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Kindergarten teacher Sarah Larsen has spent her whole life being the good girl. But now, she’s ready to do something bad. So wearing the shortest, tightest black dress she owns, she marches over to the nearest bar to fulfill her Christmas fantasy: a wild night with a total stranger.

Walker Callahan moved to Silver Creek to start fresh. He doesn’t want to bring his baggage into a relationship, so an evening of fun with the sexiest welcoming committee ever is just what he needs.

They were both in it for one night with no strings attached.. But when Sarah discovers that Walker is the father of her new student, things turn deliciously complicated. Can the cold winter nights thaw two frozen hearts?

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2014

41 people are currently reading
443 people want to read

About the author

Maisey Yates

1,165 books3,004 followers
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.

Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.

She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for ♥Rachel♥.
2,276 reviews924 followers
November 19, 2014
Unwrapped was short and sweet at just 117 pages it takes less than a couple of hours to satisfy a romance craving.

After being raised by a strict grandmother, kindergarten teacher Sarah Larsen hasn’t had much experience in the romance department. In fact, she’s still a virgin at the age of thirty. Sarah feels it’s time to finally let go of her inhibitions and “let loose”, and she intends to do that by picking up a man and having her wicked way with him. Walker seems like the perfect candidate! Her plan to spend one night without strings is foiled a bit when at the end of the night she experiences a rush of emotions and feels a direct connection from her heart to Walker. Sarah hightails it out of there pronto, averting anymore risk to her heart, figuring she’ll never lay eyes on Walker again anyhow.

Walker has just bought a ranch in Silver Creek to start anew after his divorce. He doesn’t plan on having a one-nightstand when he walks into the local bar, but Sarah draws him in like a beacon, and they spend a passionate night together.

Neither Sarah nor Walker plan on seeing each other again, but when Walker goes to pick up his daughter Kayla from her new kindergarten class, Sarah has the shock of her life. Awkward!

Sarah was sweet and sincere and wore her heart on her sleeve. I find it hard to hide my emotions much of the time, so I could really relate to her. Her upbringing while not neglectful in a physical way was lacking in love. I truly wished for Sarah to find the love that was long overdue to her.

I felt bad for Walker as well. His heart had been bruised by years spent in a loveless marriage, and he’s just trying to move on and provide a stable home for his daughter. He’s attracted to Sarah and wants a physical relationship but makes it clear that’s all he has to give. I was disappointed with his treatment of Sarah and the walls he put up and I was disappointed that Sarah for the most part just took it. I do get where Walker was coming from but to punish Sarah for his ex-wife’s crappy behavior wasn’t fair. Fortunately, this didn’t last for too long.

Unwrapped
is perfect if you’re in the mood for a short and sweet holiday romance that will leave you with the warm fuzzies.

A copy was provided by InterMix in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Jenny.
3,160 reviews558 followers
November 19, 2014
Heroine Sarah is a sweet shy kindergarten teacher whose Christmas wish is to have a wild night with a total stranger. She gets her wish but when Sarah discovers that Walker is the father of her new student she gets more than she bargained for.

Walker has commitment issues after his ex wife walked out on him and their baby girl plus his marriage was far from ideal. Sweet Sarah touches his heart but he is afraid of letting a woman in his heart again.

I'm a sucker for a shy sheltered virginal heroine and an alpha hero. Sarah is a true Christmas angel and she brings so much joy and love to Walker and his daughter. All this fantastic Christmas book needed was an epilogue!
1,122 reviews302 followers
December 8, 2014
One wants to shed her good girl life and one doesn’t want to bring his baggage into a relationship…both wanted a one night stand but things turn deliciously complicated in this captivating contemporary holiday romance.

A fast pace and smooth flowing plot captivates readers with an emotionally gripping holiday tale. The reader can’t help but get caught up in this romance as Sarah decides to indulge in a Christmas fantasy of a one night stand and ends up helping Walker with his daughter. Walker captures the heart with his insecurities about his previous marriage that has left him uncertain about committing to another relationship.

