Her fairytale ending turns into a disaster. Can her brother’s best friend convince her that she was chasing the wrong happily ever after?
Everly Cooper had it all. A successful fiancé, a dream home being built, and the life she always wanted away from the spotlight.
And then it all crashed and burned… publicly, and her brother’s best friend, Blake, was all too eager to race to her rescue.
Blake Lawson left the world of professional football for the small town life five years ago. His friend, Ridge, needed help, and being closer to Everly was more than just a bonus. He’d been silently in love with his best friend’s sister for years. He had everything he could possibly want, except her.
Blake refuses to watch her cry over a man who didn’t deserve her. He’s ready to fess up to Everly and show her how a real man treats the woman he loves.
When Blake's plan to win her heart backfires, he’ll have to figure out what loving someone really means before he loses Everly forever.
Almost Everything is the second book in the Christian romance Wolf Creek Ranch series.
Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
Ya'll, this series is just what I need this month. A lighthearted, sweet, Christian romance set on a ranch with the greatest cast of character you feel so connected to. I LOVED this one so much, even more than book 1! It just had the best guy who truly cared for her and it helps he had the same name as my husband LOL! Seriously though, a sweet hallmark movie style on the ranch story!
Note: This book is book 2 in the Wolf Creek Ranch series - I do recommend reading it after book 1, because 1 to 2 sentences in this book spoil a big reveal in book 1.
Here we have Blake and Everly -- Blake left his professional football career for small town life 5 years ago. His friend Ridge needed help and being closer to Everly was great too. Blake has been in love with his best friend's sister for years but stood by and never pursued anything, leaving Everly to end up engaged to David, a total jerk. The book starts off with Blake driving Everly to the airport to get on a plane to go see David, but when her best friend sends photos to her of David with another woman, she calls off the engagement. Blake is there to comfort here over the next several months and she soon realizes he's the one for her all along, not David. David continues to pursue her and cause trouble for Everly, but Blake isn't having it! The story goes on from here.
Tropes: - Brother's Best Friend - He falls first - Protective MMC
I was completely immersed in Blake and Everly's interactions and connection. They had such a great chemistry due to their past together and they just fit together perfectly. Love the setting, characters and the drama/part secrets revealed. I LOVE a good protector in a romance and Blake is the perfect mixture of a protector, friend and boyfriend. Just such a sweet story and I loved seeing Everly work through her writing too. Her friends were also a HOOT! I was like YES the perfect BESTIES! Ain't gonna let nobody cheat on their friend! The faith elements in this were also beautiful to see and I loved seeing Blake and Everly stand firm in their "living together" beliefs, because there is a situation where she is kicked out of her home from David, so she quickly moves in with her brother and Blake -- but before her and Blake start ANY kind of relationship, they both agree they must separate in their living situation because they don't want to cross any lines or be "living together" with a partner in that way -- very refreshing to see!
Excited to see how things go in book 3 with Ridge's story! He's such an interesting character too!
Trigger Warning: Only content warning I want to mention is the details surrounding her ex-fiance David and Everly were a bit tough - he was obsessive and continued to pursue her with a couple of tough scenes with him yelling and pushing/hurting her.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy to honestly read and review - all opinions are my own.
Almost Everything is everything I’ve come to expect in a Mandi Blake story! There is a sweet friends to more romance, a bit of danger to keep you on your toes, and a great faith thread woven throughout the story.
I loved how much Blake loved Everly! He was totally devoted to her and wanted the best for her even if it wasn’t him. I also enjoyed how Everly went from thinking of Blake as just a good friend to more. It was seamless and believable. I really liked the teaser at the end of this story about Ridge, Everly’s brother. The premise is interesting and I’m wondering just how Mandi Blake is going to write his romance.
While this is the second book in the series, you can easily read Almost Everything as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light.
I am a huge fan of Mandi Blake's books. She captures the emotions of the characters and projects them from the pages of the book into the reader's heart. This book is no exception.
Blake has loved Everly since he met her it seems. He is also Everly's brother's best friend. They have all been through a lot together. But Everly has always been off limits and when her fiance' cheats on her and she ends the relationship, Blake finally sees that he might have a chance. Will Everly be ready for him to declare his love or will she only see him as a good friend?
