Trying a new author is a little scary for me. Why not stick with those tried and true authors? Every once in a while though, I try to step out of that comfort zone and try someone new. Am I glad I took that chance with Lora Logan. All She Ever Needed, her debut novel, was a profoundly touching and moving read that tugged at my heart strings while taking me on an emotional journey of love, loss, and life. When I first read the blurb to this book, I thought it might be heavy on the sexy and light on the plot. A typical college romance. I was so wrong. While it was an extremely sexy read, it was so much more. The perfect blend of sexy and self-discovery.
Becca thought she knew exactly what she wanted in life, go to the college of her dreams and become a chef. But just before making that move, Jameson, the man she’d always had a thing for, asked her out. After a month together, she’d completely fallen. Still, it doesn’t stop her from pursuing her dream. It’s hard though to start the next chapter of her life while holding on to the past. She can’t focus on college life while daydreaming about someone 800 miles away so she’s determined to put Jameson behind her.
Enter Maddox. A local, fun-loving, and playful grad student. Though he seems completely out of her league, there’s definitely chemistry there. He seems just the person to help Becca make this much wanted change in her life and it doesn’t take long before she develops strong feelings for him.
But when Becca sees Jameson again, she realizes she’s not over him yet. There’s lots of confusion, guilt, and soul searching as Becca, friends, and family begin the Team Maddox or Team Jameson debate. Who should she choose? It’s not an easy decision and, if she takes too long, she could lose them both.
I quickly got caught up in this love triangle. I liked that it wasn’t a “cheating” book. I never felt like Becca was betraying either man. It was more a book about choosing the right path and person for your life. True to life, once you think you know the path, life throws a curve ball and makes you examine things in a whole new light. I got swept up in the characters and their emotions and found myself tearing up at times. Sometimes at the joy love brings and other times at the pain it can make you feel.
At first, I didn’t think I’d connect with Becca. Choosing between 2 guys. Ha! I should be so lucky! But Becca wasn’t a fickle college girl. She gave time and careful thought to what she wanted in life and who she wanted to spend it with. I sympathized with her conflicting feelings and confusion, remembering the anguish of that age when you’re just trying to figure your life out. The author did an amazing job of keeping Becca’s voice real. She had to face so much more than I ever did at that age and I admired her as I watched her strength and self-awareness develop.
There was so much to love about these characters. Yes, their chemistry sizzled and the passion was intense, but they also were just really likeable, relatable characters. I loved how easy Maddox was to be with. He was sweet, sexy, and fun. He wined and dined Becca. There was undeniable chemistry there but I felt like he still had a lot of growing up to do. Jameson stole my heart from the beginning and I only fell in love with him more as the book progressed. I loved his calm strength and his compassion, his honesty, and the way he genuinely laid his feelings on the line. He encouraged Becca to follow her dreams even when those dreams could take her away. I loved Becca’s energy, devotion, and passion. She was torn between 2 amazing men and I could empathize with her indecision. It took her a while but she finally figured out what she wanted most in life.
The flow and pacing of this book was perfect. Just when I’d start to sway toward Team Maddox or Team Jameson, the author would remind me of why the other man was also so appealing. I felt that push and pull right along with Becca. The chemistry and passion with both men was off the charts and I agonized over what Becca’s decision would be or if she’d end up losing both. And just when I thought Becca had it all figured out, life threw another one of those curve balls and I was anxious all over again. I have to admit, I didn’t see that last ball coming. This book was definitely a roller coaster ride for me. Uplifting one moment and heart breaking the next. But oh what a life-affirming ride it was. I’m so glad I took a chance on this new author. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for me next.