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Stay #2
All I Need
My life was hell, nothing but pain and darkness. Every night I hoped I'd lay down to sleep and never wake up.
Jackson Porter was sold into slavery as a child.
I saw no reason to keep going. There was nothing for me, no promise of a better life. Every morning I woke up hoping this would be my last day.
He's known nothing but darkness.
Then I met her, and everything changed.
Then he is forced to kidnap a young woman with a fiery spirit who refuses to give up. She could save his soul. Or they could remain damned together.
If she stays, it could be all he needs.
Jackson Porter was sold into slavery as a child.
I saw no reason to keep going. There was nothing for me, no promise of a better life. Every morning I woke up hoping this would be my last day.
He's known nothing but darkness.
Then I met her, and everything changed.
Then he is forced to kidnap a young woman with a fiery spirit who refuses to give up. She could save his soul. Or they could remain damned together.
If she stays, it could be all he needs.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
107 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
About the author
Emily Goodwin
95 books3,987 followersEmily Goodwin is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of over a dozen of romantic titles. Emily writes the kind of books she likes to read, and is a sucker for a swoon-worthy bad boy and happily ever afters.
She lives in the midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she's not writing, you can find her riding her horses, hiking, reading, or drinking wine with friends.
Emily is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency.
www.emilygoodwinbooks.com
facebook.com/emilygoodwinbooks
emily@emilygoodwinbooks.com
She lives in the midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she's not writing, you can find her riding her horses, hiking, reading, or drinking wine with friends.
Emily is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency.
www.emilygoodwinbooks.com
facebook.com/emilygoodwinbooks
emily@emilygoodwinbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 14, 2015
After reading Stay last fall, I couldn't wait for Jackson's story to come out. After some delays, and worry that the author wouldn't publish after all, I'm happy to say, it's finally here!
OMG! What a great book. Reading Jackson's story in this companion book, was, most times, heartbreaking. Realism and plausibility are Ms. Goodwin's strong suit. Most of the time, I felt like I was right there in the house with Jackson. I could feel his pain.
The writing pulled me in, made me a part of the story, it was descriptive in all the right ways. Never overly so, but enough that you could actually picture Jackson doing something as simple as brushing his hair back with his arm. Jackson's pain is real, he has no hope for anything anymore, death would be welcome...
Until Adeline.
Knowing what Jackson was doing and thinking during all those times Adeline was alone in the basement, or being otherwise abused. Knowing that he was thinking about her, falling in love with her, finally having hope. It was so insightful and at times gutwrenching.
This book made me hurt so much for Jackson, and I'm still feeling the "book hangover" effects of this one. The author, and her research, made this feel more like a true story. And, sadly, I'm sure it is similar to the plight of many in sexual slavery.
Please, before you read this companion book, (even though it *can* be read as a stand alone), and if you enjoy a seriously dark, non-con, taboo story, take the time to read Stay first. You won't be sorry. You'll get Adeline's side of things, and a much more detailed ending.
Reviewers Note: Amazon has stopped selling Stay, but, at the time of this writing, it is available here, on Smashwords
Edit: Reviewers Note: Ms. Goodwin was able to make a couple of changes to Stay and it's now back on Amazon.
OMG! What a great book. Reading Jackson's story in this companion book, was, most times, heartbreaking. Realism and plausibility are Ms. Goodwin's strong suit. Most of the time, I felt like I was right there in the house with Jackson. I could feel his pain.
The writing pulled me in, made me a part of the story, it was descriptive in all the right ways. Never overly so, but enough that you could actually picture Jackson doing something as simple as brushing his hair back with his arm. Jackson's pain is real, he has no hope for anything anymore, death would be welcome...
Until Adeline.
Knowing what Jackson was doing and thinking during all those times Adeline was alone in the basement, or being otherwise abused. Knowing that he was thinking about her, falling in love with her, finally having hope. It was so insightful and at times gutwrenching.
After reading Stay, and knowing how the story would end, reading it from Jackson's point of view, was like reading it all for the first time again.
This book made me hurt so much for Jackson, and I'm still feeling the "book hangover" effects of this one. The author, and her research, made this feel more like a true story. And, sadly, I'm sure it is similar to the plight of many in sexual slavery.
Please, before you read this companion book, (even though it *can* be read as a stand alone), and if you enjoy a seriously dark, non-con, taboo story, take the time to read Stay first. You won't be sorry. You'll get Adeline's side of things, and a much more detailed ending.
Reviewers Note: Amazon has stopped selling Stay, but, at the time of this writing, it is available here, on Smashwords
Edit: Reviewers Note: Ms. Goodwin was able to make a couple of changes to Stay and it's now back on Amazon.
February 1, 2015
Reading ALL I NEED felt like I was re-reading STAY yet this time we also get to read about some additional things that we didn't get when reading this story from Addie's perspective. In ALL I NEED, we also get a glimpse at Jackson's history and finally learn what happens to all of the characters in the end. I'm very glad that I didn't read book# 1 and #2 back to back; I'm positive that I would not have enjoyed #2 as much if I had (too much repetition).
I had forgotten how very sad STAY was until I began reading about poor little Jackson in book#2! I wanted to kill his dad and then again I of course wanted to kill Nate and Zane as I was reminded how they treated Jackson
in his later years. I had also forgotten how extremely disgusting Zane and Nate are. I don't mean I literally, "forgot" but the depths of how sick those two are... Ugh!!!! Reading about how Zane entertains himself by torturing Jackson; it was so, so sad all over again!!
