Everything I Need

Everything #1

by A.K. Evans

Charlotte ‘Charley’ Meadows has come face-to-face with adversity more times than she cares to admit. Three months after experiencing yet another devastating tragedy, she leaves her hometown of Ventura, California behind and moves to the cold, snowy mountains of Rising Sun, Wyoming. Determined to move past the events that shattered her world, Charley abandons her true passion in life and replaces it with exhausting days of mindless, unfulfilling work. What she never expected was to have her newfound peace disrupted by Westley Blackman.
Wes Blackman, snowboarder extraordinaire turned business owner, is one of Rising Sun’s hometown heroes. Unfortunately, Wes hasn’t had much time to keep up with his passion for riding as he’s kept his focus on making Blackman Boards the industry leader in snowboard production. With his company set to launch a new series of boards, Wes finds himself back on the mountain. What he hadn’t expected to find was a girl who would make him want to spend more time enjoying life.
Can Wes break through Charley’s tough exterior and open her heart to not only vulnerability, but also a renewed sense of purpose in life? And if he does, will he be there to pick up the pieces if tragedy strikes again?

Genres: Romance, Sports, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Sports Romance, Amazon, Small Town Romance

352 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2017

About the author

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A.K. Evans is a contemporary romance author of over twenty published novels. While she enjoys writing a good romantic suspense novel, Andrea’s favorite books to write have been her extreme sports romances. That might have something to do with the fact that she, along with her husband and two sons, can’t get enough of extreme sports.

Before becoming a writer, Andrea did a brief stint in the insurance and financial services industry and managed her husband’s performance automotive business. That love of extreme sports? She used to drive race cars!

When Andrea isn’t writing, she can be found homeschooling her two sons, doing yoga, snowboarding, reading, or traveling with her family. She and her husband are currently taking road trips throughout the country to visit all 50 states with their boys.

Reviews

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I wound up reading things out of order, because I wound up starting with the spin-off series from this series, instead of this one. I really enjoyed going back and reading about all the things I didn't know about in Cunningham Security! I loved Wes and Charley together! I especially loved how caring he was with her! Charley was a bit too skittish for my tastes, even after things were explained. I especially liked how this was set in the extreme sports universe! It was a very entertaining and engaging read!

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Romance Reading Corner

I had to do some backtracking since I’d read the first story in the spin-off Cunningham Security series before starting back at the very beginning. I don’t really know if it was necessary, but it is the way I read series, especially connected series for I need to know what came before. You could read either series separately, but I need to understand the connections between the two in order to really get into the lives of these characters. While I was captivated by OBSESSED, which is the first story in the Cunningham Security series – I was a bit slower to fall into EVERYTHING I NEED. I know why that was and I don’t believe it has anything to do with the story itself but more of a personal style of reading for enjoyment as opposed to reading for say, a NetGalley review.

As the first story in the Everything series, EVERYTHING I NEED has a lot of world building. We meet the four eventual couples in this series, eight separate characters plus some vital secondary characters who have important roles in this story. The story has a slightly different feel since we do not learn the reason that Charley and Emme left California to start over in Wyoming. Oh, there are hints of a heartbreaking tragedy but not a definitive reason until almost halfway through the book for part of that reason. The remaining part comes at nearly the ending propelling us into Emme and Zane’s story in EVERYTHING I HAVE. It’s not a writing style that I’m comfortable with, yet it is compelling and kept me reading to learn more. There are a lot of sex scenes so if you are a reader who is not comfortable with that you have been forewarned. I love a good sexy moment as much as the next reader, but I’ll admit to skimming past some of these as I was racing to discover the ending and what was going on outside of the bedroom.

Wes is an amazing man, a caring man and his devotion to Charley was obvious long before we even pick up a hint of that love word. Charley has been through so much that my heart ached for her, but she’s rebuilding, she coming out of that healing cocoon that she’s been in for almost a year. Emme, oh how my heart broke for this girl. I am so looking forward to her story and I believe, her happy, healing ending. EVERYTHING I NEED doesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger, yet it certainly does move us right into the next story with high anticipation. I will continue this series since now I’m invested in these lives – even though it is not a style that I would normally pick up. If you don’t stretch your wings you’ll never fly, right?

