Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 04/04/2025
Published by: Podium Audio
ISBN: B0CP6H9QG1
‘All I’ve Wanted All I’ve Needed’ offers a light and heartwarming journey of self-discovery and love, but it ultimately left me wanting more substance.
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Main character(s):
Secondary characters:
Romance:
Narration & Audio:
When Harlow’s boyfriend asks her a life-changing question, she boldly chooses to prioritize herself, setting her character on a path of personal growth and self-discovery. Sadly, the heartwarming coming-of-age story that unfolds lacks compelling stakes and provides more telling than showing. Harlow, who starts with such promise, became frustratingly passive as the story progresses, and the lessons she learns felt heavy-handed and repetitive. I also struggled with the jarring time jumps that disrupted the flow of the story.
You have to leave the house to make friends
Still, I enjoyed the audiobook as iiKane and Winston James did a great job with character voices and emotional depth, although their inflexions sometimes felt a bit off. The secondary characters also stood out due to their contribution to Harlow’s journey and personal challenges. Acyn, in particular, was great at encouraging and supporting Harlow in pursuing her passion, making him an easy character to like despite his initial impression as an arrogant jerk.
Sometimes comfort is what kills us.
The budding romance had many cute moments, and I loved the teasing banter and chemistry between the characters. However, it felt like a stretch to label their initial connection as ‘friendship’ just because they weren’t sleeping together. The third-act conflict also felt forced, and its resolution made me cringe. I became disengaged from that point, as the spicy scenes that followed and the concluding moments didn’t add much.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: How did your thoughts about Hendrix change throughout the story?
Hendrix initially came across as self-absorbed and entitled. His inability to move on and controlling attitude made him increasingly toxic, ultimately making his character the story’s villain. Still, I don’t think Acyn beating him up was the right way to handle things, as violence is never the solution.
Q: What are your thoughts on Kyrell?
I initially thought Kyrell and Harlow might end up together since they had a cute connection. However, as the story progressed, it became clear that they were definitely just friends – and it wasn’t the same type of ‘friendship’ Harlow had with Acyn. Kyrell also supported Harlow well, and I was disappointed by how his friendship with Hendrix ended, especially since I thought he would be the one to get through to Hendrix.
Q: Do you practice yoga?
I’ve tried a few times, but it’s not something I do regularly. That said, I’ve always admired how yoga helps with flexibility and strength, and I know it has great health benefits. I would love to make it a more consistent part of my routine in the future.
Q: Do you have any similar recommendations?
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola is a similar contemporary romance filled with playful banter and cute moments. The chemistry between the characters is fantastic, and I think those who enjoyed this book would enjoy it too.
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Q: Which aspect of the story did you find cutest?
Q: Would you want a public proposal?
Q: Did any secondary characters make a strong impression on you?
Q: Do you have any childhood friends you are still in touch with?
Q: Do you have tattoos?
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
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