Review: Refreshing
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 10, 2013
I was eagerly anticipating the release of All I Ever Wanted, fully ready to dive into another journey with the D’Amato boys and their forays into love and the human condition. I was prepared to grin and bear it, grit my teeth, laugh like a lunatic, gasp in surprise/disgust, and question sanity. I was prepared to shout at my Kindle, shake my head in disbelief, and revel in the sinfully delicious sensuality that has become a hallmark for the D’Amato brothers and their lady loves.What I wasn't’ prepared for was the simplicity of this story.Don’t get me wrong; the dynamic of the relationship between Zoe Mitchell and Joey D’Amato is fiercely complex. Both are determined to achieve on their own merits, both are strong and both know what they want out of life. What was refreshing about this story, however, was that there seemed to be less melodrama and more reality.  It’s perfectly understandable for a couple, who by their own account, cannot let go- of control, the past, their inability to see past the trees of their own forests  but  still manage to fall in love with each other.  I read voraciously, enjoying the lengths that both Zoe and Joey went to have just a sliver of happiness and love.This story was the total opposite of the destruction and drama of its predecessor and with good reason.  Joey seems to be the more rational, the straighter forward of the brothers (his playa ways aside) and it showed in the way he conducted his business. He knew what and who he was in his world.  As a direct contrast, Zoe was all about proving herself to the world. She was focused on making a name for herself on her own sweat and tears. Even though their journey was quite complicated, it wasn't wrought with drama; even Joey’s run- ins with Catalina, a woman who’d sought the spoils of being with a D’Amato, any D’Amato, wasn't teeming with melodrama. Joey effectively compartmentalized his trysts and his emotions and kept them on a dime.  It would've been easy to let the side pieces run amok but it was far more satisfying to see the drama unfold in a natural, organic manner.  Zoe and Joey’s misconceptions were all the drama that was required and thankfully, it didn't spiral down the rabbit hole.  Sometimes, all we need in an excellent read is the two characters, hashing out their problems without any outside interference.Although it is a D’Amato brother’s book, All I Ever Wanted stands alone. Its tone, its character is far different than any of the other books. There’s a sense of maturity within the words and that can only be a reflection of growth on both the author and her cadre of characters. As always, Ms. Roberts never fails to bring the truth; her prose grabs you from the first word to the last period. She has the perfect balance of sensuality, love, and human condition. I will continue to be a die-hard fan as long as she continues to write phenomenal, thought provoking work.