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All I Never Needed
When seventeen-year-old Harley Belle Thorpe is rushed to her father’s house on the opposite side of the country, she’s only expecting to stay a week at most—just until things settle down.
She doesn’t expect her ex-boyfriend to violate the restraining order against him, or for her trip to be extended indefinitely, and she certainly isn’t expecting River Havencroft, her stepmother’s nephew.
River’s summer is unfolding exactly as anticipated—working alongside his twin sister with their two young cousins and attempting to reconcile the future he’s envisioned for himself with the one his family has already planned for him—until Harley, that is.
Everything about his uncle’s daughter works against their world of country clubs, prep schools, and trust funds, but the more time they spend together the less River can imagine this world—and his own—without her in it.
She is everything he didn’t know he needed.
But as the sun sets on summer, Harley’s ex-boyfriend will make a dangerous play to lure her back to him, leaving River desperate to keep her safe. The only question that remains: how far is he willing to go?
She doesn’t expect her ex-boyfriend to violate the restraining order against him, or for her trip to be extended indefinitely, and she certainly isn’t expecting River Havencroft, her stepmother’s nephew.
River’s summer is unfolding exactly as anticipated—working alongside his twin sister with their two young cousins and attempting to reconcile the future he’s envisioned for himself with the one his family has already planned for him—until Harley, that is.
Everything about his uncle’s daughter works against their world of country clubs, prep schools, and trust funds, but the more time they spend together the less River can imagine this world—and his own—without her in it.
She is everything he didn’t know he needed.
But as the sun sets on summer, Harley’s ex-boyfriend will make a dangerous play to lure her back to him, leaving River desperate to keep her safe. The only question that remains: how far is he willing to go?
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Published November 12, 2020
3 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Katie Klein
19 books702 followersKatie Klein is the author of a variety of coming-of-age novels (urban fantasy, romance, suspense, etc.) for adult and teen readers.
In the first year of its release, her YA Contemporary Romance, CROSS MY HEART, spent more than 150 days on the Amazon Teen Top 100 Bestseller list. It was also a 2011 Goodreads Finalist for Best YA Fiction. The original screenplay based on her novel ALL I NEVER WANTED was a 2021 Scriptapalooza Quarterfinalist.
She has taught post-secondary online writing and literature courses for more than a decade.
She can be reached at katiekleinwrites@yahoo.com, and maintains a web presence at: http://katiekleinwrites.blogspot.com.
In the first year of its release, her YA Contemporary Romance, CROSS MY HEART, spent more than 150 days on the Amazon Teen Top 100 Bestseller list. It was also a 2011 Goodreads Finalist for Best YA Fiction. The original screenplay based on her novel ALL I NEVER WANTED was a 2021 Scriptapalooza Quarterfinalist.
She has taught post-secondary online writing and literature courses for more than a decade.
She can be reached at katiekleinwrites@yahoo.com, and maintains a web presence at: http://katiekleinwrites.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 28, 2021
Seventeen year old Harley is not your typical teenager. She helps promote an up and coming band and is making a name for herself creating music videos. Unfortunately her life is put on hold when she tries to end things with her boyfriend who won't take no for an answer. Harley has to pack up her life and move across the country to live with a family she has hardly seen. Can moving protect her from an obsessive ex?
Klein does a fantastic job of developing relationships between characters and providing twists en route to the inevitable showdown between past and present.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Klein does a fantastic job of developing relationships between characters and providing twists en route to the inevitable showdown between past and present.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 12, 2020
Ms. Klein’s books always hit the sweet spot for me with fantastic storytelling and amazing characters. Her books offer the perfect balance of realism and entertainment. And, she’s done it again…although in this book there’s a twist. Where she usually has my heart fluttering mostly because of the romance, this time the rapid beating came thanks a roller coaster ride of a story with unexpected situations and an ending that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Harley’s story brings to light some scary truths…that sometimes we don’t judge people’s characters correctly and that, try as we might, we’re not always in control of what happens in our lives. With an obsessive ex-boyfriend who poses a real danger and being forced to move across the country to stay with the father she doesn’t see very often, Harley’s stress levels are high and we’re taken along for the ride as she figures out her new reality and deals with all the baggage from her past.