The well written scenes and details bring this quick and sweet story to life and I was completely caught up in it from the very beginning. The magic of Christmas adds a special setting to a story where the healing of two frozen hearts leads to a happily ever after and while I feel that the story was enjoyable I can’t help but feel that Sarah and Walker’s story could have been a bit longer.
- Eva
Profile Image for Susan.
93 reviews7 followers
December 1, 2022
Precious, would have liked it to be longer but it was pretty perfect.
Profile Image for Jackie.
Author 9 books159 followers
November 18, 2014
ARC courtesy of Netgalley

Quite a few people whose opinions I respect rave about Maisey Yates, so when I saw her name come up attached to a Netgalley title, I eagerly hit "request." Alas, turns out that UNWRAPPED is a novella, one that suffers from underdeveloped novel syndrome. Good girl kindergarten teacher Sarah Larsen, raised by her strict grandmother, has reached the age of thirty without ever having had sex. Tonight, she's at the local bar, hoping to change that embarrassing fact. In walks a hot stranger, and Sarah takes her courage into her own hands, shyly flirting, sexily dancing, and awkwardly propositioning. Sarah and Walker go back to his hotel, where they have steamy sex.

But Sarah hadn't counted on the spiritual or emotional side of sex, the rush of feelings that come in the wake of orgasms. She rushes out, not wanting to fool herself that anything besides a one-night stand is happening.

Of course, turns out that Walker is not just visiting, but is moving to Silver Creek. With a kindergarten-age daughter in tow. And he doesn't have a nanny to watch her over Christmas break. Despite the awkwardness, Sarah offers to help out. More sex ensues, and sensitive Sarah falls in love. Walker has a bad history with romance (an ex who left, then died), and so breaks things off when Sarah declares herself. Of course, he soon realizes he's made a mistake, and at a charmingly bad kindergarten holiday concert, he declares himself.

Very conventional story, and very underdeveloped romance arc, although I can see from Yates' writing and the hints of character development in this short piece that she might be an author worth reading in a longer format. ("Suddenly she felt like a fraud. Like an idiot, standing there, totally naked with Mr. Tall, Dark, Muscley and Chest-Haired staring at her like she was going to deliver him some sweet dessert. She had no sweet dessert. She barely had carrot sticks").
Profile Image for Valerie.
927 reviews437 followers
November 13, 2014
Novella's tend to be hit or miss with me. I think I'm just a novel kind of girl but I always feel like I wanted more somehow with a novella.


That's how I felt with this one. I enjoyed the premise a lot. Sarah Larsen has a strange upbringing that has her thirty and never even kissed. She's ready for that to change. The one stranger she happens on in this small town will work perfectly. Except his has some serious baggage. But they fit together. They work together. He helps her find herself sexually and she helps him love again. It's a sweet Christmas story.


I just wanted a little more here and there. Some little things really. I wanted a few more conversations between them, a little more time with his daughter, some time making dinner instead of just eating it. Just those little things that make the story feel a little bit more real.


Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this one a lot. It's packing some heat and I read it in an afternoon. I haven't read the of this series but I could easily see myself finding out more about this little town and the relationships in it.

Looking for that sexy, fast Christmas read? This one works.
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
November 17, 2014
I really enjoyed this one! It's a fun novella that is well written a has some great characters. Sarah has always been the good girl and decides just once she wants to be a little bad. That's where Walker Callahan, new to Silver Creek, can help her out, for just one night. But when they discover Sarah is the kindergarten teacher for Walker's daughter, things get awkward! Again, this is a fun light read that will entertain you for an afternoon. I enjoyed it and I bet you will too. I recommend it.
Profile Image for Krissys Bookshelf Reviews.
1,640 reviews81 followers
July 16, 2015
Unwrapped I received a digital copy from Berkley and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Unwrapped is an excellent read for any time of the year holiday or not. I really enjoyed getting to watch Sarah and Walker go through the stages of coping, adapting, changing and blossoming as they both transitioned from the positions they found themselves in before they met to when they reunited and realized that a one night stand wouldn't be enough for them. I liked getting to see them as they grew and were able to overcome their emotional obstacles together.
2,246 reviews23 followers
June 6, 2019
I shouldn't have done it. I just shouldn't have clicked "borrow" from the library. This was a two-star read for me although I'm giving it three because honestly I've just read too many Maisey Yates books in too-rapid succession; it's not a flaw in the writing, I'm just Yates-ed out. In every Maisey Yates book, the man, no matter how gung-ho he is about the prospect of a romance/relationship/marriage - even if it be to the point of blackmailing the heroine into one! - gets cold feet, and the heroine must confess her love. It doesn't matter if he doesn't love her back, the heroine snaps; it doesn't matter if he tells her that he doesn't love her back, just like he's doing right now, because she knows - she knows it is His Fear talking, and not His True Feelings. And she's just sorry for him that he's such a coward that he can't embrace the love that she knows that he feels for her, and she's glad that she said it! Glad! And now she's going home to cry, but with pride, dammit!

