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Unflappable
Luna Burke and Ned Harrelson are on the run.
Licensed to care for injured and orphaned wildlife, Luna is determined to smuggle a homicidal Bald Eagle out of her husband’s private zoo in Florida, reunite the bird with its mate, and get them both to an eagle sanctuary in Canada. Hot on her trail is her furious husband, his bodyguards, the police, conservation officials, and an expert government tracker; aiding and abetting her is a smitten young tech guy, a lethal Navy SEAL turned panther advocate, and an underground railroad of wildlife rescuers intent on protecting one of their own. Waiting in Ontario is a legendary old eco-warrior more than willing to provide refuge…as long as Luna can make it across the border. "Unflappable' is a comic suspense story, an epic road trip, and a page-turning adventure with a big cast of unconventional characters, both human and not.
Licensed to care for injured and orphaned wildlife, Luna is determined to smuggle a homicidal Bald Eagle out of her husband’s private zoo in Florida, reunite the bird with its mate, and get them both to an eagle sanctuary in Canada. Hot on her trail is her furious husband, his bodyguards, the police, conservation officials, and an expert government tracker; aiding and abetting her is a smitten young tech guy, a lethal Navy SEAL turned panther advocate, and an underground railroad of wildlife rescuers intent on protecting one of their own. Waiting in Ontario is a legendary old eco-warrior more than willing to provide refuge…as long as Luna can make it across the border. "Unflappable' is a comic suspense story, an epic road trip, and a page-turning adventure with a big cast of unconventional characters, both human and not.
11 pages, Audiobook
Published January 1, 2021
10 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Suzie Gilbert
5 books31 followersSuzie Gilbert is a writer, wildlife rehabilitator, and author of Flyaway: How a Wild Bird Rehabber Sought Adventure and Found Her Wings (HarperCollins), and Hawk Hill (Chronicle Books). She lives in New York’s Hudson Valley. Unflappable, available March 24, is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 27, 2021
Audiobook Edition Review
A wildlife-loving woman wanting freedom from a possessive husband, an anti-social animal-fearing nerd, and an eagle go on the run from Key West to Ontario with an army of seekers on their trail. Sounded like the best of road trips and I was tickled to be along for the ride.
Unflappable begins with a billionaire’s wife dissatisfied with being a trophy wife and realizing that he will never let her simply walk away when he takes a bald eagle from its habitat and mate to dangle as bait to get her back. Luna reacts by staging a rescue of Mars the eagle and her cohort is the newest volunteer at her friend’s animal rescue. At first, she has no plan and socially awkward Ned is shell-shocked that he’s even on this adventure.
I’ve described books as a wild ride before, but Unflappable takes the cake. I had a blast careening along with Luna and Ned as they avoid her wealthy husband’s goon squad including legit government agencies, meet up with so many quirky characters who hinder or help along the way including an Underground wildlife rescue group. The story kept up with the pace just fine and even had time to color in the personalities of Luna and Ned and the other major secondary characters as it went including Luna’s cohort in ‘crime’ back at the zoo, Harper and her love interest.
The intro to the world of extreme wildlife conservation and what the habitats and rescues face with low budgeting issues was informative and fascinating. As an animal lover, I was onboard with the descriptions of them working with Mars and other animals along the way and the good-hearted people who dedicated themselves to this pursuit.
While things are pretty topsy-turvy with the pursuit and all the moving components, there is a personal journey and romance going on. I liked Luna, but I sure did want to jerk a knot in her for pushing away Ned so many times. He’s raw and bumbling in social situations and even in her world of animal rescue and conservation, but he is trying hard and rolling with it all even to the point of being more than just the getaway driver. Full-figured and large personalitied Harper and her handsome law enforcement love interest were my favorites. There is lots of humor in the book, but Harper’s resonated with me the most.
Kurt Rhoads and Nance Williamson did a dual narration of the book. I thought both their storytelling and their ability to voice so many characters was fabulous. They had good grasp of the story’s tone and pacing and really enhanced the listen. That said, I was none too keen on the way the story was split. Their narration was not every other chapter or even large blocks of character POV, but they switched when males or females were speaking so it went back and forth a lot. I got used to it to some extent, but I did find it distracting especially since there were a ton of characters.
All in all, it was a fun story that hit many emotional facets and opened up the world of wildlife conservation and even the politics associated while delivering engaging characters and situation. Those who enjoy a light suspense with a side of romance should definitely give this a look-see.
