All That You Can't Leave Behind

by Kirby Quinlan

Let go of the past. Live in the moment. The future will take care of itself.

Tailor Sway is a professional organizer on the brink of divorce. When he is hired to appear on a reality TV show called “Hoarded Houses”, he has three days to help a collector of Christmas decorations clean up her property before it’s condemned by local authorities.

Everything is going according to Tailor’s carefully laid plans. That is, until Brayzen Mapleridge, a mega-famous pop singer known for his wild, daredevil antics, shows up.
Forced to pay for a recent stunt which has turned into a serious legal matter, Brayzen is given the opportunity to avoid jail time by doing some hard labor in front of the cameras.

But, it’s not an easy thing to do while being chased by all who trail in the wake of a major celebrity. Is Brayzen sincere about helping, or is it all just part of a well-crafted publicity campaign?

Despite some initial clashes between Tailor’s uptight determination and Brayzen’s carefree attitude, the two develop an unlikely partnership that quickly blossoms into a sizzling attraction.

But, Tailor’s unresolved conflict with his husband, Grant, an emotionally scarred veteran of the Iraq War, still looms in the background amidst a whirlwind of TV cameras, relentless paparazzi, eager fans, and scathing headlines. Despite all these complications, will it be Brayzen’s own meddling mother who puts the brakes on their steamy love affair for good?

At times sexy, laugh-out-loud funny, and tragically heartbreaking; this erotic tale of love, loss and letting go promises to give you a front-row seat on Tailor and Brayzen’s crazy, romantic rollercoaster ride. Strap yourself in.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2015

Reviews

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm floored 5++++ stars story

5++++ stars
I'm floored... What a beautiful heartwarming strong written story.
The way of writing is outstanding described utterly detailed.
I'm so in this story - I see them - I smell them - I hear them whispering, breathing - i see the hurt - i see the humor - and i feel it all. I see and feel it all because it is so written that I can.
Only few people can write this way and make me feel floored.
it's all so recognizable real. And it is wonderful to read this on paper (digital)
There are parts I was laughing out so loud (in bed) I did wake up my partner who Immediately grumbled, I had to scream inside because I wanted to laugh hard real hard.
There are parts where I had goosebumps and parts I could not read because of watering eyes.
Sometimes really heavy but always so honest.
The sexual encounters were build-up and very hot and intense.
The writing level remained high.
I'm not going to explane and tell the story Others will do.
I was so lost when the story was over I never wanted it to end
It is an absolutely #mustread

[Rebecca King · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review: Powerfully moving, All That You Can’t Leave Behind will hit you on a deep emotional level. Tailor Sway is a professional organizer helping people take back control of their lives, while he is anything but in control of his own. Quinlan walks you through the heartache, the grief, the pain that lies beneath the heaping piles of debris in one woman’s life as Tailor sets his inner turmoil aside to help her break through the barrier of pain wrapped around her heart to take back control and move forward with a happier, healthier life.

When he’s not helping his client, Tailor is forced to think about his own issues and the husband slipping through his fingers. Tailor realizes his husband is done with their marriage and shows a glimpse into lives of a marriage plagued with the aftermath of war. Again Quinlan takes you on an emotional ride as you glimpse the other side of PTSD. Throw in a celebrity crush from his teen years and his control slips beyond his grasp. Brayzen is bold and not afraid to go after what he wants, and what he wants is Tailor.

Their journey is flawed; it's sweet; it's frustrating; it's heartbreaking, out a unexpected, and you will enjoy every minute of it. This story will make you laugh. It will make you cry. It will take you on an emotional journey filled with love, loss, and laughter. It's a story that stays with you long after the last page has been read.

On a personal note, Tailor's circumstances have truly mirrored some of my own and his perceptions have truly helped me understand my own confusing emotional responses.

Keeping it Hot!:
*It's a very character-driven story that really pulls you in.
*It's well written. I got so caught up in the characters that I nearly forgot most of the story took place behind the scenes of a TV show.
*Makes you smile, makes you laugh in a loud burst of unrestrained happiness kind of way.
*It's sexy.
*Full of surprises you don't see coming. Just when you think you know how things are going to turn out, you're wrong.
*The other side of PTSD is often portrayed in media, and this book takes it on to show a glimpse of what it's like to watch and suffer right along with your other half.
*Full of love in all its forms.
*It may seem like its going to be your typical romance, but it's not. It's so much more.

Cooling it Down:
*I could not put it down. I read straight through meal time...and had to promptly fix my sugar levels...though that's probably more of a positive than a negative for anyone but me.

Overall: (Please note I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review). I give this a 5 cup rating. I truly loved this book and bought it so I can read it again and again.

