Sandy M’s review of All of You (The Lonnigans, Book 1) by Dee Tenorio
Contemporary Romance ebook published by Samhain 6 Apr 10

I found Ms. Tenorio and her books last year when I was mistakenly given her book Kiss Me Again to review. I’m glad that happened because that book turned out to be a terrific little read. So much so, when the chance came to read her again, I jumped at it.

Jessica is meeting her on-again/off-again boyfriend Lucas Lonnigan for one of their semi-routine relatively boring but companionable dinner dates. This time is going to be different, however, because Jessica has decided to break up with the man. No point in continuing a relationship that isn’t going anywhere. But tonight, there’s something different about Lucas. It’s like he’s become more optimistic, is starting a brand new lease on life.

What she finds out too late is that Lucas really is a different man. His twin brother Kyle has shown up instead, and Kyle is just as affected by Jessica. He’s been thinking lately it’s time to settle down, find a wife, have a family. He’s lived the playboy life long enough and now it’s time for more substance. And now irony is having its way with him. When he finds the one woman he knows is for him, she thinks he’s someone else.

Of course, the proverbial shit hits the fan when Jessica finds out she’s been duped. She wants nothing to do with either brother, re-enforces to herself she’s been right all along love has no place in her life. But Kyle won’t give up. He even latches onto the advice given by Jess’ secretary, Dory — who is a hoot and a half and a very enjoyable character — to finagle his way back into Jessica’s good graces. He does anything and everything to try to make her see how good  they’d be together.

While I really liked the majority of this book, there are a couple of issues that didn’t work for me personally. First is the relationship between Kyle and Lucas. I never got the feeling they share that twin “thing” you always hear about. When they had scenes together, we get arguing and snapping at one another more than anything else, until late in the book when Lucas has cause to really worry about Kyle, as Jessica does. I know this is an issue for me only because I love reading about brothers and I’m just a little disappointed in the way the relationship is portrayed initially. It does get better later, but I just wanted more early on.

Also, though I realize Jessica has her reasons for keeping love at bay, not trusting to let it into her life, her refusal to give in to Kyle went on just a tad too long for me. Even more than three-quarters of the way into the book, she’s balking at Kyle’s efforts to win her over. Even when they enjoy one another intimately. Even when his touches and kisses turn her into jelly. Even somewhat after unforeseen danger comes along, making her look at herself and her/their life differently. I actually got irritated with Jessica because her attitude went on so long.

But other than those two little things, this book is fun, has some action, mystery, and danger thrown in, and all the characters are quite likable, especially Dory’s son, Daniel, and the trouble he brings to town. A nice story of looks can be deceiving, it’s what you have/see on the inside that counts.

Grade: B-

Summary:

He found the right girl…too bad he’s the wrong date.

Kyle Lonnigan can’t say he hasn’t enjoyed the bachelor life. Good times and good money have always come easily to him. But now he wants something more, maybe even—gulp—a wife and family. Always the man with the plan, he consults the expert in boring, his identical twin Lucas, who suggests secretly switching dates for a night. Kyle never expected to meet his dream woman…and now she thinks he’s someone else.

Career-minded Jessica Saunders fully intends to break up with Lucas, but the man who meets her for dinner is soooo delicious, she can’t resist seducing him first. When she learns she’s been duped—worse, that Kyle wants more than a part-time lover— she sends him packing. Jessica doesn’t believe in happily ever after. If her early life taught her anything, it’s to trust no one but herself.

Yet for a man who’s done everything wrong, wants everything she’s not and drives her absolutely insane, Kyle is getting under her skin. And into her bed. And, if she’s not careful…into the heart she thought no longer existed.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: