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All I Want: A Small-Town Romance
A kept secret divides. A shared secret destroys.
Tatum Wakefield
Being a pop star is a dream come true...for someone else. Someone who won’t spiral out of control and crash headfirst into rock bottom. Walford, Texas, may be the best place to hide from the paparazzi while I lick my wounds, but there’s no hiding from the man I abandoned ten years ago. I’m ready to confront the painful past, and Jake deserves an explanation. But if he learns my shameful secret, I’ll lose the only man I’ve ever loved...again.
Jake Holloway
Life hasn’t turned out as planned...as promised. I’ve spent years pretending not to care about the woman who left me to rot, but I’m not fooling anyone. My denial is legendary. When Tatum suddenly returns to Walford, my long-buried feelings for her demand resurrection. But I vow to fortify my grudge and stay far away until she leaves again. After all, she ruined me once. Only a fool would risk his heart a second time.
Content Warning: While this is a love story, it depicts real-life situations that may be triggering for some readers. Please be advised the list of sensitive topics located at the back of the book contains major spoilers.
Tatum Wakefield
Being a pop star is a dream come true...for someone else. Someone who won’t spiral out of control and crash headfirst into rock bottom. Walford, Texas, may be the best place to hide from the paparazzi while I lick my wounds, but there’s no hiding from the man I abandoned ten years ago. I’m ready to confront the painful past, and Jake deserves an explanation. But if he learns my shameful secret, I’ll lose the only man I’ve ever loved...again.
Jake Holloway
Life hasn’t turned out as planned...as promised. I’ve spent years pretending not to care about the woman who left me to rot, but I’m not fooling anyone. My denial is legendary. When Tatum suddenly returns to Walford, my long-buried feelings for her demand resurrection. But I vow to fortify my grudge and stay far away until she leaves again. After all, she ruined me once. Only a fool would risk his heart a second time.
Content Warning: While this is a love story, it depicts real-life situations that may be triggering for some readers. Please be advised the list of sensitive topics located at the back of the book contains major spoilers.
- GenresRomance
Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
About the author
J.B. LaRee
2 books8 followersJ.B. LaRee enjoys getting lost in dramatic love stories, so she decided to bring the gripping, romantic tales in her head to life. Strong coffee and a playlist of epic love songs fuel her writing sessions.
When she’s not putting her characters (and readers) through the emotional wringer, she binges on books, TV shows, and jigsaw puzzles while planning her next adventure. Texas-born and raised, she currently resides in Michigan’s upper peninsula with her husband and dogs.
When she’s not putting her characters (and readers) through the emotional wringer, she binges on books, TV shows, and jigsaw puzzles while planning her next adventure. Texas-born and raised, she currently resides in Michigan’s upper peninsula with her husband and dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 15, 2024
*** ARC Review *** Check trigger warnings
I was hooked from the very first page of this second chance small town romance. I love when a story starts in the middle of the action and this book does just that! It also delivers on all the feels and takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions through the journey of Tatum & Jake’s relationship. Loved the glimpses of their teenage love story. I enjoyed all the side characters (LOVE Marcus & Judge) and looking forward to reading more about Maisy & Jensen and learning more about the real Brody.
When I started the first chapter, I had to confirm this was actually a debut novel because it certainly doesn’t read like one! Looking forward to seeing more from J.B. Laree & how her storytelling will evolve.
I was hooked from the very first page of this second chance small town romance. I love when a story starts in the middle of the action and this book does just that! It also delivers on all the feels and takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions through the journey of Tatum & Jake’s relationship. Loved the glimpses of their teenage love story. I enjoyed all the side characters (LOVE Marcus & Judge) and looking forward to reading more about Maisy & Jensen and learning more about the real Brody.
When I started the first chapter, I had to confirm this was actually a debut novel because it certainly doesn’t read like one! Looking forward to seeing more from J.B. Laree & how her storytelling will evolve.
April 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters
Tatum - FMC, singer/songwriter, sweetheart, recovering from past trauma and drug/alcohol addiction.
Jake - MMC, sensitive hottie, trying to figure out why Tate left him all those years ago
Jensen - Jake’s big brother / bar owner has a big secret
Maisy - Tate’s BFF / makeup artist, has a secret of her own
Rock & Brody - Jake’s friends, helping Jake navigate through his feelings when Tate returned.
Lucy - Rock’s wife, quickly becoming Tate’s friend with all her naughty bedroom gossip
Graham - Tate’s friend, famous actor trying to become a producer
Pam - Tate’s Aunt, more like a mom since Tate’s mom and dad died.
Marcus & Judge - Tate’s bodyguards and friends
My thoughts:
Wow! This one got me. I had read the trigger warnings so I knew it was coming but somehow I was not prepared and it got me. J.B. Did a beautiful job with this book. I could feel the care that she put into the hard parts. The tale of Tate and Jake was something so sweet and so special, I was rooting for them from the moment she got back to town. Now, the spice, that was a cherry on top. J.B. I don’t know how she managed to switch from trauma to bedroom and not make it feel yucky but dang! She did it! I feel like she was able to put the meaningful stuff into the trauma portion but she was able to seal it off and make it feel like, I don’t know, resolved… and then switched into sweet then hit with some spice then beck to sweet. Wiplash, but in a good way. This is definitely a must read. Of course, check your trigger warnings first.
I cannot wait to see more from J.B. LaRee
Book 2 already has my interest piqued!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters
Tatum - FMC, singer/songwriter, sweetheart, recovering from past trauma and drug/alcohol addiction.
Jake - MMC, sensitive hottie, trying to figure out why Tate left him all those years ago
Jensen - Jake’s big brother / bar owner has a big secret
Maisy - Tate’s BFF / makeup artist, has a secret of her own
Rock & Brody - Jake’s friends, helping Jake navigate through his feelings when Tate returned.
Lucy - Rock’s wife, quickly becoming Tate’s friend with all her naughty bedroom gossip
Graham - Tate’s friend, famous actor trying to become a producer
Pam - Tate’s Aunt, more like a mom since Tate’s mom and dad died.