I'm not sure what it is about these books that I liked so much. Both books are horribly sad yet they are written in a genuine, believable way that it caused me to feel connected to the characters. I wanted to cheer on the victims and murder the bad guys! It's not steamy hot erotica but a moving, often gut wrenching story of
evil, abuse, true love and survival.
I had forgotten how very sad STAY was until I began reading about poor little Jackson in book#2! I wanted to kill his dad and then again I of course wanted to kill Nate and Zane as I was reminded how they treated Jackson
in his later years. I had also forgotten how extremely disgusting Zane and Nate are. I don't mean I literally, "forgot" but the depths of how sick those two are... Ugh!!!! Reading about how Zane entertains himself by torturing Jackson; it was so, so sad all over again!!
I'm not sure what it is about these books that I liked so much. Both books are horribly sad yet they are written in a genuine, believable way that it caused me to feel connected to the characters. I wanted to cheer on the victims and murder the bad guys! It's not steamy hot erotica but a moving, often gut wrenching story of
evil, abuse, true love and survival.
March 7, 2015
Don't think, don't feel.
Do what I'm told and avoid the pain.
I thought Stay was heart-breaking enough but this one seemed even MORE emotionally charged and devastating. It was very difficult to read through certain scenes again and even though I knew how the story ended I felt intense anxiety for the last 40% of the book.
One word: Rosie. I’m placing that horrific scene into a pretty little box and never going to think of it again!
In Stay we read from Addie’s viewpoint and followed her through the depths of hell as she was kidnapped and forced into horrible circumstances. In All I Need we learn Jackson’s story as well as his background and how he came to be where he was. Even though this was a companion novel it didn’t feel repetitive at all. Everything new and old included in this story was MEANT to be there and I have to say this book just rounded out the entire story- superbly written. I also think the author is extremely talented and I didn’t see any inaccuracies from the events in Stay. To re-write many scenes with what was said, who did what, who stood where and it all matches! Bravo!
Jackson’s story was so sad and I was hooked from the first chapter where we get a glimpse into his childhood. Jackson lived with a lifetime of abuse and if there was any character who deserved a happily ever after it was him. When he meets Addie he gains his hope back, and the fire that previously died inside him is reignited; he has a purpose now. To save Addie.
I definitely liked that there was more information in the ending of this one versus the first book. My heart continued to break as Jackson struggled and tried to assimilate into his new environment. We vaguely find out what the future holds for Nate and Zane and I would have liked to know what happened to Rochelle? *Hmmm…her story would make a great spin-off book…*
5 stars, I recommend you read Stay first and not read these back to back as I don’t think the experience would be the same. Get ready to be shattered with one emotional journey xx
***
Currently 0.99 on Amazon! -> http://amzn.to/1ENNcjx
My personal theme song for the book (same title & fits) -> All I Need by Within Temptation
Do what I'm told and avoid the pain.
I thought Stay was heart-breaking enough but this one seemed even MORE emotionally charged and devastating. It was very difficult to read through certain scenes again and even though I knew how the story ended I felt intense anxiety for the last 40% of the book.
One word: Rosie. I’m placing that horrific scene into a pretty little box and never going to think of it again!
In Stay we read from Addie’s viewpoint and followed her through the depths of hell as she was kidnapped and forced into horrible circumstances. In All I Need we learn Jackson’s story as well as his background and how he came to be where he was. Even though this was a companion novel it didn’t feel repetitive at all. Everything new and old included in this story was MEANT to be there and I have to say this book just rounded out the entire story- superbly written. I also think the author is extremely talented and I didn’t see any inaccuracies from the events in Stay. To re-write many scenes with what was said, who did what, who stood where and it all matches! Bravo!
Jackson’s story was so sad and I was hooked from the first chapter where we get a glimpse into his childhood. Jackson lived with a lifetime of abuse and if there was any character who deserved a happily ever after it was him. When he meets Addie he gains his hope back, and the fire that previously died inside him is reignited; he has a purpose now. To save Addie.
She looked past the abuse, past the years of pain, and saw me. Scars and all. She looked at me like I was worth it, like I mattered.
I definitely liked that there was more information in the ending of this one versus the first book. My heart continued to break as Jackson struggled and tried to assimilate into his new environment. We vaguely find out what the future holds for Nate and Zane and I would have liked to know what happened to Rochelle? *Hmmm…her story would make a great spin-off book…*
5 stars, I recommend you read Stay first and not read these back to back as I don’t think the experience would be the same. Get ready to be shattered with one emotional journey xx
***
Currently 0.99 on Amazon! -> http://amzn.to/1ENNcjx
My personal theme song for the book (same title & fits) -> All I Need by Within Temptation
April 21, 2015
This review is assuming you've read Stay - if you have not.. it most likely contains spoilers
Completely useless read, thank God I didn't purchase it or I would've been requesting a refund! If you've read Stay - there is no point reading this. No proper closure is given. They say it's Jackson's story but it's just Adeline's story in Jackson's point of view with tiny weeny tidbits here and there of him.
The start of the book was good though I didn't quite like the "passive" voice. However, after the introduction, we're forwarded to when Jackson meets Adeline.. which is a whole 13 years -_-
The passive voice continued through the whole book where its more like Jackson talking without feeling and I wasn't drawn to him. He was more of a, I was beaten, it felt horrible and a pool of blood was flowing somewhere... I winced as I got up - then went and cleaned the kitchen/house/shed/something. Talking about the story being realistic, no one gets shot in the arm then does construction a week later. I disliked how the author treated Jackson as someone with super healing abilities. From what I've read - I'm surprised he lasted a year - let alone 13. Within at least EVERY chapter, Jackson is beaten so bad he bleeds all over the place... then takes a shower, wakes up the next day and work as usual?
Very little more was given about Jackson's abusive family, which we knew from Stay. We don't get much out of Jackson's beginning as a slave but just tiny tidbits - he ran, was tortured, now he gave up and is a shell.
The author doesn't go into detail about his foster family or why he left it to go to his grandmother. The author doesn't speak about Jackson's feelings as a kid sold into slavery except he had a "bad feeling" about it.
Jackson says at one point of time - he tried to please Zane but realized it was useless. I would have rather spent a chapter or two even reading about how Jackson tried to please Zane and realize its futility over Jackson talking about Adeline's story... which we ALREADY read.
If you read Stay.. don't waste your time. This won't add much, if at all. You don't get a proper closure on Lily besides her being in a foster home. No closure on Rochelle, no talk about the trial process of Nate and Zane except maybe a paragraph or two about how good Jackson felt seeing them being manhandled by police officers.
I'm very disappointed because I did enjoy Stay and decided to read this book because "You met Jackson in Stay, now it’s time to hear his story". You don't hear his story, sadly. I liked him as a character but besides him think about Adeline allllllll the time - you don't get much out of who he is as a person and there is very little character development. Most of the book goes on about how he is either with Adeline or trying to meet Adeline so I started skipping pages after realizing not much was being added. I know Adeline changed his life, but I wanted to more or less read who he was before he met Adeline and after he met Adeline.
This book wasn't bad besides its synopsis being wrong and repeating Stay. If I haven't read Stay - I would give it a 2-2.5 because I hate reading a book from a character's point of view but knowing more about the characters around them then that character him/herself.
Completely useless read, thank God I didn't purchase it or I would've been requesting a refund! If you've read Stay - there is no point reading this. No proper closure is given. They say it's Jackson's story but it's just Adeline's story in Jackson's point of view with tiny weeny tidbits here and there of him.
The start of the book was good though I didn't quite like the "passive" voice. However, after the introduction, we're forwarded to when Jackson meets Adeline.. which is a whole 13 years -_-
The passive voice continued through the whole book where its more like Jackson talking without feeling and I wasn't drawn to him. He was more of a, I was beaten, it felt horrible and a pool of blood was flowing somewhere... I winced as I got up - then went and cleaned the kitchen/house/shed/something. Talking about the story being realistic, no one gets shot in the arm then does construction a week later. I disliked how the author treated Jackson as someone with super healing abilities. From what I've read - I'm surprised he lasted a year - let alone 13. Within at least EVERY chapter, Jackson is beaten so bad he bleeds all over the place... then takes a shower, wakes up the next day and work as usual?
Very little more was given about Jackson's abusive family, which we knew from Stay. We don't get much out of Jackson's beginning as a slave but just tiny tidbits - he ran, was tortured, now he gave up and is a shell.
The author doesn't go into detail about his foster family or why he left it to go to his grandmother. The author doesn't speak about Jackson's feelings as a kid sold into slavery except he had a "bad feeling" about it.
Jackson says at one point of time - he tried to please Zane but realized it was useless. I would have rather spent a chapter or two even reading about how Jackson tried to please Zane and realize its futility over Jackson talking about Adeline's story... which we ALREADY read.
If you read Stay.. don't waste your time. This won't add much, if at all. You don't get a proper closure on Lily besides her being in a foster home. No closure on Rochelle, no talk about the trial process of Nate and Zane except maybe a paragraph or two about how good Jackson felt seeing them being manhandled by police officers.
I'm very disappointed because I did enjoy Stay and decided to read this book because "You met Jackson in Stay, now it’s time to hear his story". You don't hear his story, sadly. I liked him as a character but besides him think about Adeline allllllll the time - you don't get much out of who he is as a person and there is very little character development. Most of the book goes on about how he is either with Adeline or trying to meet Adeline so I started skipping pages after realizing not much was being added. I know Adeline changed his life, but I wanted to more or less read who he was before he met Adeline and after he met Adeline.
This book wasn't bad besides its synopsis being wrong and repeating Stay. If I haven't read Stay - I would give it a 2-2.5 because I hate reading a book from a character's point of view but knowing more about the characters around them then that character him/herself.
January 2, 2015
All I Need is Jackson's story, and it's a hell of a story. Emily Goodwin has definitely proved she can write across several genres with ease. If you haven't gotten into the Stay series yet, you need to pick it up.
In Stay we got the human traffiking side from Addie, a young woman who was kidnapped. And well, you know about Jackson and Addie if you've read that book. But now in All I Need shows Jackson's personal torment that he went through.
Honestly, he is a character I flip flop about. I realize he was sold into slavery at a very young age, and hasn't quite grown and developed the way he should. Not to mention that people who are kept isolated like such often have that fear of retaliating. But he really had so many chances to escape, even before Addie, and he didn't take them. He had no one for Nate and Zane to hurt, so there were a few times that it just puzzled me.
But it's a good thing that he stayed, because he and Addie turned out to be just what the other needed to get out. Their feelings for each other develop in this highly unusual and intense situation, but I never doubt them being genuine. The best part is seeing the end of the story from Jackson's POV. In Stay Addie kind of glossed over a lot, it was more of an epilogue. But in All I Need, we get those blank spaces filled in.
