What do you think?
Rate this book
Saint Stephen's Lake #3
(Un)Spoken: A Brother's Best Friend, Single Parent Romance
The first rule of friendship?
Never fall for your best friend’s little sister.
But loving her is the role I was born to play.
For years, Adam Rice was on the top of his game. As one of the biggest movie stars in the world, he thought he was as invincible as the superhero he played. However, after an encounter with a stalker rattles him, he’s left with only one choice: walk away from the spotlight. With his best friend settling down and getting married soon, Saint Stephen’s Lake seems like the perfect place to hide out and clear his head.
But when his best friend’s little sister, Victoria, decides to visit for the wedding, Adam offers to keep an eye on her and make her feel at home. However, after spending more time with Victoria, he starts to seek her out more- and not just because he’s looking out for his friend’s sister.
Victoria Campbell never thought she’d see her brother again. Not after his alcoholism formed an insurmountable rift between them. But after years of distance, she accepts his olive branch to attend his wedding in upstate New York. Then, she can see for herself if he’s doing as well as he says. But their fresh start isn’t without strings- she’s hiding a major secret: she’s a mother. And she has no intention of telling her brother until she’s sure he’s changed.
As Victoria tries to navigate her new normal with her brother, she’s determined to keep her walls up. However, she never counted on her brother’s best friend to see through her defenses. The more time she spends with Adam, the more she wants to get to know him. The real Adam, not the one the public gets to see. And maybe- he can help her get to know herself again.
As the days tick toward the wedding, both are grappling with their connection. When secrets are exposed, and their pasts come back to haunt them, Victoria and Adam need to decide if their relationship is worth the risk or if it’s destined to remain an unspoken secret.
Never fall for your best friend’s little sister.
But loving her is the role I was born to play.
For years, Adam Rice was on the top of his game. As one of the biggest movie stars in the world, he thought he was as invincible as the superhero he played. However, after an encounter with a stalker rattles him, he’s left with only one choice: walk away from the spotlight. With his best friend settling down and getting married soon, Saint Stephen’s Lake seems like the perfect place to hide out and clear his head.
But when his best friend’s little sister, Victoria, decides to visit for the wedding, Adam offers to keep an eye on her and make her feel at home. However, after spending more time with Victoria, he starts to seek her out more- and not just because he’s looking out for his friend’s sister.
Victoria Campbell never thought she’d see her brother again. Not after his alcoholism formed an insurmountable rift between them. But after years of distance, she accepts his olive branch to attend his wedding in upstate New York. Then, she can see for herself if he’s doing as well as he says. But their fresh start isn’t without strings- she’s hiding a major secret: she’s a mother. And she has no intention of telling her brother until she’s sure he’s changed.
As Victoria tries to navigate her new normal with her brother, she’s determined to keep her walls up. However, she never counted on her brother’s best friend to see through her defenses. The more time she spends with Adam, the more she wants to get to know him. The real Adam, not the one the public gets to see. And maybe- he can help her get to know herself again.
As the days tick toward the wedding, both are grappling with their connection. When secrets are exposed, and their pasts come back to haunt them, Victoria and Adam need to decide if their relationship is worth the risk or if it’s destined to remain an unspoken secret.
372 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2024
39 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
November 8, 2024
𝘼𝙧𝙘 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
4⭐️
Unspoken By K.C. Brooks is the third book in the Saint Stephen’s lake series
This is my first time reading this author it was a refreshing and suspenseful read
This story offers a refreshing take on the romance genre with its mature characters and realistic dialogue. The story delves into the complexities of adult relationships, exploring themes of family, addiction, and mental health. The characters are well-developed, and their growth throughout the novel is both believable and heartwarming.
While the romance between Adam and Victoria is a central plot point, it's balanced with suspenseful elements as Adam navigates a dangerous situation involving a stalker. The unexpected twists and turns keep the reader engaged, making it a captivating read.
If you're looking for a book that combines romance, suspense, and heartfelt emotion, "(Un)Spoken" is definitely worth checking out.
“𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘄.”
“ 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳-𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄𝘀, 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱.”
Tropes:
✨ Brother’s best friend
✨ Single mom
✨ He’s an Actor
✨ Found family (Small town)
✨ Stalker
✨ Mental health rep
4⭐️
Unspoken By K.C. Brooks is the third book in the Saint Stephen’s lake series
This is my first time reading this author it was a refreshing and suspenseful read
This story offers a refreshing take on the romance genre with its mature characters and realistic dialogue. The story delves into the complexities of adult relationships, exploring themes of family, addiction, and mental health. The characters are well-developed, and their growth throughout the novel is both believable and heartwarming.
While the romance between Adam and Victoria is a central plot point, it's balanced with suspenseful elements as Adam navigates a dangerous situation involving a stalker. The unexpected twists and turns keep the reader engaged, making it a captivating read.
If you're looking for a book that combines romance, suspense, and heartfelt emotion, "(Un)Spoken" is definitely worth checking out.
“𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗼𝘄.”
“ 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳-𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄𝘀, 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗜 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱.”
Tropes:
✨ Brother’s best friend
✨ Single mom
✨ He’s an Actor
✨ Found family (Small town)
✨ Stalker
✨ Mental health rep
November 8, 2024
4.5 stars
Every book in this series just gets better, I am loving the growth of this author. Saint Stephen’s Lake is a place I would move to in a heartbeat, the found family and the welcoming small town feel. It is not all hearts and roses at first, the siblings Victoria and Cole are currently estranged, Adam and Victoria have secrets and he might be hiding from his moviestar life.
There are some tough topics in this story, but all are handled with grace. Bringing to the surface conversations that need to come to the table as we all need a little help sometimes.
The ending, be prepared for more questions than answers….
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Every book in this series just gets better, I am loving the growth of this author. Saint Stephen’s Lake is a place I would move to in a heartbeat, the found family and the welcoming small town feel. It is not all hearts and roses at first, the siblings Victoria and Cole are currently estranged, Adam and Victoria have secrets and he might be hiding from his moviestar life.
There are some tough topics in this story, but all are handled with grace. Bringing to the surface conversations that need to come to the table as we all need a little help sometimes.
The ending, be prepared for more questions than answers….
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
November 10, 2024
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
Brother's Best Friend
Single mom
Small town
Found family
Mental health
Dual POV
I love love love the characters that K.C. Brooks had written in the Saint Stephens Lake series. These interconnected books are exactly how interconnected should be! Characters from previous books aren't just mentioned or have a brief cameo. They continue to be part of the story. 👏👏👏
In (Un)Spoken, the MMC is Adam! We first met him in book 1, the hunky movie star who's best friends with Cole. And man, was I excited for him to get a story! Adam is taking a break from acting, hiding out in Saint Stephens. No one knows he's dealing with his stalker trauma. But when Tori shows up to Cole's wedding, Adam thinks he could start living again.
Tori is Cole's baby sister and single mom to Emilia. She's not spoken to Cole is 5 years but hopefully this is the start of reconciliation. When she runs into her childhood crush, Adam, will Tori finally get the world series type of love she's been searching for?
I loved Tori and Adam. I really did. But..... I have to say that epilogue... K.C.... ma'am... I literally said spoilers out loud in shock. I cannot wait for book 4! Also... I 👀 Cam and Hadley?
Tropes:
Brother's Best Friend
Single mom
Small town
Found family
Mental health
Dual POV
I love love love the characters that K.C. Brooks had written in the Saint Stephens Lake series. These interconnected books are exactly how interconnected should be! Characters from previous books aren't just mentioned or have a brief cameo. They continue to be part of the story. 👏👏👏
In (Un)Spoken, the MMC is Adam! We first met him in book 1, the hunky movie star who's best friends with Cole. And man, was I excited for him to get a story! Adam is taking a break from acting, hiding out in Saint Stephens. No one knows he's dealing with his stalker trauma. But when Tori shows up to Cole's wedding, Adam thinks he could start living again.
Tori is Cole's baby sister and single mom to Emilia. She's not spoken to Cole is 5 years but hopefully this is the start of reconciliation. When she runs into her childhood crush, Adam, will Tori finally get the world series type of love she's been searching for?
I loved Tori and Adam. I really did. But..... I have to say that epilogue... K.C.... ma'am... I literally said spoilers out loud in shock. I cannot wait for book 4! Also... I 👀 Cam and Hadley?
November 8, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Adam is a actor taking a break in a small town where his best friend Cole lives.. Cole’s wedding is coming up and his little sister who hasn’t had contact in the last couple of years due to Cole used to be an alcoholic and it created a rift between Cole and Victoria but now she is back to see if Cole has truly changed for the good.. while in for the wedding Victoria bumps into Adam they haven’t seen each other is years and an attraction forms between the two of them but can they be in a relationship without a reunion Adam and Cole’s friendship.. and trust me even Victoria and Cole have secrets ..Victoria’s makes her come home on an emergency before she can tell Adam and Cole.. Will Cole and Adam get answers will Adam and Victoria get their chance read and find out you won’t be mad you did I promise!!
Adam is a actor taking a break in a small town where his best friend Cole lives.. Cole’s wedding is coming up and his little sister who hasn’t had contact in the last couple of years due to Cole used to be an alcoholic and it created a rift between Cole and Victoria but now she is back to see if Cole has truly changed for the good.. while in for the wedding Victoria bumps into Adam they haven’t seen each other is years and an attraction forms between the two of them but can they be in a relationship without a reunion Adam and Cole’s friendship.. and trust me even Victoria and Cole have secrets ..Victoria’s makes her come home on an emergency before she can tell Adam and Cole.. Will Cole and Adam get answers will Adam and Victoria get their chance read and find out you won’t be mad you did I promise!!
November 2, 2024
4.5⭐️ Still trying to gather my thoughts from the cliffhanger on this one, because WHAT 😳 This was so good! It’s my first book from KC and I didn’t read the others prior as I received this one as an ARC. But it was so easy to follow along and I really enjoyed this book! This was a really great romance suspense novel, with a single mom and celebrity childhood friend! I really loved the emotional aspects of this story, as Tori and her brother Cole experienced very difficult times in their lives and had to work to build their relationship again. I love the found family, and of course Adam Rice himself❤️ This man is thoughtful, selfless, incredibly kind and so loving it hurts.
KC highlights and demonstrates the importance of caring for our mental health and sometimes that includes distancing yourself from the people who have a negative impact on it. She also demonstrates the importance of seeking help for mental health issues and/or substance abuse and the positive relationships that can come from it.
I cannot wait for the next story because that ending got me asking for many darn questions lol!
KC highlights and demonstrates the importance of caring for our mental health and sometimes that includes distancing yourself from the people who have a negative impact on it. She also demonstrates the importance of seeking help for mental health issues and/or substance abuse and the positive relationships that can come from it.
I cannot wait for the next story because that ending got me asking for many darn questions lol!
November 8, 2024
(Un)Spoken
KC Brooks
374 Pgs
“She leaned in nothing but mischief written on her face. All of Victoria had captured me, but this version? The carefree, devious one? She was quickly becoming my favorite.”
WHEW! KC Brooks knew what she was doing when she wrote the third installment in her Saint Stephen’s Lake series and sent it to the world. However, I was unprepared for how amazing Adam and Victoria’s story would be. The book starts with some heavy-hitting emotions, and I should have known then that I was in for a ride. Cole left for the military and came back, struggling with alcoholism. Tori was a mom, living with her ex and the disappointment of her parents, feeling alone and hurt from finally deciding enough was enough with Cole’s behavior. Cole’s wedding was the chance to hopefully bury the hatchet and start working towards reconciliation with each other, despite Tori’s anxiety and misgivings. There were a lot of understandable emotions and hurt feelings in the first half of the book, the fallout of alcoholism being disastrous to families and relationships. KC did a phenomenal job taking us through the different stages from both sides. It’s not easy, and not something that should be taken lightly, but the characters and storyline were written with such care and honesty that it was read seamlessly.
“While the rest of us smiled brightly at the photographer, Adam’s attention was on me. Was that how he looked at me? Like I was something worth memorizing?”
The characters in this book were beautifully written with their complex personalities, honest emotions, and ability to get under my skin in the best way possible. I found myself laughing out loud at their ridiculous arguments, smiling at their cute nicknames and witty banter, and hoping for more than one couple to get together. Not only was I invested in Adam and Tori’s story, but I’m ready for more of Gray and Devyn and Cameron and Hadley’s stories. UGH, I’m so invested. Adam was everything I could have asked for in this story. Honest, kind, passionate, emotional, strong. He was so well crafted that he played perfectly opposite Victoria, and his interactions with Tori’s daughter Emilia were heart-melting! Overall, this story was full of suspense, tough decisions, families coming together, and learning how to be brave. I loved every minute of it.
Thank you so much to KC Brooks for providing me with this book to read and review. It was easy to fall in love with Adam and Tori’s story.
KC Brooks
374 Pgs
“She leaned in nothing but mischief written on her face. All of Victoria had captured me, but this version? The carefree, devious one? She was quickly becoming my favorite.”
WHEW! KC Brooks knew what she was doing when she wrote the third installment in her Saint Stephen’s Lake series and sent it to the world. However, I was unprepared for how amazing Adam and Victoria’s story would be. The book starts with some heavy-hitting emotions, and I should have known then that I was in for a ride. Cole left for the military and came back, struggling with alcoholism. Tori was a mom, living with her ex and the disappointment of her parents, feeling alone and hurt from finally deciding enough was enough with Cole’s behavior. Cole’s wedding was the chance to hopefully bury the hatchet and start working towards reconciliation with each other, despite Tori’s anxiety and misgivings. There were a lot of understandable emotions and hurt feelings in the first half of the book, the fallout of alcoholism being disastrous to families and relationships. KC did a phenomenal job taking us through the different stages from both sides. It’s not easy, and not something that should be taken lightly, but the characters and storyline were written with such care and honesty that it was read seamlessly.
“While the rest of us smiled brightly at the photographer, Adam’s attention was on me. Was that how he looked at me? Like I was something worth memorizing?”
The characters in this book were beautifully written with their complex personalities, honest emotions, and ability to get under my skin in the best way possible. I found myself laughing out loud at their ridiculous arguments, smiling at their cute nicknames and witty banter, and hoping for more than one couple to get together. Not only was I invested in Adam and Tori’s story, but I’m ready for more of Gray and Devyn and Cameron and Hadley’s stories. UGH, I’m so invested. Adam was everything I could have asked for in this story. Honest, kind, passionate, emotional, strong. He was so well crafted that he played perfectly opposite Victoria, and his interactions with Tori’s daughter Emilia were heart-melting! Overall, this story was full of suspense, tough decisions, families coming together, and learning how to be brave. I loved every minute of it.
Thank you so much to KC Brooks for providing me with this book to read and review. It was easy to fall in love with Adam and Tori’s story.
October 28, 2024
(Un)Spoken
K.C. Brooks
💐 Small town romance
🧡 Brothers BFF
💐 Cinnamon roll MMC
🧡 Found Family
💐 Single mom
🧡 Trauma / Anxiety
💐 Romantic suspense
(Un)Spoken by K.C. Brooks is a small town romance that blends emotional depth with relatable tropes like a single mom falling for her brother’s best friend. This book has complex character dynamics, a heartfelt journey of vulnerability, trust, suspense and unspoken feelings. If you enjoy slow-burn romances with strong family themes, this would be a great read for you.
GIVE ME STRENGTH! I slammed my kindle down many times reading this book. Much like the first two books I LOVED IT! But man the suspense and plot twist had me riled up!! The epilogue though 🥵🥵 I can’t wait for book 4 I’m so invested!! I loved everything about this book, except Eloise as a person (loved the way her character was written). When do we get book 4?!?
🚨⚠️🚨Content Warnings🚨⚠️🚨
Sexually explicit content, strained family relationships, alcohol abuse, unplanned pregnancy, violence, stalking and harassment.
K.C. Brooks
💐 Small town romance
🧡 Brothers BFF
💐 Cinnamon roll MMC
🧡 Found Family
💐 Single mom
🧡 Trauma / Anxiety
💐 Romantic suspense
(Un)Spoken by K.C. Brooks is a small town romance that blends emotional depth with relatable tropes like a single mom falling for her brother’s best friend. This book has complex character dynamics, a heartfelt journey of vulnerability, trust, suspense and unspoken feelings. If you enjoy slow-burn romances with strong family themes, this would be a great read for you.
GIVE ME STRENGTH! I slammed my kindle down many times reading this book. Much like the first two books I LOVED IT! But man the suspense and plot twist had me riled up!! The epilogue though 🥵🥵 I can’t wait for book 4 I’m so invested!! I loved everything about this book, except Eloise as a person (loved the way her character was written). When do we get book 4?!?
🚨⚠️🚨Content Warnings🚨⚠️🚨
Sexually explicit content, strained family relationships, alcohol abuse, unplanned pregnancy, violence, stalking and harassment.
November 5, 2024
4.5⭐️ so i rounded up
this is the third book in the saint stephen's lake series. it is also the first book i have read in said series as well as by this author. who i will definitely be checking out more because i absolutely loved this book!!
i completely devoured this book. the characters and the plot line were so well done.
this was such a fun, cute and quick read and perfect for the fall!
read if you enjoy:
- small town romance
- brothers best friend
- cinnamon roll mmc
- found family
- single mom
- romantic suspense (stalker)
- trauma and anxiety rep
- dual pov
thank you so much luna literary management and kc brooks for this arc!
this is the third book in the saint stephen's lake series. it is also the first book i have read in said series as well as by this author. who i will definitely be checking out more because i absolutely loved this book!!
i completely devoured this book. the characters and the plot line were so well done.
this was such a fun, cute and quick read and perfect for the fall!
read if you enjoy:
- small town romance
- brothers best friend
- cinnamon roll mmc
- found family
- single mom
- romantic suspense (stalker)
- trauma and anxiety rep
- dual pov
thank you so much luna literary management and kc brooks for this arc!
November 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💗Brother’s best friend
💗Single mom
💗Romantic suspense
💗He’s a famous actor
💗Found family
💗Mental health rep
💗Small town
💗Dual POV
“After half-living in the shadows, being around Victoria and Emilia was like a light in the darkness, twin beacons leading me back to where I belonged.”
I really enjoyed Adam and Tori’s story! There were so many secrets, a good amount of suspense, lots of spice, and alllll the heartwarming moments between all the characters! I loved the small town found family vibes and am definitely intrigued for the next book! What a cliff hanger!
Thank you to K. C. Brooks and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read an ARC! 💗
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💗Brother’s best friend
💗Single mom
💗Romantic suspense
💗He’s a famous actor
💗Found family
💗Mental health rep
💗Small town
💗Dual POV
“After half-living in the shadows, being around Victoria and Emilia was like a light in the darkness, twin beacons leading me back to where I belonged.”
I really enjoyed Adam and Tori’s story! There were so many secrets, a good amount of suspense, lots of spice, and alllll the heartwarming moments between all the characters! I loved the small town found family vibes and am definitely intrigued for the next book! What a cliff hanger!
Thank you to K. C. Brooks and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read an ARC! 💗
December 12, 2024
This book was cute and I’ve really been enjoying this series!