[Christina Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was happily surprised by this book. it was completely unique and extremely well written. there is quite a bit of emotion in here for pretty much every character but also has some lightheartedness to it so you don't feel utterly drained at the end.

there are 2 reasons it didn't get 5 stars and they are listed in the spoiler area below.

tailor is pretty much a mess when we meet him but as the story unfolds we find out that he's a pretty great guy that has been in a crappy situation for a while. he is a bit stuffy and doesn't seem to let go much, probably because he feels a bit out of control in his personal life.

brayzen is the typical rock star who has been manipulated and used by folks who only want what's best for themselves. he hams it up for the cameras (in major fashion) and when we find out the reason behind some of his antics, it's a bit heartbreaking. he has suffered a major tragedy that folks seem to gloss over and his latest stunt shows that he really doesn't care what people think about him. when he meets tailor, he realizes that he wants more out of life that what he currently has and he's willing to go to great lengths to get it. his romantic gestures near the end are pretty spectacular.

grant's story was pretty heartbreaking. charlotte's story was heartbreaking at first and amazing by the end.

now for what i didn't like...unfortunately, they are pretty major spoilers so i'm hiding them
even though grant and tailor were pretty much through and on the brink of divorce, i didn't like that they cheated on each other. i thought for sure tailor would do the right thing and wait but he didn't and i was pretty disappointed. i also felt like the stunt brayzen's mother pulled at the end is a bit of a 'jumping the shark' moment. it fit her but seemed overly dramatic.

overall, it was a really good read that i would recommend to anyone.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment Brayzen Mapleridge is belayed down from his private helicoptor to his first day of community service, I was hooked.

Briefly, Tailor Sway is the host of a TV programme that declutters peoples' houses and (hopefully) changes their lives. He is struggling to cope with his husband, Grant, a veteran of the Iraq War who is suffering from PTSD. Brayzen Mapleridge is the ultra-famous pop star who is avoiding jail by doing hard labour in front of the cameras. A publicity stunt went wrong and he is paying the price. There is an instant attraction between him and Tailor, but of course, Tailor is married, and does not want to hurt his husband, even though he knows their marriage is on borrowed time.

So there is quite a lot in that paragraph alone for me to say, "hang on, how is this going to work?" But it does. In turn funny, if not downright hysterical, and moving, the serious subjects are dealt with deftly and with great sensitivity, whilst not compromising on the humour. THis book has to be read to be believed. Quinlan has thrown a lot at this but it works. Against the odds, it really does.

I loved Tailor's humility, and the way he deals with Grant. I can't say too much for fear of giving a spoiler, but I can tell you the ending is worth while.

Brayzen is created brilliantly as well. At first you think "what an asshole" but he grows on you. He really does. I wanted to give him a hug by the end and I'm not easily swayed by glamour, money and good looks. He has everything that could make him a really unsympathetic character. The fact that I was rooting for him is testiment to the skillful way he was drawn.

And Grant was a real surprise. I wasn't expecting what happened in the end. Did he deserve it? Vote is still out on that one. Again, no spoilers.

I loved the unpredictability of this book. It wasn't like any other I have read recently. And the sex is HOT. There's a lot of it, and it scorches the page. I thought I would have a problem with some of the moral dilemmas, but no. This is massively entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't insist on romance following the same old tired tropes. Nice work for a debut novel!

[Diverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love drama you will love this book. Just like the blurb said, I laughed and I cried. There is incredible heartbreak in this book and beautiful discovery. In the midst of all the crazy (and yes there is some serious crazy going on) there is an outstanding story about forevers.
We grow up with a dream. We plan for it and fight to make it come true. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. Life changes us. Who we once were should stay in the past and we should take a deep breath and plunge into the future. Whatever it may be.
This book does a wonderful job of showing people in all different walks of life just trying to be happy, trying to be the best part of themselves.
Each character affected me. This book affected me. It’s quite an emotional read. I enjoyed this rollercoaster ride.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tears, Tragedies and Triumphs

If nothing else, this novel should cause you to pause, step back and look at those closest to you... so you can ask yourself... 'How well do I really know them?'

Can you see their inner demons and fears?
Do you understand what motivates their behaviors?
Are you being a hindrance or a helper or an enabler?

At what point is it best if you were to remove yourself from their lives altogether?

Though painful to read at times, there were wonderful characters who overcame hardships and reached peace.

This was a wonderful introduction to this author.

[Shauna Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was funny, witty, loving, and bumpy. It was not a easy road for Tailor and Brayzen. You feel the internal conflicts as much as the external conflict. This book really has it all. I highly recommend this book. This was my first book by Kirby Quinlan, but it won't be the last! This book will make you laugh out loud. Don't miss out on this read. Can't wait to read more from this author!