If you like dark books, I really urge you to try this. A lot of times we get them from the female perspective, but this is from a male slave's perspective, and it's really quite interesting. I'm sure you will be as glued to the pages as I was.
In Stay we got the human traffiking side from Addie, a young woman who was kidnapped. And well, you know about Jackson and Addie if you've read that book. But now in All I Need shows Jackson's personal torment that he went through.
Honestly, he is a character I flip flop about. I realize he was sold into slavery at a very young age, and hasn't quite grown and developed the way he should. Not to mention that people who are kept isolated like such often have that fear of retaliating. But he really had so many chances to escape, even before Addie, and he didn't take them. He had no one for Nate and Zane to hurt, so there were a few times that it just puzzled me.
But it's a good thing that he stayed, because he and Addie turned out to be just what the other needed to get out. Their feelings for each other develop in this highly unusual and intense situation, but I never doubt them being genuine. The best part is seeing the end of the story from Jackson's POV. In Stay Addie kind of glossed over a lot, it was more of an epilogue. But in All I Need, we get those blank spaces filled in.
If you like dark books, I really urge you to try this. A lot of times we get them from the female perspective, but this is from a male slave's perspective, and it's really quite interesting. I'm sure you will be as glued to the pages as I was.
freebie-to-read
April 8, 2017
March 17, 2015
Beta Review
Another amazing heart felt book from Emily Goodwin.
Even though i knew the storyline from the previous relase Stay, it was like i was reading it for the first time and felt all the same emotions all over again. It was great to see Jackson's point of view throughout this story. There were bonus little bits that we didn't get to read in Stay, and of course Jackson's history and how he got sold into slavery. An amazing emotional story, and its a definate must read to the companion novel Stay.
Another amazing heart felt book from Emily Goodwin.
Even though i knew the storyline from the previous relase Stay, it was like i was reading it for the first time and felt all the same emotions all over again. It was great to see Jackson's point of view throughout this story. There were bonus little bits that we didn't get to read in Stay, and of course Jackson's history and how he got sold into slavery. An amazing emotional story, and its a definate must read to the companion novel Stay.
January 7, 2016
image:
okay maybe not appropriate image but, well Jackson deserves it
okay maybe not appropriate image but, well Jackson deserves it
July 22, 2015
All I Need is the story of Jackson in this companion novel to Stay. This novel covers all the same ground as Stay but from Jackson’s point of view, and is Jackson’s story. The story opens with Jackson’s confused childhood memories of his last days with his mother. Jackson’s mother is an alcoholic and drug abuser who is regularly beaten by Jackson’s father. Those things are a full life for her – she does not have room to take care of Jackson – if anything, Jackson is only there as a comfort for her. Though it’s not included in the narrative of the story, we find out that Jackson spent some time in the system – even finding a good foster family – until his grandmother, another alcoholic and drug abuser, took custody of him. When he was 10 she sold him to Nate, a pimp and human trafficker. Jackson has been with Nate ever since.
Even though this is a companion novel to Stay, it can easily be read without having read Stay first, and in fact I recommend skipping Stay altogether – you don’t need it and All I Need is a much better book.
The ending of this book is also more satisfying than Stay, Jackson’s narrative is quite detailed from the moment he and Addie leave the house until the moment Addie pops out the baby. Escaping that house did not make these two free. This was the most interesting thing about this book, and was where I felt I heard the author’s voice the most clearly. If she had written a book that started at their escape, she might really have had something.
The subject matter of this book is difficult – human trafficking and underage sex slaves, somehow though Ms. Godwin misses the mark. With the exception of Jackson, for whom I did manage to feel some compassion, I did not have the appropriate sense of compassion and outrage I should have felt for what was being described in these pages. What was happening was undeniably horrific – one of the underage sex slaves dies from what is likely untreated HIV, the girls are treated like meat, Jackson is beat, shot, no one is fed well, the girls shower everyday in cold water – the whole thing is a horror show. I can’t put my finger on what exactly was missing. I’ve read other books on this subject that had less in the way of examples of horror, which elicited more compassion and more outrage – therefore I’m sure it is something about the writing itself. I can say with certainty you should skip Stay – but I’m neutral on All I Need – and the last 1/3 of the book is very interesting.
Even though this is a companion novel to Stay, it can easily be read without having read Stay first, and in fact I recommend skipping Stay altogether – you don’t need it and All I Need is a much better book.
The ending of this book is also more satisfying than Stay, Jackson’s narrative is quite detailed from the moment he and Addie leave the house until the moment Addie pops out the baby. Escaping that house did not make these two free. This was the most interesting thing about this book, and was where I felt I heard the author’s voice the most clearly. If she had written a book that started at their escape, she might really have had something.
The subject matter of this book is difficult – human trafficking and underage sex slaves, somehow though Ms. Godwin misses the mark. With the exception of Jackson, for whom I did manage to feel some compassion, I did not have the appropriate sense of compassion and outrage I should have felt for what was being described in these pages. What was happening was undeniably horrific – one of the underage sex slaves dies from what is likely untreated HIV, the girls are treated like meat, Jackson is beat, shot, no one is fed well, the girls shower everyday in cold water – the whole thing is a horror show. I can’t put my finger on what exactly was missing. I’ve read other books on this subject that had less in the way of examples of horror, which elicited more compassion and more outrage – therefore I’m sure it is something about the writing itself. I can say with certainty you should skip Stay – but I’m neutral on All I Need – and the last 1/3 of the book is very interesting.
