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Long Shot Series #2

Unspoken Bonds

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Just when she thought life had passed her by, adventure found her. And now, it’s trying to kill her.

Being summoned to the emergency room to interpret for deaf patients is part of Rachel Mansfield’s normal, quiet life. But finding herself interpreting for a scared, abandoned little girl with nothing but a note pinned to her shirt? Well, that’s a first.
An instant bond forms between them, and Rachel’s protective instincts kick into high gear as Lily’s mysterious past meets an uncertain future. As hours turn into days, Rachel’s biggest worry is that they won’t find Lily’s family. Until she meets Lily’s uncle, Garrett. Then he becomes her biggest worry.
Betrayed by his family, Garrett Staker knows his path. He’s plotted every step. And as he closes in on his most important business goal, one thing is certain -- his plan doesn’t include assuming responsibility for a niece who was presumed dead after his sister’s murder.
Despite the undercurrent of attraction, Rachel and Garrett are at odds over Lily’s future. But as Garrett’s business comes under attack from within, and the questions about Lily’s past loom larger, they must find a way to work together. Their lives, and Lily’s, depend on it.
Unspoken Bonds is a Cinderella story with a healthy dose of edge-of-your-seat mystery and murder.
Buy Unspoken Bonds today and follow along into uncharted territory!

Unknown Binding

First published September 20, 2013

49 people are currently reading
539 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Grey

11 books224 followers
Michelle’s love affair with romance began the summer before high school when she discovered her mom’s Harlequin collection. The feeling of joy from experiencing those happily-ever-afters has stayed with her ever since.

Now she writes stories about strong women with strong passions, sexy swoon-worthy heroes, and the twists of fate that bring them together and try to tear them apart. She hopes to ignite the same spark of joy for her readers that caught fire in her that long ago summer.

When she’s not writing, reading, or voicing a novel, Michelle spends most of her time hanging out with her favorite humans. With marriages and babies and puppies, the boisterous group seems to grow every year, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Michelle loves to hear from her readers so drop her a note on Facebook or Instagram, or on her website www.authormichellegrey.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Reading by Deb.
1,175 reviews33 followers
July 26, 2024
Rachel checked the caller ID on her phone to see who was calling so late at night. She knew she had to take the call when she recognized the hospital's number. She is shocked when Child Protective Services tells her that they need her assistance with a five-year-old girl who had been left at the hospital with a note pinned to her shirt.

If that news wasn't heartbreaking enough the child was deaf and they needed her services as a sign interpreter. She arrived at the hospital to find a traumatized little girl cowering on the bed not allowing anyone to touch her.

Garrett is in China wishing he hadn't ignored the call from the US earlier when on the construction site. Now he had to wait to find out what kind of scam the woman who left the message was trying to play. The message was supposedly from Child Services in Kansas of all places claiming they had his niece at the hospital.

His niece who they were told was dead when his sister was found murdered two years ago... in Phoenix. The possibility that this was his niece was outrageous and if it was her how had she traveled from Phoenix to Kansas?

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Rachel is Caleb's sister (from Dangerous Ally) and has appearances in his sister's story, but also his story will give you more information about their childhood struggles.

This book is action-packed and will hit all the feels. It is full of danger, suspense and smoking hot. It is full of betrayal, both past and present, sabotage, murder and a heartbreaking story revolving Lily and her hearing disability.

If you haven't read Michelle Grey I highly recommend this series. Her characters and storylines will grab you from page one.
Profile Image for Christine .
32 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2013
There was less than 1/4 left in the book but it was past 11pm and I had to work in the morning. But I was so into the story that I stayed up to finish it. Yes. It was that good.

Unspoken Bonds had all the making of a good romance from the beginning. We had the Rachel with her hinted at troubled past and Garrett with his as our leads. Mixed in with that was the mystery of Lily's story.

Rachel and Garrett had that expected initial attraction yet mutual self denial that makes for a moving romance. They moved forward and back in the feelings dance without me wanting to shake either of them silly for not seeing what was in front of them. Rather I wanted to offer encouragement and support. Both characters were believable and totally likable.

As they untangled the mess of Lily's past and worked through their own feelings we are also brought along on another mystery involving business sabotage. Michelle Grey was able to bring these all together into an amazing climax to the story.

I am looking forward to the next novel in 2014, following the life of one of the characters we met in this book. But more than that, I just bought Dangerous Ally Grey's first book from Kobo. I can't wait!

Note: I received a copy via Goodreads Giveaway. The review and opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨.
1,617 reviews58 followers
October 29, 2024
𝑺𝒐 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 🥹❤️

🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:

💌 Romantic Suspense
💌 A case of lost child
💌 Caring for a child that's not yours
💌 Adorable little girl
💌 Going from cold hearted to- would do anything for family
💌 Slow-burn 🥵
💌 Moments that will melt your heart
💌 Finding family
💌 Childhood hurts

🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:

Oh my... I'm so absolutely melted right now, I'm a bit teary eyed after feeling all the freaking emotions and feelings this book made me feel.
Rachel, sweet little Lily and Garrett are definitely staying in my heart.

Ahhh... Where do I even start with this sweet ride. It had me smiling and emotional and also adoring, watching the bonds being formed with those you never thought could be your family.

Rachel helps out at the hospital and one day a lost child is suddenly found and she's been called for her help as the child can't communicate and seems to be having hearing problems.

Things are complicated as nobody knows who this little girl is and where she came from, but Rachel....ahh... This woman is so freaking kind and good, that as she realises nobody is ready to take responsibility for the kid, she decides to take care of her for some days until her family is found.

Garett on the other hand is already frustrated with his issues of dealing with someone trying to ruin his business so when he gets a call saying they have found his sister's kid, he's definitely not ready to believe them because it has been years since she's been gone.

When things become clear that the kid is indeed his family, Garrett doesn't know what to do ahead because he's not ready to change his life for a kid

It was freaking STUNNING WATCHING, WITNESSING & EXPERIENCING THIS ENTIRE JOURNEY TO BUILDING LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS.

Garrett is definitely cold at the start and I have to applaud Rachel for how her heart wants best for little Lily.
So much so that she becomes ready to uproot her life and go to take full care of Lily as Garrett suggests would be best for the child.

I'm betting you, you will fall head over heels for this ride. Watching them all together, slowly getting to know each other, leaving behind the reluctance and embracing the hidden blessing showered.

From Lily being a scared little one to being nurtured by Rachel's kindness and selfless love and turning into a confident little child to Garrett wanting to send her to boarding to the moment him seeing lily as his own daughter.... I'M MORE THAN GRATEFUL TO HAVE WITNESSED THEM FORMING THEIR FAMILY TOGETHER.
MELTED MY HEART. 🥹😍

If you love emotionally power-packed stories that will make you feel deeply while also taking you onto an unforgettable ride to meaningful relationships and familial bonds to falling in love in its purest form - then this one is an Absolutely Must Read.

We also have a very great suspense angle going on that is perfectly interspersed within the story and the revelations although haunting, seems to also bring the family together and make them stronger.

Rachel and Garrett drove me crazy with the way they would dance around each other, fighting their attraction, resisting and then melting me with their scorching hot k!$$e$ and leaving me wanting more and until we finally do get them together... 🔥🔥

A story of love, healing old wounds, kindness and forgiveness - this story is here to stay in my heart and especially Rachel, Lily and Garrett are staying here with me. Ahh... I wished this book just wouldn't end. Absolutely loved loved this one.😍😍

