Book Blitz: All Of It by Kim Holden

Title: All of It

Author: Kim Holden

Release Date: Nov 24, 2013

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Seventeen-year-old VERONICA SMITH has it all: a loving family, a funky car named Jezebel, and a plan to go to college after graduation.

On the first day of senior year, she meets DIMITRI GLENN–a mysterious transfer student with gray eyes and a mischievous smile who seems determined to win her heart. But there’s something odd about Dimitri, leading Veronica to wonder if there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Before long she finds herself in a whirlwind romance that seems too good to be true–until a series of devastating events leaves her questioning everything.

It’s not until she chooses to think with her heart instead of her mind that she can rise from the ashes to learn the truth of their connection.

This is my first experience of reading a book by this author.  What I really loved about this story is that it was so different to others in this genre.  In a sea of young adult, contemporary romance books that are released each week, this story took me on an unpredictable sail across the lives of Veronica and Dimitri. 

Veronica is assigned to one of the new students coming into her high school in this, their senior year.  His name is Dimitri.  He is pretty good looking and has the most gorgeous grey eyes that seem to draw her in.  There is this connection between them, like he sees no one else but her, despite attempts by other girls to draw his attention.

It's not long before they are more than just friends and Veronica has this sense that Dimitri was too good to be true.  I too found him to be a bit mysterious but not in a bad way, there is just something. The bond they share is just incredible and Veronica begins to feel overwhelmed.

"It's funny how beauty radiates out of some people.  It's at the core of their being and
reveals itself bit by bit as you get to know them.  Dimitri is flawless on the outside,
 but it appears the real treasure is inside.  Where did he come from?" - Veronica

Being a teenager in that last year of high school is such a pivotal moment in a young person's life as you make career choices, leave the safety of the family home and begin the journey into adulthood.  You experience lots of firsts and falling in love is often on that list.  I don't think Veronica expected that to happen to her this young, to feel this forever kind of love with someone she has known in such a short time.

This year will have a huge impact on Veronica's life as she finds herself dealing with unexpected events and emotions.  All through this story you will be trying to figure out what it is about Dimitri that has you a bit guarded about him.  All will be revealed in the epilogue and it is beautiful!  Completely unexpected and I loved that it was so.  I loved how this story kept me guessing right until the end and when it ended I was left with a deep sense of satisfaction.

"I've learned that to love means giving everything, body and soul, and expecting nothing in return.  The beautiful thing is that if you're loved in return, it will all come back to you ten-fold."

I give this 4 stars.

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Dimitri’s face is peaceful and angelic as he rises to help me put my coat on. “Thanks for coming over tonight, Ronnie. You don’t know what it meant to me. I feel like this is the first time I’ve been able to breathe in months.” He lifts his hand, but hesitantly stops just short of brushing my cheek. He smiles and lowers it. “Can I walk you to your car?”

My heart is soaring and my palms are sweaty. “I’d like that.”

We walk slowly down the long driveway, our bodies so close that our arms brush against each other. I think back to the first day of school and smile; personal space is so overrated.

He opens the driver side door and stands behind it at a safe distance so as not to make the situation awkward. I throw my bag through onto the passenger seat and stand with one hand on the door and the other on the steering wheel. When I look up at him he’s staring down at me. His eyes glitter in the streetlight.

It’s at that moment that my life comes into focus, like flipping a switch. The entire world tilts back onto its axis. Call it an epiphany; the rare type of realization that changes your life absolutely. I need this man in my life. I need him like I need air and water. He is part of me—my past and my future. Since the day we met I’ve given my heart to him ... piece by piece. And it’s at this exact moment that I realize he has all of it. My heart is no longer mine; it belongs to him and always will.

I can’t help but smile.

He returns the smile—his beautiful smile. “What?” he asks softly.

“Thank you for being you, Dimitri.”

Not much escapes him and I know from the look in his eyes that he understands. He nods humbly. “You’re welcome.”

I duck down into the driver’s seat and look back up at him. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.” I don’t know if it’s a question or a declaration, but it’s hopeful.

He winks. “You can count on it.”

Slowly he shuts the door and moves to the sidewalk. I wave and pull away, watching him in my rearview mirror as he begins to fade into the distance. He stands there glowing under the streetlight like an angelic statue. When I turn the corner, he’s gone.

Life is sometimes … an epiphany.

Some of my favorite things: reading, writing, the two coolest guys on the planet (my husband and son), my bicycle (my husband built it for me), Facebook (I'm fairly certain it's an addiction at this point), iced coffee (hazelnut), and music (LOVE the 1975, Dredg, the xx, Haim, Manchester Orchestra, Teenage Bottlerocket, and 30 Seconds to Mars).  I also love dreaming. Big. Writing a few years ago was an elusive dream until I grabbed ahold of it with both hands and refused to let go. Keep following YOUR dreams. Be brave and do epic!

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