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

[Sara Gross · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a brand new author to me, and I really enjoyed the first book in the series. The story of Wes and Charley was quick, but full of emotion. There was a lot in Charley's past that she was not willing to tell Wes or her new friends after having moved to Wyoming from California. She slowly begins to let her walls down and let Wes, and her friends, know more about her. It was fun to read about her gal pals from home: Emme, Monroe, and Nikki, and how they interacted with Wes' frat pack Stone, Zane, and Xander. It sounds like there is going to be a book for each couple that pairs off. We learn that Emme and Zane start to form some sort of relationship, but something is holding her back. I won't say the end is a cliffhanger, because it is not an OH MY GOD kind of cliffhanger, but it is a little bit of new information right at the end of the book that makes you say, Oh my gosh, I can't wait to start book number two.

I can say, I would have given this book a four, but it got a bit long for me, and I felt a bit drawn out... I kept waiting for Charley to open up more, and it just wasn't happening as quickly as I would have liked it to happen, seeing as how quickly their relationship moved.

I am looking forward to digging into books 2 and 3 and reading more about this group!

[Heather Petzold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new author for me. This book was super cute and I really liked all of the characters. I thought that Wes and Charley were cute together, I could have done without all the pet names they had for each other, once in awhile is fine but they did it constantly. It was a little over the top. The over all story was great. We have Charley who hasn’t really been living life just existing since tragedy struck her. She moved across the country to escape sadness with one of her best friends. In comes Wes into her life and literary breaths life back into her. One of the only other things that bugged he was it takes until close to the end to find out everything that happened the Charley and Emme. I had my suspicions that ended up being right but I didn’t understand why the author took so long for us to find out everything. But again this did not really takeaway from the story this was just how I felt. But over all it was a great book and can’t wait to read the others in the series.

[Sue Gravatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flat

I couldn't get past about 50%. The characters, just bland, story line predictable . The MC was so ridiculously self centered (even when she realized she was being that way, still all about her) and seriously who has very close friends that you'd have to ask if they were supportive of you doing something clearly good for you? Just flat out dumb. I don't know if this is this authors first book? I won't read the rest... just too immature in all aspects. Sorry, keep trying, I applaud the effort.

[Donna Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a good story/premise .. it was def too long for the secrets to come out. What I found frustrating was the constant repeating. So many things said over & over, but the pet names overdone. Without those 2 things I would have enjoyed the story more.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man…what a cliffhanger!

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I Need is a spicy hot and delectably fun story with drama, sweetness, and so much more! Wes Blackman is the quintessential book boyfriend—caring, attentive, kind, driven, independent, successful, sexy, gentlemanly, compassionate, abd understanding. Charlotte is a traumatized young woman with zero self esteem but a heart of gold, who has relocated to Wes’ town to start over. As the story unfolds we learn just how much fear and uncertainty rules her life, and we get to watch her grow in so many areas as she and Wes get to know each other. Charley’s character arc is well-developed and well-written, and the steamy sexy times are interwoven with the drama and suspense so beautifully. Wes’ friends are a great bunch, as is his family and the locals that they come into contact with. The narrators delivered outstanding performances full of heart, passion, and power. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook, and I can’t wait for the next one in the series!

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this first story of the series, we meet Charley Meadows and Wes Blackman.
Charley and her friend Emma have moved to Wyoming after a tragedy. Aside from working two jobs, Charley has isolated herself from the world.
Wes is a snowboarder who has created a board he believes will become the best in the market and to test it , spends much time on the mountains.
The moment these two meet while Carley is at one of her jobs, the connection and attraction is evident. But Wes will have to climb .
The romance was touching and the characters well developed.
We get a chance to meet characters that will likely have their own stories.
The narrators Aaron Shedlock and Kit Swann bring the story to life.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[CookesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Everything I Need and experiencing Wes & Charley in print was a fantastic experience. Listening to Aaron Shedlock and Kitt Swann in my ears telling their story was even more fantastic! They had me all heart eyed at their storytelling, totally feeling the emotions, tension, and pure love building between these two. Wes was all the green flags and exactly what Charley needed. He wanted to and he did. I absolutely loved when Wes hired Charley to design boards and how successful her designs were. HIs friend group and her friend group all got along so well and I see some more coupling coming up (hopefully)...