Also, I'm so freaking excited for Jack's story next as I was wondering if we would get his book because of what's happened in his past and also how great a friend he is to Garrett and I wanted to see him find his happy too. So hopping onto his book next. ❤️
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,553 reviews88 followers
June 8, 2017
As with the other books in the Long Shot Series, Unspoken Bonds draws the reader in from the first page with gripping intensity. I find Ms Grey's books really hard to put down and despite the suspenseful side of the story, there is warmth and tenderness as well. When five year old Lily is strategically abandoned at a hospital, Rachel is called in as a deaf interpreter to assist in her case. Against the rules, Rachel fights for the right to take care of Lily until such time as her next of kin can be found. When Lily's uncle Garrett is located the sparks between Rachel and Garrett fly, however they are mostly caused by the stand off between them rather than physical attraction, although there is plenty of that as well. Both Rachel and Garrett have a painful past and in this case it makes them more determined to discovered what happened to Lily and why she was found abandoned at the hospital so many months after her mother was murdered. This intriguing story kept me enthralled to the end with a mystery to be solved and a romance that was inevitable. The background to the book regarding Lily's condition is also interesting and was very enlightening. An excellent read that has so much going on that the reader's attention is kept rivetted to the end. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
137 reviews
May 19, 2017
This is a superbly well-written book with excellent primary characters, mostly good secondary characters and a few very bad ones thrown in, too, with a wonderful plot line emphasizing love and family that includes healing of broken relationships.
I loved the people in this book so much I hated for it to end! It starts out with a little girl who cannot hear or speak well who has a note pinned to her clothes saying she needs help and is left in a hospital emergency room by herself. The progression from that point on is natural and real. Rachael, the lady called in to help the little girl, Lily, falls in love with this child. Her only uncle, Garrett, is tracked down and contacted. The relationship building from that point on is exceptionally good and the attraction between Rachael and Garrett strong and life changing. The book has just the right amount of suspense. I liked it so much that I intend to see if this author has anything else out in print; I like her as well, if not even better than other currently successful and well-known authors and am fortunate to be a voracious reader. This review comes with my highest recommendation!

I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Jane.
428 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2017
I received this book free from eBook Discovery. This is my honest review.

The story leans more towards family love, forgiveness, second chances than suspense.

The main character Rachel Mansfield is being called to a hospital. She's needed to help reading hand signs for an abandoned girl. When Rachel reached the hospital, she felt a connection to the scared little girl whom she brought her home to look after while they try to track her relatives down.

The little girl is named Lily and she's the niece of Garrett Staker. Garrett thought that her niece is dead with her mother but he's surprised to receive a call that his niece is alive.

So we are dealing with a scared five, six-year-old little girl. From the start, her actions might justify but somehow along the way we are not dealing with a five six-year-old girl. But someone older. How can a small girl growing up so fast and learned to speak like an adult?

Rachel doesn't act like her age. Instead, she's acting like a teenager having a crush on the popular guy in school.

Garrett had some issues but I couldn't blame him when he had to endure the things he did when his mother remarried.

Overall, this is a fine book for people enjoys contemporary romance with a little bit of suspense in it.
Profile Image for Nati.
2,945 reviews16 followers
September 18, 2017
Rachel is been taking care of her siblings since she was seventeen. So when she is called to the Hospital to take care of a little deaf girl, Lily, who is been dumped in the emergency room with a note pinned in her t-shirt. Garret, a successful businessman, is in Chine when he gets a very strange phone call, his niece Lily, who is been missing for two years, is in Kansas. He is very busy and he has no time to take care of a little girl, so, when she mets Rachel, he thinks is a good idea for Rachel and Lilly to come to live wth him in Charlotte, while they take care of Lily and find out what happened to her. Rachel and Garret have to face their demons from the past in order to help Lily and to find what really happened two years ago. A rollercoaster of emotions and a dangerous mystery to resolve, while Rachel and Garret find each other. I received a copy from f this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review
2,526 reviews
October 5, 2017
she was called to the hospital to sign for a deaf 5 yr old girl who was left there. they locate the uncle and find he is very busy. so he hires her to come to his penthouse and take care of the girl till they bond and he can figure out what he is going to do. they are attracted to each other but try and hold back due to the circumstances. he is very wealthy

his step brother is trying to ruin his business. he killed lillys mom and tried to kill both lilly and rachel in a car accident. when that didnt work he tried to kill rachel in the hospital but garrett saved her at the last second

she got him reunited with his mom and had her explain the choices she made in her life that affected both him and his sister. he forgave her and allowed her relationship with lilly her granddaughter

he proposed to rachel and she accepted! lilly was really happy about that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
July 2, 2024
This is the second book in this series, and this is Rachel and Garrett’s story.
Rachel is called into the ER to interpret for a deaf patient, who turns out to be Lily, who was abandoned at the hospital with a note attached to her shirt. Lily’s uncle Garrett is tracked down, and the sparks fly between him and Rachel.
This is a well written story which has family, friendship, emotions, mystery, suspense, intrigue, sabotage, betrayal, challenges, undeniable chemistry, healing, romance, and love, which leads to a thrilling and heartfelt addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
1,384 reviews8 followers
May 31, 2017
Although it's a rather predictable boy meets girl book, there were a few twists and some unexpected turns in a good storyline. Some bad childhood history, determination to make good in a cutthroat world, a few bad guys that need to get their comeuppance. The central figure, of course, little Lucy and the mystery of how she came to be in her current position, as well as the relationship between Rachel and Garrett. Very well written. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review
Profile Image for daij.
20 reviews
July 15, 2025
Adored so many things about this story 🥹 Lily being the main, and the relationship that formed with Garrett. SO SWEET. I liked Rachel, but I wished she was more rounded. All we really knew about her was she raised her siblings and now takes care of Lily. But maybe her lack of hobbies/outside interests were on purpose to emphasize that that’s all she knew.

While I didn’t like how she approached Garrett about his mother, I thought it played out really well. Loved how Garrett was able to forgive for the sake of Lily.

The mole was pretty obvious but tbh I didn’t care lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Diana Day-Admire.
Author 4 books17 followers
November 17, 2017
Not your typical romance

I loved this unique premise. Lily had my heart immediately. Handling the deft subject and all it encapsulated was inspiring. I did wish GARRETT would have tried to learn ALS. Rachel's kindness and compassion reminded me of someone I have come to respect.
I did find some typos. The story was so well done I looked pa add t them.
I will be looking for more from this writer.
183 reviews
July 4, 2024
This was a good one. It was touching to have a story about a def girl who gets left at a hospital and Rachel is a sign language interpretar who takes her in. They find her family, who thought she was dead, and her hard-working uncle Garrett takes her in. He is a work-aholic with no time for family so he needs Rachel to help care for her. There were some good twists and turns in this book so it made for a really good read.
550 reviews
September 15, 2025
Excellent

This book is awesome and you will be amazing by selecting this book. The book is fast moving with a twist and turn you will be surprising and deadly. The book is very informative regarding hearing lost in children. The characters are strong and vulnerable yet, they could love when love was not present in theirs homes. The love making is passionate and sizzling hot. This book will keep you involved and turning pages.
Profile Image for Malika-Liki.
467 reviews12 followers
April 8, 2024
I really loved this story. I loved the story, of Lily this little deaf girl, of the instant loving bond with the ASL interpreter Rachel and with the at first relunctant uncle.
I loved the friendship, the story with his mother Helen and the angst building due to th investigation.
Great story.
331 reviews
June 19, 2017
Good read

Nice to read a romantic story like this. I am glad it sets a better example for people to have faith that truly love does exit.
Profile Image for Connie .
6 reviews
February 3, 2018
Good Read.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and holds the readers interest. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
9 reviews
May 15, 2024
Great!!!

Loved the entire story and the mystery behind who was sabotaging the company. Loved the real life family disfunction on both sides!
Profile Image for Stefanie Kral.
761 reviews25 followers
August 12, 2014
I wanted to read this book ever since I finished Dangerous Ally. Michelle gave us a little preview & I HAD to read it. I emailed her asking her if I'd be able to read it. I literally did my happy, happy joy joy dance when she sent it to me.

