Stand-alone Crossroads romance, complete with HEA—and plenty of heat and heart along the way!
Former Army Ranger and cyber security specialist Nate Holmes was a genius in all things computers. The sexy, muscled Adonis could fix any technical problem he was faced with, but when it came to matters of the heart, there was one issue he couldn’t face…how he felt about her…
Eliza Young thought she’d put Harper’s Crossing in her rear view, but when a job opportunity opens up, the beautiful brunette is forced to return to her hometown and the setting of her unrequited first true love…
He thought he’d missed his chance, she thought she'd never had one. After ten years, fate had finally reunited Nate and Eliza, but the question remains--what do you do when you get a chance to get it right this time? Will Nate have the courage and heart to claim her and…All He Desires...
NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn writes HEAs filled with sweet and sassy heroines, heroes who are cinnamon rolls in the streets alpho-holes in the sheets, casts of supportive *cough: meddling* friends and family who put the fun in funny, toe-curling combustible heat, and sugary sweet “aww” moments that will have your hearts and e-readers melting.
Wow what an emotional journey and entertaining visit back to Harper's Crossing. Nate is an extremely interesting and strong hero. Eliza is just as strong and relatable. This is a loveable second chance romance and while it is definitely a easy stand alone read it was still enjoyable as always to have small visits from the small town of lovable people including my favorite Grandpa J. Loved the appearance of a gust from none other than Wishing Well TX another awesome series I love. Looking forward to the next adventure!
A sensual and emotion-filled story of a new chance on forever kind of love and a future both Nate and Eliza had dreamed about since high school. Even with the characters hesitation to believe in themselves when it came to the feelings, possibilities, and expectations between themselves, I adored both of them. Nate Holmes is smart, kind, considerate, a protective alpha male who's emotions and tender side comes front and center when Eliza Young walks into a room. Eliza is dedicated, absent minded, sweet, and endearing survivor of failed past relationships, two marriages, and determined to make it without a new relationship, until she sees Nate again. Like said, I adored Nate and Eliza, as individuals and especially together. The bond is strong, the connection palpable, the feelings between them are tangible. There were the shared memories, the sweet gestures, the undeniable passion they share that is documented in detailed, steaming hot love scenes. It seemed that the only hindrance to their happiness was the lack of communication, the misunderstandings and doubts are deep-rooted and without help from the grandmother, they might never have had the nerve to take the risk, to make it happen. The third person 'drama' with Nate's twin brother that Eliza dated in high school for three years, and the fact that Nate was in mutually beneficial yet emotionless friends with benefits relationship when Eliza comes back to town, and Bailey continues to be part of the circle of close friends was just at the edge of the 'oh no, you didn't' factor to me. That is just a personal preference when it comes to romance books. But the story was taken just to the rim without dipping over the peak for going too far when it comes to my personal enjoyment of a story. I revel in how the author manages to make each couple in the series unique and fresh, giving them an original, exclusive platform, making each story one-of-the-kind. The friends and families are tight, the emotions and desires are deep and honest, the adoration and devotion are sincere, the road to happiness and commitment are not without hindrance, but it is always a journey worth taking. I absolutely cherish these tales and the people I have met in them. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Melanie Shawn has once again outdone herself with the amazing and vivid writing in All He Desires, Nate and Eliza’s story. This is book 12 of The Crossroads Series which is located in Harper’s Crossing, Illinois. Each book in the series is a standalone story and can be read without reading the previous ones.
We met Nate in the Crossroads book as Nate works for Elite Security and the government. Eliza was a classmate of Nate and his identical twin, Neil. She returned to town to take over the dentistry office for the town after her second marriage ended. Nate and Eliza are wonderful characters who learn not only to act on their attraction but also about communication.
