All I Ever Wanted

by Laura Devine

Cassie Taylor has been chasing success since she first arrived in Los Angeles, but after three years, all she has to show for her modeling accomplishments is a spread in an outdated catalog. Cassie never thought her dreams would be handed to her on a silver platter, but she didn’t expect it to take so long. After an accidental encounter with one of Hollywood’s most notorious actors, she realizes she might still have one more chance.

Jackson Ridge has been working the Hollywood circuit for the better part of a decade. People know his name, his face, and will try nearly anything to get near to him, to use him. That’s why he keeps everyone at a distance, entertaining one-night stands versus long-standing relationships. When his reputation is one scandal away from being ruined, he knows that he needs to be taken seriously to move to the next chapter of his career. Unable to lose everything he has ever known; desperate times call for desperate measures.

Cassie and Jackson aren’t looking for anything serious. The plan is to use each other to get what they want, but when the real world gets involved, no one’s secrets are safe. As Cassie gets tangled in the beautiful and scandalous life of Jackson Ridge, she’ll soon discover what it costs to finally get all she’s ever wanted.

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORED Cassie and Jackson! This was such an impressive debut novel! I loved getting to know these characters and was totally immersed in their love story. Although I’ve never been a part of the celebrity world myself, I feel like I could understand their vulnerabilities and connection through and through. I rooted for their love the entire time and couldn’t put this down! I can’t wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve!

[aves ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 !!

i had SO much fun with this one ! fake dating will do it for me every time, and the added complexity of hollywood and the drama that it brings, added so much to the story, and these characters.

cassie & jackson were both so likeable, and the growth from jackson was amazing! getting to see them overcome everything that hollywood threw their way was so beautiful.

for me, the ending just felt a little bit rushed, and i wish there was just a little bit more development of cassie’s character.

for a debut author, this was amazing !!! i can’t wait to see what laura devine does next 🫶🏼🫶🏼

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAPPY PUB DAY to this AMAZING debut!!! 🎉

💖Modern Hollywood Romance
💖Fake Dating
💖Dual POV
💖Debut Novel
💖Indie Author

I am so incredibly impressed with this debut! I was highly invested in this story from the very first page. CASSIE & JACKSON FOREVER 💜

I LOVED this book! I am not typically drawn to Hollywood romances but this one had me in an absolute chokehold 😭 The writing is incredible and the characters and settings are so detailed and vivid, it felt like I knew the characters and was right there with them. I would get so wrapped up in the story, I would forget I was reading fiction. I was so invested and could not stop reading, I just had to know what would happen next!

Cassie is so down-to-earth and relatable, and I love how hard she works to follow her dreams. She is such a likeable and strong FMC and you can’t help but root for her! Jackson initially comes off as such a bad boy/rebel with an air of mystery, but is actually really caring, protective, and loving once you get to know him. I fell in love with both of these characters as I kept reading!

I found myself constantly giggling like a giddy teenager at just how cute and charming both Cassie and Jackson are! They have such genuinely adorable banter and the chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS 🔥 But their connection also runs much deeper, showing a raw, vulnerable, unfiltered side to each character and how they can truly be themselves with each other. They are also so protective of each other. I am absolutely obsessed with this power couple!

I loved having the Dual POV from both characters so you can know what each of them is thinking and feeling. The author did an amazing job of giving each character their own unique voice. It was especially interesting to see Jackson’s destructive spiral and self-sabotage crash out (based in his past trauma) from his own perspective, which felt more realistic and helped me understand his actions more.

I also adored the supporting characters of Cassie’s roomies, Lucy and Marina! Such amazing and supportive girlfriends!

I appreciate the spotlight messaging specifically on consent (both ways) and privacy (how the lives of famous people are exploited for monetization). But most importantly, this story shows the downsides of fame and money, and highlights what is truly most important in life: Human connection. Friendships and Love. ❤️

Sidenote: I just have to say that twist at the end made so much sense but I didn’t piece it together so was still totally blind-sided and my jaw hit the FLOOR when I read it.