I have been waiting for Adam’s story and I really loved him and Tori together! Some parts felt a little dragged out but the last 20% of the book I couldn’t put it down!
I am so ready for book 4!
Rating ⭐️: 3/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5
Dual POV
💛 Brother’s best friend
💛 Single mom
💛 Small town
💛 Romantic suspense
💛 Found family
Thank you to KC Brooks and Luna Literary for the arc!
I have been waiting for Adam’s story and I really loved him and Tori together! Some parts felt a little dragged out but the last 20% of the book I couldn’t put it down!
I am so ready for book 4!
Rating ⭐️: 3/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5
Dual POV
💛 Brother’s best friend
💛 Single mom
💛 Small town
💛 Romantic suspense
💛 Found family
Thank you to KC Brooks and Luna Literary for the arc!
November 22, 2024
I really loved this! Watching Adam and Victoria try to fight their feelings but realize it was useless was so good. They were amazing together, and her daughter Emilia was just the cutest. Victoria went through so much with her brother, and it was heartbreaking but so satisfying to see them find their way back to each other. The ending kept me hooked until the very last moment!
November 19, 2024
ARC Review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was the cutest read!! I was in a bit of a reading slump but after reading this book I want to read the others in this series!! There was a little bit of cheese throughout, but the romance and drama and everything else was so so good!! I was kicking my feet a little, I’m not going to lie. I could totally see someone like Glen Powell playing Adam in a movie adaptation of this book!!
I loved that even though it’s a “brother’s best friend” trope, it didn’t feel like other books with the same trope because of their age gap! Also Emilia is ADORABLE and so precious, and I loved her and Adam’s dynamic!!
🍂 Small Town Romance
🍂 Brother’s Best Friend
🍂 Single Mom
🍂 Cinnamon Role MMC
🍂 Romantic Suspense
🍂 Mental Health Rep.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was the cutest read!! I was in a bit of a reading slump but after reading this book I want to read the others in this series!! There was a little bit of cheese throughout, but the romance and drama and everything else was so so good!! I was kicking my feet a little, I’m not going to lie. I could totally see someone like Glen Powell playing Adam in a movie adaptation of this book!!
I loved that even though it’s a “brother’s best friend” trope, it didn’t feel like other books with the same trope because of their age gap! Also Emilia is ADORABLE and so precious, and I loved her and Adam’s dynamic!!
🍂 Small Town Romance
🍂 Brother’s Best Friend
🍂 Single Mom
🍂 Cinnamon Role MMC
🍂 Romantic Suspense
🍂 Mental Health Rep.
November 5, 2024
This is the third book in the Saint Stephen's Lake series, but it reads perfectly as a standalone. I loved following Adam and Victoria’s story! Victoria arrives in town for her brother's wedding and soon finds herself spending a lot of time with Adam, her brother’s best friend. As they grow closer, they start to fall for each other until she’s suddenly called back home. From that point, secrets emerge, and they’re forced to figure out what’s truly best for them. This sweet, heartwarming small town romance has just the right touch of suspense, making it a must-add to your TBR!
Thank you, K.C. Brooks and Luna Literary Management for the ARC.
Thank you, K.C. Brooks and Luna Literary Management for the ARC.
November 24, 2024
Plot - 5/5
Spice - 2.5/5
Angst - 3/5
Tori & Adam! ❤️ brothers bestie x single mom. Can't go wrong there. Absolutely loved their story and their chemistry was off the charts.
Tori had a lot of growth and it was so easy to relate with her as a mom and sister.
I enjoyed the past characters and how involved they still are, the town, all of it. This whole series is just such a fun escape. The world building is top notch and so enjoyable to get lost in with each book it's so easy to go back there.
That epi had me very excited for what's next!
Arc for an honest review 😘
Spice - 2.5/5
Angst - 3/5
Tori & Adam! ❤️ brothers bestie x single mom. Can't go wrong there. Absolutely loved their story and their chemistry was off the charts.
Tori had a lot of growth and it was so easy to relate with her as a mom and sister.
I enjoyed the past characters and how involved they still are, the town, all of it. This whole series is just such a fun escape. The world building is top notch and so enjoyable to get lost in with each book it's so easy to go back there.
That epi had me very excited for what's next!
Arc for an honest review 😘
November 26, 2024
K.C Brooks is always top tier for her books. The fact she touches on certain aspects that generally happen in real life makes it that much better! From a single mom co-parenting beautifully to mental health and addiction. Also the fact that its her brothers beat friend who never had thought of her that way because she was younger and his best friends kid sister! The dynamic between Adam and Victoria is great and I always look forward to K.C. Brooks its got the right amount of humor, seriousness, but love and spice all in one.
November 25, 2024
I love the Saint Stephen's Lake Series by K.C. Brooks. Let me just say that I was an ARC reader and this is my honest review.
I hate giving spoilers so I promise I won't do that. But this book had a bit of darkness to it and I really loved it. All the other components also made this story really great. I loved the characters and the continuation of previous characters from the other books.
I can't wait for book 4 in the series. I would say that out of all the books, this one might be my favorite so far?
Things I didn't like:
- I got Victoria's hesitancy and completely understand it. However, I felt like she was almost holding on for too long. Maybe I am just a person who is quick to forgive, and so I had a hard time with her not trusting her brother for such a long portion of the book.
Other than that, I loved it. You should read it. Go get it now!
I hate giving spoilers so I promise I won't do that. But this book had a bit of darkness to it and I really loved it. All the other components also made this story really great. I loved the characters and the continuation of previous characters from the other books.
I can't wait for book 4 in the series. I would say that out of all the books, this one might be my favorite so far?
Things I didn't like:
- I got Victoria's hesitancy and completely understand it. However, I felt like she was almost holding on for too long. Maybe I am just a person who is quick to forgive, and so I had a hard time with her not trusting her brother for such a long portion of the book.
Other than that, I loved it. You should read it. Go get it now!
Read
December 13, 2024ARC 9- (Un)Spoken
Author- KC Brooks
Book 3 in series- Saint Stephen’s Lake
Rating- 4.5 ⭐️
Genre- Single mother, Brother’s Best Friend, She falls first, Age Gap, Superstar, childhood crush, stalker, small town.
Blurb
The first rule of friendship?
Never fall for your best friend’s little sister.
But loving her is the role I was born to play.
For years, Adam Rice was on the top of his game. As one of the biggest movie stars in the world, he thought he was as invincible as the superhero he played. However, after an encounter with a stalker rattles him, he’s left with only one choice: walk away from the spotlight. With his best friend settling down and getting married soon, Saint Stephen’s Lake seems like the perfect place to hide out and clear his head.
But when his best friend’s little sister, Victoria, decides to visit for the wedding, Adam offers to keep an eye on her and make her feel at home. However, after spending more time with Victoria, he starts to seek her out more- and not just because he’s looking out for his friend’s sister.
Victoria Campbell never thought she’d see her brother again. Not after his alcoholism formed an insurmountable rift between them. But after years of distance, she accepts his olive branch to attend his wedding in upstate New York. Then, she can see for herself if he’s doing as well as he says. But their fresh start isn’t without strings- she’s hiding a major secret: she’s a mother. And she has no intention of telling her brother until she’s sure he’s changed.
As Victoria tries to navigate her new normal with her brother, she’s determined to keep her walls up. However, she never counted on her brother’s best friend to see through her defenses. The more time she spends with Adam, the more she wants to get to know him. The real Adam, not the one the public gets to see. And maybe- he can help her get to know herself again.
As the days tick toward the wedding, both are grappling with their connection. When secrets are exposed, and their pasts come back to haunt them, Victoria and Adam need to decide if their relationship is worth the risk or if it’s destined to remain an unspoken secret.
Plot:
Once upon a time, life was good for Victoria Campbell, aka, Tori and Trouble. Once upon a time was 9 years ago. The trigger to the domino effect of darkness was Cole’s (her elder brother’s) departure to the military. Few years later, his dismissal due to an accident was the start of the storm. He became an alcoholic and withdrew himself from his family and best friend Adam. He also ended up hurting Tori.
Back to the present:
A lot has happened since then. Tori cut off Cole completely from her life after continuously hurting her. Her childhood crush on Adam who was her brother’s best friend became a random crush on an exceptionally handsome and talented actor. She also became a mother to a little girl, Emilia.
Adam became a famous actor, the superhero, who also held the reputation of a heartbreaker. But beneath his smile, he hid a secret- he had a serious stalker. The police were helpless. He didn’t hire security officers out of shame, embarrassment and fear. When the last straw finally broke, he needed space to breathe and clear his thoughts. Hence, his break from acting and his stay at Saint Stephen’s Lake. His friends knew he needed a break but were unaware about the gravity of his situation. His visits with his therapist weren’t of much help, the trauma was that deep.
Both were fine externally. But on the inside, they were not, something was missing. That was to change soon. The thing about weddings- they’re magical, healing the distances created.
Cole’s journey of recovery, reconciling and redemption was filled with challenges. The most important one left to tackle was to mend the rift he caused between him and Tori. Initially, she avoided his calls like the plague. She finally gave in to the calls. They spoke regularly, but, her walls were high. It took a lot to convince her to fly over for his wedding, thus accepting his olive branch and taking a big step in mending their relation. But, she was yet to reveal to him about Emilia.
The main purpose of the trip was to find out if Cole had changed for good or not, was he going to stay for real. Rediscovering herself was not on the list. Neither was her childhood crush on Adam turning into fully blown love.
