars at the island’s most exclusive country club.
The same country club where Summer Stay, Ashley Whitmore, of the Connecticut Whitmore’s, and her elite group of friends plan to spend the summer working as well. Working on their tans, their backhands, and their social standings.
As the summer heat goes up on the island so does the ante when an unexpected bet from Ashley’s ex, Gregory, provides Lane not only a chance to make a quick buck, but to learn an even quicker lesson. Gregory Chase hates to lose and will stop at nothing to win.
With stakes as high as the surf, and hopes as high as the midday sun, will Lane and Ashley decide they’re willing to wager anything it takes—even each other—in order to follow their dreams? Or will they risk everything and go all in together?
Unknown Binding
First published May 20, 2013
2 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Marta Brown
11 books229 followersMarta Brown grew up in the Pacific Northwest and was a teenager when Doc Martens, Pearl Jam and flannel were the norm and Dylan loved Kelly forever. (Beverly Hills, 90210 shout out!)
She still lives just outside Seattle, now with her husband and cat, and loves the rain.
When she’s not writing about cute boys, first kisses and the magic and wonder of being seventeen, she’s watching The CW. And she sleeps in. Late.
She still lives just outside Seattle, now with her husband and cat, and loves the rain.
When she’s not writing about cute boys, first kisses and the magic and wonder of being seventeen, she’s watching The CW. And she sleeps in. Late.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 26, 2015
4,5 lovely stars
If the story moves me than I can say that it was good for me. And All In moved me. It was emotional read. I felt the whole range of emotions from happy to sad while reading it. It may be argued that this is not very original: poor boy, rich girl, they fell in love, her parents think he is not good (but he is amazing), some spoiled rich kids, nice neatly wrapped up happy end for all good characters. It is also predictable villain wise. But all these do not diminish the fact that All Inis sweet, lovely book with in which love wins at the end. It was a great story read in a depress time and it lifted me up in a way that I felt like this after the end:
And Lane, oh my, what a great guy.
If the story moves me than I can say that it was good for me. And All In moved me. It was emotional read. I felt the whole range of emotions from happy to sad while reading it. It may be argued that this is not very original: poor boy, rich girl, they fell in love, her parents think he is not good (but he is amazing), some spoiled rich kids, nice neatly wrapped up happy end for all good characters. It is also predictable villain wise. But all these do not diminish the fact that All Inis sweet, lovely book with in which love wins at the end. It was a great story read in a depress time and it lifted me up in a way that I felt like this after the end:
And Lane, oh my, what a great guy.
August 5, 2013
All In is what I would classify as a beach read. It’s a quick read, doesn’t really challenge you but it’s an entertaining escapade.
My Recap:
Set in Martha’s Vineyard, we meet Lane who is a local. Hard working, confident and dependable, he has just qualified for Yale and plans on spending the summer working to add as much as he can to his scholarship fund. Enter Ashley who is a ‘stay’, someone who vacations in Martha’s Vineyard. Will their summer romance throw their life plans off track?
My thoughts:
On the plus side, All In is engaging and pleasant. The characters are interesting and a pleasure to spend time with. The writing flowed well and kept my attention. And the setting makes me want to go on holiday, immediately!
The romance is a little bit of insta-love but not totally. There is an obvious chemistry between Lane and Ashley however you also see that they take the time to really get to know each other. Lane is a perfect mix of cool, cheeky, caring and industrious. And Ashley is spending the summer trying to become more independent and to just be herself and not who everyone expects her to be. Their romance has an innocent but deep-seated feel to it.
On the negative side, All In is predictable and lacks a bit of substance. It also felt a bit melodramatic towards the end and I’m not sure if I really bought the complete turnaround in two older characters.
Overall though, it’s a cute beach read. You won’t remember much about it in 6 months time but it will absorb and satisfy you for a few hours. And sometimes that is all a book needs to do.
Who should read this?
If you are looking for a light, fun read for your beach bag, then you should consider throwing this one in. It also has a Beverly Hills 90210 feel to it so if you are a fan of the show then I think you'd enjoy this too.
My Recap:
Set in Martha’s Vineyard, we meet Lane who is a local. Hard working, confident and dependable, he has just qualified for Yale and plans on spending the summer working to add as much as he can to his scholarship fund. Enter Ashley who is a ‘stay’, someone who vacations in Martha’s Vineyard. Will their summer romance throw their life plans off track?
My thoughts:
On the plus side, All In is engaging and pleasant. The characters are interesting and a pleasure to spend time with. The writing flowed well and kept my attention. And the setting makes me want to go on holiday, immediately!
