As an innocent eighteen year old, Jodi Kendall shared a single, earth shattering kiss with Texan Freeman Thorp, the devilishly handsome cowboy that worked for her father… who happened to be nearly ten years her senior.Now, as a twenty-five-year-old divorcee with a guarded heart, she holds no grand delusions when Free shows up on her front porch after disappearing for seven years, looking less like the young man she’d known in her youth, and more devilishly handsome than ever.Determined to keep her heart whole, Jodi is focused on herself; rebuilding her life and turning her bookstore into a successful shop. All too quickly, Jodi finds herself lowering walls built with boulders the size of Texas to let in the man she’d known all along was the one that held her heart, all the while fearing it’s only a matter of time before he disappears from her life again, only this time taking more than just a kiss with him.
Danielle Baker was born and raised in the beautiful city of Petoskey, nestled on the crystalline shores of Lake Michigan. She is blissfully married to the love of her life, Nicholas. Danielle’s love of writing began while she was in high school. At the urging of her family, Danielle was given the boost she needed to ‘Get back in the saddle’ and keep reaching for her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. When Danielle isn’t working, writing, or spending time with her family, she can be found with a cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐1\2 Trope: second chance Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱 Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥1\2
So many things that I liked about this story, hence the rounded up rating, but there were a couple things in there that were a huge ole nope for me. The storyline was great - I love second chances. It was well written and moved quickly. But I just could not move past the fact that his "best friend" was his on and off again frack buddy. Like, maybe I'm unknowingly insecure, lol, but I just can't ever imagine anyone being cool with that. Then, on top of that, he hugely messes up and the result is him in bed with another woman, but he swears "nothing happened", but she just forgives him 🤷🏻♀️. Yeah, this just wasn't for me. I'm just glad this is not my first book by this author. I've read her latest release and absolutely loved it. I'll give the second book in the series a try, but hopefully there aren't those same types of elements in that one as there is in this one.
Being from Michigan myself, I get so excited when a book takes place in Michigan. Love Unbound did not disappoint. Laced with descriptions accurately describing the magic of Petosky, it was easy to get lost in the story. I found our leading female character, Jodi, easily relatable. She’s a romance writer who owns a bookstore in a tourist town, which automatically made me like her. Her character is strong, charismatic, loving, and comfortable. It was easy to pretend like I was a close friend of hers while reading. Freeman, our leading male, is strong-willed, though cautious when it comes to people he respects, people he loves. He’s hell-bent on doing what is right, even if it kills him, and I think that’s what helped me like his character more as the story went on. When we finally get a taste of where this story was headed, I was blindsided by a few problems that arose. Thankfully the pair had a wonderful support system who wanted to help in any way they could. It really showed the beauty of a small town and a close-knit family. I struggled with the extensive descriptions, it often distracted me from the actual story itself. Some character names were confusing, and I forgot about a few whose roles are probably important considering this is a series. I would have enjoyed a little bit more of an epilogue, but maybe my questions will be answered in the second book in the series. Regardless, Love Unbound was a great first read of the new year, and was the perfect break between the fantasy novels I’ve been binge-reading.
Readers who have been there and done that whole pining after a guy and can’t let go can relate to Jodi (FMC) in “Love Unbound” by Danielle Baker. In this case, though, at 18 years old, Jodi falls for her dad’s best friend and an employee ten years older than her. Of course, things don’t go as planned.
Believing he was doing the right thing, Free (MMC) left town shortly after he and Jodi kissed when she had turned 18. Seven years later, both have returned to town, and their feelings haven’t changed. However, Jodi returns fragile and scared, hoping to rebuild a new life.
Jodi’s age certainly did show at times, but it was mostly her inexperience with relationships that came through that I felt in between giving her a stern talking with and a hug. I must admit I did want to pop Free upside his head quite a few times due to some of his actions and the things he said. However, Jodi’s ex was like a nasty rash that wouldn’t disappear. I found all the supporting characters in “Love Unbound” compelling enough to learn more about how their story ties into Jodi and Free’s world.
“Love Unbound” is a small town, age gap romance, third-person, and at about medium spice level. Please be aware domestic violence and an OW situation that might be considered cheating to some readers are mentioned.
I enjoyed this one! Can’t lie, Free made me mad quite a few times and I wanted to give him a good shake, but once he was in? He was all in, and I loved him. Jodi was my favorite. So kind and so much stronger than she ever knew. I’m excited to keep reading!
Just no! Jodi was a doormat! The book could have been so good, but with all the crap the male character did, why didnt he gravle a bit. When he “sleept” with the other woman and he showed up 2 days later to take her to the weeding and she went! Where was the proper apology? Oh, and all the times he turned her down and she just went on a date with him anyway! And half of times it sounded like she was too blame for him leaving. He was the problem.
A little bit more drama/suspence around the x, instead of the Jodi and Freeman souldronning maks it a bit better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The writing seemed very rushed, it was confusing to me. The storyline had a lot of potential, it was just a lot of back and forth with little to no link?
Giving it two stars, one for the smut and the next for Levi <3
Love Unbound by Danielle Baker (Petoskey Stone, #1)
⭐️⭐️.75 🌶️🌶️🌶️
It’s been seven years since Jodi Kendall last saw Freeman Thorp, seven years since she experienced her first love and heartbreak all in the same unforgettable night. Now, Freeman is back into town and despite the two still struggling with their indisputable attraction, the cowboy is still attempting to keep their relationship unattached. As being a young foreman for the Kendall Ranch, Freeman’s hesitation to pursue a relationship is in dedication to the father figure who kept him off the streets. However, his attempts are becoming futile as he realises staying in the same town as Jodi requires a significant amount of resistance.
In ‘Love Unbound’ Freeman and Jodi’s love story holds significant weight in the plot. It seems the author’s primary focus in the beginning is unfolding their aged attraction and there is an absence of a side development or suspense from elsewhere. Unfortunately, this does come to the detriment of the book, as the author heavily relies on flashbacks and hopeful daydreams to prolong the novel, over living in the present moment of Jodi and Freeman.
Fortunately, for the sake of entertainment, Freeman and Jodi’s love story is not as smooth sailing as readers hope. Freeman’s existing reservations take presence in his actions, leaving Jodi constantly feeling neglected and undesirable. Further, Jodi’s ex-husband causes serious turmoil in the town with his emotional abuse and manipulative behaviour. His constant appearance in the novel is irritable, disgusting and as a reader, I dreaded having to deal with characters being a victim to his foolish ways.
Nonetheless, it’s undeniable the sex appeal that exudes from this novel. Danielle Baker is a master at exploring the sensuality of a cowboy and a woman who is desperate for it, and her best skill is perfectly articulated in ‘Love Unbound’. Unfortunately, as the story progresses, the angst and yearning the two have for one another lost its integrity. The diction and word play in the beginning of the novel established a precedent that was unable to be met as the book continued. I was unable to gain back the butterflies and swooning I initially had when reading Jodi and Freeman’s POV when they meet again after seven years.
As the ending nears, Freeman’s sexual partners in the past become a problem for his present relationship with Jodi. Despite the two both falling in love, Jodi’s insecurity caused a third act-break up that was heartbreaking but in the same vein, annoying. Freeman makes a good deal in communicating his feelings to Jodi and despite this, she still pushes him away.
‘Love Unbound’ shows great successes on its articulation of Freeman and Jodi’s love story and attempting to create a passionate affair between them. Unluckily, there is a subtle over explanation that does interrupt the maturity of the author’s pen. Over indulging in describing a character’s physical attributes, or their past does not aid in the fluidity and coherence of this novel.
This is my first book by the author, and I’m pretty impressed.
Freeman “Free” Thorp is a friend of her dad’s. At 18, Jodi and Free kiss, which results in him running off for seven years. He returns back to Michigan for his brother’s wedding, but he cannot stay away from Jodi. The two quickly reconnect, but this time, things are different. Jodi is older and is harbouring some grief from her past, which is also part of her present.
I wasn’t instantly hooked on this book due to the fact, I wasn’t a massive fan of Free. I didn’t like the fact he ran away for seven years, and then swanning back into Jodi’s life like he deserved to be there. I really loved Jodi and I felt sorry for her. She was clearly infatuated with Free, and I felt like in the beginning, she was trying real hard to manage that. Free messed her around with a push and pull and I was a bit meh about that. However, once he commits to finally wanting to be with her, I fell in love with him too. He clawed his way back into my good books.
I loved how much he cared for Jodi, but also for those in his circle: his brother, Levi (Jodi’s dad) and his friend, Red. Free seems like the type of man you want around. I also really enjoyed the fact that the spice starts off tame but then it ups, and boy was it hot.
There is a third act breakup, which I’m not a fan of usually, but this one was warranted and written really well.
Jodi has had a crush on her dad's foreman, Freeman, for as long as she can remember, but she didn't think the 20 something year old would want her 17 year old self. One night they share a earth shattering kiss. Jodi was so excited to have been seen by Free, but come the morning she was devastated to learn that Free was gone. Now a 25 year old divorcee Jodi is starting over and making something for herself. While she is a successful author and book store owner she still pines for Free all these years later. One night Jodi get the shock of her life when she sees Free leaning on her doorstep, Free is back in town for his brothers wedding. While excited to see the cowboy, Jodi doesn't trust herself to be around him, she doesn't want a fling, but doesn't think Free is in this for the long haul.
The two start to spend more time together getting reacquainted, when feelings start to enter the picture, the past comes barreling in, putting everything in jeopardy.
This was meh for me, I don't generally like books that are in the third person and this was no exception. The story was just eh for me and i thought the MCs could have had more chemistry.
I just read a “new to me” author. Her name is Danielle Baker. Her book “Love Unbound” is an age gap full of passion, spice, steam, a little intrigue, a MMC who has his heart in the right place and a FMC that knows what she wants and it’s him! He’ll do anything to protect her even if it’s at his own expense. He’s a cowboy and she wants him to rope her in but he’s not sure if he’s worthy of claiming her and branding her as his own.
Mrs. Baker gives us lots smexy reading throughout but OMG! Chapter 39 is 🌶🔥🥵 on steroids and then she throws in 🥲😬😡 in chapter 48 before she gives us some 🥰❤️🥰❤️ in the end.
So sweet! A novel that could actually be real life
This is the first book I’ve read by Danielle Baker, I was not disappointed. I read all 305 pages in its entirety in one day, not a large feat by any means. I just couldn’t put this down, it was a very easy flowing book that made me not want to stop reading it. Jodi and Frees story was so sweet and written in a way that made me feel like it could be real life, no crazy billionaires thats far fetched and unattainable.I am really looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
Tropes: age gap, best friends/boss’ daughter, rugged cowboy
Danielle Baker is a new-to-me Author, but I had to pick up this series once I realized it was set in Northern Michigan. It's an interconnected standalone and I really enjoyed it! It was steamy, sweet, and quick to read. I didn't want to put it down. I love the small-town vibes and a goodhearted MMC! I have already moved on to the 2nd in the series!
TW: Some reference to domestic abuse, but only mentions of it. It is not depicted on page.
I'm a bit tired of doormat heroines. And if ever there was one it's Jodi. An a$$hole MMC and she repeatedly takes him back without batting an eye because he is so utterly irresistable. The story had potential, but the writing is a bit repetitive to put it mildly. He bites her in the "meaty part of her shoulder" before he slaps her on the "fleshy part of her ass". And I get it, he has aquamarine eyes, no need to tell me fifty times. I am halfway through the book and seriously considering to DNF.
This book was a whirlwind of emotions. I was happy 😊, sad 😢, nervous 😬, angry 🤬 (oh so angry at Josh the (insert so many bad words here). Things were swoony 🫠 and steamy 🥵. I just felt them all.
I love a good small town romance and Danielle Baker delivered. At one point, I had every intention of driving up to this small northern Michigan town to give Free a wallop on the back of his head, but then I remembered that this was just a book 😂. I loved these characters and can't wait to read more.
As a Michigan girlie, I had to give this a shot. I feel like it had a lot of potential but didn't quite hit. I wish Free and Jodi had just had more conversations, so much drama could have been avoided if they had just been honest with each other. I hated that Red was a former "best friend with benefits" like why couldn't she have just been a best friend, we didn't need the extra drama that he had regularly been sleeping with her in the past.
I loved this book. If you enjoy a love story with detailed, picture perfect sexy scenes, this is for you. Danielle did a great job tying together a decade of young love, the reality of unfortunate life events, and the hope that a happily ever after can be possible. I’m excited for her next book this summer.
I don’t typically read contemporary romance but these Dani Baker books have been on my list for a hot minute, and I’m so glad I dove in! What a wonderful ride and now I have a new book bf 😅 Free is perfectly imperfect and so so SO steamy 🤤 The angst was so good too. All around, very enjoyable story!
Her Sky Ridge Hotshots book #3 (Honor) was so good, I was convinced to dig into her back catalog. What a freaking mistake! This book was incredibly bad, from the grammar to the plot, the repetition, the contrived third act breakup…this was a tough pill to swallow…I wanted to DNF so bad but prayed it would get better as I got further into it. Sadly I was wrong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
An amazing read! For a debut novel I am shook! I fell in love with Jodi and Freeman. Amazingly spicy, steamy and deep. I felt like I was right there in the story. Highly highly recommend, would give 10 stars if I could! New favorite author!
I absolutely loved this book! Took me through a bunch of emotions. Free is so amazing and I love him. Jodi is so sweet. Looking for a small town romance with a sexy cowboy read this book!!
I devoured this book in one day!! I just got so enamored in this story. I loved that FMC and MMC communicated when things came around! That they let their feelings and truths out! And the spice!!! Was so amazing! Can’t wait to read more from Danielle
This is an awesome book, buttttttt.... I hate that it was written in 3rd person. I think stories are best told when they play themselves and not when they are being told about them. Overall, it's a good book!
I enjoyed reading Love Unbound by Danielle Baker. It has a good amount of romance\smut in this story. I like that it had a good story line about Jodi and Freeman. I liked how she stuck up for herself but also new who she loved.
First time with this author. Wasn't quite sure about the ending had me saying ha??? There was a lot of descriptions on things which I sort of skimmed through and still understand the plot. Was overall a good romance novel
Great quick read, awesome to read a book from a local author and have the setting be local. I love a good love story and enjoyed the story of Jodi & Free. Can’t wait for the next one!