Reviews

All of Me by A.L. Jackson

maferg01's review against another edition

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5.0

I have no idea why I am ever surprised that AL Jackson once again has written a story that both twists you up in knots and gives you all the feels. A story that is steamy and sweet at the same time; plus so full of angst and enough plot twists that keep you on your toes from start to finish.

All of Me is a love story that won’t let you go. Ian is a lawyer who is so tangled up by his desire to succeed and a client that won’t release his hooks, but also haunted by a past he can’t escape from. Grace is trying fiercely to escape a man who puts her and her children in danger. These two meet and chemistry keeps drawing them back together, even though it crosses professional lines. You’ll love the fire between the two of them, his dark to her light, and the passion they share that eventually turns into more.

I love when you get to the part where you think you have it all figured out, and AL Jackson twists the story on its head, shocking you with a revelation you don’t see coming, or in this case several. This book is one that you won’t want to put down. You’ll be drawn in by the characters, who are both intriguing in their own ways, and the plot will keep the pages turning. Before you know it, you’ll have lost half the day. If you decide to listen to the audiobook (I read and listened - thank you whispersync!), you’re in for a treat. Joe Arden is the perfect gritty voice for Ian and Andi Ardnt is southern sweetness personified. The perfect combination for these characters.

bibliophile90's review against another edition

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4.0

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

description

3.5 stars

Amy is one of my most read authors, and I always look forward to her books. She has a very poetic way of telling a story that appeals to me. Even though All of Me isn't my favorite by her, I still enjoyed it. I liked the characters and I was interested to see how the story would develop. I wanted to see how Ian and Grace would finally be together. It definitely wasn't easy and there were many obstacles that prevented them to be happy. I have to admit that I liked the second half of the story more than I did the first. In my opinion that is when the story really picked up and it got more intriguing. I also loved the hint of suspense that was added to the story. Amy creates great villains, and I secretly hope that Amy one day will write a full-on romantic suspense series.

I did have a couple of issues with how the story started. I would've shuffled some things around in the story, for example I was expecting Ian to be Grace's attorney earlier on in the story. So that the forbidden aspect was present from the start. The insta-lust was a bit too much, I personally am not a big fan of it. I also wanted more of a build-up to Ian and Grace having sex. Ian isn't open to be in a committed relationship because of the things that happened in his past, and are still happening in his current life. However, when he meets Grace he feels a very strong attraction/connection to her. Which shows that when you meet the one, you can't really resist what your heart wants. My heart broke for Ian, he really did have a very bad childhood. The flashbacks showing this were absolutely heartbreaking. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I loved seeing Jace and Faith (from the previous book) make appearances in All of Me. I am looking forward to Mack's story, I can't wait to see who he ends up with.

melissalynn1226's review

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challenging medium-paced

4.0

lattes_literacy's review against another edition

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5.0

All of Me

A.L. Jackson did it again! I was so connected to this story that I could hardly put it down. It took me less than 24 hours to read this.

I was reeled in from the start. Wanting to know all the things about Ian and Grace. I related to Ian in a deep way. This is the second series of A.L Jackson’s where some of her storylines mirrored or were similar to my thing that happened in my life at some point.

I continue to love the author’s writing style. The way she goes back and forth throughout their lives is brilliant. I feel they are some of the most important parts of her stories.

jenrich26's review against another edition

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3.0

Overall I never quite felt a love connection between Jace and Grace, I felt the lust for sure and at times I felt like that was overdone. I very much enjoyed the kids in this book, Thomas especially. I liked the suspense in the second half, I did figure out some of what was going to happen and I am looking forward to hearing more in Mack's book.

wchappus's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars

izziede's review against another edition

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DNF
Not for me too much monologue.

syndi3's review

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emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 I am not really a big fan of Miss Jackson. Her writing has so much sorrow and not enough humor or happiness. Reading/ listening to her story makes me sad. With an anxiety disorder, I have to be very careful picking up her books. 

