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To Have It All
Sometimes life deals you a very hard hand.
When Brett Thompson is forced to deal with a family tragedy, his nicely ordered life changes overnight. Not only does he have zero parenting experience, he is not a fan of sticky, messy, or chaotic—the very definition of “kids.” He loves his niece and nephews, but can he handle four of them on his own?
Four.
F-O-U-R
Jordan Butler would do anything for his best friend of twenty years, including stepping in to help out with Brett’s four new rugrats. He handles disorganization much better than Brett does. That’s what friends do, right? Friends take care of friends.
But sometimes a friend needs more than a hug.
Sometimes messy chaos turns into treasured moments.
And sometimes stolen moments and children’s smiles make you realize that for the first time ever, you have the opportunity to have it all.
When Brett Thompson is forced to deal with a family tragedy, his nicely ordered life changes overnight. Not only does he have zero parenting experience, he is not a fan of sticky, messy, or chaotic—the very definition of “kids.” He loves his niece and nephews, but can he handle four of them on his own?
Four.
F-O-U-R
Jordan Butler would do anything for his best friend of twenty years, including stepping in to help out with Brett’s four new rugrats. He handles disorganization much better than Brett does. That’s what friends do, right? Friends take care of friends.
But sometimes a friend needs more than a hug.
Sometimes messy chaos turns into treasured moments.
And sometimes stolen moments and children’s smiles make you realize that for the first time ever, you have the opportunity to have it all.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
143 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
Jill Wexler
11 books67 followersSo, about Jill. She's a voracious reader since the days of Frog and Toad and Pippa Mouse. From there she ran into Little House on the Prairie (in fact, the first stories Jill imagined as a child were about being Laura's twin sister and when Jill's mom made her a bonnet, that kinda sealed the deal for Jill's imagination). And everything Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary. And never forget The Boxcar Children. By the time she would have normally started in on the Sweet Valley High books, Jill discovered the be-all-end-all of angsty feels for the teenaged soul - VC Andrews. From there, it evolved naturally into Danielle Steel and...well...it never stopped.
Jill fell in love with what was dubbed ChickLit - the books of Jill Shalvis, Charlaine Harris, Sophia Kinsella, Janet Evanovich, Susan Elizabeth Philips...for the witty humor that got me through some rough adult times. Lori Foster, too.
And of course, Nora Roberts (Ryder Montgomery, anyone?).
Never. Stop. Reading.
Jill fell in love with what was dubbed ChickLit - the books of Jill Shalvis, Charlaine Harris, Sophia Kinsella, Janet Evanovich, Susan Elizabeth Philips...for the witty humor that got me through some rough adult times. Lori Foster, too.
And of course, Nora Roberts (Ryder Montgomery, anyone?).
Never. Stop. Reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
June 28, 2020
Adorable insta-family story was adorable.
For those of you who've followed my reviews for a while, you're probably aware that I love kids. While finishing up college, I was caregiver for my own group of a dozen first graders at an after-school program, which was officially the Best Job EVER.
So reading this story about four heartbroken kids and the two men who loved them dearly finding their new normal was completely up my alley.
I always find best friends to lovers very touching, but throw in three young boys and a little sister, becoming one big, happy family and I knew that it was very likely that I was going to be a goner, and I was.
Several scenes in the story pulled on my heartstrings, and I was soooooo there for that, but if I had to point out something about the story that could've worked better, I'd say that I wanted the frequency of those high-level, gut-punching feels amped up just a wee bit more.
However, for those readers who often feel as though kids can be a bit too present on-page, I'm pretty sure this story would land in that Goldilocks zone of "present, but not 'toooooo' present" in regards to all things children.
There was also steam and angst, but both were kept to tolerable levels, without ever getting too Girls Gone Wild.
Once the relationship between Brett and Jordan had finally gelled into something more solid and better-defined, I loved, loved, LOVED the scene where Brett stood up to his family regarding the fate of the kids, leaving no doubt as to what was going to happen and where they belonged.
Then the epilogue further cemented that sense of not only permanence, but also the normality of it all. How they had become a family, just like everyone else's -- warts and all.
4.5 stars.
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April 18, 2021
3.75 stars
- Cute, sweet.
-Best friends to lovers story in a drama free way.
-The family dynamic was so sweet, I am happy to have read about kids who are kids, not adults in kids bodies.
- I liked it.
- Cute, sweet.
-Best friends to lovers story in a drama free way.
-The family dynamic was so sweet, I am happy to have read about kids who are kids, not adults in kids bodies.
- I liked it.
March 6, 2020
Color me surprised: I actually liked a book where kids play a central role in the story.
I think it's because the kids' grief felt so authentic, and Brett and Jordan's friendship never wavered.
The first quarter of the story shows the men's life before everything goes to hell: Brett's sister and her husband die, and Brett becomes the de facto dad to four young kids. That's when Jordan shows up, and I mean really shows up.
Jordan and Brett have been best friends for two decades, but they've never dated, never kissed. Not that they didn't want to. I felt like the slow burn was YEARS in the making.
Despite the grief and pain, there's laughter too, moments of sweetness (and panic!) with a sticky baby, moments of triumph when one of the twins, selectively mute since his parents' funeral, finally speaks.
That's what relationships are all about: being there for each other, offering support and a shoulder to cry on. Which is not to say the men aren't HOT for each other, because, yeah, the sexy times are pretty fine.
I wish the ending hadn't been quite so abrupt, but I did love the epilogue.
I think it's because the kids' grief felt so authentic, and Brett and Jordan's friendship never wavered.
The first quarter of the story shows the men's life before everything goes to hell: Brett's sister and her husband die, and Brett becomes the de facto dad to four young kids. That's when Jordan shows up, and I mean really shows up.
Jordan and Brett have been best friends for two decades, but they've never dated, never kissed. Not that they didn't want to. I felt like the slow burn was YEARS in the making.
Despite the grief and pain, there's laughter too, moments of sweetness (and panic!) with a sticky baby, moments of triumph when one of the twins, selectively mute since his parents' funeral, finally speaks.
That's what relationships are all about: being there for each other, offering support and a shoulder to cry on. Which is not to say the men aren't HOT for each other, because, yeah, the sexy times are pretty fine.
I wish the ending hadn't been quite so abrupt, but I did love the epilogue.
March 12, 2020
Okay, so I need to mention the ageist crap because seriously, how can you be old and decrepit at 37? This was mentioned several times in the early stages of the book and it really irritated me. Way to piss an old (pushing 60) reader off, that's for sure. Gawd, I felt freaking ancient reading this #grandmaindenial
But!! Once I got over this I actually ended up really enjoying the book. It's a sweet friends to lovers story, struggling with a tragedy and sticking together through it. I loved that there was no ridiculous misunderstandings or pushing away, I loved that they were honest with each other and talked. The cute kiddies were just the cherry on the top.
So, dear author, please reign in the ageist remarks, they really aren't necessary.
But!! Once I got over this I actually ended up really enjoying the book. It's a sweet friends to lovers story, struggling with a tragedy and sticking together through it. I loved that there was no ridiculous misunderstandings or pushing away, I loved that they were honest with each other and talked. The cute kiddies were just the cherry on the top.
So, dear author, please reign in the ageist remarks, they really aren't necessary.
November 26, 2020
3.5 Stars
Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. It’s a friends-to-lovers story and almost angst-free. This was my first read by this author and it was good, not great but good. When the story started there were so many characters (most were the MCs’ friends) and it was a bit difficult to keep up with them but going further it became better. The next thing is I wish I could have seen Jared and Brett more with each other. I think the main focus here was on Brett and his nephews and the struggle. Yes, Jordan was always there for them, he and Brett were in sync with each other, but I wanted t see more of their “relationship” and not as friends but as lovers. Overall, I had a good time reading this and hope you like it as well!
Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s a standalone novel. It’s a friends-to-lovers story and almost angst-free. This was my first read by this author and it was good, not great but good. When the story started there were so many characters (most were the MCs’ friends) and it was a bit difficult to keep up with them but going further it became better. The next thing is I wish I could have seen Jared and Brett more with each other. I think the main focus here was on Brett and his nephews and the struggle. Yes, Jordan was always there for them, he and Brett were in sync with each other, but I wanted t see more of their “relationship” and not as friends but as lovers. Overall, I had a good time reading this and hope you like it as well!
April 21, 2021
I loved this book so much. Happiness born from tragedy.
It was sad and sweet and heartwarming all at once and my heart went all 💔❤️💔❤️💔❤️🥰🥰🥰
Brett and Jordan have been best friends forever. Nobody is pining for the other, just two friends who deeply love each other in a platonic way. Although non platonic thoughts have crossed their minds (or their dicks) once or twice, nothing has ever happened beyond a kiss or two.
When Brett loses his sister and finds himself the guardian to her four children, he is devastated and overwhelmed. And Jordan is there for him every step of the way. Whatever he needs.
I absolutely adored these guys. I loved how solid they were and how deeply they cared for each other. I could only smile at their love and happiness and let it fill my heart.
4.5 🌟 instead of 5 🌟 because all the poor me I’m so old (at 37) crap was stupid. They went to the club at 8pm. 8pm. How was the club even open? When did they eat dinner? Are they secretly my grandma?
It was sad and sweet and heartwarming all at once and my heart went all 💔❤️💔❤️💔❤️🥰🥰🥰
Brett and Jordan have been best friends forever. Nobody is pining for the other, just two friends who deeply love each other in a platonic way. Although non platonic thoughts have crossed their minds (or their dicks) once or twice, nothing has ever happened beyond a kiss or two.
When Brett loses his sister and finds himself the guardian to her four children, he is devastated and overwhelmed. And Jordan is there for him every step of the way. Whatever he needs.
I absolutely adored these guys. I loved how solid they were and how deeply they cared for each other. I could only smile at their love and happiness and let it fill my heart.
4.5 🌟 instead of 5 🌟 because all the poor me I’m so old (at 37) crap was stupid. They went to the club at 8pm. 8pm. How was the club even open? When did they eat dinner? Are they secretly my grandma?
April 17, 2020
3.5 stars
March 2, 2020
3.5 stars. This was a lot fluffier than I expected *thank God*. Though it had some seriously heart-tugging moments as well, mostly with the kids, but a few with Brett also, as overwhelmed as he was and terrified of failing his niece and nephews as a parent.
I liked Brett and Jordan but I just didn't fall in love with them. I did love how they handled everything they were going through, and what they made of the situation. It was a well done, sweet and lovely story and I enjoyed reading it. <3
I liked Brett and Jordan but I just didn't fall in love with them. I did love how they handled everything they were going through, and what they made of the situation. It was a well done, sweet and lovely story and I enjoyed reading it. <3
June 10, 2022
Re-read June 2022
I liked this slightly less on my second read. I was really missing some relationship development this time.
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I wasn’t sure what to expect with this, since the blurb looks incredibly angsty, but the reviews said it was pretty fluffy. And I was glad the reviews were right.
The grief and the angst isn’t overlooked, but it also wasn’t the main focus. I thought it was nicely done for a low-angst book like this.
And I liked that we first got to read about the close friendship between Brett and Jordan before anything life altering happened.
Jordan and Brett have been close friends since their senior year of high school, but have never crossed the line into something more. Neither wanted to rock the boat and lose their friendship.
When Brett sister and brother in law suddenly die, he gets custody of their 4 children. Luckily he has Jordan to help him out, because he is so out of his depth.
After the rocky start Brett finally finds his groove with the kids, and is slowly falling more in love with his best friend every day….
I don’t always do well with books where someone dies, but I was definitely glad this book didn’t really focus on that part. Yes, I still cried when those 4 kids lost their parents, but I was also glad they had their Uncle Brett and Uncle Jordan to look after them.
And seeing Brett struggling, but having Jordan as his rock really moved me. These guys were it for each other and I loved that they were friends first, because that made their relationship that more solid.