Marcus & Judge - Tate’s bodyguards and friends
My thoughts:
Wow! This one got me. I had read the trigger warnings so I knew it was coming but somehow I was not prepared and it got me. J.B. Did a beautiful job with this book. I could feel the care that she put into the hard parts. The tale of Tate and Jake was something so sweet and so special, I was rooting for them from the moment she got back to town. Now, the spice, that was a cherry on top. J.B. I don’t know how she managed to switch from trauma to bedroom and not make it feel yucky but dang! She did it! I feel like she was able to put the meaningful stuff into the trauma portion but she was able to seal it off and make it feel like, I don’t know, resolved… and then switched into sweet then hit with some spice then beck to sweet. Wiplash, but in a good way. This is definitely a must read. Of course, check your trigger warnings first.
I cannot wait to see more from J.B. LaRee
Book 2 already has my interest piqued!
April 25, 2024
wow wow wow. this book is so raw and emotional. i loved getting to watch tatum and jake navigate everything around them. i loved watching tatum find her way back to herself and fight for what she loves and wants. jake is truly amazing. the love and patience he has for tatum is out of this world. i was so scared for secrets to finally be revealed and it wasn’t at all what i thought they were going to be but talk about dropping a bomb! jaws were on the floor. tears were flowing. minds were broken and so were hearts. i can’t even imaging. seeing tatum and jake come back together after so much time apart and then again after there were no more secrets was everything. they truly deserve all the happiness in the world and i’m so happy with the way things ended. the healing and grief and everything else felt was so heart wrenching and emotional in the best way. truly an amazing book with the strongest characters. tatum and jake were real. they were human and both made mistakes but no matter what, they always loved each other and you could feel it.
May 18, 2024
I just realized I forgot to leave my review.. 🤦🏻♀️
I got this a while back and had finished it and damn…
This book😭😭
I don’t think I have read a book that made me tear soo much (or I might’ve cried, but I say tear lol)🫠
This was a good book it really made you feel all the feels.
It takes you on a roller coaster of emotions.
J.B. Did an exceptional job with this second chance small town romance🤍
& this was her debut novel?!!! I applaud you J.B. It was beautiful written👏🏻👏🏻🤍
I loved how it showed thee importance of friends/ friendships without them Tatum and Jake would’ve never spoken again let alone their truths.
This was honestly a good read, I suggest reading trigger warnings though .. but def recommend 🤍
I got this a while back and had finished it and damn…
This book😭😭
I don’t think I have read a book that made me tear soo much (or I might’ve cried, but I say tear lol)🫠
This was a good book it really made you feel all the feels.
It takes you on a roller coaster of emotions.
J.B. Did an exceptional job with this second chance small town romance🤍
& this was her debut novel?!!! I applaud you J.B. It was beautiful written👏🏻👏🏻🤍
I loved how it showed thee importance of friends/ friendships without them Tatum and Jake would’ve never spoken again let alone their truths.
This was honestly a good read, I suggest reading trigger warnings though .. but def recommend 🤍
May 16, 2024
A little bit torn with this. The story was good, I didn’t dislike the characters, and there were a few times my eyes were watery because of the events playing out. That said, there were a few times the integrity of the characters was questionable, main and supporting ones.
Let’s start with the good parts. Yay for small towns and second chances. A town of 3,000 or so to show such camaraderie to protect both Tatum and Jake was sweet. Even loved the slight pushes towards each other the town citizens made. It was very sneaky, but in a good way. Mostly. 🤣 How everyone behaved and acted shows how the two are loved.
Getting a second chance to make things right is always fun in books. In real life this situation would not be as easily fixed. This is fiction though, so that means they need to accept the pain as their past so they can live happily ever after.
Now to the things that irked me. Why was Tatum so dumbfounded by Jenson’s looks? She is in love with his brother so she shouldn’t be drooling over his brother so openly. Also, the two kept a secret from Jake for a decade! Strike one ma’am. Graham shows up for moral support and she takes him to her and Jake’s spot. Are you kidding me?!?! Strike two. Tatum spoke half truths to Jake for weeks. She was more open with Lucy than Jake and she had just met her. Strike three. There were a few times having her move back to California without Jake was thought of as the best solution for all involved.
The irks that were given from Jake are as follows. Stop mopping, dude. It is understandable after she ghosted you, not going to say that was okay and you weren’t justified in being depressed. Being this angry for this long is a you problem, though. Get some therapy because holding that all in is not healthy and makes you a ticking time bomb. You bought that house and land so no one else can have your spot. You are actively decorating and refurnishing your home to make a girl who left you a shell of yourself wondering why you weren’t lovable for ten years. Dude, no. Pull up your big girl panties, turn up some 80’s rock, and move on.
Side characters in the form of Maisy, Jensen, Broody, Rock, and Graham are enablers at best. Maisy may be the best of them, but only because she didn’t attack Jake for things she doesn’t know about. Broody and Rock are the worst. Who goes out of their way to intimidate someone publicly, then cower in fear and shame when questioned about their actions? Jensen kept a secret from his brother whom he gave up everything for. Like he was picking and choosing things to tell him to make him look like more of a martyr. Graham came off insanely bitter about having to hide himself. Is that why he was such a swamp donkey to Jake? He knew the situation, but still treated him like a punching bag. None of them behaved admirably.
Let’s start with the good parts. Yay for small towns and second chances. A town of 3,000 or so to show such camaraderie to protect both Tatum and Jake was sweet. Even loved the slight pushes towards each other the town citizens made. It was very sneaky, but in a good way. Mostly. 🤣 How everyone behaved and acted shows how the two are loved.
Getting a second chance to make things right is always fun in books. In real life this situation would not be as easily fixed. This is fiction though, so that means they need to accept the pain as their past so they can live happily ever after.
Now to the things that irked me. Why was Tatum so dumbfounded by Jenson’s looks? She is in love with his brother so she shouldn’t be drooling over his brother so openly. Also, the two kept a secret from Jake for a decade! Strike one ma’am. Graham shows up for moral support and she takes him to her and Jake’s spot. Are you kidding me?!?! Strike two. Tatum spoke half truths to Jake for weeks. She was more open with Lucy than Jake and she had just met her. Strike three. There were a few times having her move back to California without Jake was thought of as the best solution for all involved.
The irks that were given from Jake are as follows. Stop mopping, dude. It is understandable after she ghosted you, not going to say that was okay and you weren’t justified in being depressed. Being this angry for this long is a you problem, though. Get some therapy because holding that all in is not healthy and makes you a ticking time bomb. You bought that house and land so no one else can have your spot. You are actively decorating and refurnishing your home to make a girl who left you a shell of yourself wondering why you weren’t lovable for ten years. Dude, no. Pull up your big girl panties, turn up some 80’s rock, and move on.
Side characters in the form of Maisy, Jensen, Broody, Rock, and Graham are enablers at best. Maisy may be the best of them, but only because she didn’t attack Jake for things she doesn’t know about. Broody and Rock are the worst. Who goes out of their way to intimidate someone publicly, then cower in fear and shame when questioned about their actions? Jensen kept a secret from his brother whom he gave up everything for. Like he was picking and choosing things to tell him to make him look like more of a martyr. Graham came off insanely bitter about having to hide himself. Is that why he was such a swamp donkey to Jake? He knew the situation, but still treated him like a punching bag. None of them behaved admirably.
May 2, 2024
This book was a very emotional one, so please make sure to I read the TW. OK also I typically don’t enjoy books were the main male and female characters are trauma bonded but I’m glad decided to read this one because I ultimately ended up really liking Tatum and Jake’s story.
I do feel like this book is well written. It is very slow paced, but I understand it was because the back story really mattered a lot to the overall story. Tatum is a world famous pop star who’s life has spiraled out of control, after being dropped from her label and management, she attends rehab and after leaving ends of going back to the Walford, Tx the place she left and never looked back at.. now it’s time to face her past.
Jake has loved Tatum since the day he saw her, so after being high school secret hearts, when she suddenly cuts off contact with him without any explanation at all, he’s left heartbroken, and confused and wanting answers.
OK, please don’t be mad at me because I’m gonna speak my truth, a lot of this book Jake made me really really mad. Tatum was very clear with him that she needed time to process everything and that she would give him answers he needed when she was ready, however, I personally feel like he loved bombed, and kinda tired to force her to tell him what he wanted to know, which is why he found out the secret when he shouldn’t have, and I won’t say that he overreacted, but I will say I wouldn’t have easily forgave.
But thankfully with the help of all their friends and family they both were able to work through their issues and start making up for some of the time they missed
Lastly, I really like all of the side characters. I was so happy for Graham ,but also I’m really interested into seeing Maisy and Jensen story in book 2, and I am even curious to see what happens with Daniel, Brody, Marcus and Judge.
I do feel like this book is well written. It is very slow paced, but I understand it was because the back story really mattered a lot to the overall story. Tatum is a world famous pop star who’s life has spiraled out of control, after being dropped from her label and management, she attends rehab and after leaving ends of going back to the Walford, Tx the place she left and never looked back at.. now it’s time to face her past.
Jake has loved Tatum since the day he saw her, so after being high school secret hearts, when she suddenly cuts off contact with him without any explanation at all, he’s left heartbroken, and confused and wanting answers.
OK, please don’t be mad at me because I’m gonna speak my truth, a lot of this book Jake made me really really mad. Tatum was very clear with him that she needed time to process everything and that she would give him answers he needed when she was ready, however, I personally feel like he loved bombed, and kinda tired to force her to tell him what he wanted to know, which is why he found out the secret when he shouldn’t have, and I won’t say that he overreacted, but I will say I wouldn’t have easily forgave.
But thankfully with the help of all their friends and family they both were able to work through their issues and start making up for some of the time they missed
Lastly, I really like all of the side characters. I was so happy for Graham ,but also I’m really interested into seeing Maisy and Jensen story in book 2, and I am even curious to see what happens with Daniel, Brody, Marcus and Judge.
April 15, 2024
4.75
Oh. My. Goshhhh!!!! MY HEART!! It was ripped out, stomped on, put back in and back together all within the entirety of this book.
Tate gives very much Hannah Montana vibes (millennial comparison) with her famous alter-ego Mackenzie. She had always wanted to be famous, a singer, making it big. She left her small town and did exactly that. After hitting rock bottom, literally, she puts herself through rehab and ends up back in her small town. In her journey for healing herself, she also has to face her biggest ghost of her past, Jake.
Jake is such a loving person, he truly has the best support system there is. Everyone is ready to go to bat when Tate rolls back into town after shattering his heart by ghosting him all those years ago.
Their rekindling of their relationship was so healing, so meaningful. It pulled at every single heart string I had. I felt for them, I mourned with them, I cried, I laughed, I blushed. I felt every feeling throughout this. The topics in this did get quite heavy, but they were handled with so much thought and care, really an outstanding job on JB’s part. I absolutely love them. I can’t wait to read more from her.
What to expect:
🎸 Pop-star in Hiding
🏘️ Small Town
❤️🩹 Second Chance
🧑🧑🧒 Found Family
🌶️ Open Door
🤕 Emotional
Oh. My. Goshhhh!!!! MY HEART!! It was ripped out, stomped on, put back in and back together all within the entirety of this book.
Tate gives very much Hannah Montana vibes (millennial comparison) with her famous alter-ego Mackenzie. She had always wanted to be famous, a singer, making it big. She left her small town and did exactly that. After hitting rock bottom, literally, she puts herself through rehab and ends up back in her small town. In her journey for healing herself, she also has to face her biggest ghost of her past, Jake.
Jake is such a loving person, he truly has the best support system there is. Everyone is ready to go to bat when Tate rolls back into town after shattering his heart by ghosting him all those years ago.
Their rekindling of their relationship was so healing, so meaningful. It pulled at every single heart string I had. I felt for them, I mourned with them, I cried, I laughed, I blushed. I felt every feeling throughout this. The topics in this did get quite heavy, but they were handled with so much thought and care, really an outstanding job on JB’s part. I absolutely love them. I can’t wait to read more from her.
