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Men of Monroe #1

All That I Am

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A kickass home décor boutique – tick
A sassy mouth and absolutely no filter – tick
A wall so strong no man could ever tear it down - tick, tick, tick!

Or so I thought.

Until I meet Detective Ben Hunt, the owner of exquisite blue eyes, a god-like physique and a seductive smirk that makes me weak at the knees. He charges into my life like a force of nature. No matter how hard I try to keep the walls up around my heart, he’s made it his mission to shatter them. I have no chance of resisting him, but I would make sure I won this tug of war.

Which was what I wanted.

Right? When did the idea of losing myself to him start to sound so good?

I wish Ben was the only battle I faced. There’s a reason this small town needs a good detective. One way or another I’m going to have to brace for impact, because no wall I build can stop the new threat thundering toward Monroe.

After all, secrets only stay a secret for so long around here.

First published May 20, 2017

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About the author

Rachel Brookes

20 books1,349 followers
Rachel Brookes is from the east coast of Australia and writes angst ridden love stories with a pinch of craziness, a dash of drama, a cup of romance, and a bucketload of sexiness. With five novels currently published, she is constantly writing and getting ready to release her next hero and heroine into the world. An avid reader, Rachel can often be found with her kindle in her hand, and getting lost in a happily ever after. She has an unhealthy obsession with The Walking Dead, and social media, and loves hearing from readers at rachelbrookeswrites@gmail.com

You can find me online here:

Facebook -www.facebook.com/AuthorRachelBrookes
Twitter - www.twitter.com/rachelbrookes_
Instagram - www.instagram.com/AuthorRachelBrookes
Email - rachelbrookeswrites@gmail.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
Profile Image for Catarina.
896 reviews1,947 followers
February 8, 2018
4 Sassy Stars

Sasha is a décor shop owner, with a lot of walls and co-owns one of the town’s bar with her brother. Enter Detective Ben, settled on solve some issues happening in the town and possibly demolish some of Sasha’s walls in the process.

description

If you like a solid romance book, sweet, emotional, with some action and just enough steam this is definitely a good reading. It flows easily, it has its funny moments and I just love a nice development to a romance story and this book has it. It can be a little exaggerated and over the top at times, but better that than underwhelming in my opinion. I can now anxiously waiting for Austin’s book!


description

Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Sasha is sweet with a lot of sass, which I loved, but she could be too closed off at times. Ben was your sexy and OTT alpha male with a lot of possessiveness and an urge to protect his lady. He wants Sasha and not even herself it’s going to get in his way. I really like them as a couple and the way their story developed.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Profile Image for Yvette (Booksandbandanas).
485 reviews104 followers
June 23, 2017
Rachel Brooke's is back!

I feel like I have been waiting ages to get any words by this author.

Ben & Sassy, Sasha.

After her child hood left her heart broken, Sasha's determined to never give her heart to a man. She has a great career, amazing friends, and is living her life the way she sees fit. I loved Sasha she was bold, fierce, and instantly a favorite character of mine. I think we all have a Sasha in us. She meets Ben the sexy detective. The attraction is undeniable, you can feel the tension through the chapters. Ben is determined to break down all of Sasha's walls.

Ben is the undeniably sexy character, the one who needs to protect his woman, the man who needs any, and every other man to know she is HIS.

Did I mention SEXY AS HELL DETECTIVE?!

This story is wrapped around a little suspense, drama, and a whole lot of heart.

Rachel has found her way back and I could not be any more excited. This has to be one of my favorite RB stories. Her writing never ceases to amaze me, how she can create characters that I wish were my real life friends, I will never know.

Please just keep them coming.

I can't wait to see how the rest of these characters stories pan out.

"He accepted all that I was.
He wanted all that I am”

 photo 963DB0F2-4D78-45C9-8899-98DE103AE45D_zpsct02opee.jpg
Profile Image for Raine.
2,449 reviews34 followers
June 30, 2017
Fell short for me

This was recommended as a book similar to Kristen Ashley, but I felt that it fell flat for me. Yes, there was a sassy heroine and an alpha male heer, but it was just shoved in my face instead of being subtle about it. Sasha was called sassy by one of the secondary characters and even named her decorating store Sass. AND she constantly called Ben an alpha male AT LEAST once every chapter!

The plot was good, the characters were good too, but I think the author was trying too hard with this book and I didn't feel like together well. I may be more harsh in my review of this book because I've been doing a re-read of almost all of Kristen Ashley books and she has got a way to write the characters and stories that seem profound without being too obvious. She leads you to say 'A-ha, that's why he's so distant because of what happened to him before!' without having it shoved in your face.