Blake is the perfect mix of protector, friend and lover. He supports Everly is all she does and he stands back to let her make her way while cheering for her success. This was a clean, wholesome read with some swoon-worthy moments. Now I can't wait for her brother to get his happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
I've been on the edge of my seat waiting to read Mandi Blake's Almost Everything, ever since I finished the first book in the Wolf Creek Ranch series, Truth is a Whisper. I had pretty high expectations for this one, and yet somehow, once again, she managed to exceed every single one of them. This wonderful, clean faith based romance was everything I could have wanted in a story and so much more, and the real world pretty much ceased to exist while I was caught up in Everly and Blake's developing romance.
I loved the set up of the romance in this one. Everly and Blake have known each other forever, as he's the best friend of her older brother. However, she's been in a relationship with someone else for a lot of years, and Blake refuses to let her know how he feels when she's engaged to someone else. When Everly's fiance cheats on her, and their relationship falls apart, Blake is the first one their to comfort her. Soon he has trouble keeping his feelings in check, and Everly is beginning to realize that she's feeling someone for the one guy she always thought was out of bounds.
Their romance is both swoon worthy and realistic, and I loved the maturity that both characters showed throughout their growth and authentic struggles as a new couple trying to figure each other out, while still staying true to their faith.
The setting of this one is probably my favorite of any of Mandi's books so far, as Wolf Creek Ranch is truly becoming near and dear to my heart. The secondary characters are all a hoot, and care so much for each other, and I love how the entire ranch feels like one big family. I especially enjoyed getting to learn more about Everly and Blake's relationship with her brother Ridge, and the set up to the next book being his story.
All in all, Mandi Blake has written another wonderful romance that kept me glued to the pages, and never wanting to see it come to an end. If you've never read one of her titles before, then this is a great one to start with!
Final Rating: 5/5.
I can't possibly recommend this one enough, and I can't wait to read Ridge's story! Mandi continues to be one of my all time favorite authors, and I'm excited to see what she has in store for her readers in the future.
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to advance read and review this one!
I voluntarily read a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 stars This was just a sweet book! I enjoy reading Mandi Blake’s books because they always shine Christ throughout the book and they have happily ever afters. Almost Everything was another wonderful book! I was excited to see how this book would turn out and it was really good! Everly was such a sweet character, she was really thoughtful and kind. I liked Everly from the beginning and I felt so bad for her as she tried to pick up the pieces of her life. She had everything until it all crashed and burned. I loved how strong Everly was and how she tried to lean on God even when her life felt crazy. However Everly also had to learn how to stand up for herself and how to rest in God’s plan. Blake was a fun character. He had loved Everly for a long time but he stayed away because she was engaged. However now she was single but she was also reeling from her break up. I liked how honorable Blake was and how he respected Everly. He didn’t try to push his feelings on her. It was cute to read about him interacting with Everly and seeing how much he liked her. He really cared for and he wanted her to be happy. Blake would have to learn how to listen to Everly and not just try to fix things for her. Blake and Everly were fun to read about together. They had an easy chemistry especially because they had a lot of history together. Blake was Everly’s brother’s best friend and he was also her friend. I liked the easy interactions. It was interesting to read about them falling in love and working through their struggles. They had a lot of hurdles to jump over. I really liked the side characters and I spotted at least two different books in the making! I liked Everly’s brother, Ridge, and I am super excited for him to get his own book. It looks like there is going to be quite a story. Almost Everything was a lovely read and I would totally recommend it! The characters are sweet and I love how faith is woven so seamlessly into the story. Almost Everything is a clean Christian contemporary romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
I LOVED Blake and Everly's story!! Blake has been in love with Everly, his best friend's younger sister, for years. Everly was to be getting married to David. Until a friend told her something and sent a picture for proof. Everly's world is shattered. The two people she knows she can count on are her brother and Blake. Blake's the one she calls. Blake is there by her side, until he makes a huge mistake. Will he be able to learn the lesson he needs to learn and still get Everly, or will he lose her forever? Such a wonderful book, and so glad Blake finally gets his own book!! Love how both Everly and Blake rely on God to help them through, too!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
Book one was so sweet and introduced a whole cast of characters. Book 2 is just as sweet, but I think I enjoyed it even more! I loved Blake's steady, protective love of Everly. And his integrity in standing by the guidelines they put on their relationship was so caring of their beliefs. I found Mandi Blake's books to be the warm, cozy reads that feel like a comfort read. If you are in the market for a sweet contemporary romance featuring some cowboys as well, check this series out! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are honest and completely my own.
