When I finished reading All The Waters of the Earth, I thought, How in the world am I going to write a review that illustrates the sheer beauty of this book? Of course, that was after I’d stopped blubbering long enough to think rationally. The feels that bombarded me throughout this book! And the epilogue! Gah! Admittedly, I’m a crier. Especially when an author’s words resonate with me on an emotional level. It can be as simple as reading the dialogue and thinking “That’s so true! That’s exactly how I feel!” Or even, *sigh* “I wish my husband would say those kind of dreamy things.” All The Waters of the Earth did that and more. It reeled me in, knocked down my emotional defenses, and had me walking around in a haze of lust and envy for days.

Let me tell you, Leslie McAdam is a rare gem. She has blown me away with each book in her Giving You… series. Giving You…The Sun and the Moon. Giving You…The Stars in the Sky. And now, Giving You…All The Waters of the Earth. The entire concept is brilliant! It celebrates and embraces the organic, elemental aspects of life, love, and relationships. Each book weaves a theme so perfect, so specific to the hero and heroine I’m constantly gobsmacked. Ms. McAdam’s characters are complex and fascinating. They are sexy, witty, intelligent, hilarious, and fun. There are times I’ve felt her words are born from the ashes of experience. And I’m convinced she pours her very soul into each and every one of her stories.

Lucy and Jake. At first glance, they have nothing in common. Other than lustful thoughts about each other. Their meet-cute over a red thong is adorable and sizzling hot! It also establishes the tone for these two personalities. Jake is straight up business, time is money, I live in a suit, I won’t waste your time, don’t waste mine. But when Lucy opens the door in her itsy bitsy teeny weenie pink bikini…his cool is shot to shit. He’s a blushing, stammering tower of adorable. She pulls him in like the tide. He’s caught in the undertow and is happy to drown in this petite version of Sofia Vergara. Lucy is dee-lighted that this specimen of male beauty has been virtually delivered to her doorstep. Her writer’s block suddenly goes missing. Jake Slauson has given her all kinds of ideas. She just needs to rescue him from himself. And, in typical Lucy fashion, she sets about doing just that. With homemade tamales, sexy late night swims, introducing him to her son, and tender encouragement for him to pursue his dreams. Likewise, Jake doesn’t hesitate to stand alongside Lucy when her ex pulls custody shenanigans. He might even get in a punch or two. The point is, Jake begins to think of Lucy and her son Roberto as family. Which is quite a scary step for Jake.

All The Waters of the Earth is about the importance of family and home, however you choose to create it. Lucy is the nurturer to Jake’s lost soul. Make no mistake…Jake is all alpha male goodness. He’s just a bit lost. He’s been without the love and support of family since he was a teen. It’s left a mark not easily washed away. However, he’s willing to let Lucy try. She lovingly shows Jake the meaning of family by inviting him into hers. Jake’s admiration of Lucy’s relationship with her son Rob will tug at your heartstrings. Jake’s transformation and rebirth due to Lucy’s love and encouragement will slay you. This book is all kinds of wonderful. It’s deep and meaningful, it’s lighthearted, funny as hell, and oh my god HOT. It occupies the number one spot on my list of favorites. That is until Ms. McAdam writes the next book in her Giving You… series.

Reviews for Leslie McAdam