I am seriously blown away that this is Laura Devine’s debut novel and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us in the future! All I Ever Wanted is out now! This read gets five glowing stars from me and I highly recommend you get your hands on it as soon as possible!

[Jeni Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This debut novel completely surprised me — romance isn’t usually my go-to genre, but I found myself hooked from the very first chapter. The author did a wonderful job crafting characters who felt real and easy to root for. I especially loved the chemistry and emotional depth between them, from the obvious relationship between Cassie and Jacks (❤️), to the friendship between Cassie, her roommates, and Sasha (low key, my favorite character!).

That said, I would’ve loved a bit more insight into their backgrounds — there are hints of complex histories that I hope get explored further in the future.

The story itself kept me fully invested from start to finish. While there were a few open plot points that left me curious, most of them were addressed in a satisfying way by the end. Still, the ending left just enough room for more — and I’m definitely hoping there will be a sequel. I can’t wait to see where the story (and these characters) go next!

[Jess (jessreads1985) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you take an upcoming model who is brand new to the L.A. scene and trying to find her place in the cut throat modeling world and Hollywoods’s golden boy, who has a reputation and his career is on the line? A enticing story filled with the glitz, glamour and the not so beautiful side of stardom, fake dating, friendships, and following your heart and what truly makes you happy.

Laura Devine’s certainly made an enticing debut novel and Cassie and Jackson’s journey was definitely a ride, but well worth it. Can’t wait to see what she has in store next.

[Hannah Theisen Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a delightful debut novel! I scarfed it down in about two sittings, so I can definitely say I had a ton of fun reading it, and I’m pretty sure you will too. Our main characters have great chemistry and I love the fact that neither of them spend half the book under the illusion that things between them are going to be easy. They are very real with each other, which makes it easy for us to buy into their relationship. Our supporting characters all stand pretty well on their own, and play their parts nicely. I would have loved to have pushed further into the MMCs back story, but maybe that’s what sequels are for? One hopes!

[Dakota Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a dozen romance books a year and this one definitely delivers! The storyline of each character is so well developed but also leaves you wanting to know more about them at the same time. I would love to know more about Cassie’s relationship with her mom and Jackson’s start into acting other than what we already know. The way their lives intertwined with each other was predictable but in a good way! Can’t wait to read more!

[Anna Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun read! The author made it so easy to step into the worlds of Cassie and Jackson and fall in love with their love story. It’s modern and witty, but gives you all the feel good of your favorite romance novels. Can’t wait to see more from this author and this series!

[Katie Sampalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect read! Amazing characters and writing. A lot of hard work went into creating this book and it shows. Will be re-reading over and over again!!

[Courtney Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW this was such an impressive debut! I adored Cassie and Jackson and was rooting for them. I loved the inside look at the industry and the ugly truth about fame. I also appreciated that Cassie was green but not naive, she held her own! I’m a sucker for a Hollywood romance and this absolutely delivered. Can’t wait to see what this author does next!

[Julia Canty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun romance with celebrities, drama, and Hollywood? Count me in! This book was exactly what I wanted it to be - a summer read that fits the vibe in any season

[Christopher Schoen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable and fun debut read from Laura Devine! Found myself constantly saying "just one more chapter" because I was really invested in the characters and finding out what happened next. The growth in Cassie and Jackson over the full arc of the story was really well written and I especially enjoyed the bit of a twist near the end - it had me go back and reread some scenes with a whole new perspective!

All in all an excellent read, if you like a good ole fashioned love story or just a plain well written story this is the book for you!

[Rachel Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great debut by this author! I was totally entangled in the lives of Cassie & Jackson - I was constantly wondering what would happen next! The way the author was able to describe their personalities and conflicts was completely relatable despite the characters being amidst fame & fortune. The more I read the more I could visualize the book becoming the next major summer film - so I highly recommend reading it now!

[Lauren Eckhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed with this story! I cannot believe this was the author’s debut novel because it is SO fun and well written. The chemistry and banter between the main characters is so fun and natural…it’s one of those books that has you giddy, smiling at your kindle and kicking your feet. The fun and sexy moments are perfectly balanced with a genuine and thoughtful narrative, giving a depth to the characters you become so invested in. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Andria Rohrman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DEVOURED Laura Devine’s debut novel in 2 days. Jackson Ridge and Cassie Taylor have an addicting chemistry that had me kicking my feet. LD’s writing style is so vivid you feel like you are attending these premieres, parties, runway shows, and press moments for the first time alongside Cassie. This is such a fresh break from so much of the current cringey, predictable contemporary romance - so many times I questioned how things could possibly come together, making it unputdownable. 5/5 ⭐️

[Amanda MacNab · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves romance novels, I absolutely loved this one!! It was so easy to see the spark between Cassie and Jackson and I couldn’t put the book down to find out what happens next. Definitely recommend adding to your list for a cozy fall/winter read!

[Janelle Arn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows Jackson and Cassie how they find the life that they really want while using each other to discover real love.


I was really impressed how much I loved these characters, and the growth they showed in this romance! I loved how the entire relationship went, how the author touched on real topics without making the story cringey, and I felt like I could always follow the story. All of the supporting characters were really good, and I found myself following all of the emotions they felt. Would 100% recommend!!

[Emma Alfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super easy to read and very likable characters! Just what I was looking for in a fun romance book

[Alix Ridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books of the year! You had me at Hollywood romance and I stayed for the story. What a fantastic debut novel, can’t wait for the second!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining!! Romance typically isn’t my thing but I was excited to read this since I know Laura from college and it was a delight.

[Alexis Westrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read! Was smiling and giggling through the entire book and didn't want to story to come to an end. Laura takes you on an amazing journey where you can't help but fall in love with the characters. Very excited to see what Laura has in store next for her readers <3 I certainly will be following along!

[Eric Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! The characters had me hooked!!

Must read!

[Megan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite reads this year, I couldn’t put it down! If you love Emily Henry, Carly Fortune, or Abby Jimenez, you’ll really love this! 10/10 recommend!

[Jessica Bedingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is book 2 coming out?! I loved Cassie and Jackson's chemistry and truly enjoyed a fun spin on the fake dating prompt. This was an easy read that kept me wanting more.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollywood romance is not my typical genre but I LOVED this book! It was such a good read, the characters are so fun to follow along with. The respect shown throughout the book among the main characters was warming to my soul and I felt myself cheering them on. 10/10 recommend for anyone wanting to find a good read and support this debut author! I hope for and can’t wait for sequels!!

[Shannon Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic debut novel! I am an avid reader, reading all types of genres, and this book was a quick enjoyable read! The banter between Jackson and Cassie is witty and playful and you can feel their tension build throughout the book! She does a great job with the character development! Would definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys a contemporary Hollywood romance and fake dating trope! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Shannon McCowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut novel is so fun!! I was always looking forward to picking it back up to read. As someone who loves all things pop culture/famous people, it was really interesting to read about this (fictional) celebrity couple. The author did a great job at showing the pros and cons of the industry. Part of the reason I believed Cassie and Jackson’s love story was because it wasn’t always rainbows and butterflies! Laura was able to show Cassie and Jackson’s complexities and while they were both frustrating sometimes, I was still always rooting for them! I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Highly recommend picking this book up because it’s a very enjoyable read!!

[Allie Samaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Talk about a book that needs to be turned into a movie STAT. No Strings Attached meets Hollywood and fame. Absolutely loved this debut novel! I adored the characters so much that I feel like I’m besties with Cassie, Lucy, and Marina too.

It’s truly a captivating modern romance novel that you won’t regret picking up and will have a hard time putting down. It’s gripping right from the jump and has you longing for more at the end. Do yourself a favor and start it today!

[Alex Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read, very easy to get wrapped up into Cassie and Jackson! Then ending felt wrapped up a little quickly for my taste but love a happily ever after regardless!

[Liv Arnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun read! Really loved Jackson and Cassie’s relationship and their character arcs!