December 9, 2014
4.5 stars
Stay pretty much broke my heart, and every other little piece of me. It took me forever to pick myself up off the floor and back together again. All I Need reopened all those old wounds and tore me up all over again.
I don't usually enjoy reading companion novels like this, that cover the same time frame but from a second POV. It usually goes over a lot of the same scenes, and I get distracted and bored easily. It usually feels like a reread. BUT, AIN is nothing like the previous companion books I've read before! There is so much new material that it feels like an entirely new story. I thought I knew where it would end, but Emily even extended the ending to include a fuller look at where Addie and Jackson end up. The story could easily be read as a standalone novel, but I would recommend beginning with Stay so that you know what else is going on behind the scenes.
This is not a happy story. It takes a deep look into a dark world that not everyone is aware of. Human trafficking is real, and it happens no matter how many people shy away from the reality. Emily did a huge amount of research to give this story as much realism as possible, and it shows. But this is not just a sad story about brutal crime. It is a story about hard earned trust, determination and hope.
Not for the faint of heart, mind or stomach. Be prepared. Shit like this really happens.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Stay pretty much broke my heart, and every other little piece of me. It took me forever to pick myself up off the floor and back together again. All I Need reopened all those old wounds and tore me up all over again.
I don't usually enjoy reading companion novels like this, that cover the same time frame but from a second POV. It usually goes over a lot of the same scenes, and I get distracted and bored easily. It usually feels like a reread. BUT, AIN is nothing like the previous companion books I've read before! There is so much new material that it feels like an entirely new story. I thought I knew where it would end, but Emily even extended the ending to include a fuller look at where Addie and Jackson end up. The story could easily be read as a standalone novel, but I would recommend beginning with Stay so that you know what else is going on behind the scenes.
This is not a happy story. It takes a deep look into a dark world that not everyone is aware of. Human trafficking is real, and it happens no matter how many people shy away from the reality. Emily did a huge amount of research to give this story as much realism as possible, and it shows. But this is not just a sad story about brutal crime. It is a story about hard earned trust, determination and hope.
Not for the faint of heart, mind or stomach. Be prepared. Shit like this really happens.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2015
Even though this is a stand alone, it's a companion novel, and in my opinion, should be read after you've read Stay. We were given Adeline's POV in Stay, so I was thrilled to get Jackson's POV in this book. We also get scenes from Jackson's life as a child and before he met Addie, as well as additional material we didn't get in Stay.
I fell in love with Jackson in Stay and was excited to learn more about him. Bless his heart. His life started out bad and only got worse. His mother and father were horrible parents. The years he spent being shuffled through foster families weren't any better. When he finally did get a great family, his grandmother turned up to claim him. Unfortunately, she was just like his mother and was the one who sold Jackson to Nate for drug and alcohol money.
Be prepared to hurt for Jackson. Nate and Zane were vicious to him. They treated him so terrible. Zane uses every excuse possible to inflict some kind of pain. More often than not, for no reason whatsoever. Just broke my heart. Addie truly does save him. Hearing Jackson's thoughts you watch him find hope and discover love for the first time in his life. His protectiveness and need to care for Addie, over himself was heartfelt. He truly would have sacrificed himself to save her.
Jackson and Addie are really perfect for each other. We know they end up together, but here we get a little extra of the happy heart feeling that will bring a smile to your face. I became attached to Jackson and felt he was more than a character in the book. I felt him get his happy ending in my heart.
I fell in love with Jackson in Stay and was excited to learn more about him. Bless his heart. His life started out bad and only got worse. His mother and father were horrible parents. The years he spent being shuffled through foster families weren't any better. When he finally did get a great family, his grandmother turned up to claim him. Unfortunately, she was just like his mother and was the one who sold Jackson to Nate for drug and alcohol money.
Be prepared to hurt for Jackson. Nate and Zane were vicious to him. They treated him so terrible. Zane uses every excuse possible to inflict some kind of pain. More often than not, for no reason whatsoever. Just broke my heart. Addie truly does save him. Hearing Jackson's thoughts you watch him find hope and discover love for the first time in his life. His protectiveness and need to care for Addie, over himself was heartfelt. He truly would have sacrificed himself to save her.
Jackson and Addie are really perfect for each other. We know they end up together, but here we get a little extra of the happy heart feeling that will bring a smile to your face. I became attached to Jackson and felt he was more than a character in the book. I felt him get his happy ending in my heart.
April 23, 2015
This book was part of the eleven books in the From Darkness Comes Hope: A Sexual Assault Survivors Anthology. Being a survivor myself I wanted to be able to support the cause as well as read books by some amazing authors.
When I started this book, I was expecting it to be like the rest in the anthology where it wasn't a must to read the books before it. I am wrong. If you haven't read book one (Stay) then your viewpoint of the two books will waiver like I did. I liked it but maybe if I had read Stay first I might have enjoyed the book better and the importance of the Male POV. Please read the other book and then this.
When I started this book, I was expecting it to be like the rest in the anthology where it wasn't a must to read the books before it. I am wrong. If you haven't read book one (Stay) then your viewpoint of the two books will waiver like I did. I liked it but maybe if I had read Stay first I might have enjoyed the book better and the importance of the Male POV. Please read the other book and then this.
January 9, 2015
All I Need by Emily Goodwin is the companion novel to Stay . Told from Jackson's POV.
Normally I am not a fan of companion novels. But in this case, Jackson is such a great hero, that I needed to know his story.