I'm going to try to read the next book in this series and hope that the writing gets better. I was hoping for so much more when I saw this as recommended on the KA Addict Goodreads group.
Profile Image for Missy's Book Obsession.
179 reviews100 followers
May 23, 2017
This was my first book by Rachel Brookes and it certainly won't be my last! I loved this book it is now one of my favorites. The Sasha and Hunt were so good together it wasn't just about sex between them. The side characters were so funny I loved Gigi and Austin. I found my self laughing so many times while reading this book. Hunt is super Alpha which I loved. But he had a gentle side when it came to her. It also had dual POV which in my opinion is way better. Ben Hunts family is super awesome. Sasha girlfriends are a hoot and they make the book more fun and interesting. I am looking forward the next book which will be Austin's:) I hope we get a story on Paige! (her daughter was so cute).
I would totally recommend this book!!:)
5/5
Profile Image for Monica Graves.
398 reviews
May 26, 2017
4.5-5!

So, so good! I've been looking forward to Ben's story ever since he was introduced in Rachel's other series. And it didn't disappoint! I know we were all waiting for the infamous hair grips (as shown on the cover) but I think my favorites were the neck kisses! Everything these characters went through made the story that much more intense, both emotionally and physically. Rachel definitely delivered with this book and to say that I'm excited for the rest of the Men of Monroe is an understatement!
Do yourself and favor and go read this book!
Profile Image for Hanna's Book Obsession.
544 reviews61 followers
August 3, 2017


This is one of the Best Romance book I have read this year!! I Love Ben and Sasha so much!! This book was off the charts Amazing!! I am in love with Ben Hunt you guys he is so wonderful so swoon worthy!! Ben Hunt has my heart!! He is up there with the Addicted/Calloway Sister’s Men and if you know me you know I LOVE them!! This Book was all around Wonderful and so Swoon Worthy!! You guys Need to pick this baby up!

Sasha and Ben go through a lot in this book!

Sasha had her life turned upside down when she was young and her heart has never been the same since.Then Ben shows up with all his alphaness and won’t take no for an answer. She has trust issues ever since her mom abandon her when she was fifteen. She has never found a guy she can see herself with until Ben. He comes in and makes her see she can be happy with him. Things take a turn and Sasha doesn’t know how to handle it.

“You look like a woman who would be the best kind of forever”-Ben

Ben is a cop. A sexy cop with eyes for the one girl he shouldn’t want. He can’t help himself so he goes after her and gets what he wants! Even though is complicates his work he still gets Sasha and he won’t let her go. He is strong and caring a really good guy and so swoon worthy! Ben Hunt knows what he wants and he takes it. He just has to make sure that his job doesn’t touch Sasha.

This book is so good! You guys have to give it a read! It is such a wonderful contemporary romance that you will so easily fall in love with! One of my favorite things about this book was that Ben did not give up no matter what Sasha said or did he never backed down. His Alphaness is such a turn on ugh I love Ben!! Their relationship was so wonderful to read I love this couple so much! Rachel Wrote an amazing book that I love and that you will love too.

I Love this cover♥♥ It fits Sasha and Ben so well!!
Profile Image for Jan .
2,154 reviews45 followers
May 30, 2017
4.5 SASSY STARS

Fan me down, phew, Ben Hunt, ladies hold on to your knickers.

All That I am is long overdue, It feels like forever since I read a book by Rachel Brookes and the wait was so worth it.



Ben is a detective and Sasha Hamilton is a part bar owner with her brother and store owner.

Ben is bossy, hot and all Alpha whereas Sasha also named Sassy is well, shes full of Sass hence her nickname and together they are a perfect match all Ben has to do is get Sasha out of her commitment phobia.




All That I am gives you all the feels, you will swoon,laugh,get teary,excited and love every minute of this romance written brilliantly with hotness in all the right places including unexpected twists and turns to keep you turning the pages.

Brilliant plot that keeps you hooked and great secondary characters, I loved Gigi,Crazy John, Austin intrigued me and Missy was fun and everything a best friends should be.



Sasha:
He was a man who I thought had the strength of a thousand warriors and the patience of a hundred saints, but I was quickly learning that he was just a man who wanted to give a woman the freedom to fly.


Contains all that I love in contemporary romance read and I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.

Arc gratefully received for review purposes
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,158 reviews13 followers
May 24, 2017
All That I Am is the first book I've read by Rachel Brookes, and I really enjoyed it. It was a fun read with some drama/suspense towards the end, this drama had been building up the entire way through the book.

