Katy Spencer’s life fell apart two years ago. Since then, she’s closed herself off. She’s a shell of the person she used to be. The only person she trusts is her best friend Rollo, but even he can’t keep the nightmares away. Then she meets Jared. He’s the first man she’s been around since the event that she’s not afraid of. He makes her heart race, not in fear, but in a fluttering that could become something meaningful.
Jared can tell that Katy is broken. He sees something in her eyes that he’s often seen reflected in his own.
Pain. Fear. Self-loathing.
Jared is determined to get to know her.
He wants to solve the mystery of Katy Spencer.
He will… unravel her.
NOTE: This book is the first book in a series, but each book will follow different characters and be able to be read as a standalone, with no cliffhangers.
Micalea Smeltzer is an author from Northern Virginia. Her two dogs, Ollie and Remy, are her constant companions. As a kidney transplant recipient she's dedicated to raising awareness around the effects of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant as well as educating people on living donation. When she's not writing you can catch her with her nose buried in a book.
5 gorgeous your~scars are my scars~ your pain is my pain~ love can heal anything so IN YOUR FACE ❤❤❤❤❤stars !!!!!!!
I firmly attest that on this day .... I'm being punk'ed by the books angels. You just don't know it but they're laughing at me. Right. There. They're behind that second chances cloud that I've been riding for 3 days now! Doing their cute little pudgy naked giggly thing...Being that I'm close to 15 years post-doctorate ~ I'm not ashamed to say. Once again... I've been schooled hard-core by a second chance book.
Here's my story and I'm sticking to it :
I was itching to one/click and just like the ho I am click-click-click...so I did something I rarely do... I did a blind-faith book read. There aren't many reviews on this book and I was rubbing my greedy hands hoping I found that diamond in the rough. Along came this story by divine intervention. Two very lost, abused, traumatized souls waiting to find each other. Katy ~ A broken 19 year old soul. She was violated and therefore could not be touched. DO NOT TOUCH My heart bled for her story. She was lost and the first person to reach for her hand without her pulling away was
Jared ~
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Now no where on the blurb did it say he was MMA or a foster-care kid survivor!!!! So from these revelations I was a goner. DOOMED. Yeah cause he was all that and more! He didn't even need to try but he crept in my heart saying things like :
Something keeps making us run into each other. I don't believe in coincidences, but I do believe in destiny.
Kindred souls...when people go through horrible, unspeakable things, it changes them. You can always recognize that pain in someone else.
It's like when I saw you, my soul recognized you and I couldn't rest until I made you mine. So, never, ever believe that I love you for any other reason, except that you are YOU
❤Did he learn this shit in fight school ?!? Hello two swoony thumbs way up !!!❤ Not all fighters are meat-heads.... And I'm talking brain power here you PERVS :) the real thinking machine
I felt privileged being able to read their story. Watch them evolve. Finding themselves. I was biting my nails. Sighing out loud. Clutching my heart. I heard violins playing in the distance. Even when I took a break I lovingly patted my kindle saying " I will be right back you two. In the meantime keep your shit together". Page after page seeing them find each other together. It was beautiful !!!
There's so many 5 star moments in this book. ❤Gay BFF who referred to Jared as Jare-Bear ( so cute right ??)
❤First date stargazing ( awwww)
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❤Surprise after surprise of breaking down walls ( heart smiled )
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❤Permission to proceed with just damn hand holding ( again awwwwwww )
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❤So much philosophy going on. Wow! You highlighters out there are going to go bat shit crazy !
❤Gorgeous epilogue! My heart was complete. It's the only time my tears made an appearance! It was perfect!
Don't be discouraged..that this book will thaw your icy heart and you know - make your eye sockets do that drippy weepy thing. Theres no crazy ex-girlfriend. The creepy ex-boyfriend only made a necessary appearance for his smackdown. This was a story of two lost souls finding themselves. It was still swoon-worthy Considering there was a no-touch clause that stayed in effect pretty much the whole book!!!! (So yeah for all of you who think its all about the smut for me..... Wrong answer. ) There was no action until 96% but holy it was worth the wait ! ❤❤❤
I think that readers who loved books like "Pushing the Limits " and " Waiting for you" and " Callum and Harper" would enjoy this read. ❤Noah❤Cameron❤Callum were definitely sharing this cloud with ❤Jared !
5 gorgeous your~scars are my scars~ your pain is my pain~ love can heal anything so IN YOUR FACE ❤❤❤❤❤stars !!!!!!!
