All or Nothing

The Together Series, Book 3

De: Felice Stevens

Narrado por: Nick J. Russo

A past he couldn't forget.

Adam Barton is living his dream of working as a firefighter in his small Texas town, but a tragedy from his youth continues to haunt him. He decides New York City is the perfect place to start a new life and joins the FDNY, living and loving his own way - no strings and nothing personal. Until he catches sight of Rico Estevez, the sexy chef with the mysterious smile who rocks his world. After one explosive night together, Adam craves another...and then another. The more he and Rico are together, the more Adam wants him.

A future he never imagined.

Rico Estevez is living a lie. For years he's hidden his sexuality, afraid to hurt the career of his politically ambitious father. He's the perfect American - the best schools, top of his class, and most importantly to his father, a successful businessman. Who needs a boyfriend when sex is so easy to find? Starting a torrid love affair with Adam Barton isn't a problem; neither is looking toward forever. But Rico's father is about to get the chance of a lifetime, and Rico feels forced to play by the rules.

Rules are made to be broken.

Adam proves more unforgettable than Rico ever imagines, but he gives in to family pressures above personal desires. When a fire reunites them, both men discover their passion for each other hasn't died; rather, it's stronger than ever. Want turns to need and something even more dangerous to their hearts - love. Adam and Rico know if they want to have it all, they can let no one and nothing stand in their way of a life together.

©2017 Felice Stevens (P)2018 Felice Stevens

A cute feel good story

What a sweet book, the chemistry between Adam and Rico was amazing! I only wish it took them a few days to get to scorching the sheets because it did feel a bit like I was getting in the middle of an ongoing story. It took me longer to get into it because of that same reason, feeling like much of the story was grounded before it starts/in another book so it was a bit hard at first. I would say some parts of the book- mostly the beginning were maybe a bit drawn out, I found myself wishing for it to be a different pace, more action maybe…

I love Adam as a character, he is so sensitive and emotional, and being a big tough fireman it was humbling to read his emotional and mental struggles in the line of duty. I liked that despite the various events working against Adam and Rico they got over them easily, maybe too easily at times.

Something I truly like about Felice's books is the sense of community she creates, and in this book the community is constantly there keeping Adam and Rico strong through all the hardships they face separately and together. You get a very distinct feel of NY, and the Jewish community- which as an Israeli reader is a nice touch in any book (YAY for the shout- out to Tel-Aviv). I like all the side characters that are in the spotlight as much as the MC's and each have a delightfully sweet personalities.

I liked the narration in the dialogs- Nick really brings emotions and color to the voice of each character. His accent work is fantastic and fitting for each person, adding life to the story.
I did feel like the parts were he just narrates, not characters speaking, were sometimes a bit dull and I am not sure if it is the style of writing that make it odd when you hear it out lout or Nick's narration.

Chef + Fireman = Great addition to the series

I listened to Book 1 in the series, “Learning to Love” and I enjoyed this one more.  I was glad to see Gideon and Jonah have settled into their relationship and Gideon has matured.  When it comes to his business partner Rico, though, Gideon has definite opinions.  That often happens – people who have found their soulmate want everyone around them to be just as happy.

Rico, a Brooklyn transplant via Miami, runs a catering company with Gideon.  And although he’s occasionally envious of his friend, Rico knows his destiny is hook-ups and one-night stands.  He doesn’t ‘do’ relationships.

From the moment he met Adam Barton, an FDNY fireman, Rico’s been thinking about the flame-haired hunk.  When Adam drops by the store to buy his lunch, Rico hid out in his office in the back.  Then one day Adam corners the uncharacteristically tongue-tied Rico and manages to get Rico to agree to go out to dinner with him.

Dinner leads to a night at Adam’s apartment and the figurative sparks fly.  That Rico is gone in the morning isn’t a surprise to Adam, but the man is not easily deterred.  And, unlike in Book 1, the listeners get both the pursuer (Adam) and the pursued (Rico)’s point of view.  This worked because both men have secrets from their pasts that they’ve never shared with anyone.  Secrets that only have power while kept from the world

Both men have strong filial relationships with their fathers.  But while Adam is closely bonded with his father, Rico is always trying to please his, a man who is high up in the Conservative Party in Florida.  Needless to say, this is the perfect setup for conflict.

The desire to make one’s parents proud can be very strong.  The belief you’ll never be good enough can be painful to live with.  With Adam by his side, though, Rico might just find the strength – if the two of them can stay together.  When there’s a crisis, both men prove dependable and incredibly supportive.  When things are ‘normal’, though, they both spend too much time in their heads.  An honest discussion would clear up most of their problems, but this is a Felice book, so there is no easy resolution.  Adam and Rico have to fight for their happily ever after.

My only complaint is that every time one or the other feels ‘slighted’, he runs off to the closest bar looking for meaningless sex.  It’s irritating.  Small complaint, though.

When everything is on the line, each man proves his worth and his love for the other.  The ending was a little too easy, but that’s okay too.  Feel-good books are awesome.

Nick J. Russo is a favourite of mine and even though he didn’t narrate Book 1, his performance was consistent, so it wasn’t disruptive

I recommend the book.  New York, families, good friends, nice bartenders, hot men…  What else could someone ask for?

Oh, a cow named Bella.

I love this story!

What did you love best about All or Nothing?

I loved how I finally got to read Adam and Rico's story. I've been waiting for them to get together since I met them in Jonah and Gideons book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is a hard choice but I'll go with Adam because who can resist a ginger firefighter.

What about Nick J. Russo’s performance did you like?

He did a great job bring these two characters to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I'm a sucker for all the mushy parts. I'm a complete romantic and loved how Rico took a trip to Texas.

Any additional comments?

Felice is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

A great book, beautifully interpreted.

This was a great book from Felice Stevens, and Nick Russo does an amazing job in bronging Adam and Rico to life.
I had read the book when it was realeased first, but listening to it narrated brings it to a whole new level.
Nick Russo's interpretation manages to bring Felice's writing to life in a wonderful way, especially in the most emotional parts of the book (I 'm thinking of the barn speech).
All in all, a well-deserved 5 stars!