Review: All I Never Wanted by E.C. Fountain

Series & Title: Reunion Romance, Book 1: All I Never Wanted
Author: E.C. Fountain
Publisher: E.C. Fountain
Release Date: June 21, 2018
Genre: Contemporary, Sweet, Clean, Safe, Romance
Book Version: eBook

She's waited ten years to see him again. What's the worst that could happen?

Washington High Class of 2003 ten year class reunion. Tonight, Carmen Atwood will get another chance with Ryder Jones. She's only been dreaming about him for the past decade. Armed with a new dress, Spanx, and way too tall shoes, she's ready to catch her man.

Eric James is the nice guy next door, whose had his eyes on Carmen for over a year. Can he convince her to let go of her high school crush and see what's been in front of her face this whole time? Sparks fly in this romantic comedy of what could have been and what may be!

All I Never Wanted is the start of a new short story series, Reunion Romance. This is a short story with a happy ending.

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Carmen’s crush on Ryder has simmered in the back of her mind for far too long, and the longing hope she has of finally being noticed by him has left her blind to someone who sees her, likes her, and wants to be with her. Eric’s attraction to and admiration of Carmen has gone unnoticed for a year, and the night of the high school reunion is when he finally understands why.

Sometimes, a crush is just a crush, a feeling that doesn’t grow into stronger attraction, mutual attraction, or love. It’s fine if that’s what it is, so long as you acknowledge that fact and move on if need be. If you don’t, you could miss out on something incredible, something that’s been right in front of you the whole time.

This is a short story, not novella length in my opinion, and it’s blip in Carmen and Eric’s lives, the moment that propelled them into each other’s arms. I like that Eric wasn’t afraid to say something about Carmen’s crush on Ryder, and that, in turn, Carmen listened and let his revelation open her eyes to the world and people around her. It also helped her see herself differently, helped her be proud of who she was and what she’d accomplished.

Despite its short length, this story is complete. It doesn’t need an epilogue or to be made into something longer. I like that it’s a glimpse yet one that’s hearty and filling. A great fifteen minute, safe, sweet, clean romance.