What to expect:
🎸 Pop-star in Hiding
🏘️ Small Town
❤️🩹 Second Chance
🧑🧑🧒 Found Family
🌶️ Open Door
🤕 Emotional
April 23, 2024
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was a sobbing mess most of it…
Their love story was heartbreaking, but also full of redemption.
I couldn’t put the book down. The author gave it to us raw and you could absolutely relate to everything that was said.
Not only this book broke your heart, but it also showed you, how important friends are. Without them Tatum and Jake would never speak to each other again and Tatum wouldn’t be able to tell Jake the truth.
Please, do read the trigger warnings. I haven’t read them, because I didn’t want the story to be spoiled..but I wish I did. They are put in there for a reason.
I loved this book, because the author’s writing was kinda unique and really enjoyable. I am looking forward to her next book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me this book!
💕“We grieve many things. Loss of life. Loss of love. Loss of opportunity. And there’s no prescribed end date. Grief is forever. Work with your grief rather than against it. Allow it to become a part of you—to inspire you—until your grief is no longer in control.”💕
Their love story was heartbreaking, but also full of redemption.
I couldn’t put the book down. The author gave it to us raw and you could absolutely relate to everything that was said.
Not only this book broke your heart, but it also showed you, how important friends are. Without them Tatum and Jake would never speak to each other again and Tatum wouldn’t be able to tell Jake the truth.
Please, do read the trigger warnings. I haven’t read them, because I didn’t want the story to be spoiled..but I wish I did. They are put in there for a reason.
I loved this book, because the author’s writing was kinda unique and really enjoyable. I am looking forward to her next book!
Thank you to the author for gifting me this book!
💕“We grieve many things. Loss of life. Loss of love. Loss of opportunity. And there’s no prescribed end date. Grief is forever. Work with your grief rather than against it. Allow it to become a part of you—to inspire you—until your grief is no longer in control.”💕
April 30, 2024
Oh my god!!! This book, I wasn't super sure going into it how I was going to feel about it, I like second chances but I feel they are all the same. But this book, had me on a whole roller coaster of emotions and the first book in awhile that made be sob and cry ugly tears. This books is so amazing and well written, I am adding it to my list to get the physical book for so I can annotate it. Jake and Tatum's story is one that will have you at the edge of your seat and feeling all times of ways along with the couple. I love this story so much and I can't wait for the others in the series and to see where the other character's stories go. Also just a shout out to all of the side characters in this story anytime they showed up they showed up and each personality they have is so amazing, and had me laughing and made me feel like I was friends with them. I can't wait to see where the author takes the series!!!
April 10, 2024
I’m not often a romance reader, but I decided to read this ARC and I’m so glad I did. All I Want is a second chance romance told from the perspectives of Tatum, a messy pop star, and Jake, a small town guy who’s been stoic since she ghosted him ten years ago.
Maybe a pop star who goes to rehab and then goes back to her small hometown sounds cheesy, but this book has incredible depth and character development. Tatum is holding a secret about what happened ten years ago, and Jake deserves to know.
I rooted for Tatum and Jake all the way through and couldn’t put this book down. The topics in this book are heavy and real and written about with great care.
With a cast of great supporting characters, I loved the found family in this as well as the hints to future books in the series. The steamy scenes were so good and just the right amount for my taste. I truly am blown away by this debut and can’t wait for what comes next from J. B. LaRee!
Maybe a pop star who goes to rehab and then goes back to her small hometown sounds cheesy, but this book has incredible depth and character development. Tatum is holding a secret about what happened ten years ago, and Jake deserves to know.
I rooted for Tatum and Jake all the way through and couldn’t put this book down. The topics in this book are heavy and real and written about with great care.
With a cast of great supporting characters, I loved the found family in this as well as the hints to future books in the series. The steamy scenes were so good and just the right amount for my taste. I truly am blown away by this debut and can’t wait for what comes next from J. B. LaRee!
April 30, 2024
*Please pay attention to trigger warnings*
This was a different type of small town romance because it got really deep and intense. This book starts out with Tatum realizing she needs to fix her life and that’s when she decides to go home after her stay in a treatment facility. This book delves right into the emotional aspects of Jake and Tatum, especially related to their past. The support cast of characters was really amazing as well! I would love a book about Lucy and Rock even though they’re married!!
This is a strong debut and I would love to read the next book in the series!
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a different type of small town romance because it got really deep and intense. This book starts out with Tatum realizing she needs to fix her life and that’s when she decides to go home after her stay in a treatment facility. This book delves right into the emotional aspects of Jake and Tatum, especially related to their past. The support cast of characters was really amazing as well! I would love a book about Lucy and Rock even though they’re married!!
This is a strong debut and I would love to read the next book in the series!
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 9, 2024
Tatum and Jake- all the feels!
What a roller coaster..
This is not your typical enemies to lovers trope! This story line had me HOOKED by the first chapter. I was along for the ride, and what a wild ride it was. Honestly this book had me on edge. I found myself not wanting to put this book down so I could follow their journey all the way to their happy ending.
Perfectly written. What an impression J.B LaRee has made with this debut novel.
I cannot wait to read more by this author.
What a roller coaster..
This is not your typical enemies to lovers trope! This story line had me HOOKED by the first chapter. I was along for the ride, and what a wild ride it was. Honestly this book had me on edge. I found myself not wanting to put this book down so I could follow their journey all the way to their happy ending.
Perfectly written. What an impression J.B LaRee has made with this debut novel.
I cannot wait to read more by this author.
April 6, 2024
Bravo, to JB Laree for an emotional ride of a debut novel with a blend of heartbreak, healing, and second chances. The emotional story line follows Jake, the country boy and old flame of Tatum, a troubled pop star running from life of fame and secrets.
Struggling to come to terms with obstacles that are wedged between their hearts, Jake and Tatum try to find their way back to one another.
I found myself reading behind tears as they navigated through their emotional baggage. Looking forward to the next book.
Struggling to come to terms with obstacles that are wedged between their hearts, Jake and Tatum try to find their way back to one another.
