Zee Irwin

All This Time is the third book in author Zee Irwin’s Fated Loves series, and gets off to a good start. Lily, Cassidy and Maddie are roommates. Well, they were until Cassidy got her HEA with Bronson in book two, That Was Then. Maddie is a little worried that Daniel is commitment-phobic, but things will work out because we saw they were truly MFEO (made for each other 😉 ) in the first book in this fantastic series, This Is Fate.

So that leaves Lily. Lily of the giant romantic heart, who loves cats and books (especially romance novels) and yearns to find that just-right guy and get her own Happily Ever After. Sometimes it seems that Lily is a little too wrapped up in romantic fantasy and maybe has set the bar a bit high, but after the tough life she’s had, she’s earned her dreams. She lost her parents as a child in an auto accident that cost her brother his legs. She’s proven to be strong and reliable and caring. But she’s lonely. She’s been in an online relationship – well, not much of a relationship, more just talking, talking, talking, which is wonderful) – with Blue92. But so far he’s rebuffed all her attempts to meet in person. Something came up, he has to work . . . . Lily starts to wonder what’s wrong with her – or him – and think that maybe this is just a lot of talking leading nowhere but friendship.

Yes, Jace is Blue92. He’s also the police detective on the scene in book one when Maddie was attacked. He’s good at his job. Efficient, intimidating when necessary, dedicated to his job. (And BTW, he’s a billionaire, too, just like Daniel and Bronson.) He’s fallen for Lily through their online encounters and would love to spend time with her – lots of time, maybe forever time. But Jace has a secret and he’s afraid if he shares it with Lily their relationship will be over before it begins. Jace is physically disfigured and rather than embrace him women usually turn and run when they see him. He doesn’t think Lily is like this, but he couldn’t bear it if she turned away in disgust.

All This Time is a sweet (and yep, good and steamy) story. Maddie and Daniel’s story was the older guy afraid to repeat past mistakes/woman with a plan that doesn’t include love, Cassidy and Bronson were the spoiled brats of their story. But Lily and Jace have lived through some truly devastating experiences and come out stronger – but with a gaping hole in their hearts that longs to be filled. Can they do that for each other? The journey to the oh, so satisfying end is fun, mysterious, at times dangerous and always sweet. We get to see some old favorites and meet some new folks as well. Matt Haynes’ narration is as usual spot on and makes you want to listen and listen (and extend my daily walk!). I was sent a free audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review. All opinions are my own.… (meer)