This is all fine and dandy but it does get a little wearisome after a glut of Yates books. There are other ways to conclude a romance, after all. But besides that, it's kind of cringe-worthy when it comes in this context: a one-night-stand turned no-strings-attached fling between a formerly virgin schoolteacher and a rancher single dad who is Too Full Of Manpain To Ever Love (Again). When it's, like, a normal adult lady and her cranky best friend dude of many years, then sure, this is reasonable: she's known him all their lives, his manpain is - or ought to be - temporary, and he just needs to get his head out of his butt. You tell him, girlfriend! When it is someone who has never been in a relationship before - never even been kissed before - and she has jumped straight into a pseudo-mom relationship with some guy who keeps telling her "I will never love again, this is just a fling" while allowing her to take care of his kid because it's convenient for him - I mean, we've all seen that relationship, or even been in that relationship, and rarely does the big declaration of love end the way it does here. The novella length doesn't help.
1,455 reviews
November 13, 2021
Love wins over misery

Great story of Sarah looking for a hook up in a bar and finding Walker. It was only later when she realised Kayla was Walker's daughter and she would be seeing more of him that she was able to let her feelings for him develop. Finally they were able to find their happily ever after
Profile Image for Sandra R.
3,352 reviews47 followers
July 21, 2017
Nice, steamy, well written novella set at Christmas time. Can be read as a standalone.
111 reviews
May 26, 2018
this was a very good short story I like how all the short stories in this series are connected by the characters and the full length novels in the series are connected by the same characters.
Profile Image for Samantha Blevins.
13 reviews
June 10, 2018
I just started this series with this book and I loved it. Maisey Yates never disappoints.
1,672 reviews43 followers
February 21, 2017
I almost didn’t read Unwrapped. It was a little feel good Christmas time novella added at the end of the Silver Creek book series. Christmas was two months in my review mirror and I was anxious to start the Copper Ridge Series as I suspect the Silver Spring series was the prototype for that series based upon the fact both are centered upon Oregon ranching communities and families, the Copper Ridge Series was written after the Silver Springs series and the author is still adding books to the Copper Ridge Series a dozen or more books in, while the 3 book, 3 novella Silver Spring Series ended with the Unwrapped novella. Since I loved the Silver Spring Series I have high expectations for the Copper Ridge Series. But because I did love the Silver Spring Series, had read all 3 of the novels and the 2 novellas, and Unwrapped is only 100 pages long and I’d met the heroine of Unwrapped, Sarah in Rekindled, I decided I could invest an evening in reading the final little story in the series. So glad I did.
There are no surprises in Unwrapped. The story unfolds just as you would expect one of Maisey Yate’s romance novellas in a Christmas setting would. But then if you’re a fan of the genre how many surprises do you really expect to find on your way to the HEA? It’s not the destination that matters in this genre, but the journey to get there. So why did I give this little 100 plus page story 5 stars? Because it’s just sort of perfect. Ms. Yates does her usual fantastic job of bringing her characters to life, making them feel real, making you feel what they’re feeling, making you care about them. There are no implausible moments in this story where I told myself, “that would never happen in real life.” The pacing of the story, watching Sarah an extremely intelligent, caring if timid woman who at 30 is still sexually innocent, frustrated and socially awkward grow into her own skin and become a confident woman not afraid to ask for what she wants, was well done. And nobody does that moment in the love story where one character in the relationship confronts the other to profess their love and force the other to face their fears in order to take the relationship to the next level, to achieve their happily ever after better than Maisey Yates. So glad I didn’t ignore this final story in the series. I won’t soon forget all the characters I was introduced to along the way that I came to love. It’s always sort of bittersweet for me when I finish a book series I’ve truly enjoyed but Unwrapped allowed me to do it with a smile.
Profile Image for Deb Lester.
614 reviews27 followers
December 1, 2014
Unwrapped is a sweet little holiday romance from Maisey Yates. It is a part of the Silver Creek series but can be read as a standalone. Readers looking for a quick holiday read that will leave them smiling and feeling full of the Christmas spirit will love this one. When a mild mannered kindergarten teacher decides to have her first one night stand, she doesn't expect to see her 'lover' later showing up in her classroom.
A journey of self discovery and the healing of a broken heart will leave readers breathless with this holiday novella!

What I liked:

The Silver Creek series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Maisy Yates knows how to write a great small town romance. Silver Creek is the kind of place readers would enjoy settling down to raise a family and that's exactly what hero, Walker Callahan had in mind when he decided to buy a ranch in Silver Creek. What he didn't expect was an indecent proposal from a young woman who is exploring her desires. I liked the fact that Yates portrays Sarah are a young woman, who everyone in town knows. They also know she has been sheltered and is very innocent and a bit eccentric. The locals who frequent the local bar had nothing to offer Sarah, but when Walker shows up everything changes.

The first encounter of hero and heroine in this book is a one night stand. Yes, that gets right to the point. For readers who can't wait to get to the good stuff, this one will certainly satisfy, but it doesn't seem contrived or too rushed despite the fact that it happens in the first chapter or so. It seemed like a natural thing for Sarah considering she has waited long enough as a virgin at age thirty. The story then builds on Sarah and Walker's attraction to each other and basically makes this first act a prelude to a great love story.

Sarah reminded me of myself when I was younger. She had gotten it into her head that men were somewhat evil and that having sex was sinful. That's a hard thing to overcome, let me tell you. I applauded her for trying her wings and finding out what she truly loved and enjoyed in a man, in and out of the bedroom. I liked the fact that she was quirky and a little unorthodox. I think that's exactly what Walker needed, but it took him awhile to figure it out.

Walker seemed like the strong silent type, he was rugged and masculine and certainly made my heart flutter a little bit. He had been through the ringer with his ex-wife and her recent death was hard on him and his daughter. I loved the fact that he was trying to be a good father to Kayla, and the fact that he was human and still messed up even though he had the best of intentions. He was the kind of man that is a true hero in my eyes. Flawed yet faithful to try his best for those he loved. I wanted him to find happiness and I loved that Sarah made both him and Kayla happy.

Bottom Line:

This was such a lovely little story. I loved the Christmas backdrop from decorating the tree to throwing snowballs and especially the kindergartners singing at the tree lighting. I loved the romance that bloomed between the hero and heroine and I even liked the way they met. How many of us would really have the courage to go after what we wanted the way Sarah did? Not many!
Profile Image for OpenBookSociety.com .
4,108 reviews135 followers
November 19, 2014
http://openbooksociety.com/article/un...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Sarah Larsen was dumped on her grandma when she was young. So young, in fact that she can’t even remember her mother. But it wasn’t a perfect life. Her grandmother cared for her out of obligation more than anything else and it wasn’t a loving home. But her grandmother kept her in line, telling her all about the sins of the flesh and how a man could ruin her. Which could explain why she finds herself to be a virgin at the age of 30. But Sarah is determined to change all of that now!

Sarah has decided to gift herself with a one-night stand as an early Christmas gift. But the local bar is full of just that, locals. Locals that know her and know that she’s a little odd. But then a sexy stranger walks in and changes her life forever!