I found myself reading behind tears as they navigated through their emotional baggage. Looking forward to the next book.
April 20, 2024
WOW. This book has the good, the bad, and the ugly. It made me feel more than I could possibly imagine. The details and the way she pulled raw emotion out of these characters was incredible. I felt everything that they felt as I read. The transitions from past to present were beautiful. I was especially impressed with the way Jake was portrayed.. giving such vulnerability and moments of weakness, showing his struggle with losing Tate. My heart was ripped out, torn up, and seen back together reading this story. Pick it up, you will not regret it!
April 30, 2024
An emotional roller coaster for sure! Jake and Tatum were so fun to get to know, and they went through so much both together and apart, and they grew together. It's hard to handle heavy topics in a contemporary romance novel, but J.B. handled it SO well. This was so well written, and I adore that the supporting characters are exactly that—supportive. Tatum and Jake had my whole heart and I can't wait to see what's to come!
April 30, 2024
All I Want had all the feels! This book has it all. Small town high school love, fame, struggles, gut wrenching cries, star gazing in back of a pickup truck, reconnecting and friends that become family. If you love a romance that involves a cry, this one is for you. There are some trigger warnings, the author actually has a list you can look up when you get the book, but warning, if you look at the list it will probably be some spoilers about what happens in the book.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.
April 30, 2024
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved EVERYTHING about this book! It had me feeling every emotion. I cried like a baby in a few parts. I love a good second chance romance! Jake and Tatum were always meant to be together even when they spent so much time apart. Oh yeah, when they do get back together watch out! The spice is 🥵 and the mouth on that gorgeous man had me fanning myself!
Check for trigger warnings
I loved EVERYTHING about this book! It had me feeling every emotion. I cried like a baby in a few parts. I love a good second chance romance! Jake and Tatum were always meant to be together even when they spent so much time apart. Oh yeah, when they do get back together watch out! The spice is 🥵 and the mouth on that gorgeous man had me fanning myself!
Check for trigger warnings
May 1, 2024
This was such a cute book <3
I usually am not one for second chance romances, but All I Want did it so well!!
When I saw it was a popstar romance of course I was intrigued. The trope that really makes me so upset in books is the miscommunication trope, and there was one point that Jake could've not chosen to talk to Tatum and cause problems, but he marched right up to her house AND HASHED IT OUT AND I WAS LIKE YES THANK YOU SIR
I really enjoyed how they had to grow from their past selves and learn who each other came to be so many years later. They were both so mature once they talked, and I was a huge fan of the character development and the found family of this story <3
thank you J.B. LaRee for my ARC of All I Want in exchange for my honest review!
I usually am not one for second chance romances, but All I Want did it so well!!
When I saw it was a popstar romance of course I was intrigued. The trope that really makes me so upset in books is the miscommunication trope, and there was one point that Jake could've not chosen to talk to Tatum and cause problems, but he marched right up to her house AND HASHED IT OUT AND I WAS LIKE YES THANK YOU SIR
I really enjoyed how they had to grow from their past selves and learn who each other came to be so many years later. They were both so mature once they talked, and I was a huge fan of the character development and the found family of this story <3
thank you J.B. LaRee for my ARC of All I Want in exchange for my honest review!
June 15, 2024
What an emotional roller coaster! My heart was aching reading Tatum and Jake’s relationship struggles. J.B Laree did a great job writing about some sensitive topics. You can really feel the emotion within the character. It’s so sweet seeing how much support these characters got from their friends and hometown. I love the lead up to the next book! Great debut book! I can’t want to read more.
Please check trigger warning before reading. The list of trigger warns contain major spoilers.
Please check trigger warning before reading. The list of trigger warns contain major spoilers.
August 16, 2024
First and foremost, please take in to account the trigger warnings the author has for this book. These characters are flawed in their own right and do have work to do to overcome struggles and what kept them apart.
This book dives right into the story- with Tatum’s career downfall, opening many questions and has your heart going out to her. Tatum left Jake without saying anything and that’s something she’s been living with for years. It took a toll on both of their mental healths.
Jake never stopped loving Tatum. He is beyond hurt, angry and blocked her out of his life so it’s hard seeing her again now that she’s back in town. You easily feel for him because all he ever wanted was to just know why she left him.
Finding the courage to talk to her again is a struggle- I enjoyed how patient and understanding he was with Tatum. Letting her to know she can confide in him when ready, I was willing her to be ready-I wanted to know everything.
Seeing one another again also brought back so many feelings, ones they both pushed down for so long. They never stopped loving one another, but will it be enough? How can they possible begin to work through everything that has happened between them.
Tatum has such a big heart, but is so scared and spent the last 10 year playing a character and lost- I wanted so much for her to be happy, but she needs to get everything in the open so badly.
I was angry at her at times for keeping him in the dark for so long (even though I was able to empathize with her story), she has a lot of work to do to make things right with Jake, to show she stills loves him and it’s only ever been him. Her journey was hard fought, and she learned a lot about herself and what she wants in her life.
With so many secrets between them, I liked uncovering each one. It broke my heart for them both as everything was done out of love and not hate. To care so much for someone and save them from hurting-but it ended up driving them apart causing them both to loose part of themselves.
This one definitely took the emotions on a bit of a roller coaster, but it was raw and real and I enjoyed seeing Tatum and Jake find their back to each other, they earned their HEA. I loved the flashback to when they first met and fell in love as teenagers.
The side characters of this book are fantastic and beyond supportive, I want more of them all. I am looking forward to book 2 and see what is happening between Maisy and Jensen!
4⭐️
*Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own
This book dives right into the story- with Tatum’s career downfall, opening many questions and has your heart going out to her. Tatum left Jake without saying anything and that’s something she’s been living with for years. It took a toll on both of their mental healths.
Jake never stopped loving Tatum. He is beyond hurt, angry and blocked her out of his life so it’s hard seeing her again now that she’s back in town. You easily feel for him because all he ever wanted was to just know why she left him.
Finding the courage to talk to her again is a struggle- I enjoyed how patient and understanding he was with Tatum. Letting her to know she can confide in him when ready, I was willing her to be ready-I wanted to know everything.
Seeing one another again also brought back so many feelings, ones they both pushed down for so long. They never stopped loving one another, but will it be enough? How can they possible begin to work through everything that has happened between them.
Tatum has such a big heart, but is so scared and spent the last 10 year playing a character and lost- I wanted so much for her to be happy, but she needs to get everything in the open so badly.
I was angry at her at times for keeping him in the dark for so long (even though I was able to empathize with her story), she has a lot of work to do to make things right with Jake, to show she stills loves him and it’s only ever been him. Her journey was hard fought, and she learned a lot about herself and what she wants in her life.
With so many secrets between them, I liked uncovering each one. It broke my heart for them both as everything was done out of love and not hate. To care so much for someone and save them from hurting-but it ended up driving them apart causing them both to loose part of themselves.
This one definitely took the emotions on a bit of a roller coaster, but it was raw and real and I enjoyed seeing Tatum and Jake find their back to each other, they earned their HEA. I loved the flashback to when they first met and fell in love as teenagers.
The side characters of this book are fantastic and beyond supportive, I want more of them all. I am looking forward to book 2 and see what is happening between Maisy and Jensen!
4⭐️
*Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own
April 30, 2024
First and foremost please check trigger warnings before reading, this book deals with a lot of heavy topics so take care before reading.
Now let me tell you about this AMAZING book, this book follow Jake and Taytum. They were high school sweethearts and soul mates. They went their separate ways after high school, Jake to college and Taytum to California to pursue her dream of becoming a singer. Something happened to cause Taytum to cut off all contact with Jake and her hometown. She emerges 2 years later as the pop star Mackenzie. Jake is left broken and angry and Taytum falls down a hole of addiction. After a very public meltdown, Taytum goes to rehab and when she emerges she returns to her small town to continue her healing and to deal with the only ghost from her past and the secret she has been keeping for the last 10 years.
Friends from the very first chapter I was hooked. This is such a beautifully written DEBUT NOVEL! I felt every emotion you can possibly have when reading this. It was evident that these two characters loved each other and they really struggled to find their way back to each other. It was messy and heartbreaking and sweet and spicy. I would be near tears and then kicking my feet excited. I laughed and I grieved with these characters and I rooted for their success from the very beginning of the book.
JB also masterfully added so much humor into this story. Jake and Taytum have the best friends and their shenanigans added so much comic relief, especially when some parts were heavy. There is one scene in particular where Jake’s 2 best friends break into his house, the reason they feel they need to is incredibly heartbreaking but I was still cackling through the whole scene, it’s a true gift to so seamlessly weave those two things together.
I honestly could go on and on! Just read this book
Now let me tell you about this AMAZING book, this book follow Jake and Taytum. They were high school sweethearts and soul mates. They went their separate ways after high school, Jake to college and Taytum to California to pursue her dream of becoming a singer. Something happened to cause Taytum to cut off all contact with Jake and her hometown. She emerges 2 years later as the pop star Mackenzie. Jake is left broken and angry and Taytum falls down a hole of addiction. After a very public meltdown, Taytum goes to rehab and when she emerges she returns to her small town to continue her healing and to deal with the only ghost from her past and the secret she has been keeping for the last 10 years.
Friends from the very first chapter I was hooked. This is such a beautifully written DEBUT NOVEL! I felt every emotion you can possibly have when reading this. It was evident that these two characters loved each other and they really struggled to find their way back to each other. It was messy and heartbreaking and sweet and spicy. I would be near tears and then kicking my feet excited. I laughed and I grieved with these characters and I rooted for their success from the very beginning of the book.
JB also masterfully added so much humor into this story. Jake and Taytum have the best friends and their shenanigans added so much comic relief, especially when some parts were heavy. There is one scene in particular where Jake’s 2 best friends break into his house, the reason they feel they need to is incredibly heartbreaking but I was still cackling through the whole scene, it’s a true gift to so seamlessly weave those two things together.
I honestly could go on and on! Just read this book
April 28, 2024
4 ½ Stars for the emotional romance
This is a great debut novel for this new author. Tatum and Jake's story broke my heart! I think Tatum knew deep down that she couldn't live her life without Jake. And I don't think you would call what Jake was doing was living at all. This book had me go through all the emotions ... I laughed, I cried and I definitely swooned. I loved how the author brought in the other characters and gave good insight to future books in the series ... like Jenson and Maisy ... and Brody and Ainsley. I can't wait to read more of this series!
Tatum and Jake are high school sweethearts, but after graduation they go in different directions.. Jake goes to college and Tatum goes to LA to pursue her singing career. Ten years later Tatum can no longer handle the fame she thought she wanted and ends up in rehab. After rehab she longs for home, so she goes back to Walford Texas even though she knows she will see Jake. She also knows that she will end up having to tell him the reason for her disappearance. Jake can't hide his anger towards Tatum after she ruined their future. Will the past and their secrets tear them apart for good or will their love for one another be strong enough to overcome the past?
I received a copy courtesy of BookSirens.
This is a great debut novel for this new author. Tatum and Jake's story broke my heart! I think Tatum knew deep down that she couldn't live her life without Jake. And I don't think you would call what Jake was doing was living at all. This book had me go through all the emotions ... I laughed, I cried and I definitely swooned. I loved how the author brought in the other characters and gave good insight to future books in the series ... like Jenson and Maisy ... and Brody and Ainsley. I can't wait to read more of this series!
Tatum and Jake are high school sweethearts, but after graduation they go in different directions.. Jake goes to college and Tatum goes to LA to pursue her singing career. Ten years later Tatum can no longer handle the fame she thought she wanted and ends up in rehab. After rehab she longs for home, so she goes back to Walford Texas even though she knows she will see Jake. She also knows that she will end up having to tell him the reason for her disappearance. Jake can't hide his anger towards Tatum after she ruined their future. Will the past and their secrets tear them apart for good or will their love for one another be strong enough to overcome the past?
I received a copy courtesy of BookSirens.
April 30, 2024
“it’s funny how tragedy has a way of ushering us toward new paths of happiness and purpose.”
・❥・
⚠️ before i say anything else please make sure you check the trigger warnings before jumping into this one!! they are spoilery but this book does deal with some heavy topics so just fyi!! ⚠️
one thing about me is i love a good small town/found family. so you know i absolutely loved being in walford with tatum and jake. their love story is a very emotional one but to me those are the best kinds!! you can see right from the beginning how strongly tatum and jake love each other. and not just them, the whole town of walford loves them both just as much. they protect their own and i just love reading about those close knit bonds. reading about those characters made me very excited for the next book in this series too!!
but back to tatum and jake….while there’s no doubt that these two love each other, they do still have lots of heavy baggage to work through which again made their story an interesting one to keep up with. i was definitely on my toes for a lot of the story wondering what the history was! you will probably find yourself reaching for a tissue in this one though so fair warning!!!
thank you thank you for the ARC and if you’re also a fan of found family, second chance, small town, mental health rep, and emotional romance make sure you either go preorder or go pick up, All I Want by J.B. Laree tomorrow April 30, 2024 💜🪻🎶
・❥・
⚠️ before i say anything else please make sure you check the trigger warnings before jumping into this one!! they are spoilery but this book does deal with some heavy topics so just fyi!! ⚠️
one thing about me is i love a good small town/found family. so you know i absolutely loved being in walford with tatum and jake. their love story is a very emotional one but to me those are the best kinds!! you can see right from the beginning how strongly tatum and jake love each other. and not just them, the whole town of walford loves them both just as much. they protect their own and i just love reading about those close knit bonds. reading about those characters made me very excited for the next book in this series too!!
but back to tatum and jake….while there’s no doubt that these two love each other, they do still have lots of heavy baggage to work through which again made their story an interesting one to keep up with. i was definitely on my toes for a lot of the story wondering what the history was! you will probably find yourself reaching for a tissue in this one though so fair warning!!!
thank you thank you for the ARC and if you’re also a fan of found family, second chance, small town, mental health rep, and emotional romance make sure you either go preorder or go pick up, All I Want by J.B. Laree tomorrow April 30, 2024 💜🪻🎶
April 30, 2024
Oof our hearts…. @jblaree_author crushed them and then pieced them back together with her debut novel All I Want.
All we want? More of Jake and Tatum and their funny, loving, and supportive found family.
All I Want is a second chance romance that follows Jake and Tatum, who meet as teens and fall in love only to be ripped apart by a tragic secret. Ten years later Tatum is a famous pop star, fresh out of rehab after spending the last ten years trying to numb the pain of her loss. She moves back home to heal and reunites with her long lost love Jake, who has spent every minute of their time apart wondering why Tatum disappeared. The reason will leave you heartbroken and, if you’re anything like us, sobbing and gasping for breath as JB Laree forces you to feel every heart wrenching emotion right along with the characters. It’s cruel in the very best of ways while still having plenty of lighthearted moments to balance out the more heavy ones.
And as much as we adore Jake and Tate, we fell equally as hard for the amazing supporting characters and are so glad we will be able to continue falling in love with each and every one of them in the #RunawayHeartsSeries. (Is this where we beg and plead for Judge’s story 🙏🏽).
All we want? More of Jake and Tatum and their funny, loving, and supportive found family.
All I Want is a second chance romance that follows Jake and Tatum, who meet as teens and fall in love only to be ripped apart by a tragic secret. Ten years later Tatum is a famous pop star, fresh out of rehab after spending the last ten years trying to numb the pain of her loss. She moves back home to heal and reunites with her long lost love Jake, who has spent every minute of their time apart wondering why Tatum disappeared. The reason will leave you heartbroken and, if you’re anything like us, sobbing and gasping for breath as JB Laree forces you to feel every heart wrenching emotion right along with the characters. It’s cruel in the very best of ways while still having plenty of lighthearted moments to balance out the more heavy ones.
And as much as we adore Jake and Tate, we fell equally as hard for the amazing supporting characters and are so glad we will be able to continue falling in love with each and every one of them in the #RunawayHeartsSeries. (Is this where we beg and plead for Judge’s story 🙏🏽).
May 14, 2024
An impressive debut!
This was an emotional read and a really well done second chance romance. I have a soft spot for those and the author did a great job in portraying the yearning and love between the two MCs. I love that we saw glimpses of their past as it always makes the separation hit so much harder!
I liked both of the main characters. They’re lost in different ways so this is not only a love story but a story of healing, especially Tatum’s journey. It has some difficult topics so I recommend checking the TWs.
What I also loved was the secondary characters and found family. I find that romance books are always so much richer with well developed relationships outside of the main couple and in this case it was very well done.
It was a solid 4⭐️ read for me. I removed one star as I felt that the book lost a little bit of its emotional impact towards the end but I recommend it to everyone who love slightly angsty, second chance romances!
The tropes include:
✨ second chance romance
✨ famous FMC/small town MMC
✨ found family
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This was an emotional read and a really well done second chance romance. I have a soft spot for those and the author did a great job in portraying the yearning and love between the two MCs. I love that we saw glimpses of their past as it always makes the separation hit so much harder!
I liked both of the main characters. They’re lost in different ways so this is not only a love story but a story of healing, especially Tatum’s journey. It has some difficult topics so I recommend checking the TWs.
What I also loved was the secondary characters and found family. I find that romance books are always so much richer with well developed relationships outside of the main couple and in this case it was very well done.
It was a solid 4⭐️ read for me. I removed one star as I felt that the book lost a little bit of its emotional impact towards the end but I recommend it to everyone who love slightly angsty, second chance romances!
The tropes include:
✨ second chance romance
✨ famous FMC/small town MMC
✨ found family
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 7, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
To start off, I'd seen a few people mention to read the trigger warnings in the back of the book and I decided I didn't want to know because I wanted to be SHOCKED to my core. And DAMN was I ever!
This book was such a fast paced read for me, I kept turning page after page. Usually in romance novels, I need to warm up to the characters to see if I would like the thought of them together or not, but I was rooting for Tate and Jake as soon as Tate appeared back in the small town of Walford.