Another hit from mandi. I'm in love with this series. As always she takes you in and you never want to leave . She brings each story to life , wanting you to visit each and every character and towns.
This is a beautiful, clean, Christian story set in Wolf Creek Ranch where respect, self worth and purity before marriage is highly valued.
This God centred story follows Everly whose fiancé, David, does something unforgivable. (I felt my stomach drop ten stories as the author’s description of events played out…excellent writing!). God, her good friend Blake and her brother Ridge are there to help Everly while also discovering the new path that God is leading her onto. When one door closes, another one (or two!) will surely open!
Really enjoyed Blake getting his second chance and his high moral ground along with Everly’s similar convictions were so lovely - holding out for the right other half in life is precious and not to be scorned at!
It was really lovely to be back for this second book in the series and to visit with all the characters that the reader met in the first book Truth is a Whisper. The characters are all unique and they grab you by their personalities - can’t wait to read their stories too!
Although the books can be read in any order, it’s still best to read them in sequence for the first book gives small snippets of background to Blake and Everly’s relationship status before every thing changes in book two. And at the end of book two, we are left with a taste of what Ridge’s story might entail so can’t wait to read his story!
Highly recommended - please read!
Received this as a free copy from the author and these are my own opinions.
Once again, this author has given her readers a book with characters that are easy to love, relate to and cheer on to a happily ever after. Everly and Blake’s story is a sweet, friends to lovers romance that will warm your heart. Blake is a steadfast and honourable man, who has loved Everly for years, but has never revealed or acted on his feelings and now she is in a relationship with another man. Working with her everyday is both a blessing and a hardship, especially because most everyone around them also knows how Blake feels about Everly. When her relationship with her fiancé dissolves, Blake offers his support and comforts her. She has known deep down that things were not quite right in her relationship with her ex and now she knows that they truly were not meant to be married. With her life in turmoil, she leans on her friends and brother, and gradually discovers her own strength and her confidence again. She also discovers that she wants more than friendship with Blake, and the revelation that he feels the same is truly wonderful. There are a few missteps and issues that threaten to derail their path to a happily ever after, but their faith in God and each other help them weather the bumps.
This book is enjoyable, engaging,and inspiring. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Almost Everything by Mandi Blake was a sweet and comforting friends to more story. Blake and Everly were great characters and their romance blossomed from friendship to love effortlessly. Blake was a steady and reliable hero who was absolutely devoted to Everly from his first appearance on the page. I appreciated his firm commitment to his values and faith and I enjoyed his pops of humor that were sprinkled throughout this story! I may just have to give his mashed potato topped tacos a try! Everly was kind and determined to regain her sense of self after losing herself in her last relationship and I liked how she found her voice and her purpose as the story unfolded. There are a few tense moments as these characters try to move on from their past, which added a few moments of uncertainty to the story. Mandi always writes with a bold faith thread and this book was no exception. The characters were upfront about their faith which I loved and they drew strong boundaries when it came to morals. The conclusion of this book was all smiles and romance and I love a happy ending! I enjoy the setting and characters of these stories and I’m anxiously anticipating Ridge’s story!
Everly has always preferred to fade into the background. She never wanted fame and fortune like her brother, Ridge, and when he got into trouble she had no problem leaving the city and following him and his best friend, Blake, to Wyoming. At the Wolf Creek Ranch Everly found a sense of family and friendship. She was looking forward to working and living near there even after her marriage to David but when her engagement fell apart she found herself at the center of unwanted attention and pity. If it wasn’t for Blake's strong support and friendship everything would have been much harder. He was always there for her and for some reason the end of her engagement with David didn’t bother her as much as she thought it would.
Everly and Blake make a beautiful couple. I enjoyed the way Everly found her own inner strength as the story progressed. I didn’t like the outcome with David or the stalker. Too many people try to handle that sort of thing on their own and it comes back at a later date with very bad or fatal results. Other than that, this is a well-written, clean cowboy romance. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
I think every girl needs a Blake in their lives. Someone who will listen. Pick them up when they are down. Stand aside while they reach for the stars. Watch them love another while their heart breaks. And then swoop in as a charming hero when it all falls apart. Ok, Blake really was patient and kind, and just oh so swoony. Maybe we need to talk about something else ;)
Here's the thing. While this may have a Hallmarky feel to it, it's really different. First, the faith thread is amazing. It's bold. It's non apologetic. It's exactly what I wanted. Second, Blake and Everly didn't just automatically get together and fall in love. No, there was good timing. There was things that got in the way, but not like cheesy or forced things. Just natural life. The flow was realistic. And Blake was dreamy. See there I go again lol.