I loved reading All He Feels and highly recommend this book to other readers. The characters were well written, authentic and complex. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I loved the laughs, sex and seriousness included in the various scenes. I enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. I am looking forward to reading the next book written by Melanie Shawn.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Who doesn't love a story about an unrequited first first love (which really was reciprocal) who got away (but not before experiencing a night that neither can forget). Eliza and Nate have each loved the other since the 9th grade but neither were brave enough to go for what they wanted. So instead of smart, handsome, sweet Nate getting the girl, his goofy, just wanna have fun brother Neil snatched her when she thought she didn't have a chance with Nate. Fast forward 10 years (and 2 bad marriages for Eliza) and they are both back in their home town (which they had both fled) and some misconceptions slowly unravel and truths come out. These two have loved each other for so long, you can't help but cheer for them from the start. The path isn't easy but boy does the result warrant the winding road!
Back to Harper's Crossing This is a story about first loves that do 't quit. From the moment Eliza walks into class, Nate is a goner! He can't speak, all he can do is stare at this beautiful girl, who it turns out, is his lab partner. Eliza was smitten from the moment she meets this protective, shy, handsome boy. When she gets asked out by who she thinks is Nate, she of course says yes...but it was his twin, Neil. Seeing "Ellie" with his twin about kills Nate so he finished school early and leaves town. Eliza, on the other hand stays with Neil for three years and after something happens on her 18th birthday, leaves town for good. Fast forward about ten years and Eliza and Nate are in the same place at the same time...fate! This book made me fall in love with Nate. He is such a great hero in every sense of the word and Eliza is his match in every way possible. This story was wonderful!
Wow another amazing book in the Crossroad Series. I started this book yesterday and I have not been able to put it down. Eliza and Nate had a lot of chemistry from the first time that they meant back in 9th grade. Their love didn't stand a chance then but now it does, they have been given a second chance. I loved the journey that Nate and Eliza took to their happily ever after. I must say at times I wanted to shake them both. I loved all the secondary characters in the book and his meddling Nana was a hoot. I think that Nate might just be my new book boyfriend. I can't wait to read the next installment in this series. Melanie Shawn never disappoints. Another 5 star read.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
All he desires is a book in the Crossroads series by Melanie Shawn. In this continuation to the series we meet Nate and Eliza. This is a 5 star read for me. This is such a cute second chance romance. Nate and Eliza were grinds since high school. Each liked the other but too scared to voice their feelings. For reasons discovered in the book Nate leaves town to start a life elsewhere. Life hasn't been easy for Eliza. She goes through ups and downs and in one of those downs she moves back to town. That's when fate, well actually granny Holmes, steps in and Pushes these two stubborn people back together. Will they be afraid of rejection and not try? Will past fears keep them apart? Let's see is a series a misunderstandings can work themselves out. I guess you will have to read to find out! And I just love how past characters pop up in the book. Awesome job on the book!!!!!
I simply adore the Crossroads series. This book is no different. Melanie has a way with words. She knows how to bring out all the emotion. Nate and Eliza's story is heartbreaking but as with all of Melanie's books, there is a HEA. It just takes them a little while to find it...like many years. The connection these two have is amazing. Especially considering it telling Nate and his brother apart is virtually impossible. Did I mention there is a twin? Yeah, there is, and they couldn't be more different. And can't forget Farmer...NOT in the dell! You will just have to read to find out more! It is well worth your time.
Nate and Eliza have known each other for years, the former high school friends are reunited when Ellie returns to Harpers Crossing to take over the local dental practice. Eliza used to date Nate's twin brother in high school but it was him she had crushed on secretly. He holds a secret of a long ago tryst between them that she believe was with his brother. Now that they're both adults can they overcome the obstacles from their past and the current issues with his immature twin and become the couple they were meant to be? It'll be an Interesting journey full of heat and lots of sweet too! Pick it up today, you'll love it.
Loved Nate and Eliza story. They have known each other since high school but Eliza dated Nate's twin brother in high school. After Eliza's divorce she comes back to town to take over a dentist practice. She still is in love with Nate. Nate is still in love with Eliza but they have to overcome their issues in the past and admit to each other that they love each other!