I loved Harley’s strength and determination in the face of this great challenge. I really enjoyed taking a closer peek at what made her tick and at her underlying fears. She opens up her heart to the readers and shares her insecurities and doubts. It’s not often that a writer takes the time to dig deeper into a character’s feelings so that we can better understand her motivations. There’s nothing superficial about this story - everything is raw and authentic. Not everyone likes each other, not everyone gets along and characters have their individual quirks that you’ll either love or hate but that, in the end, make them unique and real. I adored River. His sweet demeanour and his devotion to Harley had me sighing and swooning. He is the best kind of beta…the kind with a whole lot of alpha tucked away in his soul (and, if you don’t get this reference now, you sure will when you read this book). Together, these two were wonderful and I, for one, want to know more about their future.
I can’t end this review without saying that, as always, we’re treated to some great secondary characters here and that the author does a fantastic job of letting us peak under the hood at their personalities and motivations. Jean-Luc and Gia, for example, were wonderful, each with their own personality that was much bigger than that of an average 6 year old. The roles they played in the story were very important and the characters treated with care. This is one of those books that’ll stay with you for a while…the storyline, both troubling and beautiful…the characters, both strong and vulnerable…and the multitude of emotions that come from battling the worst life can throw at you and the ability to come out the other side. Trust me, give it a read!
Harley’s story brings to light some scary truths…that sometimes we don’t judge people’s characters correctly and that, try as we might, we’re not always in control of what happens in our lives. With an obsessive ex-boyfriend who poses a real danger and being forced to move across the country to stay with the father she doesn’t see very often, Harley’s stress levels are high and we’re taken along for the ride as she figures out her new reality and deals with all the baggage from her past.
I loved Harley’s strength and determination in the face of this great challenge. I really enjoyed taking a closer peek at what made her tick and at her underlying fears. She opens up her heart to the readers and shares her insecurities and doubts. It’s not often that a writer takes the time to dig deeper into a character’s feelings so that we can better understand her motivations. There’s nothing superficial about this story - everything is raw and authentic. Not everyone likes each other, not everyone gets along and characters have their individual quirks that you’ll either love or hate but that, in the end, make them unique and real. I adored River. His sweet demeanour and his devotion to Harley had me sighing and swooning. He is the best kind of beta…the kind with a whole lot of alpha tucked away in his soul (and, if you don’t get this reference now, you sure will when you read this book). Together, these two were wonderful and I, for one, want to know more about their future.
I can’t end this review without saying that, as always, we’re treated to some great secondary characters here and that the author does a fantastic job of letting us peak under the hood at their personalities and motivations. Jean-Luc and Gia, for example, were wonderful, each with their own personality that was much bigger than that of an average 6 year old. The roles they played in the story were very important and the characters treated with care. This is one of those books that’ll stay with you for a while…the storyline, both troubling and beautiful…the characters, both strong and vulnerable…and the multitude of emotions that come from battling the worst life can throw at you and the ability to come out the other side. Trust me, give it a read!
November 13, 2020
It took me a bit to get into this. The first chapter was off in a way I can’t put my finger on. I almost gave up before I got to chapter three. But once I was in, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
River is a contradiction as the trust-fund, rich boy with heart, soul, and kindness in his heart. He’s caught between a rock and a hard place on many levels in this book. His mapped out future versus his dream takes a side step when Harley arrives and the drama that follows her lands in his lap. I actually really liked him as a character. He’s a teenage boy on the cusp of manhood, but he’s mature and responsible, a family-oriented guy. His twin, Lake, was more difficult to like for most of the book. But, for all her snarkiness and standoffishness, she’s loyal to those she likes and doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not, or like someone she doesn’t. I warmed up to her toward the end when she stood by her brother.
Harley Belle is a stark contrast to the people of Aurora. Raw and way too laid back and hip for the upper echelon country club family she finds herself thrust into. She’s a filmmaker, thrift shopper, and has her own goals. She pushes against the ties that bind for her protection, angry that she needs protection but understanding why. Far more vulnerable than she lets on, but confident and blasé about people liking her or not.
Jean-Luke is a seriously cute character. Far too wise for his six-tears of age, he adores his cousin River and watches everything around him. His twin Gia is a little less friendly, much like Lake.
We don’t see much of River’s parents because most of his time is spent at his Aunts, babysitting the little twins with his twin. His Aunt is a good character who manages things to the best of her ability while running for office in the public eye. Harley’s father seems like a solid guy, protective to a fault and not from the family money so more laid back like his daughter.
