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Unchain Me

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Trish Beckett had her entire life figured out until the night the man she loved left her to die on their kitchen floor.

Her only choice is to leave, following her best friend halfway across the country to a small town in the middle of nowhere, Colorado.

The longer she's away, the more she sees how much of herself she's buried over the last seven years to become his version of perfection. She vows she will do everything it takes to find herself again. Promising to never look back, not realizing she brought part of her past with her.

Layton Kilier is a cowboy that has spent the last year trying to balance working on his best friend's ranch and his mom's battle with cancer.

Trish puking on his boots is the last thing he ever thought would change everything, but when she offers to help with his mom, he feels like he can finally breathe again.

But just as life finally seems to give them both a break, reality hits. The question is, can they both survive the crash?

258 pages, Paperback

Published May 22, 2024

15 people are currently reading
369 people want to read

About the author

C.A. Grieco

5 books155 followers

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5 stars
265 (60%)
4 stars
127 (28%)
3 stars
37 (8%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Megan Athow.
14 reviews
July 7, 2024
GUYS!! I thought the 1st book was amazing… the 2nd one is EVEN BETTER!! I loved every single second of this book. I’ve never cried over a book like I did this one! I was bawling like a baby! It will definitely be in my top 10 books of the year!! I love this book and can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
Profile Image for Nena Leonor Reynoso.
94 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2025
Despite some minor typographical errors and a few scenes that could have benefited from more development, I found the book to be thoroughly enjoyable. It evoked a strong emotional response, bringing me to tears. A truly beautiful story. 💕
Profile Image for Donna (BookDragonGirl).
1,482 reviews9 followers
August 31, 2024
Grieco is an AMAZING writer!! This is the second book in The Magnolia Falls Ranch series and I loved book one, so definitely had to read book two…and I’m SO GLAD I DID!!! Unchain Me was EVEN BETTER than Unbreak Me!!!

Layton is Tyler’s best friend and works for him on the ranch. But Layton is dealing with his mother losing her battle with cancer. He is such a great son, and a great man. Loving, Loyal, Caring, Protective, etc. He is definitely the definition of every girl’s dream guy.

Trish is Claire’s best friend (Kyle and Claire were the mc’s in book one). Trish was in an abusive relationship. Her parents only saw her as a way to climb the social ladder. The only person who loved her for who she was is her best friend, Claire. So when Claire decides to move to Colorado from New York, Trish decides to go with her.

Trish is broken and Layton is just the man to heal her soul, while she helps him with his mother and his crippling emotion that he may lose her. There is so much more, but I will leave that for you to read for yourself!

Grieco is so good at writing really complex, broken characters and having them grow and heal throughout the story. I became so caught up I was crying. But I was also smiling, swooning and laughing. This story brings out all the emotions. I’m looking forward to what she writes next. But if you haven’t started The Magnolia Falls Ranch series yet, what are you waiting for?!
Profile Image for Noëmi.
325 reviews15 followers
February 11, 2025
3,5 Stars from me

I really liked Layton. What a walking green flag that guy was. The way he helped Trish and treated people? I‘d like to meet someone like him in real life. Also the way he spoke about Trish‘s body when she was pregnant or the way he supported her!

What I liked about Trish was the way she got stronger. The way she took her life back into her own hands was really good.
Some parts though felt rushed or weird. Like her not realising she was pregnant, but someone else at the store while almost 4 months pregnant? Or her seeing her ex once so they go to the shooting range but then it‘s not mentioned again until the end, when she shoots him, after she runsy from him.
At least therapy after Trish shot Brett is mentioned. Anything else would have been out of character.

Ella..what a great character! What a badass! The way she embraced her impending death is how I want to go one day! That was just great! The crowdsurfing? The date with the biker? So much fun! And then the butterflies in the end, quite emotional!

All in all I‘d recommend this book if you want something for anyone that liked the movie with Julia Roberts „Sleeping with the Enemy“. As this book gave me the same vibes and I really like that movie!
Profile Image for Jessica.
581 reviews18 followers
March 3, 2025
I was completely drawn into Unchain Me by C.A. Grieco from the very first page! This book captivated me with its deeply emotional story and well-developed characters. Trish and Layton’s journey was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, making me feel every moment of their struggles and triumphs. The small-town setting was beautifully described, and I loved how the cowboy lifestyle was woven into the story so authentically.

One of the biggest strengths of this book is its emotional depth—Grieco doesn’t shy away from heavy topics like betrayal and illness, making the story feel raw and real. While some of the themes can be tough to read, they added to the authenticity and impact of the story.

Overall, Unchain Me is a beautifully written, heartfelt romance that stays with you long after the last page. Highly recommend to anyone who loves emotional, character-driven stories!
Profile Image for Heavenleigh   Nelson.
7 reviews
March 26, 2025
Once again, she has blown my mind!! I loved this book even more than the first one. And I loved the first one. Layton is such an amazing book, bf!! My first cowboy❤️❤️. I love this series so much. And I can't wait for the 3rd book to come in the mail!! She is gonna be my new auto buy author. If yall have not read this, I beg of you, please read this series. It's so good. This series goes through all the emotions, I was crying at the end of this book 🤣❤️. I loved every second of it!!
Profile Image for Michelle &#x1f976;&#x1f4d6;.
88 reviews
December 26, 2024
I loved this book. The way it made me laugh but also yank my heart in 500 pieces was wild. Only 4 stars because I felt like the ending needed more? Like it ended abruptly. Would DEFINITLEY recommend but please read trigger warnings.
Profile Image for Roberta Timmons.
126 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2025
A great book two to a wonderful series, I listen to this on audible and could not stop. I listen to it in one day. This story is will break your heart and put it back together. Make sure to check trigger warnings but I highly recommend
Profile Image for Tanya.
55 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! I liked it even better than the first one! Layton absolutely has my heart 💜
Profile Image for Paola Hernandez.
229 reviews10 followers
July 3, 2024
‼️TW: Domestic Violence, Murder, Pregnancy/Pre-term Labor, NICU stay, Cancer, Cancer treatments/ side effects‼️
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This is book 2 in the magnolia falls ranch series. Unchain Me was a ROLLER COASTER of emotions. I laughed, I blushed, I cried, I was angry, I was hurt…. I felt it ALL. When I tell yall i devoured this book… i literally read it in one sitting! I thought the first book was good…. But this one??? NAH THIS ONE WAS GOOD 👏🏼 This book was all I could ask and more! I grew to love the characters so much I genuinely felt every emotion they felt. 🥹 This book is a very fun, sweet, quick read with a few heavy moments as well as a little bit of spice. The way the characters are presented to the reader is truly so beautiful. The story is very heartfelt and enjoyable. As the reader you truly get lost and envision yourself there with the characters!
I also think I have a new book boyfriend 🤭
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I read the first one Unbreak me in January of this year after randomly coming across it on TikTok and I was obsessed. When this second book was released I just about screamed. I’m so happy finally got a copy (signed one 🥹) and was finally able to read it!
Profile Image for Jillian Riebe.
6 reviews
March 1, 2025
I am giving this book 5 stars. Another quick read but not entirely easy. I mean that there is a lot of emotion packed into this book. I could pick apart little things, I’m not. Honestly I found this book to better than the first. I enjoyed the first book. I didn’t see this one coming. Thank you C.A. Greico for putting yourself out there and putting your books out there. I purchased the signed copies on Tik-tok. Are there some editing errors - yeah minor ones. Nothing that detracted from the story - I am sure in this little review I have errors so kick rocks to anyone who picks at that. I did not expect to like this one as much as I did. I think what really sold it and pushed it over the hump for me was the thank you/acknowledgments. That grabbed my soul. Keep chasing the dream. This book and series is completely removed from my normal and I enjoyed the hell out of them. I think the characters although fast have development and there is good plot and a wee bit of spice and some love for the girlies that have so much self doubt. Thank you for sharing your stories.
Profile Image for Arely.
48 reviews15 followers
December 13, 2024
😭😭😭
MY FAVORITE BOOK IN THE MAGNOLIA FALL RANCH SERIES. This book had me sad, mad, giggling, and it also had me broken. I felt ALL the feels with this one. I understand why the authors husband said this book was his favorite. I picked it up and literally couldn’t put it down. My phone? Nonexistent. My surroundings??? I don’t know and I didn’t care 😂
I was hanging out with Layton & Trish & ELLA.
I’m so glad Ella had so much to bring to this story. It shows readers that we often truly forget to LIVE. We’re so busy worrying about 5 years from now, 10 years from now, and we completely disregard the RIGHT NOW. There were a couple of scenes that had me reaching for my tissues. I’m so glad I picked this series up.
I can’t wait to get my hands on the 3rd novel. ❤️
Profile Image for Jessica LC Weller.
139 reviews8 followers
January 16, 2026
Book 2 of Magnolia Falls Ranch

While I gave both books 4⭐, this book, to me, was much better. Better writing. More mature. Not just in nature, but in word choice, storyline, and character arc.

There is spice, but it doesn't take over the story.

I would call this a nice palette cleanser between my heavier fantasy books.

There are some topics that might be difficult to for some readers. I'll admit, I cried a little bit in the shower while listening to the audiobook. I will also admit, I like when books tear my heart up and put it back in my chest.

Trigger warnings are included. Be sure to check those before reading.

I listened immersively, with the physical book and audiobook. Narrators are Brandon Francis and Nicole Fikes.
Profile Image for Nicole Wilcox.
81 reviews
November 27, 2024
This book had me in a mess of tears all the way through. I have related to many books, but not like this one. I had a mother like Trish and by god an I glad she got away from that toxicity like I did. To know someone can treat their child that was is insane. My saving grace was my husband’s mother. She taught me what real love is supposed to feel like from a mother. I also lost my father back in August from cancer. To see someone you love go through that is unbearable. And this book taught me so much about the guilt I have. It helped me heal a little more.

These books keep getting better and better though. I have a feeling of whose story we will hear next! I cant wait!! Awesome job!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Abigail Turner.
22 reviews
July 24, 2024
Okay so i would give this book 5 stars if it was formatted better. I feel like the pages would randomly end but the chapter wasn’t over. Now that’s just me being nit picky. This book was better than the first one in my opinion. The story had a much better ending. I was in tears for like the last 30 or so pages. The story was very heart warming and i feel like taught me in a way to be more grateful of everything i have. If i could read this book over for the first time i would. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. and i can’t wait for the third book, with Luke’s story!
Profile Image for Eva.
14 reviews
July 25, 2024
What a moving story. Fast pace, each chapter builds onto the next, flowing beautifully, feeling each as Trish and Layton did. Layton’s love for his mother, incredible, the love for Trish showing her it doesn’t matter your past, it’s what is to come in the future. This book has all the tears, spice, laughter, the Oh my...
C.A. Grieco is my most favorite writer, and that tops Nicholas Sparks.
I can’t wait for part 3!!!
Girls get those tissues!!!
Profile Image for April.
719 reviews11 followers
January 3, 2025
I am making up the dates that I read this book... It was removed from Goodreads when I actually read it, and I don't have that info on me at the moment, it might be in my reading journal that I sporadically use. Anyway, I really enjoyed this story- so much so that I ordered the bundle from the author that included a cow and duck. I have been ready for the next installment in the series since I read the first book.
Profile Image for Jillian Davis.
24 reviews
February 18, 2025
Trish is such a warrior when she decides to move to Colorado with Claire to rebuild her life after some unfortunate circumstances. When she learns to trust Leyton and truly be herself it like watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly. Leyton is such a teddy bear that just needs love and support from a partner who always has his best interests at heart so when he finds that in Trish is it a match made in heaven. So heartwarming and a tear jerker.
Profile Image for Sabelle C.
537 reviews8 followers
May 3, 2025
What an incredible story!
My heart was hurting for everything Trish experienced in her life
I was left feeling the loss and devastation of an incurable cancer diagnosis
Layton is truly the best man in the world putting his unwavering love in the forefront for Trish and his mother Ella.

I’m so incredibly grateful for this amazing story
Truly inspirational
Filled with fear, anxiety, depression but more importantly, healing, love, & found family
Profile Image for Amanda Rayne Peterson.
60 reviews
May 24, 2025
This book is so good, and it hit me close to my heart. My dad passed away from cancer, and he never got to meet my youngest daughter. So the ending made me cry. I read this entire book out loud to my husband. He was impressed and enjoyed it. I know what it's it like to be in an abusive relationship. I can't wait to read the next one, but I think I need a break to recoup myself from the grief of missing my father.
177 reviews
December 11, 2025
Again such an emotional book about past demons and loss and trying to find your way to living after such a loss. This book is really good! Spice level I give a. 1 to 1.5. 2 people come together, 1 that has past demons trying to take her down and 1 having an impending loss that he doesn't know how to deal with. Such a great message in this book. Also is unleash me not on Kindle or audible? I have the book but it is signed and not wanting to mess it up.
Profile Image for Lisa Kern.
38 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2024
@C.A.Grieco🧡Author wow where to even begin. I've been in a reading slump for about 6 weeks. I decided yesterday to pick up book 2. I read half before bed and finished it today. You have a way of making it so easy to read, yet keep us hooked and feel all the feels. Thank you for being amazing!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Melissa Proctor.
51 reviews
September 26, 2024
This book has had me laughing until my side hurt and crying until my face was blotchy. I sympathize with Layton so much as I lost my mom in 2020. DV is a terrible situation to be in and I think the author handled talking about it with care and compassion. A must read book about having a second chance at life with just the right amount of spice thrown in.
Profile Image for Hailey Cutler.
18 reviews9 followers
September 28, 2024
I overall enjoyed this book I deducted a star only because the trigger warnings kind of ruined any shock elements for me. I was just waiting for things to happen and was able to piece it together that way.

I get trigger warnings can be helpful for people, but I just personally felt for this read it ruined any surprise.

Can’t wait for the 3rd book!
Profile Image for Lauren Hill.
137 reviews
November 3, 2024
Absolutely loved this! It has everything you would be looking for in a light romance novel. Two best friends falling in love with two other best friends. A badass mama fighting cancer. DV (Trigger warning). A unexpected little one. It hit all the emotions you could want it to hit.

I absolutely can not wait for Luke's story to come out next year!
Profile Image for Samanthasue218.
368 reviews2 followers
December 23, 2024
No spoilers. Read via physical.

I read this book in like two sittings. It is a quick read, and is a second book so you already know the characters and the vibes. I thought the first book was good, and this one was great! Absolutely beautiful story, and enjoyed the characters so much!

Would I recommend? YES! Definitely support this indie author!
Profile Image for Julie Rae.
79 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2025
I knew I enjoyed book 1 in the Magnolia Falls Ranch series but THIS BOOK was such a good story and even better than book 1! I absolutely love Layton and Trish’s story and Ella was such a touching character as well!
With someone that has dealt with some of the issues in this book it really hit home for me! I cannot read book #3 Unleash Me!
Profile Image for Hillary Townsend.
129 reviews7 followers
March 27, 2025
This was such a good book. This follows story Layton and Trish. Trish is trying to escape her past and Layton is struggling his present and balance his life. Love is the last thing that either expect. Trish fights the feeling while Layton is letting her have the space she needs. This book did pull at my heartstrings and I she shed a few tears, but definitely worth it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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