Books I’ve Read: All or Nothing by Lexi Ryan

Image from Goodreads

Title: All or Nothing
Series: Abbott Falls
Author: Lexi Ryan
Publisher: 1 Nov 2014
Publication Date:
Source: Review Copy
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis from Goodreads

After years of placing the wrong bets, all Aubree Baxter ever wanted was someone to take a chance on her. More specifically, she wants golden boy Kennedy Hale, her good friend and unrequited crush. After a seduction attempt gone terribly wrong, she knows pursuing anything more than friendship with Kennedy means sure heartbreak. If they’re going to make this work, it has to be ALL OR NOTHING.

All or Nothing is a fast paced, character driven novella providing a solid basis for the start of a new series by Lexi Ryan.

Told in dual, first person narrative from the perspective of Kennedy and Aubree. Childhood friends whose chemistry is undeniable to all around them, yet they’ve held back afraid to destroy the friendship they have in favor of a romantic relationship. that is until Aubree makes the impulsive seduction attempt that not only shakes the foundation of their friendship but also shatters her hopes for the future.

While they appear complete opposites, Kennedy and Aubree balance each other. Whereas Aubree can be seen as impulsive, Kennedy is governed by others, specifically his father, and feels he has to live to these expectations at the expense of his own happiness. I’ve got to be honest and say Kennedy isn’t my fave book boyfriend, at times he is incredibly selfish and a bit of a man-ho. I really didn’t like his previous dalliance with Aubree’s friend. Seriously, Aubree’s heart was pretty much on her sleeve, how everyone failed to notice I have no idea.

On the other hand I really liked Aubree, I felt every bit of her heartache, embarrassment and humiliation with her. Her impulsiveness was merely a veneer to hide her vulnerability behind. Having grown-up in a cold and distant household with her mothers desertion at an impressionable age; Aubree craves comfort and security. Roaming the country looking for a place to call home when really home is the person that has your heart.

For all their barriers I really liked how the relationship between Kennedy and Bree developed through the narrative.

I really looking forward to seeing where Lexi Ryan takes this series next.

Received from Author