I liked this slightly less on my second read. I was really missing some relationship development this time.
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I wasn’t sure what to expect with this, since the blurb looks incredibly angsty, but the reviews said it was pretty fluffy. And I was glad the reviews were right.
The grief and the angst isn’t overlooked, but it also wasn’t the main focus. I thought it was nicely done for a low-angst book like this.
And I liked that we first got to read about the close friendship between Brett and Jordan before anything life altering happened.
Jordan and Brett have been close friends since their senior year of high school, but have never crossed the line into something more. Neither wanted to rock the boat and lose their friendship.
When Brett sister and brother in law suddenly die, he gets custody of their 4 children. Luckily he has Jordan to help him out, because he is so out of his depth.
After the rocky start Brett finally finds his groove with the kids, and is slowly falling more in love with his best friend every day….
I don’t always do well with books where someone dies, but I was definitely glad this book didn’t really focus on that part. Yes, I still cried when those 4 kids lost their parents, but I was also glad they had their Uncle Brett and Uncle Jordan to look after them.
And seeing Brett struggling, but having Jordan as his rock really moved me. These guys were it for each other and I loved that they were friends first, because that made their relationship that more solid.
March 9, 2020
4.25 stars.
This was freaking adorable. It took me a second to get into it but once I did, everything was worth it. I have a weakness when it comes to kids, even when they're in books and there were 4 of them in this one. Everything was done really well, the author didn't try to sugarcoat anything, she showed the process of how it was like after the accident and what and how everything happened with Brett.
I'm a sucker for a good friends to lovers romance (one of my favorites) and this had that and then some. Brett and Jordan had been best friends for 20+ years before getting together and I loved that there wasn't any unnecessary drama between them. Thank the lord. I maybe wish the ending wasn't a bit abrupt but it didn't bother me too much to take the enjoyment away.
This was freaking adorable. It took me a second to get into it but once I did, everything was worth it. I have a weakness when it comes to kids, even when they're in books and there were 4 of them in this one. Everything was done really well, the author didn't try to sugarcoat anything, she showed the process of how it was like after the accident and what and how everything happened with Brett.
I'm a sucker for a good friends to lovers romance (one of my favorites) and this had that and then some. Brett and Jordan had been best friends for 20+ years before getting together and I loved that there wasn't any unnecessary drama between them. Thank the lord. I maybe wish the ending wasn't a bit abrupt but it didn't bother me too much to take the enjoyment away.
February 27, 2020
We're filing this under it must be "me and not the book" since everyone else loves it.
Writing wasn't bad.
Story was sweet. Little to no angst even though the blurb sounds like it would've been angstier.
Idk, I didn't feel the UST that I love from best friends to lovers.
I was a little bored, tbh.
Writing wasn't bad.
Story was sweet. Little to no angst even though the blurb sounds like it would've been angstier.
Idk, I didn't feel the UST that I love from best friends to lovers.
I was a little bored, tbh.
October 20, 2020
DNFed at page 62. Everything is just so annoying. And it seems like there's no story yet. It's just plain chattering upto this point. No. I just cannot. And the two MCs are really confusing.
February 7, 2022
I loved this book. It's a sweet story, with some angst and lots of great moments. At first, I got confused with so many names but I went through it very quickly. The characters are lovable and the story of Jared, Brett, and the kids is super cute. A very very nice reading
May 22, 2020
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars
To Have it All is a charming friends-to-lovers romance in which a man in his late thirties suddenly finds himself having to make major life changes and revise his plans for the future in the wake of tragedy. It’s a fairly quick read, coming in at a little over 200 pages, but the characters are well-rounded, the story is compelling and I devoured it in one sitting.
Brett Thompson and Jordan Butler met when they were in high school and have been best friends ever since. Now in their late thirties, they’re settled in their work lives (Brett is a pharmacist, Jordan co-owns a bakery) and although romantic partners (and not so romantic ones) have come and gone, their friendship hasn’t wavered. Although they’ve occasionally felt the odd flare of attraction for each other – they tried kissing a couple of times years before, but ended up giggling uncontrollably – they dismissed it, and decided they’re better as friends.
Things change drastically however, when Brett’s sister Tessa and her husband are killed in a car accident. Brett’s older brother Jared swoops in and takes charge, telling Brett that he will need to move into Tessa’s house to take care of her four children – who range in age from ten to two – at least for the rest of the school year. Jared and his wife have three children of their own and are prepared to buy a bigger house to accommodate Ethan, Tommy, Drew and Lizzie, but they can’t do that immediately. Still shocked and grieving, Brett realises his brother’s right and agrees. It wouldn’t be right to just uproot the kids from the only home they’ve ever known right away, so he moves in with them… and doesn’t really know what’s hit him. Going from Uncle Brett who saw them once or twice a week to a full-time dad is something Brett is completely unprepared to handle; not only had he never envisioned having kids, he’s someone who likes things to be ‘just so’, and dealing with the organised chaos that comes with young children (and as any parent will know, ‘organised’ is a relative term!) means he’s going to need to push his boundaries and make adjustments he’d never even thought about.
Exhausted, grieving, worried about the kids and about whether he’s doing the right thing, Brett turns to Jordan for help when he’s at his lowest ebb. Jordan is absolutely prepared to be there for Brett and the kids – but is surprised when Brett tells him he needs more than a shoulder to lean on.
This is one of the best friends-to-lovers romances I’ve come across in a while. The relationship between Brett and Jordan is set up so well that the fact they love one another is never in doubt, and the evolution of that affection and caring into something romantic feels completely natural. There’s no lightning strike, no “OMG he’s gorgeous” moment; their romance blossoms quietly, their love for one another strengthening as their lives mesh together so easily and so well that they almost don’t notice it. Their honesty and the lack of drama and silly misunderstandings make this a refreshingly mature romance.
The grief in the story is handled very well also. The tragedy is acknowledged, but the book isn’t mired down in misery and while the author does a great job of showing the pain and devastation Brett and the children are experiencing, she also shows how they start to heal and to pick up the reins of their lives again. There are moments of sadness and poignancy, as one would expect, but there’s tenderness, warmth and humour, too, and I especially appreciated that we were given a glimpse into the lives of Tessa and her family before the accident, which made them feel real and not just like a plot device in order to bring the two principals together through tragedy.
Brett and Jordan are engaging, relatable characters, and I loved watching them build the family they’d never thought to have. To Have It All is a lovely, poignant story about overcoming heartbreak and loss and moving forward to find joy and a new normal. I’m happy to recommend it.
To Have it All is a charming friends-to-lovers romance in which a man in his late thirties suddenly finds himself having to make major life changes and revise his plans for the future in the wake of tragedy. It’s a fairly quick read, coming in at a little over 200 pages, but the characters are well-rounded, the story is compelling and I devoured it in one sitting.
Brett Thompson and Jordan Butler met when they were in high school and have been best friends ever since. Now in their late thirties, they’re settled in their work lives (Brett is a pharmacist, Jordan co-owns a bakery) and although romantic partners (and not so romantic ones) have come and gone, their friendship hasn’t wavered. Although they’ve occasionally felt the odd flare of attraction for each other – they tried kissing a couple of times years before, but ended up giggling uncontrollably – they dismissed it, and decided they’re better as friends.
Things change drastically however, when Brett’s sister Tessa and her husband are killed in a car accident. Brett’s older brother Jared swoops in and takes charge, telling Brett that he will need to move into Tessa’s house to take care of her four children – who range in age from ten to two – at least for the rest of the school year. Jared and his wife have three children of their own and are prepared to buy a bigger house to accommodate Ethan, Tommy, Drew and Lizzie, but they can’t do that immediately. Still shocked and grieving, Brett realises his brother’s right and agrees. It wouldn’t be right to just uproot the kids from the only home they’ve ever known right away, so he moves in with them… and doesn’t really know what’s hit him. Going from Uncle Brett who saw them once or twice a week to a full-time dad is something Brett is completely unprepared to handle; not only had he never envisioned having kids, he’s someone who likes things to be ‘just so’, and dealing with the organised chaos that comes with young children (and as any parent will know, ‘organised’ is a relative term!) means he’s going to need to push his boundaries and make adjustments he’d never even thought about.
Exhausted, grieving, worried about the kids and about whether he’s doing the right thing, Brett turns to Jordan for help when he’s at his lowest ebb. Jordan is absolutely prepared to be there for Brett and the kids – but is surprised when Brett tells him he needs more than a shoulder to lean on.
This is one of the best friends-to-lovers romances I’ve come across in a while. The relationship between Brett and Jordan is set up so well that the fact they love one another is never in doubt, and the evolution of that affection and caring into something romantic feels completely natural. There’s no lightning strike, no “OMG he’s gorgeous” moment; their romance blossoms quietly, their love for one another strengthening as their lives mesh together so easily and so well that they almost don’t notice it. Their honesty and the lack of drama and silly misunderstandings make this a refreshingly mature romance.
The grief in the story is handled very well also. The tragedy is acknowledged, but the book isn’t mired down in misery and while the author does a great job of showing the pain and devastation Brett and the children are experiencing, she also shows how they start to heal and to pick up the reins of their lives again. There are moments of sadness and poignancy, as one would expect, but there’s tenderness, warmth and humour, too, and I especially appreciated that we were given a glimpse into the lives of Tessa and her family before the accident, which made them feel real and not just like a plot device in order to bring the two principals together through tragedy.
Brett and Jordan are engaging, relatable characters, and I loved watching them build the family they’d never thought to have. To Have It All is a lovely, poignant story about overcoming heartbreak and loss and moving forward to find joy and a new normal. I’m happy to recommend it.
March 11, 2020
4 stars from me. Yes, there were a few tears...what can I say? Loved the kids, loved Brett and Jordan, and so happy that everything worked out well for them. I don't personally class 37 as old...but what do I know? Jill Wexler's Exorcising the Exes remains one of my fave stories.
October 20, 2020
ten stars!
This book is a treasure, one I’ll read again and again.
The most heartfelt story when a tragedy takes over a beautiful family and the most unlikely member has to pick up the pieces.
Every emotion is felt because the characters are just THAT relatable and loving. Nice combination of friends to lovers in the midst of life throwing them all a curveball.
This book is a treasure, one I’ll read again and again.
The most heartfelt story when a tragedy takes over a beautiful family and the most unlikely member has to pick up the pieces.
Every emotion is felt because the characters are just THAT relatable and loving. Nice combination of friends to lovers in the midst of life throwing them all a curveball.
March 19, 2020
Okay so seriously I wanted to LOVE this book and it was good but...not that good.
Pretty much from the start I was annoyed with the ageist crap that went on for a good part of the first half of the book. I mean seriously they 37, not 80! Second, I thought that there would be more angst. The blurb made it sound very angsty and while there were brief moments it wasn't as much as I expected.
Brett was absolutely adorable with the kids and so was Julian. There aren't too many novels that I have read that revolve around that much of the family aspect, but that part was adorable. There wasn't much of a back story with Julian and Brett, that would have been nice to read. A bit more about their friendship and their life as friends before they dived into lovers/parents.
Overall, not a bad read but not something I would read again.
Pretty much from the start I was annoyed with the ageist crap that went on for a good part of the first half of the book. I mean seriously they 37, not 80! Second, I thought that there would be more angst. The blurb made it sound very angsty and while there were brief moments it wasn't as much as I expected.
Brett was absolutely adorable with the kids and so was Julian. There aren't too many novels that I have read that revolve around that much of the family aspect, but that part was adorable. There wasn't much of a back story with Julian and Brett, that would have been nice to read. A bit more about their friendship and their life as friends before they dived into lovers/parents.
Overall, not a bad read but not something I would read again.
February 23, 2020
I FLOVED this book, I cried, laughed, cried again, swooned and totally fell in love with every single character. Though there were moments of sadness this isn't an angsty book at all, it certainly leaves you will all the warm and fuzzies. Jill Wexler just put herself on my one click list. Highly recommended.
March 9, 2020
Very good. Great friends to lovers development and honesty. I really liked it.
February 23, 2020
His sister and brother in law's deaths were devastating to Brett, not to mention that he had to assume responsibility for their four kids. But you know what I appreciated most about him? The fact that grief hit him most every time he realized the kids wouldn't see their parents anymore and they, in turn, wouldn't be there to watch their sons and daughter grow up. That was testament of his priorities, even amidst his own anxiety and loss.
It was a gigantic feat for Brett, because he's always loved order and cleanliness. Four kids are anything but. I admit I had fun watching him get all queasy about messy, drooly and sticky. There were a few moments I thought the poor guy was going to run for the hills, screaming. Of course, he didn't. Especially when Jordan was always there, helping and offering support.
Man, Brett and Jordan are amazing. They have this incredible connection and they know each other like the back of their hand. I guess twenty years of friendship would do that to people. And when they took it to another level? Talk about hot! They were cautious, though, which I liked, and they tried not lose what they've built through the years for a few romps between the sheets.
So, 𝐓𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥 is their journey of overcoming tragedy and loss, going back to normalcy the best way the could. Watching Brett bond with his nephews has been both saddening and heart-warming. They fight, they cry while slowly finding joy. Jordan fits right in with them, and it's been an amazing emotional experience to witness how they eventually built together their own special family.
Recommended.
It was a gigantic feat for Brett, because he's always loved order and cleanliness. Four kids are anything but. I admit I had fun watching him get all queasy about messy, drooly and sticky. There were a few moments I thought the poor guy was going to run for the hills, screaming. Of course, he didn't. Especially when Jordan was always there, helping and offering support.
Man, Brett and Jordan are amazing. They have this incredible connection and they know each other like the back of their hand. I guess twenty years of friendship would do that to people. And when they took it to another level? Talk about hot! They were cautious, though, which I liked, and they tried not lose what they've built through the years for a few romps between the sheets.
So, 𝐓𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥 is their journey of overcoming tragedy and loss, going back to normalcy the best way the could. Watching Brett bond with his nephews has been both saddening and heart-warming. They fight, they cry while slowly finding joy. Jordan fits right in with them, and it's been an amazing emotional experience to witness how they eventually built together their own special family.
Recommended.
August 17, 2025
4.5⭐️
This was an adorable story about friends becoming lovers and insta-families. The grief felt authentic, and the kids’ reactions were natural, and the men handled them so beautifully whilst going through their own grief.
I love stories with kids. I think it’s a part of life for a lot of people, and it’s nice to read how couples navigate through becoming parents or entering new relationships where kids are involved. It’s real life, and it’s usually always a good read.
I loved the way Brett stood up to his family at the end. I was so proud of him for knowing he can do this and to say that he would do it with or without Jordan too, to cement that idea in their heads.
Their relationship with the kids and with each other is so cute. Yes, there is sadness, but there is also laughter. Jordan steps up to the plate as Brett’s best friend to help him navigate his new role, and the kids are so patient and kind to them both, considering what they’ve been through.
Ah, it gives all the feels. Lovely story I couldn’t put it down.
This was an adorable story about friends becoming lovers and insta-families. The grief felt authentic, and the kids’ reactions were natural, and the men handled them so beautifully whilst going through their own grief.
I love stories with kids. I think it’s a part of life for a lot of people, and it’s nice to read how couples navigate through becoming parents or entering new relationships where kids are involved. It’s real life, and it’s usually always a good read.
I loved the way Brett stood up to his family at the end. I was so proud of him for knowing he can do this and to say that he would do it with or without Jordan too, to cement that idea in their heads.
Their relationship with the kids and with each other is so cute. Yes, there is sadness, but there is also laughter. Jordan steps up to the plate as Brett’s best friend to help him navigate his new role, and the kids are so patient and kind to them both, considering what they’ve been through.
Ah, it gives all the feels. Lovely story I couldn’t put it down.
February 28, 2020
Very nice. I love guys as dads.
April 12, 2020
2.5* porque no es original. Nada que no hayamos leído en ocasiones anteriores y además carece de fuerza.
Es el típico libro que tiene que gustarte porque la historia te da mogollón de pena, hay niños majos y ellos son super guays..... pues va a ser que en este caso no funciona bien!
Es el típico libro que tiene que gustarte porque la historia te da mogollón de pena, hay niños majos y ellos son super guays..... pues va a ser que en este caso no funciona bien!
July 24, 2020
Although for some reason this one didn't have the emotional punch I expected I still really enjoyed it. Both Brett and the kids' grief felt very real but for some reason I just didn't connect as hard as I thought I should and it didn't make me cry. However, despite that I loved the dynamic between Brett and Jordan. I loved that their friendship didn't waver despite the tragedy and change in circumstances. I loved that even when they added a sexual dynamic to the relationship both put the friendship first. I also liked the light hearted moments that broke up the drama. I also loved to see Brett adapt and change as he dealt with being a father to 4 kids. I did think the ending was a bit rushed but great epilogue.
March 9, 2020
4.5⭐️
This one came out of the gate and smacked me square in the feels.
So just fair warning for those who have lost a close loved one (as I have), this book doesn’t gloss over the death of the children’s parents. It settles down in it and pulls a seat up at the counter. For me, that threw the door wide open on a whole dusty closet full of memories, and my heart took a beating.
This book was just so thoughtful and real. It was a mature, honest, heart wrenching and heart warming book about death and the love of family and true friends healing what you believe can never be healed.
I loved it. I loved those kids. I loved Brett and Jordan, and I absolutely loved the beautiful and natural progression of their friendship into something more; something beautiful and rare and special beyond words.
This book has plenty of drama outside of the relationship between the two MC’s, so the natural and mature way their relationship evolved in such an honest and real way without the regular BS and stupid misunderstandings found in a lot of other romance books was so damn refreshing.
This book is different. It’s special. I absolutely know it isn’t going to be for everybody, but I really loved it. It broke my heart and then mended it back together again
This one came out of the gate and smacked me square in the feels.
So just fair warning for those who have lost a close loved one (as I have), this book doesn’t gloss over the death of the children’s parents. It settles down in it and pulls a seat up at the counter. For me, that threw the door wide open on a whole dusty closet full of memories, and my heart took a beating.
This book was just so thoughtful and real. It was a mature, honest, heart wrenching and heart warming book about death and the love of family and true friends healing what you believe can never be healed.
I loved it. I loved those kids. I loved Brett and Jordan, and I absolutely loved the beautiful and natural progression of their friendship into something more; something beautiful and rare and special beyond words.
This book has plenty of drama outside of the relationship between the two MC’s, so the natural and mature way their relationship evolved in such an honest and real way without the regular BS and stupid misunderstandings found in a lot of other romance books was so damn refreshing.
This book is different. It’s special. I absolutely know it isn’t going to be for everybody, but I really loved it. It broke my heart and then mended it back together again
July 24, 2020
This started out really good but ended up just being an okay read for me. I think the the family dynamics and the grief was really well done, but i just never ended up getting a real feel for the relationship. We’re told that there’s been this lusting on both sides, but don’t really ever see it, and it definitely ends up feeling like a relationship of convenience for both parties.
June 10, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. It made me cry so many times both happy and sad tears. I love a friends to lover story and this one hit all my happy places. I thought the way the death of the parents was handled was so touching. I’ve read other books by Jill and loved them too.
March 24, 2021
4+, pełna ciepła rodzinna historia ;)
April 14, 2020
Es un libro muy mono, pero creo que el desarrollo de la historia de amor como tal es muy flojo. Para cuando os apetezca leer sobre la construcción de familias, con niños y adolescentes de por medio.
May 4, 2020
This was more adorable than I expected!
4.5
4.5
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