Actually, this is a rare book where I loved both the hero and heroine, Adeline. Her was broken but was brought back to life by the strong, never give up, girl. She was the pissed off, always ready to escape captive that want weak and have in to live, ready to die in order to live.
I recommend reading this POV novel especially after reading Stay
Normally I am not a fan of companion novels. But in this case, Jackson is such a great hero, that I needed to know his story.
Actually, this is a rare book where I loved both the hero and heroine, Adeline. Her was broken but was brought back to life by the strong, never give up, girl. She was the pissed off, always ready to escape captive that want weak and have in to live, ready to die in order to live.
I recommend reading this POV novel especially after reading Stay
November 4, 2014
Oh my! This book brings out the truth in sexual slavery like no other! I loved the story line and I felt the emotions! I wanted to love and hold Jackson and never let him go! I felt so bad for him and then rooted him on as the story went! This felt more like a true story them som stories that I have read that were actually true! Addie was in the wrong place at the wrong time and I loved her character as well! This story is Truely heartfelt, educational to a point and well a story that touches your heart! Amazing read!
January 16, 2015
The story is interesting, tension laden and engrossing in many ways. In some ways it is even inspirational following these two strong people through their captivity. What is missing then? I cannot feel it. When standing in a ice-cold shed in winter I want to feel the cold, not be told it is cold. Throughout the book I wanted to know how it ends, without a doubt, and that is the strength of the story - but it would have been enough for me to have a short newspaper notice. I just could not get drawn into the story.
November 3, 2014
I just wanted to hug Jackson and make his broken,hurt ,battered,emotionally abused body and make the hurt go away, and Tell him he's strong and that he's loved , and one day it will get better . They deserved happiness, love , and to feel safe .jackson and Addie are two strong a$$ people. what a great book .
March 18, 2015
im really not a fan of pov books unless its a good one and for me this wasnt,it was just like reading the first one over again with a few bits added,felt likw deja vu and that ive been here before i coukdnt wait for it to end to be fair and i thought they would explain what happened to rochelle bit they didnt,
November 16, 2015
After loving Stay, I knew I needed to read this book. It surpassed anything I expected, giving an entirely new story within the same circumstances
August 23, 2017
Good book shame about the typos
The book is good book although shocking at times due to the nature of the story. However I have the kindle version and the number of typos in the book is unacceptable and let's down what is otherwise a truly shocking yet at same time inspiring story about two people who once they found each other didn't give up hope of a better life.
The book is good book although shocking at times due to the nature of the story. However I have the kindle version and the number of typos in the book is unacceptable and let's down what is otherwise a truly shocking yet at same time inspiring story about two people who once they found each other didn't give up hope of a better life.
November 26, 2017
All I Need is a must read for those who loved Stay! This is told from Jackson’s POV from when he was six until the present. We get more details as to how he was obtained by Nate and the horrid things that he had to go through. This might have triggers for some as it is a about human trafficking. Very well written
October 11, 2018
Heartbreaking
This is a great survivor story! Love founded in so much hate and evil! Addie and Jackson's story is terrifying because of how realistic it is. Human trafficking is a real thing! It is sick, twisted, and cruel! Love this series though!! Prison for Nate and Zane is too nice! The same cruelty should be given to them as their victims!!
This is a great survivor story! Love founded in so much hate and evil! Addie and Jackson's story is terrifying because of how realistic it is. Human trafficking is a real thing! It is sick, twisted, and cruel! Love this series though!! Prison for Nate and Zane is too nice! The same cruelty should be given to them as their victims!!
June 26, 2019
Ta część zrobiła na mnie równie ogromne wrażenie jak Stay. I chociaż znałam już całą fabułę, nie odnosiłam wrażenie powtórki, relacja z punktu widzenia Jacksona była jeszcze duzo bardziej mroczna, pełna okrucieństwa, którego trochę oszczędzono nam w poprzedniej części. Postać Jacksona była bardzo martyrologiczna i rzeczywiscie Addy była jego siłą, jego mocą, która tchnęła w niego życie.
April 28, 2020
Finally finished this book. I think I started this book 2015? I read stay first, and it was okay. I now have a better appreciation for this series. She’s a talented writer, who researched the subject. I enjoyed seeing things from Jackson’s perspective. Also a bit more information about their life after leaving the farmhouse and the psychological trauma
Read
November 1, 2022im so confused this is just book 1 from his pov but the last 50 pages were new content so i just read those ngl
also these covers makes it look like it's smut and i don't even think I'd consider this a romance 😭
also these covers makes it look like it's smut and i don't even think I'd consider this a romance 😭
November 2, 2016
Wow!
This book will rip your heart out, change it, then put it back. Serious book hangover, by the end you want everyone to suffer
This book will rip your heart out, change it, then put it back. Serious book hangover, by the end you want everyone to suffer
December 3, 2022
Ugh I love Jackson, he is such a cinnamon roll even after all that he has been through. My heart broke reading about his childhood, no baby should ever go through that.
January 6, 2025
Different perspective bit repetitive like seeing the afther math
December 9, 2014
This is a companion book to Stay, it is Jacksons story. You don't necessarily need to read Stay to read All I need, but you will get a better prespective of the girls' situations as it's in Adeline's POV. I really liked both and they compliment each other and gives a better view of all the things that they went through together.