Seriously guys. This contemporary romance is a must read. The series in fact. Who doesn't love a loyal, strong, faithful cowboy in their books? Yeah... I'll just leave it with that.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blake has loved Everly for years, but she's been engaged to another man for almost as long. When she discovers David is cheating on her and ends the engagement, he's reluctant to make a move too soon, but the two soon grow closer. But Everly's bad experience means that trust doesn't always come easily, even with someone she's known as long as Blake. Will Blake be able to overcome this and learn what it truly means to love someone else before he messes things up permanently?
I really enjoyed this story - and I particularly appreciated Blake's sense of honour (sure, it's what one would hope for, but it doesn't always work that way). I also liked the way that he showed Everly she mattered - even if, well... oh, you'll have to read it. It's well written, has characters one quickly comes to care about, is clean and has a good message. What more could you want?
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
I absolutely loved this book. I think it is my favorite book I have read this year. I really don't know how to express how much I enjoyed this one. I have loved every book I have read from this author, but this one takes the cake. The characters were so cute together, and they were both well developed. The storyline pulled me in and didn't let me go. I had to keep reading to find out what happened with them. Then, this whole book also helped set up for the next in the series. I can't wait for that one because this one did such a great job of making me want more. I think that was accomplished through the characters rather than through the setting for the series.
Okay, I'm just fangirling at this point, but I love it so much... I really think this book would appeal to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance. I recommend this book, and the whole series. You really can't go wrong with any of Mandi's books.
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I voluntarily left this honest review.
Blake always had her back. Was always there if she needed a pep talk. Was the first face she could find in a crowd.
Everly had always been his dream girl. He did his best to keep his distance since she is his best friends little sister. He waited too long and lost his chance. Now she is engaged.
David the high rolling fiancé. Who never looses.
Blake (swoon) has the more self control than anyone I have ever met. There were so many times he could have taken Everly in his arms and shared his heart but he did what was right and respected her relationship with David.
Everly easy to like and very relatable. She knew things didn’t feel right with David.
David is a wonderful villain that never backs down.
This books is a roller coaster of emotions and of God’s providence. Blake had prayed and prayed over his feelings for Everly. Deep down Everly knew her relationship with David was not God’s plan for her. They both chose to trust Him and found there happy ever after. Well after a few fights and literal punches.
This was a lovely addition to the Wolf Creek Ranch Series. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. A clean friends to more romance - with strong moral values, I really liked how Blake respected Everly's relationship. The ranch setting and characters shine, just really fun setting. With clear christian faith arc in the story and a little bit of danger to spice things up.
I have recently read the Blackwater Ranch series, which has an overlap of some of the characters, is set before this series (time wise) and is a neighbouring ranch. I really liked "seeing" some of the characters again. I would highly recommend reading the Blackwater Ranch series before this one, not because you need (these are standalone stories), but because it really adds to the enjoyment of the books. Mandi Blake is a wonderful author, so you can't go wrong getting more of her books!
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Mandi Did it again! A book that grab’s you from the start and you enjoy all the way through! Everly and Blake have been friends forever. Blake’s best friend is Ridge. They’ve been through some really hard and dark times. Ridge is also Everly big brother. When Everly faces betrayal from her fiancé. She has to re evaluate who she can really rely on. Blake has always known who he Love’s but wasn’t ever able to do anything about it till now. His heart is full of different emotions. When something from the past is fully brought to light can these 3 keep the trust they have with one another? Will The truth be set free? Looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Wish it was already out. Truth is a whisper is the 1st book on this series and is worth the time to read it. You will get an update of how some characters are doing. Both books can be read as a stand alone. I received a ARC for my honest thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was a volunteer ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. Loved this book! I couldn’t put it down. The characters were strong, the setting beautiful from the descriptions, and there was just enough suspense to want to keep reading. This is the second book in the Wolf Creek series. Each book as been a stand alone with a happily ever after. This book is the story of Everly and Blake, who is her brother’s friend. Everly was engaged to be married and found out her fiancé was lying and cheating. Everly seeks out Blake and her brother for help and a place to live. Blake has always loved Everly but never let his feelings show. Everly starts to realize she had feelings for Blake. They finally acknowledge their feelings for each other. You also get to see characters from the first book which makes this book enjoyable.