Victoria’s arrival took back Adam. Gone was his best friend’s little sister for in her place was a gorgeous woman, who, behind her sunshiny, strong personality hid fears, doubts and secrets. In order to ease some of Cole’s tension, he offered to keep an eye on her. However, things, rather thoughts and feelings took a turn. They started spending more time together. He started looking out for more of her time, and not just because of Cole, because he wanted to know her more. They shared their deep secrets, fears and desires with each other. They eventually confess their feeling for each other and give themselves a chance.
However, not everyone takes it in stride. Adam’s stalker definitely doesn’t take it well for she is back, claiming him to be her’s thus bringing back his worst fears and nightmares. Tori’s rocky relation with Cole is also there.
Do Tori and Cole ever come back to their free selves with each other or does it remain UnSpoken?
Does the stalker get caught or does Adam have to leave his world and Tori for good, thus leaving things UnSpoken?
Does Tori get the life she dreamt of or do they remain UnSpoken?
Opinion:
“(Un)Spoken”, the title is truly justified. Feelings, things and facts were left unspoken among the characters and within themself. The core plot is based on these unspoken words which finally get voice.
The book mostly narrates the development of the relation between Tori and Adam.
I regret not reading it earlier 🤦♀️
It is so dam good, beautifully and pleasantly written. It is a feel calm and cool book with a little bit of spice. There is this feeling of peace and satisfaction after reading it.
The narration is done extremely well. The plot flows naturally, like a river. Separate 5 starts for it.
It’s a must read, especially for fans of small town romance and/or brother’s best friend trope(s).
The part I love the most- the spoilers dropped about the upcoming couples, especially about the next one- Devyn and Gray. The ending which drops the bomb of their accidental marriage is bittersweet. Sweet because one-it’s gonna be a roller coaster ride, and two-we finally get their book. Bitter because we have to wait for ONE WHOLE YEAR for their book!! Why 😫. Happy waiting period fellow readers, we’re gonna need it.
Personal suggestion to fellow readers- if you intend to read this book, I recommend you to read the previous two books first. It can be read as a standalone but, you will enjoy and appreciate it more if you would have read the previous books too. Also, you will have a better understanding about the dynamics.
Author- KC Brooks
Book 3 in series- Saint Stephen’s Lake
Rating- 4.5 ⭐️
Genre- Single mother, Brother’s Best Friend, She falls first, Age Gap, Superstar, childhood crush, stalker, small town.
Blurb
The first rule of friendship?
Never fall for your best friend’s little sister.
But loving her is the role I was born to play.
For years, Adam Rice was on the top of his game. As one of the biggest movie stars in the world, he thought he was as invincible as the superhero he played. However, after an encounter with a stalker rattles him, he’s left with only one choice: walk away from the spotlight. With his best friend settling down and getting married soon, Saint Stephen’s Lake seems like the perfect place to hide out and clear his head.
But when his best friend’s little sister, Victoria, decides to visit for the wedding, Adam offers to keep an eye on her and make her feel at home. However, after spending more time with Victoria, he starts to seek her out more- and not just because he’s looking out for his friend’s sister.
Victoria Campbell never thought she’d see her brother again. Not after his alcoholism formed an insurmountable rift between them. But after years of distance, she accepts his olive branch to attend his wedding in upstate New York. Then, she can see for herself if he’s doing as well as he says. But their fresh start isn’t without strings- she’s hiding a major secret: she’s a mother. And she has no intention of telling her brother until she’s sure he’s changed.
As Victoria tries to navigate her new normal with her brother, she’s determined to keep her walls up. However, she never counted on her brother’s best friend to see through her defenses. The more time she spends with Adam, the more she wants to get to know him. The real Adam, not the one the public gets to see. And maybe- he can help her get to know herself again.
As the days tick toward the wedding, both are grappling with their connection. When secrets are exposed, and their pasts come back to haunt them, Victoria and Adam need to decide if their relationship is worth the risk or if it’s destined to remain an unspoken secret.
Plot:
Once upon a time, life was good for Victoria Campbell, aka, Tori and Trouble. Once upon a time was 9 years ago. The trigger to the domino effect of darkness was Cole’s (her elder brother’s) departure to the military. Few years later, his dismissal due to an accident was the start of the storm. He became an alcoholic and withdrew himself from his family and best friend Adam. He also ended up hurting Tori.
Back to the present:
A lot has happened since then. Tori cut off Cole completely from her life after continuously hurting her. Her childhood crush on Adam who was her brother’s best friend became a random crush on an exceptionally handsome and talented actor. She also became a mother to a little girl, Emilia.
Adam became a famous actor, the superhero, who also held the reputation of a heartbreaker. But beneath his smile, he hid a secret- he had a serious stalker. The police were helpless. He didn’t hire security officers out of shame, embarrassment and fear. When the last straw finally broke, he needed space to breathe and clear his thoughts. Hence, his break from acting and his stay at Saint Stephen’s Lake. His friends knew he needed a break but were unaware about the gravity of his situation. His visits with his therapist weren’t of much help, the trauma was that deep.
Both were fine externally. But on the inside, they were not, something was missing. That was to change soon. The thing about weddings- they’re magical, healing the distances created.
Cole’s journey of recovery, reconciling and redemption was filled with challenges. The most important one left to tackle was to mend the rift he caused between him and Tori. Initially, she avoided his calls like the plague. She finally gave in to the calls. They spoke regularly, but, her walls were high. It took a lot to convince her to fly over for his wedding, thus accepting his olive branch and taking a big step in mending their relation. But, she was yet to reveal to him about Emilia.
The main purpose of the trip was to find out if Cole had changed for good or not, was he going to stay for real. Rediscovering herself was not on the list. Neither was her childhood crush on Adam turning into fully blown love.
Victoria’s arrival took back Adam. Gone was his best friend’s little sister for in her place was a gorgeous woman, who, behind her sunshiny, strong personality hid fears, doubts and secrets. In order to ease some of Cole’s tension, he offered to keep an eye on her. However, things, rather thoughts and feelings took a turn. They started spending more time together. He started looking out for more of her time, and not just because of Cole, because he wanted to know her more. They shared their deep secrets, fears and desires with each other. They eventually confess their feeling for each other and give themselves a chance.
However, not everyone takes it in stride. Adam’s stalker definitely doesn’t take it well for she is back, claiming him to be her’s thus bringing back his worst fears and nightmares. Tori’s rocky relation with Cole is also there.
Do Tori and Cole ever come back to their free selves with each other or does it remain UnSpoken?
Does the stalker get caught or does Adam have to leave his world and Tori for good, thus leaving things UnSpoken?
Does Tori get the life she dreamt of or do they remain UnSpoken?
Opinion:
“(Un)Spoken”, the title is truly justified. Feelings, things and facts were left unspoken among the characters and within themself. The core plot is based on these unspoken words which finally get voice.
The book mostly narrates the development of the relation between Tori and Adam.
I regret not reading it earlier 🤦♀️
It is so dam good, beautifully and pleasantly written. It is a feel calm and cool book with a little bit of spice. There is this feeling of peace and satisfaction after reading it.
The narration is done extremely well. The plot flows naturally, like a river. Separate 5 starts for it.
It’s a must read, especially for fans of small town romance and/or brother’s best friend trope(s).
The part I love the most- the spoilers dropped about the upcoming couples, especially about the next one- Devyn and Gray. The ending which drops the bomb of their accidental marriage is bittersweet. Sweet because one-it’s gonna be a roller coaster ride, and two-we finally get their book. Bitter because we have to wait for ONE WHOLE YEAR for their book!! Why 😫. Happy waiting period fellow readers, we’re gonna need it.
Personal suggestion to fellow readers- if you intend to read this book, I recommend you to read the previous two books first. It can be read as a standalone but, you will enjoy and appreciate it more if you would have read the previous books too. Also, you will have a better understanding about the dynamics.
December 3, 2024
This was my first book by this author, but will not be my last - I am planning on reading the other books in this series soon as well as any other books! It was so good - I now am truly a fan of the brother's best friend trope and that mixed with the single mom trope? Pure perfection in a lovely book!
The depth that this book had was one that I was totally unprepared for, but that I totally and completely loved with all of my heart. The book was real - the characters felt so very real (as if they could truly jump off the page), and the dialogue? It was so well done - it was true words that can be said in conversation, and was very enjoyable. I loved the adult themes - the true relationships, the struggles with real life problems, the drama, it was all so beautifully navigated.
If you are looking for a book that truly has it all - amazing, inspiring real characters that truly grow as they come together, heartfelt dialogue, suspense, and beautiful love - this is the one you want to pick up as this is the one that truly achieves it all.
Thank you so much to K.C Brooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
The depth that this book had was one that I was totally unprepared for, but that I totally and completely loved with all of my heart. The book was real - the characters felt so very real (as if they could truly jump off the page), and the dialogue? It was so well done - it was true words that can be said in conversation, and was very enjoyable. I loved the adult themes - the true relationships, the struggles with real life problems, the drama, it was all so beautifully navigated.
If you are looking for a book that truly has it all - amazing, inspiring real characters that truly grow as they come together, heartfelt dialogue, suspense, and beautiful love - this is the one you want to pick up as this is the one that truly achieves it all.
Thank you so much to K.C Brooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2024
I was so excited to get Adam’s story and it did not disappoint! I was more than ready to see who he ended up with because he deserved the world, and he got such a great woman and an amazing story, too.
We’ve seen Adam in both of the previous Saint Steven’s Lake stories and he’s always been a bit of a mystery. We’ve seen him be an amazing and supportive friend to Alex, Cole, Calla, and Theo, but we’ve only gotten glimpses of who Adam is. I love that we got to see his whole story in this book and a better idea of what makes him who he is. He’s an amazing man, but it was tough to see him going through his struggles in this book and doing it alone. I love that he found a confidant in Victoria because he had been struggling alone for so long that it was nice to see him find someone he could open up to. Victoria handled it well, too, because even though she didn’t fully understand what Adam had gone through, she was still there to support him and be someone he could trust with his feelings.