A wildlife-loving woman wanting freedom from a possessive husband, an anti-social animal-fearing nerd, and an eagle go on the run from Key West to Ontario with an army of seekers on their trail. Sounded like the best of road trips and I was tickled to be along for the ride.
Unflappable begins with a billionaire’s wife dissatisfied with being a trophy wife and realizing that he will never let her simply walk away when he takes a bald eagle from its habitat and mate to dangle as bait to get her back. Luna reacts by staging a rescue of Mars the eagle and her cohort is the newest volunteer at her friend’s animal rescue. At first, she has no plan and socially awkward Ned is shell-shocked that he’s even on this adventure.
I’ve described books as a wild ride before, but Unflappable takes the cake. I had a blast careening along with Luna and Ned as they avoid her wealthy husband’s goon squad including legit government agencies, meet up with so many quirky characters who hinder or help along the way including an Underground wildlife rescue group. The story kept up with the pace just fine and even had time to color in the personalities of Luna and Ned and the other major secondary characters as it went including Luna’s cohort in ‘crime’ back at the zoo, Harper and her love interest.
The intro to the world of extreme wildlife conservation and what the habitats and rescues face with low budgeting issues was informative and fascinating. As an animal lover, I was onboard with the descriptions of them working with Mars and other animals along the way and the good-hearted people who dedicated themselves to this pursuit.
While things are pretty topsy-turvy with the pursuit and all the moving components, there is a personal journey and romance going on. I liked Luna, but I sure did want to jerk a knot in her for pushing away Ned so many times. He’s raw and bumbling in social situations and even in her world of animal rescue and conservation, but he is trying hard and rolling with it all even to the point of being more than just the getaway driver. Full-figured and large personalitied Harper and her handsome law enforcement love interest were my favorites. There is lots of humor in the book, but Harper’s resonated with me the most.
Kurt Rhoads and Nance Williamson did a dual narration of the book. I thought both their storytelling and their ability to voice so many characters was fabulous. They had good grasp of the story’s tone and pacing and really enhanced the listen. That said, I was none too keen on the way the story was split. Their narration was not every other chapter or even large blocks of character POV, but they switched when males or females were speaking so it went back and forth a lot. I got used to it to some extent, but I did find it distracting especially since there were a ton of characters.
All in all, it was a fun story that hit many emotional facets and opened up the world of wildlife conservation and even the politics associated while delivering engaging characters and situation. Those who enjoy a light suspense with a side of romance should definitely give this a look-see.
May 26, 2023
DNF 60%
I really did try to finish this. But it was so many unessesary characters - that was half made. Why did we really need the start with Luna`s husband? like i don`t know. Alot of words, and writing...but not alot of things happend. I did not feel the suspence of being on the run, it was alot hanging out with characters i`ve forgotten the name of..
I got this eARC from Netgalley
I really did try to finish this. But it was so many unessesary characters - that was half made. Why did we really need the start with Luna`s husband? like i don`t know. Alot of words, and writing...but not alot of things happend. I did not feel the suspence of being on the run, it was alot hanging out with characters i`ve forgotten the name of..
I got this eARC from Netgalley
March 5, 2023
For 2 people & a bird on the run from the law, they sure spend a lot of time just hanging out with other rehabbers & not a lot of time driving.
July 22, 2020
It reads like a self-published book that really needs an editor. I liked her first book so was really excited about this one. There were too many half-formed characters and interactions, starting when Ned showed up to be a volunteer. Having run a rehab facility, I know I’d never take someone after the conversation they had and his clear lack of interest. The random memory moments and flashbacks, especially when Gunderman was in the bar in Wisconsin, were confusing because they weren’t clearly identified so I reread several times to figure out what was going on. I tried to get the flavor of rehabbers as she encountered the multitudes along the way, but never did. Disappointing.
I heard her speak about her book, and learned that she was inspired by Carl Hiaason, did self publish, then had to cut out big bits when she realized how long it would be. All that explains my feeling and reaction. She needs an editor!
I heard her speak about her book, and learned that she was inspired by Carl Hiaason, did self publish, then had to cut out big bits when she realized how long it would be. All that explains my feeling and reaction. She needs an editor!
February 24, 2020
What a fun read. The story zips along and there were several laugh out loud moments. I love birds and birdwatching, so it was neat to learn more about wildlife rehabilitation too. Go Luna! Go Mars!
April 5, 2020
Received from Netgalley
I loved the concept of this story and was delighted when I got accepted to read this!
I think I must've read something different to the many other reviews as I just didn't click with this at all.
There were far too many characters so rather than concentrating on the storyline I found myself trying to figure out who everyone was!
In honesty I ended up skim reading the last 70% of this book.
I loved the concept of this story and was delighted when I got accepted to read this!
I think I must've read something different to the many other reviews as I just didn't click with this at all.
There were far too many characters so rather than concentrating on the storyline I found myself trying to figure out who everyone was!
In honesty I ended up skim reading the last 70% of this book.
July 2, 2020
This is a hard one to review. I read it quickly and really looked forward to my reading time. With that said, I would not recommend this book to everyone. This book is for someone who likes birds and a (fairly preposterous) plot that requires suspension from reality. The characters were fun and reminded me of a Carl Hiassen romp. If you like an adventure complete with people getting thumped, some adult situations, poor behavior with no consequences, and birds, then this is the book for you. Add it to your summer or COVID/corvid reading list for an escape.
If you are looking for a non-fiction bird romp then I highly recommend Kingbird Highway.
If you are looking for a non-fiction bird romp then I highly recommend Kingbird Highway.
May 6, 2020
Luna Burke is married to an extremely rich man, Adam Matheson, but the marriage is not going as Adam wishes it would. She is not a woman who enjoys wearing beautiful clothes, fancy parties, expensive jewelry, and the ability to go anywhere she wants and to buy anything she desires. The only thing she ever wanted was to fly. When he locks her into the sun room, she has had enough and escaped.
Adam was wrong about how much she wants to free herself and the bird he’s kidnapped. He’s confident he’ll be able to coax her back to him with sweet words and other plans. Just like many people who have the ability to get whatever they want, he can’t understand exactly how determined she is to fly free, and for her to get Mars, the eagle, and his mate back together in a much safer rescue center in Canada.
Ned comes to the wildlife center because his mother forced him to get outside of his own little world and experience what the wide world could offer. Pretty much, he was the classic geek with horn-rimmed glasses with a long ponytail with no interest in animals. Ned is rather a fun character as he keeps battling his emotions for Luna and the lunacy of transporting an eagle. As he meets rescuer after rescuer, he thinks that they all are crazy. Yet, he cannot seem to draw himself away from the action even though he has been given several opportunities to do so.
Luna is a character I admired because she loves animals. It is easy to see how passionate she is to rescue even the smallest animal. All the wildlife rescuers admire her passion and determination, knowing deep in their hearts that she is going to be one of the special ones that could make a huge change in the laws.
Speaking of those wildlife centers, I was impressed how friendly and welcoming they were, even though they had never met Luna in person. They also enfolded Ned into their group, even though he was kind of being dragged against his will. One of my favorite moments was when the Pennsylvania Wildlife Center decided they would take the risk to bring Mars’ mate Banshee to Canada also. I learned that bonded eagles do not do well when separated as shown by Banshee not eating. The center knew it was taking a huge risk but knew it was the only thing to do. Again, these people humbled me with their strength and conviction that all life was precious.
I would’ve liked more about Luna’s past, as much of it is shadowed and she has horrible nightmares where she wakes up fighting. The reader is not told directly what happened to her in the foster system, although there are some small references. Then there is the relationship she has with Ned; it is messy and complicated, but he knew how he felt for her even though she seemed to keep pushing him away.
This is a wonderful story filled with all sorts of different characters that bring life and interest into the story. I got to learn just how hard it is for the Wildlife Centers to function with little budgets, even though they have a collective big heart. I saw just how much an animal can bond with a person, knowing that person loves them unconditionally and that love is given back ten-fold. The reader is also given the flip side of conservation by watching Adam build up fancy hotels and resorts in land that is increasingly threatening the wildlife. There are thinly veiled political statements here about not stealing the land from the animals, too.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you think, but also features some great romance, then this might be the book for you.
Adam was wrong about how much she wants to free herself and the bird he’s kidnapped. He’s confident he’ll be able to coax her back to him with sweet words and other plans. Just like many people who have the ability to get whatever they want, he can’t understand exactly how determined she is to fly free, and for her to get Mars, the eagle, and his mate back together in a much safer rescue center in Canada.
Ned comes to the wildlife center because his mother forced him to get outside of his own little world and experience what the wide world could offer. Pretty much, he was the classic geek with horn-rimmed glasses with a long ponytail with no interest in animals. Ned is rather a fun character as he keeps battling his emotions for Luna and the lunacy of transporting an eagle. As he meets rescuer after rescuer, he thinks that they all are crazy. Yet, he cannot seem to draw himself away from the action even though he has been given several opportunities to do so.
Luna is a character I admired because she loves animals. It is easy to see how passionate she is to rescue even the smallest animal. All the wildlife rescuers admire her passion and determination, knowing deep in their hearts that she is going to be one of the special ones that could make a huge change in the laws.
Speaking of those wildlife centers, I was impressed how friendly and welcoming they were, even though they had never met Luna in person. They also enfolded Ned into their group, even though he was kind of being dragged against his will. One of my favorite moments was when the Pennsylvania Wildlife Center decided they would take the risk to bring Mars’ mate Banshee to Canada also. I learned that bonded eagles do not do well when separated as shown by Banshee not eating. The center knew it was taking a huge risk but knew it was the only thing to do. Again, these people humbled me with their strength and conviction that all life was precious.
I would’ve liked more about Luna’s past, as much of it is shadowed and she has horrible nightmares where she wakes up fighting. The reader is not told directly what happened to her in the foster system, although there are some small references. Then there is the relationship she has with Ned; it is messy and complicated, but he knew how he felt for her even though she seemed to keep pushing him away.
This is a wonderful story filled with all sorts of different characters that bring life and interest into the story. I got to learn just how hard it is for the Wildlife Centers to function with little budgets, even though they have a collective big heart. I saw just how much an animal can bond with a person, knowing that person loves them unconditionally and that love is given back ten-fold. The reader is also given the flip side of conservation by watching Adam build up fancy hotels and resorts in land that is increasingly threatening the wildlife. There are thinly veiled political statements here about not stealing the land from the animals, too.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you think, but also features some great romance, then this might be the book for you.
March 15, 2020
"Find and arrest Luna Burke"
I loved every page of UNFLAPPABLE by author Suzie Gilbert! While reading this book I laughed, shed a tear or two, and cheered for the heroes! The author takes a serious situation and weaves in witty and suspenseful scenes that kept me engrossed in the story. Luna Burke has been married only six months to Adam, a very wealthy and possessive businessman. Luna was first hired at Adams luxurious Florida mansion to keep the private zoo which had belonged to one of Adam's previous wives. Luna had thought it would be the perfect job until Adam begins to pressure her to marry him. He finally won her over by offering Luna the financial ability to support wildlife rehabbers all over the US. The social life of parties, business gatherings, and making appearances as Adam's beautiful wife takes its toll on her. Luna tells Adam to have their marriage annulled, she wants to go back to her life as an animal rehabber. After Adam has her locked in the house, Luna escapes and flees to her friends at the Starfish Key Wildlife Center. A few days later she receives a phone call from Harper, her intern at Adam's private zoo. Harper tells Luna that Adam has sent some of his bodyguards and taken Mars, one of the unreleasable mature bald eagles from the Western Pennsylvania Wildlife Center. Adam thinks if Luna has a bald eagle in her zoo, she will stay at the mansion. Luna enlists the help of Ned, a new volunteer, to drive her to the mansion and the hectic shenanigans begin! Luna plans to steal the protected eagle from Adam's zoo and take him all the way to famous wildlife rehabber, Helene de la Croix in Canada. The colorful characters who are involved in the cross-country chase to aid Luna and Ned from capture by Adam's goons, officers from the Department of Wildlife and Fishers, and local police are a wonderful cast of rehabbers who close ranks and help protect this rescue effort. Luna is a warrior in the fight to succeed in getting the bonded pair of eagles to safety from bureaucratic entanglements. While reading this book I laughed, shed a tear or two, and cheered for the heroes! * Some strong Language
Publication Date: March 24, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I loved every page of UNFLAPPABLE by author Suzie Gilbert! While reading this book I laughed, shed a tear or two, and cheered for the heroes! The author takes a serious situation and weaves in witty and suspenseful scenes that kept me engrossed in the story. Luna Burke has been married only six months to Adam, a very wealthy and possessive businessman. Luna was first hired at Adams luxurious Florida mansion to keep the private zoo which had belonged to one of Adam's previous wives. Luna had thought it would be the perfect job until Adam begins to pressure her to marry him. He finally won her over by offering Luna the financial ability to support wildlife rehabbers all over the US. The social life of parties, business gatherings, and making appearances as Adam's beautiful wife takes its toll on her. Luna tells Adam to have their marriage annulled, she wants to go back to her life as an animal rehabber. After Adam has her locked in the house, Luna escapes and flees to her friends at the Starfish Key Wildlife Center. A few days later she receives a phone call from Harper, her intern at Adam's private zoo. Harper tells Luna that Adam has sent some of his bodyguards and taken Mars, one of the unreleasable mature bald eagles from the Western Pennsylvania Wildlife Center. Adam thinks if Luna has a bald eagle in her zoo, she will stay at the mansion. Luna enlists the help of Ned, a new volunteer, to drive her to the mansion and the hectic shenanigans begin! Luna plans to steal the protected eagle from Adam's zoo and take him all the way to famous wildlife rehabber, Helene de la Croix in Canada. The colorful characters who are involved in the cross-country chase to aid Luna and Ned from capture by Adam's goons, officers from the Department of Wildlife and Fishers, and local police are a wonderful cast of rehabbers who close ranks and help protect this rescue effort. Luna is a warrior in the fight to succeed in getting the bonded pair of eagles to safety from bureaucratic entanglements. While reading this book I laughed, shed a tear or two, and cheered for the heroes! * Some strong Language
Publication Date: March 24, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 27, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and Perch Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Unflappable is a wild ride - literally. In this road-trip-meets-nature-conservation tale, Luna Burke is on a mission to reunite a kidnapped Bald Eagle with its mate and smuggle them both into Canada before her psychotic billionaire husband and his various armed forces can catch her. It's the adventure you didn't know you needed, complete with an underground railroad of wildlife rescuers, one homicidal bird, a panther advocate armed to his teeth, a smitten young volunteer, and a badass heroine determined to escape her own entrapment in an unfulfilling marriage.
If nothing else, it's unique. By far the most compelling aspect of Suzie Gilbert's second novel is its bizarre cast of characters, each more endearing than the last. Gilbert showcases humanity at its battiest, its strangest, its nastiest, but also at its best: she peels away layers of personal strife and trauma to reveal an inherent core of compassion that entangles us with the natural world. A number of intertwined love stories guide the plot, including the tragic separation of Mars (the eagle) and his mate, the blooming infatuation between Luna and Ned, and the commitment of conservationists to a world that has lost its trust in a violent and selfish human race.
Unfortunately the suspense and intrigue at the heart of Unflappable are disrupted by some issues in pacing. Juggling such a large cast of characters comes with the added challenge of writing ultra-smooth transitions from one point of view to the next, and Gilbert might have fared better by limiting the narrative to two or three key perspectives. The storyline felt disjointed and jumpy for a large chunk of the novel, giving the reader mild whiplash rather than an adrenaline-fuelled race to the novel's climax.
Despite some other minor nitpicks, I absolutely loved all of Unflappable's eccentricities. The novel has a strong gravitational pull towards conservational ethics, but its lessons are integrated effortlessly into the storyline (providing "incidental learning at its best," to use Debbie Lefebre's words). Hope and hilarity resonate throughout this marvellous, crazy story of love and escape.
Unflappable is a wild ride - literally. In this road-trip-meets-nature-conservation tale, Luna Burke is on a mission to reunite a kidnapped Bald Eagle with its mate and smuggle them both into Canada before her psychotic billionaire husband and his various armed forces can catch her. It's the adventure you didn't know you needed, complete with an underground railroad of wildlife rescuers, one homicidal bird, a panther advocate armed to his teeth, a smitten young volunteer, and a badass heroine determined to escape her own entrapment in an unfulfilling marriage.
If nothing else, it's unique. By far the most compelling aspect of Suzie Gilbert's second novel is its bizarre cast of characters, each more endearing than the last. Gilbert showcases humanity at its battiest, its strangest, its nastiest, but also at its best: she peels away layers of personal strife and trauma to reveal an inherent core of compassion that entangles us with the natural world. A number of intertwined love stories guide the plot, including the tragic separation of Mars (the eagle) and his mate, the blooming infatuation between Luna and Ned, and the commitment of conservationists to a world that has lost its trust in a violent and selfish human race.
Unfortunately the suspense and intrigue at the heart of Unflappable are disrupted by some issues in pacing. Juggling such a large cast of characters comes with the added challenge of writing ultra-smooth transitions from one point of view to the next, and Gilbert might have fared better by limiting the narrative to two or three key perspectives. The storyline felt disjointed and jumpy for a large chunk of the novel, giving the reader mild whiplash rather than an adrenaline-fuelled race to the novel's climax.
Despite some other minor nitpicks, I absolutely loved all of Unflappable's eccentricities. The novel has a strong gravitational pull towards conservational ethics, but its lessons are integrated effortlessly into the storyline (providing "incidental learning at its best," to use Debbie Lefebre's words). Hope and hilarity resonate throughout this marvellous, crazy story of love and escape.
February 27, 2021
This is a winning combination for me – a cross-country car chase, a young woman finding her strength, a pissed off eagle on the back seat and a found-family of animal rehabbers helping along the way.
There were a lot of characters in this book which I think were exceptionally well handled by the narrating duo, giving them each their distinct voices so I wasn’t confused over who was speaking at any given time.
Luna has left her marriage of 6 months, her husband is a billionaire twice her age who believes himself to be in love with her. It’s the fact that he truly believes this rather than it having been a truly loveless marriage that adds some depths to the story.
Each of the main characters has their own arc, all of which I was thoroughly invested in. I love how much the author packed into this book and the directions she decided to take them all in – there was redemption for the less wonderful characters and some of the heroes made some less than heroic choices. There’s plenty of action to keep the story pushing on but it was the characters I was particularly drawn to.
As an animal lover and zoology nerd, this story held a particular appeal. Animal people are a special breed of people that I can relate to, but I’m sure that most readers would feel the same way thanks to this author’s enticing style of writing.
The narrators, Kurt Rhoads and Nance Williamson, worked really well together, the reading was seamless and they really brought the emotion of the book to the forefront – I’m glad I listened to this book rather than just read it or I would have missed out on a great experience.
*I received a review copy of the audiobook. All views are my own*
There were a lot of characters in this book which I think were exceptionally well handled by the narrating duo, giving them each their distinct voices so I wasn’t confused over who was speaking at any given time.
Luna has left her marriage of 6 months, her husband is a billionaire twice her age who believes himself to be in love with her. It’s the fact that he truly believes this rather than it having been a truly loveless marriage that adds some depths to the story.
Each of the main characters has their own arc, all of which I was thoroughly invested in. I love how much the author packed into this book and the directions she decided to take them all in – there was redemption for the less wonderful characters and some of the heroes made some less than heroic choices. There’s plenty of action to keep the story pushing on but it was the characters I was particularly drawn to.
As an animal lover and zoology nerd, this story held a particular appeal. Animal people are a special breed of people that I can relate to, but I’m sure that most readers would feel the same way thanks to this author’s enticing style of writing.
The narrators, Kurt Rhoads and Nance Williamson, worked really well together, the reading was seamless and they really brought the emotion of the book to the forefront – I’m glad I listened to this book rather than just read it or I would have missed out on a great experience.
*I received a review copy of the audiobook. All views are my own*
March 23, 2020
**I received this e-arc from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Net Galley!**
This was a very original, cute story. I learned a lot about animals, and conservation measures and really enjoyed myself while reading. The storyline is very unique and original, honestly I have never read anything like it.
However, I think I would have enjoyed the book a bit more if it was just focused on our two main characters, Ned and Luna. I felt like there was so many characters that at the beginning, I was really confused on who is who. Even later in the book when I was able to remember more of the characters there was still times when I would have to stop and think before I remembered who the specific character was. If the story had focused solely on Ned and Luna's point of view while still introducing the other characters (especially the rehabbers), in my opinion, it would have been a bit stronger.
Another small thing, is when flashbacks would occur in the story, I wouldn't know. The transition wasn't always clear to me so I would be half a page in before realizing this was occurred at a different time. This only happened a couple of times throughout the book but it was a bit jarring when it did occur.
Honestly though, besides me being picky on a few points, it was a strong book. It did its job of distracting me from everything occurring around the world right now and made me laugh and smile at times. If you enjoy a fast paced novel with a whole cast of characters, I highly recommend picking this one up.
This was a very original, cute story. I learned a lot about animals, and conservation measures and really enjoyed myself while reading. The storyline is very unique and original, honestly I have never read anything like it.
However, I think I would have enjoyed the book a bit more if it was just focused on our two main characters, Ned and Luna. I felt like there was so many characters that at the beginning, I was really confused on who is who. Even later in the book when I was able to remember more of the characters there was still times when I would have to stop and think before I remembered who the specific character was. If the story had focused solely on Ned and Luna's point of view while still introducing the other characters (especially the rehabbers), in my opinion, it would have been a bit stronger.
Another small thing, is when flashbacks would occur in the story, I wouldn't know. The transition wasn't always clear to me so I would be half a page in before realizing this was occurred at a different time. This only happened a couple of times throughout the book but it was a bit jarring when it did occur.
Honestly though, besides me being picky on a few points, it was a strong book. It did its job of distracting me from everything occurring around the world right now and made me laugh and smile at times. If you enjoy a fast paced novel with a whole cast of characters, I highly recommend picking this one up.
April 6, 2020
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
'Unflappable' is a fun read about a young woman, Luna, who realizes her new marriage to one of Florida's wealthiest businessmen is not what she wants. She pulls away and her super-powerful husband is not pleased. In an ill-conceived effort to woo her back, he breaks up a pair of mated eagles to keep in his private zoo for her. She, a staunch wildlife enthusiast, is horrified and it sets off a chain of events as she bird-knaps the eagle and tries to get he and his mate to a place they can be safe forever. A new volunteer, Ned, who is no as enthusiastic as she, gets dragged into the mix.
This is the kind of book that would make an endearing and quirky movie. The best parts involve the rescue and rehabilitation community as it is a fun peek behind the scenes of these types of communities.
There are a lot of characters and overall I did not click with the main characters. By chapter five I did not really care what happened and the story seemed to be on a fairly predictable quest/ romance ark. I skimmed a lot and read the last few chapters to make sure I did not just write it off a book that others have really enjoyed. It finishes as expected with some nice character growth and a sweet ending.
If you are looking for a book to throw in your pool bag this is it. The writing is well done and if you like road trips, quests, and everyone working for a good cause this is your book!
'Unflappable' is a fun read about a young woman, Luna, who realizes her new marriage to one of Florida's wealthiest businessmen is not what she wants. She pulls away and her super-powerful husband is not pleased. In an ill-conceived effort to woo her back, he breaks up a pair of mated eagles to keep in his private zoo for her. She, a staunch wildlife enthusiast, is horrified and it sets off a chain of events as she bird-knaps the eagle and tries to get he and his mate to a place they can be safe forever. A new volunteer, Ned, who is no as enthusiastic as she, gets dragged into the mix.
This is the kind of book that would make an endearing and quirky movie. The best parts involve the rescue and rehabilitation community as it is a fun peek behind the scenes of these types of communities.
There are a lot of characters and overall I did not click with the main characters. By chapter five I did not really care what happened and the story seemed to be on a fairly predictable quest/ romance ark. I skimmed a lot and read the last few chapters to make sure I did not just write it off a book that others have really enjoyed. It finishes as expected with some nice character growth and a sweet ending.
If you are looking for a book to throw in your pool bag this is it. The writing is well done and if you like road trips, quests, and everyone working for a good cause this is your book!
October 6, 2020
This book was so fun! I enjoyed reading it through all its craziness. I have to say the story is so far fetched and at some points there were a lot of characters to keep track of but I enjoyed just being along for the ride (pun! other readers will get me!)
That all being said it was full of animals facts, pages of animal facts loosely veiled as dialogue. The characters didn't always act in realistic ways and, did I mention the story feels preposterous?! It probably did need an editor like one other reviewers said... but still this book was SO FUN and unique.
My one other complaint is that I wanted to LOVE the eagle as if it was any other character in the book. The book is based on all these wildlife rehabbers going above and beyond for the animals they serve but I never had an emotional connection with the eagle or the other animals in the book. I wanted to be shown why I should love the eagle rather than told why. That would have really made me love the book rather than like it.
That all being said it was full of animals facts, pages of animal facts loosely veiled as dialogue. The characters didn't always act in realistic ways and, did I mention the story feels preposterous?! It probably did need an editor like one other reviewers said... but still this book was SO FUN and unique.
My one other complaint is that I wanted to LOVE the eagle as if it was any other character in the book. The book is based on all these wildlife rehabbers going above and beyond for the animals they serve but I never had an emotional connection with the eagle or the other animals in the book. I wanted to be shown why I should love the eagle rather than told why. That would have really made me love the book rather than like it.
April 7, 2020
First and foremost, this is entertaining, funny, and impossible to put down. It's a crime novel with devilishly clever execution, and a sexy romantic comedy. But what's truly remarkable is the way the author blends all the entertainment with a moving exploration of the bond between human and wild animal. This cast of characters, with their obsessions with panthers, turtles, bears, bats, and of course birds, work their way into your heart and change the way you think about wildlife. They are led by Luna Burke, a character to stand next to Claire Fraser of Outlander and Kya Clark of Where The Crawdads Sing.
March 9, 2020
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read about Luna Burke, a young woman on the run, trying to save herself and a pair of beloved Bald Eagles. Luna is joined in her quest by a lovable cast of characters, who were all easy to root for.