I was lucky enough to be asked to read this book before it was released to the general public. With that said, this is my honest review of this book. I'm a sucker for the "brother's best friend" trope and it's even better when it is also a "friends to love" story also. You can't help but love both of these characters. Blake's tenderness and long lived love is what sweet dreams are made of in my mind. Blake and Everly are two people who deserve a happily ever after, and Mandi Blake delivered just that. Bonus: This book is really setting us up for the next in the series where we get to see good things happen for Everly's brother (who is also Blake's best friend). That's something I love about the way Mandi Blake writes.
From the first page this book had me hooked. I love the intertwining of the characters from the first book and even though they weren’t all blood family , they loved each other deeply. Seeing how Everly grew from the frightened mouse to becoming the woman that her brother Ridge and Blake always knew she was. Was a transformation that I so enjoyed reading. Blake was a man after most women ‘s dreams. How he loved Everly from the day he met her and his patience was another thing I loved. He encouraged her and tried to stand back and let her fly while letting her know he was a protector and support for her.Read this series and I promise you will enjoy it.
Everly was foolish for staying with her fiance David for so long. He ran away when she was sick. If that doesn't say I don't really care about you what does. I kind of had a feeling he was more interested in her connections to her brother Ridge than her. Blake has been patiently waiting for Everly break up with David and notice him romantically. Unlike David he is strong in his faith and won't try to pressure Everly to do things she uncomfortable with. Sure, he tries to encourage her to put herself and her writing out there and makes assumptions that shake up their relationship. He's not perfect. But he will do what's necessary to support and show Everly how much he loves her. He was a swoon worthy hero in this sweet romance.
I'll be the first to tell you friends to lovers isn't my favorite. But now I will tell you never doubt Mandi Blake's ability to make my least favorite trope my new favorite.
Wow. From the first chapter I. Was. Invested.
The emotion, the feels, the backstory 👌 pulled me in and I literally didn't stop reading until the book was over.
The growth arcs for our characters were beautiful and believable. I absolutely loved the aspects of faith, the respect for each other, the chaste kisses, and everything about this small town Christian romance.
Sign me up for the next book. I need it ASAP.
💋Sweet kisses only ⚠️Cheating ex fiance, past publicity issues
Everly seemed to lose everything when she found out about her Fiancés cheating. But truly she gained a new chance at happiness with someone she could trust. Blake had been interested in Everly for years while she was engaged to David. Hoping to be the one to make Everly happy again Blake wants her to know how he feels. But it’s too soon and living arrangements are confusing. Then Blake and her brother have some startling truths to tell. This story is full of romance and intrigue. I was rooting for this couple from the beginning! Great addition to the Wolf Creek Ranch series! Love these characters!
This latest addition to the series belongs to Everly Cooper and Blake Lawson. Everly thought her life was perfect until the day she discovers her fiance’s infidelity . The life she had built came crumbling down. All she could think of was contacting her brother and Blake Lawson , her brother’s best friend. A man that has secretly been in love with Everly for years. As Blake helps her recover the unexpected might tear them apart. Will these two find their HEA, or will each end up heartbroken and going their separate ways? I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Mandi Blake’s, Almost Everything, is the second book in the Wolf Creek Ranch series. I loved the first book, Truth is a Whisper, and I couldn’t wait for book 2. I was not disappointed! In Almost Everything, Everly is planning her life and her wedding when she is blindsided by betrayal. She turns to her brother’s best friend who’s also her friend for comfort. Blake has loved Everly for years and now’s his chance to show her how he feels. Should be easy right? This clean swoon-worthy romance has all the tingly go to’s: cowboy, protector and a happy ending. You will love this book. I can’t wait for book 3!
I really enjoyed Blake and Everly's story. Not only the interactions with people at Wolf Creek Ranch and the broader Blackwater community (I SO like revisiting beloved characters!), but the difficult moments they had to navigate, together and separately (here's looking at you, David 😤).
There were some tricky scenarios for the hero and heroine which I feel Ms Blake handled with grace and tact. Not sure I'll forget Everly's final run-ins with her ex. 😖 But they were vital to the story, so I appreciated them despite the rough moments.