This is a tale of true heartache. My heart literaly hurt for Jackson. I just wanted to reach into my Kindle and give him a Huge hug!! Not only was he abused as a child by alcoholic father and mother, he bounced around from foster home to foster home when Child Services stepped in and took him away at age 6. Never getting the love that a young child deserved, until the last one. He didn't get to stay there though, he was adopted by his maternal Grandmother. Which was a nightmare still, as she abused alcohol and drugs just like his mother. She sometimes 'forgot' to feed him, didn't buy him toys and didnt show love towards him. And then, when he was just 12 years old, sold him to Nate. Thats when his nightmare got worse.
-My grandmother sold me to Nate when I was twelve, and I'd been here ever since. I fought tooth and nail at first - for the first five years to be exact. Then something happened and I gave up. I stopped fighting. I stopped defying Nate. And I'd been going through the motions ever since, hoping every day would be my last.
- Don't think, don't feel, don't want. Do what I'm told and avoid the pain.
Thats how Jackson got through all the horrible things he was forced to do. He tried to avoid pain as much as he could, but Nate and Zane were sadistic, horrid human beings with no regard for human life. Zane especially, loved to torture Jackson every chance he got just becasue he could. And if Jackson didn't do what he was supposed to, the beating was worse. I've never wanted to inflict so much pain on a fictional character before as I did Zane and Nate! LOL! I was rooting for them to get punched in the face (and worse) the entire time!! I REALLY wanted Jackson to beat the shit out of Zane, beyond the point of recognition if possible.
Things all changed for Jackson the day Zane, in a moment of fear, kidnapped a young girl named Adeline who witnessed them trying to recovery one of Nates girls that tried to escape. Jackson and Adeline (Addie) formed a friendship, and tried to he tried to protect her as much as he could. He liked her, she had spirit and fight in her. Never giving up the ideal of escaping. It made Jackson come alive and want freedom as well.
I won't give all the details, but I am happy to say, that I was all tears by the end of this book and was really happy for Jackson to finally find someone that understood him, wanted him and loved him and didn't think less of him for all the horrors that he had to endure practically his entire life.
'She looked past the abuse, past the years of pain, and saw me. Scars and all. She looked at me like I was worth it, like I mattered.' - Jackson
This is a tale of true heartache. My heart literaly hurt for Jackson. I just wanted to reach into my Kindle and give him a Huge hug!! Not only was he abused as a child by alcoholic father and mother, he bounced around from foster home to foster home when Child Services stepped in and took him away at age 6. Never getting the love that a young child deserved, until the last one. He didn't get to stay there though, he was adopted by his maternal Grandmother. Which was a nightmare still, as she abused alcohol and drugs just like his mother. She sometimes 'forgot' to feed him, didn't buy him toys and didnt show love towards him. And then, when he was just 12 years old, sold him to Nate. Thats when his nightmare got worse.
-My grandmother sold me to Nate when I was twelve, and I'd been here ever since. I fought tooth and nail at first - for the first five years to be exact. Then something happened and I gave up. I stopped fighting. I stopped defying Nate. And I'd been going through the motions ever since, hoping every day would be my last.
- Don't think, don't feel, don't want. Do what I'm told and avoid the pain.
Thats how Jackson got through all the horrible things he was forced to do. He tried to avoid pain as much as he could, but Nate and Zane were sadistic, horrid human beings with no regard for human life. Zane especially, loved to torture Jackson every chance he got just becasue he could. And if Jackson didn't do what he was supposed to, the beating was worse. I've never wanted to inflict so much pain on a fictional character before as I did Zane and Nate! LOL! I was rooting for them to get punched in the face (and worse) the entire time!! I REALLY wanted Jackson to beat the shit out of Zane, beyond the point of recognition if possible.
Things all changed for Jackson the day Zane, in a moment of fear, kidnapped a young girl named Adeline who witnessed them trying to recovery one of Nates girls that tried to escape. Jackson and Adeline (Addie) formed a friendship, and tried to he tried to protect her as much as he could. He liked her, she had spirit and fight in her. Never giving up the ideal of escaping. It made Jackson come alive and want freedom as well.
I won't give all the details, but I am happy to say, that I was all tears by the end of this book and was really happy for Jackson to finally find someone that understood him, wanted him and loved him and didn't think less of him for all the horrors that he had to endure practically his entire life.
'She looked past the abuse, past the years of pain, and saw me. Scars and all. She looked at me like I was worth it, like I mattered.' - Jackson
August 14, 2017
I really wish his story was more original. Despite that Jackson keeps saying he's a 'nobody', he is his own person, and there is more to him than just Adeline. I'm glad she woke him up from his catatonic state, but I wanted to know more than just his beginnings and then jump 12 years and suddenly it's about when he meets her. Somewhere it says that he used to want to make Zane like him...how? What did he do? What was the response? Did he ever try to win Nate's favor? Did he ever have a connection with the other girls when he was trapped in the basement with them? We already know the outcome and his and Addie's love; give us more to understand him and what he's been through.
Instead, though, anything new is just wrapped up into one quick passive sentence and it's back to the same stuff I had already read. It feels like the author mostly copied-and-pasted her way through a second book to get a few more dollars out of the series.
When I reached the spot where he had disappeared in the first book, I was looking forward to hearing more original stuff. Did any of the other ladies attempt to befriend him? Did they feel sorry for him and his wounds and try to nurse him back to health (possibly with other motives behind it)? Did he get beat here? Was he bolted in? Did he fuel his new-found emotions into doing 'x' so he could accomplish 'y'? Did he actually feel a little mixed emotions about returning to the other house because, perhaps, this one was a little safer (it's okay to feel this struggle...makes the character more real and relatable).