Sasha is one Sassy female! (hence the nickname she's given of Sassy). Our main male character Ben, is the definition of bossy alpha. There were lots of fireworks involved with these 2 coming together, Ben - who knows what he wants and is determined to get it, and Sasha, who is trying to avoid commitment yet is incredibly attracted to, and can;t stay away from Ben. I love how Sasha calls him Benjamin when she is throwing around the sassy attitude.

I loved all the people that surrounded Sasha in this story, and became her family. Crazy John, for being such a wonderful father figure to her, Missy - for being the crazy and fun loving best friend, Gigi, who was a complete hoot. I need to go and catch up on this authors other books.
Profile Image for Kate.
Author 4 books27 followers
June 2, 2017
HELLO MEN OF MONROE!

Late to the party I know, but this is my first Rachel Brookes read and I loved everything about it.

A contemporary romance read, I knew within the first few pages I was going to love this story, the characters and the writing.

I was instantly at home with Sasha as the heroine and felt like I was with a friend - sharing secrets, gossip & laughs. Sassy (literally and figuratively), smart, sexy & strong - she's my favourite type of contemporary heroine. The things out of her mouth had me laughing & cheering, and my heart ached for her when she was vulnerable. Her "tribe/posse" was gold anytime the were on the page and I really want to hang out with them.

Now as for Detective Ben Hunt... yes please!No kidding, that man is swoony, thigh-clenchy, alphatastic deliciousness! The things outta his mouth - even when in Mr Bossy-Mode - had me like one of those cartoon characters with bulging love hearts in their eyes. Welcome to my #BookBoyfriendList Benjamin.

The story and plot flowed really well, plenty of heart and heat feels, along with a nice dose of suspense and intrigue. The supporting cast of characters were brilliant and I'd be more than happy to have any of the key players be the leads in any upcoming 'Men of Monroe' books.

I'm already looking forward the next book, and anticipate devouring more romantic escapades from the Men of Monroe and the women who keep them on their toes.
Profile Image for Brianna.
1,614 reviews291 followers
June 3, 2017
Where do I even start!? I absolutely adore this book and Rachel as an author. I've read 2 of her others; Be My December and Be My Temptation (which Ben, our MC will appear in!!!!). I was so excited to see this book and to get my hands on it. Ben was literally everything. SOO swoon-worthy. I can just gush all day about him. He's literally the BEST...

Such a page turner filled with intense scenes. I'm gonna keep this short and sweet; because you just need to read it. ;) You only need that cover to make the decision to read; then Ben will totally be worth it... Just you wait. ;)
Profile Image for Tash.
1,267 reviews102 followers
May 30, 2017
Reviewed @ Confessions From Romaholics
Review copy kindly provided by author in exchange for a honest review
Rachel Brookes always holds a special place in my heart. Ever since I read Be My December was introduced to her words and characters. I said then , that was a superb book and nothing will change that fact. All That I Am is a different sort of book and deserves its own praise for its beautiful story and the fact we get a tale that is full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more by the end. Even so it is completed and that Ben finally got his story.

Ben Hunt was introduced along side with his partner Austin Hart in Be My Temptation which told the story of Austin’s sister Ashlyn. However my brain didn’t click until half through when the memories came flooding back to me. We were introduced to those two gorgeous males in that novel where they had smaller roles, they were memorable . So I was more then ready for Ben to get a starring role.

However I wasn’t ready for Sasha Hamilton. A woman who was broken yet rose from the ashes and become the woman she is today. Sassy and kind heart with a mouth that won’t hold back need be. Born into a family that is a institution around the town of Monoroe thanks to their family bar. Sasha has carved her own place as a business owner of her own little home décor store . Now it maybe just her brother Drew and her, but Sasha isn’t with out friends or adopted family. However there is one thing missing from her life. A man, Sasha isn’t too picky but she is looking for something special and the men of Monroe aren’t just cutting for it her. They can’t get pass the wall she put up and she thinks she is destined to stay single

Until the perfect man walks through the doors of Missy’s dinner and changes things for Sasha in a instance. As it no other then Ben Hunt who more then fits what Sasha is after but this detective isn’t going to let Sasha get away with out a fight. He is ready to break those walls down and shatter them. He is a force that she can’t get enough of. Even if she isn’t willing to admit it with out a battle. Something Ben is more then prepared for as there more to this story then first meets the eye.

Especially with what is around the corner. Something that this feisty sassy woman can’t handle on her own as much she wants to . She needs a man like Ben Hunt in her corner. Not just for his physical appearance but his skills as a detective. As secrets are about to come out and shake this town and family……

All that I Am is her finest book to date and was worth the wait. It was a complex thrilling book that cdidnt’ disappoint. Sasha Hamilton and Ben Hunt for all the teasing that was done about them, was everthing I thought the would be . I didn’t think Brookes had this kind of story in her . I didn’t expect a contemporary romance with a strong suspense in from Brookes in a million years. This isn’t lip service, this a blogger who is a reader first rediscovering and falling in love with the words of an author that she adores. Brookes has come back in a big way. With a tale of love , sorrow and supense, All that I am is definitely a keeper and I can’t wait for the next epic Monroe romance.

Confessions From Romaholics.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
Profile Image for Selma.
485 reviews80 followers
May 26, 2017
4 - 4.5 stars

I've been anxiously awaiting this book for a very long time. I have missed Rachel Brookes writing - her entertaining stories and intriguing and lovable characters. She didn't disappoint with All That I Am - book #1 in the highly anticipating Men of Monroe series. It features a kick-ass heroine, with a sassy mouth and sinful body but serious abandonment issues and a sexy hero, who is protective and bossy and whose life drastically changes when a spitfire crosses his way.

Sasha is the proud owner of Sass - a home decor shop - and co-owner of her family's bar Hamilton's. Her mother left her without an explanation and backward glance when she was only a teenager. Ever since Sasha has promised herself to never let another person into her heart again. She is a reluctant romantic, relationship avoider and an expert in one night stands. The walls around her heart are so thick there is no man strong enough to break them. Or so she thought until she meets Ben Hunt, the handsome detective with a delectable body and panty-dropping smirk. She will need his help when she suddenly finds herself and her businesses in danger. This threat is something she never saw coming and which has the potential to destroy her and her brother's existence. Will Ben turn out to be not only her knight in shining armour but also her HEA? Will he be able to protect Sasha - the only woman who has ever managed to touch his heart and wish for a future together?

As always Rachel knows how to write wonderful friendships as shown with Sasha and Missy. They are more than just two women who grew up together and who gossip about men and share their dating experiences. They are each others pillar of strength. Sisters from another misters. I also loved Sasha's relationship with Crazy John who took over the role of a caring parent for Drew and her when their beloved father died. The strong message behind this story is that family is not someone who shares your blood and DNA but who your heart chooses.

Ben Hunt is one of the swooniest heroes that I've read about lately, hands down! This man is pure perfection. I dare you to not fall in love and lust with this gorgeous detective. Ben has a heart of gold and the patience of a saint. He is someone who doesn't give up - especially when it comes to people he cares about. The way he treated Sasha is something every woman wishes to experience one day. I enjoyed seeing their relationship progress and becoming something so beautiful. Ben's love has changed Sasha. He finally made her realise that she is worth everything - worth fighting for, worth staying for.

"You look like a woman who would be the best kind of forever." (my favorite Ben Hunt line)

I highly recommend this story and can't wait to find out how the series continues. Ben has some really amazing collegues who need to find themselves woman to warm their hearts and beds. And Sasha has some awesome friends who need strong men with a backbone in their lives to lean on. Hurry up Rachel, I need book #2 as soon as possible. I'm hooked on MOM.
Profile Image for Sejla.
543 reviews51 followers
May 28, 2017
4 to 4.5 sassy stars

Gosh how I missed Rachel Brooke's words! Since the moment she announced that she is writing about the Men of Monroe I was excitedly waiting for this book to be released. And let me tell you it was worth the wait! All That I am was a beautifully written and enthralling story full of twists and turns that gripped me from the start and didn't let me go until the end. The best thing about this book is that we don't only get a kick-ass, sassy heroine and a sexy, swoon-worthy hero. We also get secondary characters that are so loveable and funny that you can't help but fall in love with them. All I wanted was to jump on the next plain to Monroe and hang out with the whole tribe!

Sasha Hamilton is a blond bombshell and sassy owner of a home décor boutique in Monroe. She is a beautiful and confident woman that has put up insurmountable walls around her heart after her mother left her and her family at the age of fifteen. After that traumatising experience she has serious trust and abandonment issues and doesn't let any man near her heart. Until she meets him: Detective Ben Hunt, the owner of the most exquisite blue eyes, a sinful body and a seductive smirk that makes her weak at the knees. This guy charges into her life like a force of nature determined to shatter the walls she's so adamantely put up. The harder Sasha tries to keep him away, the more he is determined to fight for her love. When an old acquaintance of Sasha's shows up in this little town, some major secrets will be revealed bringing Sasha and her brother Drew into serious danger of not only losing their co-owned bar but also their lives. Can Detective Ben Hunt and his collegues safe the day? And more importantly, can he win Sasha's most well kept posession: her heart?

Sasha's feisty persona and big mouth made her a strong heroine. I loved that she took no shit from anyone and gave Ben a run for his money. She was a wonderful and supportive friend and had such a beautiful heart. It hurt me to see how much she thought that she is not worth anybody's love after her mother left!

Ben was one of the best-written and swoon-worthy heroes ever! I can't tell you how many times I wanted to kiss and hug him for taking care of Sasha and putting the broken pieces of her heart together. He loved and supported her and did everything in his power to put back a smile on her face!

Please buy and read this amazing book. I promise you a lot of laughter, swooning and gasping and a story of love, family and friendship you won't be able to forget. Well done Rachel Brookes! I can't wait for more books from Monroe.
Profile Image for Derna.
589 reviews249 followers
June 11, 2017
I remember writing in my review for Be My Temptation (The Crawford Brothers #2) and saying….. Let me just take a moment to talk about Ben Hunt from the snippet that we get of him, it was just enough to leave a lasting impression. I know that I’m going to love him and his alpha ways. I can’t wait for his book.”

Well, after finishing All That I Am the first book in Rachel’s new Men of Monroe series I have to say I wasn’t disappointed. Detective Ben Hunt is pure alpha, he is domineering, sweet, cocky, badass, cool, sexy with a heart of gold. It’s safe to say that he is my favourite leading man from a Rachel Brookes book.

“Mr. Blue Eyes, who transformed into Mr. Intense, and was now Mr. Alpha.”

Just like Ben I loved home décor boutique owner Sasha and her sassy mouth, she was such a great character. Sasha didn’t do serious relationships, but that all changed when Ben Hunt with his I won’t take no for an answer attitude came into her life. I adored the relationship that developed between them; they were perfect for each other.

“You gave me something I never wanted, something I tried hard to avoid, but you showed me it was something I needed. You gave my heart the chance to start over.”

“Let me be the man who gives you the life a woman as incredible as you deserves”


This book was sweet, sexy with a little bit of a mystery element thrown in. There were a few twists and turns that added to the story, and I loved Sasha's best friend, Missy. It’s a been a while since we had had a book from Rachel and all I can say it was ALL that I Am was worth the wait. Rachel Brookes is a talented writer who writes with such passion. This book with pull on your emotions you will swoon, laugh and she doesn’t disappoint on the hot sexy scenes.

I really, enjoyed All That I Am and I can't wait read the next book in series, My Only Reason Austin and Marine’s story.
Profile Image for Andi Isack.
400 reviews14 followers
October 9, 2017

"Ben was my calm, and I was his chaos."

Don't judge a book from its cover!!!! Well this is THE EXCEPTION! From the first time I saw it, I loved it! One of my favorite!!!! I have been a bit jealous of the gorgeous Blondie, not only because of her beautiful hair, but especially for that hug. It looks so real, so tight, so good, so sexy!!!!! I crave for it!!!!! But what is beyond that STUNNING cover? An amazing story, sexy as hell. This book will hooked you from the first page. Why? If I tell you that he's a hot detective, or that he has a secret crush on her, or if he is A REAL alpha male, cocky and hilarious at the same time....will you agree with me? Protecting is what he does daily, because of his job, but protecting her become his priority. And he will show you so many ways to do it!!! Ben Hunt will own ur heart, not only Sasha's. Ben Hunt will give her everything, literally everything, because Sasha is his all, his life, his girl, his lady, his love, his soul mate someday. He treats Sasha like a princess, really, this guy is outrageously perfect!!!! And she tries to protect her soul, because love for her comes with some awful childhood memories. When she felt lonely, unloved, and abandoned. And the scars on her heart still following her. And here he comes with all his patience, protection, affection, cuddles, smiles and those hugs!!!!! And make her feel free and loved again! So, this story is so entertaining and emotional! I dare you not to fall in love with it! With him too!!!! Benjamin Peter Hunt you just slipped on top of my favorite bookcops!!!! And you get a selective group of hot colleagues out there!!!
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,007 reviews80 followers
May 27, 2017

I have seen all the author's struggles to deliver a satisfying story and I'm glad she finally set these characters free because All That I Am was a good and enjoyable read.

Sasha and Ben relationship is hot since their first encounter,there is never a dull moment in their lives. They are both bullheaded and strong willed,I loved their bantering and their romantic chatters.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series to meet again these characters and their varied group of friends.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for Ashley.
638 reviews
May 23, 2017
Rachel Brookes has this amazing ability to create characters that quickly make you fall in love with them, and then make you wish you were part of the book. Ben, a delicious, sexy pure alpha in every way and Sasha, a beautiful bombshell who you would want as a best friend. Bring those two together and you have one unbelievably sexy, romantic, suspenseful and the beginning of a series I can't wait to continue!
Profile Image for Amanda White.
489 reviews8 followers
June 13, 2017
Pretty good

Don't let the three stars fool you, I did like this book. The characters were interesting and I liked the side characters and the small town setting. There were some twists, some sad moments where I wanted to cry and some action scenes that had me gripping the kindle.

My issues for not giving it more stars was some of the editing (spelling and grammar, repeated or missing words/wrong words) and for me personally there was a bit too much inner-monologue. As in, too many instances of the heroine or hero thinking inside their own head. It's probably a personal thing more than anything else, that style of writing just doesn't grab me as much.
Profile Image for Emma Johnston.
891 reviews24 followers
May 21, 2017
I have been waiting so long on this book, probably felt longer than it actually was. Purely down to how much I love Rachel and her words!

Ben is the most alpha man I have ever read and I fell in love with him before we even formally met him in the book. Ben and Sasha were totally meant to be together and I'm so glad their story turned out the way it did.

I am totally in love with this couple and I for one and majorly excited for the next one!

5 starts from Ever Growing Book Obsession blog
Profile Image for Kayleigh Deal.
285 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2017
Rachel has done it again another amazing book! I loved Ben! Swoon! The dual POV was perfect! Crazy john and Gigi! I loved them! As well as all the other characters I can't wait to see what else this series brings and what happens with all the gang getting there HEA this book didn't disappoint! Love love LOVED IT 💜💜
May 25, 2017
Rachel Brookes you have outdone yourself. This book was simply amazing and I loved it from beginning to end. There are no real words to describe on all the emotions I went thru while reading All That I Am . Just know know that Ben and Sasha are hot and sexy and ben is all mine .
Profile Image for Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews.
1,720 reviews140 followers
October 23, 2018
All That I Am (Men of Monroe Book 1)
by
Rachel Brookes

Finished! Holy shit! Why didn’t I read this age ago, so freaking good! I loved it all, even when I was crying! ❤️

Ben Hunt, and Sasha Hamilton… Be still my beating heart! I was am still speechless at how much I loved this story, Sasha and Ben’s story is one for everyone, it is seriously beautiful. Once Ben sets his mind to something he wants, he goes after it at full throttle. I laughed with them, cried with them and fell in love with them.

This book is a must read, you will love all the characters, crazy John, Gigi, Missy the list goes on. When I picked this book up I wasn’t to sure what to except, since this was my first book by Rachel and from when I finished reading this one I went on to reading her other book that are very loosely connected to this story.

Ben Hunt was introduced to us in Be My Temptation his detective partner is Austin Hart who is Ashlyn’s sister. All that I Need is a wicked hot contemporary romance with suspense thrown into the mix, it is literally perfect.

I loved the twist and turns, the ups and downs it was the perfect blend of slow burn but fast paced all wrapped in a bow for us to enjoy!

Sasha owns this cute boutique and her best friend Missy owns a dinner, the friendship they have is something that will make you smile and giggle, I don’t want to give away anything else about this story. Other then I loved it! And I think you will love it too.

Ang
PNR Book Lover Reviews
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,188 reviews95 followers
May 29, 2017
2.0 RATING- This may be one of those books that everyone else enjoys but unfortunately it just didn't work for me. It seems like the author may have been influenced by Kristan Ashley - which I have no problem with- but if you go into this thinking this is going to be a KA stand in, you're likely to be disappointed.

The heroine and her girl posse are all extremely immature. It was so annoying. Then we have the "bad guy". He went from being an annoying overly handsy childhood neighbor to Uber bad guy in a hot second. Didn't work for me. The book is also very long, over 400 pages. This is not a good thing when it comes to this book. I admit to skimming parts of the second half. Finally, when everything does come out? All I could think of was how lame it all was.

I gave this two stars mainly for effort. I was hoping this was going to be a decent guilty pleasure but in the end I only feel guilty for actually finishing it.
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,188 reviews
June 3, 2017
This cover is amazing. So perfectly Ben and Sasha.

I wasn't expecting this to be a little bit of a crime novel along with romance. Yes, Ben is a detective but there was a twist and story of this that was a long drawn out case!

I enjoyed the overall story and connection between the two but there was so much of this book that felt like another author - even using wording that is very classic and annoying hers.

Sure, alpha males and hurt girls aren't a new formula but there was just something to this that felt so familiar.

Now, I am not saying she copied her. Not at all. I love both authors but just saying the wording and phases were just - familiar.

I am excited to see where Austin's story takes us, and hopefully one day Drew!
Profile Image for Book Maniac Forever.
913 reviews326 followers
May 21, 2017
It feels like I’d been waiting for All That I Am forever. I’ve been a fan of Rachel Brookes since Just Breathe and was really eager about this new series. This long wait was so worth it! This book was as fantastic as I was expecting. Bursting with sass, fun, passion and heart, All That I Am is a complete winner.



Sasha Hamilton owns a home décor boutique and living the single life. It’s all she wants! But everything changes when enters in her life the embodiment of tall, dark and handsome: Detective Ben Hunt. Her vibrant personality has no limit and in spite of Ben’s multiple attempts at winning her, she’s not going to fall for him and his sexiness and bossy ways. Her heart is on locked up and she won’t give it for anyone. At least, that is her intention and she makes Ben works for it! Ben’s unrelenting pursuit of Sasha is just swoon worthy. This guy is the perfect mix of alpha, confident and dreamy! You can’t help but fall in love with his attentiveness for her well-being. In spite of Sasha’s constant struggle at a relationship with him, he never gives up on her. He shows time and time again that she’s what he wants.



I must admit that I have a huge girl crush on Sasha too! Seriously this girl is amazing! Everything coming out of her mouth is hilarious and endearing at the same time. She’s a great combination of sexy and sassy and the perfect match for Ben’s dominant self. When they’re together, it’s just sparkling fireworks waiting to explode. The passion is exceptionally high between them and Ben’s dirty mouth will leave you hot and bothered. But behind all Sasha’s strong front, she’s also emotionally fragile and this facet of her personality was moving. She’s been hurt in the past and now she’s guarded, but slowly her walls crumble brick by brick under Ben’s devoted attention.



In addition to this superb couple, you have a blend of supporting characters so loveable and funny. All the situation they find themselves in with Gigi, Crazy John, Missy, Austin and the others are laugh out loud funny and touching. Every single one of those people improves this already remarkable story with their dynamic presence.

Among all this intense passion and witty banters, there’s also secrets and suspense just waiting to unfold. I was on the edge of my seat trying to unravelled this intricate puzzle. Those threats planning over Monroe only helps fortify the undisputable bond between Sasha and Ben.

I adored my trip to Monroe! I had so much fun with this incredible group of people and can’t wait for more of the Men of Monroe to fall in love. Rachel Brookes once again combined all the right ingredients for a successful romance!

Profile Image for Amy .
2,693 reviews
May 22, 2017
"Nothing else existed but the two of us. The world could be spinning out of control, Yet all I saw him. All I felt was him."

"He said my mouth could make a man do anything--well, his eyes could make the most stubborn woman want to lose all sense of control."

"Give me the keys to your heart, Sweetheart. You won't regret it. Let me get in there and start clearing out the hurt. I don't want to keep losing you."

"Treat him right, and he will give you the fucking world, and so much more."

Oh, how I have been waiting for this book!!!! All That I Am is the first book in an exciting new series from Rachel Brookes and was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. And since it was one of my most anticipated reads, the bar was set high. Well, I gotta tell you, not only was this book worth the wait, but it blew my expectations clear out of the water. To say I loved this book would be a total understatement.

Told from dual points of view, All That I Am is a story that is impossible to not fall in love with. Ben and Sasha's story was incredibly well written with a bit of KA flare to it. I loved the writing style and the ease of the story. The words just flowed off the pages. The characters were a ton of fun and easy to connect with. You couldn't help but just want to know more about all these characters, even the secondary characters stole a piece of my heart.

Now, let's talk Ben & Sasha. OMG!! Ben is everything you could want and need in an alpha male. He had a likeness of what you could expect from one of KA's alpha males and I just could not get enough of him. He was determined. He was sexy. He knew what he wanted and refused to take no for an answer. He was fiercely protective and a passionate lover. And boy did he ever meet his match is Sasha!! Sasha is the kinda girl that just want to be friends with. She's been dealt some pretty tough cards in her life and is just trying to make the best of things. If she lets you in, you will never have a more devoted friend. She never saw Ben coming and he totally turned her world upside down. With her sassy mouth and fierce independence, Ben knew winning over Sasha was not going to be easy, but the chemistry between these two was intense. I mean sparks flying, melt the clothes right off of you intense. The banter between these two was entertaining and there was certainly never a dull moment.

