All In

By: Elaine Evans

Narrated by: Jess Wright

An earth-shattering choice. A long-lasting love story.

Since their first date in the school cafeteria back in the tenth grade, Sam and Maria have been inseparable. Before long, they fall madly in love. With every aspect of their lives mapped out, the future feels bright and full of hope. As adulthood approaches, Maria faces a life-changing choice. Her decision results in their separation and sends their lives in different directions. Maria’s inability to prioritize herself leads to the heartbreaking loss of her one true love and thrusts her into an agonizing marriage.

Sam is deeply hurt and confused by what Maria has done to their relationship. Her decision has completely derailed their plans, leaving his life full of uncertainty. Now faced with living his life without the only woman who has ever had his heart, Sam is struggling to discover who he is without Maria.

Over the course of the next twenty-seven years, both Maria and Sam try to move on. Despite everything, they have an unexplainable connection. Through letters, emails, and then text messages, they stay in touch as friends. Yet all the while always wondering what might have been. After enduring failed, tragic marriages, Sam and Maria unexpectedly find themselves thrown back together. They soon discover, however, that achieving the future they had always dreamed of is far more difficult than either of them realizes.

©2024 Elaine Evans Writes (P)2025 Elaine Evans

Great audiobook!

Jess Wright did an amazing job bringing Sam and Maria to life! Sam and Maria’s romance is long, it’s messy, but it’s also real and beautiful!

The narrator.

I wish it had worked out for main characters . It was Still an interesting storyline .

Fantastic listen and I was All In!

This is a new author to me and I was extremely surprised and totally engulfed in Sam and Maria's story from the very first chapter. As the title says, I was totally All In.
This story starts when they are teenagers and they finally get their acts together, grow up, and get their HEA in the end. This book had me in teats beginning in chapter 4, and on and off from then on.
This author did a brilliant job at writing their story and making sure that the reader/listener was able to stay engaged throughout the whole book!

I normally prefer duet/dual narration, but Jess Wright, who is new to me also, did a fabulous job narrating both characters.
This book is closed door, but it hints at the sexy parts which I enjoyed for a change. I also loved their continued connection throughout the years with emailing each other. Thank you so much for the opportunity to listen and review this title @elaineevanswrites. I received an advance ALC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Heartwrenching

Maria & Sam. This book. These two. Come on, stop destroying my heart, Elaine!! They are high school sweethearts and she breaks his heart because she never puts herself or Sam first. The dance they do for the next 27 years is unforgivable. They both endure such trauma - and the whole time I was just in tears and yelling at the book. I know everything comes in the right time, but 27 years. It gutted me. Elaine wove their lives together and apart and together again in such an amazing way. These two were soulmates and they just couldn't get out of their own way. I don't want to spoil anything but we all know romance books end with the HEA right?

I received the audiobook which probably made the emotions even higher! Narrated by Jess Wright, she really brought these characters to life. Pacing was great, different voices were distinguishable and I really enjoyed it.

I received a complimentary ALC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author.

will she ever choose love?

I strongly related to the main character in her struggle against being controlled by the abuse and neglect of her parents and then her boss, and her being out of touch with her own mind and heart. I felt validated and affirmed. The narrator was easy to listen to.