
Member Reviews

Free copy kindly received from the author via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a sequel to Full Tilt, which must be read before this book and this review.
Having just finished Full Tilt, I was keen to start All in. What a prologue, the book reeled me straight in and immediately grabbed at my heartstrings.
This book was a beautiful follow up to Full Tilt. I wasn't entirely sure where the author would go with All in and after reading the prologue, I couldn't believe that I hadn't seen the signs in the previous book.
I loved that what I presumed would be the end of Kacey and Theo’s story wasn't and the book continued on.
Emma Scott writes beautifully with real emotion behind her characters. I am eager to read the rest of her back catalogue.

This is my second book from this author and I can say that I enjoyed it more than the first book!The writing is flawless the story beautiful and captivating! The characters so lovable.

First series by Emma Scott, I love her writing, she surprised me so much with this series. Few book get to me like this one, I was so emotional I couldn’t stop reading until I finish both books. Glad I waited until I got the second one. It was such a heartbreaking story, the relationship, how they love and heal, the journey they take and the experiences they find had Jonah and Kacey find a place in my heart. I would love to get now the audiobooks to get their story again. These characters showed me what love is and what is capable of.

This book was beautiful and everything you need to fix your broken heart after the first book in the series. Emma Scott did amazing with this beauty.

All In is book two of the Full Tilt duet and is not a standalone book. I received review copies of both from Netgalley. Full Tilt is an insanely beautiful book. It made me feel everything and I loved everything I felt. I honestly wouldn't have been mad if Full Tilt was a standalone book. It left me feeling full.
Towards the end of Full Tilt it became pretty clear the direction All In was going to take. Ordinarily I'd skip a book with this theme or dnf if I came across it out of nowhere. I think because it was hinted at in Full Tilt and I was heading into this book forewarned I found it easier to accept. I have a hard time moving on from book boyfriends when all ends well. So to move on from Jonah felt next to impossible. Even though I knew roughly how this book would end I revelled in the journey to get there.
I love standalone books. Sequels make me nervous. I like a HEA. A sequel just tells me that the good thing is going to be disrupted. Full Tilt isn't exactly a HEA but I was content with the ending. As I said in my review I wasn't left with big unanswered questions but I did have hopes for some of the other characters. All Tilt gave me what I needed and so much more.
The prologue to All In helped to ease the last of my nerves. I was able to relax and enjoy this book knowing that Theo and Kacey had Jonah's blessing. They may have made promises and had the blessing to move forward but it didn't make their journey any easier. All In is just as emotionally up and down as Full Tilt. I felt everything. Until a week ago Emma Scott was an author I knew of. Now I can honestly say she's one of my favourite authors. I love when I read a book I'm sure I'll love and I do. But when I read a book that I think might make me uncomfortable but I love it anyway? That's something else entirely.

I loved everything about this book. Seeing Kacey and Theo mend their broken hearts was beautiful. Emma has a way with her stories that draws you in and refuses to let you go. I'm ever so glad. I cannot recommend this follow up to Full TIlt enough. It is a MUST READ. <3

*complementary arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Once again Emma Scott has rendered me pretty much speechless from her writing craft!! I thought that Full Tilt broke my heart, but All in definitely did so as well, but it also but it back together again in the process.
All in picks up where Full Tilt left off, since Jonah's passing all the people he was closest to in life are just barely getting by with their lives. They are all seeing how empty things have become without him being there.
Kacey is having the most difficult time, and after leaving Vegas to escape the memories, she's realizing just how alone she feels now, and is using alcohol again to forget it all. Theo is having a hard time because he still feels like he's living in his brother's shadow, even after his death. His father still doesn't understand him. or try to, and his mom has become so dependent on him that he feels somewhat stifled. When the pair is finally reunited they come to see that sometimes the best way to overcome a tough situation is to have another person there to help you along the way.
I ADORED this story!! I have to admit that I was pretty nervous to go into this story because of what it would be about. I thought that having Kacey and Theo form a relationship after all of the events in the last book would rub me the wrong way, or feel cheap in some way, but I am so damn happy to say that this book was close to perfection!! The depth of emotions flowing throughout the story-line, the slow burn romance, the characters, all of them had me so completely enraptured!!
I especially loved getting inside Theo's head and seeing his pain and his pain. We only got a little bit of him in the last book, and although we saw some of who he was, All In really gives the reader the chance to break the surface of him and really get the opportunity to connect with his character. He was such a great character to read about, there was a quiet sensitivity about him that was a bit unexpected, and it made him even better to me.
Getting to get back to Kacey's character a second time around was amazing!! Even after all that had happened she could still overcome the hardballs thrown her way and continue with life. And when she loved, she loved hard, and she did so without regret.
The romance in this one was so good!! The slow burn with them had me on the edge of my seat waiting for them to get together and rebuild as one. These two put their all in (haha see what I did there??) and once they decided to give things a go there was no holding them back. They respected each other for who they were, with no judgement for what happened in the past. And they also respected Jonah even though he was gone. Theo never complained about her emotions about losing him, he still let her grieve and heal as they got into a relationship. He understood that a part of her would always love Jonah no matter what, and although they were moving on together, some of her feelings would take a little longer before they went away. There was never any anger if she brought something up and I think that was a true testament to how much Theo cared about Kacey.
The writing in this book was still as good as the book before. Emma Scott is one of those rare authors that has an amazing knack for putting together a stunning story that can make you sad but also uplift you up as well. Her words have to be savored yet devoured all at once, and after you finish you have to get your hands on another of her books immediately.
If you're looking for a great, heartfelt book that will completely capture your heart, then definitely pick up this duology because you will not regret it.

4.5 stars
I knew where this was going by the end of the first and quite frankly it kinda weirded me out and while I loved the first one I didn't know if I would be able to handle the second. I am so glad I finished this book, it was wonderful, the characters relatable, the story was beautiful. I liked how the author tied in some characters from The Butterfly Project, which at first I thought I was going crazy and had to look back at that one to make sure I wasn't losing my character marbles. I would definitely recommend this series to the right friend.

Rating: 4/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: emotional, dramatic, explosive conclusion to a book duet; I feel like I was wrung out and hung up to dry; complex, well-rounded characters; so many heavy subjects handled with sensitivity and grace; poignant, powerful series
Huge thanks to Emma Scott and Netgalley for sending me a free galley of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
---"What's it mean?" I asked her, loading the black ink and a liner needle in my tattoo machine.
"A semicolon is where a writer can choose to end the sentence," she said, tucking a lock of brown hair behind her ear. "But they don't. The story goes on. It's a symbol of hope. To keep going." She smiled tremulously. "Sometimes I need that reminder."---
This was such an explosive, emotional, heart-wrenching conclusion to a journey, penguins. And this book? Took some of the hardest, most challenging subjects...and made me really think about them. Honestly, Emma Scott has a knack for approaching a heavy topic with grace and sensitivity while making readers rethink their opinions. I've only read this series by her so far, but each book in the duet challenged my ways of thinking and made me approach the world in different ways after reading.
These characters are, at the beginning of this read, utterly broken. They are shattered, lost, unsure of themselves or the world around them--and for good reason. This doesn't make them bad characters...it just means they are more well-rounded and complex than we left them off in the first book. They make mistakes. They do silly things, or lie about the ways they feel to keep others from hurting. They are, in essence, completely human--and I adored them all so much for it. The ways they face and deal with grief throughout just brought so much growth and emotion to them.
---"See, this is why I don't talk about sh*t. It just doesn't do any f*cking good and it just..."
"Hurts," Zelda said. "It hurts, right? It's messy and complicated and it's like a tattoo that never ends. A million needles inking something on your heart that isn't even beautiful."---
I think the most profound--and uplifting--growth is seen between Theo and his dad. Throughout the entire series, they've had such a stilted and out-of-touch relationship...it was amazing to watch them, finally!, come together and find a common ground to stand on. To watch them learn how to respect each other, and accept the differences between them. Seriously, though, each character has an amazing amount of growth, and it was this that touched me the deepest.
This was an emotionally-driven journey, and I am so happy to have taken the ride. The characters are realistic and well-rounded, their reactions/interactions are endearing, and the way Emma Scott approached the heavier topics was tasteful and poignant. I recommend this series to lovers of contemporary romances, a look into the ways people handle grief, and families coming together after a loss. Strike a chord and hit the high notes, penguins; the crescendo will change you.

I was always in the opinion that, the authors shouldn't write a second book, when in the first book one of the main characters dies. I don't know why, - maybe because every second book I've read so far, was just made to just throw it nicely into the trash can and scream score!! But ladies and gentleman; not this one. I am so so so glad, that I didn't miss out on this one. It was just so perfect. How genuinely these two characters fell in love with each other. Even when the world stood against them, they fought and ended up being perfectly happy that you want to smash someone's teeth out, just out of pure joy. (This sentence, just didn't make any sense.)
In the first book you see how Kacey and Jonah, two completely different people fall in love. And in the second book you get to see how Kacey and Theo, Jonah's younger brother, are trying to cope with the loss of Jonah. And believe me, I didn't wanted read this book for such a long time, just because I thought: "uggh really?! Kacey did you lose your damn mind. Jonah's younger brother?! Stupid gal." But man was I wrong. I wasted so much time with my stupidity. Don't make the same mistake... This book, it made me believe, that every person has not just only one fate, but more. And that the person himself, can choose which to take. I mean yes, at the beginning I wasn't really fond of the idea, that she and the brother of the deceased one, are trying to be a thing. But Emma Scott, made it happen.
Well, my advice, don't read any reviews. Not even mine. Just read this book and I promise you, that you won't be disappointed.

I am drained- emotionally drained after reading this follow up to Kacey and Jonah's epic love story in Full Tilt.
Kacey suffers tremendous loss and heads to the bottom of a bottle looking for solace she can't find. Thankful for a man like Big E who sees her path of destruction and reaches out to Theo for help for Kacey.
Theo- Teddy- ohhhh- well I just love that man. What a sweet, sexy, hot, heart broke and puppy dog love! Putting Kacey absolutely first, Theo heads to NOLA to help Kacey. Theo has his own demons to deal with in the loss of his brother and then having his brother give him his last wish- which is on point with Theo's feelings- just amazing writing on Emma Scott's part.
The rock bottom recovery of Kacey was one in where she had to take steps to recovery that included reaching out to Jonah's parents, friends as well as her own parents. Her own parents------- ugh--- such emotional writing and heart break with Kacey and a father in only the sense of a sperm donor.
When Theo and Kacey must admit their feelings to another they find it hard to do with Jonah ever present in their relationship, but soon find that acceptance from others is even worse.
This book is a journey of healing after great loss. Emma Scott captures your heart and mind the entire time and wrings your heart out along the way. Thankfully, she gives you an end that is well beyond your greatest expectations.

Emma Scott continues to paint pictures with her words in the second full tilt book.
"All in" was everything and more I hoped and wished it would be.
It‘s seldom I have such vivid colorful pictures in my head while reading a book and the easy effortless way she does it is what makes she an outstanding author to me.
Her writing is beautiful magical and speaks to my heart like only a few authors can ♡
If she writes“...my heart pounded and my stomach twisted...“ then that‘s exactly what I‘m feeling, I‘m THERE, feeling everything.
In the silent hallway to my own room, our promises – Kacey‘s and mine – linked themselves again in my mind, around and around, like dancers at a wedding
Theo + Kacey + Jonah will always have a special place in my heart ♡
Read it! Experience a wonderful, heartbreaking story with so much love and hope, written in such a beautiful way, even though your heart is hurting like crazy you can‘t stop reading.
I was only a few pages in the ebook and ordered my paperback version because „All in“ (just like book#1) is a book I need to hold and touch and cherish on my real bookshelf and now I can‘t wait for the audio version of „Full tilt“ and „All in“
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Thank you for giving me the chance to read and review this book. I am very sorry but I will not be reading this book. I am content where the last book in this duet left off.
Thank you again.

I have read every book by this wonderful author and she never seems to surprise me
A wonderful and beautifully written novel perfect for a summer read .....you out shine yourself emma Scott you really do xx

You NEED to read book 1 before attempting to read this book. Another full on emotional story that has you gripped from start to finish especially for the decisions the characters have to face in this story. Learning to live and love can be brutal but also beautiful this duo of books teaches you. I really recommend you set time aside to pick up both of these books you will not be disappointed

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Theo gets the call about Kacey, he drops everything to help and what he finds absolutely shatters him. It'll be a long road they travel, but in the end, we get our HEA! One that will stay with me for a very long time.
After Jonah's death, Kacey gives a lackluster attempt to live with all her heartbreakingly painful memories. But she just can't handle it and decides to move away from Vegas and the only family she's ever really had! She doesn't want them to see her totally fall apart, reverting back to how she dealt with her pain in the past, before she met Jonah. Luckily for Kacey, she has someone in her corner who cares enough about her to contact Theo when she hits rock bottom!
Will these two fractured soles find peace and happiness? Of course but what they do to get their will make you weep.
I absolutely love Emma Scott's writing. The characters are so emotionally written that you can't help but form a connection with them.
Thank you Netgally for allowing me to read and review what a powerful DUET!!!!

OK, so not nearly as an emotional roller coaster as book one, but still a fantastic read! I figured that is how it would be because I just couldn't imagine book two living up to book one. It still managed to tug at my heart strings as the emotional struggle Kasey went through was almost palpable. I cried, I was frustrated as hell and at times I felt like I knew exactly how each character was feeling - the all-consuming grief of losing a loved one. This book was about grieving, healing, living and loving. It was impeccably written and it's a book I won't soon forget. This is a duet that needs to be experienced... no review can do it justice.
“I’ll love her enough. I’ll love her enough she’ll never want for it. I’ll spend my entire life loving her and making her happy. And she will be happy.”
“You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. — Elisabeth Kübler-Ross”
“A semicolon is where a writer can choose to end the sentence,” she said, tucking a lock of brown hair behind her ear. “But they don’t. The story goes on. It’s a symbol of hope. To keep going.” She smiled tremulously. “Sometimes I need that reminder.”
“Love had no end. She was infinite. She was a universe, my universe, and I was hers. Love had no boundaries, no rules, no favorites. And no limits.”
“Where there is ruin, there is hope for treasure.”
"Whenever I feel I'm coming apart, you always hold me together."
"Every night, I called one final thought into the deep darkness: Come back to me.
And just before the dark consumed me, a whisper returned: My angel, let me go…"
"...I love you and that's it. I love you. I love you however you are. No strings or conditions. I love you, and that's it."
"The feeling you have in that moment right as you wake up, before your brain mucks it all up with thoughts and words? That very first feeling is where the truth lives."
"We stood up together, emerged from the barren space together, bonded not in shared grief, but in shared love. Theo and I, a treasure out of the ruin."
"Despite our losses, we would keep going. Never give in or give up.
Because love always wins. Always…”
Emma Scott knows how to write a book and I can't wait to read more by her in the future.

Turns out my prediction from book one was correct. Again though, I didn't view this as predictable, so much as what made sense for the characters given their situation. Frankly, I was cheering for it and pleased with the outcome.
After the tremendous loss from book one, Kacey can't handle being surrounded by constant reminders of Jonah everywhere in Las Vegas. So she moves to New Orleans. Her grief demons follow her and she leans back on alcohol to numb her pain.
Theo, the brother who is the silent pillar of stone in his family and for his few friends, is there for her and helps her climb out of the dark hole she's fallen back in to. Theo is hurting too though, and eventually he has to start putting himself and his wants and desires first, instead of always putting what everyone else thinks is best ahead.
For much of the story Theo and Kacey remain as friends, living thousands of miles apart and only talking on the phone. They see each other a few times, but never crossing the friendship line. Well over half way through the book, they begin to realize there's more than just friendship between them. Denying it due to guilt first, they don't pursue any feelings. But oh man, when they do! The story gets goooooood.
I highly enjoyed this series! Book two didn't quite hold the same emotion for me as book one did, but it didn't disappoint either. The ending was perfect for me. Fans of NA contemporary romance will definitely enjoy this love story!
Top 5 Favorite Quotes:
You can prepare all you want for someday. Nothing prepares you for the day of.
"Real men take care of the women in their lives as a matter of course. Not because they want something in return."
Tell me what you want, I thought, glancing at her from the corner of my eye. Because I want everything.
Love had no boundaries, no rules, no favorites. And no limits.
"If Jonah was the glue that held us together, you're the rock we set out backs to."
Language Rating: 2 (medium)
Mature Content Rating: 2 (medium)
Final Rating: 4 stars

Full Tilt was AMAZING! I have finished this book ( and book 2) a little over a month ago and I still think about it! The story was so profoundly written and really touched my heart and soul! This is the first time I have read Emma but while reading I kept saying “how is this the first time I am reading her”, she is seriously on my fav list now! Full Tilt was an emotional tale about Jonah and Kasey! WOW seriously even now as I am trying to type this review I am thinking about each and every word from this story and how I felt when I read them! I was so thankful to have All In sitting in my kindle for when I was finished with Full Tilt because I did not want to wait.
Ok so now onto All In….now I am really going to trend lighting even though I could write a million pages about these books but I don’t want to spoiler book one….so here goes my tip toeing…
So after reading Full Tilt I was like this is seriously one of my favorite books of 2016 but then I started All In and WOW Emma seriously outdid herself. The conclusion of this two book series gave me the closure I yearned for at the end of Full Tilt. I was consumed by this book..I mean I could not adult all I wanted to do was lay in bed and just read read read. Thank goodness my husband was home and could take care of the house and kids hahaha.
Emma Scott is a remarkable writer and I look forward to reading more from her.