The romance is a little bit of insta-love but not totally. There is an obvious chemistry between Lane and Ashley however you also see that they take the time to really get to know each other. Lane is a perfect mix of cool, cheeky, caring and industrious. And Ashley is spending the summer trying to become more independent and to just be herself and not who everyone expects her to be. Their romance has an innocent but deep-seated feel to it.
On the negative side, All In is predictable and lacks a bit of substance. It also felt a bit melodramatic towards the end and I’m not sure if I really bought the complete turnaround in two older characters.
Overall though, it’s a cute beach read. You won’t remember much about it in 6 months time but it will absorb and satisfy you for a few hours. And sometimes that is all a book needs to do.
Who should read this?
If you are looking for a light, fun read for your beach bag, then you should consider throwing this one in. It also has a Beverly Hills 90210 feel to it so if you are a fan of the show then I think you'd enjoy this too.
August 22, 2013
All In was a light and cute summer read. Actually, the first I've read all summer with a beachy setting. The story was nicely written and had its strong points, but throughout there were times I felt it a bit too mellow or it started to weaken somewhat. Nevertheless, I was interested enough to continue reading.
The story's written from the point of view of both a male and female protagonist, opening up with Lane. At first, I wasn't sure about his narration-the voice came out to me as that of a girl-but I started to feel his masculinity as the pages went by. Ashley, on the other hand, didn't really pull me in. Not that her character wasn't great, just that Lane stood out stronger to me. Both characters hailed from two completely different backgrounds that had me thinking star-crossed lovers. But what I liked about their relationship is how much Lane got Ashley thinking more for herself and stopped being so afraid of living her life and standing up for what she believed in. The overall concept of their situation was far from new, but it's always nice to read about relationships getting challenged by outside issues, not necessarily by a love triangle, but others who refuse to see the two together. The biggest test of all involving that one bet that basically made everyone stop in shock. I felt that such a factor added major interest to the story and I wanted to see how it Ashley and Lane would overcome that.
Of course, there were other characters and other aspects involved. There's a villain, a really assholic one I might add. There's Ashley's brother who was very supportive of her seeing Lane and added to the more humorous side of the novel, but besides being a carefree individual, I found him to at times caus problems for Lane and I just couldn't understand why Lane would even allow himself to get caught up. I also liked when both the main characters would share something serious and emotional with each other, like Ashley dealing with the loss of someone close to her heart, and Lane coping with his grandfather's health issues, as well as his family's financial status. In those scenes, it felt real and got me to open my heart to sympathize with the characters.
Overall, All In was fast paced, delightfully written, a breezy summer tale with a dramatic climax, and it was definitely interesting. This is a sweet story, and if you like contemporary new adult and quick romance novels, then All In is for you.
The story's written from the point of view of both a male and female protagonist, opening up with Lane. At first, I wasn't sure about his narration-the voice came out to me as that of a girl-but I started to feel his masculinity as the pages went by. Ashley, on the other hand, didn't really pull me in. Not that her character wasn't great, just that Lane stood out stronger to me. Both characters hailed from two completely different backgrounds that had me thinking star-crossed lovers. But what I liked about their relationship is how much Lane got Ashley thinking more for herself and stopped being so afraid of living her life and standing up for what she believed in. The overall concept of their situation was far from new, but it's always nice to read about relationships getting challenged by outside issues, not necessarily by a love triangle, but others who refuse to see the two together. The biggest test of all involving that one bet that basically made everyone stop in shock. I felt that such a factor added major interest to the story and I wanted to see how it Ashley and Lane would overcome that.
Of course, there were other characters and other aspects involved. There's a villain, a really assholic one I might add. There's Ashley's brother who was very supportive of her seeing Lane and added to the more humorous side of the novel, but besides being a carefree individual, I found him to at times caus problems for Lane and I just couldn't understand why Lane would even allow himself to get caught up. I also liked when both the main characters would share something serious and emotional with each other, like Ashley dealing with the loss of someone close to her heart, and Lane coping with his grandfather's health issues, as well as his family's financial status. In those scenes, it felt real and got me to open my heart to sympathize with the characters.
Overall, All In was fast paced, delightfully written, a breezy summer tale with a dramatic climax, and it was definitely interesting. This is a sweet story, and if you like contemporary new adult and quick romance novels, then All In is for you.
August 18, 2013
Overall: This book was so freaking cute. It's the story of a "stay" or vacationer Ashley and a "local" boy named Lane falling in love. To start off, the characters were really well developed before they even met. The author did an amazing job introducing backstory of both Lane and Ashley before they met. I loved the switching perspectives between Ashley and Lane, y'all know I love me some switching perspective books. I liked how they met too, with Lane standing up for her and such. I found the plot to be predictable but very good, I wasn't bored even though I knew what was going to happen. Lane and Ashley together were so cute, especially the night when Ashley dances for Lane at the pool. That's my favorite scene in the whole entire book. I loved that both Ashley and Lane had problems outside of each other and could be independent for awhile if they needed to be. Like Lane trying to earn enough money to get into college and Ashley trying to please her parents. It was so frustrating when Ashley's parents just wrote Lane off as being bad just because he was a "local" or whatever. The accident (I wont tell you what or who is involved) was so sad and irritating for reasons you would know if you go read this book! This book was very summery, which I loved since summer is drawing closer to it's end and school is starting up again. It gave me a way to be in summer for an hour or two each day when I found time to read it.
Characters: Obviously I loved Lane and Ashley, but I really loved Andrew. With the big brotherly attitude and his cuteness, he was perfect. I also really liked Lane's grandpa. He was sweet and wise and perfect. I hate/loved Greg because he was the best villain almost ever in a love story like this. Kudos to his imagination. Everyone else was alright. I really disliked Ashley's parents even after the change of heart at the end. I'm so glad my parents aren't like that!
Quotes: “'Dude, when a girl’s screaming to be let go, it’s a pretty good indicator that she doesn't want you, prince or not.'”
"This time, I’m the one who gets caught watching one of the waitstaff walk away."
Recommend?: Yes, very cute very romantic read. 4/5 stars!
Characters: Obviously I loved Lane and Ashley, but I really loved Andrew. With the big brotherly attitude and his cuteness, he was perfect. I also really liked Lane's grandpa. He was sweet and wise and perfect. I hate/loved Greg because he was the best villain almost ever in a love story like this. Kudos to his imagination. Everyone else was alright. I really disliked Ashley's parents even after the change of heart at the end. I'm so glad my parents aren't like that!
Quotes: “'Dude, when a girl’s screaming to be let go, it’s a pretty good indicator that she doesn't want you, prince or not.'”
"This time, I’m the one who gets caught watching one of the waitstaff walk away."
Recommend?: Yes, very cute very romantic read. 4/5 stars!
June 16, 2013
There is an International giveaway for an ebook copy of this book, All In by Marta Brown. Ends June 28, 2013. Enter here:
http://betweenprintedpages.wordpress....
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Lane is a local trying to make enough money to go to university, while Ashley’s a senator’s daughter, her family staying in Martha’s Vineyard for the summer. As much as he hates her world, where everything is handed to you on a golden platter and the guys can be as douchey as they want, Lane finds himself falling for Ashley, and her for him. But when said douche comes barreling between them, Lane and Ashley begin to see the cracks in their perfect summer fling.
Even though he wasn’t exactly a main character, I fell in love with Andrew, Ashley’s brother. He’s the perfect brother and friend, and I LOVE that he doesn’t put up with people’s shit (for the most part). Also, I oddly appreciated Gregory, mainly ’cause of his unshakable persistence, and the fact that he wasn’t overwhelmingly irritating (again, for the most part).
Lane and Ashley were perfect. They pretty much represent the epic relationship you want to keep and hold on to forever. I loved what they did to try to help each other and the fact that they fought so hard for each other~ One thing I would’ve liked to see, with regards to their relationship, was a longer falling in love process, because honestly, it seemed pretty instantaneous to me, and me and insta-love just don’t agree. I’m not saying it’s unrealistic, ’cause, hey, people have said it happens, but I would’ve liked to have gotten more get-to-know-you and more depth to the characters than simply what we got.
Overall, All In proved to be a great, light, and fun summer read~
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Overall: 4/5
GoodReads Rating: 4.00/5
-review by Between Printed Pages
http://betweenprintedpages.wordpress....
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Lane is a local trying to make enough money to go to university, while Ashley’s a senator’s daughter, her family staying in Martha’s Vineyard for the summer. As much as he hates her world, where everything is handed to you on a golden platter and the guys can be as douchey as they want, Lane finds himself falling for Ashley, and her for him. But when said douche comes barreling between them, Lane and Ashley begin to see the cracks in their perfect summer fling.
Even though he wasn’t exactly a main character, I fell in love with Andrew, Ashley’s brother. He’s the perfect brother and friend, and I LOVE that he doesn’t put up with people’s shit (for the most part). Also, I oddly appreciated Gregory, mainly ’cause of his unshakable persistence, and the fact that he wasn’t overwhelmingly irritating (again, for the most part).