The step-cousin thing took a bit for me to wrap my head around, but Harley and River hadn’t even met before, so the close relationship isn’t there.
The ending was perfect. The culmination of Harley running from her ex was necessary to facilitate her flourishing into the life she was meant to have. I really appreciated how the ending was about Harley, not Harley and River.
I received a free copy of this via BookSirens in exchange for a voluntary, honest review. All opinions are my own.
River is a contradiction as the trust-fund, rich boy with heart, soul, and kindness in his heart. He’s caught between a rock and a hard place on many levels in this book. His mapped out future versus his dream takes a side step when Harley arrives and the drama that follows her lands in his lap. I actually really liked him as a character. He’s a teenage boy on the cusp of manhood, but he’s mature and responsible, a family-oriented guy. His twin, Lake, was more difficult to like for most of the book. But, for all her snarkiness and standoffishness, she’s loyal to those she likes and doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not, or like someone she doesn’t. I warmed up to her toward the end when she stood by her brother.
Harley Belle is a stark contrast to the people of Aurora. Raw and way too laid back and hip for the upper echelon country club family she finds herself thrust into. She’s a filmmaker, thrift shopper, and has her own goals. She pushes against the ties that bind for her protection, angry that she needs protection but understanding why. Far more vulnerable than she lets on, but confident and blasé about people liking her or not.
Jean-Luke is a seriously cute character. Far too wise for his six-tears of age, he adores his cousin River and watches everything around him. His twin Gia is a little less friendly, much like Lake.
We don’t see much of River’s parents because most of his time is spent at his Aunts, babysitting the little twins with his twin. His Aunt is a good character who manages things to the best of her ability while running for office in the public eye. Harley’s father seems like a solid guy, protective to a fault and not from the family money so more laid back like his daughter.
The step-cousin thing took a bit for me to wrap my head around, but Harley and River hadn’t even met before, so the close relationship isn’t there.
The ending was perfect. The culmination of Harley running from her ex was necessary to facilitate her flourishing into the life she was meant to have. I really appreciated how the ending was about Harley, not Harley and River.
I received a free copy of this via BookSirens in exchange for a voluntary, honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 16, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free (thank you, Book Sirens), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Let me start by saying that I could not put this book down. I stayed up until 5 AM to read it knowing I had to be at work at 9 AM. But wow, was it worth it. I was completely encapsulated by the world of Harley Belle Thorpp. From her life in Portland with her mom and the Otters, to her father's new family in Aurora.
Harley Belle Thorpp was in a toxic relationship with a man with socio-pathethic tendencies. Katie Klein got the writing of the manipulative boyfriend pretty perfectly, it's impressive. Anyway, because of him, Harley is forced to move across the United States to live with her dad and his new family she has never met. Along the way she meets River and Lake--more importantly, River. Throughout the various awful events that occur while in Aurora and the setbacks Harley and her family are constantly dealing with because of the ex-boyfriend, a beautiful friendship/relationship grows between Harley and River.
I loved how Katie Klein wrote so organically about the friendship between Harley and River. For all intents and purposes, River and Harley are an unlikely match, but it works. And it works well--but I refuse to spoil it.
There are other characters to love in this book besides our two main characters (River and Harley who the story is told through). There are the Otters--Zain, Oliver, Adam Ford, SlimJim and Frankie--Darla and Graham, Jean-Luke and Gia. I'm not exaggerating but Jean-Luke, Harley's six-year old step-brother, may be my favorite literary character of all time. He is so pure and sweet and funny. I could not get enough of him. I know this is a stand alone, but I would read a second book just for Jean-Luke (although if I'm being honest, I just really want more).
The only thing I can say that I did not necessarily like was the ending. And I will not spoil anything. I loved the last chapter and how everything played out, however, I was expecting more. All of a sudden it was the epilogue and over a year and a half had gone by. I am dying to know what happened in that year and a half---it's all I can think about right now.
All in all, Katie Klein wrote a very beautiful, very intriguing, and very good story. The characters were great. The writing was phenomenal. It was the perfect combination of romance and thriller--it was exactly what I needed at this point in time.