Overall, I had a really hard time connecting with these characters emotionally in both books. I struggled with how they fell in love with each other after only a couple of conversations about books. I'm sure it could be done, especially in their circumstances, but to me, they were flat, and the only time I choked up was about Rosie. To quote Addie, "Books are dangerous. They pull you in and make you fall in love or totally destroy you. For the time being, of course. Then you finish it and those feelings linger around in agony until you start another and the whole process happens again.” I didn't feel it with this one.
I do applaud the author about taking on the topic of Human Trafficking. It is a terrible reality, and even writing a dark romance fiction can help bring attention to what it is, and perhaps it can help us all learn more about the characteristics so that if we ever come across someone we suspect is in this situation, we are better equipped to help them.
Instead, though, anything new is just wrapped up into one quick passive sentence and it's back to the same stuff I had already read. It feels like the author mostly copied-and-pasted her way through a second book to get a few more dollars out of the series.
When I reached the spot where he had disappeared in the first book, I was looking forward to hearing more original stuff. Did any of the other ladies attempt to befriend him? Did they feel sorry for him and his wounds and try to nurse him back to health (possibly with other motives behind it)? Did he get beat here? Was he bolted in? Did he fuel his new-found emotions into doing 'x' so he could accomplish 'y'? Did he actually feel a little mixed emotions about returning to the other house because, perhaps, this one was a little safer (it's okay to feel this struggle...makes the character more real and relatable).
Overall, I had a really hard time connecting with these characters emotionally in both books. I struggled with how they fell in love with each other after only a couple of conversations about books. I'm sure it could be done, especially in their circumstances, but to me, they were flat, and the only time I choked up was about Rosie. To quote Addie, "Books are dangerous. They pull you in and make you fall in love or totally destroy you. For the time being, of course. Then you finish it and those feelings linger around in agony until you start another and the whole process happens again.” I didn't feel it with this one.
I do applaud the author about taking on the topic of Human Trafficking. It is a terrible reality, and even writing a dark romance fiction can help bring attention to what it is, and perhaps it can help us all learn more about the characteristics so that if we ever come across someone we suspect is in this situation, we are better equipped to help them.
August 16, 2015
** As readers/bloggers we highly recommend that you read Stay (Stay #1) before reading All I Need **
You Father is evil.
Your mother is a drunk, a drug addict.
Your a frightened, timid little boy.
You have been beaten.
You have watched your mother be beaten.
The only comfort you find is that in your mothers arms and attending school.
Home life is a living hell.
But your mother promises you that everything will be okay.
She promises you that she will take you away from it all.
You are so excited you cannot wait.
But what happens when that promise is broken?
What happens when your mother doesn’t return home?
Foster care…..
Shuffled from home, to home, Jackson finally is placed in a home, living with his grandmother. But like his mother, Jackson’s grandmother is an addict. She does the only thing she needs to do. She need the cash.
She sells her only grandson.
This is Jacksons story.
A story told through his eyes.
A story about life in the human trafficking trade.
A story about violent abuse.
A story about hunger.
A story about fear.
A story about survival.
A story about finding love in the most unlikeliest of places.
A story about finding hope when you thought was it never really existed.
A story about survival.
All I Need is an absolute brilliant read. Again we are taken on a highly emotional, brutal, gritty, dark, disturbing and confronting read.
We are taken on Jackson’s journey, learning what life is like for a young boy growing up in the human trafficking trade.
We are taken on a story about trying to survive the depths of hell.
We are taken on a story about looking for the hope and faith when all you feel is dead inside.
We are taken on a story about finding love when all you feel is lost.
This is a definite must read.
Again Emily Goodwin again has given us a highly emotional charged read that you simply cannot put down. Again as stated before it’s confronting and at times highly disturbing but it’s a read that simply should not be missed. It’s the face of the human trafficking trade that in the world we live in is real.
A definite 5 star read.
You Father is evil.
Your mother is a drunk, a drug addict.
Your a frightened, timid little boy.
You have been beaten.
You have watched your mother be beaten.
The only comfort you find is that in your mothers arms and attending school.
Home life is a living hell.
But your mother promises you that everything will be okay.
She promises you that she will take you away from it all.
You are so excited you cannot wait.
But what happens when that promise is broken?
What happens when your mother doesn’t return home?
Foster care…..
Shuffled from home, to home, Jackson finally is placed in a home, living with his grandmother. But like his mother, Jackson’s grandmother is an addict. She does the only thing she needs to do. She need the cash.
She sells her only grandson.
This is Jacksons story.
A story told through his eyes.
A story about life in the human trafficking trade.
A story about violent abuse.
A story about hunger.
A story about fear.
A story about survival.
A story about finding love in the most unlikeliest of places.
A story about finding hope when you thought was it never really existed.
A story about survival.
All I Need is an absolute brilliant read. Again we are taken on a highly emotional, brutal, gritty, dark, disturbing and confronting read.
We are taken on Jackson’s journey, learning what life is like for a young boy growing up in the human trafficking trade.
We are taken on a story about trying to survive the depths of hell.
We are taken on a story about looking for the hope and faith when all you feel is dead inside.
We are taken on a story about finding love when all you feel is lost.
This is a definite must read.
Again Emily Goodwin again has given us a highly emotional charged read that you simply cannot put down. Again as stated before it’s confronting and at times highly disturbing but it’s a read that simply should not be missed. It’s the face of the human trafficking trade that in the world we live in is real.
A definite 5 star read.
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