Review: All of You in five words or less -- fun, sweet, sexy, intense, refreshing.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 26, 2014
This is Christina Lee’s debut novel? Seriously? So many times I sit down with an author’s first work and no matter how much I like it, there seems to be something missing, something not quite yet refined, something that once cultivated and after time and experience becomes amazing and complete, but misses the mark just enough to leave you feeling a bit unfulfilled or still wanting. This was never the case while reading this book.  I relished every word, action, and situation and enjoyed every minute of this story.In All of You a damaged, no nonsense, no-strings-attached, tough girl meets and initially gets rebuffed by a chivalrous, hot tattoo artist who we later find out is a VIRGIN.  That’s right, you heard me, total role reversal and it was fantastic! This 180 from the typical archetypes seen in many new adult and contemporary romances was original, dynamic, and immensely refreshing.  Sex for Avery is about gratification and control while it’s about connection and love for Bennett.  It was such a nice change of pace for the male to have this outlook as well as experience the shift in Avery’s frame of mind as opposed to the good old man-whore who just needs to find the right woman to settle down with trope.I absolutely love anticipation and sexual tension in a story; in fact it is probably my favorite part.  This book is rife with white hot chemistry and tension.  There is much to be said for feeling the emotions of characters and really being drawn into a story and when these feelings you are experiencing make your heart race, your palms sweat, and your breathing labored just from the characters being in close proximity of each other you know you are in the hands of a master.There are so many aspects to this story that it is completely engrossing and keeps you glued to the pages.  Avery and Bennett struggle to keep their feelings at bay all while dealing with broken families, difficult backgrounds, peril, and loss. There is never a dull moment.I simply cannot say enough good things about this book and I can’t even think of a single thing about All of You that I didn’t love.  The writing was superb, the premise was different and alluring, all the characters, not just Bennett and Avery, were fun and loveable and irresistible.Five Fingers to describe Avery and Bennett – resisting, roots, freeing, beautiful love.  You may not understand that now, but run, don’t walk, to get this book and you will understand and appreciate it as much as I do.