[Pam Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

I chose this rating because this was a really interesting book. I enjoyed pretty much all of the characters. This was a book of determination, compassion, gentleness, acceptance and believing in yourself. I enjoyed Wes and Charley story. I think the author did an amazing job with putting these characters together. I really enjoyed the way that Wes friends were gentleman and very chivalrous. Charley and her friends were very close also and they were there for each other as well. Great read! I recommend this book to all romance readers.

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried but my hard No was Honey

I realized in this book that I have a hard No when it comes to the pet name Honey. It sounds so Mamaw-like that the fact it was written for a 20-something year old woman to say to her man was so cringy every single time. (56) times she used it, even during smexy time. I DNF’d at 54% which I truly hate to do but I tried to finish it, I really did. And to be clear, this was not the only reason for DNF, just one of the bigger ones to finally just call it quits.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

I had previously read a different series from AK Evans And I loved it. So I thought I would move to this series and start it out. It didn't disappoint at all. I loved this story of Wes and Charly. She really isn't living at all after the tragedy that occurred in California. Then she meets Wes, and he brings her out of her shell. These two are really perfect for each other. I love this book and I highly recommend! I can't wait for Emme and Zane's book. Its going to be fire!!

[Kerri K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley and Wes, what can I say ...its sad why she moved out there, but Im so glad she did and so glad Wes decided to take an afternoon off and go snowboarding. They feel hard fast but it was meant to be. Glad she felt comfortable telling them everything. And she followed her dreams her family would be proud!!!

[Bernadette D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Came to A.K. Evans via a recommendation on another authors page - you know when another author allows someone else’s books to be promoted that they have to have something worthwhile.
Great characters, great flow, plenty of steam.

[Michelle Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, I read it again when i got the alc copy and I love the town of rising son. This was a favorite and I love Charlie’s strength and her story.

[Vera Blaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charley Meadows left her home and everything she loved in CA for the small town of Rising Sun, WY. She's working a couple of jobs that leave her unfulfilled, but she finds it hard to delve into her passion. Westley Blackman is intrigued by the woman who drives a sweet Jeep yet works hourly wage jobs. Something isn't adding up for this professional snowboarder/snowboard company owner. Charley's can't trust anyone but her best friend, but she finds herself opening up to Wes. He's gentle and compassionate to her needs and emotions and does his best to make her feel safe.

Kit Swann and Aaron Shedlock did a spectacular job narrating this book. Kit was perfect for Charley! Her vocal inflections and intonations got Charley's personality and emotions. The timber of Aaron's voice gave Wes the protector vibe.

I received a complimentary copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Meagen Gillispie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing style, pacing, and character development was so terrible, I can’t believe I read the whole book. Far too much telling vs showing. For as long as the book was, several events were completely glossed over. It took forever for the secrets to get spilled. There was wasted narrative explaining things with little emotion or focus on the relationships or feelings. When we did finally get bits of the reason why Charley and Emme ran to WY, it was overrun with an EXCESS of emotion, to the point where it was forced and caused me to detach from the story even more.

There was zero chemistry between any of the characters. Charley was a terrible friend, never really THERE for her supposed BFF who was apparently dealing with a LOT of trauma. I didn’t get invested in her at all as the primary voice/narrator. I have no idea how a relationship even blossomed between Charley and Wes, particularly because she hid so much of herself from him for so long, was incredibly selfish, and cried all the time. The parts where we got Wes’s perspective were even worse because all I learned was that he was incredibly shallow and wanted sex all the time. The things he said to her in the lead-up to sex were just cringey.

I choose romance novels to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that happen when a couple first meets and stumbles their way through a relationship, including a major event that pulls them apart for a bit. They are supposed to be the focus of the story, but in a lot of ways, Charley and Wes’s story took the backseat to what I can only conclude is an attempt at world-building, character development, and setup for the rest of the series, which was a huge disservice. The sex scenes were lackluster, always vanilla, and the writing was almost mechanical in them. Way too much usage of pet names with each other, to the point it was just annoying. And they never had a real moment where their relationship was strained/tested.

Overall, the dialog was atrocious and not at all realistic. There was the overuse of pet names as well as too much use of first name in conversation. I was not convinced any of the “friends” were actually friends based on how they spoke to one another. It was especially bad when something heavy or emotional was happening.