Walker Callahan has traveled from Texas to make the final arrangements on the ranch he’s buying for him to move to Silver Creek with his young daughter, Kayla.

Once Sarah ran out on Walker on that fateful night, she never expected to see him again. What a surprise when she learns he is the father of her new student! Can their indiscretion stay in the past?

I’ve heard good things about this series, and decided to check it out for myself. It was a nice sweet little read, but suffers from being a novella. Things being a bit rushed at times and just not delving as deep into the story and emotions as I would like to see.

I understand that Sarah is a goody-two-shoes thanks to the way that her grandmother raised her. But I felt she was a little too much of a goody-two shoes. It was over the top, making it unbelievable. She dresses like an old lady, doesn’t drink, or smoke, doesn’t date, and is too prim and proper to even cuss in her thoughts! It really made me wonder what Walker could have seen in her! Thank goodness she’s a fictional character because I don’t think finding someone for her would have been nearly as easy in real life!

Walker was an okay character, but I would have liked to have seen more development with him for me to truly appreciate him and what he brings to the table.

This was a nice sweet story to read before the holidays, but just don’t expect a whole lot going in. It’s a novella after all. The true test will be when I read a full-length novel from this series! Stay tuned for that!!

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Kathy .
3,814 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2014
4.5 stars.

Unwrapped by Maisey Yates is a sweet and sexy holiday romance between two people whose fling unexpectedly turns into so much more. This fast-paced and engaging novella is a journey of self-discovery for Sarah Larsen whereas Walker Callahan must decide whether or not to risk his heart again on love. This lovely addition to the Silver Creek series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the other books in the series as well.

Sarah is a good girl who always does what is expected of her. Now thirty years old, she is finally ready to explore her sexuality but achieving that goal takes her way out of her comfort zone. Just as she is rethinking her decision, a handsome stranger walks through the door and she charms him into accepting her tantalizing offer of a one night stand. However, Sarah is dismayed to discover that Walker is not just passing through when their paths later cross in very surprising set of circumstances.

Sarah is a sweet and giving woman but moving past the messed up teachings of the grandmother who raised her is difficult. She is uneasy with the changes she is trying to make, but she does not let her discomfort stop her. As she becomes more sexually experienced, Sarah gains confidence both in and out of the bedroom. But most importantly, Sarah realizes that she deserves to be happy and she refuses to keep her growing feelings for Walker to herself.

Walker is not looking for a woman when he finds Sarah and he has serious qualms about getting involved with her beyond their one night together. Having had his heart shattered by his ex-wife, Walker is devoted to his daughter but once his libido comes back to life, he finds it difficult to ignore his desire for Sarah. Agreeing to keep their relationship casual, the couple eagerly explore their scorching hot passion but Walker brings their relationship to a screeching halt in the aftermath of Sarah's confession.

Unwrapped is a delightful novella that is humorous, sensual and at times, a little poignant. Sarah and Walker are multi-faceted characters with believable flaws and realistic obstacles to overcome. It is a super steamy addition to Maisey Yates' Silver Creek series that old and new fans are sure to love!
Profile Image for Smitten.
786 reviews39 followers
December 2, 2014
Originally posted on Smitten by Books Blog

A delicious Christmas novella I loved sinking my teeth into.

I love short reads, it’s sometimes difficult to find good ones, but Unwrapped is indeed an early Christmas present.

To start this story could’ve been called Thirty Year-Old Virgin. The poor heroine, Sarah, hasn’t be kissed, fondled, romped, or jostled in thirty years of existence. A travesty if there ever was one. Thankfully our hero, Walker is there from the get go to help Sarah enlighten her lacking sexual education. Funny thing is, this empowered woman propositions him, with this gem:
“Oh.” She sucked in a deep breath and closed her eyes. She couldn’t look at him, not while she said this. “I was sort of here to… to see if a nice man might take me back to his… lodge. For the night. And it’s especially nice that I met you since you’re staying in a literal lodge and I’ve never been to that particular lodge. Also, point in your favor, you’re a man.”