Let me start by saying that I could not put this book down. I stayed up until 5 AM to read it knowing I had to be at work at 9 AM. But wow, was it worth it. I was completely encapsulated by the world of Harley Belle Thorpp. From her life in Portland with her mom and the Otters, to her father's new family in Aurora.
Harley Belle Thorpp was in a toxic relationship with a man with socio-pathethic tendencies. Katie Klein got the writing of the manipulative boyfriend pretty perfectly, it's impressive. Anyway, because of him, Harley is forced to move across the United States to live with her dad and his new family she has never met. Along the way she meets River and Lake--more importantly, River. Throughout the various awful events that occur while in Aurora and the setbacks Harley and her family are constantly dealing with because of the ex-boyfriend, a beautiful friendship/relationship grows between Harley and River.
I loved how Katie Klein wrote so organically about the friendship between Harley and River. For all intents and purposes, River and Harley are an unlikely match, but it works. And it works well--but I refuse to spoil it.
There are other characters to love in this book besides our two main characters (River and Harley who the story is told through). There are the Otters--Zain, Oliver, Adam Ford, SlimJim and Frankie--Darla and Graham, Jean-Luke and Gia. I'm not exaggerating but Jean-Luke, Harley's six-year old step-brother, may be my favorite literary character of all time. He is so pure and sweet and funny. I could not get enough of him. I know this is a stand alone, but I would read a second book just for Jean-Luke (although if I'm being honest, I just really want more).
The only thing I can say that I did not necessarily like was the ending. And I will not spoil anything. I loved the last chapter and how everything played out, however, I was expecting more. All of a sudden it was the epilogue and over a year and a half had gone by. I am dying to know what happened in that year and a half---it's all I can think about right now.
All in all, Katie Klein wrote a very beautiful, very intriguing, and very good story. The characters were great. The writing was phenomenal. It was the perfect combination of romance and thriller--it was exactly what I needed at this point in time.
November 30, 2020
See Ana's full review at The Book Hookup!
Ms. Klein has done it again…although in this book there’s a twist. Where she usually has my heart fluttering mostly because of the romance, this time the rapid beating came thanks a roller coaster ride of a story with unexpected situations and an ending that kept me on the edge of my seat. Harley’s story brings to light some scary truths…that sometimes we don’t judge people’s characters correctly and that, try as we might, we’re not always in control of what happens in our lives. There’s nothing superficial about this story – everything is raw and authentic. Not everyone likes each other, not everyone gets along and characters have their individual quirks that you’ll either love or hate but that, in the end, make them unique and real. I adored River. His sweet demeanour and his devotion to Harley had me sighing and swooning. He is the best kind of beta…the kind with a whole lot of alpha tucked away in his soul (and, if you don’t get this reference now, you sure will when you read this book). Together, these two were wonderful and I, for one, want to know more about their future.
This is one of those books that’ll stay with you for a while…the storyline, both troubling and beautiful…the characters, both strong and vulnerable…and the multitude of emotions that come from battling the worst life can throw at you and the ability to come out the other side. Trust me, give it a read!
Ms. Klein has done it again…although in this book there’s a twist. Where she usually has my heart fluttering mostly because of the romance, this time the rapid beating came thanks a roller coaster ride of a story with unexpected situations and an ending that kept me on the edge of my seat. Harley’s story brings to light some scary truths…that sometimes we don’t judge people’s characters correctly and that, try as we might, we’re not always in control of what happens in our lives. There’s nothing superficial about this story – everything is raw and authentic. Not everyone likes each other, not everyone gets along and characters have their individual quirks that you’ll either love or hate but that, in the end, make them unique and real. I adored River. His sweet demeanour and his devotion to Harley had me sighing and swooning. He is the best kind of beta…the kind with a whole lot of alpha tucked away in his soul (and, if you don’t get this reference now, you sure will when you read this book). Together, these two were wonderful and I, for one, want to know more about their future.
This is one of those books that’ll stay with you for a while…the storyline, both troubling and beautiful…the characters, both strong and vulnerable…and the multitude of emotions that come from battling the worst life can throw at you and the ability to come out the other side. Trust me, give it a read!
February 13, 2021
*ARC courtesy of BookSirens*
All I Never Needed is the first book I read of this author but it won't be the last!