All That I Am is a fantastic start to this new series from Rachel Brookes. It certainly checked off all my marks and I did not want to put this book down. From sexy and entertaining characters, to sassy banter and alpha males, to sexy good times and a little mystery and suspense in between. This book had it all and I just could not help but devour every word. I enjoyed every moment of Ben & Sasha's story, from beginning to end and am so excited to see what Rachel Brookes has in store for us next!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for David Maher.
271 reviews10 followers
May 23, 2017
Sasha was abandoned by her mother when she was 15. One morning she was sent off to school just like any other day, and that night she came home to a house that barely contained any trace her mother had ever been there.

At least she had her Dad, broken though he might have been by those events. He stood by her and loved her as much as any parent could ... before he died.

And she had her brother, her champion, her protector who dropped out of college and abandoned his own dreams in favor of helping bind what was left of their family together and supporting their father in running the family Bar, Hamilton's ... before he suddenly distanced himself from her.

Honestly, it's no wonder that this bright, beautiful, vibrant, successful, sassy woman has just a tiny smidgen of abandonment issues and has a strict policy of limiting her romantic entanglements to a strict 12 hour time frame.

Just like Sasha, All That I Am by Rachel Brooks is filled with sass and fireworks as Alpha detective Ben Hunt decides that keeping his distance just isn't going to work for him anymore and sets his mind, and everything else he's got working for him, toward the task of knocking down the walls she's built around her heart over the 13 years since her mother abandoned her and disappeared from her life never to be seen again.

Things in the town of Monroe aren't all as they appear though. The town's dark underside is much more sinister than Sasha or any of her friends could possibly imagine, and through no fault of her own she's inexorably caught up in the dark maelstrom of events that seek to drag them all under.

Walking the fine line of trying to protect Sasha while simultaneously attempting to uncover and protect the fragile heart she's kept hidden from the world for over a decade, Ben sure has his work cut out for him, and godlike though he may seem at times, he's only a man.

I absolutely loved this book that, from the very first page, kept me immersed right until I finished in the wee small hours of the morning. There's lot's of fun, not just as Sasha throws her sass in any direction she sees fit, but as a bountiful array of colorful and eccentric secondary characters fill the narrative with quirky yet endearing shenanigans, but, much like Sasha herself, all of the spit and vinegar only serves to hide the softness that lies beneath, surprising me time and again with sudden yet seamless shifts in tone from humorous to sweet, from dramatic to tender.

Ultimately though, it's a book that had my emotions tumbling to and fro wondering which was up and kept me guessing right to the end.

I can't recommend it strongly enough. Just brilliant.
Profile Image for Tracy W (Tracy&HelensRomanceBlog).
298 reviews56 followers
May 30, 2017
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING IN EVERY WAY!!!!!

I have waited for this book for what felt like forever but I can honestly tell you the wait was so worth it!!! Rachel Brooke's is by far one of my absolute favourite authors and I have loved everyone of her books....but I have to say All that I Am is at the top.....from the very beginning this book had me feeling for Sasha, my heart broke for this 15 year old girl, Sasha is undoubtedly a brilliant heroine in the book, I absolutely love the mouth on her and the rants she does....this girl says it as it is and thinks about it afterwards, she has a sass about her we all love.

Now Mr Ben Hunt...what can I say but he is one amazingly hot alpha and he wants Sasha after she come crashing him to him literally. He takes a hold of her and nothing is gonna stop him been with her, not even Sasha herself.....and believe me she tries her dammed hardest to push him away, but he just holds on to her and protects her with all he can....I absolutely love these 2 characters and all that they go through.

The secondary characters in the book make it all the more amazing, I loved them all and can't wait to read more about them in future books.

This book has twists and turns I was so not expecting at all, it had me laughing at Sasha's mouth and crying for all she goes though....it had me swooning over the way Ben talks to her.....one of my favourite bits of the book...."to answer to your earlier question, you don't look like a mistress, you look like a woman who would be the best kind of forever"......oh my word I love his words!!

Rachel Brooke's has done it again with this absolutely amazing story and my love for her just grows with her words, I honestly can't wait for the next book in the Men of Monroe series. Well done Rachel....your so talented.
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