Victoria was someone we hadn’t met yet because, even though she’s Cole’s little sister, they had a bit of a falling out years ago because of Cole’s previous alcoholism. In this story, we see that she has a secret: she’s a mother and no one knows because she didn’t trust Cole enough with that knowledge until she could see that he was living a better life in Saint Steven’s Lake. I appreciated that even though Adam was upset that he shared his secrets with Victoria and she didn’t share hers, he understood why she kept it from him and it had to do with her trust issues that stemmed from her falling out with Cole. But, eventually, everyone learned about Victoria’s daughter, Emilia, and they all loved her immediately. Emilia and Adam connected so much and it was so adorable to watch because they were so cute together. I also love that Adam was willing to get to know Emilia and be in her life because she was everything to Victoria and he wanted to be in both of their lives.
This was such a great next installment of the Saint Steven’s Lake series. It was fun while also being heartwarming with just a dash of suspense thrown in! I loved seeing all the cameos of our previous couples, as well. There is a bit of a surprise thrown in at the end (not necessarily a cliffhanger, but you will be wondering what’s next) and it definitely left me intrigued and curious, so I can’t wait to see what happens next in Saint Steven’s Lake!
Thank you, K.C. and Luna Literary Management, for providing me with an ARC!
We’ve seen Adam in both of the previous Saint Steven’s Lake stories and he’s always been a bit of a mystery. We’ve seen him be an amazing and supportive friend to Alex, Cole, Calla, and Theo, but we’ve only gotten glimpses of who Adam is. I love that we got to see his whole story in this book and a better idea of what makes him who he is. He’s an amazing man, but it was tough to see him going through his struggles in this book and doing it alone. I love that he found a confidant in Victoria because he had been struggling alone for so long that it was nice to see him find someone he could open up to. Victoria handled it well, too, because even though she didn’t fully understand what Adam had gone through, she was still there to support him and be someone he could trust with his feelings.
Victoria was someone we hadn’t met yet because, even though she’s Cole’s little sister, they had a bit of a falling out years ago because of Cole’s previous alcoholism. In this story, we see that she has a secret: she’s a mother and no one knows because she didn’t trust Cole enough with that knowledge until she could see that he was living a better life in Saint Steven’s Lake. I appreciated that even though Adam was upset that he shared his secrets with Victoria and she didn’t share hers, he understood why she kept it from him and it had to do with her trust issues that stemmed from her falling out with Cole. But, eventually, everyone learned about Victoria’s daughter, Emilia, and they all loved her immediately. Emilia and Adam connected so much and it was so adorable to watch because they were so cute together. I also love that Adam was willing to get to know Emilia and be in her life because she was everything to Victoria and he wanted to be in both of their lives.
This was such a great next installment of the Saint Steven’s Lake series. It was fun while also being heartwarming with just a dash of suspense thrown in! I loved seeing all the cameos of our previous couples, as well. There is a bit of a surprise thrown in at the end (not necessarily a cliffhanger, but you will be wondering what’s next) and it definitely left me intrigued and curious, so I can’t wait to see what happens next in Saint Steven’s Lake!
Thank you, K.C. and Luna Literary Management, for providing me with an ARC!
November 14, 2024
Another excellent installment of the series! Many thanks to Luna Literary and the author for getting an early copy - this review is my own and given freely.
You definitely will want to read the previous two books in the series to appreciate the full cast of characters, but I think you could still jump in and enjoy the story if you wanted to get right into it. Of the three, this one hit some new marks for me!
I've come to appreciate and love the complexity of the MCs from this author and the swoon factor is always top-notch. This one, though? This one gives us an amazing element of suspense and some thrills but keeps us engaged with the right amount of character development and exploration of growing feelings.
Our FMC Victoria may be one of my favorite single parent characters I've read all year. Her journey is unique and still honors real life scenarios - she also has a very healthy co-parenting situation was delightful to read about. She shows the struggles of motherhood, balancing the desire to be the most present parent she can while finding a path to what she can do just for her.
MMC Adam, the golden Hollywood boy who's developed a bit of a reputation relating to his dating life has been finding reprieve in St Stephens Lake for reasons that are not fully disclosed until this story. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll leave this vague but just know that this particular plot point was FANTASTIC. Many times this storyline showcases a female character at the center of it and having Adam live out the frustrations and trauma, embracing therapy?? WE STAN A MAN WHO DOES THE WORK.
I felt like the found-family dynamic between the couples from previous stories was also one of my favorite things; my fellow fans of Catherine Cowles will enjoy the whodunit aspect of this story!
If you like:
- when the MCs support each other through thick and thin, no matter what they're experiencing or the type of support they need
- adorable littles who not only steal the show but are included in authentic, real-world ways in the co-parenting storyline - and positively
- empathetic discussions surrounding substance abuse, trauma, and the long reach coming out on the other side can have on people who love those with struggles..
.. you're going to really like this story. The flirty chats between the MCs, the reappearance of couples from the previous series, and hints at the next couple to be featured will have you giggling and gasping in equal measure.
You definitely will want to read the previous two books in the series to appreciate the full cast of characters, but I think you could still jump in and enjoy the story if you wanted to get right into it. Of the three, this one hit some new marks for me!
I've come to appreciate and love the complexity of the MCs from this author and the swoon factor is always top-notch. This one, though? This one gives us an amazing element of suspense and some thrills but keeps us engaged with the right amount of character development and exploration of growing feelings.
Our FMC Victoria may be one of my favorite single parent characters I've read all year. Her journey is unique and still honors real life scenarios - she also has a very healthy co-parenting situation was delightful to read about. She shows the struggles of motherhood, balancing the desire to be the most present parent she can while finding a path to what she can do just for her.
MMC Adam, the golden Hollywood boy who's developed a bit of a reputation relating to his dating life has been finding reprieve in St Stephens Lake for reasons that are not fully disclosed until this story. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll leave this vague but just know that this particular plot point was FANTASTIC. Many times this storyline showcases a female character at the center of it and having Adam live out the frustrations and trauma, embracing therapy?? WE STAN A MAN WHO DOES THE WORK.
I felt like the found-family dynamic between the couples from previous stories was also one of my favorite things; my fellow fans of Catherine Cowles will enjoy the whodunit aspect of this story!
If you like:
- when the MCs support each other through thick and thin, no matter what they're experiencing or the type of support they need
- adorable littles who not only steal the show but are included in authentic, real-world ways in the co-parenting storyline - and positively
- empathetic discussions surrounding substance abuse, trauma, and the long reach coming out on the other side can have on people who love those with struggles..
.. you're going to really like this story. The flirty chats between the MCs, the reappearance of couples from the previous series, and hints at the next couple to be featured will have you giggling and gasping in equal measure.
November 11, 2024
In Un(Spoken) by K.C. Brooks, Victoria "Tori" Campbell faces the difficult choice of reconnecting with her estranged brother, Cole, who has struggled with addiction but is now on the path to recovery. Their once-close sibling bond fractured when Cole's trauma and alcoholism drove a wedge between them. Now, at Cole's wedding, Tori returns with her own secret—her four-year-old daughter, Emilia, whom she’s kept hidden from Cole. Enter Adam Rice, Hollywood's most popular actor and Cole's longtime friend, who’s in town to escape his own dangerous secrets. Sparks fly between Tori and Adam, but they keep their budding relationship under wraps, wary of Cole’s reaction. Adam’s deepening connection with Tori and Emilia forces him to confront his own issues as he grapples with a threat that could put them all in danger.
The novel brilliantly explores the complexity of familial bonds, past wounds, and trust. Tori is a relatable character, fiercely protective of her daughter and cautious about letting Cole back into her life. Her journey resonates as she navigates the tension between wanting to believe in her brother’s change while protecting her heart and her daughter from potential disappointment. Adam’s character is equally compelling, highlighting the often-overlooked vulnerabilities men face in the public eye, particularly in handling issues of harassment and the pressure to keep up appearances. The author sheds light on the emotional tolls of fame and the reluctance of seeking help.
In conclusion, I gave this book 5 stars because K.C. Brooks has crafted a deeply layered story with well-developed characters and emotional realism. Tori’s guarded nature, Adam’s hidden struggles, and Cole’s redemption arc create a nuanced narrative that resonates with anyone who has grappled with forgiveness, the power of boundaries, and the courage it takes to open oneself up to second chances. It was nice to see past characters brought back into the fold while also allowing Tori to find her place in Saint Stephens Lake. Seeing her build connections with people close to Cole is such a great element for family dynamics and personal growth. It’s touching that the book acknowledges the importance of setting boundaries for emotional health while also exploring a deeper level of protection and connection among family and friends.
The novel brilliantly explores the complexity of familial bonds, past wounds, and trust. Tori is a relatable character, fiercely protective of her daughter and cautious about letting Cole back into her life. Her journey resonates as she navigates the tension between wanting to believe in her brother’s change while protecting her heart and her daughter from potential disappointment. Adam’s character is equally compelling, highlighting the often-overlooked vulnerabilities men face in the public eye, particularly in handling issues of harassment and the pressure to keep up appearances. The author sheds light on the emotional tolls of fame and the reluctance of seeking help.
In conclusion, I gave this book 5 stars because K.C. Brooks has crafted a deeply layered story with well-developed characters and emotional realism. Tori’s guarded nature, Adam’s hidden struggles, and Cole’s redemption arc create a nuanced narrative that resonates with anyone who has grappled with forgiveness, the power of boundaries, and the courage it takes to open oneself up to second chances. It was nice to see past characters brought back into the fold while also allowing Tori to find her place in Saint Stephens Lake. Seeing her build connections with people close to Cole is such a great element for family dynamics and personal growth. It’s touching that the book acknowledges the importance of setting boundaries for emotional health while also exploring a deeper level of protection and connection among family and friends.
November 20, 2024
— Arc Review 🌌
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ tropes
✧ brothers bestfriend
✧ single parent
✧ childhood crush
✧ romantic suspense
✧ he calls her trouble
✧ mental health rep
>> ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t have a single bad thing to say about this book! I loved the authors representation of mental health, stalking, alcoholism and fractured relationships that are being healed. It felt accurate, and it felt like you could truly feel and understand how much her brother’s actions affected Victoria. The repairing of their relationship I really enjoyed and I liked the fact that although their relationship was fractured, they both put in the effort to fix it. Moving on from Victoria and her brother Cole’s relationship, Adam and Victoria have got to be one of my favourite couples I’ve ever read. Adam is so swoon worthy with the things he does and the things he says, you can really feel their connection and chemistry. He is so sweet to her daughter too, and this is the first single parent book I’ve read where the mother and father actually have a good relationship, which I really enjoyed. I loved the fact that Victoria and Cam (her ex) are able to have a friendship, I feel like representations of a family like this are often depicted as one person is ‘bad’ and the other is ‘good’ so it felt refreshing to read a healthy family dynamic. The banter was another thing that made me love this book even further, the banter between Victoria and Adam was amazing as was the other characters. Something I wasn’t expecting was the mystery suspense aspect of the book towards the end, and I loved it! Victoria’s love for Adam, and vice versa, was so well written I was able to predict what she was going to do. They would do anything for each other, and you knew it. This book gave a teaser of the next book with who will be wrote about and I have to say, I was already hooked by the character when they were first introduced. The big family aspect of the book is something I really enjoyed and it really shone through at moments when someone needed help. Adam’s development was also one of my favourite things as you could see how much this stalker had affected him, and then how going to therapy helped him and how Victoria helped him.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ tropes
✧ brothers bestfriend
✧ single parent
✧ childhood crush
✧ romantic suspense
✧ he calls her trouble
✧ mental health rep
>> ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t have a single bad thing to say about this book! I loved the authors representation of mental health, stalking, alcoholism and fractured relationships that are being healed. It felt accurate, and it felt like you could truly feel and understand how much her brother’s actions affected Victoria. The repairing of their relationship I really enjoyed and I liked the fact that although their relationship was fractured, they both put in the effort to fix it. Moving on from Victoria and her brother Cole’s relationship, Adam and Victoria have got to be one of my favourite couples I’ve ever read. Adam is so swoon worthy with the things he does and the things he says, you can really feel their connection and chemistry. He is so sweet to her daughter too, and this is the first single parent book I’ve read where the mother and father actually have a good relationship, which I really enjoyed. I loved the fact that Victoria and Cam (her ex) are able to have a friendship, I feel like representations of a family like this are often depicted as one person is ‘bad’ and the other is ‘good’ so it felt refreshing to read a healthy family dynamic. The banter was another thing that made me love this book even further, the banter between Victoria and Adam was amazing as was the other characters. Something I wasn’t expecting was the mystery suspense aspect of the book towards the end, and I loved it! Victoria’s love for Adam, and vice versa, was so well written I was able to predict what she was going to do. They would do anything for each other, and you knew it. This book gave a teaser of the next book with who will be wrote about and I have to say, I was already hooked by the character when they were first introduced. The big family aspect of the book is something I really enjoyed and it really shone through at moments when someone needed help. Adam’s development was also one of my favourite things as you could see how much this stalker had affected him, and then how going to therapy helped him and how Victoria helped him.
November 4, 2024
ARC Review of (Un)Spoken by K.C. Brooks🎬✈️👧🏻🦄🩵⏳🍎🥧🏡
I was just so stoked for Adam and this story, and it totally delivered! He deserved an incredible woman to share his life with and I’d been dying to see who he’d end up with, and thankfully, he found the perfect match in Victoria.
Adam’s been a bit of a mystery in the other Saint Steven’s Lake books. He’s always been a great friend to Alex, Cole, Calla, and Theo, but this is the first time we really get to dive into who he is. It was tough watching him go through his struggles alone, so it felt like a relief when he finally found someone he could open up to. Victoria is all he's ever needed, and seeing them fall in love and be there for each other was beautiful.
I also loved meeting Victoria’s daughter, Emilia. Watching Adam and Emilia connect was adorable! The way he wanted to be a real part of their lives was so sweet and really completed their relationship.
What an amazing addition to the Saint Steven's Lake series, it was hot, a touch suspenseful, and totally fulfilling! It was a nice treat to see glimpses of past characters, too. There’s a twist near the end that isn’t a full cliffhanger, but it’ll definitely leave you wondering. Now, I’m so stoked to see what happens next in Saint Steven’s Lake!
TROPES:
🍁 Small Town Romance
🍂 Brother’s Best Friend
🍁 Single Mom
🍂 Found Family
🍁 Cinnamon Role MMC
🍂 Trauma and Anxiety Rep
🍁 Dual POV
🍂 Romantic Suspense (Stalker)
🩵My favorite quotes🩵
“You and that little girl pulled me out of the shadows and made me whole again.”
“We didn’t do anything, Adam. That’s all you.”“When are you going to hear me, Tori? You are mine. My everything, my purpose. My goddamn sun.”
Although Emilia wasn’t mine by blood, I swore an oath to myself that I’d never let her feel it, loving her every day as if she were my own. From the moment she placed her sparkly tiara on my head, I was doomed to fall for her and her beautiful mother.
‼️Book coming out November 7th on Amazon, and I'm already so excited for everyone to read it and love it as much as I did‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
@ReadingLaurasLibrary
#Happyreading
I was just so stoked for Adam and this story, and it totally delivered! He deserved an incredible woman to share his life with and I’d been dying to see who he’d end up with, and thankfully, he found the perfect match in Victoria.
Adam’s been a bit of a mystery in the other Saint Steven’s Lake books. He’s always been a great friend to Alex, Cole, Calla, and Theo, but this is the first time we really get to dive into who he is. It was tough watching him go through his struggles alone, so it felt like a relief when he finally found someone he could open up to. Victoria is all he's ever needed, and seeing them fall in love and be there for each other was beautiful.
I also loved meeting Victoria’s daughter, Emilia. Watching Adam and Emilia connect was adorable! The way he wanted to be a real part of their lives was so sweet and really completed their relationship.
What an amazing addition to the Saint Steven's Lake series, it was hot, a touch suspenseful, and totally fulfilling! It was a nice treat to see glimpses of past characters, too. There’s a twist near the end that isn’t a full cliffhanger, but it’ll definitely leave you wondering. Now, I’m so stoked to see what happens next in Saint Steven’s Lake!
TROPES:
🍁 Small Town Romance
🍂 Brother’s Best Friend
🍁 Single Mom
🍂 Found Family
🍁 Cinnamon Role MMC
🍂 Trauma and Anxiety Rep
🍁 Dual POV
🍂 Romantic Suspense (Stalker)
🩵My favorite quotes🩵
“You and that little girl pulled me out of the shadows and made me whole again.”
“We didn’t do anything, Adam. That’s all you.”“When are you going to hear me, Tori? You are mine. My everything, my purpose. My goddamn sun.”
Although Emilia wasn’t mine by blood, I swore an oath to myself that I’d never let her feel it, loving her every day as if she were my own. From the moment she placed her sparkly tiara on my head, I was doomed to fall for her and her beautiful mother.
‼️Book coming out November 7th on Amazon, and I'm already so excited for everyone to read it and love it as much as I did‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
@ReadingLaurasLibrary
#Happyreading
November 20, 2024
I won't lie. I went into this book 100% blind, as I do most of the ARCs that Luna Literary has granted me with this year because the graphics on social media grab me wholeheartedly. Also, the alternate cover to this was gorgeous and if we haven't learned by now then we are learning today that 99% of the books I read or attempt to read is because I'm like 'oh! look at that cover!' and then I give it a home.
So I had no previous interactions with any of the characters but now I have added books 1&2 to my never ending TBR so I can get the full effect of St Stephen's Lake.
After all of those attention grabbers on my ADHD hyperfixated brain....I flipped over the cover of my kindle and then was sucked in. The heavy topics that were talked about right off the bat had me in a chokehold and I wasn't able to turn around or put the book down. I loved watching Victoria and Cole navigate the alcoholism and the strain it put on their sister/brother relationship. KC definitely handled and wrote that with grace. Cole's wedding was the chance to try and bury the hurt and fallout and start over.
aanndd...enter Adam. Cole's best friend who also went home to St Stephen's Lake for his own reasons with his acting career, but ultimately told Cole he'd watch over his little sister while she was home.
We all know that a best friend's little sister trope is crack if written by the right hand and WOOOOOOWEEEE! I loved this! These two were hiding things and running from things and then together they grew and of course, sign me up for the complexities of their personalities that also grew with the story. They had honest conversations and emotions got raw. I had to snort laugh and bite the insides of my cheeks at times with the ridiculous 'fights' and banter. I loved watching Adam interact with Victoria's daughter also
I am very invested even after one book. All the other couple's that played a part here? I want to know the back stories with Alex and Cole and Calla and Theo. I have questions after this ending!! Cam and Hadley PLEASE!
Thank you K.C. Brooks for writing this brother and sister relationship on top of the actual relationship between the main characters. Thank you for handling the whole world around alcoholism as perfectly as you did and thank you...for writing these two (three because Emilia deserves a spotlight) and setting them free in the world!