Another great book in the Crossroads Series!! Nate Holmes is given a second chance when his Grandma has an "emergency" dentist appointment. He takes her thinking it is the town dentist only to find out that Eliza Young has moved back to town and is now the new dentist. Eliza had dated his twin brother Neil in high school while Nate sat in the background. Now that Eliza is back can Nate get his chance at the one girl that got away?
Oh how I loved this story. I believe it has become my favorite in this series. I loved Nate. He is so sexy, strong and and silent . So in love with Ellie. Ellie is so sweet and been hurt way to many times by past relationships. I love Nana and her match making attempts. She cracked me up. Pretty clever lady. I love this series and I am really hoping that it is not ending.
Nate Holmes is a well known and well loved member of the Elite Security team in Harper's Crossing. He's always been on the outskirts as all of his friends have reached their happily ever after. He keeps thinking about the one who got away, Eliza Young. They had a real thing going in high school, at least until his twin brother Neil got wind of it and swept in to date her instead. It got so bad for Nate he pursued early admission to college to get away from them. She got away from Harper's Crossing, but it didn't stop Nate from keeping tabs on her over the years. Now she's back in Harper's Crossing trying to start over after two failed marriages. She's sworn she's never getting married or involved again, but that only lasts as long as it takes her and Nate to end up back together. I loved this story and all of the characters involved.
Another great book in the Crossroads series that I loved. So what do you get with identical twin boys that have opposite personalities, but want the same girl? You get a great story about Nate, Neil, and Eliza. Eliza met Nate when she was in ninth grade and that was when they became such good friends, well probably when they fell in love with each other. Then you have Neil who always wants what Nate wants, so he gets Eliza before Nate can say anything. Even though Eliza really wanted Nate, she ends up dating Neil until her 18th birthday when she runs away. It’s ten years later and she is back in town after two failed marriages, but still totally in love with Nate. You will have to read to see what happens.
I loved Nate. He was the strong, silent, protective hunk that you wished was yours. He always tried to do what he could to keep Eliza, or Ellie as he called her, safe. He would do anything to make sure she was taken care of. Eliza had been confused some when she was younger by Neil’s attention. I think she just substituted him for Nate since they looked alike. Eliza seemed like she was looking for love, but couldn't find it because she still was in love with Nate. I think her failures made her doubt herself. I could feel her pain when she thought Bailey and Nate were together. Bailey had everything going for her and Eliza liked her. Bailey seemed like a wonderful and thoughtful person. She was someone you would want for a good friend. I couldn't believe how Neil was so immature still. I guess there are those people that never grow up. This was such a good story. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
I don’t normally whip through books, but this one kept my interest from the get-go.
Nate, we knew from Book 11, is a computer genius who is also a former Army ranger. Not bad looking either. Of course. Eliza, a dentist, comes back to her hometown of Harper’s Crossing, after taking over the practice of the town’s retiring dentist.
Eliza, who tells us her story right away, appears to be a complicated character. Two failed marriages (not so much heard of in romance novels), and some kind of secret that goes back to her 18th birthday.
The connection between Nate and Eliza is from high school where they were first set up as science lab partners. Nate, being super smart, is also awkwardly sweet and, as we come to find, head over heels for “Ellie” as he calls her. Eliza’s viewpoint is also similar—she has the biggest crush on Nate, but when she accidentally goes on a date with his twin brother, she gets involved with him—teenagers, what do they know?
Anyway, I could go on and on. The storyline has the two interwoven and makes you WAIT for them to finally combust. How dare the authors? Nate is endearingly aggravating in his lack of initiative towards Eliza. More due to not wanting to get hurt (remember she dated his twin?). Eliza is endearingly shy even though she’s been through two marriages. The restraint is due to not wanting to get hurt (remember two marriages?).
Okay, so read this book. You won’t regret it. PS. There is a teaser that is going to lead us to a new installment of the Wishing Well, Texas series. Good news!