While at times laugh-out-loud funny, this touching novel hinted at deeper issues and had me reading late into the night to find out what would happen next. There were a few too many characters and it was a bit too long, however, I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a fun, easy read that contains a bit of substance.
While at times laugh-out-loud funny, this touching novel hinted at deeper issues and had me reading late into the night to find out what would happen next. There were a few too many characters and it was a bit too long, however, I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a fun, easy read that contains a bit of substance.
March 24, 2020
4.5 stars. *not a romance novel, for those of you that see what I usually read*. I received a copy through a Goodreads giveaway and what a damned exciting book. I didn’t know what to expect and enjoyed this surprising road trip adventure, and learned about the underground animal rescue/rehabilitation community. Told through multiple POV, the story covers many characters but we are rooting for Luna and her eagle the whole way.
March 25, 2020
I think Suzie Gilbert has created a new genre: the nature thriller. Even though I am a professional gardener, I sometimes find natural history books a little boring and love my thrillers, scary mysteries and psychological dramas. Imagine a book where John Grisham, who really knows the law, knew as much about the world of rehabbing, give it the humor of a Hiassen, and you've got Gilbert.
I can't wait for the next one in this series - hoping it will become a series.
I can't wait for the next one in this series - hoping it will become a series.
May 11, 2020
This was a fun, fast-paced, crazy adventure, and I loved every minute of it! Luna is a wonderful character, and I was rooting for her and Ned, who is inadvertently caught up in the journey. Considering how many characters there are throughout the book, each one is well-developed and unique. From Adam, the misguided villain, to Warren, Luna’s guardian angel, there are so many characters to explore! Running parallel to the fun adventure is a touching look into the bond between human and animals, and I loved the insight into conservation. Thank you to @lovebookstours & @suzie.gilbert for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2020
Unflappable was fun, fast-paced, and hilarious. I mean come on, road trip, crazy husband, loyal friends, flirting and an eagle. What more could I ask for? I enjoyed the pace of the book and the development of characters and there are so many characters but not too many to forget who was who. I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to someone who likes light-hearted romance and friendships.
April 10, 2020
Quite an adventure
As a rehabbed myself I liked that she captured the essence of what kind of person joins the field. We don’t do it for money or glory. Many of us are better with animals than people. We are a mixed bag of personalities but we go to the ends of the earth to save an animal if it can be saved. The book kept up the pace and had quite a few plot twists.
As a rehabbed myself I liked that she captured the essence of what kind of person joins the field. We don’t do it for money or glory. Many of us are better with animals than people. We are a mixed bag of personalities but we go to the ends of the earth to save an animal if it can be saved. The book kept up the pace and had quite a few plot twists.
May 22, 2020
I won this book and didn’t have any expectations when I started reading. I was drawn into the story immediately with the storyline and characters. There are many colorful characters and I found myself laughing out loud. I also learned about animal rehabilitation, which was something I didn’t know much about. This book was a very unexpected surprise and I really enjoyed the story!
November 11, 2020
Absolutely loved the subject matter, but this book needed a serious read through by at least one more editor. The story lacked a lot of foundation and it was easy to confuse bits of the book or characters who didn’t have enough meat to them. With some polish I think this should be a fantastic read both witty and even a little informative, but as is it’s so so.
May 1, 2022
The adventures of power to control vs the need to resume. This is a tale of obsession (Lunas controlling husband) and the need to rescue an eagle that turns into rescuing Luna herself. As the summary states…this is “a comic (I challenge that word choice) suspense story, an epic road trip and a page-turning adventure with a big cast of unconventional characters, both human and not”
April 2, 2020
Terrific!
An intricate blend of funny and serious aspects of the world of bird rehabbers. Engrossing. Will read it again, probably more than once!
An intricate blend of funny and serious aspects of the world of bird rehabbers. Engrossing. Will read it again, probably more than once!
April 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It has so many layers to it. I will admit, the first 100 pages were a little slow, but i loved the story line. Also there is alot of love and grace to this book.
June 5, 2020
A fun road trip/thriller/romance with a touch of comedy and a theme about the value of all living beings. Loved it!
July 9, 2020
Very fun and different from what I usually read. Would definitely recommend it for a quick read
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November 21, 2020Please see blog for *M*'s review:
https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...
https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...
March 25, 2021
The middle is much better than the beginning or the end. There are a few typos, and occasionally the story is nonsensical, but mostly it’s very silly in a fun way.
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