Book two will be the story of Jared's little sister ! Can you say "little sister loves brothers best friend ?" Ohhhh it's gonna be a clicking !!!!
Unraveling is such a beautiful story. This is definitely not my typical read. I am normally all about instant love and a bossy alpha hero but this is the complete opposite. It is a slow burn romance that has the sweetest hero ever. He is so patience with the heroine. The only thing I didn't like is some parts dragged a little. It is 446 pages long and there is a few scenes that could have been cut out. Recommend if you are looking for a sweet low angst new adult read.
HEA Cheating/OW/OM Any couple separation Push & Pull Angst Level: Low Heat Level: Low Triggers Safety group
The first time Jared met Katy he was intrigued by the familiar look he saw in her eyes, they were similar to the haunted look in his own he had seen many times before in the mirror. The second time he saw Katy he thought it must be fate but her skittish behavior told Jared her internal wounds were still raw. The third, fourth, and fifth time he let his patience guide him trying to get Katy to agree to go out with him.
Katy is still drowning in her pain from a brutal attack after two years, although she is doing everything right by moving on, therapy, and trying to let the past go, she just can’t seem to take that big jump. When she meets Jared the first time she feels safe with another man, it is a very simple thing by him taking her hand in protection mode, but it kick starts a feeling long suppressed. As Jared’s tenacity to get Katy to go out with him continues Katy finds that he has handed her all the control. Jared is a big man, he is a MMA fighter, he is a survivor himself and Katy finds herself blossoming within as their relationship grows.
Profoundly beautiful, I was completely riveted with this story. There is a depth to the story that rarely is found when trying to translate the feelings of a character, with Katy she reaches into your soul and overpowers you with her pain and confusion on how to let it go. After I reflected over this powerful story, I realized that Micalea Smeltzer wrote a story that carried an emotion from start to finish. In the beginning you are torn up, you feel Katy’s pain, I cried several times, but she begins to build strength as the story progresses and you revel in the emotion you get from each sentence in this story. I thought this story was absolutely amazing, inspirational, and mind blowing. High praises all around
OMG. Seriously... This book was fabulous. I was already a huge Micalea Smeltzer fan girl before this book, but wow. This was a great new adult story.
The characters were all so great, even Piper and Karlie. Katy's character remains consistent throughout the story, yet grows as she transforms into someone new. Then there's Jared. Talk about hot!! Who wouldn't want such a hot guy that is so understanding and caring. Even flawed, he's perfect. Preston. Well there's Preston and that's all I will say about that.
This book really drew me in. From page one, I was wrapped up in the story. I finished it in one sitting. Micalea really has a knack for writing great characters and original stories.
My ONLY complaint, was the relationship. It almost seemed like it happened at the end, just like that. I wanted more of Jared and Katy. This book was more of a cute romance and not so much a steamy romance.
If I were you, I would download this book like yesterday. It's wonderful and I'm eagerly awaiting Micalea's next release. I give this book five glittery stars for being just WOW!
I am not going to give you a rundown of this book because what would be the point of that? You know how it goes: boy meets girl, things happen, boy and girl fall in love. However, the 'things happen' is what you have to find out on your own. I will say this, you may be surprised on just how much you will love these characters. I know I was. I especially fell in love with Jared (male lead) and how he treated Katy (female lead).
“But honestly, if someone told me they could redo my past, and give me a happy childhood, I’d say, no deal. Because, if I wished away the past, then I wouldn’t be standing here, with you. Everything in life, the good and the bad, happens for a reason. You shouldn’t question it, you should accept it, and take it as a life lesson, because maybe, just maybe, that bad experience is leading you down the road to the greatest adventure of your life.”
At times, I thought there were some cheesy moments along with some frustrating moments but I think back at those cheesy moments and sigh because Jared said some wonderful and beautiful things to Katy and meant them. He would say them from the heart and really mean what he said. He didn't say them because he thought that's what Katy wanted to hear. He said them because he believed in them and because he really, truly loved her no matter what had happened in their past lives. They completed each other and made each other whole. And that was what Jared wanted Katy to know every day that they were together.
You don't notice just how much little things like touching, feeling and even the simplicity of saying nice things, can make a person feel special and loved.
Maybe that was the problem with most relationships. People didn’t appreciate the small things; the small touches and glances, when they should, because those small things add up to bigger things. Those small things are what make life worth living for.
The supporting cast was just as wonderful. Her best friend, Rollo, was one of those best friends that stand by you no matter the circumstances. And it helps that he brings the humor to a situation not so humorous. One of my favorite lines from him: “It’s always the quiet ones that are freaks beneath the sheets.” (It's even more funny to me because I always am saying this to my friends and whoever else will listen-HA!)
Can not wait for the next book. It deals with Karlie (Jared's baby sister) and Holden (Jared's best friend). Their story will definitely be a tough one as well.
I LOVED Rollo he is seriously like the bestest friend a girl can have and for Katy that is a good thing, "Damn girl, he was sexy. I sure as hell hope you got his number or else I'm gonna have to beat you over the head with a stick. Or maybe a vibrator." Jared has issues all on his own and that's why I think he and Katy are good for each other, "Exactly, I wasn't hitting that guy because I just felt like it. Don't judge me, or what I do, you don't know me Katy." I can't express how much I loved Jared through out this book, "Trust me, kittycat, if I was trying to woo you, I'd have a much better scheme up my sleeve. Why do you ask, is this working?" He's also funny, "Katy, I'm not going to break into your house and kill you, if that's what you're afraid of. This is just me, being a nice guy, wanting to pick up his girl." And ladies the man is a looker, and hot, hot, hot, "He wore a white button down shirt, with sleeves rolled up, and the top three buttons undone, showing off a bit of his tanned chest." Oh yes please!! Ladies he's also a keeper he goes and buys TAMPONS, do you know how hard it is to find a guy that will go out and buy those? "Only guys that are insecure in their manhood are afraid of tampons. They're just weird little cotton things. It's not like they're going to eat you." He also says things that are well panty dropping if you get my meaning (winks) "Kittycat, they're the sexiest legs I've ever seen and to think, just five minutes ago, I had those beauties wrapped around my waist and your mouth on mine." Yes indeed I loved this book!
This was a real enjoyable read, both characters have had bad things happen to them in the past, they try to help each other heal. I couldn't put this book down. I just loved all the characters so much. I'm looking forward to read the next book in the series which is about another couple which I won't name but you could tell something was gonna happen between them throughout this book even though all the other characters seemed oblivious to their chemistry even the couple themselves didn't notice it. She had a crush and was a snappy madam whenever he was around no he was a snarky bugger whenever she was about. Lol. I'm definitely looking forward to their story.
I LOVED this book! I could not put it down, I was up until 3 in the morning finishing this book. Jared and katy were great characters and I loved how they interacted with each other. I loved how they worked together to deal with there problems, there wasn't any unnecessary drama or confusion because they talked to each other instead of running off and wallowing in grief as is what most authors love doing now a days. Micalea is definitely one of my favorite authors, if you haven’t read her outsider series go read, them they are amazing!
Can I just ask that Jared please be my boyfriend in my next life??? This man has the patience of a saint! Fell in love with him from the minute he stepped into the book!!! Although there was no big climax or anything earth shattering towards the middle or end, it was a nice read and loved how real the characters were. Nice to see Katy taking her time with getting used to another man. Enjoyed the book thoroughly and look forward to Holden and Karlie's story!
This was a great book. She did a wonderful job of creating a very heartfelt story. I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait until the next one in the series comes out. I have been a fan of all her books. This is another book that will be a re-read.
I totally fell in love with this book. I didn't want to put this book down and I didn't want it to end. Katy and Jareds relationship was so amazing, perfect match. I loved every character in this book and I really can't wait to read Karlie and Holdens story.
This was way too long.....I mean I had a hard time finishing it hoping there would be something monumental happening. But till the end.....all I can say was that's it? But will I read the next book, HELL YES! It's Karlie's and Holden's story. That should be interesting.....I hope.
Absolutely LOVED this book. The author had you feeling katys emotions about her rape and then had you going thru the motions learning to trust again. Great book. Loved it.
So, I liked the book some points were better than others. The highlights are Rollo. He is a gem and the best BF ever even though Katy seems to take advantage of him and their friendship is more one sided. I know she went through a lot but it seems that Rollo is always there for her and not vice versa but through thick and thin Rollo never fails.
"Oh please," Rollo said, leading me out of the room. "You won't go near anyone that has a dick." "I hang out with you," I pointed out. He snorted. "And I practically have a vagina, therefore, I don't count." loc 262
Some other lights are of course Jared he is awesome. He doesn't quite make my book BF category but definitely book crush worthy and here are some examples why.