All of Me is the first book I read on the series. The audio book has been flying around on my radar, but I somehow putting it off. As expected the book is full of sorrow. The writing is sonnet. Each words is stacked in that way so I can feel the max pressure of that sorrow. I feel so hard for Ian. Such a broken hero. His soul longing for redemption for all his sins in the past. While Grace is that perfect angel of savior. Both colliding into each other world without realizing their fate is sealed. 

I love to see how Ian transforms into the man he destined to be. And with Grace by his side, they finally get their HEA. Again as Miss Jackson signature, the story is alive with her writing. Overall I do enjoy this book more that I expect. After all we all deserves a hero/ heroine to save us all. 

gabbylovesbooks28's review against another edition

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5.0

5+ stars!!

All of Me completely blew me away!! It was simply stunning. Beautifully written with the right amount of angst, love and drama. There was also a forbidden element that I couldn’t get enough of. It's been more than a week since finishing this book and I'm still not over it. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. Some of A.L. Jackson’s best work!

A.L. Jackson showed no mercy on my emotions. It was one punch to the feels after another. There were a couple times where I was so overwhelmed by everything I was reading that I was forced to put my kindle down and regroup. I straight up ugly cried my way through most of this story. So worth it though. Gah! Just thinking about it is stirring up all those emotions again. Such a good book.

When we first met Ian Jacobs in More of You, he had a dark bad boy aura surrounding him. I knew his story was going to rock my world. I was right. This guilt ridden, driven bad boy who so inherently good just won my heart. His constant battle with himself over wanting Grace but knowing he shouldn’t have her built an absolute delicious tension. I loved his connection with her. It was definitely an instant attraction but it didn’t feel like cheesy instalove story. Their connection was full of passion and want and heart. The forbiddenness of their relationship only elevated the story. A.L. Jackson did a great job making these characters so well rounded. If you are looking for a heroine who is all strength, heart and determination, then let me direct you towards Grace Dearborne. She’s my favorite character in this story. Although I really really loved Ian, I loved Grace more. When she was close to losing everything she fought harder. Her relationship with her children and the dedication to them is so beautiful. Love, love, loved her.

I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s just so freaking good. This Confession of the Heart series is some of my favorite work from this author. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

kara_hildebrand's review against another edition

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5.0

All of Me is the second book in the Confessions of the Heart series by the fabulous and talented AL Jackson. First, let me say that this book is one of my favorites of hers. Second, Ian is definitely one of my favorite heroes of hers right next to Jared. Third, AL Jackson is one of the finest writers there is. The way she uses words, feelings, emotions, to make you hold your breath, gasp in relief, choke out a sob and smile. Just when you think your heart can't take anymore, she adds something. A word. A whisper. A look. It beats out of your chest and lands in your hands and then she puts it back for you and it swells to twice its size. My heart had already been beating for Ian Jacobs before I read his story. After meeting him in More of You, I knew his story was going to slice me open and leave me panting for air. He's so broken, battered and hates himself. He sees things in himself that no one else sees. His brother Jace and his wife Faith and his best friend Mack love him unconditionally. He doesn't think he deserves it. He's the devil. He doesn’t need anyone. Until he sees Grace from across the room. He doesn't just want her. He needs her. He can't stop thinking about her and that's dangerous. She could be the thing to ruin him. He already knows he'll ruin her. But he can't stay away. The pull is too powerful. The chemistry too hot. Grace can't take chances with her own heart. She has little hearts depending on her. She needs help. She needs a good lawyer, a wish and a prayer. But she's off limits to him personally once he's agreed to help her. He gets deeper and deeper inside her situation and there's no way out. There's danger all around and he's vowed to protect her and the people she loves. What happens when the worst scenario becomes truth? Will Ian be the man he's always meant to be? Show the world that he's not the devil? I can't even express how fantastic this story is! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I couldn't hold back the sobs and tears and I thought I was going to have a panic attack at the end! Amy never disappoints and I know she's going to give me what I need in the end, but she's always going to put my heart though the ringer first. Ian Jacobs owns me. Period.

"Men like you should come with a warning."
"I think it's a woman like you who bears all the threat."
"How's that?"

"You're so sweet that you don't have the first clue just how dangerous you really are."