I really liked how the story takes its time and how, in the meantime, the reader can really get to know the various characters. While the focus it's obviously on River and Harley, the story it's told by their alternating point of view, a lot of other characters played an important role in it.
As a matter of fact, I think that one of the things that made the book so realistic and interesting was indeed all their interactions with River and Harley. Each character affected the other in one way or another and in the end it made for one fluid book's universe and a really good story to read.
The 'mystery' or the 'romance' part of the book took sometimes a background role in the story but I didn't perceive it as a bad thing. As I said, the book takes its time to unfold and the reader should be prepared to enjoy the ride without any rush to get to the end.
I enjoyed it very much!
At last, I'd like to thank the author Katie Klein for the chance to read her book for free through BookSirens and I hope she appreciates my honest review.
All I Never Needed is the first book I read of this author but it won't be the last!
I really liked how the story takes its time and how, in the meantime, the reader can really get to know the various characters. While the focus it's obviously on River and Harley, the story it's told by their alternating point of view, a lot of other characters played an important role in it.
As a matter of fact, I think that one of the things that made the book so realistic and interesting was indeed all their interactions with River and Harley. Each character affected the other in one way or another and in the end it made for one fluid book's universe and a really good story to read.
The 'mystery' or the 'romance' part of the book took sometimes a background role in the story but I didn't perceive it as a bad thing. As I said, the book takes its time to unfold and the reader should be prepared to enjoy the ride without any rush to get to the end.
I enjoyed it very much!
At last, I'd like to thank the author Katie Klein for the chance to read her book for free through BookSirens and I hope she appreciates my honest review.
November 7, 2020
Girl travels across the country to escape stalker ex boyfriend. Ex boyfriend finds her. That pretty much sums up this story but the author takes 8 hours to tell it. 8 hours! There is a lot of character development on the way and we get to know each of the characters REALLY well in that time and I suppose there are elements of sub plot on the way but no real twists and turns and it is far from gripping. It definitely had elements of soap running through it, but not a British, 6 part series; this was an American, 26 episode season!
Having said that, the story was ok otherwise I wouldn’t have devoted so much time to reading it. I enjoyed the dual narrative from Harley and River.
I received a free copy of this book via Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
Having said that, the story was ok otherwise I wouldn’t have devoted so much time to reading it. I enjoyed the dual narrative from Harley and River.
I received a free copy of this book via Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2020
**FULL REVIEW**
A thrilling story with a hint of romance...I love the pace, I found as I delved deeper into the book, I turned the pages faster and faster because I just HAD to know what happened next.
A perfect blend, Harley and River are a sweet combo. I especially loved even the supporting characters (the double twins' thing was a great touch!)--their voices were written perfectly to depict their age.
Stalkers, family drama, politics...and no story would be complete without love...which Klein delivered with lyrical prose that I enjoyed from beginning to end.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
**4 Second Chances, Stars**
*Thank you Book Sirens for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.*
A thrilling story with a hint of romance...I love the pace, I found as I delved deeper into the book, I turned the pages faster and faster because I just HAD to know what happened next.
A perfect blend, Harley and River are a sweet combo. I especially loved even the supporting characters (the double twins' thing was a great touch!)--their voices were written perfectly to depict their age.
Stalkers, family drama, politics...and no story would be complete without love...which Klein delivered with lyrical prose that I enjoyed from beginning to end.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
**4 Second Chances, Stars**
*Thank you Book Sirens for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.*
November 14, 2020
This is the first book I've ever read by Katie Klein, and I was really impressed with her writing style and storytelling; however, I thought it was more of a romance novel than it was, which is why I didn't give it five stars. She tells an excellent story though, it just wasn't my normal type of book. Highly recommended, if you like more of a suspense/thriller over romance.
I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens, and this is my honest review of All I Never Needed.
I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens, and this is my honest review of All I Never Needed.
November 10, 2020
This was a book about first love going wrong and finding a true love when you least expect it. This was a really good book. It was one of those books that just kept getting better and better the longer you read it. The author really explained the characters well and the family dynamics. I really enjoyed it. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
November 13, 2020
All I Never Needed was a good thriller. Katie Klein has written a story that is fast paced and surprising. Harley is being stalked by an old boyfriend. She is staying with her father and his new family that she has never met. What follows is a thrilling read with just a touch of romance. Ms Klein has written an exciting story and I look forward to reading another of her books.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews