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Camassia Cove Universe #13
Her All Along
I’d craved an ending for as long as I could remember. An ending to the crippling hurt, the blinding rage, and this sense of confusion and loss. I didn’t know who I was. I had no identity. I just hated.
Until her.
With one small flame after another, she lit up my path toward redemption and showed me a life worth living. It was how our love story began—without fanfare. Just a flicker in the dark.
Until her.
With one small flame after another, she lit up my path toward redemption and showed me a life worth living. It was how our love story began—without fanfare. Just a flicker in the dark.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2021
101 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
Cara Dee
97 books4,103 followers
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
I'm often stoically silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there's so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. There's a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve. Additionally, I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.
Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.
I'm a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, and geeking. There's time for hockey and cupcakes, too. But mostly, I just love to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 18, 2021
Updated: I had to correct a terribly misspelt word.🙊🙉🙈
Ugh. I don't want to be known as a miserable reader, yet here I am, miserable as ever.😖
Shall I just rate a book and shut my mount? 🤐 I wish I could, but I feel guilty for not to explain why the story didn't hit the mark.
So, here I go:
Overall, the story was underwhelming and I felt disconnected from the MCs.
I'll settle for 2 stars, which is a OK read bu GR standards.
Ugh. I don't want to be known as a miserable reader, yet here I am, miserable as ever.😖
Shall I just rate a book and shut my mount? 🤐 I wish I could, but I feel guilty for not to explain why the story didn't hit the mark.
So, here I go:
Overall, the story was underwhelming and I felt disconnected from the MCs.
I'll settle for 2 stars, which is a OK read bu GR standards.
January 19, 2021
One voice of dissent coming right up! I am a huge fan of this author but this is not of my favorites by her. I just had issues. Like...a lot of them! Two things that I really liked, though; the accurate representation of a very high functioning autistic person, and the mindset of a teacher who works in a private school. Except the part about f@cking students, because YIKES!
That was the first miss for me. I don't care how messed up Avery was. Fucking students that hadn't even graduated was YIKES! I have no idea how he went from to the person he became mid-read. I have no idea how he fell in love with Elise. I can't help but compare it to Power Play, where one MC knew the other since he was a kid too, and this was nothing like it. No build up whatsoever. In the end, I still felt she was his little sister (YIKES). "Mister" is a good name for a dessert, but coming from Elise was YIKES. And why would a grown up man feel the need to share his love life with a 16-17 year old?
I just...couldn't connect to the characters and their romance and I didn't like Avery, not even in the end. I think this was the main reason, because YIKES hasn't bothered me before. I did not like the characters.
That was the first miss for me. I don't care how messed up Avery was. Fucking students that hadn't even graduated was YIKES! I have no idea how he went from to the person he became mid-read. I have no idea how he fell in love with Elise. I can't help but compare it to Power Play, where one MC knew the other since he was a kid too, and this was nothing like it. No build up whatsoever. In the end, I still felt she was his little sister (YIKES). "Mister" is a good name for a dessert, but coming from Elise was YIKES. And why would a grown up man feel the need to share his love life with a 16-17 year old?
I just...couldn't connect to the characters and their romance and I didn't like Avery, not even in the end. I think this was the main reason, because YIKES hasn't bothered me before. I did not like the characters.
January 30, 2021
Very cute. I’ll give it that.
January 16, 2021
Get ready for some serious discomfort at the beginning of Her All Along. Avery starts out more bitter than unsweetened cranberries and needs therapy in the worst way. There are some triggers to watch out for, . This is Cara Dee, so I was definitely going to stick it out and hope that Avery developed into someone worthy. Thankfully, it happened.
Her All Along spans a decade and is the story of Avery Becker and Elise Quinn. There's a sizable age gap, with Avery being 15 years older than Elise. Avery watched Elise grow up and their relationship had always been unique. She's autistic and blunt and a bit anxious. With Avery, she could be exactly who she was, and I loved that. And through Elise, Avery learned that sometimes you can trust.
Just to be clear, Avery didn't see Elise as anything but the youngest Quinn until she was 18 and hit him over the head and dragged him back to her cave by his hair (figuratively speaking). Once he noticed...he was a goner.
I enjoyed the story a lot. I've been curious about Elise and Avery since I first met Elise, briefly, in the Auctioned series. I'm glad Cara Dee decided to tell their story. It wasn't as angsty as some of her writing, though, which surprised me, considering the first couple chapters, but I enjoyed it. It's kinda what I needed this week.
We see a lot of the Quinn brothers in this one, and though Willow doesn't have as large of a roll, she's still solidly there, as well. Though Cara Dee generally does a decent job of making books stand alone, if you haven't read the Auctioned series, you might be a touch lost in the family dynamics. They're a big, close, family, and they're all involved in each others lives. Something to keep in mind, anyway.
Her All Along spans a decade and is the story of Avery Becker and Elise Quinn. There's a sizable age gap, with Avery being 15 years older than Elise. Avery watched Elise grow up and their relationship had always been unique. She's autistic and blunt and a bit anxious. With Avery, she could be exactly who she was, and I loved that. And through Elise, Avery learned that sometimes you can trust.
Just to be clear, Avery didn't see Elise as anything but the youngest Quinn until she was 18 and hit him over the head and dragged him back to her cave by his hair (figuratively speaking). Once he noticed...he was a goner.
I enjoyed the story a lot. I've been curious about Elise and Avery since I first met Elise, briefly, in the Auctioned series. I'm glad Cara Dee decided to tell their story. It wasn't as angsty as some of her writing, though, which surprised me, considering the first couple chapters, but I enjoyed it. It's kinda what I needed this week.
We see a lot of the Quinn brothers in this one, and though Willow doesn't have as large of a roll, she's still solidly there, as well. Though Cara Dee generally does a decent job of making books stand alone, if you haven't read the Auctioned series, you might be a touch lost in the family dynamics. They're a big, close, family, and they're all involved in each others lives. Something to keep in mind, anyway.
March 23, 2024
I really wanted to love this more but .... Avery. He was an arsehole of epic proportions and I disliked him right from the get-go, he never really won me over after that which is a shame as this author always delivers for me.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
May 31, 2023
Free 31 May 2023
Oh, this author can write
Even where I don't enjoy the content, I adore the writing style.
A maestro with words...
Oh, this author can write
Even where I don't enjoy the content, I adore the writing style.
A maestro with words...
January 11, 2021
This book is as beautiful as the cover and inside it contains a romance which reflects it perfectly.
It's rare for me to read an MF romance but Cara Dee is one of those authors I know will give me a true equal relationship where neither one is perfect and both stumble along the journey to happiness.
Here, it's made more complex by a number of my favourite tropes, including an age gap, and a character choosing to redefine themselves to be better for their own benefit, not just because of love.
The length of time the relationship develops provides every bit of groundwork needed to show why, in the end, it's always been her for Avery.
I'm not going into any specific plot spoilers, I'll just say I absolutely loved everything about this book.
The pacing is just right, it has moments where you can viscerally feel the pain that the two go through at times for vastly different reasons.
You get to know the amazing Quinn family who have featured elsewhere in Cara's connected universe.
And we meet a younger Darius, from before his experience with Gray, a time when he thinks his heart will never be touched.
And, ultimately, you get to see a relationship grow from friendship into love with no fanfare or great declarations, just honest affection, respect and support.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
It's rare for me to read an MF romance but Cara Dee is one of those authors I know will give me a true equal relationship where neither one is perfect and both stumble along the journey to happiness.
Here, it's made more complex by a number of my favourite tropes, including an age gap, and a character choosing to redefine themselves to be better for their own benefit, not just because of love.
The length of time the relationship develops provides every bit of groundwork needed to show why, in the end, it's always been her for Avery.
I'm not going into any specific plot spoilers, I'll just say I absolutely loved everything about this book.
The pacing is just right, it has moments where you can viscerally feel the pain that the two go through at times for vastly different reasons.
You get to know the amazing Quinn family who have featured elsewhere in Cara's connected universe.
And we meet a younger Darius, from before his experience with Gray, a time when he thinks his heart will never be touched.
And, ultimately, you get to see a relationship grow from friendship into love with no fanfare or great declarations, just honest affection, respect and support.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
December 21, 2021
After seeing Avery and Elise in Darius' series, I was very curious about their story.
It was a book that started dark(ish) but gradually became brighter thanks to little Pipsqueak.
Although I almost hated Avery in the beginning, I'd be lying if I said I didn't understand him after reading his reasons.
However, I can't say that I really like the relationship of this duo.
Maybe it wouldn't have bothered me so much if they had met in the later years when Elise, as in Ryan and Angel's case, was of age, or if Avery hadn't been like a big brother to Elise from the very beginning, or if their relationship hadn't started as soon as Elise turned 18 and we gradually witnessed their love take on to another extent in the following years.
Regardless, after reading the book by ignoring all that, I give my three stars for the sake of Avery's character development, the Quinn family, and the epilgoues.
It was a book that started dark(ish) but gradually became brighter thanks to little Pipsqueak.
Although I almost hated Avery in the beginning, I'd be lying if I said I didn't understand him after reading his reasons.
However, I can't say that I really like the relationship of this duo.
Maybe it wouldn't have bothered me so much if they had met in the later years when Elise, as in Ryan and Angel's case, was of age, or if Avery hadn't been like a big brother to Elise from the very beginning, or if their relationship hadn't started as soon as Elise turned 18 and we gradually witnessed their love take on to another extent in the following years.
Regardless, after reading the book by ignoring all that, I give my three stars for the sake of Avery's character development, the Quinn family, and the epilgoues.
January 13, 2021
3.5 stars
Cara Dee can write it, and I will read it. Chapter 1 of this book was......it was uncomfortable. Avery is in a BAD place in his life, and he makes quite a few decisions that I honestly though "how is she going to redeem him from this?"
But she has made me uncomfortable before and made me LOVE the rest of the story, so I wasn't worried.
I feel like the issues here weren't addressed enough for me. It was all almost "forgotten" as that time in Avery's life where he lashed out from pain.
I also wanted some angst, especially with that kind of a setup, and there really wasn't any.
And the endearment "Mister" was icky.
Not bad at all, because this author is the shit, but not one of her better stories, imo.
Best part was seeing all of the different Quinn siblings, and I got more Darius.
Cara Dee can write it, and I will read it. Chapter 1 of this book was......it was uncomfortable. Avery is in a BAD place in his life, and he makes quite a few decisions that I honestly though "how is she going to redeem him from this?"
But she has made me uncomfortable before and made me LOVE the rest of the story, so I wasn't worried.
I feel like the issues here weren't addressed enough for me. It was all almost "forgotten" as that time in Avery's life where he lashed out from pain.
I also wanted some angst, especially with that kind of a setup, and there really wasn't any.
And the endearment "Mister" was icky.
Not bad at all, because this author is the shit, but not one of her better stories, imo.
Best part was seeing all of the different Quinn siblings, and I got more Darius.
January 20, 2021
DNF. This one was too pedophilic for my taste . There definitely needs to be a trigger warning for mental issues besides the suicide. I’m not sure how anyone can romanticize any relationship with a man who sleeps with a bunch of his high school students as revenge against his wife. That is predatory behavior in itself and startling. Than to start lusting for a 12 year old child that has some mental issues?? No. Nope. I have nieces that age and that just did not sit well with me. First time reading this author and definitely last .
I’m sure a lot of people enjoy this , it’s preferential. But, it just didn’t work for me .
I’m sure a lot of people enjoy this , it’s preferential. But, it just didn’t work for me .
September 23, 2022
OMG I loooove Mister and his Pipsqueak, aka Avery and Elise!! Fantastic story made even more emotive and full of depth having read Darius’s Auction series.
nope-not-for-me-not-interested
January 16, 2021DNF 12%
Urgh. I love this author but I can’t read any more of this. This was a big miss for me. YMMV.
Urgh. I love this author but I can’t read any more of this. This was a big miss for me. YMMV.
June 23, 2021
I didn't really know much about this book. Goodreads recommended it to me not so long ago and I liked the cover so I decided to give it a chance.
I already read a book by the author so I kinda know her writing style.
The book starts with Avery who is a man, lets say that at the beginning because at first, I thought that is a woman. Ok, he is a teacher, in his late twenties, with a pending divorce. Right in the first pages, we realize that he has some serious issues and as we continue with the reading, we will understand why.
The book takes place in the fictional town, Camassia Cove and as I understand, there are several books that took place in this town but with other characters who might or not connects to each other but all the books are stand-alone.
Ok, we have Avery who is in a dark place in his life and we have Elise who is a twelve-year-old girl who suffers from autism and is the little sister of Avery's best friends. Despite their age difference, they form a bond and became good friends.
The story takes place for a decade and over the years we see how the characters outgrow themselves.
In the beginning, Avery is a manwhore, being hurt by his ex-wife makes some questionable decisions and I didn't like him so much. The only constant in his life is the Quinn family who always helped and supported him.
I didn't really like him, at least not at the beginning where he was this selfish and annoying man who hated women.
It could be a little disturbing to some people his relationship with Elise since e knows her since she is just a kid, but nothing happens between them till she is underage.
Elise was a sweet character to who I grew attached very soon. I would have loved to read the book also from her point of view because we know that she is suffering from autism but we never really know much about that since the whole book is told just by the hero so we got to know Elise just through Avery's eyes.
She grew from an awkward child to an independent and strong woman and she managed to change Avery's life just by being herself.
I really liked the story and the characters, even if I didn't like Avery, in the end, I could understand him better. There is no much drama, we just witness the life of some character through a decade of their lives so sometimes it was a little boring.
The ending was so nice and sweet and we get two epilogues and I was so happy about it.
I can't wait for Willows's story, she is Elise's sister and I'm also curious about Finn as well, I can't wait for their books.
I already read a book by the author so I kinda know her writing style.
The book starts with Avery who is a man, lets say that at the beginning because at first, I thought that is a woman. Ok, he is a teacher, in his late twenties, with a pending divorce. Right in the first pages, we realize that he has some serious issues and as we continue with the reading, we will understand why.
The book takes place in the fictional town, Camassia Cove and as I understand, there are several books that took place in this town but with other characters who might or not connects to each other but all the books are stand-alone.
Ok, we have Avery who is in a dark place in his life and we have Elise who is a twelve-year-old girl who suffers from autism and is the little sister of Avery's best friends. Despite their age difference, they form a bond and became good friends.
The story takes place for a decade and over the years we see how the characters outgrow themselves.
In the beginning, Avery is a manwhore, being hurt by his ex-wife makes some questionable decisions and I didn't like him so much. The only constant in his life is the Quinn family who always helped and supported him.
I didn't really like him, at least not at the beginning where he was this selfish and annoying man who hated women.
It could be a little disturbing to some people his relationship with Elise since e knows her since she is just a kid, but nothing happens between them till she is underage.
Elise was a sweet character to who I grew attached very soon. I would have loved to read the book also from her point of view because we know that she is suffering from autism but we never really know much about that since the whole book is told just by the hero so we got to know Elise just through Avery's eyes.
She grew from an awkward child to an independent and strong woman and she managed to change Avery's life just by being herself.
I really liked the story and the characters, even if I didn't like Avery, in the end, I could understand him better. There is no much drama, we just witness the life of some character through a decade of their lives so sometimes it was a little boring.
The ending was so nice and sweet and we get two epilogues and I was so happy about it.
I can't wait for Willows's story, she is Elise's sister and I'm also curious about Finn as well, I can't wait for their books.
February 28, 2021
I was creeped out by this one. While the MC never, like, knowingly grooms the love interest, they share a really close relationship that starts when he is 28 and she's 12, and he shows small sparks of interest (that he doesn't realize are interest) before she's 18. The rest of the story wasn't interesting enough to redeem it.
March 1, 2021
Talk about an intense start!
This one is a slow progressing romance where H and h meet when he is a grown man who is divorcing his wife (after blatantly cheating on her) while h is a young teenager (12?) who is autistic and is his friends little sister
The book is more a story about the H as he grows from a manwhore woman hater into a genuinely nice human being
The romance happens when h is grown up; while they spend a lot of time together while she is growing up; she comes to his house daily and they are friends but nothing inappropriate happens
During this time H has a baby with one of his FWB's but this lady is not a problem in his life; she has the baby and signs custody to H and moves on with her life
H's growth was good to see; while he starts as a woman hating jerk, he does have some reason to be this way; H asks his wife (not h) to never contact his mother as he never wants to see her; his mother was a very abusive woman who seriously ill-treats H and his brother until they end up in foster care where the boys are separated
wife decides H could not possibly be serious and contacts the mother who plays a good woman to the wife so she can have the H's contact; the mother is verbally abusive to the H whenever she calls him and when the story starts, depressed and upset H is blatantly cheating on his wife, wants to divorce her and wants to commit suicide
H feels very, very betrayed by his wife as she did not respect the one request he made of her so he is a massive jerk, which is hard to take but perhaps that was what made his transformation believable
He grows into a decent person over the story
There were some issues with the story, like everything was so lovey dovey with H and h when they finally get together although they sneak around a little bit and H's scenes with OW are not easy to take
But all in all, I did like this story a lot ...
This one is a slow progressing romance where H and h meet when he is a grown man who is divorcing his wife (after blatantly cheating on her) while h is a young teenager (12?) who is autistic and is his friends little sister
The book is more a story about the H as he grows from a manwhore woman hater into a genuinely nice human being
The romance happens when h is grown up; while they spend a lot of time together while she is growing up; she comes to his house daily and they are friends but nothing inappropriate happens
During this time H has a baby with one of his FWB's but this lady is not a problem in his life; she has the baby and signs custody to H and moves on with her life
H's growth was good to see; while he starts as a woman hating jerk, he does have some reason to be this way; H asks his wife (not h) to never contact his mother as he never wants to see her; his mother was a very abusive woman who seriously ill-treats H and his brother until they end up in foster care where the boys are separated
wife decides H could not possibly be serious and contacts the mother who plays a good woman to the wife so she can have the H's contact; the mother is verbally abusive to the H whenever she calls him and when the story starts, depressed and upset H is blatantly cheating on his wife, wants to divorce her and wants to commit suicide
H feels very, very betrayed by his wife as she did not respect the one request he made of her so he is a massive jerk, which is hard to take but perhaps that was what made his transformation believable
He grows into a decent person over the story
There were some issues with the story, like everything was so lovey dovey with H and h when they finally get together although they sneak around a little bit and H's scenes with OW are not easy to take
But all in all, I did like this story a lot ...
January 13, 2021
If this isn't a story of epic life changing love I dont know what is. When we meet Avery he is in his late 20s, and divorcing his wife because she wronged him and he wants to hurt her. He is not a very likable character in the beginning. He is angry, states that he hates women and has a very traumatic past. He is rude to basically everyone in his life, everyone except for 12 year old Elise Quinn. Elise is one of the two adopted daughters in the Quinn family, both she and her sister Willow are on the Autism Spectrum.
Her All Along is a beautiful and momentous love story that develops so organically, for the first 50% of the book the story was about the friendship that Elise and Avery build together. While Elise is at least 15 years younger than Avery, his emotional development was stunted due to his childhood trauma. This story is such a romantic romance and an epic love story in a way that only Cara Dee could do. It's an age gap, brother's best friend, but its almost a step brother romance since he is essentially part of the family. It's all the things people say they dont want to read, she's too young, he's to old blah blah blah its all crap. Those people dont know what they're talking about because Elise and Avery were made for each other. Once their relationship turns physical it is scorching hot.
I love love love this story another great addition to Camassia Cove. I was a little disappointed that this took place so far before Auctioned, that Gray is not part of the story, but it was nice to see more of Darius before he met Gray.
Her All Along is definitely a story of life not going how you plan, but going exactly as it is meant to, and every word is perfection.
Trigger warning for descriptions of child abuse.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review.
Her All Along is a beautiful and momentous love story that develops so organically, for the first 50% of the book the story was about the friendship that Elise and Avery build together. While Elise is at least 15 years younger than Avery, his emotional development was stunted due to his childhood trauma. This story is such a romantic romance and an epic love story in a way that only Cara Dee could do. It's an age gap, brother's best friend, but its almost a step brother romance since he is essentially part of the family. It's all the things people say they dont want to read, she's too young, he's to old blah blah blah its all crap. Those people dont know what they're talking about because Elise and Avery were made for each other. Once their relationship turns physical it is scorching hot.
I love love love this story another great addition to Camassia Cove. I was a little disappointed that this took place so far before Auctioned, that Gray is not part of the story, but it was nice to see more of Darius before he met Gray.
Her All Along is definitely a story of life not going how you plan, but going exactly as it is meant to, and every word is perfection.
Trigger warning for descriptions of child abuse.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review.
March 14, 2023
3 out of 5 ☆’s.
”It’s you and me. I’m not going anywhere.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
This novel is a bit difficult for me to rate. While it contained some of my favorite tropes (age gap + brother’s best friend / family friend) — there were moments where I was slightly uncomfortable with some of the things that happened at the beginning of the story.
I understand that Avery was supposed to be a deeply flawed character that was traumatized by his past — but there were moments where I questioned if some of the things that were happening were necessary to the plot / Avery’s eventual character progression (e.g. Avery sleeping with students of his — which seemed slightly ooc for a character that placed so much importance on the value of an education).
I will say that I did enjoy the progress that Avery made throughout the novel (he had a lot of personal growth) however, I do wish that we were able to see more of this gradual development as it was happening (rather than reflecting on it after brief time jumps within the story).
I did enjoy reading about the close bond that Avery + Elise had with one another — but once Elise moved to California the story began to drag for me & I found myself fighting to get through those last couple chapters…
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I did enjoy the Finn subplot quite a bit & I cannot wait for his story to be told (🤩)! ♡
”It’s you and me. I’m not going anywhere.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚
This novel is a bit difficult for me to rate. While it contained some of my favorite tropes (age gap + brother’s best friend / family friend) — there were moments where I was slightly uncomfortable with some of the things that happened at the beginning of the story.
I understand that Avery was supposed to be a deeply flawed character that was traumatized by his past — but there were moments where I questioned if some of the things that were happening were necessary to the plot / Avery’s eventual character progression (e.g. Avery sleeping with students of his — which seemed slightly ooc for a character that placed so much importance on the value of an education).
I will say that I did enjoy the progress that Avery made throughout the novel (he had a lot of personal growth) however, I do wish that we were able to see more of this gradual development as it was happening (rather than reflecting on it after brief time jumps within the story).
I did enjoy reading about the close bond that Avery + Elise had with one another — but once Elise moved to California the story began to drag for me & I found myself fighting to get through those last couple chapters…
ੈ✩‧₊˚
I did enjoy the Finn subplot quite a bit & I cannot wait for his story to be told (🤩)! ♡
July 31, 2022
Holy shit Her All Along was like crack. You get a taste and instantly become addicted. Or at least that’s what happened to me.
I’m a sucker for age gap and a sweet innocent MC with a grumpy boyfriend. This was really just 🤌🏻.
Avery was this hurt little boi who just wanted love. He quickly become close with his best friend’s little sister and guides her through life as she grows up.
Elise was so goddamned sweet and her lack of social understanding probably gave Avery a few heart attacks when didn’t have any filter on her thoughts.
This book was not just sweet and heartwarming. There were a lot of serious issues which were addressed and we see Avery trying to overcome his traumas.
I just really liked it and wished I’d read it sooner because it made me so damn happy to read.
I’m a sucker for age gap and a sweet innocent MC with a grumpy boyfriend. This was really just 🤌🏻.
Avery was this hurt little boi who just wanted love. He quickly become close with his best friend’s little sister and guides her through life as she grows up.
Elise was so goddamned sweet and her lack of social understanding probably gave Avery a few heart attacks when didn’t have any filter on her thoughts.
This book was not just sweet and heartwarming. There were a lot of serious issues which were addressed and we see Avery trying to overcome his traumas.
