A sweet story about two best friends navigating their feelings for each other, abuse at home, and how to make a cross country move work for them both.
From the blurb:
This is it.
This is real.
This is him, overcoming everything he’s been through and taking this impossible leap, to be with me.
Nico
I was ten when the abuse started. Though my injuries eventually healed, I didn’t. Years later, I still can’t let anyone touch me. Except Alex—my best friend. He’s kind, smart, funny. And he’s been there for me through it all.
So on high school graduation night, when my mom lets her abusive ex back into her life and I have nowhere else to go, I end up at Alex’s house, knocking on his door well after midnight. He lets me stay, no questions asked. He is my best friend, after all.
But everything’s changing, and he’s about to leave for college. I can’t imagine life without him, yet I’m terrified to tell him how I really feel.
Alex
Graduation’s over, and I’m more than ready to head to California at the end of summer. Leaving Nebraska, however, also means leaving my best friend.
Nico’s had it rough, and although I haven’t always known how to help, I’ve always been there for him when he needs me. So when he shows up at my house with nothing but the clothes on his back, I welcome him. He’s my best friend, and I’d do anything for him.
But the longer he stays, the more I realize I can’t leave without him. How can I gather the courage to tell him how I really feel, knowing it won’t be easy for him to give us a chance?
All of My Heart is an emotion-filled childhood best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort MM romance featuring a small town setting, mutual pining, first times, PTSD/cPTSD trauma and healing, anxiety and touch aversion, and a sweet, hopeful happily-ever-after.
Content warning: verbal and physical abuse of a minor (off page but referenced) and of a young adult (on page); cPTSD, PTSD, and trauma-induced anxiety; moderate to severe social anxiety; brief suicidal ideation without intent; parental abandonment (both current and in the past) not related to the MC’s sexuality; brief descriptions of underage alcohol and drug use; references to alcohol use and smoking.
Angel's review:
I've read a book by Becca previously and enjoyed it, so when I saw this one pop up I really wanted to read it. I'm happy that I did, and that I was able to.
Nico and Alex's relationship is so beautiful and extremely special, they have a give and take relationship where they always try to be there for each other no matter what. Even if it's simply sending a reassuring text message, or by giving a hug when comfort is needed. The bond they have shines through the pages of their story which is so beautiful to see.
Nico hasn't had an easy life, when he was young his mom married a man who started abusing him which made his anxiety worse and left him with scars, nightmares and trauma he's trying to navigate... He was free from him for a few years, until him mom decided to give him another chance. Now he's homeless, without his mom's love or support, and he believes he has nothing going for him.
Until Alex shows him differently. Alex is his person, he gives him hope when he's lost in despair, he lets the light in when Nico is lost to the darkness. And most of all, Alex loves him with his whole heart, no matter what.
I thought this story was really beautiful, I loved getting to see Nico and Alex's relationship grow and progress while also strengthening too. Their dynamic is full of playful banter, light teasing, flirting, and there are also some serious conversations mixed in too. I enjoyed getting to see them try to figure things out and make it work even when it was difficult and seemed impossible. That showed even more of their perseverance which I liked seeing.
Overall a fantastic story with great characters. Although, I hate Patrick and really dislike Nico's mom...
All of My Heart is currently available as an e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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