Luckily, our guy is intrigued by her nervous behavior and her poor taste seduction clothes and he takes her up on the offer. From there it’s classic Yates, humor mixed with incredibly hot smexy times. Add in some awkward emotions, uncomfortable disclosures and finding out a one-night stand couldn’t possibly be that simple… it’s Christmas gold.

The plot is faced paced, which Yates excels at thanks to her Harlequin Presents experience. The setting is Silver Creek, Oregon. Beautiful, rugged, and so out of the way that you go to school when there’s a half a foot of snow. I will say since this is a novella, external conflict is at a minimum. The plot focuses on the love story alone and how Walker and Sarah overcome their past issues to potentially establish a future.

I had no trouble flying through the pages and longing for a rancher of my own or even the snow. Gosh, how this book made me long for snow. I want to have a snowball fight and then curl up between the sheets with a simmering, sexy cowboy.

Overall, if you want something that’s hot and humorous with a good dose of Holiday romance you need to snag this one. I’ll say readers who enjoy Victoria Dahl or Jaci Burton will get a kick out of Maisy Yates.


Reviewed by Landra
Heat Level: Hot


Profile Image for Landra Graf.
Author 40 books89 followers
December 27, 2014
*Originally posted on Smitten by Books*
A delicious Christmas novella I loved sinking my teeth into.

I love short reads, it’s sometimes difficult to find good ones, but Unwrapped is indeed an early Christmas present.

To start this story could’ve been called Thirty Year-Old Virgin. The poor heroine, Sarah, hasn’t be kissed, fondled, romped, or jostled in thirty years of existence. A travesty if there ever was one. Thankfully our hero, Walker is there from the get go to help Sarah enlighten her lacking sexual education. Funny thing is, this empowered woman propositions him, with this gem:

“Oh.” She sucked in a deep breath and closed her eyes. She couldn’t look at him, not while she said this. “I was sort of here to… to see if a nice man might take me back to his… lodge. For the night. And it’s especially nice that I met you since you’re staying in a literal lodge and I’ve never been to that particular lodge. Also, point in your favor, you’re a man.”

Luckily, our guy is intrigued by her nervous behavior and her poor taste seduction clothes and he takes her up on the offer. From there it’s classic Yates, humor mixed with incredibly hot smexy times. Add in some awkward emotions, uncomfortable disclosures and finding out a one-night stand couldn’t possibly be that simple… it’s Christmas gold.

The plot is faced paced, which Yates excels at thanks to her Harlequin Presents experience. The setting is Silver Creek, Oregon. Beautiful, rugged, and so out of the way that you go to school when there’s a half a foot of snow. I will say since this is a novella, external conflict is at a minimum. The plot focuses on the love story alone and how Walker and Sarah overcome their past issues to potentially establish a future.

I had no trouble flying through the pages and longing for a rancher of my own or even the snow. Gosh, how this book made me long for snow. I want to have a snowball fight and then curl up between the sheets with a simmering, sexy cowboy.

Overall, if you want something that’s hot and humorous with a good dose of Holiday romance you need to snag this one. I’ll say readers who enjoy Victoria Dahl or Jaci Burton will get a kick out of Maisy Yates.
Profile Image for Dayreader Reviews.
791 reviews63 followers
November 19, 2014
I was gifted this book by Netgalley and the publisher (in exchange for a fair review).

Unwrapped by Maisey Yates is a sweet, dare I say dreamy novella. This is a holiday book but Yates give us so much more, she give us a little steam and fun.

I loved both of the main characters, Sarah and Walker... Yes I love Walker, sweet, sweet Walker. First, let's talk about Sarah. She is 30, kindergarten teacher and a virgin due to brainwashing. I call them as I see them. Yes, she is 30, yada yada yada... I know that a lot of people has trouble with that. Then when she decides she is gonna do the deed and just get it over with she is skittish. Now a show of hands ladies (gents, sorry you don't count) take all of the facts into consideration, would you not be skittish. I was raised extremely religious and it was shoved down my throat too this whole sex thing, let me tell you, you are skittish as H-E double hockey sticks! So, don't judge her!! Just saying, walk a mile in the shoes and all.

Now we get to Walker, oh my sweet, gentle, caring and protective Walker. That should be enough said on my feelings for him but I'll give you more. Walker is new in town, and he is willing to help a girl out when she offers to buy him a drink. He is a little in awe of her. So, he takes her on her offer and she just leaves???? So he is a little confused. Low and behold a few days later he is a few minutes late picking up his daughter from school and guess who her is her teacher? Makes for some AWKWARDNESS. He is still sweet and the protectiveness comes over his daughter, he doesn't want her hurt again...

I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance with a little steam, where the female lead is perfect. I'm honestly tired of reading about perfect women. I'm not one and why can't they have real flaws like we all do?

I give Unwrapped 4 Platypires
Bama Love!!, Roll Tide!! and Keep Reading Y'all!! ~Renee
Profile Image for Maura.
3,883 reviews113 followers
March 4, 2017
3.5

Sarah Larsen, a kindergarten teacher, is a 30-year-old virgin - mostly because she was raised by a traditional, crazy grandmother who believed sex was sinful. Sarah is finally ready to go out on her own and try it...but she has no idea how. She picks up Walker Callahan, her one-night-stand stranger, in a bar and her first time is awkward, but fantastic. But she immediately realizes that sex brings on some pretty deep emotions, and she runs right after, never expecting to see Walker again. So she's pretty surprised when he turns out to be the single father of her newest student, having just moved to town. Walker wants more sex with Sarah, but he does NOT want more than that. No relationshps, no commitment - just sex. Sarah agrees, but it doesn't take long for her feelings to become engaged.

Definitely seeing a theme in Silver Creek - middle aged men and women who live in fear of emotions and push away decent people because of it, failing to see that by throwing away love, they are in fact causing the same pain as "losing" love. In this case it's Walker. Sarah, for her part, is pretty damn courageous, even if she is naive and awkwardly innocent. In this case, I found that awkwardness kind of refreshing. Walker felt like a bit of an asshole, as though constantly warning Sarah that he doesn't want a relationship is supposed to keep the innocent and naive woman from falling in love with him and thus excusing any asshole behavior he might have when she gets too clingy. He pushes her into a sex-only relationship, knowing that she's already got the "feels" for him. He knows he's going to break her heart. But does that stop him? No. Because he wants to get laid. And she's just horny enough to go along with it. Nevertheless, Walker was still intriguing and sexy - but Sarah was my favorite character here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for bookedrightmeow.
706 reviews55 followers
November 26, 2014
When I started reading this book and realized that the heroine, Sarah, is a virgin, I thought: Gahhh the heroine is a virgin. I hope I can survive this. Then not long after that, I thought: Hmmm, well, Sarah is funny and kind of cute. And Walker is all smoldering hotness. Yes, I think I'll make it through this story after all.

This novella gets straight to the action, of which I definitely approve! Although it's a rather short story, it packs quite a bit of depth and emotion into the plot and character development.

When Sarah and Walker meet, they are on common ground: they both want to distance themselves from their respective pasts and make new lives. Sarah was raised by a cold, unemotional grandmother who preached the gospel of fear. Walker has been burned by love--first by his divorce, then the heartache of learning how to be a single parent after his ex dies.

I really admire Sarah's determination to live her own life independent of the life her grandmother forced on her. Initially, she's terribly unsure of herself, but over time, she learns to voice her desires and needs. Walker encourages her in this. At one point, he tells her that she should never feel ashamed of what she wants. It's such an intense moment for the two of them. I just loved that scene.

All this intensity gets to be too much for Walker, so he tries to scare Sarah off. Luckily--despite the fact that she's new to all this love stuff--she refuses to go down without a fight.

Overall, this is a steamy yet sweet story that I recommend.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Kara.
763 reviews30 followers
November 24, 2014
Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2014/...

