Absolutely beautiful! I am so in love with this book. I've said it before and I will say it again. Mia cannot write a bad story. She writes the most heartfelt stories. She evokes emotions in the simplest sentences that she writes. It is like it is an effortless endeavor for her to bring the readers her stories. They just flow and are organic and I get caught up in it every single time.

I hope that every reader that picks up this book will go into it blind, without having read any reviews beforehand. You need to experience everything in this book without having any knowledge of what's between the pages, no preconceived notions of what might happen. I just finished it and I already wish I could wipe my memory clean so that I could read it again for the first time.

The blurb tells you a little, but not very much about what this book entails. Two people, both broken in their own ways. Both having suffered from control being taken away from them. But where Crystal has built a protective wall around herself, Gabriel has tried to live his life with an open heart, appreciating every moment of every day.

"I win every time I'm bold in how I love. I want to say I win a hundred times a day, a thousand, by loving the sunrise, and the wind, and the way raindrops sound on my window."

I have to say that the journey Mia leads these two characters on, is probably one of my most favorite of hers, ever. Her writing is just flawless, and I was just so mesmerized with this story, every single page of this story.

I am fascinated with how well Mia developed these characters. Their background, their emotions, their thoughts, their feelings. They were so real and alive to me. I felt all their emotions right along with them. I felt the hopelessness and desperation that Crystal feels, and I felt the determination Gabriel had to tear down those nearly impenetrable walls that were built around her. I felt so warm and fuzzy when she finally started thinking she could let people in.

"A few leaves fluttered from the trees, twirling lazily in the light breeze, and I felt a gentle falling inside me, too. I wondered how trees knew to let go of the things they no longer needed, and I wondered if I could do that, as well."

I'm trying to be as spoiler free as possible, so I am not going to say anything else. But I had to include those lines above because I absolutely love them. And this book is filled with tons more of profound thoughts like those. Mia is just a master at the deep, thought provoking, heartfelt emotions that are woven through this whole book. From the story itself, to the themes throughout, to the cast of supporting characters who are so incredibly important and instrumental in the lives of these two people.

I can't wait to see everyone's thoughts and reactions to this story. I just want to hug Mia so hard after reading this. I completely loved it.

The best way to describe this read is gut-wrenching, but absolutely amazing. Seriously, I love this story even as much as it tore me apart. I mean we have Crystal/Ellie who has falling some hard times. I mean life has giving her a crappy hand and she's barely hanging on. Then we have Gabe who is barely holding on, but he's slowly managing it. So, comes together to broken people who basically heal one another. Gabe couldn't stand being touched, but I probably would feel the same thing if I was abducted at a young age and barely my escape. He's fairly well adjusted for all the crap he went through. Then we have Crystal who is living day by day. Yes, she's a stripper, and she has a tough outer shell. Deep down she's softy.

Anyway, we take a journey with these two as they heal one another. Let me tell you this roller coaster of a read wasn't easy. Seriously, Mia had me turning inside out with these characters. Crystal isn't an easy person, but Gabe tries to be understanding, especially when she's being a witch to him. I loved this story. I thought it was a beautifully written, but rough. Oh so rough. There were times Ellie and Gabe wouldn't get together. I did love how Crystal started to trust Gabe enough to give her real name. Now I kind of hope to get a story for his brother, because there are somethings that happen in the story I would like to know about.

Now Most of All You isn't going to be for everyone. Some might find a little too much, because there is a lot going on in the story. I do think it's kind of worth try, but that's my opinion. There are lot of dark subjects going on in the story, but I think it enriches the story. So, if you are willing to take a chance on Most of All You, you might enjoy the story.

Copy provided by Forever via NetGalley.

I have only read one book by Mia Sheridan and I had really enjoyed it. Most of all You by Mia Sheridan is a stand alone love story. I found the summary to be very intriguing which is why I decided to give this book a chance. Mia Sheridan's books are chock full of emotions and beautiful writing and Most of all You was no different. It was definitely a unique love story.

Let's start with Crystal. Crystal has had a horrible childhood and she works as a stripper in the present. Crystal works hard to make ends meet but life keeps throwing curve balls at her and she's just so tired of it all. When Gabriel comes to the club to ask for her help she is scared of the connection between them but she really needs the money. I found Crystal to be a complex character. She had a hard time believing that anything good could happen to her.

Gabriel has a past of his own. He was kidnapped when he was a child and held for six years. He has a hard time letting anyone close and he especially can't stand to touch anyone. Which is why he goes to Crystal for help. I found Gabriel's character to be admirable. He was a resilient guy who always tried to see the bright side of things. He was such a refreshing good guy in a sea of alpha bad boys we get to see in romances. I loved how patient and kind he was with Crystal.

Most of all You is most definitely a slow burn romance. Crystal has a hard time trusting any human being and Gabe can't touch another person which makes them take baby steps towards each other. Crystal and Gabe share a wonderful friendship and they know the connection between them is to be cherished.

Mia Sheridan's writing is so so beautiful. She weaves words and experiences and flash backs seamlessly. Crystal and Gabriel's characters have such depth that you can't help but feel for them. Most of all You is a story of healing and finding yourself. It is also a love story at its core but the journey to get there is amazing. I would highly recommend Most of all You to all readers.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

When she was seven years old and Mrs. Hollyfield died, Crystal’s world fell apart, and soon thereafter, she vowed that she would learn how not to feel anything every again. Gabriel’s childhood was ripped from him at the age of nine, and since then he abhors being touched. Upon setting eyes on Crystal, Gabriel recognises a kindred spirit, a soul in distress. Could she be the one to touch him?

I wish I had known more about what the characters’ issues were before going in, because this is not a type of story I enjoy. Because of this, I feel I must reveal some of the characters’ backgrounds in order to justify my review. Crystal was abandoned and abused, and works as an exotic dancer; she hates it, she has no self-esteem, and she hates her life. Gabriel was abducted and kept prisoner for six years. Maybe it’s because I had never read any of Mia Sheridan’s books that I did not know what to expect, and her fans might possibly crucify me, but it is a matter of preference, and MOST OF ALL YOU was just too much heavy drama for me. It is not a judgement on the story itself nor the author, but a matter of taste. Some readers seek this type of romance, and I believe that having given more information about the characters’ circumstances would have been helpful to make a discerning choice according to a readers’s predilections. I also wondered why Gabriel, who had undertaken some counselling in the past, would revert to a strip club rather than seek further professional help, but then again, if he had, we would not have MOST OF ALL YOU, would we?

I found refreshing that Gabriel had an unusual profession: he’s a stone carver, which allowed Ms. Sheridan room for some interesting lyrical allegories, as well as some fascinating insight on this particular form of art and its cathartic influence on the characters. While the pace was steady, I felt that some events were a tad too predictable and convenient in order to move the plot along. Ms. Sheridan demonstrates her superb skills at adapting her writing to the characters’ moods, the settings; shifting from light to dark as needed.

MOST OF ALL YOU will appeal to readers who prefer their romance on the heavy side, where beating the odds and finding the light at the end of the tunnel is a constant struggle that only hope, self-respect, and love will conquer.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Reviewed by Monique

Guys, it’s here. The novel we have been waiting months for. Spoiler alert, it is everything you are hoping.



Mia has a special way with her books in the fact that you fall in love with each and every one of them. Cults to mental illness, she doesn’t shy away from any topics, and he novels are all the better for it. She writes novel that give you a taste of something you have never had before.

This novel is no different.

Crystal and Gabriel’s story is unique and full of possibilities from the very start. The book forces you to take a hard look at the characters situations and then allows you to come to your own conclusions about them.

I for one fell in love with them both. Sometimes you can’t help the cards you are dealt and life forces you to make some hard choices. In the end, you have to fight for what you want.

Start to end, this novel broght the emotions like all you have come to expect from this author!

This book pretty much gutted me – and I’m not one to use that term a lot. The author deceives you into thinking she is giving you a very broken hero, and a heroine who is going to help him find himself. Instead, you start to learn how absolutely vulnerable the heroine is, and this book is more her journey of rising out of the black pit of despair, and enjoying the sunsets and rainbows…and absolute true love.

Our heroine’s name is Ellie, but her stripper stage name is Crystal, if you happen to see that name in any of the quotes I include. She doesn’t tell Gabriel her real name until later in the book. When Ellie was young, her mother died and Ellie was left with her father, who didn’t even know she existed. Abused until she graduates high school, Ellie flees her father’s home and with no money, and turns to stripping. This slowly dries up her soul. She grits her teeth and lets the men do whatever they want to her, so she can pay rent and buy food, but she has become a robot of sorts. She has completely lost herself, and has buttoned up her past abuse and grief extremely tight.

Gabriel was kidnapped at the age of 9 and held for six years in a basement before killing his captor and escaping. We don’t get a lot of details about what he endured those six years, but you can assume abuse as well. His story is even more heartbreaking that his beloved parents died in a car accident, one year before he escaped. (my heart). Now as an adult, he can’t handle anyone touching him. He is an extremely talented sculptor, and makes pieces from the quarry his brother and himself own and run. Gabriel still lives in his hometown, and still gets stared at every time he goes out in public – and whispered about as being “that kid” who got kidnapped. He has become a bit of a recluse, living at home with his brother. When a grad student named Chloe contacts him and asks for an interview for her thesis paper that involves that long-term effect on kids who have been kidnapped, Gabriel decides to grant a rare interview. He also sees a picture of Chloe, and finds her attractive. He decides it’s time to learn to touch someone, so maybe he has a chance to flirt with Chloe when she comes out for the interview.

He heads to the local strip club, where he sees Ellie on stage and makes a bold proposition – he will pay her to innocently touch him. Like – just on the hand.

“The thing is, because of my history, which it sounds like you know a little bit about, I, uh, find it difficult to tolerate…closeness.” Two pink spots appeared on his cheekbones. Was he blushing? God, I didn’t even know men could blush. As if my opinion of him mattered somehow. Something small and warm moved through me, something I had little idea how to identify.

She is desperate for cash as her car has broken down and agrees. It doesn’t go well.

“I can teach you what I do when someone gets close to me. I remove myself completely, and it makes it bearable.” She bit her lip, her brow furrowing as if considering something. “I think I can teach you how to do that.”

My body stilled as I stared at her. Her words caused my heart to ache. Oh God. “That’s not what I want, though. I know how to remove myself. I know how to do that. I want to stay present. That’s what I need you to help me with. Staying.”

But when Ellie is horribly assaulted, and needs round the clock care, Gabriel is there with his home open to her. These two very broken people are forced into close proximity, and an endearing, rip-out-your-heart, love story unfolds.

There is so much that goes into this story. The way Ellie has been treated by men her entire life has shaped who she is today. It’s not good. They’ve used her and abused her and her spirit is broken. She has so much pain welled up inside – it’s completely heartbreaking. And throughout the book, she is still treated like shit. Not by Gabriel, but others. There is even a father figure to Gabriel who I really liked- and at one point Ellie asks him why he is being so nice to her, and his response is – because he trusts Gabriel. Nothing to do with Ellie. I just wanted to punch every man in the face.

How much can one person get beaten down (both figuratively and literally) and keep going? She doesn’t always treat Gabriel nicely – but her words are her only defense. Ellie is smart too – she knows Gabriel wants to fix her – and it’s that transition of her absolutely refusing anything from him, to falling in love with him and giving him everything, that is so well done in this story.



“Just coffee, that’s all I want.” Just to see you smile.

“That’s not all you want. You want to save me from my intolerable life of pain and misery.” She put a hand on her chest in overdone drama. “I’m not a project, and I don’t want your help.”

“I’m not here to fix you, Crystal. I just want—”

“What do you want?”

I let out a sigh, running my hand through my hair. “Just to talk. I like you.” God, could that sound any more lame? I wanted to grimace at my own feeble attempt to sway her.

She stared at me for a moment, something flickering behind her eyes that I wasn’t sure how to read. Whatever it was, she was fighting it. That cynical smirk curved her lips, but there was something shaky about it. “Don’t they all?” She stood straight, letting out a tired-sounding exhale. “That’s just sexual attraction, Gabe. You’ll get over it.”

Gabriel goes from the one who needs help with touch, to the one who every so slowly nurtures Ellie’s soul back to health. And I’m not saying Gabriel, a man, cures Ellie of her dark spirit. She takes time for herself and does that just fine on her own. But it’s Gabriel who gives her the push – and a foundation to love herself again.

“You can’t fix me, you know.”

She’d said something similar to me at the Platinum Pearl and I’d questioned my own motives. But looking at her now, I knew that had never been my intent. I wanted her to heal, and I hoped I could be a part of that. But no one could fix anyone else. We could only fix ourselves. “No, you’re right. I can’t fix you.” I can only love you. And I truly want to try.

Because Ellie comes to live with Gabriel injured, he is kind of forced (although 1000% willing) to touch her. He has to help feed her and dress her and after a while, the touching isn’t even a thing anymore.

There is so much depth to this story – that my rambling won’t do it justice. So I’m going to say – read this. Ellie is horribly assaulted outside the strip club and there a flashback of her being sexually abused as a teenager – so keep that in mind if that is a trigger for you.

I found this author’s voice to be outstanding. Her character development, the entire arc of the story, the darkness matched with all the hope. Maybe the final climatic scene was a little overly dramatic – but I’ll totally overlook it!!

I’m completely in love with this story.

Grade: A

Hey ya'll!! *Waves
I'm so excited to get to share my review of MOST OF ALL YOU with you guys today.
I need to send a huge thank you to Forever Romance for being so nice and sending an ARC copy over for review. Ya'll are amazing!!

I actually got a chance to meet Mia here this past weekend at Shameless Book Con, and ya'll she is a total sweetheart. And put up with my gushing over this book haha. This story completely touched me, and I couldn't even get out how it made me feel when I tried talking to her. Totally mixed up character names and everything *Shrugs

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But just know guys, she is an amazing person, and you are going to just adore this book, I know it!

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I honestly don't even know what to say about this book.

it was just so beautiful. And freaking wrecked me to my soul.
It's one of those books that really does touch you so deeply. But yet you still just love it. Even all the pain and anguish these two characters experience. Because the story you get from that turns into something so incredibly amazing and beautiful.

I really wasn't sure how to feel about Ellie at first. She was a hard character to like for me. But I also think that was the point. I think I and even us as the reader aren't supposed to like her at first. Because Ellie doesn't even like herself. And that self anguish and worthlessness came over so strongly in Mia's writing. But also so does the way Ellie heals and begins to piece herself back together. You feel it all so strongly from her. And while I may not relate to Ellie like I do other female characters. I can empathize with her. And feel that from her.

And not just her but Gabe too. He's such a sweet and gentle soul, and I really liked that. He'd been through the proverbial ringer. And that man came out twice as strong as any man could could have, and probably would have broken from.
But he truly is one of those characters that has the sweetest side. And truly knows how to touch you. He radiates that love and care, and uses it to fix those around him. And I found it refreshing from the typical sure alpha type we get in books lately.
He was vulnerable. But he used that make himself better and want more from his life. And it brought him to Ellie. Even if she didn't think she was worth someone like Gabe.

The story is just one of those that will make you cry happy and sad tears. And want to reach in and hug the characters. To let them know they aren't alone. And that they can be fixed and put back together. And that love really does heal. And gahh!! I just loved this book so so much.

Even the supporting characters made the story. Yes there were problems at times. But they added so much depth to the story and gave you that sense of how much you need support and family. And I loved that this book had that. Proving you can't go through something alone all the time. That eventually those people, even if just through their strength. Give you the will to fix yourself. And I liked that too. While the characters helped each other. What it came down to was helping yourself. That nothing can fix you or better you, unless you want it. They can give you that helping start. But it's all up to you and your inner strength. And I think that's an amazing lesson to show.

I give MOST IF ALL YOU
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5 STARS⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What a phenomenal book!! Most of All You was so good I couldn't put it down. It was that intriguing. The characters are so darn like able… and easy to connect with...I swear I want to be their BFF's! As much as I laughed throughout this book...I also did some boo-hoo'ing! There was this one section…OMG…get out those tissues!! I would recommend Most of All You to any romance fan!!

I've had Most Of All You in my possession for a few days now but felt hesitant to read it because I knew that it would be one of those books that is hard to get over. Every single story that I've read written by Mia Sheridan always has this tendency to leave me (book) hung-over and Most Of All You isn't any different.

The story is about a broken young woman named Ellie who has been dealt the worst cards in life. Practically all her life she was either neglected, abused or in one way or another being taken advantage of. She's never experienced anything close to love or affection and when a man finally is willing to give her all of that she can't help but shy away.

Gabriel life growing up wasn't peaches and cream either. He too had a tormented past. What was so great about him was that despite what he went through, he remained logical and never harbored no ill will. Although, how he first encounters Ellie was sketchy at first as we get to know him, his character and personality shined through. I couldn't ask for a better savior for Ellie.

Have you ever come across those stories where you thought that "everything happens for a reason", this is a perfect example of such. Here we have two broken souls, finding enough courage to get past the darkness, to discover peace and acceptance and finally love for their selves and each other. Fated.

Most Of All You for me was such an unforgettable, beautiful, well written love story that will have my heart soaring for days. This book is definitely a MUST-READ.

Both of the leads were easy for me to love. They have painful pasts, beyond the norm, tragedies in fact. I like the way they overcome. It's an emotional journey that fills the soul and the eyes. Crystal/Ellie is not in a good place in most aspects of her life, but the writing makes her easy to understand. This book illustrates the importance of taking the time with others instead of judging. Gabriel is bone-deep good. He's solid, strong, supportive and sensitive. I couldn't help falling hard for him. Because he's been working through his issues for longer and mostly in a better place, he is patient with her. He gives her love and space as needed. Also, I have to say thank you so much to the author for making girl characters who are genuinely nice to each other. I'm always looking for a story that makes me feel. Most of All You kept a hold on my heart. It's definitely a book I recommend.

4 stars.

Mia Sheridan is in a category of her own. There's no one out there that I've seen that writes the way she does. And that alone makes her so unique and hands down one of my favorite authors. Every books she writes, I read.

And this was my first ever ARC of her, and I might or might not have squealed a bit too hard when I got accepted for it. Going into this review, it's very vague (sorry not sorry) but it's for your own good. Giving anything away, is going to ruin the experience for you.

It was a bit slow at parts which made it boring at times (hence the rating) but I loved how well Mia seems to captivate you. My heart broke at multiple points in this story, and I might have shed a few tears. Because Mia is that way. She loves to make us feel all those feelings.

I don’t even know what to say. This book is pure beauty and pure magic, absolute perfection in every single way. I know what you’re going to say, this is Mia Sheridan, isn’t this expected? And yes, this woman is master storyteller and I absolutely love her, but this book just blew my mind. Sooo beautiful, so original, so amazing, all the freaking feels.

Let me tell you something, Mia became one-click author for me since I read Stinger years ago to the point where I don’t even read the blurbs of her books, I just know they’ll be great. So I honestly went in completely blind into this one. Didn’t even had the slightest idea of what it was about and again, wow, completely blown away. I loved every second of it!

I won’t get into the details of this book, it’s just one of those books I wouldn’t make it justice if I try to explain it. This is a very different, complicated and intricate love story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. This relationship develops slow due to the characters circumstances but it’s extremely well paced. Both of these main characters stole my heart, I loved them both and felt so much for them. I also loved the secondary cast of characters. This was simply so beautiful and well written, and these characters were perfectly developed. I’m honestly still thinking about this days later!!!

This is absolutely one of my top reads of 2017 and an instant favorite! If you’re a fan of Archer’s Voice, you will absolutely love this one, although the stories are completely different, they have very similar feel. I don’t even know what else to see, this is a must read and I absolutely recommend it!!!!

What a sad and depressing prologue, we are introduced to Eloise/Ellie as a little girl and read how she loses someone very close to her and how that will change the course of her life.

Chapter 1 starts with Ellie/Crystal (I'm just going to call her Ellie) 'dancing' at a strip club, she notices a very out of place good looking guy sitting in the back of the bar, doesn't think much of it until he approaches her.

Gabriel's childhood was traumatic as well, he was abducted when he was 9 and keep in a basement for years until he escaped. He is lonely and has trouble interacting with people and being touched, so he decides to pay someone to help him with his intimacy issues. Where better to find someone like that than a strip club.

After saying no to Gabriel's offer Ellie can't stop thinking about the honest and scared man she'd just met. She looks him up on line finding the story of his childhood, it pulls at her heartstrings (mine too) and she decides to give it a go as the extra cash would be good but after their second meeting Ellie gets scared of their connection so calls it off.

Ellie truly believes she is where she deserves to be in life, her self hatred and lack of confidence got to me a little but I see where it was coming from. Her sour aggressive attitude gets her in trouble one night when she takes on three drunk college guys.

Ellie who is now stuck in hospital with no job, money or place to live due to her injuries gives in and accepts help from Gabriel.

I have been sitting here trying to pinpoint why I loved this book so much and I just can't, it was probably the mixture of fantastic writing, the plot, the intriguing characters, the scenery and my current mood.
Sure there were things in this book that I usually hate: Lack of sex scenes, slow burn, push and pull and at times the pace slowed but it just didn't bother me in this one. I just got sucked into this story and loved every minute.

4.5 stars
The first book I read by Mia Sheridan was Archer’s Voice, and I fell madly in love with it. I’ve read many of her books since then, always chasing the same rush I felt that first time. I found a close contender with Most of All You.

It’s a simply gorgeous story about a woman who is hardened by her painful past and a man who is incredibly hopeful despite his traumatic history.

Ellie is not an easy character to love initially. She’s cold and sometimes cruel, but it’s clear that it’s a defense mechanism. It gives the character an opportunity for growth, and that transformation is highly enjoyable.

I admired Gabriel’s vulnerability and honesty while desperately trying to build a connection with Ellie. He could easily be one of those characters who drowns in his demons. Instead, his optimism and innate kindness warmed my heart. His gentle care and patience with Ellie stokes the slow burn between them quite nicely.

There’s a side plot that I found to be somewhat confusing and unnecessary, but it didn’t make their love affair any less enjoyable. I’m a sucker for stories where love can eclipse pain, and this uplifting romance offers just that.

Recommended for fans of:
Wounded main characters
Sculptors
Nice guys
Daffodils
Rainbows

Do you have a particular author whom you are always so excited to read their next release but are bit hesitant going in? You know their story will be incredible, because they have blown you away every single time. However, they also can wreck you a bit emotionally and leave you lost in the feels for days, wrapped in sorrow for their characters’ struggles and triumphs. There is no other author that can touch me as deeply as Mia Sheridan does with her writing, and she certainly did with this romance. Most of All You is a beautiful and deeply emotional story of hope and love. It is a heartbreaking, heartwarming, and an inspiring journey of finding acceptance, healing, and embracing the beauty in life and the love that you deserve.

Although in different ways, Crystal and Gabriel had both been completely broken by life. Crystal had continuously been let down by everything until she finally shut down emotionally, feeling like this was the life that she deserved. Pretty much, she was numb and just going through the motions and trying to get through each day. Gabriel was a victim of circumstance, and he had survived a truly terrifying and horrific situation as a child. Somehow, during his darkest time, he had found a glimmer of hope, the tiny ray of light which helped him get through it. From that, he not only gained a strength in knowing what could be overcome, but also an appreciation for every moment and everything in life.

Every step of the way, both Crystal and Gabriel’s characters pulled me in, and although they broke my heart, they also inspired me as well. Gabriel’s story was so awful but so uplifting. It was incredible to see his character accept his past, embrace it for what it was, and find a peace with it. He didn’t let it ruin his life, but instead, he let it be a stimulus to move forward and live his life to the fullest.

The story was told from both Crystal and Gabriel’s points of view, and the descriptions of their passion and pain really got me down deep. However, I loved that there were also comforting elements for the characters (and readers) as the story evolved as well. The symbolism of hope and support that Gabriel had with his little statues was so creative and sweet. In a similar way, that’s what Gabriel was to Crystal as well by being there for her and showing her there was so much beauty everywhere. One of the many things that I love about Mia Sheridan’s writing is that she always offers a silver lining of sorts that no matter how far you hit or scramble at rock bottom, there is always more. Although the first part of the story was a little dark and completely heartbreaking, it blossomed into such an incredible love story!

Most of All You stirred so many feelings in me and really made me think. There is a powerful message in this beautiful story, that like any book by Mia Sheridan, you just have to experience. The cover was gorgeous, and I truly loved everything within it. Mia Sheridan is a such an amazing author and storyteller in her own right. I’ve had the pleasure of reading a few good books this year, and those cannot compare at all.This is definitely a Top Read for 2017 for me!

*** 5 Stars for Me! ***

Bruised. Battered. Broken.

Devastated. Destroyed. Detached.

All of these words describe how Gabriel Dalton and Eloise ‘Ellie’ Cates felt or continue to feel due to their traumatic pasts. These two characters had to endure more as children than other individuals may experience in a lifetime, but despite the debilitating pain and haunted memories that still exist in their psyche and in some ways still control their present actions, Gabriel and Ellie continue to endure, hoping and praying that they’ll find their way out of the darkness or that someone will come into their lives who will be able to set them free…enough to live a full life instead of merely existing.

Some readers will, understandably, have a difficult time with Ellie’s icy demeanor and detached personality, even when it comes to Gabriel’s interest in her, but I can’t blame Ellie for the hardened person she’s become…to be surrounded by people who simply use and abuse you while continuing to deal with the aftermath of a deplorable past, she has every right to be on guard…to question everyone’s motive…to keep everyone at a distance because she’s afraid of getting hurt again.

Mia Sheridan characterized Gabriel perfectly. He needed to be a strong hero in order to combat his past as well as help Ellie deal with her personal struggles. Gabriel is just as broken as Ellie is, but he found ways to work through his fears and his devastation, creating beauty with his hands as well as his heart. Through his creativity and his gentle soul, Gabe finds an outlet for all of the blackness that threatens to consume him and that, in turn, allows him to reach out to Ellie and shower her with everything she needs and deserves. Gabriel’s attentive and loving nature is what finally breaks through to Ellie, proving to her that some people can be taken at face value and that sometimes it’s okay to take down the wall and allow someone to show them exactly what they need to learn to trust and love again.

A soothing balm to ease away the heartbreak and the devastation that consumed their lives…that’s the journey that Mia Sheridan takes Gabe and Ellie as well as readers on in Most of All You. And, while that path is not a smooth one because the trauma and circumstances of their respective pasts continue to make their presence known, Gabriel’s silent and empowering strength slowly become essential to Ellie’s fight for self-confidence and self-respect and because of all that Gabe gives to her, they’re able to combat their bad memories together. And, even when the past threaten to undo the progress they’ve made, not only as individuals but as a couple, that’s when all that Gabe is thwarts any attempt at stripping the most essential person away from him.

There’s something special about Mia Sheridan’s ability to craft stories that allow readers to experience a multitude of varying emotions each and every time they read one of her books. Each text overwhelms readers with strong notions of both sympathy and empathy and her characters failures, struggles, and successes all resonate with her reading audience because she truly has a pulse on what truly matters to contemporary romance readers…that being poignant stories that threaten to break readers’ hearts as Sheridan’s characters experience abhorrent levels of pain and then work tirelessly to mend what was broken in both realistic and satisfying ways.

And, to me, that’s the kind of storyteller I’d gladly read over and over again.

4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

Most of All You is a story of two damaged people. They both have had a horrifying childhood for different reasons and as adults they are both struggling with the legacy of the past.

Crystal is working as a stripper at the Platinum Pearl when she meets Gabriel. He's interested in hiring her to help him get past the anxiety he feels whenever someone touches him. He's got a good reason for that anxiety too, but he scares Crystal because when she's with him, she feels something and she can't deal with that.

The emotions in the first half of this book are so consuming. There's Gabriel with his horrifying past and Crystal with hers. It's so hard to see how either one of them will be able to get past the terrible circumstances life has handed them. But the spark between them is there, and when Gabriel steps in to help her after she's assaulted in the strip club parking lot, it's not quite the easy solution to everything. They both have some much to work through.

I loved the emotions in this story. Yes, it's dark. Yes, it made me get teary eyed. Every page held my interest and I just couldn't put this down. The story is told in dual POV and I really liked that about it. I loved Gabriel and all he represented to Crystal. It takes a while for these two to work through their broken pieces and see a future this isn't full of the ugliness of the past, but that just made it more satisfying.

If you are looking for an emotional story of two broken people who find and heal each other, you just might like Most of All You.

An ARC was provided for review.

This book felt so different from Mia’s previous work and I loved it. She writes some of my favorite characters. Between crystal and gabe, Gabe was my favorite. This story brought 2 very broken people together who needed each other to be healed. Mia’s story telling gives me everything I want.

Mia Sheridan is known for her gut wrenching but meant for each other true love stories. This novel did not disappoint. The battle was finally getting there as this couple did not have an easy go at it. The author pulled at my heart strings at times and certainly left me in quite the mess.

This book is really about using our past experiences to shape us into the people we are today. Both main characters, Gabriel and Crystal, experienced some horrific events in their pasts. But what did those experiences do to influence their current behaviors? Were they able to use them as points of growth or to become bitter? It was an amazing journey to be able to witness.

Overall, Mia has done an outstanding job with this novel of two broken souls finding themselves and each other despite immense tragedies. I will continue to look forward to each new book she so beautifully constructs.

Mia Sheridan is a new to me author. I have heard about her before but had not read any of her books until just recently.

I have read Most Of All You just a few days ago and I have to say that I very happy that I have read it because this book is sooo good.

Most Of All You is such a well written and emotional book that got me hooked from the very beginning.

I give this a 5 out of 5.