I realize this is a debut novel, but I will not be reading any other books by this author. I just was not pulled into the story at all due to how badly this book was written. It was painfully obvious only 25% into the book where the series is going and I just don’t want to go there. I stuck it out because that’s who I am and for the reason I explain below.

The only reason why I read this book in its entirety is because I stumbled across this author’s blog post exposing another author’s blatant copying of her original ideas. I’d read a book that was supposedly a rip-off of this one. I did see the similarities in a lot of the concept and key plot points (hero is professional snowboarder/makes custom snowboards, heroine running away from some hurt in her past, hero teaches heroine how to snowboard, heroine has skills in graphic design and hero insists she work for him), however, there is NO comparison between the books. While I do have sympathy for this author’s situation, the sad truth is the other book was way better (I’m STILL feeling all the feels from their story almost a week later). There are enough differences in the details of the plot points between the books/series for them to coexist in the market, and I hope for the sake of this particular author’s livelihood that her writing skills improved.

[Mj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some Spoilers

I wanted to like this book so 3 stars is generous.

Charley and her best friend Emme leave their home in California after an elusive tragedy that they refuse to discuss for most of the book. Charley works 2 jobs for her first several months in Wyoming, giving her no time for a social life or to dwell on this mysterious tragedy. She then meets Wes at one of her jobs and they are immediately drawn to each other. They begin dating and she eventually opens up that she lost her brother less than a year ago which is what prompted her move to Wyoming. Details are omitted and her behavior seems like an overreaction (although losing a sibling would be very sad). Later she admits that her parents died in a car crash 10 years ago and her brother was the only family she had. This makes her story more tragic but doesn't fully explain why her best friend uprooted her life to move too. Finally at the end we learn that Emme's abusive ex boyfriend murdered Charley's brother.

I wanted to like this story based on the plot, but I am not a fan of Ms Evan's writing style. Some of the dialogue felt robotic and choppy, especially when a character was explaining or summarizing. I feel like contractions are pretty standard in dialogue but she frequently used full words which seemed unrealistic. Then there were certain words and phrases she overused. The main characters rarely used the term "friends", instead referring to their friend groups as "your girls" or "my boys". The pet names/terms of endearment (sweets, babe, honey,, gorgeous) were too much, even the secondary characters went overboard with them. The thing I disliked the most is whenever Wes wanted a kiss, he'd ask for it by saying "give me that mouth". I could tolerate it once or twice, but almost every time they kiss was just gross.

Despite all of my criticisms, I still finished the book (with some skimming) and gave it 3 stars. I'm intrigued enough that I want to read Emme's story, but will probably need a break with another author first.

[Tammy Huk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to proofread this manuscript from brand-new author, A.K. Evans. I will admit that I was nervous at first because the genre is not the type of book that I usually read but rather something that is more of a guilty pleasure instead. My biggest concern was that I was going to have to tell the author that I didn’t like the book. Well my worries were unfounded because I thoroughly enjoyed this first book by A.K. Evans. The author has created wonderful characters and I immediately cared about Charley & Emme and was excited to find out more about their lives. Wes is the ultimate boyfriend and without being cliché the author makes you admire him and root for him and Charley. Their steamy relationship is both loving and sensual without being raunchy, a fine line to walk in my opinion. The author has cleverly introduced many other characters that apparently will become the subjects of upcoming books in an ongoing series. The biggest compliment I can give is to say that once I started reading this book I didn't want to stop and I can’t wait to read the next installment of the Everything series.

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best series I have ever read! The Everything Series by AK Evans is phenomenal!!!

Charley moves to Wyoming after a tragedy left her heartbroken. Determined to get on with her life, she finds ways to keep herself busy, in comes Wes Blackman. Wes falls hard and fast for Charley but he can tell she is holding back.

I can’t say too much about this book because I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. This series is incredible and you don’t want to miss watching these best friends find their own story in Rising Sun, Wyoming!