Shauna

[Monika · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is another review that’s difficult to write because in order to explain why I feel the way I do about this story I have to give too much away and I won’t do that, not even by hiding it in a spoiler. So I’m left with trying to explain without giving to many specifics. I’ll give this a try and hope it makes sense.

Tailor is that guy you call if you are in need of organization, he’s even on a tv show helping people get their places and lives in order. Brazyen is a musician that got himself into some trouble with the law and part of his punishment is working with Tailor to fulfill his community service. After a less than stellar first meeting they do hit it off and I thought they were a great couple with lots of chemistry. One major road block for these guys is that Tailor is married and not willing to act on his feelings for Brazyen.

I really wanted to like this story but unfortunately it just didn’t work for me. Tailor and Brayzen are great main characters and some of the secondary characters are interesting even the story premise is a good one but and there is a very big but….so much went wrong. I did like this story until the 25% mark then one paragraph made the whole story fall apart for me. “How many years has it been now? It’s been a while. Poor Brayzen. I mean it’s no wonder he flaked out these past few years. Sneaking that pet monkey he had on the plane to Germany, exposing himself, getting in trouble with the law.” First of all, is this story really about Justin Bieber and the name has just been changed? Because not that long ago it was in the news about Justin Bieber trying to get his monkey on a plane in Germany, along with all is other troubles that sound very similar to Brayzen, it didn’t help that Brayzen is also a musician. That paragraph took it one step too far for me, add in the fact the writing doesn’t flow and at times sounds stilted. There were places the story read like bullet points rather than a smooth flowing sentences. One other major problem I had with this story was Tailor’s husband. That man was one big hot mess and what the author does with him annoyed me to no end!

I really do think there could be something here and with a lot of reworking it could potentially be a good story but as it stands it just it just didn’t work for me.

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***

Tailor Sway is having the worst day ever. He found the divorce papers his husband asked to have delivered, he was running late for work and got a flat tire and on top of that, he has to deal with Brayzen Mapleridge, famous pop singer whose antics threaten to make Tailor's control snap. Only Brayzen seems to be more than just a celebrity, and sparks fly every time their paths cross. Still, no matter how attracted they might be to each other, Tailor is still married and Brayzen is supposed to be straight.

I will start by saying that I don't generally read stories where there's cheating, it's not my cup of tea, but the blurb was interesting enough to have me reading despite my reservations. The story is constructed in such a way that even if there's cheating, you can actually relate to Tailor up to a certain point. Having to deal with a husband that has been suffering from PSTD and who is no longer the man that you fell in love with, and who wants a divorce despite Tailor having been with him through thick and thin, is more than enough reason for me. Nevermind that Brayzen was adorable and Tailor and him had great chemistry and seemed to fit a whole lot better than Tailor and his husband.

There's no easy path to their HEA, though, not with Tailor's unresolved situation with his husband or with Brayzen's crazy mom on the rampage. I loved the portion that dealt with the show, and how it served to bring Brayzen and Tailor together.

The writing flows well, the storyline is pretty original, with likable characters that you can root for. All in all, a very good, entertaining read that I'm sure many will enjoy!

Rating: 4 Stars!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a different read to what I expected from the blurb. All told from Tailor's POV, it seems to be in three distinct plots - Tailor's TV show; his relationship with his soon to be divorced husband Grant and Brayzen, the pop star.

The story began well, but then started to meander off the path and got far too involved in areas I felt were not relevant to the story. I struggled on occasions with the relationship between Tailor and Brayzen because of Grant. Although there was a flashback to their earlier relationship and some detail of Grant's return from war, it was still an uncomfortable read as I didn't know whether to empathise or get annoyed - but who for???

There were also a couple of "WTF was that all about moments?".. Brayzen's mother.....she was unreal and her comeuppance in the story was unreal.....mad much??? And Grant. I'm still trying to get my head round that.....it was cruel and unusual and I wonder who had pissed on the authors cornflakes to make him come up with that???

I did enjoy the Tailor and Brayzen story line, but it was bogged down with far too much baggage to make it shine. There were moments of humour, warmth and comfort, but these were overshadowed by too much faff from the surrounding subplots and characters. It ended on a strong HFN.

[Claire Potterton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had moments that gave it the potential to be great, some really appealing characters and a very good story idea; then it had some cringeworthy drivel. Psychotic women, Justin Bieber in all but name, an appallingly treated war veteran suffering from PTSD whose part in the story was largely ludicrous, and a rushed, albeit happy, ending. So much potential in this story that wasn't fulfilled.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. review to come with blog tour

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars


I enjoyed this story .
but I hate cheating that's one of my pet peeves.