I just really liked it and wished I’d read it sooner because it made me so damn happy to read.
January 18, 2021
I love how Cara Dee had Avery and Elise’s relationship evolve over time. It felt natural and inevitable with no creepiness on Avery’s part. He was just a genuine friend for Elise growing up. There were potential points for a lot of issues with family that ended up being non-issues because of the Quinn family’s acceptance and love. I loved how patient Avery always was with Elise and how they could always be so honest with each other.
I would have liked it better if Avery’s teaching scenes had been cut out. They felt like a political lesson and I have enough politics shoved down my throat enough these days that I don’t enjoy them in my books. Books are my escape. I also would have liked more development in the side story of Avery and Finn. It always felt like it got swept under the rug. It was almost a tease really and seemed like it was thrown in as an afterthought. I was disappointed in that.
It was also a bummer that we didn’t get to witness their wedding!!!
I would have liked it better if Avery’s teaching scenes had been cut out. They felt like a political lesson and I have enough politics shoved down my throat enough these days that I don’t enjoy them in my books. Books are my escape. I also would have liked more development in the side story of Avery and Finn. It always felt like it got swept under the rug. It was almost a tease really and seemed like it was thrown in as an afterthought. I was disappointed in that.
It was also a bummer that we didn’t get to witness their wedding!!!
January 2, 2021
I didn’t know what to expect this books when I read the disclaimer. However as usual this author does not disappoint. Somehow the author endears you to her characters flaws and makes you love them. I hurt for the MC. But the MC brought him back to life in more ways than one. I like this author’s approach to characters flawed and every day people making it work. I did not expect the outcome until about half way through the book. You would expect Avery to be the one to accept Elise, but it was Elise accepting Avery. This author has a way about her and she will make you cry, laugh and smile including the sexy times.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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May 30, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/30/2023)! 🎁
January 6, 2021
Holy moly this book is brilliant! I was offered an ARC and I don't generally do MF reads but it was Cara so I said yes and she didn't let me down!
Avery and Elise's story is wonderfully written, grabs you emotionally right from the first word and makes me want to go back and revisit all the Camassia stories again.
A definite 5 star read!
Avery and Elise's story is wonderfully written, grabs you emotionally right from the first word and makes me want to go back and revisit all the Camassia stories again.
A definite 5 star read!
January 16, 2021
First I put the book away after I realized that this 12 year old girl was going to be the Guys love interest. Then I started it again. What bothers me the most is that he watched her grow up and started lusting after her before she was even 18yo. Not really my cup of tea. There should have been a trigger warning or something about the suicide attempt and the age difference.
Normally I read everything by cara dee at least twice. She's the only author where I even read most of the MM books but this one will be one I read only once and put it faaar away from my kindle. Sorry.
Normally I read everything by cara dee at least twice. She's the only author where I even read most of the MM books but this one will be one I read only once and put it faaar away from my kindle. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2022
Creepy uncle vibes!! not for me.
I read this months ago. I think the heroine was 10 or 12 when she first met the guy and the guy was 20+ or something.
They somehow ended up together and the book goes through the whole story of how their relationship progressed. I felt so uncomfortable reading this. I usually really enjoy age gap books but this just didn't do it for me.
it almost felt like he groomed her (which I know he didn't) but this was too weird for me.
I read this months ago. I think the heroine was 10 or 12 when she first met the guy and the guy was 20+ or something.
They somehow ended up together and the book goes through the whole story of how their relationship progressed. I felt so uncomfortable reading this. I usually really enjoy age gap books but this just didn't do it for me.
it almost felt like he groomed her (which I know he didn't) but this was too weird for me.
June 29, 2022
Just, no. The H was sleeping with high school students and saying they were 18 makes no difference because HE’S THEIR TEACHER. A lot of the story has skeevy vibes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2025
3.5 stars
I've had this book on my TBR foreeeeeeever. I've read almost every book by Cara, but I've never been in the mood for this one. One of my goals this year is to actually read books I've already downloaded to my Kindle instead of always adding new ones so I finally gave it a shot.
The beginning is HARD to read. Avery is in so much pain - that first scene was gut wrenching. He's also a major a*shole. I get why, but man. If I wasn't such a fan of Cara's, I don't know if I would have pushed through because how can someone be redeemed from those behaviors?
This book was full of great writing as always. Cara always writes characters that feel incredibly real. Flawed, but real. I re-read the Auctioned series last week so it was also really awesome having the Quinn family so prominent. I love getting Darius and Ryan and all the rest.
Now, the actual romance. Cara likes to play around with taboo relationships, and this one is probably the most uncomfortable one I've ever read. Again, if it hadn't been Cara and it hadn't been the Quinn family, I might now have finished it. Avery and Elise aren't related, but Elise definitely views him as a big brother from a young age. And we don't get any comfortable separations where one of them is gone for a few years and they come back and see the other in a whole new light. They are in each other's lives consistently from the time Pipsqueak is 11.