Lane and Ashley were perfect. They pretty much represent the epic relationship you want to keep and hold on to forever. I loved what they did to try to help each other and the fact that they fought so hard for each other~ One thing I would’ve liked to see, with regards to their relationship, was a longer falling in love process, because honestly, it seemed pretty instantaneous to me, and me and insta-love just don’t agree. I’m not saying it’s unrealistic, ’cause, hey, people have said it happens, but I would’ve liked to have gotten more get-to-know-you and more depth to the characters than simply what we got.
Overall, All In proved to be a great, light, and fun summer read~
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Overall: 4/5
GoodReads Rating: 4.00/5
-review by Between Printed Pages
June 8, 2014
(I won this book as part of the 2014 Armchair Book Expo America Twitter Party.I thank ABEA and the author, Marta Brown for the ebook. In no way does that influence any opinions I may have. All opinions expressed are 100% my own)
Lane is what we used to call a "townie", a boy who grew up working for people who came and stayed the summer on Martha's Vineyard. He's had to work hard for anything he has gotten in his life, including that he's been accepted to Yale on a partial scholarship.
Ashley is the youngest child and only daughter of one of the "Stays", the ones that come for the summer. Her brother Andrew becomes friends with Lane, and Ashley and Lane quickly become an item, much to their families' dismay.
Lane becomes the thorn in Ashley's ex's side. He's always gotten what he wants, but since Lane has Ashley and she's definately not coming back to him, he single-handedly makes all Lane has worked for go away, and almost gets away with it....
All In reads a bit like a modern day Romeo and Juliet, but in the end, no one dies but long term assumptions....
Lane is what we used to call a "townie", a boy who grew up working for people who came and stayed the summer on Martha's Vineyard. He's had to work hard for anything he has gotten in his life, including that he's been accepted to Yale on a partial scholarship.
Ashley is the youngest child and only daughter of one of the "Stays", the ones that come for the summer. Her brother Andrew becomes friends with Lane, and Ashley and Lane quickly become an item, much to their families' dismay.
Lane becomes the thorn in Ashley's ex's side. He's always gotten what he wants, but since Lane has Ashley and she's definately not coming back to him, he single-handedly makes all Lane has worked for go away, and almost gets away with it....
All In reads a bit like a modern day Romeo and Juliet, but in the end, no one dies but long term assumptions....
September 13, 2013
Fun, quick read!
September 3, 2014
This review and more on So Bookalicious
All in was the perfect book to read this summer. It took place during the summer months, the book made me happy while I was reading it and there were some small challenges the characters had to overcome. It’s a quick read that is ideal for a day at the beach.
In Martha’s Vineyard there are two different groups of people, the locals and the stays. Lane has always despised the stays, he works hard to achieve his dreams while the stays just get what they want without even blinking their eyes. But when he meets Ashley she seems different than most of them. Will their summer romance just be that a summer romance or will it survive against all odds?
All In was a very pleasant book to read. The characters were really interesting. Ashley is the typical good-girl with dreams her parents would never agree with. But she learns to stand up for herself after she meets Lane. Lane is the first guy in his family ever to go to college, to top it off he’s accepted to Harvard! When there worlds collide they could have never accepted how much they would influence each other’s life’s. The chemistry between them is as obvious as day and night but they take the time to really get to know each other, which I really appreciated. Their romance feels innocent but deep-seated at the same time.
The writing flowed well and it kept my attention throughout the entire book. The settings of this book made me want to go on holiday!
Overall this book is a cute beach/summer read. All In is perfect for anyone who is looking for a fun, light read.
All in was the perfect book to read this summer. It took place during the summer months, the book made me happy while I was reading it and there were some small challenges the characters had to overcome. It’s a quick read that is ideal for a day at the beach.
In Martha’s Vineyard there are two different groups of people, the locals and the stays. Lane has always despised the stays, he works hard to achieve his dreams while the stays just get what they want without even blinking their eyes. But when he meets Ashley she seems different than most of them. Will their summer romance just be that a summer romance or will it survive against all odds?
All In was a very pleasant book to read. The characters were really interesting. Ashley is the typical good-girl with dreams her parents would never agree with. But she learns to stand up for herself after she meets Lane. Lane is the first guy in his family ever to go to college, to top it off he’s accepted to Harvard! When there worlds collide they could have never accepted how much they would influence each other’s life’s. The chemistry between them is as obvious as day and night but they take the time to really get to know each other, which I really appreciated. Their romance feels innocent but deep-seated at the same time.
The writing flowed well and it kept my attention throughout the entire book. The settings of this book made me want to go on holiday!
Overall this book is a cute beach/summer read. All In is perfect for anyone who is looking for a fun, light read.
July 15, 2013
Just bought on Amazon this morn, I'm excited to read it.
September 30, 2013
well i read it just because of Andrew he is my favorite <3 <3 <3
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews