All That We Are Together

September 1, 2023

Three years have passed since Leah and Axel last saw each other. Leah is in school working on her art when Axel returns to her life with an offer she can't refuse--an opportunity to showcase her work at his gallery and to pursue her art dreams. However, things are far from ideal since Leah is still reeling from the hurt caused when her brother asked Axel to end his relationship with Leah so she could have the college experience she deserved. At first, Axel agrees to give Leah space after seeing her again, but that changes when Leah lands the opportunity of a lifetime, to paint in Paris, where Axel must accompany her. Paris puts them in close quarters, and they have to confront the regrets of the past to move forward. Their breakup changed them both, and they will have to figure out if they can be together again or if they should go their separate ways. While Leah's and Axel's chaotic journey is compelling, readers may be taken aback by the unexpectedly lackluster ending. VERDICT Kellen's angst-filled follow-up to All That We Never Were brings this duology to a conclusion that falls flat after such a dramatic ending in the previous book.--Ashli Wells

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 23, 2023
Kellen returns after All That We Never Were with another angsty new adult romance following the same characters, three years later. The passionate but ill-advised relationship between 29-year-old Axel Nguyen and his best friend’s little sister, 19-year-old Leah Jones, ended in heartbreak. Now 22, Leah, a university student and aspiring artist, tries to move on by dating a safe friend, Landon, while channeling her pain over Axel onto canvas—and she’s starting to get recognized for her work. Axel, who now works at a prominent gallery, walks back into her life with an offer to represent her and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show her work in Paris. Despite trepidation, Leah can’t pass up the chance at early art world success. As the duo grow closer once more in the city of love, Leah must decide whether to take a leap of faith with both her art and Axel or stay in her comfort zone and keep her heart safe. Kellen’s characters are flawed and complex, making their tumultuous relationship all the more juicy. The page count is hefty for a romance, but all the drama will keep readers glued to their seats. This is worth the investment.