Review: All That We Are Together - Alice Kellen
I'll be honest—this book caught my eye purely because of its gorgeous cover. Sometimes I'm that reader who absolutely judges a book by its cover, and All That We Are Together had me completely smitten from the moment I spotted it. It's been sitting on my shelf for a couple of years, practically calling to me with its stunning design, and I finally decided it was time to dive in.
As the second installment in Alice Kellen's Let It Be duology, this story picks up three years after the dramatic ending of book one. Axel and Leah's relationship was torn apart by well-meaning family and friends who couldn't see past the eleven-year age gap—he was thirty, she was nineteen—and believed Axel was taking advantage of her. Now, both are grappling with the aftermath of that painful separation and questioning whether everyone else was right about their relationship.
When fate brings them back together through the art world, the tension is palpable. Leah is understandably guarded, still nursing wounds from their past, while Axel desperately wants to prove that his love is genuine and unwavering. The central question becomes whether love can truly conquer the hurt and mistrust that has built up between them.
Alice Kellen does a solid job exploring the complex emotions of second-chance romance. The angst is real and well-developed, particularly Leah's internal struggle between wanting to trust Axel again and protecting herself from further heartbreak. I appreciated how the author didn't rush their reconciliation—the emotional walls between them feel authentic and earned.
What really charmed me were the Beatles references sprinkled throughout the narrative. As someone who appreciates classic rock, these musical nods added a lovely layer of nostalgia and connection to the story. It's clear Alice Kellen has a genuine appreciation for the band, and it shows in how naturally these references flow within the plot.
While the story delivers on the new adult romance angst I was expecting, I found myself wanting a bit more depth in certain areas. Some plot points felt predictable, and I wished for more complexity in the supporting characters' motivations for originally separating the couple.
That said, this is definitely a solid entry in the new adult romance genre. Alice Kellen writes emotion well, and readers who enjoy second-chance romances with plenty of heart-wrenching moments will find satisfaction here.
Speaking of satisfaction—that cover still gets me every time I look at it. Unlike most books I read, this one is definitely joining my permanent collection purely for its aesthetic appeal. Sometimes a book earns its place on your shelf for reasons beyond just the story, and I'm perfectly okay with that.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ulxnin
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