"No one can heal you, Katy. There are no magic words. Only you can heal yourself." loc 526
"Katy, I promise you, I'll never hurt you or put you in a position of danger. I know I need to earn your trust, but this one time, I'm asking you to trust me anyway. " loc 673
"No, on the contrary, I think you're falling for me. It's okay to take the leap, Katy. I'll be here to catch you," loc 817
"Katy, if you give me your heart, I promise to do nothing but protect it. " loc 860
"No, someone else hurt you, Katy. But unlike what you believe, you're not broken, at least not beyond repair. just so you know, I plan on picking up all the pieces and super gluing them back together." loc 998
"One day, I just want you to look at me with love in your eyes, despite my past. I want you to know every dirty little secret about me, and love me anyway." loc 1038
"The scars and bruises on the outside, in no way, compare to the ones on the inside. It's the scars you can't see that hurt the most, Jared." loc 1595
"Tears are not a sign of weakness," Jared said, vehemently. "Tears show compassion, they show," he pointed to my chest, "that you have a heart. Tears are powerful," loc 2070
Now can you see why Jared is Crush worthy what a sweetie. :)
So of the lower points were I felt a lot of the dialogue between Jared and Katy corny and awkward. I also felt the evolution of Katy and Jared were at warp speed throughout the book.
But here is the skinny on the situation. The concept of Rape is a touchy subject and unfortunately it hits home to more than it should. I thought Micalea did a good job representing this however I have not had this happen personally so I can only speculate. But at the end of the day it is about healing and becoming a survivor and not staying a victim.
With Jared and Katy what drew them together was the pain but with hope, time and love together they began to heal on their own as well as together so they could become whole again.
There were parts were I felt the books was stiff and raw in an unedited way but in reality it felt like it could be a diamond in the rough with a little more work.
"...It's like, when I saw you, my soul recognized you and I couldn't rest until I made you mine. So, never, ever believe that I love you for any other reason, except that you are you." loc 2244
I received a free copy of this book from Micalea. Thank you so much! To be honest, I remarked ‘Unraveling’ a few weeks ago and I immediately wanted to read it. First, the cover is stunning. Simple, but so beautiful! Second, the synopsis drew me immediately. I knew I had to read this book because it is different and something was just screaming ‘This book is awesome!’ . When I received this book, I couldn’t wait to start it. I wanted to read just a few pages, to make an idea, but I couldn’t put it down. Once I started I couldn’t stop reading. Honestly, I’m super glad I read it because…. OMG, I LOVED.LOVED.LOVED.IT! How can I describe this book? ‘Unique’. ‘Unraveling’ is unique. It’s beautiful. It’s sad. It’s beautiful written. It’s everything I want from a book. From the first chapter, Katy’s story and personality captivated me. Her sadness broke my heart, but also hooked me, in a way. I didn’t know the reason behind this sadness and I wanted to find it want. And when I did, I was so anger with that idiot that did this to her that I wanted to rip his head off!! And Katy’s mother… UGH! The characters are so strong that I could actually feel them. Like they were real persons. Like I knew them. Like they were my best friends and I knew them so well. This rarely happens to me. So, the characters are strong points at this book. They are well created and each one of them has a story that needs to be told. I want to read a special book for each one of the characters, but I am very happy that I���ll get a book about Holden and Karlie. My favorite character? Well, I loved (like litarelly loved) all of them. But the best scenes were those when both Karlie and Rollo were in. I mean, Karlie is a genius! She’s smart, funny and she always says what she thinks, but there is something that makes her sad. And that something is also one of my favorite character . Rollo? Don’t get me started! That ‘boy’ is one of the best character e.v.e.r.! Like e.v.e.r.! He’s (why did I wanted to write ‘she’) sooooo funny and adorable that I loved him from the start. You know why I love gays in books? Because they are perfect. I’ve always wanted a friend that is gay, but it’s a little hard to find one. So I guess I’ll just keep Rollo.Oh, I loved how protective he’s toward Katy and how much he loved her. Jared? Well… this is another subject. This.boy.is.perfect. He’s sexy, but not a bad boy. He’s kind, protective,gentle, smart and… he has a story that broke my heart. I loved how he waited for Katy, how much he loved her and how perfect they were together. There are some beautiful and romantic quotes in this book. In fact, Micalea’s writing is so beautiful and everything she writes has a deep meaning that I rarely find in books. ‘Unraveling’ is one of those books that stays with you while you’re reading it and loooong after you read it. I was so into the story and I cared so much about Katy that I had a nightmare. It was actually kind of weird, because I felt like I was Katy. And I was living ‘the event’. This never happened to me before. I loved the ending! It was so sweet and perfect!! That was an ending that I liked! I have to recognize that the only thing that I didn’t like about this book is the editing. This book should go through another round of editing, because I found a lot of punctuation mistakes and there were some words that I found a million times. I can’t wait for Micalea’s next book, that one with Karlie and Holden. I bet I’ll love it as much as I loved this one. ‘Unraveling’ is a special book that will always have a place in my heart. I wish I could read it again, but unfortunately, I can’t. Not right now, at least. Strong characters, heart breaking story, beautiful love story and a super talented author. 5 stars out of 5.
I started out liking the story but as the story went on I found myself totally irritated by the slow development of the main character. I'm not being insensitive here. Katy went through something no one should have. But the fact her internal monologues were always the same were really infuriated.
The other thing about Katy is that she's so condescending towards everybody. She accepts everything you tell her. If you say she need to jump she will. Fart, she will, and gladly
But let's not forget Jared. How many times can someone call someone "Kitten" without being annoyed?According to Micalea Smeltzer not enough.
I didn't get Jared' sister and why she was always a bitch, without a reason, to Holden
Towards the ending a bunch of characters were introduced to us but they aren't relevant to the story.
There were so many chapters that didn't need the to be in the book. Full chapters without absolutely nothing happening.
I don't know yet when or If I will read the next book in the series only because I couldn't connect to Jared's sister at all. But we shall see.
I liked Unraveling, especially Jared. His story was was that of triumph. He went through something sick that could have broken him forever but he was strong and saw the light in Katy. He was so kind, patient, and understanding. He saw so much good and life in her. Katy was pulled into a darkness that she couldn't fathom overcoming. Jared was the comfort and security she needed to come undone. I felt her personal growth through this story and their growth as a couple. It was sweet, innocent, and romantic. I loved that there wasn't a ton of drama here just two people discovering themselves together. Their stories prove that no matter the screwed up background you can always find a semblance of normalcy and happiness. I love that in a book and this book; it was a good read.
I'm not a literary snob, I swear! There's no trope I don't love, but the cringe here is from the writing, not the plot. This read like a first draft attempt for a high school writing assignment. It felt like the author was imagining what it would be like to be traumatized, wealthy, or to have a gay best friend, but has no experience with any of it. The only thing I believed was that she had been to a college lecture, but even the plot point if someone transferring in mid-semester is ludicrous. Again, I say... written by a high schooler. Dialogue was inauthentic and cringey. Based on the consistent rating it has with the rest of her writing, I won't be reading Smeltzer again.
I won this book through Goodreads. There was 1 copy being given away and out of over 1800 people I was chosen. I never thought that would happen but I am so so glad it did. I absolutely love this book. I just can't get over how this book made me feel. I loved Katy and Jared's story so much and I can't wait for Karlie and Holden's. I definitely have a new favorite author and I am so thankful to have been given this book!!!
I read this book in just one day. Seriously magical.
I was pumped when I saw it on Amazon for only $0.99, what a steal!!
The characters are real, and easy to relate to. The situations are realistic, and raw. The transformation you see the main character make is beautiful. I haven't read a book that's effected me this much in quite a long time.
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who likes YA books.. Happy to add it to my shelf.
This book and the whole series was AMAZING. The cover on all of them is so pretty, and the books are so thoughtful and touching. It is romantic, but realistic at the same time. A story about a girl who believes she is broken, but she finds a guy who is as damaged as she is, and they learn to move forward, together. He sounds like an amazing guy, both their stories are so sad, I was so hooked, I could not put it down! Highly recommend.
It was...ok I guess. Which sometimes is worse than a really bad book. Again, Ms Smeltzers' characters lack depth. She deals with a really tragical subject and treats it... lightly. Without any depth. The story was either too slow or too fast. And to be honest there wasn't much of a built up on the sex scenes. No sexual tension. Still, I liked the pure fluff of it, especially when it comes down to a pure alpha males melting in the face of his love. I won't be giving up on this author. Yet.
I fell in love with this book form the start!! It isn't like any original love story and I love Jared. Every scene just captured my attention and Jared is such a lovable person who is protective of Katy and would never do anything to hurt her. I absolutely love Unraveling and I just can't wait for Holden and Karlie's book. I just might love Holden a bit more than Jared!
This was a great story.. Not at all realistic at least i have never met a guy like that... but who cares its fiction right.. I really did enjoy watching Katy grow. Im glad she didnt just flip a switch like some books. It took time and work on her part to heal. I loved it!
One of my fave books I've read this year. It's heartbreaking learning what she went through and Jared is so right for her! Jared and his past, and how he turned out is refreshing, definitely unlike most books I've read.