Everything for Her by Alexa Riley

Everything for Her by Alexa RileyThis is the weirdest review I’ve probably written since I started. I only review books I enjoy, and I so didn’t want to enjoy this one. The way it begins sets off all sorts of red flags. The main male character is a stalker hands down and a manipulator who took over Mallory’s (the main female character) life without her knowledge or consent. I knew this in the beginning, but I had no idea the extent of his controlling obsession.

So why am I writing a review?

Well, the characters are complex, dynamic, and fascinating. There are moments of sweetness and humor as well as connections to friends and family beyond the two main characters. As the story unfolds, we learn more about the history and what causes his behavior. However, understanding is not enough. I could understand and still walk away. No, it’s how Miles is self aware, how Mallory learns to accept and even enjoy his over-protectiveness at times, but also how she sets her own boundaries and makes him keep to them that proves this relationship is more than manipulation and intimidation. This book answers the question of what if you met your soulmate too early. It’s a crazy, even illegal, answer at times, but it’s true to the character of Miles and works even when I neither wanted it to nor thought it could.

To be clear, this book will likely push your buttons. It almost goes out of its way to find buttons to push. First off, it is meant for mature audiences and is both explicit and detailed. Honestly, it was a bit too detailed for me to the level of a fetish, but in content, it is one couple who are fully engaged in the relationship even when recognizing its crazy roots. Then there is Miles who is obsessed, possessive, and domineering. He’s terrified he’ll lose her before he’s even said hello and can’t imagine a world without her. His behavior is a little oppressive at times, but for a woman who grew up in foster care and whose first true friend came in college, the idea that someone cares for her that much is intoxicating.

There are funny moments both with Miles and Paige, Mallory’s best friend; poignant ones like when she meets his mother; and a broad range of other emotions beyond desire. Honestly, I can’t say it’s incredibly well-written, and as I was reading an ARC, there were typos and the like, but the story is compelling, evocative, and engaging in the oddest way. I was uncomfortable several times, but never felt repelled after Mallory’s introduction (Miles’ introduction was not ideal). I credit that to the down-to-earth feel of the characters, a line that makes me chuckle even as I type it.

He’s a billionaire, but that’s a side note when it could have been all about him showing off his wealth. Instead, this is the story of a man obsessed with the woman of his dreams and determined to convince her to love him back. There’s a fine line here between horror and love, but since she is his perfect match and has her own instant connection…if five years after Miles…the story becomes a dramatic, conflict-filled, grand love story. It’s not for everyone, but if you don’t shock easily, it’s worth the read. Oh, and I was delighted to discover this is a true happily ever after with multiple epilogues to prove it.

P.S. I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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