Tate and Jake are high school sweethearts and you got to read about their relationship 10 years prior and how it led up to where they are now. I think that's what makes their relationship so strong now. They never stopped loving one another and I love how both their characters fit together so well. Jake was so patient with Tate and I loved seeing Tate's character blossom. They were both holding secrets over the years but once they were spilled, the story ended beautifully.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your debut novel! I can't wait for the next one 😍
To start off, I'd seen a few people mention to read the trigger warnings in the back of the book and I decided I didn't want to know because I wanted to be SHOCKED to my core. And DAMN was I ever!
This book was such a fast paced read for me, I kept turning page after page. Usually in romance novels, I need to warm up to the characters to see if I would like the thought of them together or not, but I was rooting for Tate and Jake as soon as Tate appeared back in the small town of Walford.
Tate and Jake are high school sweethearts and you got to read about their relationship 10 years prior and how it led up to where they are now. I think that's what makes their relationship so strong now. They never stopped loving one another and I love how both their characters fit together so well. Jake was so patient with Tate and I loved seeing Tate's character blossom. They were both holding secrets over the years but once they were spilled, the story ended beautifully.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your debut novel! I can't wait for the next one 😍
April 2, 2024
An emotional ride that will have you sobbing and putting your heart back together all in one. This was a fantastic debut novel from J.B. LaRee. Jake and Tatum's story is full of heartbreak, and so much love for one another. I can't tell you how many times I ugly sobbed because of everything they have been through over the years.
Jake is a country boy who has a huge soft spot for Tatum. He is good with his hands and loves hard. Tatum has a big heart for those she holds close, and works hard to protect everyone she loves. Their second chance is everything. They melted my heart into a puddle of goo.
Tatum & Jake go through a lot of heartbreak and healing in this book. Their journey is raw, real, and beautiful.
The epilogue just made my heart squeeze in happiness. I am so excited for more of this world and these characters.
Read if you like
🎤 Second Chance
🎤 Small Town
🎤 Found Family
🎤 Pop Star in Hiding
Jake is a country boy who has a huge soft spot for Tatum. He is good with his hands and loves hard. Tatum has a big heart for those she holds close, and works hard to protect everyone she loves. Their second chance is everything. They melted my heart into a puddle of goo.
Tatum & Jake go through a lot of heartbreak and healing in this book. Their journey is raw, real, and beautiful.
The epilogue just made my heart squeeze in happiness. I am so excited for more of this world and these characters.
Read if you like
🎤 Second Chance
🎤 Small Town
🎤 Found Family
🎤 Pop Star in Hiding
May 3, 2024
WOW emotional is the first thought that comes to me when I think of this story. It was written so beautifully please read trigger warnings.
It is not often that when you read a rockstar/pop star romance that the FMC is the hot mess and she very much is in the beginning of this story. Tatum the FMC is the one that needs to make amends and purge the secrets she has been holding on to for the past decade.
Jake the MMC is sweet, kind and still heartbroken over Tatum leaving 10 years ago and not giving him closure. I will give it to him as much as he loves her and wants the closure he stands his ground and makes it clear what he needs to hear, causing tension that is so thick but worth it.
Once the secrets start flowing it gets really emotional, I got teary eyed a few times while reading. I cannot wait to see what is next in this series with Jensen I know that one will also have some thick tension.
~~What to Expect~~
🎤Small Town
🎤Second Chance
🎤Popstar in Hiding
🎤Emotional Read
🎤Found Family
~~Quote~~
🎸Always and Only
🎸You’re It for me, Tate. You’re all I want in this life. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.
It is not often that when you read a rockstar/pop star romance that the FMC is the hot mess and she very much is in the beginning of this story. Tatum the FMC is the one that needs to make amends and purge the secrets she has been holding on to for the past decade.
Jake the MMC is sweet, kind and still heartbroken over Tatum leaving 10 years ago and not giving him closure. I will give it to him as much as he loves her and wants the closure he stands his ground and makes it clear what he needs to hear, causing tension that is so thick but worth it.
Once the secrets start flowing it gets really emotional, I got teary eyed a few times while reading. I cannot wait to see what is next in this series with Jensen I know that one will also have some thick tension.
~~What to Expect~~
🎤Small Town
🎤Second Chance
🎤Popstar in Hiding
🎤Emotional Read
🎤Found Family
~~Quote~~
🎸Always and Only
🎸You’re It for me, Tate. You’re all I want in this life. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.
August 14, 2024
All I Want is a small town, second chance romance read and is the author’s debut novel. Any time I see an indie author, I automatically want to read their books and this one definitely is in my top ten for this year. Please check for content warnings before reading. Tatum Wakefield is a pop star, but she finds refuge in a small town to hide from the paparazzi. Jake Holloway has no plans to welcome her back after she left him, but life has a way of changing people’s minds. I love the vibes of this story and the character’s interactions, especially when it’s a second chance romance! Tatum and Jake were such a duo and the story was so wonderfully written that I had a hard time putting it down! I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work.
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April 6, 2024
🏘️ small town
🎤 Popstar
👩👨🦱Second chance
🧑🧑🧒🧒 found family
Tate and Jake had it all then they had nothing. What would you do to get it back?
Tate & Jake are far from perfect but their story resonates with easily. The way the characters interact with all the side characters builds the whole picture. The banter, laughter, and emotion isn’t just page deep. Jump in head first, grab some tissues and enjoy.
While coming to terms with who they are and the things they have endured the couple grows together through grief.
Thanks JB for letting my be a BETA reader for this book - an amazing debut I can’t wait to read your next book!
🎤 Popstar
👩👨🦱Second chance
🧑🧑🧒🧒 found family
Tate and Jake had it all then they had nothing. What would you do to get it back?
Tate & Jake are far from perfect but their story resonates with easily. The way the characters interact with all the side characters builds the whole picture. The banter, laughter, and emotion isn’t just page deep. Jump in head first, grab some tissues and enjoy.
While coming to terms with who they are and the things they have endured the couple grows together through grief.
Thanks JB for letting my be a BETA reader for this book - an amazing debut I can’t wait to read your next book!
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