I have been waiting for this series to come out in audible and finally it is here. Aaron Shedlock and Kit Swann were the perfect voices for Charley and Wes! Aaron Shedlock has just the voice for Wes and Kit Swann is a perfect narrator for Charley! A.K. Evans, I don’t know how you will get any better narrators to finish this series but I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

[Gale Albright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to start this series but about 5 chapters in I became disappointed. I pushed myself to finish the book but to do that I had to skim ahead. The storyline isn’t a bad one it just takes many many chapters to finally get to the point. I feel like this book just went on and on when in actuality it could have been wrapped up in about half these pages. I don’t need to know about everyone’s outfits down to their shoes and make up. I don’t need an in-depth description how drool worthy every man mentioned is. This story went off down too many avenues which just convoluted the storyline. I felt the author really did not have a clear vision for this book but just threw stuff in as she went along. I am being generous with a three star rating it’s actually more like 2.5 sorry.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous debut that began my love affair with AK Evans books. Charley and Wes had a bit of growing to do, a lot of letting go of the past to do, and Wes really needed to communicate a little better than he did. That said, this book is the one that started it all. This book brought us the Cunningham and Townsend families, the four men who made snowboarding look like an effortless art, and the man who made sure to carve out a space for the woman he loves. After all, Wes’s boards wouldn’t have the panache they’re known for in other books if it wasn’t for Charley and her artistic mind.

I’d recommend this read to anyone on the hunt for a new bunch of people to enjoy. Trust me, you’ll want to keep reading after this book.

[Victoria Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing start to a new series. Charlie and Wes are amazing and even better together. They are great and their story is hard at times but amazing at the same time. Charlie has had it very tough recently and she is dealing as best she can, then she meets Wes. He is like a breath of fresh air when they meet and you can feel their connection. He is so lovely and sweet and caring, you totally get why Charlie fell hard for him. They fell hard for each other. It is a beautiful thing to behold. They are each other's support and love and you totally get that and feel it, always.
Their love is so pure and white it nearly blinds you.
If their story was a song I'd have it on repeat.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, I stumbled upon this series and boy was I glad I did. I was instantly hooked and binge read all the books as fast as I could. The men of Rising Sun Wyoming are top notch. Sometimes love hits you when you least expect it. The first book, Everything I need, drew me in instantly. I loved Charley and Wes. Watching their story unfold I knew that the rest of the series was going to be just as good. As each story passed, I got drawn into their world a littler more. I couldn't read fast enough. It was the right balance of steamy and story line. Author AK Evans is definitely on my must read list now.

[Holly McAnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series several years ago and remembered it being a great series, but honestly after you read so many books you forget details of all the stories, or at least I do LOL
Diving back into this series in preparation for the Everything Legacy series coming up, but in Audio form this time, was literally EVERYTHING. I'm quite sad that so far only book 1 has audio. I'll be impatiently waiting for more. Charley & Wes were made for each other, and this friend group is everything you'd want in one. They are so close, much like a family. I love how we get to see little glimpses of Emme's story as well. Charley and Wes's story truly built the foundation of everything that this series is.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

So there isn't an alpha male in this one but there is a broken and scared hot, muscley alpine skier, who, I feel I can say, is all alpha on the racing circuit. There's also a complementary heroine who was broken but is finding her way. What makes it harder is that she gives away her heart too easily and ends up making decisions that might not be the best but do make for a sweet story about opening your heart to sweet possibilities and hardships with the one perfectly imperfect person that has touched your heart.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a later series by A.K. Evans and am now going back and working my way through her catalog one series at a time. There were a lot of things I liked about Wes and Charley's story. A few that I found aggravating, but those could be pet peeves IE over-used pet names for each other. Some of the dialogue was very stilted and felt really formal for the situations. I liked the setting for the story, the extreme sports aspect, and how Wes was so darn smitten with Charley.

The book held my interest enough that I am now onto book 2 in the series.

[Carol Stuckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

I have read this book several times. I don't think I realized, until this read through, how many times Wes and Charley do the deed. I swear, after the initial first time, it's at least once a chapter.

I loved how persistant Wes was in his pursuit of Charley. He was super sweet, walking her to her car every night, and giving her snowboarding lessons.
I loved that when Wes got jealous and they argued, he went to her house because he could not leave it like that.
His encouragement to get her back to her art and graphic design work. ❤️

[Amie Palo · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this story so much. You know those books where you ignore your children, your responsibilities, and pretty much life? This book is one of those. Wes and Charleys' story is sweet and tender and they make you want to be their friend and witness the true, loving connection they form throughout the book. But, don't worry, it's still HOT! The fire between them is exciting and is one of the many components that keeps you reading. Take my word for it!