So I had no previous interactions with any of the characters but now I have added books 1&2 to my never ending TBR so I can get the full effect of St Stephen's Lake.
After all of those attention grabbers on my ADHD hyperfixated brain....I flipped over the cover of my kindle and then was sucked in. The heavy topics that were talked about right off the bat had me in a chokehold and I wasn't able to turn around or put the book down. I loved watching Victoria and Cole navigate the alcoholism and the strain it put on their sister/brother relationship. KC definitely handled and wrote that with grace. Cole's wedding was the chance to try and bury the hurt and fallout and start over.
aanndd...enter Adam. Cole's best friend who also went home to St Stephen's Lake for his own reasons with his acting career, but ultimately told Cole he'd watch over his little sister while she was home.
We all know that a best friend's little sister trope is crack if written by the right hand and WOOOOOOWEEEE! I loved this! These two were hiding things and running from things and then together they grew and of course, sign me up for the complexities of their personalities that also grew with the story. They had honest conversations and emotions got raw. I had to snort laugh and bite the insides of my cheeks at times with the ridiculous 'fights' and banter. I loved watching Adam interact with Victoria's daughter also
I am very invested even after one book. All the other couple's that played a part here? I want to know the back stories with Alex and Cole and Calla and Theo. I have questions after this ending!! Cam and Hadley PLEASE!
Thank you K.C. Brooks for writing this brother and sister relationship on top of the actual relationship between the main characters. Thank you for handling the whole world around alcoholism as perfectly as you did and thank you...for writing these two (three because Emilia deserves a spotlight) and setting them free in the world!
November 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
(Un)Spoken is the book my soul has been waiting for by KC. I have loved the journey this series has taken me, with each couple being exactly right for each other, however Adam and Victoria’s story hit differently. For me, I think knowing Adam has been going through something since (Un)Planned, but we didn’t get many details. With an element of suspense not seen in her previous books and an epilogue ending that has me salivating for book 4 already, KC wrote a beautiful story.
This book finally gave us an insider's view and my heart broke for how alone Adam felt, even though he is surrounded by people who love him. I loved how we got to know Adam the person in this book. We had glimpses of that in (Un)Expected, but mainly it’s been Actor Adam we’ve seen. When readers are finally told what happened, it made sense why he pulled back. I do love how this group of friends all gravitate back to Saint Stephens, where they each felt whole and safe.
Victoria is the perfect partner for Adam. I loved their dynamic from the moment they reconnected and how it was an insta-attraction for each of them. She had only ever seen Adam as himself, wanting his true self to come out freely and not being “on”with her. She hoisted him up with encouragement, but never pandered to him. She was real with him and her expectations of him towards herself and her daughter.
Their relationship was beautiful from the beginning. Definitely not a slow burn, more a robust smolder. They took time to figure out what the relationship was to them, before letting other people in, but also didn’t let anyone else keep them from each other. Their relationship was truly about them. They challenged and supported each other, while allowing small parts of themselves to truly heal.
I beyond loved this book and highly, highly recommend not only this book, but this entire series!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
👩👧Brother’s Best Friend
🎬Best Friend’s Sister
👩👧Single Mom FMC
🎬Golden Retriever MMC
👩👧Small Town Romance
🎬Found Family
👩👧Friends to Lovers
(Un)Spoken is the book my soul has been waiting for by KC. I have loved the journey this series has taken me, with each couple being exactly right for each other, however Adam and Victoria’s story hit differently. For me, I think knowing Adam has been going through something since (Un)Planned, but we didn’t get many details. With an element of suspense not seen in her previous books and an epilogue ending that has me salivating for book 4 already, KC wrote a beautiful story.
This book finally gave us an insider's view and my heart broke for how alone Adam felt, even though he is surrounded by people who love him. I loved how we got to know Adam the person in this book. We had glimpses of that in (Un)Expected, but mainly it’s been Actor Adam we’ve seen. When readers are finally told what happened, it made sense why he pulled back. I do love how this group of friends all gravitate back to Saint Stephens, where they each felt whole and safe.
Victoria is the perfect partner for Adam. I loved their dynamic from the moment they reconnected and how it was an insta-attraction for each of them. She had only ever seen Adam as himself, wanting his true self to come out freely and not being “on”with her. She hoisted him up with encouragement, but never pandered to him. She was real with him and her expectations of him towards herself and her daughter.
Their relationship was beautiful from the beginning. Definitely not a slow burn, more a robust smolder. They took time to figure out what the relationship was to them, before letting other people in, but also didn’t let anyone else keep them from each other. Their relationship was truly about them. They challenged and supported each other, while allowing small parts of themselves to truly heal.
I beyond loved this book and highly, highly recommend not only this book, but this entire series!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
👩👧Brother’s Best Friend
🎬Best Friend’s Sister
👩👧Single Mom FMC
🎬Golden Retriever MMC
👩👧Small Town Romance
🎬Found Family
👩👧Friends to Lovers
November 17, 2024
*Unspoken* is a captivating romance that weaves together love, family, and suspense in a way that kept me hooked from beginning to end. At the heart of the story is Victoria and Adam’s perfect love story, which is balanced by the emotional journey of Victoria mending her strained relationship with her brother, Cole, and the lingering tension surrounding Adam’s past with a stalker. The mystery of the stalker kept me turning pages, eager to uncover the identity of the person who’d been haunting Adam’s life.
Victoria is a strong, single mother doing her best to provide a bright future for her daughter, Emilia. Her brother, Cole, is a recovering alcoholic who, after Victoria’s pregnancy, became estranged from her. As the story unfolds, Cole works hard to rebuild trust and prove that he deserves a place in both Victoria and Emilia’s lives again.
Adam, the sweet, lovable MMC, is a global movie star who once thought he could handle anything—until a stalker rattles him to his core. Faced with fear for his safety and a loss of privacy, he decides to step away from the limelight. When Cole moves to the small town of Saint Stephen’s Lake to start a new chapter with his fiancée, it seems only natural that Adam would follow suit, bringing all the main characters together in a beautiful, tight-knit community.
The ensemble of characters in *Unspoken* is wonderfully developed, making them both lovable and relatable. The story strikes a perfect balance with just the right amount of characters, each playing an important role without ever feeling overcrowded.
The romance between Victoria and Adam feels like a fairytale. Adam’s seamless bond with Emilia is heartwarming, and the way the three of them come together is simply magical. I especially loved the mature, respectful dynamic between Victoria, Adam, and Cam. Their co-parenting relationship is a refreshing depiction of what healthy family relationships can look like, a rare but beautiful thing to witness in today’s world.
Victoria is a strong, single mother doing her best to provide a bright future for her daughter, Emilia. Her brother, Cole, is a recovering alcoholic who, after Victoria’s pregnancy, became estranged from her. As the story unfolds, Cole works hard to rebuild trust and prove that he deserves a place in both Victoria and Emilia’s lives again.
Adam, the sweet, lovable MMC, is a global movie star who once thought he could handle anything—until a stalker rattles him to his core. Faced with fear for his safety and a loss of privacy, he decides to step away from the limelight. When Cole moves to the small town of Saint Stephen’s Lake to start a new chapter with his fiancée, it seems only natural that Adam would follow suit, bringing all the main characters together in a beautiful, tight-knit community.
The ensemble of characters in *Unspoken* is wonderfully developed, making them both lovable and relatable. The story strikes a perfect balance with just the right amount of characters, each playing an important role without ever feeling overcrowded.
The romance between Victoria and Adam feels like a fairytale. Adam’s seamless bond with Emilia is heartwarming, and the way the three of them come together is simply magical. I especially loved the mature, respectful dynamic between Victoria, Adam, and Cam. Their co-parenting relationship is a refreshing depiction of what healthy family relationships can look like, a rare but beautiful thing to witness in today’s world.
November 6, 2024
Book rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶
This was definitely a five star read for me. The way the author described the characters and their emotional depth got me hooked right from the start. I loved the chemistry between Victoria and Adam and the way they communicated. It was so wholesome how they helped each other to face their fears and follow their dreams. I also loved the description of the strong bond between Victoria and her daughter, Emilia and it was great to read about the way she and Adam got along.
The author created such an in depth world with the way she described the (supporting) characters, their struggles and the scenes that it felt like I was transported to the cozy town of Saint Stephens Lake. It was small town charm at it's best with a tight knit community who help each other through thick and thin. I loved the way they supported Adam and made Victoria feel at home.
The suspense part at the end of the book was so well-written with a mayor plot-twist I didn't see coming. It got me on the edge of my seat and was a perfect layer to the story.
Overall it was such a heartwarming story with deep connections, true love and second chances topped with a nice layer of suspense and small town charm.
I can't wait to read Devyn & Gray's story, coming in winter 2025.
Favorite quotes from the book:
"I know how easy it is to let those dark thoughts win, to believe the worst in the world. But there's a lot to be thankful for, and right now, I'm pretty damn thankful you decided to come up here."
"This is my life. It's not glamourous. Emilia is the center of my world, and she can be a lot to handle. It's messy and loud, and often, glitters cover every surface. But as long as she's happy and loved, that's all I can ever ask for."
Read if you like:
🍁 Small Town Romance
🍂 Brother’s Best Friend
🍁 Single Mom
🍂 Found Family
🍁 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🍂 Trauma and Anxiety Rep
🍁 Dual POV
🍂 Romantic Suspense (Stalker)
📌 Release Day is TOMORROW! (Nov. 7) ✨️
Thank you to @lunaliterary.management and @authorkcbrooks for the gifted e-ARC! 🥰
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶
This was definitely a five star read for me. The way the author described the characters and their emotional depth got me hooked right from the start. I loved the chemistry between Victoria and Adam and the way they communicated. It was so wholesome how they helped each other to face their fears and follow their dreams. I also loved the description of the strong bond between Victoria and her daughter, Emilia and it was great to read about the way she and Adam got along.