Rating: 3.5 stars

What I love about Maisey's writing is that she gives each character a learning experience or two, and sometimes three within her story lines. These are often experiences regarding their growth towards living in the present, facing their fears, and accepting love because their previous partners or role models of love and relationships and sometimes lack thereof left had them questioning the purpose and validity of love. What has become repetitive in this Silver Creek series is how the characters come about their 'aha' moment, so this became predictable as I moved throughout the series, meeting various characters and learning their quirks and background. Now. . . to Sarah (Miss Larsen) and Walker. I loved Maisey's swing on their story. We meet Sarah, an innocent, sheltered kindergarten teacher as she's in a bar wanting to meet a man to and break out of her shell. She's had desires and learned they were 'wrong' and wants to live for herself now. . . GO SARAH!! Enter Walker, new-to-town rancher, Sarah offers him her whiskey and they become 'not strangers' that evening. The twist in Sarah and Walker's story has been my favorite in the Silver Creek series thus far. The edgy vibe I felt from their situation kept me hooked. I'd love to read a full novel of Sarah, Walker and Kayla. Although this is a novella, we're able to form a complete background of our main characters and build a foundation with them. I made myself comfortable with their desires, needs and wants and although satisfied at the completion of their story I didn't want to say goodbye. Give this a try and find your next book crush!
Profile Image for Leone (She Reads too Much Romance).
355 reviews17 followers
November 3, 2014
Unwrapped is one of those sexy, holiday reads that you aren't expecting to be as good as it was. I don't overly care for holiday books most of the time because the plot tends to repeat and the romance is always on the sweeter side. Well, Yates convinced me that such theme books can be sexy and the plots can be changed into something of pure entertainment!

There are a few flaws that I have with this book. The biggest flaw is Sarah, the heroine. She is looking to breakout from her standard comfort zone but she was a little too skittish. She almost came off as a little annoying at some points because she isn't a woman that really knows what she is looking for both in and out of the bedroom. I would have liked to seen Sarah more willing to stand on her own two feet.

My last flaw with this book is that there isn't a lot of chemistry going on. It's mostly sensual content exchanged between Sarah and Walker, the hero. I would have liked to see a little more chemistry and a little less sexual explicit. I am a reader that prefers more chemistry and romance but this book was still good despite the fact it that did have a few flaws.

Walker is a character that will stand out to readers because he was rather patient and gentle with Sarah from the start. He's the kind of guy that you wouldn't mind bringing him to your folks. He was well written and I think Walker is the driving force behind this book.

As a new reader to Yates I think she is off to a good start. I applaud her for writing something that is different especially around the holiday season and I'm looking forward to see what she comes up with next.

(This review was submitted to the publishers PRIOR to posting it on GoodReads.)
Profile Image for Tracey.
978 reviews18 followers
November 26, 2014
Raised by her grandmother to believe that passion is a bad thing, and that men bring nothing but trouble, Sarah Larsen has led a sheltered life. Sarah's determination to step outside of her box and experience life has led her to a bar and a shot of whiskey that she really doesn't want. Enter one tall, dark, mysterious, and, oh, so handsome man. Walker Callahan has been living a loss-filled life for the past two years, but is in Silver Creek for a fresh start. And, boy, is he in the right place at the right time, because he's about to get that in spades.

I love Maisey Yates, just love every single word that she writes. Every. Single. Word. She crafts dialogue that grabs me and puts me right down into the story, words that illustrate, define, and elicit responses. Her characters are real, people that have quirks and flaws and wicked senses of humor. They haven't lived charmed lives, but they're making the best of things, and changing each other along the way.

I started reading UNWRAPPED, expecting a sweet Christmas novella about the folks from Silver Creek, and I did get that. But I also got a whole lot of humor (really, I was laughing out loud, because these folks are funny, whether talking to each other, or inside their own heads), super-hot and steamy scenes, and love, so much love. Sarah and Walker are the perfect foils for each other, and the sparks between them turn very quickly into a full-on inferno. But their relationship is not just the physical one that each swears that they're looking for, and it becomes apparent to them and the reader very early on. This little story was the perfect addition to my pile of holiday reads, and, as with any of Maisey's books, has been added to my list of favorites.
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