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Unbreakable #1
Unbreakable
Librarian's Note: This is an alternate edition for ASIN B00E4Y6ZZC
Jessica Harper is the epitome of perfection. She’s a good daughter, makes excellent grades, and always strays on the safe side of life. The last thing she thought would ever happen was falling in love with her best friend’s brother. But sometimes fate just has a way of bringing two people together.
Wide receiver for the University of Arizona, Gabe Garcia, seems to have it all. When his feelings for Jessica come to surface, Gabe will give up everything to be with her.
But what happens when a tragedy abruptly changes the course of your life? For Jessica and Gabe, everything they thought they knew about each other will be questioned. Sometimes, there are scars in life that are cut too deep to completely heal.
Will their love prove to be unbreakable, or will it shatter and prove fate is just another lie?
*This book contains mature subject matter and is not intended for those under 17 years of age.*
Jessica Harper is the epitome of perfection. She’s a good daughter, makes excellent grades, and always strays on the safe side of life. The last thing she thought would ever happen was falling in love with her best friend’s brother. But sometimes fate just has a way of bringing two people together.
Wide receiver for the University of Arizona, Gabe Garcia, seems to have it all. When his feelings for Jessica come to surface, Gabe will give up everything to be with her.
But what happens when a tragedy abruptly changes the course of your life? For Jessica and Gabe, everything they thought they knew about each other will be questioned. Sometimes, there are scars in life that are cut too deep to completely heal.
Will their love prove to be unbreakable, or will it shatter and prove fate is just another lie?
*This book contains mature subject matter and is not intended for those under 17 years of age.*
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2013
302 people are currently reading
8809 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Shea
23 books2,694 followersI grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and currently reside in Phoenix, AZ with my family.
Aside from reading and writing, I enjoy spending time with friends, hiking, watching my boys play football, my daughter dance, and baking (not cooking...those are two very different things!)
I am obsessed with margarita's, coffee, and diet coke and can't live without my iPad.
Aside from reading and writing, I enjoy spending time with friends, hiking, watching my boys play football, my daughter dance, and baking (not cooking...those are two very different things!)
I am obsessed with margarita's, coffee, and diet coke and can't live without my iPad.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 843 reviews
July 25, 2013
OH. MY. GOD!
I honestly can't remember the last time I cried so much at a book - there's so much incredible emotional intensity in this one that I'm giving it 5 stars, which I don't do very often. I still feel close to tears just sat here writing this.
I think it’s safe to say that this one totally RIPPED my heart out! I read a lot of books and I’m enthusiastic about a lot of them but, every now and then, a book comes along that completely takes my breath away, makes the rest of the world just fade away and all that remains is the story unfolding in front of me – this is THAT book!!
Our central couple are Gabe and Jess. Jess lost her mother at a very young aged and is raised by her widowed father who is the local Fire Chief and totally threw himself into his career after the loss of his wife. As a result, Jess is virtually adopted by the Garcia family who live next door becoming best friends with their daughter Ava. Ava has two older brothers, Gabriel and Luke and Jess has been harbouring a major crush on Gabe for years and as they grow up together, they confess their feelings for one another and become a couple.
So far, even though this is beautifully written, it’s been a fairly normal new adult romance – great character development and beautiful pacing but nothing too out of the ordinary. BUT, suddenly, out of the blue, something BIG happens and, for me as a reader, it was kind of like slamming straight into a brick wall at maximum velocity. While the rest of the world seemed to carry on without me, I was left in a heap wondering what on earth had hit me.
It’s not exactly what happens that caused me to ugly cry on multiple occasions in the aftermath of this big event – after all, if you’re an ardent reader, you’ll have read this plotline before. Possibly more than a few times. No, what makes this so different is the incredible depth of emotions we as readers are allowed to experience with the central characters. I honestly feel that I matched them tear for tear – their pain and sorrow was absolutely my own pain and sorrow.
I don’t even know that it’s possible to find the words to describe just now much I lost myself in this book. For me, as a reader, it’s really important that the emotional side of the story isn’t rushed or glossed over. I need to see the characters absorb and react to what happens and Becca Shea did this beautifully. The pacing was 100% perfect. As the shockwaves from the life-changing event spread slowly out and affected everything and everyone around Gabe and Jess, their emotions were so heartfelt, so soulful, so painful. The writing is virtually flawless – I was right there with every character in every scene,
Gabe and jess were beautifully drawn characters – neither of them were perfect and they seemed very real, very much a regular young couple. After the big event, I completely melted for Gabe – his incredible strength and perseverance and absolute and irrefutable love for Jess is what makes this story so sublime. Jess’ reactions hurt herself and Gabe but he hangs in there for her and gives her the time and space she needs but it’s soul-destroying for him and therefore for me – the reader who has fallen in love with him.
Thankfully there is a happy ending but it’s a rough ride to get here. There’s fantastic secondary character development here and I’d like to see a few of them get their own stories. One character that’s introduced in the last third of the book and who, at first, I really didn’t want to like but ended up totally loving with have his story told to us in the second book in the series.
I totally can’t wait to see what Becca Shea does next – this is incredibly accomplished for a debut author and I will be awaiting new releases from her with bated breath.
5 big and shiny stars!!
I urge other reviewers not to give away what happens - readers should be able to experience this with the full impact the author intends.
Full review on the blog tour next week but this is TOTALLY AWESOME!!
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews or visit us on Facebook.
I honestly can't remember the last time I cried so much at a book - there's so much incredible emotional intensity in this one that I'm giving it 5 stars, which I don't do very often. I still feel close to tears just sat here writing this.
I think it’s safe to say that this one totally RIPPED my heart out! I read a lot of books and I’m enthusiastic about a lot of them but, every now and then, a book comes along that completely takes my breath away, makes the rest of the world just fade away and all that remains is the story unfolding in front of me – this is THAT book!!
Our central couple are Gabe and Jess. Jess lost her mother at a very young aged and is raised by her widowed father who is the local Fire Chief and totally threw himself into his career after the loss of his wife. As a result, Jess is virtually adopted by the Garcia family who live next door becoming best friends with their daughter Ava. Ava has two older brothers, Gabriel and Luke and Jess has been harbouring a major crush on Gabe for years and as they grow up together, they confess their feelings for one another and become a couple.
He grabs my chin, turning my head so that our eyes meet. “This is real. Don’t ever doubt my feelings for you. For years I’ve watched you, wanted you—waited for you.” He moves his hand from my chin and cups my cheek, “Please don’t be afraid Jess, I promise I won’t ever hurt you.” I nod my head, and let his words ease my fears. “And don’t you ever think you’re not good enough for me, do you understand?” His voice is quiet yet firm.
“Yes,” I whisper.
So far, even though this is beautifully written, it’s been a fairly normal new adult romance – great character development and beautiful pacing but nothing too out of the ordinary. BUT, suddenly, out of the blue, something BIG happens and, for me as a reader, it was kind of like slamming straight into a brick wall at maximum velocity. While the rest of the world seemed to carry on without me, I was left in a heap wondering what on earth had hit me.
It’s not exactly what happens that caused me to ugly cry on multiple occasions in the aftermath of this big event – after all, if you’re an ardent reader, you’ll have read this plotline before. Possibly more than a few times. No, what makes this so different is the incredible depth of emotions we as readers are allowed to experience with the central characters. I honestly feel that I matched them tear for tear – their pain and sorrow was absolutely my own pain and sorrow.
I don’t even know that it’s possible to find the words to describe just now much I lost myself in this book. For me, as a reader, it’s really important that the emotional side of the story isn’t rushed or glossed over. I need to see the characters absorb and react to what happens and Becca Shea did this beautifully. The pacing was 100% perfect. As the shockwaves from the life-changing event spread slowly out and affected everything and everyone around Gabe and Jess, their emotions were so heartfelt, so soulful, so painful. The writing is virtually flawless – I was right there with every character in every scene,
Gabe and jess were beautifully drawn characters – neither of them were perfect and they seemed very real, very much a regular young couple. After the big event, I completely melted for Gabe – his incredible strength and perseverance and absolute and irrefutable love for Jess is what makes this story so sublime. Jess’ reactions hurt herself and Gabe but he hangs in there for her and gives her the time and space she needs but it’s soul-destroying for him and therefore for me – the reader who has fallen in love with him.
Thankfully there is a happy ending but it’s a rough ride to get here. There’s fantastic secondary character development here and I’d like to see a few of them get their own stories. One character that’s introduced in the last third of the book and who, at first, I really didn’t want to like but ended up totally loving with have his story told to us in the second book in the series.
I totally can’t wait to see what Becca Shea does next – this is incredibly accomplished for a debut author and I will be awaiting new releases from her with bated breath.
5 big and shiny stars!!
I urge other reviewers not to give away what happens - readers should be able to experience this with the full impact the author intends.
Full review on the blog tour next week but this is TOTALLY AWESOME!!
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews or visit us on Facebook.
July 26, 2013
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“We will get through this, together. You and I. Nothing will break us, ever. Not this. Do you hear me, Jess? Nothing. We’re Unbreakable.”
Unbreakable almost felt like two completely different books to me all in one. It started off something sweet about falling in love with the boy next door to something much more emotional and deep then what I was expecting. I liked the first half but the second half was simply wonderful.
In the beginning we are introduced to 18 year-old high school Jessica whose mother died when she was four and was raised by the family next door since her father coped when the loss of his wife in work and ignored her growing up. Jessica thinks of the Garcia’s as her family and has spent 14 years as part of their family. While visiting the middle son Gabe who is away at college Jess & Gabe share a kiss that changes everything.
“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that won’t let me breathe if you’re not with me. It’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you.” - Gabe
Gabe moves back home and the two instantly start a relationship admitting they are in love with each other. Their romance at first was a bit too sappy for me, their relationship was I love you this, I love you that it was just too much for me. Their first love relationship was cute and I am sucker for falling in love with the boy next door storylines but I wanted something a bit more and I kept waiting for the ball to drop like I knew it would.
About right in the middle of the book everything changes and I started to really love the book. Jessica experiences something every woman fears could happen to her. She closes herself off, not feeling like Gabe deserves her now and pushes everyone away. Gabe was seriously PERFECT, he loves Jessica so much and he didn’t know how to deal with what Jessica was going through, he gave her too much space and she left him needing to get away from it all.
Jessica moves away not even giving Gabe a proper goodbye, I was seriously upset at her but in a way understood where she was coming from. As I read I knew Jessica was making a giant mistake but she had to get away from everything and everyone. Jess moves to North Carolina for an internship and meets Landon… girls as great and wonderful as Gabe is Landon is my man in this. He is a local police officer, playboy who doesn’t do the “love thing” but falls hard for Jess but is there for her as a friend (for the most part). What he does for Jess at the end is one of the best things a person could have done for her and he totally won me over right then and there.
Unbreakable took me on an emotional roller-coaster. I wanted Jess with Gabe, then with Landon, then back with Gabe... back and forth. Maybe I just wanted Landon for myself? Ha! I just wanted them all to have a happy ending but I knew one boy wouldn’t.
“There can’t be an us when you’re heart belongs to someone else.”
I laughed at parts, I was sad at other parts, and wanted to scream at other parts; mostly at Jessica for pushing Gabe away. I wanted Jessica to finally see the light and see she has people who love her, even her father that can’t show it but he does love her. More importantly I wanted Jess to be herself again like she was in the beginning of the book to be able to love and let people close.
“Never be afraid to feel. It’s the only way to really live. If you don’t feel, there is no way you can love, heal, or forgive. You’ll never move forward or get past this. You have to forgive, Jess.” - Landon
After reading Unbreakable I am glad it started off overly sweet romance and changed to something much more because it shows how your “perfect” world can change dramatically over just one event.
I give Unbreakable 4 Stars.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
“We will get through this, together. You and I. Nothing will break us, ever. Not this. Do you hear me, Jess? Nothing. We’re Unbreakable.”
Unbreakable almost felt like two completely different books to me all in one. It started off something sweet about falling in love with the boy next door to something much more emotional and deep then what I was expecting. I liked the first half but the second half was simply wonderful.
In the beginning we are introduced to 18 year-old high school Jessica whose mother died when she was four and was raised by the family next door since her father coped when the loss of his wife in work and ignored her growing up. Jessica thinks of the Garcia’s as her family and has spent 14 years as part of their family. While visiting the middle son Gabe who is away at college Jess & Gabe share a kiss that changes everything.
“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that won’t let me breathe if you’re not with me. It’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you.” - Gabe
Gabe moves back home and the two instantly start a relationship admitting they are in love with each other. Their romance at first was a bit too sappy for me, their relationship was I love you this, I love you that it was just too much for me. Their first love relationship was cute and I am sucker for falling in love with the boy next door storylines but I wanted something a bit more and I kept waiting for the ball to drop like I knew it would.
About right in the middle of the book everything changes and I started to really love the book. Jessica experiences something every woman fears could happen to her. She closes herself off, not feeling like Gabe deserves her now and pushes everyone away. Gabe was seriously PERFECT, he loves Jessica so much and he didn’t know how to deal with what Jessica was going through, he gave her too much space and she left him needing to get away from it all.
Jessica moves away not even giving Gabe a proper goodbye, I was seriously upset at her but in a way understood where she was coming from. As I read I knew Jessica was making a giant mistake but she had to get away from everything and everyone. Jess moves to North Carolina for an internship and meets Landon… girls as great and wonderful as Gabe is Landon is my man in this. He is a local police officer, playboy who doesn’t do the “love thing” but falls hard for Jess but is there for her as a friend (for the most part). What he does for Jess at the end is one of the best things a person could have done for her and he totally won me over right then and there.
Unbreakable took me on an emotional roller-coaster. I wanted Jess with Gabe, then with Landon, then back with Gabe... back and forth. Maybe I just wanted Landon for myself? Ha! I just wanted them all to have a happy ending but I knew one boy wouldn’t.
“There can’t be an us when you’re heart belongs to someone else.”
I laughed at parts, I was sad at other parts, and wanted to scream at other parts; mostly at Jessica for pushing Gabe away. I wanted Jessica to finally see the light and see she has people who love her, even her father that can’t show it but he does love her. More importantly I wanted Jess to be herself again like she was in the beginning of the book to be able to love and let people close.
“Never be afraid to feel. It’s the only way to really live. If you don’t feel, there is no way you can love, heal, or forgive. You’ll never move forward or get past this. You have to forgive, Jess.” - Landon
After reading Unbreakable I am glad it started off overly sweet romance and changed to something much more because it shows how your “perfect” world can change dramatically over just one event.
I give Unbreakable 4 Stars.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
Want to read
December 18, 2014
FREE today on Amazon US (12/17/2014)
BLURB:
Jessica Harper is the epitome of perfection. She’s a good daughter, makes excellent grades, and always strays on the safe side of life. The last thing she thought would ever happen was falling in love with her best friend’s brother. But sometimes fate just has a way of bringing two people together.
Wide receiver for the University of Arizona, Gabe Garcia, seems to have it all. When his feelings for Jessica come to surface, Gabe will give up everything to be with her.
But what happens when a tragedy abruptly changes the course of your life? For Jessica and Gabe, everything they thought they knew about each other will be questioned. Sometimes, there are scars in life that are cut too deep to completely heal.
Will their love prove to be unbreakable, or will it shatter and prove fate is just another lie?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E...
December 1, 2015
Get your Kleenex ready. This is one heartfelt, emotional, story! Prepare to shed a few tears.
Jessica and Gabe are the embodiment of young love. They've known each other since childhood. He was her first, and was meant to be her last. They were happy and content, until violence touched their lives.
Out jogging alone one evening, Jessica becomes the victim of a brutal attack. As she struggles to come to terms with her rape, she pushes away everyone that she loves, including Gabe. Moving cross-country for an internship, she vows to move on. She embarks on a healing journey, coming to terms with the assault that has left her scarred and finding the inner strength to face those that she left behind.
This was a fantastic story. It was an emotionally charged read, addressing how a girl survived in the aftermath of sexual assault. It was a story of strength, perseverance and true love. The characters were genuine and engaging.
I listened to the Audible version of this story and could not stop listening. I had to know how things worked out for these two. This was a beautiful, tragic and heart wrenching story. Absolutely fantastic!
Jessica and Gabe are the embodiment of young love. They've known each other since childhood. He was her first, and was meant to be her last. They were happy and content, until violence touched their lives.
Out jogging alone one evening, Jessica becomes the victim of a brutal attack. As she struggles to come to terms with her rape, she pushes away everyone that she loves, including Gabe. Moving cross-country for an internship, she vows to move on. She embarks on a healing journey, coming to terms with the assault that has left her scarred and finding the inner strength to face those that she left behind.
This was a fantastic story. It was an emotionally charged read, addressing how a girl survived in the aftermath of sexual assault. It was a story of strength, perseverance and true love. The characters were genuine and engaging.
I listened to the Audible version of this story and could not stop listening. I had to know how things worked out for these two. This was a beautiful, tragic and heart wrenching story. Absolutely fantastic!
August 15, 2013
It was an okay 2.5-3 star read. I just couldn't connect with the characters - I skimmed a lot. I didn't really care what happened...Now I feel mean :(
November 16, 2014
Unbreakable is a story that definitely can allure lot of readers. Eye catching cover, great sounding premise and several positive reviews, really work magic. Rebbeca Shea’s novel is something that totally goes with the New Adult flow. Unfortunately, for a reader who have read so many new adult contemporaries, Unbreakable just vanishes from mind only a couple of minutes after you finish. It’s not bad book, I defintely won’t start bitching about, but it is not something worth my bows or gratidute. I guess, Unbreakable is just meh kind of novel.
I haven’t got anything I haven’t seen before. Every aspect of Shea’s novel is something that I’ve read earlier. If I haven’t got my hands on so many fantastic new adult romance novels before this one, I would love this story.
Gabe & Jess know each other from the time they were children. Jess is the best friend of Gabe’s little sister and person that is like a part of family. So when both of them start to have deeper feelings for each other they don’t act on it, because of the fear of losing friendship and closure. But one summer things got pretty much heated and their attraction as well as love can’t be denied.
Gabe
Jess
First half is sweet heart warming romance. Everything is beautiful, from time to time mystical, glittery unicorn will show along side with some perky rainbows. Romance is bloosoming, characters are likeable enough, sex pretty hot too, but… it was too much touchy feely for me! It was kind of… boring, I guess? How good life could be before something will fuck this up. Which of course will happen.
After that things are little bit dramatic. We have heart breaking moments, gritty and raw situations and start of dreaded love triangle. Some time in the story we’ll meet London, sexy police officer, who will want Jess for himself. And all this love triangle yada, yada.
London
I can’t say it’s not enjoyable book, it is just so not worth remembering. After few moments I couldn’t remember some plot twists or name of characters, which I suppose mean that I wasn’t into it at all. Lately I want something mind blowing and totally unique and Unbreakable was not this book.
Overall, people who don’t mind sugarcoated pretty little romance stories, will really enjoy Shea’s work. Readers who have had his/her share of old scheme in new adult, will be disappointed. Three stars feel like merciful rating for the book, that easily will be forgotten.
November 18, 2015
There are stories you read that grip your heart and leave a permanent imprint there that lasts forever.
There are authors who have the ability to create works of art that irrevocably impact your mind, your emotions and your soul.
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover and Take This Regret by A L Jackson are two such books that had an immense impact on me, and I now add this book..... 'Unbreakable' by Rebecca Shea to my list.
When a story pulls you in so deeply, has you feeling like you are right there with the characters as they experience love, loss, heartbreak, fear, anger, regret and happiness, has you connecting with them as if they are part of your family or your friends, you know that you are experiencing something truly special. Unbreakable did exactly that for me!!
This story was so well written and it flowed flawlessly. The character development was exceptional, as you watched each of them grow and change throughout the story.
I felt such a strong connection to Jess and Gabe. I was smiling as they feel in love, cheering as their relationship blossomed, crying as their lives were changed by tragedy, sobbing for Gabe's heartbreak, angry when Landon showed up, crying again over Gabe's letter, awed by Landon's phone call, and overjoyed for their final reunion.
I experienced so much through the course of reading this exceptional story, and although I knew this was Rebecca Shea's debut novel it astounds me that someone can write a story as powerful as this on their first go.
The first 40% of the book, we watch as Jess and Gabe dance around their feelings for each other until Gabe finally confesses his love on a hill under the stars.....
"Jess, what I'm trying to say is that you are all I think about. I want to hug you and kiss you, and love you."
Then Jess makes her confession and the moment is incredibly sweet and romantic!!! We watch their love grow, plans get made and their joy of being together.
(I had to laugh when Gabe says that 'The Goonies' is his favorite movie because apart from my husband, I have never heard anyone say that before).
Sometimes you can sense where a story is going BUT at 41%.....
BAM
I was sucker punched and left thinking..... "What the hell!!!..... OMG!!!"
I was really not expecting the sharp turn the story took, and the event changes Jess so completely and tears the lovers apart. The heartbreak I felt here was immense for both characters, and while Jess tries to deal with everything the best way she can, it was shattering.....
'I know in my heart, I will never, ever get over him. There are some people who own a piece of your heart, your soul. For me, that is Gabe'
I have to say that I took an instant dislike when Landon was introduced to the story. His attitude really had me freaking out but as the story progressed, it became clear that his presence was essential to Jess's healing. His selflessness totally changed my opinion of him and when that phone call is made, I think I fell slightly in love.
After a quick reunion and with uncertainty of their future still hanging around, Gabe continues declaring his love for Jess.....
"Until the day I die, I will love you with my last breath."
The character development of Jess is so well conveyed that you feel a great sense of relief and happiness when she makes the decision to move forward with her life. Their final reunion, Gabe's surprise and then the epilogue, rounded out the book so perfectly complete, that it was hard to wipe the smile of satisfaction from my face.....
'No matter what the future holds, what is thrown our way, the love that binds us is Unbreakable'
To say that I loved this story would be a massive understatement. This book was exceptional and I can not wait to read more by a truly talented story teller. I applaud you Rebecca Shea and thank you for sharing this gift!
There are authors who have the ability to create works of art that irrevocably impact your mind, your emotions and your soul.
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover and Take This Regret by A L Jackson are two such books that had an immense impact on me, and I now add this book..... 'Unbreakable' by Rebecca Shea to my list.
When a story pulls you in so deeply, has you feeling like you are right there with the characters as they experience love, loss, heartbreak, fear, anger, regret and happiness, has you connecting with them as if they are part of your family or your friends, you know that you are experiencing something truly special. Unbreakable did exactly that for me!!
This story was so well written and it flowed flawlessly. The character development was exceptional, as you watched each of them grow and change throughout the story.
I felt such a strong connection to Jess and Gabe. I was smiling as they feel in love, cheering as their relationship blossomed, crying as their lives were changed by tragedy, sobbing for Gabe's heartbreak, angry when Landon showed up, crying again over Gabe's letter, awed by Landon's phone call, and overjoyed for their final reunion.
I experienced so much through the course of reading this exceptional story, and although I knew this was Rebecca Shea's debut novel it astounds me that someone can write a story as powerful as this on their first go.
The first 40% of the book, we watch as Jess and Gabe dance around their feelings for each other until Gabe finally confesses his love on a hill under the stars.....
"Jess, what I'm trying to say is that you are all I think about. I want to hug you and kiss you, and love you."
Then Jess makes her confession and the moment is incredibly sweet and romantic!!! We watch their love grow, plans get made and their joy of being together.
(I had to laugh when Gabe says that 'The Goonies' is his favorite movie because apart from my husband, I have never heard anyone say that before).
Sometimes you can sense where a story is going BUT at 41%.....
BAM
I was sucker punched and left thinking..... "What the hell!!!..... OMG!!!"
I was really not expecting the sharp turn the story took, and the event changes Jess so completely and tears the lovers apart. The heartbreak I felt here was immense for both characters, and while Jess tries to deal with everything the best way she can, it was shattering.....
'I know in my heart, I will never, ever get over him. There are some people who own a piece of your heart, your soul. For me, that is Gabe'
I have to say that I took an instant dislike when Landon was introduced to the story. His attitude really had me freaking out but as the story progressed, it became clear that his presence was essential to Jess's healing. His selflessness totally changed my opinion of him and when that phone call is made, I think I fell slightly in love.
After a quick reunion and with uncertainty of their future still hanging around, Gabe continues declaring his love for Jess.....
"Until the day I die, I will love you with my last breath."
The character development of Jess is so well conveyed that you feel a great sense of relief and happiness when she makes the decision to move forward with her life. Their final reunion, Gabe's surprise and then the epilogue, rounded out the book so perfectly complete, that it was hard to wipe the smile of satisfaction from my face.....
'No matter what the future holds, what is thrown our way, the love that binds us is Unbreakable'
To say that I loved this story would be a massive understatement. This book was exceptional and I can not wait to read more by a truly talented story teller. I applaud you Rebecca Shea and thank you for sharing this gift!
August 18, 2015
Unbreakable swept me up and took me on an emotional, heartrending journey that I never expected to experience. There are so many things I would like to express about this story, but I’m going to be vague for fear of spoiling you. Just know that this story deals with sensitive subject matter that is cruel, disturbing, and unfathomable.
Jessica Harper lost her mother when she was a child. Her father’s way to cope was to emerge himself into his work as a Fire Chief at the local fire station. Not knowing how to raise a little girl, he pretty much left it up to the Garcia’s, their neighbors across the street to watch over Jessica. They became her family. Their daughter Ava is her best friend and like a sister. Ava has two older brothers, Luke and Gabriel, and, for years, Jessica has been crushing on Gabe. She didn’t realize he'd been harboring the same feelings for her as well. They both finally confess their feelings towards each other and then become a sweet and happy couple that is deeply in love and looking forward to their future together.
At this point, I’ve really gotten to know Gabe and Jess and I’ve fallen in love with this couple. Yet, at the same time, I had this niggling feeling in the back of my mind that something bad was about to happen, especially since the happy relationship is giving me nothing but warm and fuzzy feelings. I needed some angst and drama. And hells bells if I didn’t get what I asked for. I was suddenly a crying, emotional wreck. My heart completely shattered. Prepare yourself for some serious heartbreak. And grab a box of tissues.
From that point on, the tone of the book completely changes. Jess and Gabe’s relationship is put through the wringer. It’s the ultimate test of their love for one another. Jess has been traumatized. Gabe has no idea how to console her. They are both lost. The relationship is falling apart. Jess pushes Gabe away. Gabe is confused by it all and lets her push him away. He loves this woman all the way deep into his soul and he feels helpless. Poor Gabe and Jess. It was all so very frustrating and sad to watch this beautiful couple lose all that beauty they once had together. I completely and utterly felt for Jess. My heart went out to this girl. I understood her confusion and anger and sorrow. She’s destroyed by what happened to her. She needs to escape everyone and everything. She’s become an empty shell and needs to find a way to live again. Which is why she takes an internship in North Carolina and abruptly leaves everyone without telling them where she’s going and leaves a distraught Gabe behind.
“Don’t go,” I whisper. “Love me enough to stay.” -Gabe
*cries big, fat ugly tears*
Even though I was opposed to Jess leaving Gabe, I understood her reasons. So, while Jess is in North Carolina, she meets Landon, the bad boy police officer that becomes her friend. He helps her in more ways than she ever imagined. What he does for Jess is completely selfless. I was wooed by this man. I admit to being slightly torn between Landon and Gabe. They are both worthy, incredibly sexy, charismatic, and selfless men. Though, I admit, my heart was always with Gabe, whom I absolutely adored. I wanted Jess and Gabe back together. Do they get back together? I’m not saying. *wink*
Unbreakable is a stunning and well-written debut story about love, tragedy, fear, anger, heartbreak, regret, and second chances. This story consumed me with the incredible depth of emotion portrayed by the characters. Jess and Gabe are exceptional characters that I felt connected to. They are not perfect and they make a lot of mistakes as they grow and change throughout the story. The secondary characters, especially Landon, are just as vividly depicted as the main characters. Gabe and Jess made me laugh and smile as they fall in love and plan their future together. They made me cry fat, ugly tears when they fell apart. I felt Gabe’s heartache and anger when the woman he loves was crushed by tragedy then left him. I felt Jess’ need to escape the depression she was drowning in. I felt her first breath of happiness when she finally found herself again. There are so many things I would like to say about Landon, but I’m going to leave that part alone. Take this journey with these characters and find out what happens to them. It’s a turbulent ride but, I promise, you won’t want to miss out on this book. To say I’m stoked about the next book in the series is a HUGE understatement.
Rating: A-
Heat: Hot
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review
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September 4, 2013
This book is about a girl named Jessica whose mother dies when she is four. she is raised by her dad, and her neighbors the Garcia's. She has always been in love with one of the brothers Gabe. Gabe has such a beautiful heart & as the book progresses I loved him even more! there is some deep subject matter that really had me feeling so many emotions. it was ended perfectly and had a lovely HEA! I really thought it was an excellent book! :)
-My heart races as my lips answer and I press my mouth to his, capturing the only thing I've ever wanted-him.
-Glancing back over my shoulder, he is standing next to his bed with his hands on his hips and a small smile spread across his lips. Those lips will be my downfall.
-His hazel eyes look greener today as the sun is shining directly on his bronzed face. His eyelashes are long and accentuate his beautiful almond-shaped eyes, and his dark brown hair is a tussled mess from playing basketball.
-All of Gabe is perfection in my eyes.
-There are some people who own a piece of your heart, your soul. For me, that is Gabe.
-There is an unspoken comfort with Jess. I've never been so at ease with another person in my life. Something inside of me was missing until we got together, and I never intend on letting her go.
-"This is real. Don't ever doubt my feelings for you. For years I've watched you, wanted you- waited for you."
-Sometimes shutting doors and letting go is the most important step in healing your heart.
-You have to feel to be able to love.
-I sense him before I see him, I always have.
-My heart is finally home.
-No matter what the future holds, what is thrown our way, the love that binds us is Unbreakable.
-My heart races as my lips answer and I press my mouth to his, capturing the only thing I've ever wanted-him.
-Glancing back over my shoulder, he is standing next to his bed with his hands on his hips and a small smile spread across his lips. Those lips will be my downfall.
-His hazel eyes look greener today as the sun is shining directly on his bronzed face. His eyelashes are long and accentuate his beautiful almond-shaped eyes, and his dark brown hair is a tussled mess from playing basketball.
-All of Gabe is perfection in my eyes.
-There are some people who own a piece of your heart, your soul. For me, that is Gabe.
-There is an unspoken comfort with Jess. I've never been so at ease with another person in my life. Something inside of me was missing until we got together, and I never intend on letting her go.
-"This is real. Don't ever doubt my feelings for you. For years I've watched you, wanted you- waited for you."
-Sometimes shutting doors and letting go is the most important step in healing your heart.
-You have to feel to be able to love.
-I sense him before I see him, I always have.
-My heart is finally home.
-No matter what the future holds, what is thrown our way, the love that binds us is Unbreakable.
July 27, 2013
4 Unbreakable stars
In the beginning the book is solely focused on Jess and Gabe as we see them move from childhood friends to so much more which leaves your heart full and bursting..
Then when you hit about the middle of the book things take a turn for the worse, this is where the book could've made us take a step on the dark side but it just skimmed over Jess's ordeal which made for easier reading..
I guess for me giving it a 4 is that I wanted those emotions brought out of me, the dark, the gritty, the tears..
Enjoyable read, loved the ending, but hope there's another book about Landon's story!!
In the beginning the book is solely focused on Jess and Gabe as we see them move from childhood friends to so much more which leaves your heart full and bursting..
Then when you hit about the middle of the book things take a turn for the worse, this is where the book could've made us take a step on the dark side but it just skimmed over Jess's ordeal which made for easier reading..
I guess for me giving it a 4 is that I wanted those emotions brought out of me, the dark, the gritty, the tears..
Enjoyable read, loved the ending, but hope there's another book about Landon's story!!
August 5, 2013
Weak storytelling. I know I'm in the minority here, but I did not enjoy this book...at all. The writing was dull and monotone, stilted...every character sounded the same. Jess frustrated me. The plot, which has been very much overdone, was trite and poorly executed. Jess suffers a tragedy, but I could not care any less for her, which again goes back to the writing. I found her self-absorbed, unsympathetic, and whiny.
January 31, 2016
***This review might be a bit spoilery so read at your own risk***
“Vive ut vivas.”
“What does it mean?”
“Live so that you may live.”
Now that I have had some sleep, and my head is a bit less defrazzled, I can now write and gush about this book. You are pre-warned: I might ramble on this review… a lot…about a specific tattooed Harley rider…I will try to be fair to the other characters as well. So, refill the wine glass and fluff up on the pillow, it’s going to be an all-nighter.
“This is real. Don’t ever doubt my feelings for you. For years I’ve watched you, wanted you—waited for you.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For loving me.”
“I’ll never not love you.”
I was hooked from the very beginning of the book. I knew reading the prologue I was going to connect with the characters. The female lead character, Jessica (what a GREAT name that is), is a real feisty chick. I REALLY connected with her. We had SO many things in common it was a bit scary. For instance, we both can’t live without coffee. I mean you think crack is addicting, try going a day without coffee. Ask anyone, Starbucks is my home away from home. The baristas know me by name and coffee type already. Anyways, where was I? Oh right, Jessica Harper, my spirit animal. She thinks Target is an essential in life. As do I. I go in for toothpaste and come out with a $100 receipt for random things. Go figure. We also bare tattoos on our wrist that remind us of an event/person in our life that made an impact. And yes! That specific place on your body is very sensitive! (I also got misty in the eyes) And one last thing we seem to have in common: we run away from loved ones when a huge and devastating event happens in our lives. We’ll come back to this a bit later.
“I will love you every day for the rest of my life, never forget that.”
“I love that you tell me this every day.”
“It’s because I mean it.”
Since Jessica was four years old, she has grown up with a loving and caring family full of siblings and loving parents and home cooked Spanish meals. Funny thing is though, this isn’t her ‘blood’ family. This family, the Garcia’s, are the next door neighbors that raised her since her own father pretty much ignores her ever since her mother died fourteen years ago. The Garcia’s make up of mom, dad, two older brothers, Luke and Gabe, and a younger sister, Ava, the same age as Jessica. Through the years they have included her in all family activities and made her one of the family. However, as the years went by, there was a slight shift in the kind of love one of the brothers had towards her.
“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you.”
Gabe Garcia is the brother that went from loving Jessica as a little sister to one day noticing that he didn’t love her like a sister but more like a…girl, a woman. His feelings for her blossomed over the years from childhood crush to one of deep, romantic feelings. He has been Jessica’s brother, protector, friend, and now lover. Once those feelings are out, there is no going back. They go head on into their relationship, making plans in their love and in their future. However, these plans come to a screeching halt when a devastating event happens to Jessica that shakes not only her but the whole family as well. This event is what leads Jessica away from Gabe and on to another path she never thought she would be taking. Driving away from everything I knew was the scariest, yet most liberating experience of my life. I was broken in every way possible and needed to find out who I was amongst the shattered pieces. And this is where her next journey takes her, away from her father, the Garcia’s and from Gabe. Leaving her family behind, Jessica takes on an internship that takes her clear across the nation. The East coast is where she finds herself and starts to heal. Here is where she also finds Landon Christianson.
“Landon?”
“Yeah, baby girl?”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For not running away from me, for listening to me and caring about me.”
Landon, Landon, Landon. Where do I even START with you? I mean, from the moment Jessica opened the door, I thought I was going to pounce on Landon MYSELF. (Good thing we got his POV of too) I would like to say he is the boy that Jessica meets while healing herself, but Landon is no BOY. He is ALL MAN; a tattooed, Harley driving, alpha male cop. He is the epitome of a bad boy. And this bad boy wants Jessica (THIS Jessica *points to self* wants him too!) I want to gush and ramble and tell you guys that Landon is all perfection. In my eyes, he did no wrong. Even from the beginning when you thought he was going to be a prick, the thought of “this guy is going to fall and fall HARD” is in the back of your head. And boy does he fall. He falls deep in the well of love and heart break. Landon Christianson is a beautiful and good man but deep down, he too, has some demons and secrets. He cares and falls hard for Jessica, never thinking he could ever fall in love with any woman. But alas, even when he tries to connect with her, her heart is elsewhere with someone else. So he does the noble and right thing. He makes a decision that breaks his heart but will mend hers. He knows that deep down, she was never his. (Sidenote: before all the “right choices” were made on Landon’s part, there is a scene that happens between Jessica and Landon that I read a few times in a row. It was EXTREMELY hot. Although, it’s what also made me wonder what those deep rooted demons are in him)
“Never be afraid to feel. It’s the only way to really live. If you don’t feel, there is no way you can love, heal, or forgive. You’ll never move forward or get past this.”
I want to gush more about this book but I am pretty sure you are tired of my ramblings. I could be here all day talking about it and the love I have for Landon Christianson. And speaking of the tattooed bad boy, I cyber stalked the author about her upcoming book. I was informed that the next book is going to be Landon’s book, but you guys already knew that because we got a sneaky peak at the end of UNBREAKABLE. Right after the Epilogue, we got a glimpse of Landon’s story, which Ms. Shea tells me will be darker and grittier. I. Can. Not. Wait. I am really looking forward to his book as well as any other book the author writes after this series. I highly recommend you read it.
Favorite quotes:
“How do you like your coffee, Jessica?”
“Black with room for some creamer.”
“Black huh? Just how I like my car, my men and my coffee.”
The most important lessons I took away: it’s okay to hurt and to be broken, but it’s also imperative to forgive and heal. You have to feel to be able to love. But most importantly, every girl needs a tattooed bad boy to teach her to really live. That boy needs to kiss her like she’s never been kissed, to put her on the back of his motorcycle so she can feel the wind on her face and in her hair, take her for the first tattoo—and to let her go when he knows he’s not the man she really needs. Landon will always be that man, an important part of my life; my friend forever.
Learning to forgive is the hardest barrier in any relationship, including the one you have with yourself.
“Vive ut vivas.”
“What does it mean?”
“Live so that you may live.”
Now that I have had some sleep, and my head is a bit less defrazzled, I can now write and gush about this book. You are pre-warned: I might ramble on this review… a lot…about a specific tattooed Harley rider…I will try to be fair to the other characters as well. So, refill the wine glass and fluff up on the pillow, it’s going to be an all-nighter.
“This is real. Don’t ever doubt my feelings for you. For years I’ve watched you, wanted you—waited for you.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For loving me.”
“I’ll never not love you.”
I was hooked from the very beginning of the book. I knew reading the prologue I was going to connect with the characters. The female lead character, Jessica (what a GREAT name that is), is a real feisty chick. I REALLY connected with her. We had SO many things in common it was a bit scary. For instance, we both can’t live without coffee. I mean you think crack is addicting, try going a day without coffee. Ask anyone, Starbucks is my home away from home. The baristas know me by name and coffee type already. Anyways, where was I? Oh right, Jessica Harper, my spirit animal. She thinks Target is an essential in life. As do I. I go in for toothpaste and come out with a $100 receipt for random things. Go figure. We also bare tattoos on our wrist that remind us of an event/person in our life that made an impact. And yes! That specific place on your body is very sensitive! (I also got misty in the eyes) And one last thing we seem to have in common: we run away from loved ones when a huge and devastating event happens in our lives. We’ll come back to this a bit later.
“I will love you every day for the rest of my life, never forget that.”
“I love that you tell me this every day.”
“It’s because I mean it.”
Since Jessica was four years old, she has grown up with a loving and caring family full of siblings and loving parents and home cooked Spanish meals. Funny thing is though, this isn’t her ‘blood’ family. This family, the Garcia’s, are the next door neighbors that raised her since her own father pretty much ignores her ever since her mother died fourteen years ago. The Garcia’s make up of mom, dad, two older brothers, Luke and Gabe, and a younger sister, Ava, the same age as Jessica. Through the years they have included her in all family activities and made her one of the family. However, as the years went by, there was a slight shift in the kind of love one of the brothers had towards her.
“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you.”
Gabe Garcia is the brother that went from loving Jessica as a little sister to one day noticing that he didn’t love her like a sister but more like a…girl, a woman. His feelings for her blossomed over the years from childhood crush to one of deep, romantic feelings. He has been Jessica’s brother, protector, friend, and now lover. Once those feelings are out, there is no going back. They go head on into their relationship, making plans in their love and in their future. However, these plans come to a screeching halt when a devastating event happens to Jessica that shakes not only her but the whole family as well. This event is what leads Jessica away from Gabe and on to another path she never thought she would be taking. Driving away from everything I knew was the scariest, yet most liberating experience of my life. I was broken in every way possible and needed to find out who I was amongst the shattered pieces. And this is where her next journey takes her, away from her father, the Garcia’s and from Gabe. Leaving her family behind, Jessica takes on an internship that takes her clear across the nation. The East coast is where she finds herself and starts to heal. Here is where she also finds Landon Christianson.
“Landon?”
“Yeah, baby girl?”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For not running away from me, for listening to me and caring about me.”
Landon, Landon, Landon. Where do I even START with you? I mean, from the moment Jessica opened the door, I thought I was going to pounce on Landon MYSELF. (Good thing we got his POV of too) I would like to say he is the boy that Jessica meets while healing herself, but Landon is no BOY. He is ALL MAN; a tattooed, Harley driving, alpha male cop. He is the epitome of a bad boy. And this bad boy wants Jessica (THIS Jessica *points to self* wants him too!) I want to gush and ramble and tell you guys that Landon is all perfection. In my eyes, he did no wrong. Even from the beginning when you thought he was going to be a prick, the thought of “this guy is going to fall and fall HARD” is in the back of your head. And boy does he fall. He falls deep in the well of love and heart break. Landon Christianson is a beautiful and good man but deep down, he too, has some demons and secrets. He cares and falls hard for Jessica, never thinking he could ever fall in love with any woman. But alas, even when he tries to connect with her, her heart is elsewhere with someone else. So he does the noble and right thing. He makes a decision that breaks his heart but will mend hers. He knows that deep down, she was never his. (Sidenote: before all the “right choices” were made on Landon’s part, there is a scene that happens between Jessica and Landon that I read a few times in a row. It was EXTREMELY hot. Although, it’s what also made me wonder what those deep rooted demons are in him)
“Never be afraid to feel. It’s the only way to really live. If you don’t feel, there is no way you can love, heal, or forgive. You’ll never move forward or get past this.”
I want to gush more about this book but I am pretty sure you are tired of my ramblings. I could be here all day talking about it and the love I have for Landon Christianson. And speaking of the tattooed bad boy, I cyber stalked the author about her upcoming book. I was informed that the next book is going to be Landon’s book, but you guys already knew that because we got a sneaky peak at the end of UNBREAKABLE. Right after the Epilogue, we got a glimpse of Landon’s story, which Ms. Shea tells me will be darker and grittier. I. Can. Not. Wait. I am really looking forward to his book as well as any other book the author writes after this series. I highly recommend you read it.
Favorite quotes:
“How do you like your coffee, Jessica?”
“Black with room for some creamer.”
“Black huh? Just how I like my car, my men and my coffee.”
The most important lessons I took away: it’s okay to hurt and to be broken, but it’s also imperative to forgive and heal. You have to feel to be able to love. But most importantly, every girl needs a tattooed bad boy to teach her to really live. That boy needs to kiss her like she’s never been kissed, to put her on the back of his motorcycle so she can feel the wind on her face and in her hair, take her for the first tattoo—and to let her go when he knows he’s not the man she really needs. Landon will always be that man, an important part of my life; my friend forever.
Learning to forgive is the hardest barrier in any relationship, including the one you have with yourself.
July 29, 2013
After reading Bec's superb review, I immediately marked this one to read. Only moments later, I got a generous surprise when an email with “Unbreakable” attached arrived from Michelle, another special book friend. Both of you played a big part in making Sunday’s reading experience a really good one for me.
As a new-to-me author, Rebecca Shea creates a story that begins in a happy place. The characters are captivating and very likable. Readers are on a romance high when suddenly tragedy strikes and the bottom falls out. With this turn of events, love is tested when the struggle for recovery and survival begins. Shea writes a very dramatic journey – one where readers feel the heartbreaking moments through the eyes of both Jess and Gabe.
There were times throughout the book where the boundaries of realism were challenging. I’m not going to address each one because in doing so, spoilers might ruin another reader’s discoveries. Suffice it to say, my problems centered around family ties, friendship loyalties, and new found relationships.
A darn good start from a debuting author. I'll certainly look forward to reading Landon’s story in “Undone.”
As a new-to-me author, Rebecca Shea creates a story that begins in a happy place. The characters are captivating and very likable. Readers are on a romance high when suddenly tragedy strikes and the bottom falls out. With this turn of events, love is tested when the struggle for recovery and survival begins. Shea writes a very dramatic journey – one where readers feel the heartbreaking moments through the eyes of both Jess and Gabe.
There were times throughout the book where the boundaries of realism were challenging. I’m not going to address each one because in doing so, spoilers might ruin another reader’s discoveries. Suffice it to say, my problems centered around family ties, friendship loyalties, and new found relationships.
A darn good start from a debuting author. I'll certainly look forward to reading Landon’s story in “Undone.”
April 23, 2013
This was 4.5 star book for me! It was really awesome! I loved all the characters and the plot was amazing. Its not for the faint of hearts I cried multiple times in this book which is sayin alot because I love books that can cause great emotions from me! There are hot men and hot love scenes and some not so hot scenes (as in why she is unbreakable)--- but no spoilers here you have to buy to read the author deserves that! Thanks so much Rebecca for creating such an amazing story that I will never forget! Don't think twice all you readers out there if you love a good romance and some angst/sadness and then HEA then this book is for you!!!
February 7, 2024
An amazing emotional read about forgiveness and second chances.
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 28, 2013
07/27/2013 --
Overall Rating = 4 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 3.5 / 5 = 4.2 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3.5 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars [$2.99 on Amazon]
Did you see Bec's fantabulous review of this book? If you missed it, here is the link: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I especially liked when she said, "... what makes this so different is the incredible depth of emotions we as readers are allowed to experience with the central characters."
After reading this in her review, I just had to read it too. Immediately. Have I read better? Yes. But, I thought this story well put together. It does make you feel. You do want Jess and Gabe to figure it all out. You are invested in their future. Will they end up together? It really doesn't matter, if these two really great people are happy.
Bec's - my friend, I get it. Thank you for your wonderful review which pushed this to my "get the hell out of my way now, cause I'm reading this puppy TODAY!" pile. This is what reviewing is all about. Tell me how this impacted you. Give me a snipit of the paradigm you are coming from. Tell me in wonderful prose -- not in all the pictures I have to decipher and may not be able to identify with. LOVE IT!! She wins my, BEST REVIEW of the WEEK AWARD; July 21.
I think you'll like this book. I'll read the next in this series and will pay attention to this author. I hope you like it and if you do, I'll be watching for you to tell me why.
Happy Reading!!
Overall Rating = 4 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 3.5 / 5 = 4.2 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3.5 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars [$2.99 on Amazon]
Did you see Bec's fantabulous review of this book? If you missed it, here is the link: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I especially liked when she said, "... what makes this so different is the incredible depth of emotions we as readers are allowed to experience with the central characters."
After reading this in her review, I just had to read it too. Immediately. Have I read better? Yes. But, I thought this story well put together. It does make you feel. You do want Jess and Gabe to figure it all out. You are invested in their future. Will they end up together? It really doesn't matter, if these two really great people are happy.
Bec's - my friend, I get it. Thank you for your wonderful review which pushed this to my "get the hell out of my way now, cause I'm reading this puppy TODAY!" pile. This is what reviewing is all about. Tell me how this impacted you. Give me a snipit of the paradigm you are coming from. Tell me in wonderful prose -- not in all the pictures I have to decipher and may not be able to identify with. LOVE IT!! She wins my, BEST REVIEW of the WEEK AWARD; July 21.
I think you'll like this book. I'll read the next in this series and will pay attention to this author. I hope you like it and if you do, I'll be watching for you to tell me why.
Happy Reading!!
August 12, 2013
I really wanted to like this book! but I couldn't even finish it! I just didn't get it! pffft..
Being Landon into didn't gel well with me.. Most of this book made me wanna throw my kindle out the window! I got to were she said she was in love in the both of them at that moment! Then I just thought! "Fuck this shit"
Hate all that "I'm in love with one but have feelings for someone else" SERIOUSLY
You've known him what? 4 weeks -.- please! I feel really sorry for Gabe! He is one of the good guys who kinda gets walked over! I mean Iget/understand! don't get why she did some of the things she did! I get with books there has to be some drama or whatever! I just didn't get it! I mean after what happened to her you would think she wouldn't be doing that!
I really thought I was gonna love this book but it turns out I really don't!
Being Landon into didn't gel well with me.. Most of this book made me wanna throw my kindle out the window! I got to were she said she was in love in the both of them at that moment! Then I just thought! "Fuck this shit"
Hate all that "I'm in love with one but have feelings for someone else" SERIOUSLY
You've known him what? 4 weeks -.- please! I feel really sorry for Gabe! He is one of the good guys who kinda gets walked over! I mean I
I really thought I was gonna love this book but it turns out I really don't!
Want to read
December 17, 2014FREE TODAY 12-17-14 on Amazon
U.S. Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B00E4Y6ZZC
U.S. Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B00E4Y6ZZC
August 15, 2013
Unbreakable by Rebecca Shea
4.5 stars!!
“We will get through this, together. You and I. Nothing will break us, ever. Not this. Do you hear me, Jess? Nothing. We’re unbreakable.”
This is one amazing story!! It is an emotional roller coaster, but what book isn’t these days?? I seem to have read a spate of intensely emotional, tear inducing reads and this book is no exception. This is the story of Jess and Gabe, they were basically brought up together like a brother and sister. Jess was brought up by her father, her mother had died and he threw himself into his work. She reminded him too much of the wife that he had lost so in order to cope he used work as his coping mechanism. He had Jess’s best interests at heart or so he thought and he wanted her to have a mother figure, he could not move on but that was no reason to deprive Jess. The Garcia’s were long time family friends and neighbours so when her dad was working, she was there, they were like a surrogate family. The daughter (Ava) was her best friend and their son Gabe was like a brother.
As they got older though they both have feelings for each other than familial and this comes to a head on a brief visit to Gabe’s campus where they share their first kiss. When he next comes home they spend some time together and eventually admit their feelings for one another.
“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that won’t let me breathe if you’re not with me. It’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you.”
This is once again one of my favourites, friends to lovers, it is beautiful to watch the transformation and the light bulb moments when they suddenly appear. It was a natural progression for them and it was not rushed or hurried. You were routing for them the whole time and just wanted to see their love for each other develop.
Then comes the curve ball and all sense has gone and everything is up in the air. It was emotional and it was not pretty. Her dad was no help whatsoever but Jess does what she thinks is best for her even if we don’t agree. I hate it when people feel the need to push people away, I just wanted to jump into the kindle, give her a hug and tell her to open her eyes and really see the people that she was surrounded by. But if she hadn’t made those choices we would never have met Landon.
I loved Landon, he came along at the time and at the right place. It was like fate and I think in an ideal world I would like to think that they helped each other. He was selfless and he did the right thing for Jess. My heart broke for him. I can’t wait to read his story.
“Never be afraid to feel. It’s the only way to really live. If you don’t feel, there is no way you can love, heal, or forgive. You’ll never move forward or get past this. You have to forgive, Jess.”
Jess has a lot of thinking to do and you cannot help but feel her pain and her inner turmoil, but Landon helps her to realise what is there in front of her and really is her knight in shining motorcycle leathers, uniform, tats etc..yes he was yummy!!
As normal, I do not want to give too much of the story away as it will spoil it for you readers, but 1click, get some Kleenex and sit down and devour this book, this book is like pringles!! Once you pop you can’t stop. You will devour it and you will probably cry but you will definitely be moved. I seriously loved this book!!
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!
“We will get through this, together. You and I. Nothing will break us, ever. Not this. Do you hear me, Jess? Nothing. We’re unbreakable.”
This is one amazing story!! It is an emotional roller coaster, but what book isn’t these days?? I seem to have read a spate of intensely emotional, tear inducing reads and this book is no exception. This is the story of Jess and Gabe, they were basically brought up together like a brother and sister. Jess was brought up by her father, her mother had died and he threw himself into his work. She reminded him too much of the wife that he had lost so in order to cope he used work as his coping mechanism. He had Jess’s best interests at heart or so he thought and he wanted her to have a mother figure, he could not move on but that was no reason to deprive Jess. The Garcia’s were long time family friends and neighbours so when her dad was working, she was there, they were like a surrogate family. The daughter (Ava) was her best friend and their son Gabe was like a brother.
As they got older though they both have feelings for each other than familial and this comes to a head on a brief visit to Gabe’s campus where they share their first kiss. When he next comes home they spend some time together and eventually admit their feelings for one another.
“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that won’t let me breathe if you’re not with me. It’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you.”
This is once again one of my favourites, friends to lovers, it is beautiful to watch the transformation and the light bulb moments when they suddenly appear. It was a natural progression for them and it was not rushed or hurried. You were routing for them the whole time and just wanted to see their love for each other develop.
Then comes the curve ball and all sense has gone and everything is up in the air. It was emotional and it was not pretty. Her dad was no help whatsoever but Jess does what she thinks is best for her even if we don’t agree. I hate it when people feel the need to push people away, I just wanted to jump into the kindle, give her a hug and tell her to open her eyes and really see the people that she was surrounded by. But if she hadn’t made those choices we would never have met Landon.
I loved Landon, he came along at the time and at the right place. It was like fate and I think in an ideal world I would like to think that they helped each other. He was selfless and he did the right thing for Jess. My heart broke for him. I can’t wait to read his story.
“Never be afraid to feel. It’s the only way to really live. If you don’t feel, there is no way you can love, heal, or forgive. You’ll never move forward or get past this. You have to forgive, Jess.”
Jess has a lot of thinking to do and you cannot help but feel her pain and her inner turmoil, but Landon helps her to realise what is there in front of her and really is her knight in shining motorcycle leathers, uniform, tats etc..yes he was yummy!!
As normal, I do not want to give too much of the story away as it will spoil it for you readers, but 1click, get some Kleenex and sit down and devour this book, this book is like pringles!! Once you pop you can’t stop. You will devour it and you will probably cry but you will definitely be moved. I seriously loved this book!!
www.theromancecover.com
March 10, 2014
Sometimes I want to take a break reading contemporary romance New Adult (NA) books. But most of the time I keep telling myself that I might find a gem in this popular genre nowadays. I find most of NA books are predictable, too formulaic, so similar one and another. Even the blurbs sound the same, it mostly says it's about guy meets girl with bad traumatic past who trust nobody. At this point I can't rely on the blurb anymore. And I can't rely on other reviews either since sometimes I'm in the minority side. Although I'm not a person whose judge a book from its cover, I need something to take my attention to read it. And it looks like NA books know that pretty cover can hold my attention when I scroll the bookstore shelves to choose what next NA book I will read.
This book is a perfect example of that case. The cover attracts me to read it. The girl on the cover looks so broken. Hence I thought it has angst and drama, something that I like from romance books. But first part of the story is so boring, nothing happen to Gabe and Jess except that they fall in love and cannot live without each other. At 45% of the story, my questions whether the cover suits the story is finally answered and the tragedy that the blurb says happens. I think this second part is better than the first one. However it still couldn't make me glue to the story, many times I’m distracted by reading another books. There is something off with the way the characters speak. I’m sad for Gabe and especially Jess but it was hard for me to connect with their story.
There were also things that I just can't believe (as in I-can't-believe-she-did-it kind of thing) from the characters. Jess doesn't realize that she took so many credits that she can be considered as a sophomore while she just begins her college life. It might be just me, though, since I don't know about educational system in the US but I always chose classes I took carefully and discuss it with my advisor. So when Jess' advisor told her that she has already taken many credits without she even realizes it, I just cannot understand her. And then after the tragedy happened, she cannot trust everybody, not even Gabe. I understand this all right. But then she meets Landon and for me she seems trust him enough. She even let him spending the night on their second encounter. It makes me wondering where does her trust issue go? She can't trust Gabe and the Garcias who are like a family for her but she can trust Landon whom she only meets twice. 2 encounters beats 14 years easily.
I can understand why most readers love this book, though. You might like it too. It has perfect ingredients in NA books. A beautiful insecurity heroine, swoon worthy hero, a tattooed bad guy as secondary character, best friend material character and most importantly characters with baggage. I like the ingredients, I really do unfortunately it just didn't work for me this time.
This book is a perfect example of that case. The cover attracts me to read it. The girl on the cover looks so broken. Hence I thought it has angst and drama, something that I like from romance books. But first part of the story is so boring, nothing happen to Gabe and Jess except that they fall in love and cannot live without each other. At 45% of the story, my questions whether the cover suits the story is finally answered and the tragedy that the blurb says happens. I think this second part is better than the first one. However it still couldn't make me glue to the story, many times I’m distracted by reading another books. There is something off with the way the characters speak. I’m sad for Gabe and especially Jess but it was hard for me to connect with their story.
There were also things that I just can't believe (as in I-can't-believe-she-did-it kind of thing) from the characters. Jess doesn't realize that she took so many credits that she can be considered as a sophomore while she just begins her college life. It might be just me, though, since I don't know about educational system in the US but I always chose classes I took carefully and discuss it with my advisor. So when Jess' advisor told her that she has already taken many credits without she even realizes it, I just cannot understand her. And then after the tragedy happened, she cannot trust everybody, not even Gabe. I understand this all right. But then she meets Landon and for me she seems trust him enough. She even let him spending the night on their second encounter. It makes me wondering where does her trust issue go? She can't trust Gabe and the Garcias who are like a family for her but she can trust Landon whom she only meets twice. 2 encounters beats 14 years easily.
I can understand why most readers love this book, though. You might like it too. It has perfect ingredients in NA books. A beautiful insecurity heroine, swoon worthy hero, a tattooed bad guy as secondary character, best friend material character and most importantly characters with baggage. I like the ingredients, I really do unfortunately it just didn't work for me this time.
July 25, 2013
I was very fortunate to beta read this and I absolutely loved it!!! This is a beautiful and wonderful debut novel from Rebecca Shea. She did a fabulous job of pulling out the emotions in me and left me loving the characters and wanting more! This is a standalone read that will have your heart melting and wishing for your own fireman! Yes I did say fireman... a Latin hottie at that!
The story starts with Jess and her best friend and neighbor Ava graduating high school. Jess has always had a huge crush on Ava's brother Gabe who has been away at college and has returned from the summer. Now that Gabe is seeing Jess all grown up, he starts falling for her. To Jess he's perfect... who wouldn't love to see their childhood crush return your feelings? They start a beautiful relationship and quickly fall for each other. Gabe decides not to return to college but to stay home and enroll in the fire academy. Hot damn we have a fireman! Ok what’s not to love about a romance involving a Fireman!
Just when all things look perfect, Jess is suffers a horrible attack that and pushes everyone away to cope with the shame she feels. She thinks Gabe will look at her different now and convinces herself he deserves better. She picks up and moves across country so he can get a fresh start and she won't have the constant reminder of what she has lost. Once she gets settled, she meets the charming Landon. He's a police officer (yup enter the hottie policeman) that makes for nice distraction from Gabe. Landon is very different than Gab. He's a ladies man and quite the charmer and is there for Jess when she has no one else to turn to. She still loves and misses Gabe but again, she thinks he deserves better.
Our poor Gabe is miserable without Jess, he decides to take matters in his own hands and go to Jess when all she has done is reject him. Does Gabe convince Jess to come back home with him where she belongs or does she continue to reject him? Does she decide to stay where she is and start something with Landon? You think I will tell you and ruin the book... nope... You will have to buy the book to find out.
I absolutely loved this book and would recommend to anyone that loves a book that pulls at their heart strings because this one will do it! Never mind the hottie Latin Fireman or the equally hottie Police Officer!!
The story starts with Jess and her best friend and neighbor Ava graduating high school. Jess has always had a huge crush on Ava's brother Gabe who has been away at college and has returned from the summer. Now that Gabe is seeing Jess all grown up, he starts falling for her. To Jess he's perfect... who wouldn't love to see their childhood crush return your feelings? They start a beautiful relationship and quickly fall for each other. Gabe decides not to return to college but to stay home and enroll in the fire academy. Hot damn we have a fireman! Ok what’s not to love about a romance involving a Fireman!
Just when all things look perfect, Jess is suffers a horrible attack that and pushes everyone away to cope with the shame she feels. She thinks Gabe will look at her different now and convinces herself he deserves better. She picks up and moves across country so he can get a fresh start and she won't have the constant reminder of what she has lost. Once she gets settled, she meets the charming Landon. He's a police officer (yup enter the hottie policeman) that makes for nice distraction from Gabe. Landon is very different than Gab. He's a ladies man and quite the charmer and is there for Jess when she has no one else to turn to. She still loves and misses Gabe but again, she thinks he deserves better.
Our poor Gabe is miserable without Jess, he decides to take matters in his own hands and go to Jess when all she has done is reject him. Does Gabe convince Jess to come back home with him where she belongs or does she continue to reject him? Does she decide to stay where she is and start something with Landon? You think I will tell you and ruin the book... nope... You will have to buy the book to find out.
I absolutely loved this book and would recommend to anyone that loves a book that pulls at their heart strings because this one will do it! Never mind the hottie Latin Fireman or the equally hottie Police Officer!!
March 31, 2015
This is a coming of age, new adult, romance novel. I find it easy to read with a little bit of angst, albeit predictable. :) I probably wouldn’t have said predictable if this is the first time I’ve read such storyline, hard to say. I thought it was a simple story… Jess and Gabe grew up together, fell in love, and what follows are the challenges of growing up while staying together but then a tragedy happens and everything changes.
Jess character is cute. I love how the author wrote her POV…. It shows a mindset of an 18 years old and I could feel her vulnerability.
It was easy to fall in love with Gabe. I didn’t get why he didn’t fight harder but understanding he thought he was doing all he could then for Jess. I definitely feel for him.
I couldn’t get my head around the fact that Jess trusted a complete stranger (Logan) right away, maybe cause he wears the uniform? Or that he is the brother of someone she works with? I’m sure it’s not just because she finds him hot. Lucky for Jess, Logan is really a good guy who ends up caring for her.
Logan is a mystery. I’m not so into him for some reason in the beginning. But he turn out alright in the end. ;)
There is no love triangle going here, kudos for that! Just two guys who loves the same girl on a different time frame.
Written in multi-POV.
Jess character is cute. I love how the author wrote her POV…. It shows a mindset of an 18 years old and I could feel her vulnerability.
It was easy to fall in love with Gabe. I didn’t get why he didn’t fight harder but understanding he thought he was doing all he could then for Jess. I definitely feel for him.
I couldn’t get my head around the fact that Jess trusted a complete stranger (Logan) right away, maybe cause he wears the uniform? Or that he is the brother of someone she works with? I’m sure it’s not just because she finds him hot. Lucky for Jess, Logan is really a good guy who ends up caring for her.
Logan is a mystery. I’m not so into him for some reason in the beginning. But he turn out alright in the end. ;)
There is no love triangle going here, kudos for that! Just two guys who loves the same girl on a different time frame.
Written in multi-POV.
July 26, 2013
Heart-wrenching, heart-breaking, heart-encompassing, heart-rejoicing (okay now I'm just making up words) - but seriously what a book that knows just what to do to tug on your heartstrings! I will say I was not entirely sure where the book would go considering it jumped straight into the love between Gabe and Jess but let me tell you there is plenty of drama ahead to keep you interested!
Anyone looking for a book boyfriend… trust me when i say Gabe is your guy! The way he looks after her, protects her, jumps through hoops for her and makes sure all her dreams come true will seriously make any grouchy person smile in wonder at what an amazing man he is. He is the swoon worthy male lead of my life.
Can not wait for a book about Landon!! (sexy, bad boy police officer) he deserves his happy ending!!
ps. what is it about men in uniform.. damn
Anyone looking for a book boyfriend… trust me when i say Gabe is your guy! The way he looks after her, protects her, jumps through hoops for her and makes sure all her dreams come true will seriously make any grouchy person smile in wonder at what an amazing man he is. He is the swoon worthy male lead of my life.
Can not wait for a book about Landon!! (sexy, bad boy police officer) he deserves his happy ending!!
ps. what is it about men in uniform.. damn
August 21, 2013
Ever since I read the blurb for this book I knew it was going to be something special, something that would affect me and something that would stay with me - after finishing there in no denying that it was indeed something special, it was something that affected me and something that will stay with me all in the best way possible.
'I know in my heart, I will never, ever get over him. There are some people who own a piece of your heart, your soul. For me, that is Gabe'
Very few books have had the honour of making me sob - I am talking about the ugly tears where any second snot might just run down your face - but this book has that honour and I loved it, Rebecca Shea you have a way with words that is magical, exceptional and truly thought provoking.
"I can't remember a time when I haven't loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it's the kind of love that won't let me breathe if you're not with me. It's the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can't be with you,"
Gabe and Jess*sigh* I truly fell in love with both of them, consider me the third wheel to the relationship as they have damn well effected me. Jess Lost her mother at a young age and her dad cops with it by throwing himself into work and detaching himself - this leaves Jess to form a bond with her best friend Ava and her family who live next door. Ava and her family take Jess in but Jess has a secret - she has a huge crush on Ava's brother.
Realising her feeling are not one sided Jess and Gabe embark on a relationship filled with sweet and tender moment as well as scenes that will make you blush - that is until the unthinkable happens. When I say the unthinkable I was floored and felt as though my emotions had taken off without me - when something shocks me that much I count that as a sign of a good writer.
He grabs my chin, turning my head so that our eyes meet. “This is real. Don’t ever doubt my feelings for you. For years I’ve watched you, wanted you—waited for you.” He moves his hand from my chin and cups my cheek, “Please don’t be afraid Jess, I promise I won’t ever hurt you.” I nod my head, and let his words ease my fears. “And don’t you ever think you’re not good enough for me, do you understand?” His voice is quiet yet firm.
As a reader I want to get lost in a book, to forget the outside world and be completely overtaken - this book did all of that and so much more. Yes there have been similar storyline's but what makes this so unique is the amazing power of words that Rebecca seems to possess - I have said this time and time again you can have the best idea in the world for a story but if you are unable to tell it to its full potential there is no point in sharing it, and boy did Rebecca know how to tell it.
Such an amazing debut from this lovely lady and I am positively bubbling with excitement to see what she gives us next.
6/5 stars.
'I know in my heart, I will never, ever get over him. There are some people who own a piece of your heart, your soul. For me, that is Gabe'
Very few books have had the honour of making me sob - I am talking about the ugly tears where any second snot might just run down your face - but this book has that honour and I loved it, Rebecca Shea you have a way with words that is magical, exceptional and truly thought provoking.
"I can't remember a time when I haven't loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it's the kind of love that won't let me breathe if you're not with me. It's the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can't be with you,"
Gabe and Jess*sigh* I truly fell in love with both of them, consider me the third wheel to the relationship as they have damn well effected me. Jess Lost her mother at a young age and her dad cops with it by throwing himself into work and detaching himself - this leaves Jess to form a bond with her best friend Ava and her family who live next door. Ava and her family take Jess in but Jess has a secret - she has a huge crush on Ava's brother.
Realising her feeling are not one sided Jess and Gabe embark on a relationship filled with sweet and tender moment as well as scenes that will make you blush - that is until the unthinkable happens. When I say the unthinkable I was floored and felt as though my emotions had taken off without me - when something shocks me that much I count that as a sign of a good writer.
He grabs my chin, turning my head so that our eyes meet. “This is real. Don’t ever doubt my feelings for you. For years I’ve watched you, wanted you—waited for you.” He moves his hand from my chin and cups my cheek, “Please don’t be afraid Jess, I promise I won’t ever hurt you.” I nod my head, and let his words ease my fears. “And don’t you ever think you’re not good enough for me, do you understand?” His voice is quiet yet firm.
As a reader I want to get lost in a book, to forget the outside world and be completely overtaken - this book did all of that and so much more. Yes there have been similar storyline's but what makes this so unique is the amazing power of words that Rebecca seems to possess - I have said this time and time again you can have the best idea in the world for a story but if you are unable to tell it to its full potential there is no point in sharing it, and boy did Rebecca know how to tell it.
Such an amazing debut from this lovely lady and I am positively bubbling with excitement to see what she gives us next.
6/5 stars.
November 11, 2015
-_-
I always hate having to write the less than positive review, but I always hate leaving a less than positive rating with no explanation as to why.
Unbreakable started out promising, but quickly went down hill. Ultimately the story could have been great, but the execution just wasn't there. For me it just didn't flow well. A lot of the problem lies with how the two characters got together. It felt so insta-love (which is a major reading peeve for me) because it was just so sudden. Apparently they had both had feelings for each other, before the story really started. So as a reader, I didn't get to see their relationship develop and it left me feeling disconnected from the characters.
A 'big event' happens about halfway through, which I can see why Jess would be upset, but her pushing Gabe away as a result just didn't make any sense to me. But alas, that leads Jess across country where she meets a slew of new friends. One of which is Landon who is a cop, and falls for Jess and 'has to have her' after only seeing her picture.
Okay...
That part was very weird for me. I am all for the possessive type, but he is 28-29 and she was 19, and half the shit he pulled he should have known better, what with being a cop and all. He was a creep and I didn't find his personality attractive at all. Infact, I don't really understand why his part was needed for the story. It seemed so out of place to add this guy in. I guess 'new love interest' or whatever. But I wasn't rooting for him, and I won't be reading his story in the next book. I only got a glimpse of him and it was enough to turn me off completely.
This book has high ratings, so that is why I was shocked when I started reading and I wasn't having the same experience.
Also, and this should probably be up at the top because it really turned me off from this book. The Garcia's essentially raised Jess, but she calls them Mom and Dad. And then turns around and calls her father Dad too? No. That's disrespectful to your actual parents. And yeah as a kid my friends and I joked around and called the others parents Mom or Dad, but only when we wanted something, not full time. I don't know, no one else has mentioned it in reviews, but it severely bugged me.
August 17, 2013
4 stars
I had been in a bit of a book slump since last weekend. I wanted to mix it up and was in the mood for some NA. I tried different books and couldn’t really get into any of them. As soon as I started the Prologue of Unbreakable I was hooked.
The story centers around Jessica a 18 year old who lost her mom as a child. Her dad’s way to cope with her mom’s death was to immerse himself in his work as a firefighter. This left Jessica to be pretty much raised by her neighbours, the Garcias. Jessica is best friends with their daughter Ava. Ava also has two older brothers, Gabe and Luke.
Jessica and Gabe have had a crush on each other for the longest time. So in the first half of the book, is Gabe and Jess developing a relationship. This first half of the book was really sweet, cute and steamy at times. You really get to know them and like them as a couple . Gabe was the ultimate perfect boyfriend.
Then, something really terrible happens...
And the angst and drama begins as Jess, Gabe and everyone around attempts to deal with the aftermath. This second half was full of emotions, and heartache. I obviously felt bad for Jess. Nobody should experience what she went through. I really tried to understand her actions and some of them frustrated me at times. Nobody can guess how they are going to react if they were to be in Jess’ shoes. She is young, traumatized and in a way I wanted to connect/understand what she was feeling. But I liked Gabe’s character so much that I couldn’t help to feel frustrated and a bit hurt for him. However, in the last few chapters it all came together for me.
At the end, I really loved the journey Gabe and Jess' relationship went through.
Now looking forward to the character in the next book. I didn't like his character at first when he was introduced but wow, by the end of the book I loved him. Can't wait to read his story.
I had been in a bit of a book slump since last weekend. I wanted to mix it up and was in the mood for some NA. I tried different books and couldn’t really get into any of them. As soon as I started the Prologue of Unbreakable I was hooked.
The story centers around Jessica a 18 year old who lost her mom as a child. Her dad’s way to cope with her mom’s death was to immerse himself in his work as a firefighter. This left Jessica to be pretty much raised by her neighbours, the Garcias. Jessica is best friends with their daughter Ava. Ava also has two older brothers, Gabe and Luke.
Jessica and Gabe have had a crush on each other for the longest time. So in the first half of the book, is Gabe and Jess developing a relationship. This first half of the book was really sweet, cute and steamy at times. You really get to know them and like them as a couple . Gabe was the ultimate perfect boyfriend.
Then, something really terrible happens...
And the angst and drama begins as Jess, Gabe and everyone around attempts to deal with the aftermath. This second half was full of emotions, and heartache. I obviously felt bad for Jess. Nobody should experience what she went through. I really tried to understand her actions and some of them frustrated me at times. Nobody can guess how they are going to react if they were to be in Jess’ shoes. She is young, traumatized and in a way I wanted to connect/understand what she was feeling. But I liked Gabe’s character so much that I couldn’t help to feel frustrated and a bit hurt for him. However, in the last few chapters it all came together for me.
At the end, I really loved the journey Gabe and Jess' relationship went through.
Now looking forward to the character in the next book. I didn't like his character at first when he was introduced but wow, by the end of the book I loved him. Can't wait to read his story.
Want to read
July 25, 2013★ EARLY RELEASE ★
Unbreakable, by Rebecca Shea
'Sometimes the scars in life are cut too deep to heal.'
Well, by calculations, this one wasn't supposed to be out until July 30th... but it's live right now on Amazon. It's getting a lot of praise from the bloggers who have already read and ARC, so I think it's going to be a popular one.
UK AMAZON: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unbreakable-e...
US AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-ebo...
Unbreakable, by Rebecca Shea
'Sometimes the scars in life are cut too deep to heal.'
Well, by calculations, this one wasn't supposed to be out until July 30th... but it's live right now on Amazon. It's getting a lot of praise from the bloggers who have already read and ARC, so I think it's going to be a popular one.
“We will get through this, together. You and I. Nothing will break us, ever. Not this. Do you hear me, Jess? Nothing. We’re Unbreakable.”
UK AMAZON: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unbreakable-e...
US AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-ebo...
September 20, 2013
Another pleasant surprise from a "One Click" buy. This book was just heart breakingly beautiful despite the horrific events that completely changed the course of the main characters lives. It was one of those books that started off perfect. Gabe's family (the Garcia's) had looked after Jess since she was a child. Her mother had died when she was very young and with her father throwing himself into work to cope with the loss, the Garcia's became Jess's second family. This family were just lovely. They had taken Jess in and had always treated her as one of their own. She often slept over, showered there and even had her own bed. Ava and Jess were like sisters but Jess and Gabe... well as they grew up, their friendship turned into so much more. The development of their relationship was beautiful. It was young love, it was innocent and it was exciting:
The two of them together was just so right and I have to say, the first 40% of this book was most definitely all hearts and flowers:
But the more I read on and the happier and more comfortable they got in their relationship, the more my mind wandered. I was in a constant state of anticipation. The synopsis was quite clear that their love would be tested and as the pages turned, I nervously read on.
I fell in love with Gabe's character almost immediately. He was just the perfect boyfriend. He was kind, caring, supportive and just wanted to protect his girl. Don't get me wrong though, he was a charmer and most definitely had a fun and witty side to him too. He was 100% devoted to Jess and made it clear to her at every opportunity that their love was forever:
When everything fell apart, Gabe made some tough decisions. I know they can't have been easy but I found myself getting so angry with him. I wanted him to fight for Jess, for their relationship but he just seemed so defeated and that frustrated the hell out of me. He did redeem himself though thank god. Courtesy of the chapters told from his POV, I could truly feel the rawness of his emotions and the pain he was going through. Jess was never far from Gabe's thoughts and some of the things he did completely tugged at my heart strings and most definitely had me close to tears.
So where does Landon Christianson fit into the equation? Well I really don't want to say because I might ruin the story but I got this guy so horribly wrong. Yes I hold my hands up, I just didn't take to him straight away, in fact I really didn't like him at all but that was more to do with where he fit into the bigger picture as opposed to the person he was. Lucky Landon though because my feelings most definitely thawed the more I got to know him and I even had a lump in my throat reading the tale end of the book because this man made one hell of a sacrifice. One I truly didn't expect and at that moment, I think he took a little piece of my heart:
So onto Jess. She was so personable, outgoing and even feisty although just like most girls her age, she had her insecurities. Despite this, she embraced life and made the most of the opportunities that came her way. Life was most definitely for living. Unfortunately, at 41%, the rug was pulled from under me and I was left stunned. Horrific events left Jess a shell of her former self:
She withdrew from everyone that loved her and that included Gabe. It was easier to be numb than to feel. It was heart breaking because Gabe just wanted to be there, to help her through it but she kept pushing him away:
Although the decisions she made were difficult ones, I could see why she made them. Jess needed time to heal but she just couldn't do that around the people who loved her.
"Unbreakable" definitely put me through the emotional wringer. It lured me into such a false sense of security and although I was waiting for something to go wrong, when it did happen, I just didn't expect it. I truly didn't know if Jess and Gabe would get their HEA because I'd heard there was a book # 2 but also because of the secondary characters and the twist during the last 30% of the book. Yes "Unbreakable" can be read as a standalone and the second book in the series will give us Landon's story. I'm so excited for this one.
"Unbreakable" was beautifully written and perfectly paced with characters I grew so attached to. Would I recommend it? Most definitely. I rated this book 4 Hearts
“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that won’t let me breathe if you’re not with me. It’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you.”
The two of them together was just so right and I have to say, the first 40% of this book was most definitely all hearts and flowers:
"I will love you every day for the rest of my life."
"I love that you tell me this every day," I whisper.
"It's because I mean it."
But the more I read on and the happier and more comfortable they got in their relationship, the more my mind wandered. I was in a constant state of anticipation. The synopsis was quite clear that their love would be tested and as the pages turned, I nervously read on.
I fell in love with Gabe's character almost immediately. He was just the perfect boyfriend. He was kind, caring, supportive and just wanted to protect his girl. Don't get me wrong though, he was a charmer and most definitely had a fun and witty side to him too. He was 100% devoted to Jess and made it clear to her at every opportunity that their love was forever:
"There is nothing... and I mean nothing, that will come between us. You are mine forever."
When everything fell apart, Gabe made some tough decisions. I know they can't have been easy but I found myself getting so angry with him. I wanted him to fight for Jess, for their relationship but he just seemed so defeated and that frustrated the hell out of me. He did redeem himself though thank god. Courtesy of the chapters told from his POV, I could truly feel the rawness of his emotions and the pain he was going through. Jess was never far from Gabe's thoughts and some of the things he did completely tugged at my heart strings and most definitely had me close to tears.
So where does Landon Christianson fit into the equation? Well I really don't want to say because I might ruin the story but I got this guy so horribly wrong. Yes I hold my hands up, I just didn't take to him straight away, in fact I really didn't like him at all but that was more to do with where he fit into the bigger picture as opposed to the person he was. Lucky Landon though because my feelings most definitely thawed the more I got to know him and I even had a lump in my throat reading the tale end of the book because this man made one hell of a sacrifice. One I truly didn't expect and at that moment, I think he took a little piece of my heart:
"Never be afraid to feel. It's the only way to really live. If you don't feel, there is no way you can love, heal or forgive. You'll never move forward or get past this. You have to forgive, Jess."
So onto Jess. She was so personable, outgoing and even feisty although just like most girls her age, she had her insecurities. Despite this, she embraced life and made the most of the opportunities that came her way. Life was most definitely for living. Unfortunately, at 41%, the rug was pulled from under me and I was left stunned. Horrific events left Jess a shell of her former self:
My worst fears settle in. I'm afraid I've lost the girl that I've always known; the sweet, innocent girl I've fallen in love with. She's emotionally broken; a shell of the Jess I knew.
She withdrew from everyone that loved her and that included Gabe. It was easier to be numb than to feel. It was heart breaking because Gabe just wanted to be there, to help her through it but she kept pushing him away:
"Nothing will break us, ever. Not this. Do you hear me, Jess? Nothing. We are unbreakable."
Although the decisions she made were difficult ones, I could see why she made them. Jess needed time to heal but she just couldn't do that around the people who loved her.
"Unbreakable" definitely put me through the emotional wringer. It lured me into such a false sense of security and although I was waiting for something to go wrong, when it did happen, I just didn't expect it. I truly didn't know if Jess and Gabe would get their HEA because I'd heard there was a book # 2 but also because of the secondary characters and the twist during the last 30% of the book. Yes "Unbreakable" can be read as a standalone and the second book in the series will give us Landon's story. I'm so excited for this one.
"Unbreakable" was beautifully written and perfectly paced with characters I grew so attached to. Would I recommend it? Most definitely. I rated this book 4 Hearts
July 25, 2013
“We will get through this, together. You and I. Nothing will break us, ever. Not this. Do you hear me, Jess? Nothing. We’re Unbreakable.”
Jess is practically Gabe Garcia's little sister. She is best friends with his little sister Ava and has been basically adopted into his family after staying with them for the past fourteen years while her Dad works. But Gabe does not think of her as a sister and she does see him as her brother.
Their situation makes it complicated, but once they finally open up and share their feelings, they have an easy, loving relationship. They are perfect together: sweet, sexy, and completely devoted. They have future plans and all is right with the world. Gabe is the such a wonderful, attentive boyfriend. And Jess is so full of life and so happy.
“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that won’t let me breathe if you’re not with me. It’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you.”
Until the unthinkable happens. Their relationship is tested and everything changes. Jess is struggling to cope and all that Gabe wants to do is be there for her. But some things cannot easily be forgotten. At this point, my heart broke for them. And the book changes from a sweet romance to a deeply emotional struggle. It was intense, frustrating, sad, and painful. I realized just how invested I was in this couple.
Choices were made that had me screaming at my kindle. But sometimes to heal, changes have to be made. And in order to heal and move on, you have to make difficult choices.
Jess is exposed to new people and opportunities. I really liked her new friend Lindsay and Landon...sigh...hot, tatted, motorcycle riding Cop Landon...sigh again...But as much as I liked Landon, my heart was already taken by Gabe.
"Never be afraid to feel. It's the only way to finally live. If you don't feel, there is no way you can love, heal, or forgive..."
Can a heart that felt broken be healed again with love and forgiveness?
This book was so well written, it flowed flawlessly and provided points of view of Jess, Gabe, and Landon. I really enjoy it when I can see deep into the character's hearts and minds. It was emotional and inspiring. The characters were well developed and likable. They completely buried themselves in my heart. I felt their longing, love, loyalty, heartbreak, and pain. I went through a gamut of emotions from swooning and happy to sad and tearing up. Despite the painful parts, it was also inspiring, beautiful story of love and healing. This was really a journey for Jess and for the men too. They all had personal growth and changed because of their experiences.
It's okay to hurt and be broken, but it's also imperative to forgive and heal. You have to feel to be able to love.
I want to be adopted into the Garcia family. They were all so loving, fun, and supportive. This story has a resolved ending and does not end on a cliffhanger...Thank Goodness because I am not sure my heart could take it. I am looking forward to the companion novel Undone featuring a very intriguing character from this book. This was a wonderful debut from Rebecca Shea. She definitely has a way of drawing you into a story, making you love her characters, and getting you completely emotionally involved in the outcome.
Thanks to Rebecca Shea for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.
Jess is practically Gabe Garcia's little sister. She is best friends with his little sister Ava and has been basically adopted into his family after staying with them for the past fourteen years while her Dad works. But Gabe does not think of her as a sister and she does see him as her brother.
Their situation makes it complicated, but once they finally open up and share their feelings, they have an easy, loving relationship. They are perfect together: sweet, sexy, and completely devoted. They have future plans and all is right with the world. Gabe is the such a wonderful, attentive boyfriend. And Jess is so full of life and so happy.
“I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved you. You have been a part of my life for over fourteen years. When you were younger, it was a different kind of love, but now, it’s the kind of love that won’t let me breathe if you’re not with me. It’s the kind of love that makes me not want to live if I can’t be with you.”
Until the unthinkable happens. Their relationship is tested and everything changes. Jess is struggling to cope and all that Gabe wants to do is be there for her. But some things cannot easily be forgotten. At this point, my heart broke for them. And the book changes from a sweet romance to a deeply emotional struggle. It was intense, frustrating, sad, and painful. I realized just how invested I was in this couple.
Choices were made that had me screaming at my kindle. But sometimes to heal, changes have to be made. And in order to heal and move on, you have to make difficult choices.
Jess is exposed to new people and opportunities. I really liked her new friend Lindsay and Landon...sigh...hot, tatted, motorcycle riding Cop Landon...sigh again...But as much as I liked Landon, my heart was already taken by Gabe.
"Never be afraid to feel. It's the only way to finally live. If you don't feel, there is no way you can love, heal, or forgive..."
Can a heart that felt broken be healed again with love and forgiveness?
This book was so well written, it flowed flawlessly and provided points of view of Jess, Gabe, and Landon. I really enjoy it when I can see deep into the character's hearts and minds. It was emotional and inspiring. The characters were well developed and likable. They completely buried themselves in my heart. I felt their longing, love, loyalty, heartbreak, and pain. I went through a gamut of emotions from swooning and happy to sad and tearing up. Despite the painful parts, it was also inspiring, beautiful story of love and healing. This was really a journey for Jess and for the men too. They all had personal growth and changed because of their experiences.
It's okay to hurt and be broken, but it's also imperative to forgive and heal. You have to feel to be able to love.
I want to be adopted into the Garcia family. They were all so loving, fun, and supportive. This story has a resolved ending and does not end on a cliffhanger...Thank Goodness because I am not sure my heart could take it. I am looking forward to the companion novel Undone featuring a very intriguing character from this book. This was a wonderful debut from Rebecca Shea. She definitely has a way of drawing you into a story, making you love her characters, and getting you completely emotionally involved in the outcome.
Thanks to Rebecca Shea for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.
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