The author created such an in depth world with the way she described the (supporting) characters, their struggles and the scenes that it felt like I was transported to the cozy town of Saint Stephens Lake. It was small town charm at it's best with a tight knit community who help each other through thick and thin. I loved the way they supported Adam and made Victoria feel at home.
The suspense part at the end of the book was so well-written with a mayor plot-twist I didn't see coming. It got me on the edge of my seat and was a perfect layer to the story.
Overall it was such a heartwarming story with deep connections, true love and second chances topped with a nice layer of suspense and small town charm.
I can't wait to read Devyn & Gray's story, coming in winter 2025.
Favorite quotes from the book:
"I know how easy it is to let those dark thoughts win, to believe the worst in the world. But there's a lot to be thankful for, and right now, I'm pretty damn thankful you decided to come up here."
"This is my life. It's not glamourous. Emilia is the center of my world, and she can be a lot to handle. It's messy and loud, and often, glitters cover every surface. But as long as she's happy and loved, that's all I can ever ask for."
Read if you like:
🍁 Small Town Romance
🍂 Brother’s Best Friend
🍁 Single Mom
🍂 Found Family
🍁 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🍂 Trauma and Anxiety Rep
🍁 Dual POV
🍂 Romantic Suspense (Stalker)
📌 Release Day is TOMORROW! (Nov. 7) ✨️
Thank you to @lunaliterary.management and @authorkcbrooks for the gifted e-ARC! 🥰
November 9, 2024
ARC REVIEW
(Un) Spoken by K.C Brooks
“You made me remember what it feels like to want something, to need someone. And I’ve never wanted anyone more than I want you right now.”
Rate: 5/5✨
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thoughts: 💭
I’m just going to put this out there but this book made me happy cry 🥹 The way I felt myself in most of the characters shoes had crying of joy. I enjoyed reading this book, that I could not put this book down. This might even be favorite book for November tbh. So my rate is a 5/5🥹✨
We begin with our story with the FMC Victoria, she is a single mother who is trying to be the best mom for her girl. And don’t get me wrong but she doing amazing! Especially with Cam co-parenting Emilia, and making sure Tori is stress free. Like I love that so much. 🥹 Then Tori relationship with her brother. Ugh, reminds me so much of my relationship with my brother. (Besides the drama in the book🤭) But it made me realize that I can’t live without my brother and I know if something were to happen in my life he will always be there for me. But Victoria was a strong mom and character in the book. She deserved everything that came her way. 🥹
Now we go to our cinnamon roll MMC, which is Adam. The way my heart dropped for him. Mostly when he met Tori’s daughter and how he was down to earth for her. Had me crying. That part reminded me so much when my BFF found her husband, and the way he took in her son when she was single mother. Didn’t question or nothing but managed to make him his top priority. Just exactly what Adam has done. But the trauma he has experienced was so sad. Not only was her about to give up on his job, but the person giving him the trauma was around him without even knowing. Broke my heart for him.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves:
1) Brothers best friend
2) Single mother
3) Coping loss
BOOK IS OUT NOW! GO FETCH IT!
(Un) Spoken by K.C Brooks
“You made me remember what it feels like to want something, to need someone. And I’ve never wanted anyone more than I want you right now.”
Rate: 5/5✨
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thoughts: 💭
I’m just going to put this out there but this book made me happy cry 🥹 The way I felt myself in most of the characters shoes had crying of joy. I enjoyed reading this book, that I could not put this book down. This might even be favorite book for November tbh. So my rate is a 5/5🥹✨
We begin with our story with the FMC Victoria, she is a single mother who is trying to be the best mom for her girl. And don’t get me wrong but she doing amazing! Especially with Cam co-parenting Emilia, and making sure Tori is stress free. Like I love that so much. 🥹 Then Tori relationship with her brother. Ugh, reminds me so much of my relationship with my brother. (Besides the drama in the book🤭) But it made me realize that I can’t live without my brother and I know if something were to happen in my life he will always be there for me. But Victoria was a strong mom and character in the book. She deserved everything that came her way. 🥹
Now we go to our cinnamon roll MMC, which is Adam. The way my heart dropped for him. Mostly when he met Tori’s daughter and how he was down to earth for her. Had me crying. That part reminded me so much when my BFF found her husband, and the way he took in her son when she was single mother. Didn’t question or nothing but managed to make him his top priority. Just exactly what Adam has done. But the trauma he has experienced was so sad. Not only was her about to give up on his job, but the person giving him the trauma was around him without even knowing. Broke my heart for him.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves:
1) Brothers best friend
2) Single mother
3) Coping loss
BOOK IS OUT NOW! GO FETCH IT!
November 18, 2024
This is the third book of the ✨Saint Stephens Lake✨ series and my first book that I've read from the author. And honestly, I loved it so much I'm excited to check out the two previous ones and can't wait for the next one.
(Un)Spoken follows Victoria Campbell as she travels to upstate NY to attend the wedding of her estranged older brother, Cole, to his girlfriend, Alex. There, she reconnects with her brother's best friend, Adam Rice, now a famous movie star. As Adam and Victoria spend time together, sparks fly and they begin to fall for each other. But when Adam's stalker reappears again, and now Victoria is in the crosshairs, Adam decides to do everything he can to keep the woman he loves, and her daughter that he has bonded with, safe and happy.
I loved this book so much. Adam & Victoria might just be my new favourite book couple. I love their dynamic, how Adam seemed to know the way Victoria thought or the way her anxiety would creep its head in and make her doubt everything. The way they both fall for each other is very cute, with Victoria always having a crush on Adam since she was a young girl, and Adam becoming attracted to the woman she had grown into.
I also loved the relationship dynamics the main couple had with the other characters, especially of Victoria's friendship with her ex and co-parent, Cam. They were friends first before having a child together, and their friendship is still there, only made stronger as they cared for their daughter.
I definitely recommend this book if you want - to fall in love with a couple who are ready to weather any storm to be together, to see how a community comes together when one of their own is in trouble, to see a brother-sister mend their broken relationship, and to see a man who's not shy of his feelings or emotions.
(Un)Spoken follows Victoria Campbell as she travels to upstate NY to attend the wedding of her estranged older brother, Cole, to his girlfriend, Alex. There, she reconnects with her brother's best friend, Adam Rice, now a famous movie star. As Adam and Victoria spend time together, sparks fly and they begin to fall for each other. But when Adam's stalker reappears again, and now Victoria is in the crosshairs, Adam decides to do everything he can to keep the woman he loves, and her daughter that he has bonded with, safe and happy.
I loved this book so much. Adam & Victoria might just be my new favourite book couple. I love their dynamic, how Adam seemed to know the way Victoria thought or the way her anxiety would creep its head in and make her doubt everything. The way they both fall for each other is very cute, with Victoria always having a crush on Adam since she was a young girl, and Adam becoming attracted to the woman she had grown into.
I also loved the relationship dynamics the main couple had with the other characters, especially of Victoria's friendship with her ex and co-parent, Cam. They were friends first before having a child together, and their friendship is still there, only made stronger as they cared for their daughter.
I definitely recommend this book if you want - to fall in love with a couple who are ready to weather any storm to be together, to see how a community comes together when one of their own is in trouble, to see a brother-sister mend their broken relationship, and to see a man who's not shy of his feelings or emotions.
November 3, 2024
When the dark romance girly changes it up and reads a romcom, this is exactly what she wants to read. From the start my attention was grabbed and never given back until I was finished with this book. Not having read any books before this one in the series, I will say I felt like I actually understood every character in this book. I definitely recommend probably reading the other ones first, as this book was written so beautifully, but this book I felt like I could just jump in and enjoy right away.
I absolutely loved that Victoria and Adams truly stuck with each other to strengthen their relationship and themselves. For solid reasons Victoria was very hesitant to allow anyone into her daughters life. She always was a mother first. So finally Victoria takes a step in finding her happiness with Adam. Through many reservations on Victorias part, she manages to break through and truly find her path to happiness. She started to realize that she spent the last 8 years doing everything for her ex and daughter. Some how that also meant she lost herself along the way. I think every mother understands that feeling at some point. But what I loved the most was how supportive her ex was for her through this entire journey. He was completely fine with his daughter getting to know Adam and form a relationship where Adam could be another positive influence in her life.
Author K.C. Brooks really showed a few different topics that aren’t always talked about and shed some light in a positive way. From coparenting to repair relationships, you see how there can be a positive in these times. The epilogue definitely had me hooked to come back for the next book in this series next year! I can’t wait to continue to watch this found family grow!
I absolutely loved that Victoria and Adams truly stuck with each other to strengthen their relationship and themselves. For solid reasons Victoria was very hesitant to allow anyone into her daughters life. She always was a mother first. So finally Victoria takes a step in finding her happiness with Adam. Through many reservations on Victorias part, she manages to break through and truly find her path to happiness. She started to realize that she spent the last 8 years doing everything for her ex and daughter. Some how that also meant she lost herself along the way. I think every mother understands that feeling at some point. But what I loved the most was how supportive her ex was for her through this entire journey. He was completely fine with his daughter getting to know Adam and form a relationship where Adam could be another positive influence in her life.
Author K.C. Brooks really showed a few different topics that aren’t always talked about and shed some light in a positive way. From coparenting to repair relationships, you see how there can be a positive in these times. The epilogue definitely had me hooked to come back for the next book in this series next year! I can’t wait to continue to watch this found family grow!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews