From the first few pages of Nothing But It All I thought this was a special story by the time I finished I knew this was a very special journey for Lauren and Jack Reed and I was so pleased to be part of their journey.
Lauren and Jack seem to be going in opposite directions and it takes an intervention by their children Michael and Maddie who get their grandfather to hatch a plan to get their parents back together.
A family break at a lakeside cabin in Story Brook, Ohio is just what they needed to have them realising they still have feelings for each other.
Nothing Bit It All ticked all my boxes, it’s emotional and entertaining, it’s witty and sad and it has wonderful characters. I smiled, I cried but more importantly I fell in love with this family.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

“It’s about ensuring that you give nothing but it all to your marriage, that you say “I do” every single day.”

Marriage isn’t easy. But, if two people choose each other every single day, it can grow into something even more beautiful. Author Adriana Locke takes us on an adventure into the lives of the Reed family. This family fights hard and loves even harder. This book is relatable and definitely one to be added to your TBR!!

The journey of parenthood and marriage is never easy and this book captures that so perfectly! My heart went on this ride fully with these characters. I laughed and cried with them. I felt how relatable their actions and feelings were.
This truly maybe one of my favorite books by Adriana Locke!

Some of my favorite quotes

“If you live more than once, I hope I get to live them all with you.”

“The thing that got us through them was simple—we wanted to get through them. It’s amazing how far that one little thing goes.”

This is a very emotional love story between a married couple. It is very true to life. This is so real. I really love this second chance story. I love that it is not about a 20 something looking for love, but about what feels like a real life 40s couple. Adriana did an amazing job. My heart was hooked from the first chapter! 💜💙

I really enjoyed reading a book about a married couple that is struggling after two decades of being married. Not every relationship is perfect, and they all take work. I think this is the first book I have read where the couple is trying to find their way back to each other, but aren't sure it is possible. Following Jack and Lauren (Lo) as they learn to fight for what they want, express their feelings, and delve deep into their relationship to (hopefully) repair what has been broken.

Lauren is a stay-at-home mom who loves her family, but is realizing that her kids are almost ready to be out of the house and she feels alone. She feels like she has expressed her needs and feelings to Jack and he isn't listening. She has started a scrapbooking business, that with the help of her daughter, has become a huge success, but she doesn't believe that Jack even realizes it. Believing there is no hope for the relationship, she cancels an annual trip and decides to file for divorce.

Jack has built his business from the ground up (which he and Lo had agreed was the best option), has become successful and feels like he needs to be there all the time to support his family. He hears Lo and understands her frustrations but doesn't know how he can change it. When she decides to cancel the trip he decides that he will take thier son (their daughter has plans) camping. Little does he know that his children and father have been working behind the scenes to help both Jack and Lo realize that they do still love each other.

Once the family is at the beach house, truths are revealed and choices are made. There were times that I was frustrated with Lauren because she seemed to blame him for everything and never give him a chance to explain or defend himself. I loved Jack and how he owned up to being jealous and not realizing how bad their relationship got. I also appreciated that he really listened to Lauren once she started to express her feelings. I was also glad that he told her the reasons why he stopped coming home and asking for intimacy.

Lauren did redeem herself by the end. I was glad that she acknowledged her part in the breakdown of their relationship. The underlying theme, in my opinion, is forgiveness and communication. In addition, I felt like this was a wonderfully written book about how hard any relationship is, not just marriage. Seeing Jack and Lauren come together to help their daughter was nice, even if the situation was heartbreaking for the daughter. Also, their son realizing that he might not be able to see the girl he was falling for when they went back home was nice. It makes a person ask what he did: is it better to not have met her or to fight for the time they have left/could have?

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Ms. Locke. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

A marriage in trouble trope can be so tricky to pull off...but my gosh Adriana did it justice and then some!

Lauren Reed has devoted her life to raising her children and supporting her husband, Jack. But somewhere along the way she lost herself and started to resent the freedom Jack seems to enjoy on the day. She has made the difficult decision to separate herself from their relationship and is finally doing things that make her truly happy and fulfilled.

Jack has tried to make himself scarce, every time he's in the same room as Lauren an argument takes place. So to keep her happy he stays away...but he never for a second considered she would contemplate a divorce.

Their children have a plan...a few white lies and all of sudden the entire Reed family is at their cabin in Story Brook.

I think that Adriana highlighted the struggles that all people go through as they grow and change throughout the years. As woman, society deems it appropriate to put everyone ahead of yourself -make sure the kids are happy, healthy and well adjusted. The house needs to be spotless, but you can't make it seem like it takes effort on your part...it's "easy." But Lauren is the perfect example of how these expectations can slowly chip away at you.

I also loved how Lauren was able to reflect on her short comings and Jack had this big AH moment. They both acknowledged they weren't innocent in things going wrong and they try to move forward...but that's easier said then done.

Marriage in Trouble/2nd chance...my catnip! I know weird right people don't want to read about real life but I love it.
Lauren and Jack have been married for years, Jack has put his shop first, Lauren has been running the kids and the household. It finally comes to a halt/standstill when Lauren wants a divorce but Jack doesn't know the kids do so the kids conspired with Grandpa to get their parent marriage back to its former glory.

Lauren and Jack Reed are at a crossroads with their marriage. Jack is solely focused on his business and is overlooking his family. Lauren is a stay at home mom and does all things for her family. Her resentment is growing and she’s at her wits end.

When their 2 children Michael & Maddie conspire with their grandfather, to get Lauren & Jack to spend time together at the family cabin, they are hoping the sparks will be rekindled.

5 fantastic stars! What an amazing heart warming story about a second chance at love. I loved everything about these characters. Adriana Locke was very realistic in her depictions. The problems they faced are what every married couples faces at some point in their relationship. Definite must read!

This story was so intense. I laughed and cried, all in the same chapter. I rooted for this couple, and hope my own kids are half this loving. And Pops added so much, too.
I dropped everything to read this book, the moment it was in my hands. As usual, Mrs. Locke created a story that was so much more than just a story. I wanted to jump right in and hug them, laugh with them, cry with them. Drink with them and cook with them, too. I might even be persuaded to hike or boat with them, even though I’m the opposite of outdoor-sey. I feel like they’re my friends now, and I’m not giving them back.

This was such a good read. It’s a beautiful story of two people that are struggling in their marriage and how they find their way back to each other. Told in dual POV the reader gets to truly understand the dynamics of Jack and Lauren’s marriage - how they seemed to have lost their way…yet there is also a solid foundation that they just need to remember. In a vicious cycle of harsh words and frustration they just need a push to get them to actual talk! That’s where the kids and grandpa come in! They have a few tricks up their sleeves.
It made me so happy to see them work through their issues and mend their relationship - no relationship is perfect; it takes effort and communication and Adriana portrayed that so well in this book. It was refreshing to read a book that shows the ups and downs of any relationship rather than a starry-eyed version. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, but not so much with a married couple. It seems like the hurt and bitterness are too fresh, too deep, and too raw to be resolved in a fictional romance. Leave it to Locke to disabuse me of my notion and make me fall in love with this entire family, cheering for them all as I blazed through this one.

Jack and Lauren may be married, but they’re living separate lives, independent of each other. They think they’re hiding it all from their family, but people see a lot more than we think. Their teenage kids, Maddie and Michael, conspire with their Pops to have one last family vacation before the bottom drops out.

Every year, the Reed family spends two weeks each summer at Story Brook lake, but this year Lauren and Jack have each decided they’re too busy and that the family won’t be going. Except Maddie and Michael manage to get their way, and Lauren and Jack find themselves arriving at the lake cabin separately.

There are so many things I love about this one. It made me nostalgic for family vacations from my childhood, and the locals and scenery were so vivid in my mind. In addition to fixing a marriage, we get a glimpse of young love, as well as some of the challenges older adults face, so the entire spectrum is pretty much covered.

This one is incredibly sweet, with pops of humor, moments of frustration, and a great big dose of heart. It will make you believe that anything is possible when desire and determination are backed by love. Charming, funny, heartfelt, and inspiring, you won’t want to miss this phenomenal second-chance romance!

Marriage in trouble isn’t always a trope that will work for me but Adrianne Locke did it well in this relatively short yet complete novel! I loved to see Jack and Lauren put in the work to bring their marriage back together. So many raw emotional moments. I loved how the characters grew and kept you reading.

Wow! If I could give this book more than five stars I would. Jack and Lo have been married twenty years. Both there kids are teens. Jack has spent most of his time focusing on his shop. While Lo has been at home raising the kids, and taking care of everything else . She has finally decided that she needs to put herself first. And her relationship with Jack is a strained one. They barely see each other anymore. Jack sleeps at the shop most of the time. But when Jack realizes that Lo wants a divorce it’s the wake up call he needed. And he’s determined to fix their marriage. This story was so relatable. Even from Jacks point of view. I loved this book, and can’t recommend it enough.

I honestly don’t know where to begin with this review. I really didn’t love or hate it. I feel like I was just thrown into a story line that developed in a different book. The writing style was very surface level. I needed more depth. Honestly I think Pops Harvey outshined everyone with his snappy and blunt attitude.

Actual rating: 4,5

Adriana Locke’s book is always a comforting read to me, it always makes me feel like I’m having a glimpse of someone’s true story and Nothing but it all hasn’t failed to achieve that.
The book tells the story of a couple in their mid-40s, together for 20 years that have been through issues in their marriage. For a romance reader like me, I’m always used to reading until they get together, they get married and in theory, live happily ever after. It was surprisingly refreshing to read what happens after the happy ever after and to see characters going through problems that many marriages go through. That love is not enough to make everything happen when life gets in the way.

I can’t remember a single time I read this trope, and I can tell that I love it! I thought it was so relatable to read about the difficulties of co-living with someone for years and how to fall in love again with someone that you love and have been distant. The story brought the marriage in trouble trope, but it was also sexy and romantic and swoon worthy.

I also love how the characters are more mature. Not only they are in their mid-40s, but they also sound mature! Sounds silly, but I’ve read characters that are similar age than me and act and sound like teenagers. I love the interaction between their teenage kids and how they were so sneaky to make the parents have some time for them. They are well aware of the rift in their parent's marriage without being traumatised by fights and screams. For someone who had parents who got divorced without a fight, I know how important it is to see main characters that have individual feelings but also respect each other and think about their children well well-being.

Once again, Adriana Locke got me completely captivated by the story that sounded so real to me and surprised me to see how she would develop a story of two characters that started on the wrong foot

Thanks to Netgalley UK and Montlake for sending me this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Hands down, this was a 5 star read for me. It had me all up in my feels with the troubled marriage and the way I can relate. This book is emotional and deep, and I really admired how the characters came together and worked things out. Amazing book.

"It's about ensuring that you give nothing but it all to your marriage, that you say 'I do' every single day."

I absolutely loved this beautiful, funny, heartfelt, sweet & steamy romance! Lauren and Jack's moving, 'second chance at love' story was so compelling that I couldn't stop reading, needing more as I devoured every moment! Jack was busy building his business, and stay at home mom, Lauren, felt forgotten and lost. After twenty years together they seemed to be moving in different directions, making a life without the other. They had two very observant teens, who along with their grandfather, conspired to bring them together on a two week family vacation, hoping to remind them of better times, and the deep love they once shared. Jack and Lauren were not happy being manipulated at first, but agreed to stay and make the best of this last time together as a whole family. They found themselves being thrown together in hilarious, and heartfelt situations, forcing them to really communicate for the first time, in a long time. They had never stopped loving each other, but could they be vulnerable enough to try for a second chance, or strong enough to trust that they won't break their heart for good? I loved this exploration into the relationship of a married couple. They love each other so much, but had lost their ability to really see and appreciate each other. Their journey back to each other was so poignant, and heartfelt. I loved Lauren and Jack, who felt real and authentic and their relationship was so moving, and hard fought. They were so perfect together and their passion and chemistry only grows more explosive. I loved seeing the relationships they had with their meddling family and friends who added so much fun, and heart to this story as well. I was totally captivated by this journey through love, laughter, guilt, anger, heartbreak, hope, healing, and joy!

5 Star Review Nothing But It All by Adriana Locke

eBook/Audio:

Nothing But It All was a breath of fresh air from Adriana Locke. From the first chapter I was drawn into the story that she wove as Lauren and Jack Reed struggle to save their marriage after twenty years together.

When their children Michael and Maddie put their heads together with their grandfather to hatch a plan to bring the parents back together, neither Lauren pr Jack are aware.

Pushed into a family holiday at a lakeside cabin in Story Brook, Ohio, truths will be faced by everyone. This book was a realistic story line of a marriage that is tired. It was easy to relate to the characters and the struggles that have brought them to this point in their lives.

The narrators, both who are new to me, Amy Hall and Ryan Duncan did justice to the characters and the story that Ms. Locke wove. Their voices were easy to listen to and they brought all the struggles and passion to life with their performances.

This was a realistic, emotional story that got to me on numerous levels and had me in tears on a couple of occasions.

Love, love, LOVE Nothing But It All!!! This is so realistic it should hit you in the feels with…gasp…is this me? What a beautiful, all of the feels, let’s work together to make it work. It will have you crying, laughing, fearful, but most of all it will fill you with love that they finally figured it out for them! In case you couldn’t tell…I LOVED IT!!!

Thank you to Montlake publishing, netgalley, and Adriana Locke for allowing me to read and review Nothing But It All which comes out in February. It knew nothing about this book, or author and took a chance, it was a good chance . This book was a second chance love story that included a dog named Snaps. I thought I knew where the book was heading but, it took an emotional turn at the end which made the ending good. This book was fast paced with engaging characters.