We start off with Rachel Mansfield getting a phone call about a deaf girl that was abandoned at the hospital. When Rachel showed up she expected it to be just like every other case she's had. Except the minute she see's Lily she instantly has a connection with this little girl. Rachel agrees to take Lily home with her until they can find her family.

Garrett Staker can NOT believe what the lady on the other end of the phone was saying. His niece was dead!! His sister & Lily had died. This lady was confused. Garrett walks into the diner and sees Lily and stops dead in his tracks. It was his niece. Lily was a spitting image of his sister.

Rachel & Garrett don't get off on the right foot at all. Rachel is a very caring person. She lived her entire life taking care of everyone else. Garrett is very hard headed. He has his own business & is very well off. He's very respected. The last thing he needs or wants is something getting in his way. Even if it's his beautiful, deaf niece.

After a really good business deal, Rachel finds herself packing and leaving everything behind to help Lily. Once Garrett, Rachel & Lily go home to Garrett's they quickly get into a routine. Garrett goes on with his life as if nothing has changed. Rachel teaches Lily sign language & trying to get her to be more vocal. Rachel & Garrett go back and forth like a old married couple. Rachel finally gets it thru Garrett's thick skull that Lily needs him around. They don't know where she was the past year or how she became deaf. She does know that Lily needs her uncle.

After going back & forth to the Dr's for Lily's hearing. Garrett & Rachel form a bond. A bond that either of them expected. They're not even sure if they should act on it. Or even how to. They both have Lily's best interest's in mind. Then comes along Jack. Garrett's best friend. You'll LOVE him!! I'm super stoked he's getting his own story next!!!! Jack agrees to look into the death of Lily's mom. To see if they can figure out what happened.

Garrett & Rachel decide to take Lily on vacation. While on vacation. Rachel & Garrett's relationship started to heat up. Then, Garrett gets a phone call. Someone is sabotaging his company!!!

Rachel & Garrett go back and forth the whole book. Just as they were getting close. One of them put up their wall. The walls they've had up most of their lives. I spent more time yelling at my nook telling them to kiss already!!! Hahaha!!! They also go back & forth with trying to come up with what's best for Lily. What's best for them. They kept trying to figure out their feelings. But, the worst part. They have to figure out who's after Garrett, Rachel & Lily. Rachel, Garrett & Jack won't stop until everybody is safe. Esp, Lily!!

I couldn't put this book down. When I tell you their was suspense on every page!! I LOVED every character! And, Lily....... I adore Lily. I loved watching her grow. I loved seeing her personality come out more & more as the story went on. She had such special bonds with both Garrett & Rachel. This is a book you MUST read. You won't be disappointed!!!

Check out my other reviews, giveaways & upcoming new books at:

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Profile Image for Brittany Alexander.
577 reviews21 followers
February 13, 2014
Personally, I hate novels that incorporate children. Well, most of them. Some do it really well, and Michelle Grey just earned six stars (remember, out of five) from me for Unspoken Bonds.
Rachel is a sign language interpreter for the state of Kansas, so it isn’t unusual for her to be called to the hospital to help translate for children. One call, one child, though, changes her life forever.
When Rachel meets Lily, a six year old with no family, she immediately takes her into her home until the state can contact someone related to her. The state finds Lily’s uncle, Garrett, who wants nothing more than to hand Lily off to a boarding school.
Rachel argues with Garrett, and ultimately wins a job as Lily’s nanny and teacher. That means Rachel picks up everything and moves to Charlotte, North Carolina to live with Garrett and Lily.
While Garrett and Lily become close, Garrett and Rachel also develop an unspoken bond that neither of them are willing to admit is there. Garrett runs his own company and is in the process of dealing with someone on the inside that is ruining his company. Rachel is Lily’s teacher and is determined to help her regain hearing that she lost when she was younger.
As I said, I don’t normally enjoy books that have children that are the main part of the story. This novel though, was written so well, and with such a fantastic story line, that I could not put it down. I fell in love with Rachel, Lily, and Garrett. I have so many good things to say about this book, that I feel as if I can’t put it all into words.
This story flows so well. Every point of view change, every chapter… it all fits perfectly. There were some formatting and grammar issues, but nothing big. I picked up this book, not having read the description of it, and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was sucked in. The idea of this story, the plot, all of it, is just amazing and fun. There’s also moments of suspense too, and at one point, or two, okay, three points, I literally gasped out loud. Yeah, I love it when authors can do that to me.
The relationship between these characters is amazing. There are some really sweet moments in there that broke my heart.
“Do you think Uncle Garrett would let me call him Daddy? And can I call you Mommy?���
Lily is just the sweetest little thing. She’s been through so much, but she still has the biggest heart out of anyone I know. Garrett and Lily, Garret and Rachel, Rachel and Lily, even all three of them together, these relationships between characters are all so different, but they’re all heartwarming. It makes me so happy to read about such love and change.
The characters by themselves are amazing too. Very dynamic and very different from each other. I loved seeing Garrett go from closed off, all business, to open and a family man.
I just learned there was a first book in this series, Dangerous Ally. Guess what I’m going to read now! Michelle Grey is also in the process of a third one, writing the story of Jack, Garrett’s best friend. Can’t wait!
Congratulations, Michelle, on a fabulous six star book. Can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Amy.
Author 26 books24 followers
December 11, 2013
A solid three and half star romance. Definitely one for those who enjoy a sweet romance with less heat.

Rachel Mansfield has spent her life taking care of others including her many siblings so when a little girl named Lily is left at the hospital with a note pinned to her shirt, she opens her heart to yet one more child. What Rachel doesn’t expect is how attached she would become to Lily and how her life would change when she meets Lily’s uncle – Garrett Staker.

Garrett Staker is all business even when it comes to his personal life. He loved his sister dearly and with her death, he pushed himself into his business world further so he is shocked when he's notified that his niece, Lily, is alive after having been believed murdered alongside her mother. His world is turned upside down, first by disbelief, and then the way a little green-eyed sweetheart wiggles her way into his heart and how her champion, Rachel, captures it.

UNSPOKEN BONDS by Michelle Grey starts out slow but once the relationship between Garrett, Rachel, and Lily starts to grow as a family, the story picks up. I appreciated Lily’s deafness as part of the story but I feel that Michelle tends to get bogged down in the details and dwells far too much on aspects of her stories that while endearing tend to slow the pace of the plot. The true story exists within the growing family relationship that builds between the three main characters and the underlying mystery of the murder of Lily’s mother and her subsequent disappearance, as well as the question of who is trying to sabotage Garrett’s business. Michelle did well with all of those connections.

Michelle Grey has a talent for creating realistic characters with whom we can connect. It took me a long while to warm up to Garrett because he was so very distant but as he began to let his guard down, he became more amenable. His brother, Jack, is a much more likable hero but eventually Garrett had my full attention. Rachel is wonderful, caring, and bighearted and Lily couldn’t be more adorable and more real than if she’d been an actual little girl sitting with me while I read.

Whereas I wouldn’t say that UNSPOKEN BONDS is a one of the year’s best, I will recommend it to anyone who loves good characters, strong family bonding, less heat sexually, and a story that might just have you reaching for a tissue occasionally. It’s heart touching and sweet even as you wish to smack Garrett for his selfishness. But before long, you’ll find yourself cheering Garrett on as he begins to realize that with Lily and Rachel, he really does have it all.

***eCopy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
Profile Image for Erin.
22 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2013
Unspoken Bonds is Ms. Grey’s latest book, and it could not be more aptly titled. It is the story of Lily, a hearing-impaired little girl who is abandoned in a hospital with nothing but a note pinned to her shirt. Enter Rachel, the sign interpreter called in to find out Lily’s story, only Lily is unable to communicate even with Rachel. One petrified child plus one emergency room equals one giant conundrum. A bond is instantly formed and Rachel becomes guardian while the hunt for Lily’s family begins. Enter Garrett, the career-minded, single-focused and driven owner of a global construction company who has absolutely no time or desire to be an uncle, let alone a father. But sometimes life has different plans for people.

The beauty of this story is in the handling of the character development as it progresses. I appreciate that by all accounts, their lives are drastically changed by one event, but instead of taking them in directions of self-pity and denial, they “suck it up” and deal with the situation they find themselves in, namely how best to care for a five-year old girl with a number of problems. Rachel is professional and steadfast in her approach to Garrett with regards to how best to serve Lily. Lily’s well being is always first and foremost in Rachel’s mind, even when she begins to develop deeper feelings for Garrett. Garrett claims to be unhappy with having a child thrust upon him, when more accurately he is unprepared for the responsibility. Of course the timing is horrible, as this all happens at the same time he discovers someone trying to take his company apart from the inside out. But things aren’t linear, and Garrett must grow as a man and learn how he is going to fit his new responsibilities in, and decide how he can keep Rachel in his life as well.

I really liked the multi-layered story and ultimately, how it was resolved. I also liked the way the romantic parts were portrayed, because the emotional foundation for a relationship and the growing admiration for a person were developed long before the physical one did. And I liked the handling of Lily’s deafness and the fact it was not portrayed as a “disability,” but as a “new ability.” But that goes back to my comment above about the characters dealing with stuff instead of letting stuff crush them. Really good story!

I would give this 4.25/5 stars.
Author 3 books91 followers
February 23, 2014
This is the 2nd book that I've read by Michelle and I loved it! I loved the setting, characters, plot and more. You will be captivated by all the characters, their pain, love, loss, redemption and more until the very end.

Rachel is called into work to help a child. That child is Lily who is 4 and has hearing problems. She makes her priority to care and take care of this little orphan girl. Rachel is attached to this little girl as the girl is attached to her.... but when her next of kin does come that makes things a little interesting for everyone.

Garrett has had a hard life. He keeps himself busy with his business and doesn't like thinking of the past and the pains that have affected him. He is shocked with the revelation that his niece is alive! He goes to the hospital to find a captivating little girl who looks like his sister and a woman with beautiful blue eyes who is acting as his niece's protector.

Rachel... man I loved and adored her. She is a wonderful woman with a terrific heart. I loved how she got Lily and helped her so much. I loved everything she did for the little girl, the family and Garrett too.

Garrett woah. He's a piece of work, but a terrific man too. I enjoyed watching and seeing him learn, interact and then care for the people who mattered most. I loved the little things he did, surprises and more. You will care about him and take to him like I did. :) <3

Lilly- that poor little thing. She's had a rough life and I enjoyed watching her with Rachel. She flourished and I enjoyed watching her with Rachel and Garrett. She was the glue that made things work out and also cause some drama too... little devil. hehehe

This book is filled with angst, love, compassion, truth, family drama, pains, friendship and more that will really keep you reading until the very end.
I loved the characters and also that this is a non cheating type of book! ;)

4.5 stars from me!

* I received a copy of this book by the in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Yawatta Hosby.
Author 13 books72 followers
June 19, 2014
*** I received a free copy in exchange for a review***

I loved this book. My favorite lines: 1) She might not be sure of his motives, but there was something real, and painful, behind his decision. 2) “I’m a businessman, Ms. Mansfield. My life isn’t designed to include a child.” 3) She was officially in creeper territory now, but at two in the morning her objectivity was long gone. 4) Funny thing about logic, though. Sometimes it lacked conviction. 5) Principle and discipline be da**ed; he was tired of cold showers.

Rachel and Garrett were strangers who were forced to meet once Lily came into the picture. Lily was a cute little girl who was deaf. She was abandoned, so Rachel had to help her until she could find a home. Garrett was her uncle. I felt for all parties involved. Garrett and his mom had thought Lily had died alongside her mother. He led a busy life and didn’t have time for a child. I respected his decision, but at the same time, it would’ve been heartache if Lily was abandoned again. Rachel and Lily bonded, so Rachel agreed to move in with Garrett to a different state to help him raise Lily until he could get back on his feet.

Even though Garrett was selfish, I still liked him as a character. I thought his and Rachel’s back and forth was cute. The sarcasm was entertaining. I loved the suspense. There was something not quite right about Andy, a stranger from the park. Plus, who took photos of Rachel and Lily? Who had murdered Lily’s mom, Garrett’s sister?

The author had a brilliant talent with setting. I could touch, smell, hear, and feel everything as though I was there with the characters. The story had a very cute ending.

I RECOMMEND this book to read.
Profile Image for Marilou George.
186 reviews53 followers
November 17, 2013
Michelle Grey brings us another heartfelt story about a hearing impaired little girl named Lily who is left at a hospital with a note pinned to her shirt asking for someone to take care of her. It is a story about love, perseverance and how the course of your life can be changed in a single instance.

Rachel, a sign language interpreter, is called upon to help communicate with Lily who is left alone at the hospital emergency room and is terrified. Rachel and Lily form an immediate connection and Lily is placed in Rachel’s care until a relative can be found. They form a relationship that is unbreakable and as they continue to become more attached Garrett, who is Lily’s Uncle, is appraised of the situation and enters their lives.

This is a story of how life throws its curve balls and how people learn what they are really made of. It focuses on the desire to help a little girl learn to communicate and put all other personal needs aside. It is a story of two people who are thrust together under unusual circumstances and despite the feelings they have for each other the child’s needs and happiness come first.

The characters of Rachel, Lily and Garrett are so well developed as the story progresses that their journey will keep you invested as you move forward. The true realism and emotions of the characters transfers a feeling of compassion and hope in the story. The manner in which Lily’s deafness was handled in this book is a great example of what can happen when what is usually considered a handicap is treated with positivity and compassion.

I recommend this book to all readers who like a fast-paced story filled with compassion and hope.
Profile Image for Melanie's.
566 reviews29 followers
September 22, 2013
**Review of the ARC of Unspoken Bonds which was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review**

Michelle Grey sent me a book earlier this year for review, Dangerous Ally which I thoroughly enjoyed but at the end there was a teaser for this book which absolutely hooked me. So much so that I messaged Michelle IMMEDIATELY to find out when it was going to come out and having received it I probably SHOULDN’T have started it when I was supposed to be moving house because it was near impossible to put down

Whilst the story is a little predictable the characters are so captivating that it didn’t bother me in the least. The child Lily just about broke my heart and I don’t even LIKE children!

Well written and a compelling page turner I could easily have sat and read it in one sitting had real life requirements not kept interfering. Michelle does an excellent job of spinning a yarn that is difficult to resist. As someone who doesn’t like contemporary romance in general and is not a fan of children then fact that this book captivated me so thoroughly it earns 5 stars should speak volumes about the story.

A must read for pretty much EVERYONE that likes a good story (but probably 17+ due to some adult action ;) )

V””V
Profile Image for Magic Within the Pages.
397 reviews15 followers
December 28, 2013
Reviewer: Donna - Magic Within The Pages
Rating: 5 Stars

Rachel is a speech interpreter for deaf patients at the hospital and she gets called in to work as a little girl has been admitted and she had a note pinned to her clothes saying her name and to care of her. They fine her uncle, Garrett who thought that Lily had died with her sister. Garrett asks Rachel to come and live with them and help him to get to know his niece and find out what happened and where had Lily been. There is attraction between Rachel and Garrett but the both have issue in their child hoods that they connect over.

This book was really good. I ended up staying up just to read it as I wanted to know what happened to Lily before she ended up at the hospital. There were so many secrets all through the book and the direction of the story always changed which made me want to continue reading. In some places, I felt that the story was taking a while to progress but apart from that I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to read some more books by this author.

*ARC Received in exchange for an honest review*
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