*I received a copy of an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.*
**Review copy provided by the author for an honest review**
Oh how I love our trips to Harper's Crossing! In All He Desires, we are treated to the story of Nate Holmes and Eliza Young, who have been in one another's lives for years but haven't seen one another in a decade.
Eliza is going through a rough time after her recent divorce, but things are looking up thanks to her mentor's offer to take over his dental practice following a minor heart attack. While Eliza is excited to be going home, she's also dreading it. By returning to Harper's Crossing, that means she not only has to face her ex-boyfriend Neil Holmes, but his identical twin, Nate too, whom she's had feelings for since the young age of fourteen. When Eliza encounters Nate for the first time, none of those feelings from the past have diminished. She still wants him more than ever.
Nate has a good thing going at Elite Security and he's fairly happy with the set-up he has of friends with benefits with the local pediatric surgeon. What he's not prepared for is the return of his brother's ex and the woman he's silently coveted for years. He never took the opportunity to take a chance with Eliza years before, so will he have the nerve to do it this time?
Will fate be on the side of these should be lovers? Or, will other people or misunderstandings keep them apart?
Melanie Shawn once again penned a fast moving, sweet story that hooked me right from the beginning. I always look forward to their books and I can't wait to see what they have planned for us next!
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
"All He Desires" is written by Melanie Shawn, and it is the 12th book in their Crossroads series. It can be read as a stand-alone book. It features Nate Holmes and Eliza Young.
This is a story about a second chance. Nate and Eliza have already had feelings for each other ever since being assigned as lab partners in their science class when they were in 9th grade. They always had that special connection. But Nate's brother, Neil, pursued Eliza, so Nate and her were never a couple. But Neil and Eliza would later break up.
Fast forward to the present. Nate can't believe his luck. Neil bailed out on taking their grandma to the dentist, so Nate takes her instead. But to his surprise, Eliza is the new dentist in town! This brings back a whirlwind of emotions for the two. Their chemistry is still there.
Eliza has always felt bad about having feelings for Nate when she was with Neil. Nate just gets her. He knows the little things about her, and he makes her happy.
So what happens when there's a switch and they're paired to walk down the aisle together at their friends' wedding? Will this second chance at love finally give them their happily ever after?
"All He Desires" was a poignant story and a wonderful read! This sister duo of Melanie and Shawna wrote another winner! There's just something about a heartwarming story with a second chance at love that will always tug your heartstrings!
All He Desires is about Nate and Eliza who were friends in high school that had secret feelings for each other.
Eliza is a dentist who has had some unfortunate marital issues and has moved to her hometown for a fresh start. She has endured heartbreak and is on a mission to get things back in order and stay away from relationships.
Nate is a cyber tech/security genius who had his heart captured by Eliza when he first laid eyes on her when they were young. His heart was broken when she dated his twin brother for several years. He is surprised to find out Eliza is back in town but has a deep secret that has haunted him since Eliza’s 18th birthday.
Their love story is a romantic and sexy journey which left me cheering for both characters to open their eyes and realize they feel the same way about each other. Once I picked this installment up, as usual, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
Melanie and Shawna’s series hold a special place in my heart. Every time there is a new installment I wonder if it’ll be as good as the last and somehow they always surpass my expectations. I’ve read all of their series and love that they incorporate characters and events from other couples and tie them all together somehow. Malanie and Shawna’s writing style is always, funny, sweet romantic and very witty and I can’t wait for their next installment!
I enjoy my time in Harper's crossing, always fun to catch up with "old friends" and to meet new or returning residents. All he desires is book 12 in this series and it is a great addition. I quite enjoyed Nate as the hero in this book, although a bit aloof, he is a very sweet and caring man. I had a harder time with the character of Eliza. I don't want to give away spoilers so I wont go into detail, however I will say that sometimes the misunderstandings can become "predicable". I am not saying it all has to be smooth sailing however maybe a bit more discussion and less assumptions......One amazing character in this book was Nana!!!! She is a hoot!!!
Eliza can't figure out where her life went wrong. From dating the wrong twin in high school to her two failed marriages, tired of it & has decided to concentrate on growing the dental business she bought back in her home town. Then he walked in, the "right" twin. What's a girl going to do when he makes her brain turn to mush?
Nate can't believe she's back in town & single. This time he's going to make his move. He's tired of playing second fiddle to Neil when Neil just hasn't grown up.
This book is a tale of second & third chances. For some reason or another, the time is never right for Nate & Eliza. Both characters needed age & maturity to help them learn to stop jumping to conclusions & listen to each other. The chemistry is hot & intense, as are the sex scenes. The writing team known as Melanie Shawn does a great job of drawing the reader into the story & getting them emotionally vested in the outcome. The plot twists around with unexpected scenarios to keep you interested & reading. I really enjoyed Nate's "light bulb" moment regarding his behavior. I'll let you read the story to find it! Even though characters from previous books are present, this book can be read as a stand alone. Hot sex, intense chemistry, tough alpha man, & sexy female - perfect combination to a great read!
Another winner by Ms Shawn. She returns to Crossroads, a place filled with interesting character and lots of romance. It’s totally a stand alone, so no worries , if like me , you have not read the entire series. In this one we have Nate Holmes, former Army Ranger sniper, currently working as a cyber security specialist and returning hometown gal, and dentist, Eliza. She is back after she divorces her cheating husband and takes advantage of the offer to purchase the local dentist office. Nate and Eliza have always had a secret love for the other since HS, but neither is aware of the feelings of the other. She dated Nate’s twin when in fact she really would have liked to be with Nate, and Nate, felt he couldn’t be in the sidelines, so leaves Crossroads at an early age . The complexity of the characters, the plot and the secondary characters , make this a very good book. I loved Nate’s grandmother. A very spunky and devious woman, in a good way ! But, the story reminds us that misunderstandings, eavesdropping , and family loyalties can sometimes hinder us from finding happiness and true love. If you are a fan of Ms Shawn, you will not be disappointed, if it’s your first book by this talented author, then you are in for a treat. I was gifted this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Sometimes things really do happen for a reason. Eliza comes back after another dreadful divorce to run the dental office in Harper's Crossing. A friendship that should have been more, may not have been the best for Nate and Eliza when they were in high school. Nate has been in love with Eliza since freshman year of high school. Eliza has also been in love with Nate, but since she didn't think she could have Nate, she dated his twin brother Neil. The match was not a match made in heaven but it worked at the time. Fast forward to the present, Neil is annoying young adult who never grew up, but Nate grew up into a responsible hot cyber security consultant and bodyguard. Nate's grandmother Ada knows how Nate has always felt and makes sure they run into each other at a fake, well thought out dentist appointment. It was instantly obvious that the chemistry is still there, but they both fought it. Lots of chance encounters and misses occur before the two finally confess their love and find their way back to each other. Melanie Shawn placed a lot of obstacles along the way, but never lost sight of the end result. The story was full of fun, exciting, frustrating and hot scenes which kept me reading on. I love Nate and Eliza's story and can't wait for the next book in the Crossroads series!
This book has all the elements for a great romance and I was not disappointed. Melanie Shawn’s Crossroads series is a favorite of mine and this latest addition is a winner.
Eliza has been unlucky in love… two failed marriages and she doubts that she will ever find true love (an to be honest she is not sure she wants to). She actually fell in love with Nate in high school when they were paired as chemistry lab partners. Due to circumstances, she ended up dating his identical twin, Neil for three years. Nate knew he loved Eliza (or Ellie as he calls her) the moment they met but because Nate wanted her, Neil had to have her!
Now that they are both back in Harpers Crossings can they finally find their way to each other and their HEA? Their love story is not without complications…. especially when you have identical twins and mistaken identities, misunderstood conversations, and to top it off, a Nana who loves to stir the pot!
This book can stand alone but you will find characters from previous books making appearances. I voluntarily read an advance copy and have given my honest review.
Holy hotness, Batman! A case of mistaken identity, first loves, and second chances all rolled up into one heck of a sweet and sext romance. I have loved every one of the Crossroads series and have come to the conclusion that I will never be able to actually pick a favorite. That being said, I absolutely loved Nate and Eliza.
Having both carried around guilt for a decade over something that happened when they were eighteen, these two are both under the impression that the other isn’t really interested in the other. Since they couldn’t be more wrong, you are just waiting for the fireworks to explode. And when they do, watch out.
Melanie’s books always roll right along and suck you in right from the beginning, then all of the sudden it is two o’clock in the morning and you are turning (or clicking on) the last page. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, which I am thinking (fingers crossed) that it will be Bailey and Josh’s story. Or maybe Neil, who showed a glimmer of maturity when he was dancing with Eliza.
All of the Crossroad books have intertwined characters, but the stories are all stand-alone with no cliffhangers.
*I received and ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Another great trip to Harper's Crossing! An un-requited love (or was it?) reunion story that will grab your attention and hold it. I found myself wanting to grab them and bang their heads together a time or two because they kept misunderstanding something the other said or did, but I was pulling for them to finally get their chance once and for all! Great characters! Fun, steamy and downright sweet.
Eliza Young left her hometown of Harper's Crossing, Illinois 10 years ago to reach for her dreams and find her happily-ever-after, but no matter how much she tried, it just never seemed to work out that way, so now she's back and starting her life over!
Former Army Ranger, turned security specialist, Nate Holmes can't believe it when he sees her. He spent his life unable to forget her and thinking he had missed his chance forever. Will he finally get to tell her how he's always felt about her, or will past secrets and mistakes keep them apart?
Eliza returns to her hometown of Harper's Crossing after a second failed marriage when an opportunity to take over a dental practice comes at just the right time. Nate is a former Army Ranger back home working for Elite Security. He has loved Eliza (or Ellie as he calls her) since high school but always stood back. His reluctance in high school led Eliza to date his twin Neil in high school. But Neil was not the one Eliza truly wanted. Can Nate and Eliza find their way to each other and overcome their convoluted history? Another well written story that captured me from the moment I started to read it. I love Nate and was rooting for him and Eliza from the start. Nate's grandma's funny attempts to throw them together added a bit of fun to the story that I enjoyed! It was nice to visit with some of Harper's Crossings other couples too. You will enjoy this steamy well written story even if you have not read any of the previous books!
Former Army Ranger and cyber security specialist Nate Holmes was a genius in all things computers. When it came to matters of the heart, there was one issue he couldn’t face, how he felt about Eliza Young. Eliza thought she’d put Harper’s Crossing behind her, but when a job opportunity opens up, the beautiful brunette is forced to return to her hometown and the setting of her unrequited first true love. Nate thought he missed his chance, she thought she'd never had one. After ten years, fate had finally reunited Nate and Eliza. Nate and Eliza are both hiding something from each other about what happened ten years ago. Eliza jumps from one bad relationship decision to another and then decided to swear off men for good. Nate rarely exposes his true feelings and has a friend with benefits he has been with for two years. Many misunderstandings between the two. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Ellie moves back to town to take over the her mentors practice and runs into the twin that she was in love with since her freshman year - there are things that need to be settled before they can have a happily ever after.
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
I have to start out by saying that I completely loved Eliza!! She was such a perfectly flawed character and I love how her decisions and reactions were so relatable. She was married and divorced twice, and when dealing with Nate and Bailey, her thoughts mirrored what so many of us have thought. You read too much into little things and come to the worst possible conclusion. Her thoughts and struggles were so real! And Nate, ugh he was just so dreamy!! Both had the same feelings for each other, yet never acted on them. Melanie Shawn does a phenomenal job of escalating the intensity between them in this story to the point you can almost seen it happening. I had a hard time putting this book down once I started. Another great Crossroads story!!! :)