The nicknames they have for each other (Mister and Pipsqueak) make it even harder because they still use them into her adulthood sometimes. So there's just not enough separation from her childhood to when they get together when she's 18.
I honestly feel like this story is mostly the evolution of Avery. Elise isn't even an adult until around halfway through the book. I think that's what makes it more tolerable to me. We see Avery go from this rock bottom complete douche to someone who is raising his daughter Grace with all the love he can.
I'm not sure if this book will be added to my Cara re-read rotation, but I'm still glad I read it. Mostly because I got more insight into the Quinn family.
I've had this book on my TBR foreeeeeeever. I've read almost every book by Cara, but I've never been in the mood for this one. One of my goals this year is to actually read books I've already downloaded to my Kindle instead of always adding new ones so I finally gave it a shot.
The beginning is HARD to read. Avery is in so much pain - that first scene was gut wrenching. He's also a major a*shole. I get why, but man. If I wasn't such a fan of Cara's, I don't know if I would have pushed through because how can someone be redeemed from those behaviors?
This book was full of great writing as always. Cara always writes characters that feel incredibly real. Flawed, but real. I re-read the Auctioned series last week so it was also really awesome having the Quinn family so prominent. I love getting Darius and Ryan and all the rest.
Now, the actual romance. Cara likes to play around with taboo relationships, and this one is probably the most uncomfortable one I've ever read. Again, if it hadn't been Cara and it hadn't been the Quinn family, I might now have finished it. Avery and Elise aren't related, but Elise definitely views him as a big brother from a young age. And we don't get any comfortable separations where one of them is gone for a few years and they come back and see the other in a whole new light. They are in each other's lives consistently from the time Pipsqueak is 11.
The nicknames they have for each other (Mister and Pipsqueak) make it even harder because they still use them into her adulthood sometimes. So there's just not enough separation from her childhood to when they get together when she's 18.
I honestly feel like this story is mostly the evolution of Avery. Elise isn't even an adult until around halfway through the book. I think that's what makes it more tolerable to me. We see Avery go from this rock bottom complete douche to someone who is raising his daughter Grace with all the love he can.
I'm not sure if this book will be added to my Cara re-read rotation, but I'm still glad I read it. Mostly because I got more insight into the Quinn family.
January 15, 2021
I was a bit apprehensive about reading this one but knowing it was a Cara Dee book, I knew I had nothing to worry about. Her All Along covers some extremely difficult subject matter but it’s written so beautifully which makes you feel invested in the story more and more.
The beginning does start a little on the dark(ish) side. Avery is introduced as being in a very dark head space, after suffering an incredibly traumatic childhood and now going through a messy divorce he is seen to be contemplating life.
Avery has been a family friend of the Quinn’s for a long time and has been a constant for Elise or, Pipsqueak, from watching her grow up, facing the challenges of a life with autism, to falling in love with the beautiful young woman she has turned into. I found this entire love story very sweet and natural.
One of my favourite tropes is age-gap and I think it was very well written and the timings worked out perfectly.
I really enjoyed getting to meet the rest of the Quinn family and getting to read something of Darius before he meets Gray. It was amazing to get the insight of his past especially knowing what you know if you have read the Auctioned series.
Another thing I enjoyed was Avery taking time for himself outside of a relationship and just doing something for himself. The character development is great, I really enjoyed the difference between Avery at the beginning and Avery at the end. It was really lovely.
Another five star read from this lady.
Highly recommended.
The beginning does start a little on the dark(ish) side. Avery is introduced as being in a very dark head space, after suffering an incredibly traumatic childhood and now going through a messy divorce he is seen to be contemplating life.
Avery has been a family friend of the Quinn’s for a long time and has been a constant for Elise or, Pipsqueak, from watching her grow up, facing the challenges of a life with autism, to falling in love with the beautiful young woman she has turned into. I found this entire love story very sweet and natural.
One of my favourite tropes is age-gap and I think it was very well written and the timings worked out perfectly.
I really enjoyed getting to meet the rest of the Quinn family and getting to read something of Darius before he meets Gray. It was amazing to get the insight of his past especially knowing what you know if you have read the Auctioned series.
Another thing I enjoyed was Avery taking time for himself outside of a relationship and just doing something for himself. The character development is great, I really enjoyed the difference between Avery at the beginning and Avery at the end. It was really lovely.
Another five star read from this lady.
Highly recommended.
January 5, 2021
After suffering a horrific childhood and then being betrayed by his wife, Avery Becker is at an all time low in his life.
When the two women that should be the most important and safest ports in your life, cause the most damage, all women get painted with a broad bitch brush.
That is until she crossed the yard.
Avery made me want to cry, rage, laugh and love him with every word I read. Cara Dee has such a way with her words that the reader feels everything all at once. Her All Along has triggers for some but while I was a bit apprehensive about reading this, it has become one of my all time Cara Dee favorites, if not the #1 Favorite of hers.
The characters are funny, sad, strong, brave, loyal and headstrong. Fan favorite characters are "introduced" in this book that takes place over more than a decade of family life and love. I was so happy to meet all of the Quinns and to see them embrace Avery as one of their own and have that newfound family help him heal.
Elise and Willow, the Quinn's adopted daughters are amazing and supportive of their pseudo brother and help him to see that not all women are vile.
experiencing Avery's healing and growth made my heart flutter. I hope we see more of each of these amazing characters in other Camassia Cove novels.
When the two women that should be the most important and safest ports in your life, cause the most damage, all women get painted with a broad bitch brush.
That is until she crossed the yard.
Avery made me want to cry, rage, laugh and love him with every word I read. Cara Dee has such a way with her words that the reader feels everything all at once. Her All Along has triggers for some but while I was a bit apprehensive about reading this, it has become one of my all time Cara Dee favorites, if not the #1 Favorite of hers.
The characters are funny, sad, strong, brave, loyal and headstrong. Fan favorite characters are "introduced" in this book that takes place over more than a decade of family life and love. I was so happy to meet all of the Quinns and to see them embrace Avery as one of their own and have that newfound family help him heal.
Elise and Willow, the Quinn's adopted daughters are amazing and supportive of their pseudo brother and help him to see that not all women are vile.
experiencing Avery's healing and growth made my heart flutter. I hope we see more of each of these amazing characters in other Camassia Cove novels.
June 17, 2021
A life story of people you want to meet
I'm a long time fan of Cara Dee. While her stories may be considered romances or erotica, it is the world she has built and the characters she has populated it with that make her work so enticing.
Avery Becker is a survivor of hideous childhood trauma who acts out brutally against those who have hurt him, but at his core he is a lonely man in need. Elyse Quinn is his best friend's little sister, a non-neurotypical child who attaches herself to Avery. As Elyse's "almost brother" their relationship is wholesome, a place for two people to figure how to find their way.
Cara does an excellent job painting portraits of people in all the colors of their individuality. Elyse, with all her quirks is especially vivid. Through her, one sees how the mind of someone high on the spectrum works. Understanding and affection are inevitable.
Even the non-central characters are presented in a way that brings you into their world. It is fun to see characters who star in other books in different places in their lives.
When I read Cara Dee's novels, I sometimes want to create a chart for myself of every aha moment I have when a character I know shows up someplace new!
I'm a long time fan of Cara Dee. While her stories may be considered romances or erotica, it is the world she has built and the characters she has populated it with that make her work so enticing.
Avery Becker is a survivor of hideous childhood trauma who acts out brutally against those who have hurt him, but at his core he is a lonely man in need. Elyse Quinn is his best friend's little sister, a non-neurotypical child who attaches herself to Avery. As Elyse's "almost brother" their relationship is wholesome, a place for two people to figure how to find their way.
Cara does an excellent job painting portraits of people in all the colors of their individuality. Elyse, with all her quirks is especially vivid. Through her, one sees how the mind of someone high on the spectrum works. Understanding and affection are inevitable.
Even the non-central characters are presented in a way that brings you into their world. It is fun to see characters who star in other books in different places in their lives.
When I read Cara Dee's novels, I sometimes want to create a chart for myself of every aha moment I have when a character I know shows up someplace new!
January 11, 2021
Incredible. Excellent. Fantastic. Heartbreaking. Hilarious. Sweet. And Sexy. So Sexy.
There are many ways to describe Cara's latest book, but since I'm not allowed to spoil it for you, my options are limited.
I'm not normally a very patient reader, I joggle several stories at once. Slow burn is therefor generally not my thing, and in this book the build is so slow I swear I saw snails race by as I was reading. And, dear readers, that's exactly how it's supposed to be. When they come together at the end, the wait has been worth it.
Please, don't see the lack of passion from the start as a bad thing (and not only because of the obvious reason which you will see as soon as you read it). It doesn't take away from this being a romance. The opposite, in fact, but once they get together you know they are ready for each other, and I even want to go as far as call it made for each other.
I feel like I keep saying "This is the best book I've ever read" but, when it comes to Cara's book, it always seems to be the truth.
There are many ways to describe Cara's latest book, but since I'm not allowed to spoil it for you, my options are limited.
I'm not normally a very patient reader, I joggle several stories at once. Slow burn is therefor generally not my thing, and in this book the build is so slow I swear I saw snails race by as I was reading. And, dear readers, that's exactly how it's supposed to be. When they come together at the end, the wait has been worth it.
Please, don't see the lack of passion from the start as a bad thing (and not only because of the obvious reason which you will see as soon as you read it). It doesn't take away from this being a romance. The opposite, in fact, but once they get together you know they are ready for each other, and I even want to go as far as call it made for each other.
I feel like I keep saying "This is the best book I've ever read" but, when it comes to Cara's book, it always seems to be the truth.
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