October 10, 2018 8:00 am
The beginning of any love story starts with the meet.
I’ve known Garrett Hollis since before I can remember, and I’ve loved him just as long. I loved him while he loved someone else. I loved him when he had a baby with her. I loved him when she left him.
The greatest of love stories is that between a dad and his daughter. I should know. I’ve had a front row seat. First steps, first words, all the big moments.
Garrett was just a teenager when Mia was born. I’ve watched him braid his daughter’s hair, hold her hand crossing the street, seen her asleep on his chest. I’m the best friend, the one they can count on for everything from dance lessons to motherly advice, anything they need. I’m their go-to girl.
The best part of any love story is the happily ever after.
But what if the happily ever after doesn’t include you?
All my life, that’s how long I’ve loved him.
Of course, he’s clueless.
Garrett Hollis had it all as a sixteen year old athlete in small town Eden Valley. He was handsome and popular with a bright future ahead of him. He and Devlyn Drake have known each other since they were five years old and she’s secretly crushed on him ever since. When beautiful Sheena reluctantly accompanies her family to the town for the summer, she hones in on Garrett right away, thus beginning an intense relationship that ends with a pregnancy that shattered his life. Sheena gave birth to Mia and walked away that same day, leaving Garrett to raise his daughter on his own. He’s now 34-years old and Mia has just graduated from high school and headed for college.
Garrett devoted his life to his daughter from the day she was born, with Devlyn being a major fixture in their lives. The story is told from Garrett and Devlyn’s points of view and that made such a difference. Without both perspectives providing clarity, their long-term friendship without benefits may have seemed highly improbable but it made perfect sense given the small town community, his total commitment to his daughter and her absolute fear of ruining their friendship. I loved their relationship and how it slowly (and I mean slowly!) transitioned to something more. There’s something beautiful about two friends who love and respect each other deeply changing the direction to intimacy. Devlyn’s feelings never wavered and Garrett was the one most surprised by the awakening of his latent feelings for her. The angst she later experienced was natural given the human condition and was realistically portrayed.
I really loved this story and especially Devlyn who loved both Garrett and Mia fiercely and unselfishly. While it was primarily Garrett’s story to tell, the heart of it belonged to Devlyn. The conflicts, family dynamics and resolutions were deftly addressed without a lot of unnecessary drama and with an authenticity I found refreshing. Prescott Lane is one of my favorite authors who writes the most touching standalone stories, normally in the new adult genre so I was surprised to see her branch out and tackle older subjects and more complex issues. Once I started, I didn’t want to let go. Sometimes you only need look at what’s right in front of you to find what you’ve been looking for.
(I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review)
Amazon AppleBooks Amazon Worldwide Nook Kobo Goodreads
Prescott Lane is the Amazon best-selling author of Stripped Raw. She’s got seven other books under her belt including: First Position, Perfectly Broken, Quiet Angel, Wrapped in Lace, Layers of Her, The Reason for Me, and The Sex Bucket List. She is originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, and holds a degree in sociology and a MSW from Tulane University. She married her college sweetheart, and they currently live in New Orleans with their two children and two crazy dogs. Prescott started writing at the age of five, and sold her first story about a talking turtle to her father for a quarter. She later turned to writing romance novels because there aren’t enough happily ever afters in real life.
Facebook Twitter Amazon Instagram Website
Posted by Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
Categories: Contemporary Romance
Tags: Blog Tours, Reviews
Mobile Site | Full Site
Get a free blog at WordPress.com Theme: WordPress Mobile Edition by Alex King.
Wow all those years. This sounds really fantastic. Amazing review! Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Northwoman on October 10, 2018 at 12:37 pm
Thanks, Anne! It really was a great story.
LikeLike
By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) on October 10, 2018 at 2:01 pm
Great review, Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By B Lostinacoulee on October 10, 2018 at 5:56 pm
Thank you, Brenda!
LikeLike
By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) on October 10, 2018 at 6:48 pm
What a lovely review, Jonetta! I can tell you really connected to the characters. I love this author’s name!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By jennifertarheelreader on October 10, 2018 at 6:18 pm
Thanks, Jennifer! I’m very picky about the romance novels I read these days, preferring them to lean equally towards contemporary fiction, and this author is so consistent in that regard. She does have the coolest name.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) on October 10, 2018 at 6:50 pm
Ooo fantastic review and wow that synopsis just pulls you in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer on October 10, 2018 at 10:07 pm
Thanks, Kimberly! It did indeed hook me.
LikeLike
By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) on October 10, 2018 at 10:20 pm
Great review, Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By nightcapbooks on October 11, 2018 at 10:20 am
Thank you, Darinda!
LikeLike
By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) on October 11, 2018 at 12:21 pm
It is so great when an author takes a step out of their comfort zone. Glad this was a great read for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By yayareadslotsofbooks on October 11, 2018 at 5:07 pm
It really is and, in this case, it worked beautifully.
LikeLike
By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) on October 11, 2018 at 6:26 pm
Sounds like a great story. So glad you enjoyed it. Wonderful review.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Melanie Simmons (@mlsimmons) on October 12, 2018 at 12:07 pm
Thank you, Melanie!
LikeLike
By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) on October 12, 2018 at 12:58 pm
[…] All My Life by Prescott […]
LikeLike
By Best of 2018 – Top 12 Books – Blue Mood Café on December 27, 2018 at 6:02 am